What sort of qualifications would I need to be hired to drive a flatbed tow truck, assuming they train me?
Asked by hercule
Assuming their hiring me implies training and getting my class B license. I get the sense it's a job with a lot of turnover because all the tow companies I've seen run ads constantly looking for employees. My previous job was a delivery driver for bank. I don't drink, smoke, or go out, have a family, would always be on time, don't have road rage, want to learn and work hard. The only problem might be that I do not want to be a tow truck driver my entire life, it's just one step on my goal to become a 4X4 auto restorer. See, I'll need to be able to own and drive a flatbed tow truck in order to pick up the many broken down 4X4's I'll be restoring. Unless... I should concentrate on the restoring and hire out for the delivery of the trucks.

Best Answer:
As for qualifications to be hired, you will need to be willing to work odd hours, respond to accidents and calls quickly and safely in all types of weather, and have a good "road-side" manner with the general public. The Class B endorsement on the license is a matter of studying the Commerical Vehicle License manual available from your local DMV, passing the written test based on the manual, then demonstrating to an evaluator that you can safely inspect the trucks and operate them properly. Depending on your state laws (it will be in the manual), you may need a DOT-type physical from a medical doctor to show you are physically fit to do the driving portion of the job. The towing and recovery of vehicles will have to be learned by "on the job training" and "hands-on" experience, as I am not aware of any tow truck training programs (at least not out here in the West) except through the hiring company. I would pursue the job, work it until you get to where you want to be, or until you no longer wish to do it for someone else, and be polite enough to give and honor a two week notice before leaving the job (unless the boss is a pain in the butt). As for turnover, not many like working all day, going to bed, and an hour later being drug back out for a full night of work as well. And, many burn out due to dealing with public, and all the other agencies you will come in contact with. I also understand that the pay is not always as much as the work may be worth, so do some "bargaining" when you get some experience so you can "keep on truckin' ".

You could go to a truck driving school to get your license. My husband has his Class A CDL's. With many truck driving schools you can receive financial aid and the training is considered experience. I wish you well in your future.
Answered by Angela

concentrate on the job at hand and learn the best you can. use the auto restoring as a side line til you can get enough business contacts and leads to make it happen full time. the delivery of the trucks is an important contact point which i think you can use to further your business. think about it. the guy you get the 4x4 from might want it back just fixed but with added options which you can add for him and sell him others he wasn't aware of. a clean drivers abstract is always good and willingness to get up at 3 am to get the difficult jobs done too would help
Answered by optionnumber8