Vehicle Management Solutions

What Vehicle Management Solutions does

Vehicle Management Solutions (VMS), founded in 1979 and headquartered in Tinley Park, Illinois, is a private, PE-backed managed-services provider that operates as the nation's largest vehicle management platform across 22 states. The company delivers three integrated service lines — dispatch management, vehicle storage management, and traffic incident management — primarily to government clients including state Departments of Transportation, municipal police departments, and city governments, with secondary commercial clients in insurance, auto clubs, logistics, and private property management. VMS processes over 400,000 dispatches, 170,000 traffic incidents, and 100,000 municipal impoundments annually, and sells over 25,000 unclaimed vehicles per year through online and live auctions.

VMS's technology stack centers on the proprietary TOPS Central Management Application (CMA), a dispatch management platform that allocates tow requests to operators using fairness algorithms based on fastest ETA and truck availability, and integrates with the Waycare predictive analytics platform for proactive incident response and fleet management. The company also holds a patent on the DebrisClear system, a proprietary debris removal technology used in freeway service patrol operations. Field operations are supported by a network of local tow operator partners and 24/7 dispatch and storage facilities across major metropolitan markets including Chicago, San Antonio, Nashville, El Paso, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Indianapolis, San Francisco, and Memphis.

VMS generates revenue primarily through long-term managed-services contracts with government agencies, with pricing negotiated per contract based on scope, volume, and service level. Secondary revenue streams include transaction-based fees from commercial clients and auction proceeds from unclaimed vehicle sales. Following Mill Point Capital's July 2022 platform acquisition, VMS has executed an aggressive acquisition strategy (nine deals through November 2025), rebranded from United Road Towing in March 2023, secured a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract in 2024, and continues to expand geographically through both organic contract wins and bolt-on acquisitions.

Name

Vehicle Management Solutions

Legal name

Vehicle Management Solutions LLC

Website

https://vmsolutions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

VMS is the nation's largest provider of dispatch, vehicle storage, and traffic incident management services, serving government agencies, law enforcement, and commercial clients across 22 states via its proprietary TOPS platform and a nationwide network of tow operators.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Traffic and Vehicle Management Services

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Towing (488410)

SIC

Services-Automotive Repair, Services & Parking (7500)

akta.pro primary industry

Towing, Impound & Vehicle Relocation Services (BPABAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Accident Management Services (Incident Response, Towing, Repair Coordination) (TLABANAI), Salvage, Total Loss & Insurance Auction Services (TLABAKAH)

Keywords

• Vehicle management services
• Dispatch management solutions
• Traffic incident management
• Municipal impound operations
• Freeway service patrol

Headquarters

HQ city

Mokena

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government Contracts: VMS generates primary revenue through long-term contracts with state Departments of Transportation for freeway service patrol programs, municipal police departments for dispatch and impound management, and city governments for vehicle storage facility operations. These contracts typically span multiple years with recurring service fees based on volume of dispatches, incidents managed, or vehicles stored.
2. Commercial Client Services: Fees from insurance companies, auto clubs (motor clubs), logistics companies, housing associations, and private property owners for dispatch management, vehicle relocation, and impound services. Revenue is generated through per-transaction fees or ongoing service agreements.
3. Unclaimed Vehicle Auctions: VMS conducts weekly and monthly unclaimed vehicle auctions both online and in-person at affiliate locations, generating revenue through auction fees and maximizing sales proceeds for municipal clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Vehicle Management Solutions provides three core services: (1) Dispatch Management - centralized coordination between first responders and tow operators using proprietary TOPS CMA software; (2) Vehicle Storage Management - impound lot operations, secured vehicle storage, release processing, and unclaimed vehicle auctions; and (3) Traffic Incident Management - highway safety patrols and rapid incident clearance using Waycare predictive analytics and the patented DebrisClear system. VMS manages 400,000+ dispatches, 100,000+ impoundments, and 170,000+ traffic incidents annually across 22 states.

Product overview

VMS offers a unified vehicle management platform encompassing three core services: Dispatch Management, Vehicle Storage Management, and Traffic Incident Management. The platform is powered by proprietary software including the TOPS Central Management Application (CMA) for dispatch operations and integrates with Waycare for predictive fleet analytics. The Traffic Incident Management service utilizes the patented DebrisClear system for debris removal. VMS also operates unclaimed vehicle auctions as part of its end-to-end vehicle lifecycle management. The company serves municipal, state, and law enforcement clients as well as private commercial customers including insurance companies, logistics companies, and property owners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dispatch Management Centralized dispatch management solution that manages communications between first responders and tow service providers, pairing inbound vehicle towing requests with available tow operators in VMS's network. Processes over 400,000 dispatches annually using the TOPS Central Management Application with fairness algorithms. Serves police departments, state agencies, insurance companies, and motor clubs.
• Vehicle Storage Management Impound operation services including receiving towed vehicles, storage at secured facilities, processing release to vehicle owners, and disposal of unclaimed vehicles through online and in-person auctions. Processes 100,000+ municipal impoundments and conducts 25,000+ unclaimed vehicle sales annually for municipal and law enforcement clients.
• Traffic Incident Management Emergency roadside assistance and traffic incident management programs providing rapid clearance of disabled vehicles and crashes on high-volume highways. Clears over 170,000 incidents annually using predictive analytics and proprietary debris-clearing technology with average incident response time of 47 seconds and average clearance time of 12 minutes 43 seconds.
• Safety Service Patrol Highway safety patrol services providing emergency roadside assistance, vehicle accident response, debris removal, and disabled vehicle clearance. Includes Courtesy Patrol contracts with state Departments of Transportation including Nevada DOT, West Virginia DOH, and others across 22 states.
• Unclaimed Vehicle Auctions Weekly and monthly unclaimed vehicle auctions conducted both online and in-person at affiliate locations. VMS runs approximately 25,000 unclaimed vehicle sales per year through live and online auctions to expand reach, boost demand, and maximize sales proceeds for municipal clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduced dispatch response times by over 70% from 45+ minutes to 13 minutes in San Antonio
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• AutoBase Inc.flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 November 2025National provider of safety service patrol and traffic incident management services with operations across nine states in Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Partners with state DOTs for motorist assistance, vehicle accident response, and debris removal. Acquisition expanded VMS to serve clients in 22 states.
• Dynamic Towing HoldingscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 September 2025One of the largest private-property impound towing operators in Dallas and North Texas communities. Founded in 2021, serves apartment communities, commercial properties, and municipalities. Provides both conventional and virtual parking management solutions.
• Rendered Services, Inc. (South Chicago Operations)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 January 2025Chicago's premier commercial relocation management provider serving over 15,000 customers over 40 years. Acquisition of South Chicago operations strengthened VMS's position in private property relocation services.
• All Area W&W Towing, Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 October 2024Regional vehicle recovery company serving Cook County, IL for over 11 years. Owned by Early Walker. Expanded VMS operations into cities of Harvey, Markham, Matteson, Sauk Village and surrounding suburbs.
• Grant Street Companies, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 March 2024Provider of police and private property impound vehicle storage management, operating Peak Auto Storage and Southwest Auto Tow in Dallas-Fort Worth, and A Tow in Atlanta. Subsidiary of Summit Vehicle Solutions with 60-year track record.
• TEGSCO LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 October 2023Full-service auto pound management provider operating in San Francisco, CA and Indianapolis, IN. Founded in 2002, TEGSCO has long-standing reputation for technology-driven municipal auto pound logistics. Led by John Wicker (Chairman of Board). Partnership expanded VMS's vehicle storage segment and entered two new markets.
• Integrity Parking ManagementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 June 2023Leading light-duty Private Property Impound (PPI) company based in Denton, Texas serving Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Generates revenue from apartment complexes and associations. Aligned with VMS's Dallas operations.
• IncidentClear, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 February 2023Strategic partnership creating the largest freeway service patrol offering. IncidentClear is a leading pure-play FSP provider headquartered in Arvada, Colorado, specializing in traffic support and incident management. Co-founded by Ryan Davids. Uses proprietary DebrisClear patented system for debris removal.
• WaycarecoreTechnology or IntegrationAdvanced fleet management and predictive analytics software partner. Patrol vehicles are outfitted with tablets running Waycare which improves tracking of performance measures and leverages machine learning to predict where incidents are likely to occur, enabling proactive technician deployment.
• CAARS, Inc.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSan Antonio-based minority and women-owned business enterprise collaborating on local dispatch center operations for San Antonio Police Department contract.
• Chacon Towing & Roadside AssistanceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSub-contract wrecker service partner in San Antonio that has experienced significant business growth through relationship with VMS. Cited high level of professionalism, open communication, and great experience from operational and administrative standpoint.
• State Farm and GeicominorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommercial sponsors for Nevada Department of Transportation Freeway Service Patrol program, helping reduce program costs through sponsorship arrangements.
• Network of Local Tow OperatorscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExtensive network of local and regional tow operators across the United States including Ross Baker Towing, Keystone Towing, Quality Towing, South Strip Towing, Sunrise Towing, Walnut Hill Wrecker, Cornish Wrecker, Signature Towing, E&R Towing, Xpert Towing, and many others. Partners provide dispatch, towing, and roadside assistance services under VMS management.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions): IAA is a leading salvage and total-loss vehicle auctioneer serving insurance carriers, rental companies, and dealers. It directly overlaps with VMS's 25,000+ annual unclaimed vehicle auction operations in vehicle disposition workflows.
• AutoReturn: AutoReturn is a direct competitor managing police-directed towing and impound programs for municipalities. It serves similar government clients with comparable dispatch and vehicle storage solutions, making it VMS's closest direct peer in municipal tow management.
• Copart: Copart operates the largest online salvage vehicle auction platform in North America. It is directly comparable to VMS's unclaimed vehicle auction business and competes for the same pool of total-loss, donated, and impounded vehicles.

Broad incumbents

• Holman Automotive: Holman is a privately-held automotive services group offering fleet management, leasing, parts, and vehicle recovery. It is a broad incumbent with overlapping fleet services and impound-adjacent operations relevant to VMS's commercial segments.
• Element Fleet Management: Element is one of the largest fleet management services companies globally, serving commercial fleets with vehicle lifecycle services. It is adjacent to VMS's logistics and fleet recovery offerings as a broad incumbent.
• Agero: Agero is a major roadside assistance and claims management platform serving insurers, automakers, and fleet operators. It overlaps with VMS's dispatch management, vehicle recovery, and commercial roadside services at broader enterprise scale.
• Wheels (Wheels, Inc.): Wheels is a long-established fleet management and leasing company serving enterprise fleets. It is adjacent to VMS's logistics and commercial fleet service offerings as a broad incumbent player.
• Manheim: Manheim (a Cox Automotive company) operates the world's largest wholesale vehicle auction network. While broader than VMS's auction operations, Manheim handles unclaimed/total-loss inventory at scale and is a relevant incumbent peer.

Emerging players

• Urgently: Urgently provides a digital roadside assistance and connected vehicle platform serving OEMs, insurers, and fleets. It overlaps with VMS's commercial roadside and vehicle recovery services through a more software-led model.
• Honk: Honk is a digital roadside assistance platform connecting drivers to tow operators via an on-demand app. It is an emerging player with partial overlap in dispatch/roadside services and competes for commercial roadside contracts similar to VMS's auto club and insurance work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/vehicle-management-solutions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A3 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vehicle Management Solutions