Tow truck drivers provide first response help for road collisions, vehicle breakdowns, and other incidents that involve making sure vehicles are loaded and safely transported. An effective tow truck driver manages these incidents quickly and efficiently by using their truck and other essential towing accessories. Tow truck drivers must also learn how to navigate routes to respond to situations in an efficient manner.
Before embarking on a career in tow truck driving, it’s important to understand the process to get you there. The following content outlines what to know about becoming a tow truck driver, the license and certifications required, and the overall career outlook.
Duties of a Tow Trucker
Tow truck drivers respond to calls for roadside assistance to safely load and transport vehicles. Tow truck drivers also help load, transport, and unload stranded or unlawfully parked vehicles. Tow truck drivers must assess how to safely remove vehicles from the roadway and other environments with the proper equipment.
How To Become a Tow Trucker
Being eligible to become a tow truck driver includes meeting the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Hold a valid state driver’s license
- Maintain a clean driving record
- Pass a vision exam
- Pass a background screening
- Pass a physical fitness assessment
- Complete your commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Some towing companies require additional training such as earning an official tow truck driving certification or shadowing an experienced tow truck driver.
Average Salary of a Tow Trucker
If you’re learning what to know about becoming a tow truck driver, it’s important to understand the salary expectation for the job. In the US, the average salary for a tow truck driver depends on a variety of factors. For example, tow truck drivers with more experience or who obtain additional certifications can receive additional duties and higher salaries. Other factors, like geographic location, mean you can work in a more populated location that provides more towing jobs in the long run.
