A tow truck is one of the most typical sights on any major highway or interstate. Many motorists overlook the significance of these well-known vehicles when they are either passing by tow truck drivers hard at work or when they see one heading to a call.
But, how much do tow truck drivers make?
A tow truck driver earns an average of $57,500 per year. Entry-level positions start at $26,000 per year, while experienced workers average $97,750 per year. Drivers of tow trucks in the West and Northeast typically earn more than those in the South and Midwest. Owners of tow trucks need to make enough money to pay for their vehicle, their insurance, and other expenses related to running their business.
Tow truck drivers can find work almost anywhere, and the potential financial rewards are substantial. Please read on.
Job Description
A tow truck owner is most likely a one-person operation. Once you’ve made the investment in your tow truck, you’re ready to launch your business and begin generating revenue from your tow truck business. This job offers a lot of variety. You will have the opportunity to drive to many locations in your general area, so you should be familiar with it. Additionally, you’ll need to spend money on a reliable, current GPS system and have the ability to avoid traffic jams. You will have many hats to wear as a tow truck owner driver. You’ll work as a computer programmer, mechanic, driver, and salesperson.
You should be knowledgeable about and even passionate about auto and truck mechanics if you want to own and operate a tow truck. You’ll be the first person people call if they become stuck on the road or, occasionally, if they are in an accident. Simple mechanical repairs are sometimes done by tow truck drivers for customers; this can be helpful to the two truck driver because he can bill the driver right away and then send her on her way. More frequently, you’ll be packing the car—and occasionally its occupants—to transport it to a repair facility. You’ll probably need to have a credit card processing system in place, and you’ll need to know how to calculate the right payment so that you’re charging the customer a fair price for your service without going overboard. Since many of your clients will be upset, you’ll need to be composed and comforting. After making sure that no one is inside your tow truck, you must carefully load the car onto the tow truck.
Tow Truck Industry
A tow truck driver needs to be equipped to operate in any kind of weather. In the heat, rain, snow, and ice, you will be called. You might work early in the mornings, late in the evenings, or even in the middle of the night. You can set your own hours as the owner of a tow truck, but if you want to keep your customers satisfied, your hours might not be typical weekday hours. Owners of tow trucks are independent contractors, but it can be helpful to collaborate with other drivers and auto shops to plan coverage of specific geographic areas if you have to leave at a specific time.
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Education and Training
The specific rules for becoming a tow truck driver differ from state to state. The majority of states do, however, demand various tests and licensing programs. There are a few standard prerequisites, such as being over 18, having a spotless driving record, and being able to pass physical, drug, and vision exams.
However, some states require a CDL for tow drivers towing any weight, even though federal law only applies to tow weights over 26,000 pounds. A driver must complete classroom instruction, pass an exam, and successfully complete a road test in order to obtain a CDL.
Depending on the state, towing certification may be necessary. Each employer has their own set of rules. Many employers prefer high school graduates, and a flexible schedule is frequently necessary. Some call for a criminal history investigation. Additionally, it is not unusual for applicants who are younger than 21 or 25 to have their applications rejected. As a result, new hires are guaranteed to have several years of driving experience.
Most frequently, a skilled driver will instruct a new driver on the job site in order to acquire the necessary skills. They demonstrate appropriate safety practices, clarify company policies, and go over tactics to use in various scenarios. The Towing and Recovery Association of America offers certification options after gaining on-the-job experience. Online or in-person certification training for three levels is available.
- Level 1 requires a minimum of 90 days’ tow experience, meets their state’s driving requirements and passes a 100-question test.
- Level 2 requires a CDL, level 1 certification, one year of experience as a recovery operator and either a heavy- or medium-duty tow truck driver The test is divided into two sections: a written basic theoretical knowledge section and an oral portion on how real-life situations would be handled.
- Level 3 requires all of level 2, plus endorsements on the CDL and two years of work experience The test is divided into the same two sections as level 2.
Work for Someone Else Or Own Your Own Towing Company
The challenges of being your own boss are unique. While owning a business has advantages, it also comes with more duties and liabilities. Expenses must be taken into account before making decisions, just like in any business. Rent, truck payments, gas, insurance, marketing, and repair bills are likely to be among the monthly costs. Phones, staff, uniforms, and office supplies are additional costs. Making all the decisions, maintaining the profit margin, and expanding the company to its full potential are the biggest advantages of ownership.
A tow driver will have restrictions because they are an employee of an organization. The week is over after 40 hours unless the driver consents to work more. Bosses are given more authority to make important decisions, which should make the job more enjoyable. The drawbacks include a potential reduction in the frequency of pay increases, the potential need for overtime and on-call work, and a potential lack of advancement opportunities. The next best thing for those who cannot afford to run their own companies is to work for a great employer who values their company.
How Many Hours Do Tow Truck Drivers Work on Average?
Drivers typically put in a 40-hour work week, as do most professions. Since operating a tow truck is not a 9 to 5 job, overtime is usually required, particularly during inclement weather. Drivers are frequently on call in the winter, and they frequently get called to accident scenes or vehicles in the ditch.
Call volume also tends to increase during holidays and extended weekends. The Fair Labor Standards Act guarantees most drivers who have completed their 40 hours of work overtime pay protection at a rate of 1.5 times their hourly wage.
Ways to Increase Tow Truck Driver Pay
There are several ways a tow truck driver can increase their weekly pay if they so choose. A great way to convince a potential employer to see your potential and give you more money is by pursuing continuing education. The higher the pay scale a driver receives, the more training and certifications they have. Keeping up with these is essential because new courses are frequently offered by different organizations.
Additional income is frequently a result of developing skill sets. For instance, a tow truck driver who only uses standard tow trucks might want to get training on a full-float truck. It can also be very helpful to keep your mechanical and vehicle knowledge up to date.
FAQs
Can You Make a Living With a Tow Truck?
Tow truck drivers have all kinds of ways to make money besides just towing cars. In addition to combining it with mobile mechanic services, they can provide roadside assistance to people whose batteries have run out or whose tires have flatted. Operating a tow truck business will require special licensing, tools, and insurance.
Is Owning a Tow Truck Profitable?
In addition, there is a daily standard storage fee for vehicles kept on the business’s grounds. The daily storage rate is typically around $20. The average towing business owners make anywhere between $30,000 and $100,000 annually.
Is Tow Trucking Hard?
The job of tow truck drivers is not easy. To ensure their safety as well as the safety of other drivers on the road, they must always be aware of occupational hazards and take the appropriate safety measures. To help drivers who are stranded on the road, they work hard. However, it is crucial that they themselves get home safely.
Are Tow Truck Drivers in Demand?
Due to the pandemic, some small towing businesses went out of business, and even AAA is having trouble finding enough drivers to meet the increased demand for tows.
Where Do Tow Truck Drivers Get Paid the Most?
Tow Truck Driver Salary
How much a tow truck driver makes depends on their location. Tow truck drivers make the most in Washington, Alaska, Minnesota, California, and North Dakota.
Conclusion
Although there are no exact numbers available, average data indicates that there are several hundred thousand tow drivers in the United States. People who have a true passion for their work are drawn to this desperately needed but frequently underappreciated profession. Being a tow truck driver is the career to pursue if stable employment, good pay, and the desire to assist others appeal to you.
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