ATRI Asks Truckers to Share Predatory Towing Experiences

Have you ever been the victim of predatory towing? If so, here’s your chance to help shed light on the impact of predatory towing practices in the trucking industry, via a survey being conducted by American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI). 

ATRI defines “predatory towing” as any incident in which a tow truck operator blatantly overcharges for services, illegally seizes a carrier’s truck or cargo, damages the vehicle or the cargo by use of improper equipment, or withholds release of a truck and/or cargo. 

ICSA members who have experienced predatory towing are encouraged to complete the survey by clicking here.

The short survey asks fleets to share which types of predatory towing they have dealt with most frequently, what fees or delays they consider predatory, and in which states they have encountered predatory tows. ATRI also seeks participants for a second round of more detailed data collection that will allow researchers to quantify the frequency and operational impact of each type of predatory event. All data collected will be kept completely confidential.

“ICSA members can help build the case for stronger enforcement of towing regulations by participating in this survey,” said Karen Rasmussen, ICSA’s Executive Director and former chair of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee. “By sharing their experiences, ICSA members can help answer these questions and outline potential solutions,” she said.