News Archive
Articles, analysis, and updates from the US towing industry.
Miller Industries Posts Q1 2026 Earnings Miss, Approves $100M Expansion
The world's largest tow-equipment maker reported Q1 2026 revenue of $180.9M, down about 20% year over year as dealers worked down inventory. Management approved a $100M expansion of its Ooltewah, TN plant and guided full-year revenue of $850M-$900M.
Philadelphia Motorcyclist Killed When Vehicle Slid Off Tow Flatbed; Driver Sought
Police are searching for the driver of a 'Hooked Up' tow truck after a vehicle came loose and struck motorcyclist Jason Harvey, 39, in Frankford, killing him. The truck was later found abandoned and impounded for evidence in what police are treating as a hit-and-run.
Jacksonville Repo Agent Oliver Lopez Killed; Shooter Still Sought
Oliver Lopez, owner of Oliver Towing, was fatally shot May 26 during a repossession at a Jacksonville apartment complex after an argument with the vehicle's owner escalated. A woman was arrested on a related burglary charge; the gunman remained at large as the community held a memorial.
Pennsylvania: Tow Operator Ordered to Repay $379K, Barred From Industry
A western Pennsylvania tow operator was ordered to pay $379,279 in restitution or face jail and was prohibited from working in towing, after deceptive practices that included charging $9,805 to tow a vehicle about a third of a mile. The case stemmed from the state Attorney General's predatory-towing enforcement.
NY AG: Rensselaer County Tow Operator Sentenced in Car-Theft Scheme
New York AG Letitia James announced the sentencing of tow operator John Rivers, who used towing contracts to steal vehicles from parking lots and resell them, sometimes demanding up to $1,000/day to return cars. Rivers got two-to-six years; a used-car dealer co-defendant received probation. The pair faced 30+ felonies.
North Carolina AG Targets Predatory Towing as HB 199 Mandates Itemized Billing
North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson publicly warned predatory tow operators in May, as state HB 199 requires standardized itemized charges and establishes a towing and recovery commission to oversee fair fees and limit storage and trailer handling charges.
Louisville Council Committee Advances Impound-Lot Fee Increase
A Louisville Metro Council committee approved an ordinance raising impound fees to $150 per hour (or fraction) for towing, plus a $10 handling charge and $30 per day for storage. Officials say the increase aligns Louisville with comparable cities and covers actual costs; the full council must still vote, and amnesty periods remain.
Cleveland Weighs Higher Tow Fees, Citing Labor, Fuel and Inflation
A Cleveland councilman moved to amend the city's towing fees at a June 3 safety committee meeting, pointing to rising labor costs, Ohio's minimum wage, fuel and inflation since the rates were last set. The proposal drew pushback over the burden on vehicle owners.
South Carolina Strengthens Move Over Law; 29 States Now Cover All Roadside Vehicles
Gov. McMaster signed HB 4249 requiring drivers to slow down and move over for all disabled vehicles with flashers. It is part of a 2026 wave - 29 states now protect all highway users.
International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame Names Class of 2026
The ITRHFM announced nine inductees for its 40th class, representing five U.S. states and Mexico. The group will be honored at a ceremony October 17 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Miller Industries Posts Q1 2026 Earnings Miss; Approves $100M Ooltewah Expansion
The world's largest tow-equipment maker reported Q1 revenue of $180.9M, down ~20% YoY, as dealers destocked. Management approved a $100M facility expansion and guided 2026 revenue of $850M-$900M.
Agero Completes Acquisition of Roadside Provider Urgent.ly
Agero closed its acquisition of Urgent.ly, forming a roadside and mobility platform supporting 150M+ vehicles and 14M annual service events, with implications for the tow networks fulfilling those calls.