Montana company banned for overcharging tow fees

A tow company in Billings, Montana, has been banned from operating after charging a local business an outrageous fee for a short tow. Anderson Towing charged Kenyon Noble Lumber and Hardware $6,700 for towing a truck just four miles after an accident. This suspension, lasting six months, is the longest ever given to a tow company in Montana. The Tow Truck Resolution Complaint Committee found that the charges were two and a half to three times higher than what is usually expected. The tow included excessive fees, such as $2,500 for hazardous material response, despite only a small fuel spill. The company also charged $900 for the wrecker and $450 for the driver, while the average is around $272 for both. The incident occurred on April 17, 2024, when the hardware store filed a complaint. As a result, Anderson Towing will not be responding to calls for tow assistance during the suspension, which will end on April 30. Officials hope this decision will hold towing companies accountable. Anderson's owner defended the high charges, claiming the response was necessary. The company has filed for a judicial review to contest the suspension. Meanwhile, the Montana Tow Truck Association emphasized that most towing businesses operate fairly.