A small trucking company in Georgia received a $16,000 towing bill for a broken-down box truck, according to a recent report. On December 20, a box truck owned by Elshaddai Truckers and Logistics broke down on southbound I-75 at mile marker 227 in Henry County, Georgia, due to a broken brake line. As the box truck blocked traffic, the police called for a tow truck. Under Georgia’s Towing and Recovery Incentive Program (TRIP), Wrecker 1 from McDonough was dispatched to respond.
TRIP, in place since 2008, aims to alleviate traffic congestion by providing financial incentives to tow companies for promptly clearing commercial vehicle accidents. The program is activated for all commercial vehicle accidents that obstruct traffic, with dispatch managed by law enforcement or transportation officials. It rotates vetted tow companies to respond to commercial vehicle accidents, requiring them to have two heavy-duty recovery trucks and a support truck as part of the program.
The initial towing bill came to $12,345, with a 25% discount if paid the same day. However, a second bill of $16,515 was issued later. The company states that they lack the funds to cover the towing bill and still have freight to deliver in the box truck. According to Georgia officials, there is no fixed rate tow companies must adhere to when the tow is initiated by law enforcement.
