"Shark operators" in Queensland's tow truck industry will be scrutinised by a three-month inquiry by a retired judge, with plans announced on Sunday by Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.

Mr Bailey detailed what he described as "totally outrageous behaviour" revealed in some of the 277 phone calls and 177 official complaints against tow truck operators as he unveiled the inquiry he will take to State Cabinet on Monday.

"The one that really offended me most deeply, was a mother dropping back to her unit very briefly, parking at the commercial zone next to her unit with a baby in the car," Mr Bailey said this morning.

"She was gone a minute to get something upstairs and her baby was in the car being towed by one of the shark operators," he said.