When people’s cars break down or are in accidents, towing is a crucial service that assists those in need. Thus, the transportation sector depends heavily on towing companies and truck drivers. Towing does, however, come with its share of difficulties, such as low pay, long hours, and hazardous working environments. Since tow truck drivers’ rights and interests are therefore at risk, some individuals may wonder if a towing union exists.
The straightforward response is that there isn’t a national towing union in the US. Towing businesses and drivers are not unionized, in contrast to workers in other industries like teachers, nurses, and factories. Tow truck associations, on the other hand, exist in some states and act as organizations that support towing companies and their employees. These organizations work together with governmental organizations and regulatory entities to advance towing industry ethics, fair pay, and safety.
For instance, the Georgia Towing and Recovery Association (GTRA) defends the rights of towing professionals and businesses in Georgia. GTRA provides information on legal and regulatory concerns impacting towing enterprises, supports industry standards, and offers training and certification programs. Towing companies must pay a $350 yearly fee and individual professionals must pay a $100 annual charge to join GTRA.
A current driver’s license, a tow truck operator’s license, and liability insurance are required in Georgia in order to tow vehicles. Tow truck drivers in Georgia are subject to regulation, and the Georgia Department of Public Safety grants permits to approved applicants. You must successfully complete a training program, pass a written test, and a practical skills test to be granted a license to operate a tow truck. You must renew your license before it expires, and it costs $25 for two years.
There isn’t a statewide towing association in Florida, however there are a number of regional and local towing organizations that perform comparable duties to GTRA. The non-profit Florida Towing and Recovery Association (FTR) is the state’s representative for towing businesses and experts. For the benefit of its members, FTR provides certification and training programs, legislative advocacy, and networking opportunities.
Unless the vehicle weights more than 26,000 pounds, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is not required to operate a tow truck in Florida. However, you need to be covered by liability insurance, have a current driver’s license, and a tow truck operator’s license. Tow truck drivers are subject to regulation by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, which also grants permits to approved applicants. You must successfully finish a training program, pass a written test, and pass a driving test to be granted a tow truck operator’s license. You must renew the license before it expires, and it costs $100 for a four-year period.
The United States does not have a national towing union, however certain states do have towing associations that represent the interests of towing companies and experts. You need a working driver’s license, a tow truck operator’s license, and liability insurance in order to tow vehicles in Georgia and Florida. Depending on the state and the length of the license, the prices range from $25 to $100. Additionally, unless the vehicle weighs more than 26,000 pounds, you do not need a CDL to operate a tow truck in Florida.