Awesome advice. Only thing I learned with my first rollback. Make sure your business insurance is covers what you haul. Most towing policies DO NOT cover moving containers or non automotive cargo. You do not want to be moving something and have a bad day and your insurance not cover, and most likely drop you.
Love your videos man. I’m in North Ga also actually in Cartersville. Can you make a video on how to get into police rotations. I’m new with tow trucks. Thanks
Definitely a rollback to start out, that way you can take almost any calls. Forklift, toolboxes, crates and etc. im a wrecker guy myself but i started out with a rollback and it was the best choice starting out, i barely turn any calls down. Fuel prices now days do hurt tho!
@@talkthattv at least youre starting with a flatbed so you have a lot more options in what you can tow and not have to turn down calls, thats the beauty of a flatbed, theres so much you can do. O started by going in face to face to all the local auto repair shops, body shops, dealerships and spreading my business cards to them, also advertised on google which you can do a page for free for your business which helps people in the area find you. Do that and watch, pretty soon you will have more work then you can handle and will be thinking about getting a second truck! Another word of advice is, be professional, courteous, and nice to your customers, because word of mouth will get you tons of jobs in this business. But present yourself good, clean, respectful, first impressions is everything! Wish you the best brother
@@caioborges5530 that was very helpful, thank you. I'm just starting in the business, working for a local family owned company. I fell in love with this job on the first day lol. So I'm planning on going independent once I built myself up a little first, experience and such. I'm starting on a 5500 rollback and I'll be honest... in the area we live in I really wish we had a wrecker. I'm either in tight city streets or climbing hills.. so it has me thinking when I do get started on my own I really think I'd like the wrecker. Do you think your local area plays as big of a factor in which way you want to go?
@@itsecco2585 absolutely, towing in an area where theres more people, more repair shops, dealerships, you will most likely have a lot more work then if you live in a rural area. Thats the only thing that keeps me living where i am, i already have all my clientele here so im scared of going somewhere else. I know what you mean on the wrecker situation, but i just feel like starting out with a flatbed is the way to go, you will end up turning down a lot less calls and will be able to tow motorcycles, forklifts, bobcats, and lots of machinery, which you could charge a lot more. And exotics because most people with those kind of cars dont want a wrecker towing it. And 4By4s for example.
I 100% agree with what you were saying in this video I myself am going through the process to get my roadside assistance business open and running it takes time all good things too and you are correct. I've been in roadside assistance off and on since 2019 when I got into the business I found something I enjoy that I can do practically in my sleep. And honestly it's a part of the industry that will never go away because as long as there's vehicles on the road they're going to have to have a tow truck at some point. I see it as job security. So all the information you put out I will be taking it all in and applying it with my business because as it stands I'm only going to be able to start off as of right now with the service side of roadside assistance but it is better than nothing and as of right now I don't have good enough credit to get funding for a truck. I myself enjoy using a rollback and I agree with you it is a universal truck. But here's a question I have for you do you prefer with tow trucks gas or diesel?
Good luck! You are correct as this business I feel like will not go anywhere. For as gas vs diesel that is preference. I do see alot of larger fleets going to gas vehicles. Parts, maintenance, and repair are significantly cheaper. An engine replacement is 1/4 of the price as a diesel in the current market but i do feel the older non emissions diesels are still the go to, atleast for me. I wouldn't pass up a good deal on a gas truck though just because it's not a diesel though.
Yeah I understand that 100% and right now I'm actually talking with a guy who's got a 2006 f550 diesel up my way for sale so I'm going to try to go probably through beacon funding to get the money for the truck and all that so I can hit the ground running in roadside assistance with a tow truck. And the price isn't bad it's $35,000 is what he is asking for a 2006 model f550.
@@firefightermcdaniel7271 if its a 6.0 make sure it has been gone through and bullet proofed if it's a diesel.That price is a little high for the truck but if you feel like it's worth it go for it!
Thanks for the help. Much appreciated . I want to get started in the industry, and all the information I get is great. Do you do all your paperwork with Towbook. That's what I need help with billing and use of a card reader. Never had to do this.
First off: thanks for putting these videos together! I’ve slowly been making my way through all of your and will purchase your e-book when it comes out. Even if at that point I don’t need it. 😁 I’d like to give something back to you for paying it forward. I try to do the same in my life and greatly appreciate it when others do. So once again thank you! What percentage of your profit or maybe job total do you plan on for maintenance? Do you prefer the Miller beds? What beds/manufacturers have you learned to stay away from? Do you currently have any employees? If so do you pay them hourly or a percentage of the tow profits?
Thank you for the kind words! 🙏 Equipment is all preference when it comes to a manufacturer. I personally, have always used miller and jerrdan products but have had experience on other, entry level type Equipment such as dual tech and killar. All equipment does the job you ask it to do but obviously some do it better. Employees and pay depends greatly on the type of company you run. If you have consistent work such as hauling as a sub contractor or major clients then hourly can be more beneficial to the company. I personally like the commission based pay scale.
Thanks for the great videos can't wait to find a vehicle looking on FB right now but I'm from Newnan ga but live in Alabama in the woods running cows lol do you know of roll back mechanic shops ,ga or AL? Take care now
Howdy Just found your vids, cool, I'm in a border town in south Arizona. I'm just setting up a tow business, I have 2 chevy square body wreckers I'm refurbishing and a square body ramp truck. We have already spoken with DPS and they are keen to have us on board as there is a need in our rural area. Also have a 4wd square body wrecker linked up, as we have a lot off off road around here. My biggest issue right now is I'm trying to find some used tow dollies, stretching to brand new ones is going to be tough right out of the gate. Any suggestions. Thanks Rusty
I appreciate your advice brother, really has been helpful. Any advice on the most common gvwr for the flatbeds? I know anything over 26k requires cdl. Just curious to know if I have a flat bed with a wheel lift and both are loaded would I be over the 26k on a Ram 5500?
Not typically on a ram 5500 unless you have some very heavy vehicles or equipment. Typically a ram 5500 wont have a gvwr of 26k. Usually the rams are around 19k. Most medium duty rollbacks like f650s, hinos, etc are 26k. But you can put a weighted / commercial tag on anything for 26k.
You talk a lot about establishing "business credit" being essential. But then you talk about paying those debts off asap. If capable, is paying outright for a truck preferable to financing one when starting out or even after your business is well established??
I personally feel that buying a truck outright is the best way, but not always possible for individuals. The biggest thing is to stay away from brand new when starting up small. People will argue with me all the time about that. Keep expenses manageable. The biggest hurdle is paying for unexpected expenses along the way. Accidents, break downs, damages, etc. Can all happen. That is why having business credit established and able to access it as a back up is so helpful.
@@GuardianautoservicesWow...thanks for the fast response. I am currently going through some medical stuff that is making me ummmmm......reassess my career and my ability to continue in the trade I'm in. I've heard others say that towing isn't too physically demanding. What are your thoughts on that aspect??
Awesome advice. Only thing I learned with my first rollback. Make sure your business insurance is covers what you haul. Most towing policies DO NOT cover moving containers or non automotive cargo. You do not want to be moving something and have a bad day and your insurance not cover, and most likely drop you.
Thank you for taking your time and sharing this information with us
Very informative. Thanks
Thank you brother great video full of information
Awesome video! I really wanna get started this is great help thanks
Thanks for your advice, I work on cars and want to get a tow truck also. Your videos are very informal. I'd definitely get your ebook
I'm down for one of them books Thanks for all your info
Great insight
Love your videos man. I’m in North Ga also actually in Cartersville. Can you make a video on how to get into police rotations. I’m new with tow trucks. Thanks
Definitely a rollback to start out, that way you can take almost any calls. Forklift, toolboxes, crates and etc. im a wrecker guy myself but i started out with a rollback and it was the best choice starting out, i barely turn any calls down. Fuel prices now days do hurt tho!
I just brought my first rollback and idk where to start 😂
@@talkthattv at least youre starting with a flatbed so you have a lot more options in what you can tow and not have to turn down calls, thats the beauty of a flatbed, theres so much you can do. O started by going in face to face to all the local auto repair shops, body shops, dealerships and spreading my business cards to them, also advertised on google which you can do a page for free for your business which helps people in the area find you. Do that and watch, pretty soon you will have more work then you can handle and will be thinking about getting a second truck! Another word of advice is, be professional, courteous, and nice to your customers, because word of mouth will get you tons of jobs in this business. But present yourself good, clean, respectful, first impressions is everything! Wish you the best brother
@@caioborges5530 that was very helpful, thank you. I'm just starting in the business, working for a local family owned company. I fell in love with this job on the first day lol. So I'm planning on going independent once I built myself up a little first, experience and such. I'm starting on a 5500 rollback and I'll be honest... in the area we live in I really wish we had a wrecker. I'm either in tight city streets or climbing hills.. so it has me thinking when I do get started on my own I really think I'd like the wrecker.
Do you think your local area plays as big of a factor in which way you want to go?
@@itsecco2585 absolutely, towing in an area where theres more people, more repair shops, dealerships, you will most likely have a lot more work then if you live in a rural area. Thats the only thing that keeps me living where i am, i already have all my clientele here so im scared of going somewhere else. I know what you mean on the wrecker situation, but i just feel like starting out with a flatbed is the way to go, you will end up turning down a lot less calls and will be able to tow motorcycles, forklifts, bobcats, and lots of machinery, which you could charge a lot more. And exotics because most people with those kind of cars dont want a wrecker towing it. And 4By4s for example.
I 100% agree with what you were saying in this video I myself am going through the process to get my roadside assistance business open and running it takes time all good things too and you are correct. I've been in roadside assistance off and on since 2019 when I got into the business I found something I enjoy that I can do practically in my sleep. And honestly it's a part of the industry that will never go away because as long as there's vehicles on the road they're going to have to have a tow truck at some point. I see it as job security. So all the information you put out I will be taking it all in and applying it with my business because as it stands I'm only going to be able to start off as of right now with the service side of roadside assistance but it is better than nothing and as of right now I don't have good enough credit to get funding for a truck. I myself enjoy using a rollback and I agree with you it is a universal truck. But here's a question I have for you do you prefer with tow trucks gas or diesel?
Good luck! You are correct as this business I feel like will not go anywhere. For as gas vs diesel that is preference. I do see alot of larger fleets going to gas vehicles. Parts, maintenance, and repair are significantly cheaper. An engine replacement is 1/4 of the price as a diesel in the current market but i do feel the older non emissions diesels are still the go to, atleast for me. I wouldn't pass up a good deal on a gas truck though just because it's not a diesel though.
Yeah I understand that 100% and right now I'm actually talking with a guy who's got a 2006 f550 diesel up my way for sale so I'm going to try to go probably through beacon funding to get the money for the truck and all that so I can hit the ground running in roadside assistance with a tow truck. And the price isn't bad it's $35,000 is what he is asking for a 2006 model f550.
@@firefightermcdaniel7271 if its a 6.0 make sure it has been gone through and bullet proofed if it's a diesel.That price is a little high for the truck but if you feel like it's worth it go for it!
It has been gone through because it's still in service with the company it's owned by.
@@firefightermcdaniel7271hi
What's the better to star?
Thanks for the help. Much appreciated .
I want to get started in the industry, and all the information I get is great.
Do you do all your paperwork with Towbook. That's what I need help with billing and use of a card reader. Never had to do this.
First off: thanks for putting these videos together! I’ve slowly been making my way through all of your and will purchase your e-book when it comes out. Even if at that point I don’t need it. 😁 I’d like to give something back to you for paying it forward. I try to do the same in my life and greatly appreciate it when others do. So once again thank you!
What percentage of your profit or maybe job total do you plan on for maintenance?
Do you prefer the Miller beds? What beds/manufacturers have you learned to stay away from?
Do you currently have any employees? If so do you pay them hourly or a percentage of the tow profits?
Thank you for the kind words! 🙏
Equipment is all preference when it comes to a manufacturer. I personally, have always used miller and jerrdan products but have had experience on other, entry level type Equipment such as dual tech and killar. All equipment does the job you ask it to do but obviously some do it better.
Employees and pay depends greatly on the type of company you run. If you have consistent work such as hauling as a sub contractor or major clients then hourly can be more beneficial to the company. I personally like the commission based pay scale.
Also i feel like the hardest part starting out is the interest rates which can be super high, being that you have no business credit yet.
I definitely agree with you there!
Thanks for the great videos can't wait to find a vehicle looking on FB right now but I'm from Newnan ga but live in Alabama in the woods running cows lol do you know of roll back mechanic shops ,ga or AL? Take care now
There is shops like atlanta wrecker and blackburn truck equipment that build and repair tow trucks if that is what your asking about.
Howdy
Just found your vids, cool, I'm in a border town in south Arizona.
I'm just setting up a tow business, I have 2 chevy square body wreckers I'm refurbishing and a square body ramp truck.
We have already spoken with DPS and they are keen to have us on board as there is a need in our rural area. Also have a 4wd square body wrecker linked up, as we have a lot off off road around here.
My biggest issue right now is I'm trying to find some used tow dollies, stretching to brand new ones is going to be tough right out of the gate. Any suggestions.
Thanks Rusty
Hey what license or more detail about the sneak lift type of truck insurance any info
I appreciate your advice brother, really has been helpful. Any advice on the most common gvwr for the flatbeds? I know anything over 26k requires cdl. Just curious to know if I have a flat bed with a wheel lift and both are loaded would I be over the 26k on a Ram 5500?
Not typically on a ram 5500 unless you have some very heavy vehicles or equipment. Typically a ram 5500 wont have a gvwr of 26k. Usually the rams are around 19k. Most medium duty rollbacks like f650s, hinos, etc are 26k. But you can put a weighted / commercial tag on anything for 26k.
When Is the ebook coming?
I'm in Newnan Ga. Do you know any repair shops that works on rollback tow truck beds? I have a 1999international
You would need to check with some of the builders like blackburn equipment in Lilburn
@@Guardianautoservices ok thanks
You talk a lot about establishing "business credit" being essential. But then you talk about paying those debts off asap. If capable, is paying outright for a truck preferable to financing one when starting out or even after your business is well established??
I personally feel that buying a truck outright is the best way, but not always possible for individuals. The biggest thing is to stay away from brand new when starting up small. People will argue with me all the time about that. Keep expenses manageable. The biggest hurdle is paying for unexpected expenses along the way. Accidents, break downs, damages, etc. Can all happen. That is why having business credit established and able to access it as a back up is so helpful.
@@GuardianautoservicesWow...thanks for the fast response. I am currently going through some medical stuff that is making me ummmmm......reassess my career and my ability to continue in the trade I'm in. I've heard others say that towing isn't too physically demanding. What are your thoughts on that aspect??