Why are tow truck drivers looked down upon so much?

Question

I drive a tow truck. I work long hours, take little pay, and always end up helping somebody along the way. I'm clean, very professional, nicely dressed and polite, yet my job seems to have a bad rap. I understand nobody likes getting their car towed. I also hear towing rates are too high. However you must factor in the cost of the truck then the cost of its operation. Not to mention the danger of its job.

But as far as the price goes, most states now regulate towing charges, due to insurance companies complaining about price when they have to pay off a vehicle.

You say its impossible to get your car back and that they are stealing or whatever, but all 50 states now have laws in place regulating the release of a vehicle to its "owner." Many things are required, such as valid license, proof of ownership, registration, proof of insurance and in some cases more. So if that is a problem then perhaps your local goverment could help you with it.

After all, you wouldn't be very happy if a towing company released your car to a stranger, now would you?

From Louisiana btw and thank you for your kind words "level 2"

And we cannot "congregate at accident sights" here. It is unlawful in Louisiana to tow any car unless you are contacted by phone. Whether it be the owner who is broke down, or the police to have a vehicle impounded.

Tow trucks are not very fast. How is it they drive like maniacs?

Answer 1

I think most of it is that people are not in a very good mood when it comes to the point that they need a tow truck.

Answer 2

I never had heard of tow truck drivers being looked down upon!
Once, my mom and I were driving toward home, and when we were about 35 miles off, our 15-seater van broke down. I think it's two tons. We called a towing service out of Kamloops, and a truck was there ASAP. The poor guy was late for some other job, but he was very friendly and helpful. He brought our vehicle to the Kamloops GM dealer. He really brought the best out of a bad situation!
Wherever you are, here's from someone who thinks y'all are doing a great job! Keep up the good work!

Answer 3

Because they tow to their own lots and it's damned near impossible to find your car, and if you do, the charges are so high you have to repurchase your car, and if you do get it back, it's trashed out. Furthermore, they drive like maniacs putting everybody else at risk and congregate at accident sites at least a dozen per disabled car, like buzzards to a carcass.

But when you call for towing service when your car breaks down you have to wait half a day for someone to mosey up.

Answer 4

they are looked down on just as are truck drivers. of course these same people who complain and degrade certain occupations are the same ones who call the tow truck when their car breaks down. when i was driving people would look down on me until i pointed out that if it wasnt for truckers, they wouldnt have toilet paper to wipe their high falootin butts. how do they think their cars are going to get to the repair shop after they wreck from driving while talking on those *#(@&$ cellphones? include garbage men in that. if it wasnt for them the snobs would be chin deep in garbage but people dont respect them either, and multiple other occupations. kudos on standing up for yourself!

Answer 5

ditto, cause my uncle is a tow truck driver and people just don't respect him. He does A LOT more than he is sopposed to too. Because he gives people directions on where to go he is nice..etc..

Answer 6

How much you like getting your car towed away?

Answer 7

Did not know they was looked down on.