Towing and Recovery Incentive Payment (TRIP) Program

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Towing and Recovery Incentive Payment (TRIP) Program establishes a multiple-award contract for heavy towing and recovery services across 12 geographic zones in Ohio. The IDV is designed to expedite the clearance of large commercial vehicles (DOT Class 5-9) blocking travel lanes, focusing on incidents such as jackknifed semis, lost loads, structure impacts, truck fires, and mechanical issues. Participating vendors must provide specialized equipment including 35-ton hydraulic wreckers, skid loaders, fuel transfer systems, and support trucks, with a critical emphasis on rapid response and incident management.

The contract, awarded to Bates Garage & Towing LLC, is a competitive selection IDV covering the period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, with a geographic focus on Ohio. Vendors are eligible for an incentive payment of $2,499 per successful TRIP event, contingent upon meeting strict response time requirements (45 minutes during peak hours, 60 minutes during non-peak hours) and completing vehicle and debris removal within 90 minutes. The contract type is a competitive selection, with Bates Garage & Towing specifically qualified for TRIP Zone 3A, and requires vendors to maintain comprehensive commercial insurance, commercial driver's licenses, and complete Ohio Traffic Incident Management (OTIM) training.