How to Become a Tow Truck Operator

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

We need to be thankful for tow truck operators. Without their services, there would be a long list of inconveniences and consequences. Tow trucks can provide towing services for stranded vehicles, as well as, illegally parked vehicles. But they also do so much more! When a big tree falls after a big storm and blocks the road, they can clear the way for traffic. If a bus falls into a ditch or pond, they can pull it out. When an airplane needs to be transported, they are the ones for the job. And when someone has a flat tire or locks their keys in the car, they are there too.

So you see, there is more to being a tow truck driver than most would think. In fact, it is a great job for someone who likes to work alone and loves to drive! Not only does it give you an annual income of 25 to 35 thousand dollars, it gives you freedom to work nights, holidays, weekends, and more. Being a tow truck operator is not only a professional job, it is an exciting one. You never know what challenge lays ahead of you day-day-to-day! So if you are considering the idea of becoming a tow truck driver, continue reading to find out how!

Truck Driver Requirements

In order to become a tow truck operator, you must meet certain requirements first. These prerequisites will vary among local jurisdictions, but nonetheless, it is important to be prepared to have them all. For starters, you must be at least 18 years old to become a tow truck driver. You must also have a valid drivers’ license. So if you do not have one already, that will be your first step toward becoming a wrecker operator.

Your driving history will most likely play a role in whether or not you get hired within a towing company. In terms of driving records, there shouldn’t be a need to worry if you only have minor infractions like a speeding ticket or unpaid parking tickets. It is understandable that a towing company wants to hire someone they think is a safe driver.

If you are 18 years old, legally licensed to drive, and retain a decent driving record, then you are ready to get your CDL. This stands for “commercial drivers’ license.” This is a secondary licensed in addition to your primary drivers’ license, and permits you to operate commercial vehicles. This is not always a requirement among towing companies, or local jurisdictions, but it is a wise choice for anyone wishing to join the driving field.

It shows that you took the time to complete a series of accredited training courses to improve your driving skills. This alone increases your chances of being hired at a wrecker company. Also, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires you to have a CDL to operate extra-large trucks and cargoes over 26,000 pounds. So it’s best to go for it! To get self-certified for a CDL in Indiana, click here.

Towing companies will also want to hire those in good physical health, including vision and hearing. Many request a signature from a licensed physician declaring your status of health. And you should expect to have to pass a drug test too.

The last step toward becoming a tow truck driver is to create your resume. Be honest and informative by providing your credentials, past education, work force experience, and goals. Once you do this, you can start applying!

Zore’s Inc.

Towing Indianapolis, IN

Towing and Recovery 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Inc. at 317-247-8484 when you need a friendly tow truck driver in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly-trained and licensed wrecker operators with decades of experience in the towing and recovery industry. We offer a wide range of services, including towing, roadside assistance, property management, and more. Call us directly at 317-247-8484 to learn about Indianapolis towing services, today.

How to Use a Tow Dolly

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Towing 317-247-8484

There are three primary ways to tow a car: all wheels off the ground, all wheels on the ground, and just two wheels on or off the ground. To tow a vehicle with all four tires off the road, you would use a trailer. To tow a vehicle on all fours, you would require a tow bar. But to tow a vehicle with only two wheels in contact with the road, you would need a tow dolly. The type of tow you use depends on a variety of factors. Continue reading to learn these facts and how to use a tow dolly if it’s the right towing set-up for you.

Using a Tow Dolly

A tow dolly elevates the front two wheels of a vehicle in tow. Whether or not a tow dolly is the best option for vehicle towing depends on a few important factors. These factors include the size and weight of the vehicle you wish to tow, whether or not that vehicle has front, rear, four, or all-wheel drive, towing capacity of the vehicle doing the towing, and how much time and money a person is willing to spend setting it all up.

Any front-wheel drive automatic vehicle can be pulled with a tow dolly. This is one of their advantages. And in comparison to using a tow bar (four wheels down), it never adds mileage to the odometer since the front tires never make contact with the road. Some vehicles, if towed with a tow bar, will rack up miles even if the ignition is off. To safely tow a front-wheel drive automatic vehicle with four wheels down, certain towing accessories are generally required, like axle disconnects and lube pumps, in order to avoid damaging the transmission. This makes towing a vehicle on all four wheels more expensive than towing with a tow dolly. And towing with a trailer is even more complicated and expensive. For these reasons, a tow dolly could be the best option for your towing needs.

It is important to keep at least 750 pound weight difference between your towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed. And the width of the vehicle in tow should be within the tow dolly’s maximum width rating. These widths should never be exceeded. It is recommended to review your owners’ manual for recommended towing instructions and guidelines. Or contact a local wrecker service for immediate answers to your towing questions.

Zore’s Inc.

Indianapolis Auto Auctions 317-247-8484

Indianapolis Auto Auctions 317-247-8484

Call Zore’s Indy at 317-247-8484 for 24 hour towing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our professional tow truck operators are highly trained and licensed to provide a wide range of towing and recovery services in Indiana. We are happy to answer any questions about our wrecker services and more. Call 317-247-8484 for Indianapolis tow truck services you can trust!