Geri Roskopf's Blog - Does it Really Matter?

[TowTimes]

From Geri Roskopf's Blog:

 

I was curious about the dictionary definition of the word “wrecker.”

 

Here is what I found:

1a: One who searches for, or works on, the wrecks of ships (as for rescue or for plunder)

b: Tow truck

2: One who wrecks. Especially one whose work is the demolition of buildings.

 

I then looked up the definition of “tow truck.” Here are two of them:

A truck with winches and hoist mechanisms for freeing stuck vehicles and towing wrecked or disabled vehicles.

A tow truck (also called a wrecker, a breakdown truck, recovery vehicle or a breakdown lorry) is a truck used to move disabled, improperly parked, impounded or otherwise indisposed motor vehicles. This may involve recovering a vehicle damaged in an accident, returning one to a drivable surface in a mishap or inclement weather, or towing or transporting one via flatbed to a repair shop or other location.

 

A tow truck is distinct from a car carrier trailer, which is used to move multiple new or used vehicles simultaneously in routine transport operations.

 

I found the following article from Zip Recruiter interesting:

What is the difference between a wrecker driver and a tow truck driver?

 

The major differences between a wrecker driver and a tow truck driver are their employers and the scope of their duties. While both positions require you to tow cars, a tow truck driver typically only tows vehicles. They do not generally perform repair or maintenance work, while a wrecker driver is authorized to do so. Also, tow truck drivers typically work for companies that exclusively provide towing services, while a wrecker driver works for a more comprehensive transport-focused company, such as AAA or other roadside assistance organizations.

 

As an industry, is it time we start using the same language to define our equipment and operators? Or does it really matter?

 

 

View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

[TowZone]

This is an age old debate, at some point and time Wrecker Driver was detremined to either not be good enough or have aged out. It then became Tow Truck about the same time the term Wrecker Driver became Tow Truck Operator. Of course both are actually one and the same. However. as the skill level increased and training became more common the term Driver which became associated with a steering wheel holder changed to Operator. I have said for year, I don't care what anyone calls me as long as I am getting paid.