Latest News
Articles, analysis, and updates from the US towing industry.
Montana Unveils Nation's First State Memorial for Fallen Tow Operators
A memorial honoring tow operators killed in the line of duty opened near Three Forks, Montana - described as the first state memorial dedicated specifically to tow operators - and educates the public on Slow Down, Move Over laws.
Federal Towing Safety Act Introduced to Waive Length Limits for Disabled-Vehicle Tows
Rep. Dave Taylor introduced the Towing Safety Act to waive federal length requirements for tow operators responding to wrecked or disabled vehicles, aimed at improving roadside safety.
Salem, Ohio Council Approves New Towing and Impound Rules
The Salem city council approved an ordinance setting standards for vehicle towing and impound lots in city limits and establishing a police tow rotation.
California: Owners of Large Tow Operation Charged in $6M Workers' Comp Fraud
Owners of a large California towing operation were charged in an alleged $6 million workers' compensation fraud scheme, according to state investigators.
Missouri: State Trooper Indicted in Towing-Company Corruption Scheme
A prosecutor announced the indictment of a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper in connection with a towing-company corruption scheme, underscoring scrutiny of police-tow rotation relationships.
Dallas Tow Operator Killed on I-20; Driver Charged With Intoxication Manslaughter
A tow truck operator was struck and killed on Interstate 20 in Dallas; deputies identified the driver who hit him and charged the suspect with intoxication manslaughter.
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.