New eNugget®: Understanding and Responding to Predatory Towing

Most drivers never expect to deal with a predatory tow—until they’re standing on the side of the road, equipment immobilized, paperwork being pushed at them, and costs escalating by the minute.

Predatory towing has become a growing issue across the transportation industry. When it occurs, it can quickly turn a difficult situation into a costly and time-consuming dispute for both drivers and carriers.

In some cases, the financial impact is staggering. In November 2025, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General announced that the owner of a Pittsburgh-based towing company pleaded guilty to felony theft by deception and insurance fraud after charging inflated and hidden fees for short-distance tows. The operator was ordered to pay $379,279 in restitution or face jail time and was permanently barred from working in the towing industry. In one reported case, a vehicle was towed less than a third of a mile, and the invoice exceeded $9,800. (Read the full case summary.)

To help carriers and drivers navigate these situations with clarity and confidence, Luma is releasing a new eNugget® focused specifically on predatory towing awareness and response.

For drivers, the eNugget® emphasizes their role as a critical witness. Simple actions, such as noting arrival and departure times, observing the equipment used, documenting the number of laborers involved, and avoiding signing documents at the scene, can make a significant difference if a dispute arises. Drivers are also encouraged to capture photos or videos when possible and to understand that there is typically no requirement to sign agreements or rate confirmations on the roadside.

For carriers, the eNugget® outlines the importance of having a rapid response process in place. Reviewing invoices promptly, comparing charges against state rotation rates, and verifying labor, equipment, mileage, and storage fees can help identify inflated or improper charges early. When disputes escalate, involving insurers, adjusters, or legal counsel quickly can reduce delays and limit unnecessary storage costs.

The eNugget® also highlights common tactics used in predatory towing cases, such as excessive administrative fees, environmental surcharges, unnecessary equipment charges, and delays designed to extend storage billing, so teams know what to watch for before costs spiral.

This new eNugget® is designed to give drivers and carriers practical, real-world guidance, not legal theory, so they’re better prepared if a tow or recovery situation turns complicated.

Because when something goes wrong on the road, the last thing anyone needs is uncertainty about what to do next.

Request the Predatory Towing eNugget® (Must be logged into enuggetlearning.com account to view.)