Towing Issues: Driving a Tow Truck, tractor trailer driver, personnel turnover

Question
Hi Vernon,
 I'm an over-the-road tractor trailer driver moving soon to a city and want to start a Non-Transportation biz of my own during the DAYTIME. Will be looking for a local truck driving job during the EVENINGS..but in case one's not available or doesn't pan out, I may consider driving a tow truck. Talked to a towing Co. yesterday that had 18 trucks and said they "paid by percentage". Is this good? I thought that maybe once I "learned the ropes", I could maybe purchase my own rig. Is this a good idea and are there some things I'd need to watch out for in this type of business? Thanks a lot! Sincerely, Mike Eidson  

Answer
You already know the basics of towing; laws of the road, safety, backing combinations, etc.  The other stuff will come easy.

Hourly pay is a guaranteed pay check, but but is often minimum wage in the towing industry.  Commission is the way a lot of companies are going.  It is usually 40% and can be lucrative if you hustle.  Problem with commission is favoritism between dispatchers and drivers.  You may not get the good paying calls right away, unless the company is run by a strict rotation basis.  

I don't know what City you will be working in, but in some big cities, there are many companies and much competition between those companys.  If you do your homework and find a professional looking company to work for, you should do alright. If you ask the company owner details about his business, how long in business, personnel turnover, benefits, etc., you can get a good pulse on the success you will have at that company.

As far as starting out on your own, this can be a cut throat business, and getting starting takes time, money, and expectation of being in the red for a while;until you can establish contracts with dealerships, auto clubs, etc.

Good luck in your future endeavor.