Dollies Don't Walk

By Randall C. Resch

Confucius say, “Grasshoppa’, wrecka’ dollies might roll, yet they don’t walk!” This sentiment comes from another dismayed tower complaining a set of dollies were stolen off his wrecker. As our conversation progressed, he openly admitted he didn’t check to see if they were locked—and wasn’t sure how to handle his irate owner’s wrath.

Label me funny, but tow company procedures should require operators to make it standard practice to ensure dollies are locked after every use. So, what requirements should owners mandate to make personnel responsible for securing equipment?

When it comes to locked and secured dollies, every devil’s advocate suggests there’s no stopping determined thieves working under cover of darkness armed with a mini-Sawzall—but why cut when you can just lift and walk away?

Call the Cops

Losing dolly equipment off trucks isn’t new. Even a rocket scientist can recognize that “anything not tied down, locked, bolted in, or secured in place is easy taking.” From an investigator’s viewpoint, consider:

• Were dollies stolen—or was something else at play?

• Were they not locked or secured atop the wrecker’s stowage bracket?

• Were dolly bunks left unsecured, allowing easy liberation?

• Did unsecured dollies “bounce and launch” from trucks in traffic?

• Did a competitor help themselves to stock their trucks?

• Did a thief swipe a set and post it for sale online?

• Did an employee take them while outfitting a new truck?

• Or is a fraudulent insurance claim in the making?

What About Liability?

Imagine motorists traveling at highway speed when a tow truck drops a dolly rack into traffic, forcing vehicles to swerve. What liability exists when investigation proves the rack wasn’t secured?

Consider two real-world incidents:

A suicidal driver struck a parked Ford F-450 wrecker providing flat-tire service on a Southern California highway. At the end of the job, the tower sat in the passenger seat writing an invoice. The motorist, standing outside the open door, was struck across the face by an unsecured dolly rack. Fortunately, she survived.

In another case, a dolly rack ejected from a moving wrecker and landed beneath a following car. The vehicle skidded atop the rack, grinding to a stop in a shower of sparks. The rack punctured the gas tank, igniting the underside. If not for the quick actions of an off-duty police officer and another motorist, the driver and her son might have been burned alive.

Security Measures

Tow owners attending shows should take a hard look at dolly rack locks. Too often, setups rely on flimsy metal loops and small locks—or simple slip pins—to secure racks.

Only a few dolly lock mounts offer superior security, and they come at a cost. Whether purchasing new equipment or evaluating existing setups, owners should think in terms of “good, better, best” security. Nothing says you can’t fabricate better securement points—but they’re only effective if used.

Engrave your company name and ID number in inconspicuous places, or paint racks distinct colors. If theft occurs, provide identifying details in your report—and monitor online marketplaces like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and industry sites. If stolen dollies appear, notify law enforcement immediately.

A company’s PPM should clearly outline operator responsibility for securing dollies. When dollies go missing and weren’t locked, it becomes an employee and management issue.

Sticker Shock

If you haven’t priced new dollies lately, brace for sticker shock. A recent ad listed a full set of Collins G7 dollies (crossbars and lift handle) for $2,795. Other sets range from $1,500 to $3,500, not including shipping.

That’s a hard hit when “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

When trucks are parked in accessible areas, thieves can simply pull alongside and help themselves. Whether it’s a competitor or someone looking for quick cash, when dollies are stolen, the first question remains:

Were they locked?

Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer, former tow business owner, and industry advocate. As a consultant and trainer, he teaches tow truck operator safety courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. With 55 years in the towing and recovery industry, he has authored more than 800 safety-focused articles and is a frequent seminar presenter. Inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Industry Hall of Fame in 2014, he is also a recipient of the Dave Jones Leadership Award and a member of American Towman’s Safety Committee.Email: rreschran@gmail.com