American Towman Magazine - Feb2021 by dortiz-towman

The Road Calls

Back On Track

A Precision Recovery

Add Revenue Thru Cleanup

UNDER A BRIDGE Recovery

Be Proactive On Legislation

TowIndustryWeek.com

FEBRUARY 2021 AmericanTowman.com

$10

4 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 5

Contents

Cover Feature

Volume 45 Issue 2

February 22

Slingshot Train Lift

Getting a train back on track was the challenge for this California towing operation. by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

2019 Peterbilt 389 with a Century 1075 75-ton rotator was used to lift rail car.

Features

Preserving the Environment and Getting Paid for It

2021 Departments 8

The Walkaround

News Share

Road Tools

Zoom In

Tow Boss

Tow Manager

Ad Index

Towman’s Market

My Baby

Lowdown

Adventures of A.T.

Cleaning an accident scene has become a revenue stream for many towers. Here are tips from one veteran on how to manage the operation. by John Borowski

Night Moves Upstate Winching a casualty out from under a bridge was a tricky proposition. by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

6 • February 2021 | Towman.com

First on the scene since 1977

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 7

The Walkaround Unity

Dennie Ortiz Publisher

Change is inevitable though not neccessarily easy to accept. For us to adapt well we need to concentrate on how change can be positive. By encouraging change and helping to enact change we can create benefits for this great industry. As the legislative season begins Brian Riker, American Towman contributing editor and lobbying representative of TRAA LAN (Legislative Advocacy Network) committee calls towers to action. He advocates that towers need to be more active within their state and or national association, suggesting that participating along with others with similar interests can make for a powerful mandate to which law makers would pay attention. When any one particular group of people are divided it is easier to be taken advantage of, misled or dismissed, however, when a group is united in their cause, their collective voice is that much more powerful than that of the lone individual. The basic foundation of the towing industry comprises independent spirits running their individual businesses and relying on their own savvy to be successful. So it is natural to have a certain sense of caution or preservation when you are accustomed to have to go it alone. This could be one of the reasons why the industry has been fragmented and not joined collective forces sooner in a greater manner. There are many other industry groups that band together and create powerful associations. We all have differences of opinion on many different matters, even differences between those who are family, share a common faith, political affiliation or cultural background ... that’s just human nature. It would be a boring world if everyone had the same beliefs, ideas and opinions as every other person around them. It is the differences within us that make a group that much more powerful, filled with diversified ideas of which individually or combined together may be the key to future success. The key is to find what common ground we do share and use that as a starting point to discuss the needs of the towing industry in order to take it to the next level. I’ve always said we have many unique characters within this world of towing. By coming together this will only make us that much stronger with a more substantial potential to accomplish our goals. It is easier to complain about a situation, and much harder to actually do something about it. We have a lot of great thinkers and doers in this industry. So let’s come together more strongly and (in the immortal words of Tow Mater) let’s Git-R-Done!

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Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri Brendan Dooley Randall Resch Terry Abejuela Jim “Buck” Sorrenti David Kolman Bill Simmons Mark Lacek Brian Riker

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor Operations Editor Field Editor, West Field Editor, Northeast Chassis Editor Safety Editor Repo Run Editor Contributing Editor

Editorial Board Tommy Anderson Roy Carlson Debbie Collins Belinda Harris Bill Johnson Ron Mislan Kurt Wilson

Dallas, Texas Saint Paul, Minn. Las Vegas, Nev. Greensboro, N.C. South Hadley, Mass. Warren, N.J. Creve Coeur, Ill.

American Towman Staff Page Layout Artist Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec. Customer Service Subscription Manager Regional Advertising Sales iMarketing Manager ATTV Producer President

Gina Johnson Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Henri Calitri Patrice Gesner Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Emily Oz Steve Calitri

American Towman Media Headquarters 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546

E-Mail: Publisher Editor-In-Chief AT’S Digital Edition AT’S Website AT’S Weekly ATTV

dortiz@towman.com scalitri@towman.com itowman.com americantowman.com towindustryweek.com americantowmantv.com

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All material published through American Towman Media (AT), to include American Towman Magazine, iTowman.com and TowIndustryWeek.com, including advertisements, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. However, AT accepts no liability for any errors or omissions, and does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear. AT does not test or review products submitted for inclusion in its publications. AT does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of content, warranties or claims made or implied by its advertisers. The views expressed are the authors’ alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of AT. The act of mailing or delivering a letter, email or article to AT shall constitute permission to publish that letter or article or any portion thereof. AT reserves the right to edit any and all material submitted. No part of the magazine or websites may be reproduced without prior written consent of AT.

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 9

News Share NYC Shuts Down Tow Pound

Due to a state government directive ordered by the Cuomo administration, tow operators in NYC may see less action due to a shut-down of NYC’s tow pound at Pier 76. The pound has been considered an eyesore and the government wants to turn it over to the Hudson River Park Trust for redevelopment. Franklyn Sepulveda, deputy director of NYPD’s traffic division, told dozens of tow operators to immediately stop towing until further notice. Marvin Robbins, vice president of District Council 37 Local 983 claims the order puts New Yorkers at risk. “Once people realize they won’t be towed, it’s going to be a free-for-all like the Wild West,” said Robbins. Operators have been told they have two weeks to relocate to one of the NYPD’s three other pounds in the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn, which Robbins said lack space for the added staff and vehicles. Source: nypost.com

Trials in Towing the Mark

Pepe’s Towing Services is suing the city of Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino County, along with seven individuals, over unfair treatment and sudden termination of their services. Pepe’s claims they were reprimanded four times in 2018 for arriving a few minutes after a 20-minute mandate. Despite a successful appeal and removal from their record, the company maintains that Rancho Cucamonga’s Chief of Police, Donny Mahoney, discriminated against them by directing a majority of tows to other tow operators. When they complained about the discriminatory action, their services were terminated by the city. Manuel Acosta, President and Coowner of Pepe’s Towing Services said, “The City of Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has a history of unfair and discriminatory practices against Pepe’s Towing.” The suit also claims that San Bernardino County Sheriffs Executive Director John Fogerty showed favoritism and made backdoor deals with other tow companies based on his relationships with the owners. Source: https://www.einnews.com/

10 • February 2021 | Towman.com

Henry Shaver, owner of Albermarle Towing.

Tower with Alzheimer’s

Honored by Community

40 year veteran Va. tower Henry Shaver, the owner of Albermarle Towing, was paid tribute in front of his house when a parade of 100 tow trucks, police cars and fire trucks honored his work in the community. Shaver’s health has been in decline due to Alzheimer’s. Phil Patterson, one of the organizers of the parade, said Shaver has been a big part of his life. “I’ve known Henry since I was 15. He’s towed every car I’ve ever owned,” said Patterson. “He’s always volunteering

his time to the rescue squads and fire departments. I think every fireman and every policeman knows who he is. He’s towed school buses and trash trucks. Just about every one of them in Albemarle County at least.” W.J. Shaver, Henry’s son, also honored his father’s legacy. “He taught me everything I know in the business,” he said. “I wouldn’t be the man that I am without the father that I had growing up.” Source: cbs19news.com

Conn. Man Charged in Death of Tower 47 year old Dean Robert turned himself in on Friday, January 8 in Bridgeport, Conn., as he was charged with 2nd degree manslaughter in the death of tow truck driver Corey Iodice. He was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and for reckless driving. Corey Iodice of Iodice Family Transport in Fairfield, Conn. was killed in April when Robert lost control of his BMW, striking Iodice as he was in the process of loading a disabled Mercedes Benz on the flatbed of his tow truck. State police said that Robert “lost control for unknown reasons while traveling in the right lane, struck a vehicle parked behind the tow truck and struck and killed Iodice.” “Corey was one of the best operators that I’ve ever worked with,” Fairfield Fire Chief George Gomola said of Iodice

Corey Iodice

in April. Fairfield Police Sgt. Michael Paris said Iodice was known to be careful and precise “in regards to wearing his vest; in regards to how he stands and positions himself and how he asks officers or firemen to get out of the way because of potential danger.” Source: ctpost.com

News Share

Tower Honored

by WreckMaster

Clayton Bush, owner of 103 Towing and Recovery.

Clayton Bush, owner of 103 Towing and Recovery, was recently honored by WreckMaster Inc. as a Top 10 WreckMaster. Bush started taking WreckMaster classes seven years ago and credits the program with helping him focus and learn the safest ways to recover and tow vehicles. He also expressed that the award exemplified professionalism, commitment to safety and doing things the right way. “There’s a danger factor in everything we do,” Bush said. “We are operating heavy equipment with hydraulics, wrenches, heavy ropes, wires chains and straps. We are

working with so much equipment that can fail and possibly kill someone. So much goes on every time we show up and everything is so intense, whether a vehicle is stopped on the side of a road or over a guardrail.” According to Bush, the WreckMaster program is like a brotherhood. “Once you are certified and a member of the program, everything we do, we feel like we represent everyone in the program. It’s my duty to do my job to represent WreckMaster to the best of my abilities. I take it seriously; the program means a lot to me,” he said. Source: swvatoday.com

Catalyst for Change

January 4 marked a year ago that Dale Jones, who worked for Performance Towing in Watertown, SD, was struck and killed pulling a vehicle out of a ditch. Since then, the state has passed two pieces of legislation that are making a difference in making the roadways safer for towers. Senate Bill 164 makes it a class 2 misdemeanor with a minimum fine of $270 for failing to move over/reduce speed to 20 miles per hour. That piece of legislation was followed by House Bill 1170, making it legal for tow truck and Department of Transportation vehicles to use blue lights in the performance of their duties. Andy Wicks, the owner of Performance Towing, said that there were two major components of the Senate Bill. He said, “First, a person is supposed to be slowing down prior to getting to the incident scene. Secondly,

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Dale Jones

it carries a much stiffer penalty.” But according to him, the biggest change has resulted from being able to use blue flashing lights. He said, “That seems to have gotten a pretty good response from traffic. You are not always a 100% safe but that seems to have generated a little more attention from the motoring public.” Source: mykxlg.com

Baltimore’s Backlog of Abandoned Cars

The city of Baltimore is trying to catch up on its backlog of abandoned cars since the suspension of towing operations due to Covid-19 pandemic. Although the city claims they have removed over 400 vehicles in the last month, there are many more to go. Frustrated citizens have voiced their concerns, complaining that they are eyesores and a blight on the city. Many of these unsightly cars are smashed up and stripped of parts and in some cases a breeding ground for trash and rodents. “I just want them to clean it all up,” said Tony Johnson, who had an abandoned car sitting in front of his home for at least 6 months. “We’ve got enough rats in the alleys due to the trash that’s not being picked up. We don’t need this.” Although towing resumed last month, the Baltimore’s Department of Transportation says it’s facing a massive backlog. “It’s a pretty hefty back log and we’re working through it,” said DOT spokesperson German Vigil. Source: foxbaltimore.com

Heavy Rescue: 401 to Air 5th Season

Discovery’s Heavy Rescue: 401 is airing 18 new episodes, in what will be its 5th season featuring Sarnia, Ontario’s Preferred Towing and other companies. Gary Vandenheuvel, who owns the towing company with wife Tammy Vandenheuvel, said the production company and a threeperson film crew that lives in Sarnia through the winter is already at work on production for its season six. Their son Collin is part of the business and the show, as are members of the company’s crew. “There’s a lot of work that goes on that I had no idea of until this entered my life,” Vandenheuvel said. “A lot of people now say to me, ‘when I see you guys out there I now slow down and move over,’” he said. “That’s what it has been about for us – to be able to educate the public a little bit about what we do and how dangerous it is.” The show is “extremely popular” and shown in 170 countries. “We hear from all kinds of people,” including “tow guys” and fans not in the industry, Vandenheuvel said. “It has all been really positive.” Source: theobserver.ca

AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 11

Road Tools In The Ditch’s Integrated Speed® Mount (ITD1349)

In The Ditch’s top selling Integrated Speed® Mount (ITD1349) now has a security upgrade. New for 2021, the upgraded latch and axle guard give the extra peace of mind knowing your dollies, axle, and breakover bars are secure from theft. Additionally, your current mounts can be retro fitted with our kit (ITD1913) for a fast and easy upgrade. There is a reason this is a top seller, its ease of use keeping the dolly frame, axle, and break over bar in one spot. The Integrated Speed® Mount is similar to the Speed® Mount, except it has an Integrated Mount that can hold a break over bar and aluminum axle. Locking the axle, break over bar, and Speed® Dolly is all done with the built-in Vice Action Lock. Made from steel with a Tuff Coat Finish, you will get years of dependable service.

InTheDitch.com

All Natural Absorbant for Spills

EnzosCleaning.com

Natural Enzorbant is one of the most versatile absorbent products on the market. Made from perennial grasses, such as Miscanthus x giganteus ( non-GMO, sterile seeds), this highly absorbent product provides quick and efficient spill management. Superior Absorbency – Use less product to absorb more oil, water, and other spills. The material is lightweight and aggressively absorbs liquids into the sponge-like plant fiber for easy disposal. Natural Enzorbant is 8x more absorbent than clay, instantly absorbs up to 5x its own weight, and is super light-weight. Multiple Applications - Natural Enzorbant may be used effectively in many applications including: sludge solidification, automotive fluid spills, industrial chemicals, drill cutting solidification, paint spills and animal bedding. Environmentally friendly, Natural Enzorbant is 100% all natural and may be landfilled or incinerated.

Kenworth W990 Adds AG130 Front Air Suspension Option The Kenworth W990 is now available with the optional Kenworth AG130 front air suspension rated at 13,200 pounds. The Kenworth W990 is designed to maximize performance in line haul, pickup and delivery, regional haul, and heavy haul operations. At 131.5 inches from bumper to back-of-cab, the long-hood W990 possesses a bold presence among conventional trucks. The proprietary Kenworth AG130 front air suspension utilizes an innovative design and high-performance components. The suspension offers excellent serviceability, reduces the total cost of maintenance and ownership, and delivers an excellent ride for drivers. The Kenworth AG130 front air suspension is also available for the Kenworth T680 and T880.

12 • February 2021 | Towman.com

Kenworth.com

Zoom In

Enhancing Car Carrier Recovery Capabilities

MillerInd.com Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

Miller Industries Towing Equipment Inc. introduces the approach plate roller guide attachment for added recovery capabilities on 10, 12, & 16-Series car carriers. After more than a year of field-testing, Miller Industries has provided tow operators and car carrier owners with a recovery solution providing 180 degrees of light-duty recovery capability at the back of the carrier. By using the center of the approach plate on Series 10, 12, & 16 steel carrier beds, this new roller guide attachment allows for easy access with quick set-up and usage on the existing 2018 and newer car carrier platform. This new solution attaches to the underside of the approach plate and locks into place at the center chain lock hole. A 1-inch machined roundhead bolt secures the roller guide to the threaded hole in the approach plate. Providing a rigid securement to the carrier bed makes this roller guide ideal to tackle the upward pulling forces associated with rollover recoveries. A low-mounted horizontal roller enables downward pulling off the back of the bed as well. The attachment is designed to be used with 3/8” and 7/16” wire rope and it is rated for 3,500 lbs. of line pull. The roller guide attachment is engineered to the highest standards of durability, and is constructed of fabricated steel with zinc plating for corrosion resistance. This car carrier attachment utilizes the newer style approach plate with a bolt hole adjacent to the center rear chain lock for proper mounting. Older steel carriers that do not have the bolt hole can be retrofitted by simply tapping a specific size hole at a precise location on the approach plate. Miller Industries vast global network of distributors are equipped and ready to assist with the retrofit process. Car carriers represent the highest volume and most popular style of towing unit on the road today. This new attachment provides a superior recovery solution for these high-usage towing units, and complements Miller Industries robust high-end car carrier platform.

AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 13

Tow Boss

Why Advocacy is More Important Now than Ever Before Legislative Advocacy for 2021 and Beyond By Brian J Riker

Brian J. Riker is a third-generation towman, with 26 years of experience in the ditch as a tow operator, and president of Fleet Compliance Solutions. He specializes in helping navigate the complex world of federal and state transportation regulatory compliance. He can be reached at brian.riker@fleetcompliancesolutions.net

s I write this, we are in the middle of tightening COVID-19 restrictions, a tumultuous Presidential transition and an unprecedented economic slowdown that has disproportionately affected businesses globally. Some businesses are thriving while others are hanging on by a thread or have folded completely. As towers we are caught in the middle of this, some of us having record earnings while others are closing shop, all because of many factors beyond our control. To add to this stress we are also facing increasing regulations and compliance burdens while trying to figure out what the future of our company will look like. While we can’t do much, if anything, about the virus related business climate we surely can work on mitigating the effects of regulations on our businesses. For many folks February is just another winter month to get through, a time where the weather is starting to lighten up a bit, days are getting longer and spring is just around the corner. For lawmakers February is when things begin to kick into high gear as the incoming new legislators have finally settled into their groove, bills have ben proposed and work has begun to decide what the season will look like. This means that February is prime time to begin contacting your local, state and federal representatives to let them know who you are, what your opinions are and ask them to help shape the future you want to see for your business. For me February is a time to finalize my presentations for the upcoming TRAA Legislative Action Workshop in Washington, DC, held this year from March

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9th thru 11th. This is the event where the towing industry has the full attention of key members of the Federal government to educate and advocate for effective and favorable legislation to help the industry prosper and remain safe while meeting the needs of the motoring public. If the 2020 election cycle taught us one thing it is that every voice counts. While I will not get political and take sides, it is clear to me that for many 2020 was the year to stand up and make their opinions known. This same energy needs to find it’s way into the towing industry if we are to take charge of our own destiny rather than sitting back and letting things happen to us. With a new President and several new members of Congress, including newly appointed Chairs of key legislative committees, as well as changes in many state governments, it is important that the towing industry be represented by a strong and unified voice. The industry must begin educating these new lawmakers, reintroducing ourselves to returning lawmakers and building relationships with the newly appointed Administrators of various Agencies that affect the industry as a solid force to be reckoned with not a meek and mild group that can be ignored. As an industry we are critical to the safety and security of this nation and it is time we stand up and are noticed for the sacrifices we make daily. Without support from members, in large numbers, the efforts of your state and national Associations are ineffective at best, detrimental at worst. Legislators look at numbers when making a decision to support or oppose any issue. They

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 15

are elected to represent the best interests of the majority of their constituents, so the more members an association has the more influence it has with lawmakers. For our industry this means we have some powerful opponents with well oiled lobbyist machines, many active members and deep connections with lawmakers on both the state and national level. When our opponents mention our industry they quickly point to the lack of participation among business owners and employees within our associations as a sign that our industry is fragmented. Lawmakers see the fragmented nature of our industry as weakness, after all if we can’t agree among ourselves as to the best direction for our industry why should they care what a small association thinks? Alone none of us can make any real change, together we are unstoppable. I have had some criticism about asking towers to join their state and national association during these trying times, and I understand how limited some folks financial resources are, but what will bad legislation cost your business? Association dues are a small price to pay to have a say in the future of our industry, to help shape the rules we all must adhere to and even provide opportunities to thrive during these uncertain times. Even if you can’t afford the dues it doesn’t cost anything to write letters to your lawmakers or make phone calls to voice an opinion on an issue. What are the national issues that could affect towers this coming legislative season? There are many issues on the table this year that although not towing specific will have a profound impact on many towers operations. Since towing 16 • February 2021 | Towman.com

is a subsegment of the trucking industry we often are lumped into one size fits all trucking focused regulations that make no sense for our businesses. A recent example of this, that we lost, was the push for electronic logging devices. Towers, especially heavy duty towers, have had to install these devices in their trucks to remain compliant with regulations that are really intended for long haul trucking more than towing. In this upcoming legislative season I expect to see a renewed push for requiring speed limiters to be installed in all commercial trucks, which will include tow trucks, set to 65 MPH. TRAA, among many other groups, opposes this regulation on the grounds of safety. Imagine the speed differential issues that will be created if all trucks are limited to 65 MPH while cars can zoom by at 70+ MPH. It will become near impossible for heavy trucks to operate in any lane other than the rightmost lane, which will cause problems complying with the slow down move over laws among other safety issues. Other issues I am monitoring and expect to see addressed on a national level include a renewed push for increased minimum insurance levels, specifically a near 4x increase, push for front, rear and side impact underride guards that will add unknown expense and complexity to our equipment and size/weight limit changes for towing. There are also concerns about driver training, changing CDL regulations and more tweaks to the hours of service that could affect towers. Among the CDL changes is a push to change the rules regarding interstate commerce and drivers under the age of 21. Currently our industry loses many interested and otherwise qualified candidates to

the minimum age requirement, oftentimes even our own family members. With the FMCSA taking comments on a proposed pilot program to assess the safety of under 21 year old drivers, as well as having a current pilot program to assess under 21 year olds with prior military driving experience, it is critical to advocate for support of these programs that could lead to relief for the shortage of operators that the industry currently faces. As an industry, and country, we are in desperate need of leadership and unification for a common good. Our industry needs to hear the voices of all towers, big and small, to determine the direction that is best for us as a whole. The only way to accomplish this is to have towers speak up, join together and make their positions known. The best way to do this is by joining industry associations, attending trade events and speaking directly to your legislators on issues that are important. I often hear that the associations only represent the interests of the big companies and that they decide what is going to happen anyway so why should I get involved. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I am involved with associations in several states as well as the national association and their membership comes from companies of all sizes, as do the members that make up the various committees I sit on. I often speak with, and advocate for, towers that have only a handful of employees up to companies with hundreds of team members. We all face the same basic issues, large or small, and together we can make a difference. Bottom line, if you don’t get involved then you don’t get to complain about how the new regulations and laws affect your business and your family.

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 17

Tow Manager

Preserving the Environment and Getting Paid For It. By John Borowski

John Borowski is VP of Tow Industry Programs for AutoReturn. John has over 45 years experience as a tow business owner, wrecker manufacturer specialist, trainer and writer. He was awarded the first “Towman of the Year” by American Towman magazine and two Towman Medals for heroism. He was inducted in the Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame in 2001.

Safety Advertisers Enzo’s Cleaning Solutions.......... see p. N, M 53 SafeAll Products...... see p. 17 Dedicated emergency response van dispatched with a trained cleanup expert.

rofit still drives business, but companies in every industry increasingly recognize the benefits of environmental responsibility. It can reduce costs and increase profits. It can positively change the way consumers perceive a company. It can prevent legal problems. Most importantly it may help ensure not only a healthy economy for future generations, but a healthy planet as well. The towing industry is no exception. Recognizing the advantages, towing has recently turned its attention to green initiatives. For years, as a tower responding to a motor vehicle accident, showing up to a

18 • February 2021 | Towman.com

big mess was nothing but a headache. You would have a mixture of fluids, glass and debris spread out over a large area and into a travel lane. In most cases it would take more time for the cleanup than the tow itself. The worst part of it was that you couldn’t charge and get any kind of fee for this. Most guys would simply throw some speedi-dry down and then sweep everything off to the gutter or into the storm drain. If you were to pick it up most times you would need to throw it on the deck of your carrier because you couldn’t carry a large enough barrel to hold all of the waste. As I jumped back into the trenches

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 19

with a towing company that was preparing to move its base of operations (due to the lack of room and the continual growth) we ran into a hurdle with receiving a permit to store cars. It seems the town did not want any vehicles emitting fluids to be parked on the property due to a flood plain at the rear of said property. After thinking about the town’s position, why would I want any vehicle leaking fluids on the property to begin with? I can make all the money I want on towing and storage but down the road I have to be responsible for my contaminated storage lot. Is it worth it? In working with Bill Johnson several years ago, we decided to comply with the order so that we could continue towing and not have contaminants leaking into what was supposed to be an asset in years to come. Now, any vehicles leaking fluids would

20 • February 2021 | Towman.com

have to be placed in our indoor decontamination booth and have its fluids drained before being placed into the general population of storage. A specially designated booth was prepared to contain any drippings. If an accident occurred

fee out to the general population. Now, we were able to store the vehicle without jeopardizing the clean condition of the property and of course comply with the town’s order and the State Department of Environmental Protection.

The worst part of it was that you couldn’t charge and get any kind of fee for this. after our regular hours the draining of the fluid would occur the next day during normal business hours by a mechanic. Charges were imposed for the special booth usage, inside storage, labor, and disposal fees for all contaminants and then another tow

Since this worked very well we decided that we needed to be complete and take care of all possible contaminations caused by these wrecked vehicles. A better process was needed at the accident scenes. Since there is limited space on the tow trucks we decided to form a

separate company that we could sublet to respond to all accidents involving spills. Some municipal tow contracts say that the tower is responsible to clean up reasonable spills at accidents scenes. After much thought and discussion, we determined what is a reasonable spill for the tower to handle and where the line would be drawn to have a separate service to perform a complete job. The company adopted a policy to only carry an empty antifreeze jug full of speedi-dry, a broom and shovel for clean ups. Definitely, reasonable! Any spills larger than a quart we call our accident remediation company for clean ups. Once the first tow truck shows up at a scene, the driver determines if they need outside help for cleanup. When necessary an emergency response van is dispatched and responds immediately with a Haz-wopper trained cleanup expert much like an ambulance. The vehicle carries sorbents and absorbents, an application spreader for them, cases of mats, booms, protective clothing, pig pans, a transfer pump and barrels to transfer fuel or other contaminants. In addition, brooms, shovels, scrapers, tank leak repair kits, straps, fuel tank strap cutters, covered containers to transport contaminants after being lifted were included. The van is fully outfitted with strobe lights and flood lights to not only be seen at the scene but to clearly make the site visible at night. The van stays on scene until the site is restored to a preaccident condition or better. After clearing the scene the van goes back to the shop empties it waste, gets cleaned and restocks to be back in service for the next call. The emergency response van carries a 2-hour minimum service time which includes the trained responder, for business hour responses Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Nights, holidays, and weekends are 4-hour minimum. A special invoice was created Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

to record all scene conditions, products used, necessary labor and emergency response vehicle service time. The invoice completely records the conditions at hand and if the incident was reportable or if additional labor of remediation is necessary. Also, the proper disposal for the contaminants is recorded and is also charged accordingly. Now as far as the bill goes, it is a sublet attached to the vehicles tow bill and collected when the vehicle

is released. All of these charges are payable by the responsible party’s insurance company under the liability side of the auto policy. Any state that requires property damage coverage which I believe is most if not all, covers this claim. The optional collision coverage does not play any role here. Adopting these procedures brings your company into the future that we are all trying to preserve for future generations and becomes a profit center.

AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 21

Slingshot Train Lift A longtime Southern California tow company assists in lifting a derailed train using a specialized sling. by Jim ‘Buck” Sorrenti

Jim “Buck” Sorrenti, a longtime editor of American Towman, has been our field editor for the past 10 years. He is a freelance writer and photographer with more than 40 years of experience covering motorcycle, hot rod, truck and towing culture. He writes weekly for TowIndustryWeek.com.

t 11:00 am on Wednesday November 11, 2020 Pepe’s Towing Service received a call from a tow company on scene in Long Beach, California requesting help to reset a rail car. Joshua “Josh” Acosta explained, “We were called by City Tow that needed assistance in lifting a 200,000-pound rail car that derailed and needed to be set back on the tracks.”

22 • February 2021 | Towman.com

Josh responded with Big Flipper, his 2019 Peterbilt 389 with a Century 1075 75-ton rotator. City Tow had two trucks on scene, a 2015 Peterbilt with a Century 9055 50-ton heavy and a 1994 Peterbilt with a Century 1060 60-ton 2-stage rotator.

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“Upon arrival, I saw the other tow company had two heavies on scene, one on each end of the rail car.” explained Josh. “I positioned my 75-ton rotator to lift at the very end. Due to the extreme weight I would be lifting, I ran a 4-part line with three 15-ton snatchblocks

and I finally got to use my brand new custom 15-foot slings on this rail car. My lines are rated at 25,000-pound, each snatch block is 15-tons and my slings are 52,000-pounds in a basket.” For the rigging on the rail car, Josh used his two new 15-

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 23

Due to the

extreme weight I would

be lifting, I ran a 4-part line with three 15-ton snatchblocks and I finally got to use my brand 15-foot slings rigged in basket configuration.

new custom 15-foot slings on this rail car.

foot slings in a basket configuration. Each sling has a working load limit of approximately 52,000-pounds. These slings were made by SWOS and custom ordered for Pepe’s by Thad Bailey of Bailey’s Towing accessories. Founded in 1985, SWOS located in Houston, Texas, provides high performance synthetic rigging solutions for various industries such as oil and gas, industrial, commercial marine, mining and more. They became a Master Distributor, then one of three Master Fabricators worldwide. Josh informed, “These slings are much stronger and lighter than chain, and have a special urethane coating that makes them abrasion and cut resistant. Each end of my slings were attached to my BA container links with an oblong.” The axle was chained up to the rail car so that it would not stay on the ground as it was lifted. Once rigged, all three trucks winched in. Josh said, “By starting with my boom head over the rail track instead of over the middle of

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24 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 25

Axle chained to rail car to be lifted along with rail car.

the rail car, I was able to winch it to me while also lifting it high enough to set back onto the track while a forklift helped keep the axle straight.”

26 • February 2021 | Towman.com

Josh set it back on the tracks and was off to the next one. Once set on the tracks, the company pushed the rail car to off load it.

About Pepe’s Towing Service Pepe’s Towing Service has yards located in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Their specialty and primary focus is medium- and heavy-duty towing and recovery. The company has over 90 employees, a fleet of over 80 trucks, including everything from light to super heavy-duty and specialized equipment.

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 27

Supplier Scoop

Stertil-Koni to Produce 15,000th Mobile Column Lift

Heavy duty vehicle lift leader Stertil-Koni announced that its U.S. production facility -- Stertil ALM, located in Streator, Illinois – is well on track to produce its 15,000th Mobile Column Lift in 2021. While Stertil-Koni is widely recognized as offering the broadest range of ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) certified heavy duty vehicle lifts, the company’s Mobile Column Lifts represent its most popular lifting systems in North America – with growth on an impressive trajectory. These lifts, with capacities ranging from 14,000 lbs. to 40,000 lbs. per column, are indeed mobile --permitting users to safely lift a wide range of heavy duty vehicles quickly and efficiently. “From delivery vans and pumper trucks to school buses and fire engines, from agricultural vehicles and airport tugs to class 8 tractor trailers and utility trucks, Stertil-Koni Mobile Column Lifts can easily raise them all,” explained Stertil-Koni President, Dr. Jean DellAmore.

28 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 29

Night Moves UPSTATE by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

An Upstate New York tow company works a night shift recovery off a bridge. 30 • February 2021 | Towman.com

n the early morning hours of November 7, 2020, B&W Towing LLC was called to recover a vehicle that went over a bridge. B&W owner Kristen Klemenz went out with the crew. “This incident happened on River Road in the town of Corning, NY at approximately 1:30 am very early Saturday morning.,” said Kristen. “It was a few miles from our shop. We were dispatched by the Steuben County 911.” Shop manager and rotator operator Blaine Westervelt responded with their Kenworth T800 with a 2019 Century 1150 50ton rotator and operator Leroy Vannatta went out in their 2018 Kenworth with a Jerr-Dan bed. Kristen said, “Leroy, one of our rollback operators, is an amazing guy. He has been with us for over four years. I went out to help and take pictures.” When they arrived the NY State troopers were on scene. It seems the car left the roadway hit a utility pole and launched across a creek bed in to the riff raff rocks on the other side. There was so much force that it literally shot the car completely under the bridge. The car had severe damage with every air bag blown out. According to Kristen, the recovery had to negotiate gas and power lines. “We had to use the Century 50-ton rotator to recover the vehicle from under the bridge, between a live gas line that ran along side of the bridge and navigate it between the broken and low hanging utility lines.” Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

Top: Casualty rigged with an endless loop and two D-rings on the rotator ready for the lift. Bottom: B&W operator climbed down to the casualty to see how to rig for the lift.

AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 31

About B&W Towing LLC B&W Towing LLC is a local, family owned company based in Painted Post, NY. The company was started in Sept of 2009 with one truck and now has a fleet of over 40 trucks. They are NYS DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) and WBE (Women-owned Business Enterprise Program) certified and 100% women owned and company owner Kristen Klemenz is very proud of it. Mangled wreck safely secured onto B&W’s Jerr-Dan rollback and ready to be transported back to their yard.

The crew rigged it with an endless loop and two D-rings on the rotator. Blaine boomed the rotator out sideways to get the casualty from under the bridge and then once they had a few hand lines attached, he boomed up and between the gas line and utility lines. “After the lift, the wrecked vehicle was safely set back on the road, winched and secured onto our Jerr-Dan rollback and transported back to our yard,” stated Kristen. “This was a pretty cool recovery.” Stayed tuned for more from this dynamic lady and her company.

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Since 2009, B&W has grown to become one of the largest towing and repair service centers in the Southern Tier of New York. They do repair work on all makes and models for diesel and automotive, offer road side assistance to light- and heavy-duty cars and trucks and also handle NYS inspections on all vehicles. B&W does everything from motorcycle to the tractor-trailer towing and recovery and environmental clean up. They serve one of the largest counties in upstate NY and are expanding in early 2021 to their new location 20 miles away in Bath, NY.

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 33

AD INDEX Akins Body & Carrier Sales.........................35 Allstate Roadside.......................................39 American Towman Expos......... N, S 56, M 54 Atlanta Wrecker Sales................................42 B/A Products..............................................43 Bolt On Technology......................................2 Captain Recovery..................... N, S 54, M 56 Chevron Commercial.......N, M 53, S 52, W 51 Collins Dollies........................................ S 55 Crouch’s Wrecker & Equip. Sales................33 Custer Products.........................................40 DP Winch/TWG.............................................3 Dual-Tech Wreckers & Carriers...................27 East Coast Truck & Trailer.............. N 51, S 53 EdgeTec.................................................W 53 Elizabeth Truck Center................................28 Enzo’s Cleaning Solutions.................. N, M 53 Fayetteville Ford.........................................26 Ginn Commercial.......................................32 G. Stone Commercial.............................. N 52 Hawkeye Truck & Wrecker Sales............ S 55 Hino Trucks................................................60

34 • February 2021 | Towman.com

February 2021

Hydraulic Shop...........................................40 Intek Leasing.............................................28 Isuzu Commercial Truck of America..............7 ITI..............................................................24 Joyride......................................................41 Kenworth of South Florida..........................39 Lanair Waste Oil Heaters............................42 Len Zermenos..........................................4, 5 Lodar USA..................................................24 Lynch Truck Centers...................................25 Matheny Towing Equipment........................29 McMahon Truck Center..........................M 51 Metrocom..................................................26 Miller Industries...........................................9 Mobile Control Systems..............................44 New England Truckmaster............ N 55, M 52 North American Bancard............................19 OMG..........................................................20 Pacific General Insurance.......................M 57 Peak Wrecker Sales...............................W 56 Performance Advantage Company..............17

PWOF...................................................36, 37 RimSling....................................................27 SafeAll Products.........................................17 Santander Bank.........................................15 Sea Crest Insurance Agency...................W 52 Select Truck & Equipment......................M 57 Sierra Pacific Insurance..........................W 51 Smyrna Truck & Cargo...............................34 Steck Mfg. Co. ..........................................49 Towbook Management Software.................45 Tow Brokers Insurance..................S 51, W 55 Tow Industries.......................................W 52 TowMate....................................................38 Trail King Industries...................................41 Trucks for Sale.....................N, S, W 57, M 55 Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX......................W 53 Valor Trailers..........................................W 54 West End Service.......................................44 Winches Inc...........................................W 56 Wrecker Warehouse...............................W 54 Zip’s/AW Direct....................................21, 59

Regional: N = North, S = South, M = Midwest, W = West

Todd Durham

tdurham@akinsonline.com office: 770-868-5267 mobile: 678-749-6536

Laura Brown

lbrown@akinsonline.com mobile: 470.266.6920

Cory White

cwhite@akinsonline.com office: 770-868-5288 mobile: 678-859-0248

220 West May Street, Winder, GA 30680 Jeff McKinney

Towing & Recovery Sales Manager jmckinney@akinsonline.com

2020 Dodge Ram 5500

Cummins 6.7 L Diesel, Auto, 19,500 GVW, Chevron Series 10, 19.5 Steel, Wheel lift, removeable rails, 48” box with S/S door, Whelen light bar, wireless tow lights. Red, white, black. 4x4 & 4x2 steel and aluminum in stock.

2021 Ford F750 Supercab

330 HP Powerstroke diesel, 33K GVW, Century 3212 16 ton wrecker, 13 function wireless remote, lots of extras red or white available.

2022 International MV

260 HP, 22.5 aluminum wheels, dual fuel tanks, Chevron 21.5 Series 12 steel wheel lift carrier, red, white and black in stock!

2020 Ram 4500

Cummins, diesel, auto, Vulcan 810, black & white in stock.

Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

Greg Fields

gfields@akinsonline.com office: 770-868-5221 mobile: 404-787-6159

2022 KW T-270

300 HP, high content, Chevron 21.5 Series 12 steel wheel lift carrier, red, white, and black in stock!

2020 Ford F550

7.3L V8 Auto, Chevron 19.5 Series 10 Steel Wheel lift carrier, removable rails, tool box, Justice light bar, wireless tow lights. red, grey, silver and blue available.

2021 For F750 Supercab

2019 Ram 4500

SLT, Cummins diesel, auto, aluminum wheels, Vulcan 810P Intruder, auto load wheel lift, (2) tool compartments, Whelen Justice bar.

2021 Ford F-650

Regular& extended cabs, 6.7L diesel & 7.3L gas, multi colors, in stock!

2020 Ford F-450

270HP, Powerstroke diesel, auto, air ride, air brake, 22.5 aluminum wheels, Chevron Series 12, LCG steel carrier, removeable rails, 102 wide, Whelen Justice bar, (2) 60” tool boxes, 26K GVW, ready to tow.

V-10, XL, Vulcan 810 self-loader, winch, light bar, several colors available.

2020 Ford F450 SC

2020 Ram 5500 4x4

Cummins diesel, auto, SLT, Chevron 408TA, dual planetary winches w/ wireless remote, 24” aluminum tunnel box, tow bar attachment,| motorcycle attachment, AmericanTowman.com February 2021 Autoloader, • 35 Hydraulic rear jacks, red & white in stock.

Vulcan 810 or 812, diesel & gas in stock, several colors available.

36 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 37

Supplier Scoop The Will-Burt Company Announces One Company Initiative The Will-Burt Company introduced its One Company initiative, a program designed to ensure that the company operate as One Team, guided by One Vision, representing One Brand - WillBurt. This initiative was created to make it easier for clients to engage with Will-Burt, no matter where they are or whomever they communicate with in this global organization. Over the past 100 years, The WillBurt Company has grown from a small, family-owned business located in Orrville, Ohio, USA into the leading internationally recognized brand of mobile elevation solutions. The employee-owned company has expanded organically and through several acquisitions over the past 20 years and now has locations in the USA, Germany, United Kingdom, Asia, and Turkey. Richard Lewin, CEO and President of Will-Burt comments, “Multiple companies and locations with different back-

38 • February 2021 | Towman.com

grounds and histories have successfully come together to make Will-Burt the success it is today. In 2021 the One Company initiative will deploy common business practices, systems, and superior customer experience in support of our global operations. Our clients will be able to access Will-Burt’s market leading products and services from all locations executing our vision of one team under one brand – Will-Burt.” The Will-Burt logo will be prominently displayed on all business and marketing materials globally. All locations have been renamed Will-Burt followed by their geographic location. The Will-Burt Company (www.willburt.com), headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, USA, is the world’s premier manufacturer of mobile telescoping masts, towers, trailer systems, and pan and tilt positioners. For additional information, visit www.willburt.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 39

LITE-IT UP

Supplier Scoop

WITH

CUSTER PRODUCTS

The experienced team at EdgeTech includes Chris Bouressa: President, Curtis Sanchez Parts , Randy Olson: Sales and Marketing, Chris Martin: Sales, David Boone: Parts and Abraham Flores in Service.

New Miller Distributor In Dallas

www.custerproducts.com • 800-490-3158

40 • February 2021 | Towman.com

Miller Industries announces EdgeTec (Edge Truck Equipment Center) as new authorized distributor in Northern Texas area. EdgeTec is located at the facility previously occupied by Coker Equipment Sales at 9100 Ambassador Row, in Dallas, Texas. EdgeTec offers

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 41

the full line of Century, Chevron and Holmes towing and recovery equipment. Miller Industries Regional VP of Sales, Warren Govinchuck said “We

are very proud to have EdgeTec as our new distributor representing Miller Industries in the Dallas / Fort Worth area with a team that provides many decades of experience

in sales, parts and service to the towing industry.” “We pride ourselves on our goal of putting the needs of our customers first! With an inventory of both new and used units, full in-house installation and service facility, a well-stocked 16,000 sq.-ft. parts and accessories warehouse along with capabilities to machine and fabricate parts, we are positioned to do just that.” expressed President Chris Bouressa. Call them at 214-742-5221 or visit their website EdgeTecTX.com (currently under construction).

Find us on Facebook Read more towing news at towman.com

42 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 43

Supplier Scoop Hino Pauses 2021 Trucks till October Hino Motors, Ltd, announced it has paused production of its new 2021 truck models at its North

American plants following challenges in the required U.S. engine certification testing process for new

model years of the A09C, J08E, and J05E engines. The plants pausing production are in West Virginia, U.S.A (Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A., Ltd.) and Woodstock, Canada (Hino Motors Canada, Ltd.,). The pause will postpone sales of 2021 truck models until production resumes in October of this year, 2021.

Find us on Facebook Read more towing news at towman.com

44 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 45

Towman’s Market F O R S A L E U S E D T R U C K S

SPECIALTY VEHICLE

& EQUIPMENT FUNDING GROUP

Craig R. Nadolny

CUSTOM TOW TRUCK MAGNETS

CNadolny@easternfunding.com

2012 Dodge 3500/

Recovery Solutions Extreme Wrecker

2015 Ford F350/

Recovery Solutions X 550 Wrecker

2012 Ford F450/Vulcan 810 2018 Dodge 5500/Kilar 19’ 2018 Dodge 5500/ MPL 40 Self Loader 2019 Hino 258LP/ Jerr-Dan XLP Carrier

646.723.6393

www.ExcelTees.com

410-784-7029

To Advertise In Towman’s Market CALL

800-732-3869

Ellen Rosengart x 203 erosengart@towman.com 46 • February 2021 | Towman.com

A locally installed towing program trusted for over 20 years

Keep your company’s info safe on YOUR OWN computer, not the internet

CALL OR EMAIL TO TRY OUR FREE DEMO!! towtracksoftware.com

772.223.5351

stevew@towtrack.com

Towman’s Market TOWKING NETWORK Dispatch Dedicated towing dispatchers for night, weekend and holiday service.

$6 per Hour Special Introductory Offer

562-306-5107

Cycle friendly. Operator safe. Hauling made easy. AmeriDeck™ Provides Easy, Safe, and Fast ground level loading into your pick up truck! Authorized Dealer: Aumsville

2500lb load capacity

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skip@truckdecks.pro

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866.994.3473 503.749.1601

CALIFORNIA TOW TRUCK ASSOCIATION INTRO TO TOWING The California Tow Truck Assn. presents INTRO TO TOWING. A new 5-part online course for towing beginners and new hires! Through five videos and corresponding quizzes, operators will learn the basics of towing. Students will receive a certificate of completion, and company owners are able to track their progress! Available now at: ctta@ctta.com Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 47

My Baby

Meet the Boss By George L. Nitti

George L. Nitti has written for American Towman since 2009. He started out as a news writer and now writes a weekly feature on TowIndustryWeek.com, Tow Illustrated, which spotlights the tow truck graphics.

owhere do we see the love of country more fervently on display than on tow trucks throughout the industry. Towers are patriotic people and showcase those sentiments on their trucks, far and wide. When Matthew Monarchie, owner of Tow Boss Towing & Recovery of Fishkill, NY, recently acquired a 2020 Ford F550 4x4 with a 19 ft’ Century 10 Series from

48 • February 2021 | Towman.com

Elizabeth Truck Center, he once again paid homage to his love of country, decking out his new purchase with a dazzling patriotic themed wrap executed from Extreme Designs of Carmel, NY. Matthew said, “I did a patriotic themed unit because the way this country is going, somebody has to stand up for it. P e o p l e

should honor the fact that we are free. We wake up every morning alive and not in a jungle. This is America, where we are fortunate to live the American Dream.” For Matthew, his business of 12 years is the result, as he and his wife Michelle have worked tirelessly to build their dream. The pristine unit, which Matthew calls “on point,” first and foremost showcases the American flag, with the stars and stripes prominently enveloped over the entire truck, from front to back, serving as the core backdrop. Michelle said, “The patriotic theme will always be part of our motif. My daughter was in the military, and my

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Dad was in the military.” However, this patriotic themed truck does not stop there, as law enforcement is given honor, with a thin blue line rendered along the bottom of one of the toolboxes just under an American Flag. Michelle said, “We do a lot of towing with the state police. We have patriotism towards our law enforcement.” On the other toolbox, a yellow line gives acknowledgement to the tow operators who are killed roadside. Matthew said, “Did you know that one tow operator is killed every six days?” The fine detail of the truck is enhanced with an etching on the side window of a chain and hook.

Abetting the patriotic design is a leftover image used on their other trucks: A large skull with a cowboy hat, found on the sides of the unit as well as majestically reproduced on its hood. Matthew said, “We threw that in. We wanted something to pop with the flag. And I wanted something with a design to show that we have no fear.” The company’s fearless image goes along with its company name, “Tow Boss,”which is deftly illustrated, popping out on its sides, front visor position and on a classy medallion that sits in the center of the front grill. “My kids and wife made up the name. I’m always bossing them around,” he said.

AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 49

Lowdown

A Powerful Pat on the Back By Randall Resch

R Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer and veteran tow business owner, manager, consultant and trainer. He writes for TowIndustryWeek. com and American Towman, is a member of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and recipient of the Dave Jones Leadership Award. Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.

ecognizing an exceptional employee means acknowledging them company wide or in front of their peers for their accomplishments, actions they’ve taken, or their work attitude that’s demonstrated through behavior. In doing so, an open-line of, “Boss to employee, employee to Boss”, communication is vital. Declaring what makes an exceptional employee mustn’t be confused with them simply showing-up to work and being friendly, but that employee who goes out of their way daily to provide a quality work product, striving for excellence while being that role-model worker. Accordingly, another qualifying question asks, regardless as to what position they work, what does the exceptional employee bring to the workplace that others don’t? I’m not speaking of the bosses’ favorite or the company’s “butt-kisser”, it’s that individual who out-performs and out-works all others. In the categories noted below, an exceptional employee demonstrates standards that go far beyond daily requirements. Not in any specific order, consider these values expected of all employees, but, the exceptional employee always: • Arrives early/stays late until workload is completed • Dresses neatly or in-uniform of the day • Keeps a cleans work environment • Prepared and well-equipped • Produces a quality of work • Shows neatness in invoicing and paperwork • Volunteers for work or assignments • Strives for competency in getting the job done • Doesn’t complain, doesn’t argue with dispatcher

50 • February 2021 | Towman.com

• Is damage or loss free for a recorded period • Needs minimal to no supervision • Without challenge, follows directions of management

METHODS OF RECOGNITION

There are many ways to recognize the efforts of the company’s Varsity players. Your actions need not be costly or overthe-top, but the simple act of recognition goes a long way. Here are twelve simple ways of appreciation that can be initiated any time the moment seems appropriate. Don’t think there shouldn’t be a special action to simply say, “Thank you” … recognition comes in many forms: • Letter of Appreciation • Letter of Thanks (mail em’ a Hallmark card) • Certificate for Employee of the Month • Employee of the Month Parking • Employee of the Month Plaque • Uplifting the employee at company meetings • Special mention in the company’s newsletter • Give a “Time-Off” coupon • Lunch with the boss or restaurant gift card • Send them to a tow show or liketype events • Opportunities for upward training • Opportunity to advance One effective way of recognition is sending a press release to both local media and trade media. Depending on the level of accomplishment reported in the release, these outlets are looking for positive news to print. Tower performs his 100th recovery, or, tower celebrates ten years serving the community at ABC Towing, are items newspapers and trade magazines would consider printing.

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • North 51

Supplier Scoop

Peterbilt Model 579EV Conquers Pikes Peak

Peterbilt Motors Company announced that the Model 579EV is the first zero-emission, battery-electric, Class 8 truck to successfully reach the summit of Pikes Peak. Reaching Pike’s Peak demonstrates the superior performance of the 579EV and its integrated battery-electric technology. Along with over 110,000 real-world miles on the Peterbilt EV fleet of trucks, this feat further proves that the 579EV is ready for real world, customer operations today. The achievement was captured on video and can be seen at https://youtu.be/dJLiFUf1h6w. Peterbilt tackled the challenge of climbing to the top of Pikes Peak, or “America’s Mountain”, to highlight the 579EV’s excellent power capabilities and drivability, even under extreme road conditions and cold temperatures. The most famous mountain road in the United States, the ascent to Pikes Peak’s summit at 14,115 feet has an average grade of 7% and incorporates 156 turns over the last 12.42 miles. Over a 3-day period, the 579EV easily made the journey up Pikes Peak multiple times, each time using the recovered energy from regenerative braking on the descent to recharge the high-density battery packs to repeat each climb with ease. “The performance of the Model 579EV while navi-

North 52 • February 2021 | Towman.com

gating to the summit of Pikes Peak was nothing short of amazing. Handling the 156 corners was made easier thanks to the lower center of gravity provided by the battery location on the 579EV,” said, Darryl Oster, Peterbilt assistant chief engineer. “This is a huge moment for Peterbilt and everyone who has worked countless hours to bring this truck to life. Being the first battery electric powered Class 8 truck to conquer one of the most iconic roads in North America is just the beginning. Peterbilt is leading the charge on commercial vehicle electrification, with three distinctive EV configurations available for customer orders today in a variety of applications,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president.

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • North 53

tation providers, private trucking fleets, utilities and others – with the broadest range of high performance, durable and safe heavy duty vehicle lifting systems available anywhere.” The new Arizona location will offer customers the entire portfolio of Stertil-Koni’s industry-leading products including the telescopic piston DIAMONDLIFT, scissor-style ECOLIFT, full vertical rise platform SKYLIFT, award-winning Mobile Column Lifts, and an innovative line of shop equipment engineered for safety, performance, and productivity. At the core of Southwest Lift & Equipment’s growth has been its unwavering focus on customer support and service. Explained McDonald, “To serve new and existing customers in Southern California and Arizona, we are ex-

North 54 • February 2021 | Towman.com

tremely proud to have on staff five ALI Certified Lift Inspectors – each of whom has successfully completed the rigorous training and practical experience required to achieve this acclaimed level of lift expertise as certified by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI).” Concluded Stertil-Koni President, Dr. Jean DellAmore, “Southwest Lift & Equipment has long been a top performer in the Stertil-Koni distributor network. Under Dean’s leadership, the team shares our commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism coupled with a customer-centric philosophy. We congratulate them on their new Arizona location and look forward to their continued success and partnership.”

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • North 55

North 56 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • North 57

Episode 194

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • South 51

Supplier Scoop

Peterbilt Model 579EV Conquers Pikes Peak

South 52 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • South 53

Supplier Scoop Stertil-Koni Distributor Southwest Lift & Equipment Opens New Arizona Office and Warehouse Southwest Lift & Equipment Inc., an exclusive distributor of heavy duty vehicle lift leader Stertil-Koni, has opened a new, dedicated sales, service, and warehouse facility in Queen Creek, Arizona. The new facility in the Grand Canyon State complements Southwest Lift & Equipment’s long- standing headquarters location in San Bernardino, California. Headed by its President, CEO and recognized vehicle lift expert, Dean McDonald, Southwest Lift & Equipment has established a well-earned reputation for providing exceptional customer support in all aspects of vehicle lift selection, installation and service. Explained McDonald, “We are proud to offer our customers – which include public transit agencies, municipalities, pupil transportation providers, private trucking fleets, utilities and others – with the broadest range of high performance, durable and safe heavy duty vehicle lifting systems available anywhere.” The new Arizona location will offer customers the entire portfolio of Stertil-Koni’s industry-leading products including the telescopic piston DIAMONDLIFT, scissor-style ECOLIFT, full vertical rise platform SKYLIFT, award-winning Mobile Column Lifts, and an innovative

South 54 • February 2021 | Towman.com

Southwest Lift & Equipment facility in Queen Creek, AZ

line of shop equipment engineered for safety, performance, and productivity. At the core of Southwest Lift & Equipment’s growth has been its unwavering focus on customer support and service. Explained McDonald, “To serve new and existing customers in Southern California and Arizona,

we are extremely proud to have on staff five ALI Certified Lift Inspectors – each of whom has successfully completed the rigorous training and practical experience required to achieve this acclaimed level of lift expertise as certified by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI).” Also commenting today was Southwest Lift & Equipment Sales/ Service Manager Adison Cayo. “This is a major upgrade. Our service team has grown, and we have exciting plans in place to continue this forward direction for the company.” Concluded Stertil-Koni President, Dr. Jean DellAmore, “Southwest Lift & Equipment has long been a top performer in the Stertil-Koni distributor network. Under Dean’s leadership, the team shares our commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism coupled with a customer-centric philosophy. We congratulate them on their new Arizona location and look forward to their continued success and partnership.”

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • South 55

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • South 57

Episode 194

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • Midwest 51

Supplier Scoop

Peterbilt Model 579EV Conquers Pikes Peak

Midwest 52 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • Midwest 53

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • Midwest 55

Southwest Lift & Equipment facility in Queen Creek, AZ

Midwest 56 • February 2021 | Towman.com

Dean McDonald, President & CEO, Southwest Lift & Equipment

systems available anywhere.” The new Arizona location will offer customers the entire portfolio of Stertil-Koni’s industry-leading products including the telescopic piston DIAMONDLIFT, scissor-style ECOLIFT, full vertical rise platform SKYLIFT, award-winning Mobile Column Lifts, and an innovative line of shop equipment engineered for safety, performance, and productivity. At the core of Southwest Lift & Equipment’s growth has been its unwavering focus on customer support and service. Explained McDonald, “To serve new and existing customers in Southern California and Arizona, we are extremely proud to have on staff five ALI Certified Lift Inspectors – each of whom has successfully completed the rigorous training and practical experience required to achieve this acclaimed level of lift expertise as certified by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI).” Also commenting today was Southwest Lift & Equipment Sales/ Service Manager Adison Cayo. “This is a major upgrade. Our service team has grown, and we have exciting plans in place to continue this forward direction for the company.” Concluded Stertil-Koni President, Dr. Jean DellAmore, “Southwest Lift & Equipment has long been a top performer in the Stertil-Koni distributor network. Under Dean’s leadership, the team shares our commitment to delivering the highest levels of professionalism coupled with a customer-centric philosophy. We congratulate them on their new Arizona location and look forward to their continued success and partnership.” Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • Midwest 57

Episode 194

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • West 51

Supplier Scoop

Peterbilt Model 579EV Conquers Pikes Peak

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West 52 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • West 53

156 turns over the last 12.42 miles. Over a 3-day period, the 579EV easily made the journey up Pikes Peak multiple times, each time using the recovered energy from regenerative braking on the descent to recharge the high-density battery packs to repeat each climb with ease. “The performance of the Model 579EV while navigating to the summit of Pikes Peak was nothing short of amazing. Handling the 156 corners was made easier thanks to the lower center of gravity provided by the battery location on the 579EV,” said, Darryl Oster, Peterbilt assistant chief engineer. “This is a huge moment for Peterbilt and everyone who has worked countless hours to bring this truck to life. Being the first battery electric powered Class 8 truck to conquer one of the most iconic roads in North America is just the beginning. Peterbilt is leading the charge on commercial vehicle electrification, with three distinctive EV configurations available for customer orders today in a variety of applications,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president.

West 54 • February 2021 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • West 55

West 56 • February 2021 | Towman.com

Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • West 57

Episode 194

Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

AmericanTowman.com | February 2021 • 3

4 • February 2021 | Towman.com

American Towman Magazine - Feb2021

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