Towing scams and hidden fees have long been a pain point for truckers, particularly around truckers towing fees. North Carolina is officially cracking down on these issues. In a major move to protect drivers and more carriers, the state passed House Bill 199. This law establishes new regulations to prevent excessive or surprise towing charges.
At Marquee Insurance Group, we know how unexpected expenses, including fees for towing truckers, can seriously disrupt your operations. Here’s what this new law means for you and your fleet.
🚨What’s Changing?
Under HB 199, North Carolina is:
- Creating a Towing and Recovery Commission to oversee fair practices across the state.
- Requiring towing companies to post and follow clear, consistent fee structures, including truckers towing fees.
- Mandating a statewide towing database so drivers can easily locate and verify their towed vehicles and charges.
- Implementing permit requirements and strict oversight for all heavy-duty tow operators.
These changes are designed to eliminate price gouging, “add-on” fees, and other tactics that have blindsided many truckers, especially after breakdowns or accidents on private property or near loading zones, where truckers towing fees become an issue.
A single tow can cost a carrier thousands, sometimes more than the load itself is worth. Worse, some drivers have been charged for services they didn’t authorize or were forced to pay inflated rates just to retrieve their trucks.
🔎What You Should Do Next
If you operate in or travel through North Carolina:
- Educate your drivers on the new protections and what to look out for concerning fees associated with truckers towing.
- Keep documentation of any towing events, including timestamps, photos, and receipts.
- Report suspicious activity to the forthcoming Towing and Recovery Commission once it’s live.
- Make sure your insurance provider has all relevant details if a tow results in a claim or damages.
As this law rolls out, staying informed and proactive can help protect your business from unexpected towing costs like trucker towing fees. Knowing your rights—and what towing companies are required to disclose— can save time. It can also save money and unnecessary stress when challenges arise on the road.
Related: Understand Your Towing LimitsÂ
