5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Towing Company for Your Trailer or Container

Hi, I’m Phil from Phil’s Towing in Kamloops. Over the years, I’ve helped countless people move trailers, tiny houses, and C-cans across British Columbia. Whether it’s a big move or a smaller job, I always tell folks that not all towing companies are created equal. Asking the right questions before hiring a towing company can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.

Choosing a towing partner is about more than just finding someone who owns a truck. It’s about ensuring they have the expertise, equipment, and professionalism to handle your specific needs. Here are five questions you should ask before hiring a towing company—and why they matter.

1. Do You Have Experience with This Type of Tow?

Not all towing jobs are the same. Moving a car is very different from towing a tiny house, a fully loaded C-can, or a trailer. Specialized jobs require specific knowledge and equipment.

At Phil’s Towing, trailer towing is one of our specialties. Whether it’s a compact camping trailer, a tiny house, or a heavy container, I’ve done it all. Experience matters because it ensures that your load will be handled safely and efficiently. A towing company without experience in your type of tow might not know how to secure the load properly, plan for weight distribution, or navigate BC’s challenging terrain.

Ask the towing company if they have experience with jobs like yours and if they’ve handled similar loads before. Don’t hesitate to request examples or even photos of past work.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This one might seem obvious, but it’s absolutely critical. A licensed towing company is operating legally and adhering to industry standards. Insurance, on the other hand, is your safety net. If anything goes wrong during the tow—whether it’s accidental damage or a road mishap—you want to make sure you’re covered.

At Phil’s Towing, we’re fully licensed and insured, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. Before you hire anyone, make sure to ask for proof of both. A reputable company will have no problem providing this information.

3. What Equipment Do You Use?

The right equipment can make or break a towing job. Depending on the size and weight of your trailer, tiny house, or container, the company needs to have the appropriate tools to secure and transport it safely.

For example, at Phil’s Towing, I use heavy-duty trucks, custom hitches, and top-of-the-line straps to ensure your load stays secure during the journey. If a company is vague about their equipment or seems unprepared, consider it a red flag.

Also, ask if their trucks are equipped to handle the weight and dimensions of your load. Overloading a truck or using the wrong hitch can lead to delays or even accidents.

4. How Do You Plan for the Route?

British Columbia is known for its beautiful—and sometimes tricky—terrain. From steep mountain passes to narrow rural roads, towing in BC requires careful planning. Ask the towing company how they approach route planning. Will they take the time to identify potential hazards or restrictions, like low bridges or tight turns?

Route planning is a key part of what I do at Phil’s Towing. Before every job, I research the best path to get your load to its destination safely and on time. I’ll also communicate with you if there are any unavoidable challenges along the way.

5. What’s Included in Your Pricing?

Price is always an important factor, but it’s essential to know what you’re paying for. Some companies offer low quotes upfront but tack on extra fees for things like mileage, permits, or equipment use. Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of costs.

At Phil’s Towing, I believe in transparency. My quotes include everything you need to get the job done right, with no surprises. If permits or special equipment are required, I’ll let you know upfront. Always get clarity about what’s included so you can compare quotes fairly.

Why These Questions Matter

Hiring a towing company is about more than just getting your trailer or container from Point A to Point B. It’s about trusting someone with something valuable, whether it’s your home, your business equipment, or your family’s trailer. Asking these questions will help you find a towing company that values safety, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

If you’re in Kamloops or anywhere in BC and need help with trailer towing, tiny house transport, or container moving, I’d be happy to answer these questions and any others you might have. At Phil’s Towing, I’m committed to making your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Give me a call or fill out my form to learn more. Let’s get your journey started the right way.