Working in the towing service industry means not just hooking up vehicles and transporting them safely, it also comes with its own unique language. Whether you’re a tow truck operator, a dispatcher, or someone simply curious about how towing works, understanding the common words and phrases used in the industry can give you insight into this fast-paced field. Today, we at Non Stop Towing would like to take the opportunity to share a few common words and phrases often heard in the towing service industry.
Glossary
Tow. One of the most frequently heard terms is tow itself. While it seems obvious, it’s used in different contexts: a tow can refer to the act of moving a vehicle, the vehicle being towed, or even the call itself.
Recovery. Similarly, recovery is another term often used, especially when a vehicle is stuck, has been in an accident, or is otherwise unable to move under its own power. Recovery operations often require special equipment and techniques, especially for larger vehicles or difficult terrain.
Hook Up. A common phrase among dispatchers and drivers is hook up. This refers to connecting a vehicle to the tow truck, whether via chains, a wheel lift, or a flatbed.
Winch. Related to this is the term winch, which describes the motorized cable used to pull vehicles onto flatbeds or out of ditches. Tow operators also frequently mention a wheel lift, a type of towing device that lifts a vehicle by its tires rather than its frame.
Disabled Vehicle / Breakdown. When it comes to vehicle status, phrases like disabled vehicle or breakdown are used to describe cars that cannot move due to mechanical failure.
Boot / Private Tow. If a vehicle is illegally parked or abandoned, operators might refer to it as a boot situation or a private property tow, which involves removing vehicles at the request of property owners.
Accident Recovery / Police Tow. Public safety tows, like those for accidents, are often called police tow or accident recovery.
ETA. Dispatchers and operators also frequently use shorthand or codes. For example, ETA (estimated time of arrival) is crucial for managing multiple calls efficiently. Operators might ask about the location, make and model, or license plate of the vehicle to ensure proper equipment is sent.
Clear / En Route. Terms like clear or en route indicate the status of the tow in progress.
Some phrases also highlight the safety focus of the industry.
Load Secure. Load secure indicates that a vehicle is properly attached and safe for transport.
Use Chains / Chock the Wheels. Tow operators often remind each other to chock the wheels or use chains for additional security during transport.
Hook and Go / Rolling Stock. Finally, the industry also has casual jargon. Words like hook and go describe a quick tow, while rolling stock might be used to describe multiple vehicles waiting for service.
Jackknife. Even phrases like jackknife appear when dealing with larger trucks that have the potential to fold in on themselves if mishandled.
Towing & Roadside Assistance Services in Aliante, Centennial, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Enterprise, Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, Lone Mountain Village, North LV, Peccole Ranch, Paradise, Silverado Ranch, Spring Valley, Summerlin, Sunrise Manor, Tuscany Village, Whitney, Winchester & Las Vegas Nevada
Whether you’re new to the towing world or just curious, learning these words and phrases can make conversations with tow operators more understandable and reveal just how specialized this industry truly is. Behind every tow call is a language of its own, designed to ensure vehicles are moved safely, efficiently, and professionally. Trust in Non Stop Towing for safe, quality towing.
