Driver with two ‘illegally started’ vehicles held hostage for $18K, attacks ‘corrupt’ towing companies as crackdown begins

A TRUCK owner is speaking out after two of his vehicles were ripped off and towed – he paid $18,000 just to get the cars back.

New highway laws in three states are cracking down on predatory towing companies, including where the driver had to pay a five-figure sum.

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Tennessee lawmakers approved stricter rules for companies that profit from launching and towing big rigs, according to the Memphis-based CBS affiliate WREG.

The new law prohibits unlicensed companies from loading or towing 18-wheelers.

Towing and tailgate companies will only be able to apply the restrictive tool on commercial lots, according to law.

The law also requires companies to remove the boot within 30 minutes and limits the fine to $75.

Finally, all parking operators who tow trucks must accept credit cards for payment.

Trucking advocates said Florida and Mississippi have also passed similar legislation.

Church Transporation, an Alabama-based trucking company, had two trucks towed in the state.

Fenn Church, owner of the company, praised the regulation after paying $18,000 to release vehicles from an impound commercial lot.

Trucks were towed from gas stations.

“I am so grateful for Florida, Mississippi and Tennessee, who are purging corrupt towing companies from conducting business in their states,” Church said.

In all three states, businesses that violate towing rules can lose their business licenses.

Supporters said the Tennessee bill was necessary for companies in the transportation sector.

“Several high-profile predatory towing incidents in Tennessee have exposed how this egregious practice not only disrupts our state’s supply chain, but also costs truck owners thousands of dollars,” said Donna England, president and CEO of Tennessee Trucking, in a statement.

What to do if your car is towed

Unfairly or not, recovering a towed vehicle can be a hassle.

If your vehicle is towed after parking in a “No Parking” zone or other legitimate reason, there are some steps you can take to get it back.

Steps to follow when your car is towed:

• Try to find out why your car was towed. Haven’t you seen a “No Parking” sign? Did you miss your car payment? Have you returned to a lot where there were unpaid citations? Finding the reason may narrow down the phone numbers to dial.
• Locate the vehicle. Most states, cities, or counties require towing companies to leave some type of contact information via a posted or mailed sign.
• Recovery dates and times depend on the company that towed the vehicle, but these times will be posted on the website or may be provided by a representative.
• Pay the fees. Be careful to be as quick as possible, as some towing yards may charge per-day storage fees.

If you believe your vehicle was improperly towed, you can dispute the action by following these steps:

• Be quick – many states have a small window of time in which it is acceptable to file a claim against a company that improperly towed your vehicle.
• Gather supporting documents: photos, emails, receipts, police reports, and witness statements, if applicable. The more evidence, the better.
• Familiarize yourself with local laws, as laws for towing companies vary by state.
• Try talking to the towing company. Sometimes it may have been a simple oversight and the matter can be resolved quickly.
• Contact your local Justice of the Peace as they may have more information or resources to help. They are often used for towing cases.
• Speak to a lawyer. Many lawyers offer free consultations and, depending on the case, it may be worth calling on a lawyer.

Source: Oregon Department of Justice, National General, Rak law firm

“Road transport is the backbone of our economy and we should prioritize policies that are welcoming to the truck drivers who deliver the goods we rely on every day.”

The law will come into force on July 1st.

More than 250,000 Tennessee residents work in the trucking industry, according to the American Trucking Association.

The agency also estimates that 90% of the state’s products come from 18-wheelers.