As a professional tow operator or tow truck driver, it’s important to understand the difference between towing and hauling. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to slightly different actions.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at towing and hauling, and explain the differences between them.
Overview of Towing
Towing is the process of pulling a vehicle behind another vehicle using a tow truck or a similar piece of equipment. This is typically done when a vehicle cannot be driven, and it needs to be transported to a designated location, such as a repair garage or impound lot.
Towing can be done using a flatbed tow truck, which involves placing the entire vehicle onto a flatbed, or a wheel lift tow truck, which lifts the front or rear wheels of the vehicle off the ground.
Overview of Hauling
Hauling, on the other hand, is the process of carrying a load in or on a vehicle. This is done by attaching a trailer to the tow vehicle, or by fitting the load onto the bed of a pickup truck or similar vehicle.
Hauling is typically used to transport cargo, equipment, or vehicles that are still in working condition and can be driven to their destination. Hauling requires the use of heavier duty trucks, as the weight of the load can put a lot of strain on the vehicle.
3 Differences between Towing and Hauling Vehicles:
1. Weight Distribution
One main difference between towing and hauling is the weight of the load being transported. Towing requires less weight capacity than hauling does since a vehicle that needs towing is typically not in good working condition.
Hauling needs towing vehicles with higher weight capacity because it is for transporting loads that can be driven.
2. Equipment
Another difference between towing and hauling is the equipment used to move the load. Tow trucks are designed to pull vehicles along the road, and they typically have specialized towing equipment for attaching to the disabled vehicle.
Hauling vehicles, on the other hand, must be equipped with a hitch for towing trailers or flatbeds with loads. Additionally, hauling involves more equipment to secure the load.
3. Purpose
Finally, the third difference between towing and hauling is the purpose or the reason for the transporting. Towing is done as a result of vehicle malfunctions that make it unable to move on its own.
Hauling is done for the sole purpose of transporting goods, equipment, vehicle, or anything that can be carried in or on the vehicle for a designated period.
Towing vs. Hauling: Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the difference between towing and hauling is essential for tow truck drivers and tow operators. While both involve moving vehicles or loads from one location to another, they use different methods, equipment, and purposes. By keeping these distinctions in mind, it’s possible to provide better service to customers and ensure safe, efficient transport. As a tow operator, being able to identify the right option for each situation is crucial for your business.
