Towing Issues: Towing Rates, puc office, texas puc

Question
You sent me a message back yesterday that stated although there are no set rates in Texas for towing and storage, that the company does have to post there rates. Where do they have to post them?
I called the organization that impounded my vehicle and stated that I had a car broke down and that I would like it towed. I used approximately the same distance that my car was towed.....and he quoted a price that was half what he is charging me tyo get my car out. Who should I contact?

Answer
They should be posted on a sign in the office and they are also on file with the Texas PUC office (or who ever it is that controls this stuff)...

As to the rate difference, there is a huge difference in the "consent towing" (broke down vehicles) and the "non consent" towing (tow away) business..

First of all when you break down, the tow company knows what is happening, where it goes, and knows you are paying for the service, and can schedule it for when its available..

Tow aways are "drop everything and go" type business where you do not know if it would still be there, if someone is coming to get it and if they would be paid for the service.
PLUS tow aways are also done to "punish the vehicle owner" similar to getting a traffic ticket, its not bad enough you get yelled at, you get to pay a fine, and that is what the tow fees are..

Another difference between the types of tows, if the company only does breakdown tows, they do not need an office, storage yard, extra insurance and such.

You can contact the local Better Business Bureau (which really does no good as they file reports but have no powers) you can go the Small Claims Court if you feel you were wronged, or even go to the state and file a complaint.



Hope this helps some more.