Tow truck operator training has evolved far beyond basic hook-and-go techniques. As modern towing equipment grows more powerful and complex, proper training is essential not just for effective service—but for operator safety, roadside professionalism, and regulatory compliance. At Scomac Associates, LLC, we take that responsibility seriously.
In partnership with ERSCA (Emergency Road Service Coalition of America), our hands-on and classroom-based courses have become a standard for tow professionals who want to do more than check boxes—they want to lead in safety and skill. This article outlines our updated training approach for 2026, what’s changed, and why tow truck operator training is more essential than ever.
Why 2025 Is the Right Time for an Update
Since our last major training rollout in 2024, the industry has seen growing attention on EV recoveries, DOT inspections, OSHA and FMCSA enforcement, and the increasing dangers of roadside operations. We’ve adapted our tow truck operator training courses to match the needs of today’s working towers. Whether you’re new to the industry or a 20-year veteran, these sessions now provide more relevant material, modern recovery strategies, and clear guidance on compliance challenges.
What’s Changed in the Industry?
- Rise of electric vehicles and battery fire risk mitigation during towing
- More advanced winch systems with load-sensing and safety lockouts
- Increased FMCSA citations tied to improper load securement
- Greater insurance scrutiny of recovery procedures
- State-by-state updates on Move Over Law enforcement
Our updated tow truck operator training programs account for these trends with realistic demonstrations, hands-on learning, and regulator-aligned curriculum enhancements.
Training Modules Now Include:
- Safe winch operations using wire rope and synthetic line
- Advanced rigging with snatch blocks, chains, straps, and shackles
- Proper use of wheel lifts and flatbeds for light-duty recovery
- Rotator operations and heavy recovery principles
- Risk assessment and scene safety using Zoned Work Areas
- EV-specific precautions for tow and transport
- Trailer loading with proper weight distribution and securement
Training isn’t just about gear—it’s about decisions. That’s why every module emphasizes judgment, risk awareness, and safe execution under pressure.
Classroom Meets Reality: Our Hands-On Approach
Unlike online-only certification mills, our tow truck operator training is immersive. We use real-world props, functioning winch systems, damaged vehicles, and field-grade trailers in the classroom and parking lot. Students rotate between training stations, working directly with equipment while guided by certified instructors who’ve lived the job.
We also use detailed case studies—some drawn from our own consulting and response support work—to highlight mistakes, equipment failures, and successful recoveries. These sessions make the content stick in a way no PowerPoint ever could.
Meet the Instructor
Chuck MacLellan – Scomac Associates, LLC
Chuck brings decades of towing and recovery experience, with a teaching style known for clarity, humor, and real-world examples. He’s ERSCA-certified across multiple training programs and has taught hundreds of operators across the Northeast. Chuck also works directly with CVE officers to improve roadside enforcement consistency, making him uniquely suited to speak the language of both operator and regulator.
Who Should Attend?
This tow truck operator training is ideal for:
- New operators needing foundational skills
- Veteran drivers updating techniques or gear knowledge
- Safety directors and fleet managers
- Dispatchers wanting to better understand field limitations
- Law enforcement and CVE officers looking to understand towing realities
Why Choose Scomac + ERSCA?
Our training is built on three key principles:
- Credibility – ERSCA’s national curriculum + Chuck’s reputation for straight talk
- Applicability – Every topic ties directly into daily recovery challenges
- Clarity – Students leave knowing how to do it better, not just why it matters
We don’t believe in fluff or filler. Our goal is to train working towers to be safer, smarter, and more confident under pressure.
What Students Are Saying
“I’ve been towing for 15 years and still picked up multiple techniques I wasn’t using. The way Chuck explained bridle angles and failure points clicked for me immediately.”
“I’ve taken a bunch of manufacturer-sponsored classes, and this was the most useful hands-on training I’ve had. The rigs and props were realistic, and the instructors gave us space to think through mistakes.”
Real-World Application: Case Study
One recent course involved a simulated load shift with a 12,000-lb forklift on a tilt trailer. Operators used snatch blocks, axle straps, and chained securement to reposition and stabilize the load without causing further damage. Instructors walked through anchor point selection, force angles, and sling protection. The scenario mirrored dozens of real calls and demonstrated the value of applied classroom training.
Upcoming Sessions and How to Register
We offer rotating sessions across the Northeast with both standard duty and heavy-duty options. Our updated class schedule can be found here:
https://scomacassllc.com/training-schedule/
Space is limited due to hands-on gear rotation, so early sign-ups are encouraged.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to the industry or brushing up on best practices, tow truck operator training with Scomac and ERSCA delivers the clarity, confidence, and capability to do the job right. We’re here to make sure every operator gets home safe—and every recovery gets done safely, efficiently, and professionally.
Learn more about ERSCA at https://ersca.org.
View all upcoming classes at https://scomacassllc.com/training-schedule/.