While towing may not be come to mind as a industry whose processes have changed much over the years, the truth is, like most businesses, technology has affected almost every aspect of the way we operate.
While the changes over the years could fill a small novel, we wanted to cover the seismic differences we’ve seen in our 25+ years in the biz here in Durham, NC…
Payment System
Towing is largely a cash-flow business, so it’s important we expedite payment (at low or no fees) whenever possible. Towing companies know that they have to keep up with technology when it comes to receiving payments. Not all clients can pay in cash. Some prefer to make payments online and this would require towing companies to set-up payment systems accepting them.
Although most companies still accept cash as payments, being able to offer other payment options helps attract more customers. Some find online, credit card, or payments through apps more secure and convenient.
Scheduling
Technology can also help in managing and running the towing company. Instead of manually listing the schedule of the day, week, or month, it can be easily done through technology. It makes scheduling much easier to do and much less confusing to figure out. There are various scheduling apps and software that can be used to aid in such clerical tasks.
Logging Hours
Each of the drivers will be required a certain number of working hours. Traditional and manual methods would involve a punch card while some simply check the attendance manually. It can be a challenging task to keep track of these. Luckily there are different apps that can be used to make it easier to log-in to start their shift and log-out after their shift. The apps keep a clear record of the hours. This also makes it much easier to compute how much they have to be paid for. Additionally, the apps can also be used to help with their taxes.
Data Organization
Filing a list of clients and their information manually in folders will definitely take time and space. In this digital world, most towing companies already have a computer designated to store such data. Of course, they would still be able to print out such data and have physical copies but having them stored digitally makes the information easier to sort, find, and store.
Location Tracking And Route Creation
Tow truck drivers are responsible for getting the tow trucks to their destination but they aren’t alone in figuring out the best route to take to get from one point to another. The GPS capabilities also allow someone to oversee where the tow trucks are currently in. This helps them determine who should be responsible for going to a designated client when the call comes. It can help prevent confusion and multiple tow trucks servicing the same client when only one is needed.
Marketing
Most people who need a tow truck will likely call the towing company. However, They wouldn’t know how to call unless you market your services. Some towing companies still use traditional marketing strategies but many are now enjoying the benefits of online marketing. Many people are always on their phones so marketing on different platforms is also a great idea for the towing companies.
High Definition Cameras For Documentation
Before a car gets towed, it needs to be documented first to record the condition it is currently in. With high definition cameras, this can be properly done. This prevents clients from making claims that the towing companies are responsible for damaging the vehicle when it is already damaged in the first place.
Some tow trucks may also be fitted with cameras so it can record how the car is handled. It can record how it is loaded into the truck. Towing companies can also choose to fit cameras at the back of their trucks so that drivers can check the vehicle that they are towing while on the road.
Relay Of Information
Some clients who call up a towing company may have their vehicles repaired onsite when the problem is only minimal. However, there are some that would require more specialized services or an auto repair shop intervention.
In such cases, technology can help the towing company send out information immediately about the car they are towing. Some towing companies use apps or software to help them easily input vehicle information, what was done, and what still needs to be done on the vehicle. This lessens paperwork that needs to be filled up and it also makes it easier and faster to pass information.
Tow Truck Upgrades
One of the main benefits of technology in the towing industry is the availability of better tow trucks. There are now better models available and upgrades can also be done on older models. The towing equipment of today is more reliable and can offer better safety not only for clients but also for the tow truck drivers. With better equipment, towing companies are better at helping clients get out of their difficult situations.
Related Articles…
