Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected to sign legislation that would curb the ability of unscrupulous tow truck operations to prey on truckers and passenger vehicle drivers, as other states are dealing with similar challenges. Passing the state’s legislature by unanimous vote, the measure has been applauded by the Florida Trucking Association.
“This is a huge victory for trucking in Florida, the trucking industry nationally, who have seen invoices as high as $200,000, and the motoring public, who fall victim to predatory towing companies,” Florida Trucking Association President and CEO Alix Miller reportedly said. “The final bill includes some significant new requirements for the establishment and publication of rates, requirements for detailed and itemized invoices, a requirement for towers to accept multiple payment options, and a new dispute resolution process for consumers and carriers to challenge excessive fees.”
If signed into law, as expected, the new law would become effective on July 1. Companies would be tasked with maintaining a rate sheet that indicates all towing, storage, and related fees. Any invoice that exceeds the published rates could be construed as “excessive.” Freight carriers have also expressed frustration when attempting to retrieve their property. The new law requires property to be turned over to rightful owners within one hour during traditional business hours after presenting a photo ID.
The Florida bill comes on the heels of predatory towing outrage in other states. In Memphis, Tennessee, freight carriers have reportedly filed a $5 million lawsuit against A1’s Towing and Hauling. The outfit has been the focus of splashy headlines following claims it engaged in predatory towing and tire boot practices. A federal lawsuit has reportedly been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District alleging RICO violations.
“This whole thing is impeding interstate commerce in and around Memphis, and they stretch into northern Mississippi and stretching over into western Arkansas, and it has gotten hundreds of companies aware of what is going on,” Fenn Church, the president and owner of Church Transportation, reportedly said.
Predatory towing laws began trending in Colorado after a state senator witnessed her vehicle being hauled away during the summer of 2023. Soon after, the state’s Public Utilities Commission started to implement a so-called Towing Bill of Rights enacted by the legislature. Critics of the Towing Bill of Rights indicate it doesn’t apply across various areas of towing. Recent reports suggest the new towing laws were either not enforced adequately or fell short. In February, Colorado lawmakers returned their attention to predatory towing concerns.
Source:
https://wreg.com/news/local/trucking-companies-file-5-million-lawsuit-against-a1s-towing-hauling/
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