In Texas, an important tool that can be used prior to needing a tow is the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) violations database. It can easily be searched, online, to see which towing companies have not complied with Texas licensing laws. The laws are in place to protect Texas consumers from companies that may be out to make a quick buck rather than offering a service built on ethical business practices.
Unfortunately, a search of the TDLR database for towing companies reveals that many of the violations are not minor. Some include company owners failing to disclose past criminal histories, with others failing to adopt and implement an alcohol and drug testing policy, and still others failing to perform towing operations with honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity. This information is extremely important to know because some unscrupulous towing companies simply pay the assessed fines and continue with their unethical business practices.
For example, some of the violators continue to market themselves online as reputable companies, despite their numerous violations with TDLR, in an effort to attract unknowing customers. They may even show up on the first page of a Google search with five star ratings through popular marketing sites. So, it’s important to look beyond advertising and sales techniques to find the true business practices of a company.
In addition, some towing companies may also offer an unbelievably cheap price, but you may end up paying a much higher price in the long run if they employ unlicensed and/or untrained drivers which the TDLR site can reveal. Businesses offering the lowest price are often not paying their front line employees well and this can be reflected in their products and services. For many people in DFW, their vehicle is one of their biggest investments, so paying a little higher price for a tow from a company who invests in licensed and well trained employees is a smart choice to protect your vehicle.
Follow the steps below to search the TDLR database at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/cimsfo/fosearch.asp:
- Under “Search by License Program Type”, select “Tow Truck Companies” OR select “Vehicle Storage Facilities”.
- Scroll down to select a city or county.
The data will be displayed on your screen.
As of this writing, there are 70 records for tow truck company violations in Tarrant County and 90 records in Dallas County. Knowing what companies to stay away from, prior to needing a tow, may save you time, money, and frustration when an ethical, reputable company such as Titan Towing may not be available during peak towing times.
