When a truck gets into a crash or goes off the road, the arrival of a tow truck may feel like the beginning of the resolution. For some carriers, the larger problem emerges weeks later, when the invoice arrives and the charges exceed $150,000.
Predatory towing has become a growing concern for carriers, creating financial and operational challenges that often extend well beyond the initial recovery. In this TN Truck Thought podcast episode, leaders from the American Transportation Research Institute, TrueNorth, North Carolina Trucking Association and Scopelitis Law Firm examined why these bills escalate, what can complicate a dispute and how preparation may influence the outcome.
Predatory towing disputes rarely stem from a single charge. Costs often build through a combination of services, recovery decisions and storage fees long before a carrier receives a complete accounting of the charges. Limited itemization, disputed services and mounting storage fees can make costs difficult to evaluate. The discussion examines which charges warrant the closest scrutiny and why disputed invoices can be challenging to review.
Ben Greenberg of the North Carolina Trucking Association connected predatory towing to the financial strain many carriers already face in a difficult freight market. For businesses operating on tight margins, an unexpected charge can create immediate financial pressure. A six-figure invoice only magnifies the challenge.
Cargo delays add pressure because freight still needs to move while questions about the tow remain unresolved. Storage fees continue to accumulate and customer expectations remain. A disputed charge can quickly move beyond accounting and begin affecting day-to-day operations.
State laws governing nonconsensual towing vary, so the options available to a carrier may depend on where the event occurs. Cargo release requirements, security deposits and review processes may affect whether freight can keep moving while the parties address disputed charges.
A carrier may not control who responds to a police-dispatched tow, but its response can shape what happens next. Documentation, roadside records and prompt communication with key partners often play an important role in how a disputed invoice is reviewed and addressed.
Could your team quickly identify who to contact, what to document and which resources may apply after a towing event?
A disputed towing charge rarely exists in isolation. Questions involving cargo, equipment damage and insurance coverage can emerge at the same time.
Depending on the circumstances, physical damage, cargo, pollution or other policies may come into play. Involving insurance partners early may provide additional clarity as questions surrounding cargo, equipment damage or potential coverage obligations begin to emerge.
Tune in to the full TN Truck Thought episode to hear industry leaders discuss the legal, operational and insurance considerations that can shape a carrier's response when a towing dispute arises.
The TN Truck Thought podcast keeps transportation leaders of today and tomorrow in the know on the hottest industry trends. Our specialists get to the bottom of challenging, and sometimes controversial, transportation topics to offer insight and predictions.
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