News Archive
Articles, analysis, and updates from the US towing industry.
TRAA Applauds Legislation on Roadside EV Fire Response Protocols
TRAA applauded the introduction of federal legislation addressing uniform safety protocols for roadside electric-vehicle fire response, including support for the Responder and Recovery Safety in EV Fires Act, citing growing risks to tow and recovery crews handling damaged EVs. (Reported May 2026.)
TRAA 2026 Hill Day Grows Sharply; 31 States Represented Under New Director
The Towing and Recovery Association of America's 8th annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day (Feb. 24-25, Washington, D.C.) saw registrations jump from 72 to 104 and sponsors from 10 to 17, with attendees from 31 states. Priorities included Surface Transportation reauthorization, emergency towing exemptions, EV-fire response and Slow Down Move Over awareness. Bruce Bender served as TRAA's new executive director.
TowBoatU.S. Opens New Cincinnati On-Water Towing Location
TowBoatU.S. opened a new Cincinnati location, expanding 24-hour on-water assistance and recovery service for boaters in the region. The marine towing network continues to grow its U.S. footprint. (Reported April 2026.)
Guardian Fleet Services Lands Growth Investment, Acquires Emerald and Sapp's
Guardian Fleet Services announced a growth investment from CHIEF Capital alongside the acquisition and merger of Emerald Transportation and Sapp's Wrecker Service, expanding its towing and recovery footprint. (Reported by Tow Times; verify timing against original release.)
Two NYC Towing Companies Repaid Overcharges Yet Still Tow for the City
Two New York City towing companies were required to pay back thousands of dollars after overcharging motorists, yet remain authorized to tow vehicles on behalf of the city, a CBS New York investigation found, raising questions about oversight of city towing contracts.
Indiana Towing Company Owners Indicted in Federal Fraud Conspiracy
Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Indiana announced an indictment charging towing company owners in a fraud conspiracy. The U.S. Attorney's Office detailed allegations tied to fraudulent billing and recovery practices. (Date unconfirmed; verify against DOJ release.)
Family Outraged Over 180-Day Sentence in I-575 Tow Operator's Death
A driver was sentenced to 180 days in the death of tow operator Frank Ingram, who was fatally struck while preparing to hook a dump truck on the shoulder of I-575 in Cherokee County, Ga. Ingram's family said the term was far too lenient for a roadside fatality. (Reported March 2026.)
Tow Technician Killed on I-165 in Owensboro; Driver Charged With Manslaughter
A towing and wrecker service technician was out of his truck assisting a disabled semi on the shoulder of I-165 southbound in Owensboro, Ky., when he was struck by a passing semi-truck and killed. The driver was charged with manslaughter. (Reported March 2026.)
NC AG Jeff Jackson Wins State's First Discriminatory-Towing Judgment Against A1 Towing
North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson announced a judgment against David Satterfield and his Charlotte companies A1 Towing Solutions and Automobile Recovery and Parking Enforcement, the state's first discriminatory-towing case. Investigators found the operation towed vehicles owned by African-Americans at a high rate. Drivers receive a combined $30,000 in restitution, with a $110,000 penalty if terms are violated. (Reported February 2026.)
New Allentown, PA Law Aims to Curb Predatory Towing
Allentown, Pa., enacted a new law designed to rein in predatory towing, adding requirements on private-property tows and fee disclosure to protect drivers from abusive practices in the city.
Chicago City Council Adopts Ordinance Targeting Predatory Towing
The Chicago City Council approved an ordinance cracking down on rogue and predatory towing companies, adding new consumer protections and tougher enforcement. The National Insurance Crime Bureau backed the measure, which targets unauthorized tows and excessive fees in the city.
El Paso City Council Bans Tow Solicitation at Crash Scenes
The El Paso, Texas, City Council approved an ordinance tightening towing regulations, including a new prohibition on soliciting business at the scene of traffic crashes. The measure aims to curb aggressive 'chase' towing practices and protect motorists from inflated fees after accidents.