Anderson Towing Suspended After Overcharging in Billings.

Anderson Towing, a Billings-based towing company, has been suspended from the Montana Highway Patrol’s (MHP) tow response list after charging a Bozeman hardware store excessive fees for a truck tow. The company has been placed on a six-month suspension after charging up to three times the standard rates, a decision that highlights the need for stricter oversight in the towing industry.

Unjustified Charges Lead to Suspension

The incident occurred on April 17, 2024, when Anderson Towing charged Kenyon Noble Lumber and Hardware $6,700 for a four-mile tow following a crash in Bozeman. The fees, deemed “egregious” by the Tow Truck Resolution Complaint Committee (TTRCC), included charges far above what is considered reasonable for such services.

Andrew Butler, supervising attorney for the TTRCC, commented, “The billing in this case was determined by the board to be egregious enough to reach the level of a suspension.”

Breakdown of Overcharged Fees

The charges raised by Anderson Towing included more than $2,500 for a hazmat response, even though only a small amount of fuel—less than 25 gallons—was spilled, which does not typically warrant a hazmat response. In addition, Anderson charged $900 for the wrecker and $450 for the driver, even though the average cost for these services is around $272.

A $500 charge for traffic control equipment, including signs, cones, and warning lights, was also added. This fee was deemed double-billed, as it was already covered by the hazmat response truck.

Other charges, such as a $100 lien processing fee and $110.60 for the four-mile tow, further contributed to the inflated total.

Industry Reactions to the Suspension

Scott Wolff, president of the Montana Tow Truck Association, clarified that the majority of towing businesses in Montana operate ethically. “This incident is an aberration, and 99 percent of towing businesses are good,” Wolff said.

However, he supported the suspension as a necessary step to hold Anderson Towing accountable and ensure fair business practices in the towing industry.

“Once you get a towing company’s attention like that, I would hope they would stay within the sideboards of industry standards,” Wolff added.

Anderson Towing's Defense and Legal Review

Although Anderson Towing has been suspended from the MHP’s rotation, the company is still part of the Yellowstone County rotation. Anderson Towing has filed for a judicial review in Lewis & Clark County District Court, challenging the suspension.

Despite multiple attempts to reach Anderson Towing for comment, the company has not responded to media inquiries. However, company owner Cameron Cochran did speak with the TTRCC, defending the hazmat charges and asserting that his employees provided proper cleanup services. Cochran claimed that the amount of oil and fluids spilled required a hazmat response.

 Industry Accountability and the Legal Process

While Anderson Towing’s suspension is set to lift on April 30, 2024, the case highlights the importance of holding towing companies accountable for their practices. The decision serves as a warning to other businesses in the industry, emphasizing the need for transparency and adherence to fair pricing.

As Anderson Towing seeks a judicial review of the suspension, the legal proceedings may shape future towing practices in Montana. The outcome of the review could potentially alter how the company handles charges, as well as influence broader industry standards.

The case also sheds light on the broader issue of towing company pricing, especially regarding hazmat charges and other inflated fees.

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