Bruce Brown wrote:
^^^ This is true, however in the case of the OP they were only about 30 minutes past the I77/I81 intersection at Ft Chiswell and about 45 minutes past the I77/I81 intersection at Wytheville. Both of these intersection are very popular and have very large truck stops - check it out on Google Earth - it's impressive.
That makes this situation even more disgusting. They weren't in the middle of nowhere - they were close to a very large truck population - and where there are trucks there are tow trucks - and as shown in the original post, the OP didn't have any trouble finding a tow truck. Apparently they have more talent and resources then Good Sam did.
A quick Google search shows Total Car Care & Towing is right in Christainsburg, they are open 24/7, and offer large vehicle towing. Hmmm. Reading a few of the reviews it seems AAA doesn't have a hard time finding them.
I understand your point. I also agree GSRA may have dropped the ball. Nevertheless a call from the police generates a much higher rate for the tow operator and has a way of getting a more prompt response.
I was once at an RV dealer when another camper (5'er combo) was towed
in. They suffered a blowout and collateral body damage.
The owner told,me he was charged $1,200.00 for the tow which was the flat rate billed whenever responding to a state police tow request.
The RV was towed about 5 miles from highway to RV dealer.
My point is we are all at the mercy of the local tow operator despite any promises or marketing supplied by the roadside assistance co.
I believe you will get a better response when the request generates a lucrative guaranteed $1,200 payment. vs. a routine less profitable GSRA call. I seriously doubt GSRA would have been charge the same $1400.00 for the same tow that the OP paid.:h.
The tow operators may decline/avoid or respond slowly to a GSRA request vs. jumping at the chance to collect $1400.00 via a police tow request.
I'm not trying to defend GSRA, however I'm not sure the results would have been any different with another roadside assistance provider.
At the end of the day money talks. The tow operators know the system and understand the value of the various calls and scenarios and respond accordingly,unfortunately profit factors into the decision.
