If you’re a towing business, you’re probably familiar with the FMCSA and its role in the transportation world. But towing isn’t the same as trucking. Though they both involve very large vehicles, they’re different. So, you might be wondering if your tow truck business is subject to FMCSA regulations. (We’ll also give a brief overview of what the FMCSA does.)
Safety
The tow truck industry isn’t without its risks. Tow truck drivers face various perils every time they hit the road. That’s why safety is so important. When you’re driving a tow truck many times the size of a regular car and you’re hauling someone else’s car, you can’t be too careful. Plus, let’s face it – driving is dangerous. We’re so used to it that we don’t really think about it, but operating any kind of motor vehicle is dangerous. Which is why we’ve got some articles that have tips for staying safe on the roads.
Check out the articles below to find some tips on how to stay safe behind the wheel of a tow truck. It’s important to make safety a priority in any tow truck or wrecker business. We’d be happy to talk about strategies to increase safety at your business – and we’re only a phone call away!
What is the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)?
If you work anywhere in the trucking world, you’ve probably heard of the FMCSA, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The FMCSA is a big deal, but why is it so important? What exactly do they do, and why should you as a tow truck business care? We’ll explain the mission of the FMCSA, how they strive to achieve that mission, and what programs they oversee. Here goes!
Are tow truck drivers required to register for Clearinghouse?
The Clearinghouse is still a relatively new thing in the trucking world, so there are still a lot of questions. Tow truck drivers might wonder how Clearinghouse will affect them. For starters, what part does Clearinghouse play for them? Do tow truck drivers have to register for the DOT Clearinghouse? How can they use the database? These are just a few of the questions that need to be answered. We’ll explain.
Training and preventing roadside tragedies
Towing is a dangerous profession. There’s no denying it. There are so many tragedies involving tow truck drivers getting struck on the side of the road, and the towing community has mourned many of its own. Certain things can contribute to these accidents, such as distracted driving and alcohol. The investigations conducted on these incidents work to determine the reason that the accident happened in the first place, looking at the actions of the people involved and the factors that led up to it. But the key is getting the takeaways from the accidents. And that’s where training comes in. Here are a few considerations for towing businesses when it comes to keeping tow operators safe as they work on the side of the road and preventing roadside tragedies.
6 tips to prevent distracted driving at your tow truck business
Distracted driving is something that we hear about a lot. According to an American Towman article, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) stated that there were 3,166 deaths in car crashes involving distracted driving in 2017. That’s a chilling statistic. But as someone with a tow truck business, how can you encourage your drivers not to drive distracted? Here are a few tips.
8 tips for transporting hazardous materials
If you work with disabled vehicles, chances are that you could come across a job involving hazardous materials. That doesn’t just mean dealing with radioactive waste, acid, or other largely dangerous substances; it could just pertain to slightly harmful pollutants. So, it’s important for those who do recovery to understand the specific risks, steps, and tools necessary to properly respond to each type of danger. Here are 8 tips for tow truck operators transporting or handling hazardous materials.
What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?
If you have a tow truck business, you have an ear out for the latest trucking news. And one big thing that’s been all the buzz in the trucking world is the FMCSA Clearinghouse. How could this affect you as a tow truck business owner? Is it something you need to worry about? Maybe you feel like you’re late to the party, or maybe you’re just realizing that January 6, 2020 (the magic date) has come and gone. Not to fear – we’ll give you some of the need-to-know information about FMCSA Clearinghouse.
Tips for tow truck drivers to stay healthy on the road
Being a tow truck driver means that you’re constantly on the move, whether it’s to the next job or during a client’s roadside repair. So, there may not be a lot of time to make healthy meals or exercise every day. However, there are tons of health issues that can arise from driving and handling heavy equipment without the proper body maintenance. The good news is that even if you don’t have a lot of time, there are plenty of ways to fit in healthy habits to a busy schedule. So, here are 10 quick and easy tips for tow truck operators to stay healthy on the job.
Disaster planning for your towing business
For towing businesses, recovering after a catastrophe can be a lot more costly and difficult than it would be for other companies. Therefore, it’s important to form a solid disaster plan that’s tailored to you. Here are some tips for disaster planning for your tow truck business.
8 things to know about preventive maintenance for your towing business
If you have a towing business, it’s important to take care of your trucks. They’re kind of a vital part of your business, after all. One way to take care of your tow trucks is to have preventive maintenance, which means you’re catching problems before they become major problems. Anyways, since preventive maintenance is so important, we’ll go over a few things you should know about it.
