http://www.puco.ohio.gov/Puco/IndustryTopics/Topic.cfm?id=4520
This is the part that pertains to us:
"Several categories of tow truck operators are exempt from PUCO registration requirements and federal motor carrier safety regulations, including:....................................
......................For-hire tow truck companies that operate entirely within one or more contiguous municipal areas."
Basically what this means is they want to regulate transport towing, but not regulate every shop and service station that has a wrecker that only services the local area.
Now if you service the Cleveland area, and are taking a car to the Columbus area (and do not regularly service every bit of area between Cleveland and Columbus) then you are in violation of this exemption and need to be PUCO registered.
Now, IMO if you are going to be PUCO registered you might as well skip that and be US-DOT registered. PUCO's regs basically mirror US-DOT, and if you are US-DOT registered you are exempt from being PUCO registered. So basically you are subject to the same regs either way, but with US-DOT you can cross state lines.
Like you said Steve, there are lots of people not PUCO registered. I personally believe that a lot of towers don't know the rules (and the exemption) they just run illegal because they can.
I know a local guy here (with a pretty nice rollback truck) he doesn't have a vendors' license and doesn't carry on-hook or garagekeepers' coverage. I try to explain to shops that just because someone has a nice truck doesn't mean that their tower is legal, or that their customers' vehicles are protected by insurance. All the shops see is a price tag for the tow that is almost half of my price.
Here's the reg in .PDF format on PUCO letterhead. http://www.puc.state.oh.us/emplibrary/files/media/Publications/Fact_Sheets/Tow%20Truck%20Regulations.pdf
yep Jason if had my share of accounts stolen by a guy thats just gotten into the business.he carries little or no insurance, I know because I've asked him, but drives a brand spanking new rig with a truck payment. Personally ill keep my 5-10 year old equipment, its paid for and reliable, and I can afford to have the proper coverages and limits in force. Further I refuse to compete with a guy that will do tows for 35 bux without a mileage restriction. How can you compete with someone who isnt making any money. Tires, fuel insurance, and preventive maintanence all work out to my truck wont roll for less than 45 bux for hook up even for an account, and mileage they are all paying that.
Now if you ask me, EVERYONE with a commercial vehicle over 10K *should* be required to be registered, and be required to maintain proof of insurance. And those towing for hire *should* be required to maintain proof of towing insurance.
Otherwise it comes down to the honor system.
i agree, and that is one of the conditions of PUCO the limits that i carry for it are also up there. I did have a problem with my form e filing when i transferred to a different insurance carrier and let me tell you it was a pain in the but to resolve the issue. 