Tow Truck Driving – Phew, What a Job

Morgan Taylor-Halpin is a seasoned professional in the transport and logistics industry, with a strong focus on safety, compliance, and operational leadership. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by frontline operators, they are committed to promoting best practices and recognising the vital role tow truck drivers play in keeping roads safe and businesses moving.

The Story

"Dirty rotten scum." "Blood-sucking parasites." "Bottom-dwellers." "Scum of the earth."

These are just some of the insults I've heard thrown at tow truck drivers—towies, as they're often called. And sure, there may be a few bad eggs out there. But can’t those same harsh words be used to describe individuals in almost any industry? It’s not fair to judge an entire profession by the actions of a few.

Tow truck drivers often get a bum rap. The truth is, most of them don’t make the news. They quietly go about their work, day in and day out, under heavy regulation—especially in the case of smash towing. Every smash tow truck driver must hold a Tow Truck Licence issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The media paints a picture of rogue drivers towing away vehicles from expired meters or racing to crash scenes. But most of the time, they're simply doing their jobs—removing illegally parked cars blocking peak hour traffic, keeping roads clear, and ensuring safety for the rest of us. If you've ever been stuck in traffic because one lane was blocked by a parked car, you’ll understand why these regulations exist. Here’s a tip: if you park in a timed or regulated zone, set a reminder on your phone. It’s an easy fix.

Why I Take My Hat Off to Towies

What They Actually Do:

• Often first responders to accidents—road and industrial, even fatalities
• Witness and handle traumatic and distressing scenes
• Clear roadways so traffic can continue flowing
• Rescue broken-down vehicles—no matter the time, weather, or location
• Transport vehicles to workshops, homes, or holding yards
• Move machinery, plant, and equipment where needed
• Handle vehicle recovery in cases of suicide or crime scenes
• Work through crises like the COVID-19 pandemic
• Act as a calming presence during high-stress breakdowns or being trapped in crashed car
• Load and secure vehicles with the law and without damage
• Deliver what is essentially an essential service

The Human Side

When you’re broken down on the side of a busy road, these are the people who calm you down, direct you to safety, and offer a sense of security. Every time they step out of their truck on a live road, they risk their own lives for strangers.

• They may face exposure to infectious diseases from contaminated vehicles
• They endure abuse while clearing clearways or repossessing vehicles
• They witness the heartbreak of people losing cars due to financial hardship
• They work long, grueling hours—including weekends, holidays, and special family occasions

Despite the toll this job can take on their mental health, towies keep showing up, day and night. Sometimes, they’re even the ones to bring a smile to someone’s face—whether helping after a crash or pulling a stranded driver out of a dangerous spot. To many, they’re nothing short of modern-day knights in shining armour.

What They Have to Know

This isn’t a job for the faint-hearted or undertrained. Tow truck drivers need:

• A solid grasp of towing laws and regulations
• Skills to safely load and restrain all shapes and sizes of cargo
• Competence in operating tilt trays, winches, and second hitches
• Risk assessment abilities for unpredictable, high-risk environments
• Basic operation knowledge of countless vehicle types and machinery
• Responsibility for maintaining all equipment and safety gear
• The ability to manage fatigue, sometimes in extreme conditions
• Strong customer service skills—even after 12 hours in the rain
• Communication skills to interact with yard supervisors, foremen, police, and everyday people
• Discretion and care handling stolen or forensic vehicles for police
• A working understanding of the Chain of Responsibility laws

They even deal with high-profile people—CEOs, athletes, celebrities—because everyone breaks down eventually. And they’ll often tow expensive and or rare vehicles like a Maserati without so much as a scratch. In Brisbane alone, thousands of items are towed every day. Each job is unique.

In Cyclones, Storms, or Chaos

When disaster hits, towies are mobilised. While the public is told to stay inside during cyclones or extreme weather, these operators are out recovering vehicles, transporting equipment, getting pumps to flood zones, or clearing crash scenes. While we’re safe at home, they’re out in the elements doing what they do best—helping others.

Everyday People, Extraordinary Work

Forget the “big, tough tow truck driver” stereotype. Most are regular people with families, rent or mortgages, kids, school fees, and all the pressures of modern life. They just happen to do one of the toughest, most underappreciated jobs in the community.

They keep our roads clear, help us get home safely, and do it all with grit, skill, and heart. Some try towing and find it too hard or too dangerous. But those who stay do it because they care. Because they want to help. Because, against the odds, they believe in what they do.

Final Thought

Towing is a career that requires physical strength, mental resilience, problem-solving, and compassion. It’s a thinking person’s job that demands so much more than driving a truck.

Tow truck operators often miss out on personal milestones—birthdays, holidays, family events—all for the love of their work. They deserve recognition, respect, and a sincere thank you.

So next time you see a tow truck on the road, give them a nod. They're out there doing the hard yards so the rest of us can keep moving forward.

 Morgan Taylor-Halpin