wrecker operator

Hey there

I am a U.S. Marine currently stationed in Iraq. My occupational specialty is Wrecker operator (think big pete wrecker, but green) and after doing this job for seven months now, Ive come to love the hard work and ever changing scenarios and situations entailed. what is the best way to get a job operating a civilian version of this rig? How well does this pay? would this be considered a go home every night job? thank you for any help you can give me

 

I met several wrecker drivers when I was Navy Law Enforcement and would have to impound cars, they are usually on call at night. So any time, any weather, you can be called to come tow a car. They always seemed to be in good spirits about it though, made them some money. Especially when I would call them at 2am in the winter, they charged more at night and in inclement weather. So yeah, you are home at night, but could be called in. Good luck and stay safe, brother.

 

Mostly from what I've seen around here with larger shops, mechanic's usually(not always) run the class 8 draggin wagons with a swamper.With Mom and Pop shops if it's a dolled up wrecker,Pop will usually runs it with a swamper.I'd bet you could easily find work in larger metro areas though.
As for pay I'd say it's like any other trade,some pay fair and some don't.
I'll try to get some more info for you on pay and such and post it later.

 

Ah, I guess I misunderstood his question.

 

I can comment on that as I have driven the big wreckers and we prefer to call them tow trucks as we don't try to wreck anything Most reputable companies would love to have a guy like you. The hours are long and irractic but the money is good. A guy with experience that willing to work and learn can be invalueable

 

The hook pays well. And it should for what it costs to get towed. I know a few tow drivers and they like it. Some of the nicest guys I've met.

You would be home pretty much every night, but like was stated earlier on call. You won't see anything much worse over here than what you see daily over there. Some wrecks can get nasty, but so does Iraq.

Man go for it. You have a taste for it already and you like it. Would make a great career for ya back here state side in the civi world.

 

Like pete379x says you got a taste for it go for it. The more experience you get the better you will like it. I would recommend going with a bigger company since they have the equipment and get the police wrecks etc. There is a company called towmasters based out of Ind I believe that gives training and certification for this stuff. You would probably get some sort of certification for what you've already done.

 

Thanks everyone for your help, I feared that line of work might be a little exclusive, but it cant hurt to try.