Towing Issues: RULES FOR CHASER IN LONG ISLAND, NY, tow companies, tow411 net

Question
DEAR RICHARD,
HI, I'M INTERESTED IN PROVIDING ROADSIDE SERVICE AND I HAVE A 350 PICK-UP WITH A HOLMES 220 SNATCHER. CAN YOU TELL ME IF I NEED ANY TYPE OF PERMIT TO OPERATE? ANY ASSITANCE WILL BE APPRECIATED. THANKS MUCH......SAM

Answer
Oh my,  well you are picking an area where there are so many different laws that it is hard for one person to really keep up on them.

First of all if you are in NYC or go to NYC, be advised that the NYC DCA regulates tow trucks and requires "medallions" which are costly to have. Add in the fact that each driver also has to get a license and that costs also.

You can find the NYC information here  http://www.nyc.gov/html/dca/html/licenses/applications.shtml

Now I know that some of the cities on Long Island also have rules and restrictions on tow companies and such, and I know also that "chasing" is a very competitive business with a lot of risk and dangers.  Not only from the traffic but I do understand that some companies are very "physical" in keeping their turf.

I understand that some of the highways and expressways there restrict towing, and if you are not the "Bid winning tower" (which can cost 100's of thousands of dollars in fees) that you will not do good.


Other than that, I have to say that it would be a lot of expenses just to get the permits and all that before you even turn a wheel and try to make a dime.  

Towing, while it looks good with all the "high dollar tow bills" in the news really is not that good. Seems that their is always someone reaching into your pocket for money.


I hope this helps, and since you are looking for more information on towing, you might check out a few of the towing forums online...

www.tow411.net

www.towtalk.net

www.priceperpound.info