TOWERS GEAR UP FOR TOW INDUSTRY WEEK, MAY 8-11 - ATSHOWPLACE.COM
THE ROAD CALLS
Winch Out
APRIL 2019 / $10
Pepe’s Towing gets the call in L.A.
Buyers Report Product Talk, Direct from Users
Carrier or Wheel-Lift? Tow Marketing Plans New Work Trucks at NTEA Enjoy your coffee at TowIndustryWeek.com
AmericanTowman.com
Volume: 43 Issue: 4 2019
On the cover: Pepe’s Towing sent out its heavy cavalry after a truck driver tried to take a short cut on an off ramp from L.A.’s 710 freeway.
april FEATURE CONTENTS
28
Departments The Walkaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Road Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tow Marketing in 2019 Making the right call for your business requires planning and some knowledge of how online marketing works. by Jesse Lubar
63
Zoom In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Beacons On!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2019 Buyers Report
Tow Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Learn more about the products and services available to build your business, all with inside knowledge from the towmen who are already using them.
Tow Boss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Letters to the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . 32 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Seminar Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Tow Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Work Horse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
78
SoCal Winch Out
On the Net. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Pepe’s Towing in Los Angeles responded with multiple rotators to a CHP call for a stuck semitrailer carrying steel I-beams.
Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti
Repo Times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Repo Run. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
My Baby.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Lowdown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . . . 105 4 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
The newest rotator at Pepe’s Towing is the “Big Flipper;” check it out in the My Baby section on p. 96.
Legislating Safety on the Road? By Dennie Ortiz
In a recent communication with Peter Fuerst, a veteran of this industry, we discussed an intriguing safety campaign that was launched by the French government 10 years ago. The campaign focused on safety vests. France had enacted a national law whereby all individuals operating vehicles must have a reflective safety vest within their means of transport, as well as a reflective safety triangle. In this particular national campaign, the government featured a prominent fashion icon (recently deceased Karl Lagerfeld) donning the vest in a series of billboard ads all over the country. It conveyed the message that the vests can save your life even if they are not the most stylish garment. For more than a decade, French motorists have been legally bound to maintain these items in order to protect themselves in the event of a breakdown. I recall the days when, here in the States, seatbelts were optional. Now they are legally required to be worn by front-seat passengers in all states but one, and required for rear-seat passengers in most regions as well. It is interesting that these laws encourage motorists to become responsible for their own safety in the event of a vehicle breakdown. The safety vest, seems to me, a simple requirement which could help protect the lives of many motorists. In our industry it would be fantastic if every single tow operator recognized the critical need to wear safety vests, or be legally required to wear them while working on the roadways. “I wonder if, here in the States, motorists (or tow operators) would object to what may be perceived as government laws violating or infringing on their civil rights,” I said to Peter.
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Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri Brendan Dooley Charles Duke Randall Resch Terry Abejuela Jim “Buck” Sorrenti David Kolman Bill Simmons Emily Oz Mark Lacek
Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor Senior Editor Operations Editor Field Editor, West Field Editor, Northeast Chassis Editor Safety Editor On Screen Editor Repo Run 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
In a national French campaign targeted on safety vests for motorists, fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld was pictured on billboards around the country.
I can understand the reluctance to be legislated to protect yourself, whether it’s seatbelt laws, motorcycle helmet laws, safety vests, etc., though many of these safety mandates have proven to be effective and reduce injuries and fatalities. Currently, the Federal Highway Administration requires the use of ANSI reflective safety vests for all first responders working on or around Federal Aid Highways. What would you say if the law required all tow operators working on any roadway to wear a safety vest? Wearing reflective clothing makes sense if you’re trying to provide yourself with the greatest protection and better your chances of getting home safely. Safety first, fashion second … or can it be both? I believe the safety vest enhances the look of any uniform and creates a more professional appearance for the tow operator while also potentially saving lives.
Gina Johnson Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Norma Calitri Jimmy Santos Toni Vanderhorst Henri Calitri Patrice Gesner William Burwell Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Emily Oz Bob Aglione Steve Calitri
Page Layout Artist Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec. VP of Accounts General Manager Publisher’s Assistant Customer Service Subscription Manager TIW Media Director Regional Advertising Sales iMarketing Manager ATTV Producer Communications Director President
American Towman Media Headquarters 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546 E-mail: Publisher: dortiz@towman.com Editor-In-Chief: scalitri@towman.com Editor: bdooley@towman.com AT’S Digital Edition: itowman.com AT’S Website: americantowman.com AT’S Weekly: towindustryweek.com ATTV: americantowmantv.com Copyright ©2019 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Media, Inc. Subscription: Single Copy: $10 1 yr: $60 – 2 yrs: $110 International: $75 & $135 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.
STO Testifies Against Texas Bill Texas House Bill 625 was heard before the state House Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence Committee in March. If passed, HB 625 would lengthen the time for a vehicle owner to submit a request for a tow hearing from 14 days to 60 days (excluding weekends and holidays). Tasha Mora, owner of A&A Wrecker & Recovery in Austin and legislative co-chair for Southwest Tow Operators, testified on behalf of STO. Mora explained that tow hearings were created years ago to allow a quick and easy method for a vehicle owner to contest a tow. She said that there are other deadlines in the code that businesses work within and extending the number of days to request a tow hearing would have unintended consequences. HB 625 was left pending in the committee as of press time. Source: Southwest Tow Operators.
National Report Shows Accelerated Death Rates for Towers
Towing industry workers face an on-the-job fatality risk nearly 15-times greater than workers in all other industries, according to a study from the National Institute on Occupational Safety and Health. Analyzing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NIOSH researchers found that 191 towmen were killed between 2011 and 2016, resulting in an annual rate of 42.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers. For all other industries, that rate was 2.9 per 100,000 FTEs. Additionally, the annual non-fatal injury rate among towmen during that same period was 204.2 per 10,000 FTEs—more than double the rate of 98.2 for all industries. Motor vehicle incidents were the leading cause of towing industry worker deaths, accounting for 64
8 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
percent. Contact with objects and equipment (17 percent) was second. Contact with objects and equipment (34 percent) and overexertion and bodily reaction (32 percent) were the leading causes of nonfatal injuries. Source: safetyandhealthmagazine. com.
California Towman
Struck and Killed in Crash A tow truck procession honoring Wiler’s Tow owner James Morris, who was killed in February assisting a stranded motorist on U.S. 101 in Sausalito, California. Wiler’s Tow Facebook.com image.
Ohio Rep. Wants to Ban Spotters Ohio Rep. Tom Patton is looking to make it illegal for towing companies to hire “spotters” to report illegally parked vehicles. Under House Bill 113, which he introduced, companies caught using spotters could face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. Patton said he introduced the bill after a Cleveland TV station did a report last year on their use. “To actually employ people whose sole job is to call it in … it didn’t pass the smell test for me,” Patton said. He also said he wasn’t sure how widespread the use of towing spotters is in Ohio. Source: cleveland.com.
The American Towman Spirit Ride crisscrossed America the past two years to raise public awareness of the perils towers face on the road and increase understanding of the Move Over laws.
The Marin County, California, Sheriff’s Office identified a towman killed helping a stranded motorist on U.S. 101 in Sausalito in February as James Morris. Morris owned Wiler ’s Tow in Vallejo, CHP said. He died when he was struck by a vehicle on southbound Highway 101. Morris responded to a female driver of a Toyota Prius stopped on the righthand shoulder. He parked the tow
truck in front of the Prius and told the driver to stand away from her car. While Morris was attending to the Prius, another driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into the Prius, pushing it into the tow truck, the officer said. Morris died at the scene. The driver of the Prius, who was sitting in the cab of the tow truck, was not injured. Sources: sfgate.com, legacy.com.
… 191 towmen were killed between 2011 and 2016 … American Towman Debuts Trust Award American Towman Magazine is creating a new awards program designed to reward towing operations for their demonstrations of trust to customers and towing industry partners. Tow business owners will be honored with the Trust Award in Atlantic City during the 31st annual American Towman Exposition, Dec. 4-8, 2019. “We have industry partners who track performance traits of trust and reliability, and we have our own experiences with towing companies in this regard,” said AT Expo founder Steve Calitri. He said as many as 1,000 companies could likely qualify for the Trust Award this year. The American Towman Trust Award is expected to have business value for towing companies that receive it. Atlantic City will provide a great venue for kicking off this new and exclusive recognition program, Calitri said.
Minnesota Towman Recognized for Heroism The Minnesota State Patrol recognized troopers, citizens and other public servants who performed heroic acts in 2018 at its annual awards ceremony recently. Among those recognized with the Meritorious Citizenship Award was towman Doug Clayton, who was pulling a car out of a ditch last May when a vehicle crashed into his tow truck. The vehicle skidded into the ditch, rolled over and started on fire. Clayton rushed to the car and pulled the driver to safety. Source: kstp.com.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
CHP is Grateful for Towman’s Heroic Effort
A 21-year-old towman is being called a hero after he ran to the rescue of a California Highway Patrol officer who was under attack. “I saw the cop car pulled over with the lights on,” said Christian Melendrez, a towman with Selover’s Towing who happened to be in the right place at the right time on I-5 recently. The CHP says a suspected DUI driver stabbed Officer Philip Martinson in the back with a knife; the suspect was pulled over for speeding at more than 100 mph with hazard lights flashing. Melendrez said it was instinct that made him respond to an officer in trouble. He said he jumped into action to follow the wounded officer’s instructions. “I took the handcuffs off his belt from the back, turned her over, got one arm in, put one on, got the other one,” Melendrez said. “And then I turned her over and realized the blade was still underneath her. So I grabbed the blade and threw it on the asphalt.” The woman is facing charges of
Towman Christian Melendrez, 21, is being hailed a hero for assisting California Highway Patrolman Philip Martinson after a DUI suspect stabbed the officer. kcra.com image.
attempted murder of a peace officer, assault with a deadly weapon and driving under the influence of a controlled substance. She was in the Colusa County jail at press time. Melendrez’s boss, Brad Selover, said he is proud of his employee’s heroic actions. He said he instructs his drivers to be on the lookout for officers in trouble. “They are out there daily helping us to slow down traffic, so I teach them to return the favor—you know, keep an eye on the officers and make sure they are standing upright when they go by,” Selover said. “I train them to keep their eyes open for scenarios like this.” Source: kcra.com.
Michigan Towers Target
Unscrupulous Companies
The Michigan Towing Association, along with other towmen in the state, are calling for changes in the law to protect consumers from unscrupulous towers. “The towing industry to us is our life,” said Bill Byers, of Byers Wrecker Service. “There are so many good towers who do not break the law,” said Joel Ballor, Michigan Towing Association president, whose family owns Joe Ballor Towing. They want fines for towers who break the law. Byers and Ballor say right now there are laws, but few penalties. They also want the law to ban schemes where businesses get kickbacks from towers who clear their lots. They have seen complaints from people who say when they find someone towing their car the tower won’t
Joel Ballor (left), president of the Michigan Towing Association, and Bill Byers, of Byers Wrecker Service, are calling for consumer protection laws that will keep unscrupulous towers from taking advantage of them. wxyz.com image.
stop unless they pay cash for an entire tow. They say the tower should have to accept a credit card and the rate should be at most half of a standard tow. “A lot of people don’t carry cash anymore. They should have to accept a credit card on scene. Let the people go down the road and enjoy their life. Because you take their car from them you are messing with their whole life,” said Byers. Source: wxyz.com.
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 9
Check Out What’s NEW and HOT! Hot Shot’s Severe Duty Transmission Fluid
Hot Shot’s Secret now offers a new line of transmission fluids and gear oils for use in severe-duty applications. The Blue Diamond Severe Duty formulas are for all vehicles that experience heavy loads, towing or challenging terrain including commercial or utility vehicles, semis and other vehicles where there is an excessive demand on transmissions and gears. The company said the formulas offer multiple benefits that provide longer transmission and gear protection and performance with extended drain intervals. Available in: • Blue Diamond Severe Duty Transmission Fluid is offered in a multi-vehicle ATF and a version for Ford Type F/Allison C4-spec transmissions. • Blue Diamond Severe Duty Gear Oil is offered in 75W-90, 80W-110 and 85W-140.
hotshotsecret.com
Durabilt DFX Dura-Fold Ratchet Binders
The new Dura-Fold “DFX” Series of ratchet binders from Durabilt by Durbin feature a three-position pawl selector to allow for rapid adjustments of take-up and extension with a “free spin” neutral setting. The company said its patented new design lets you secure a load in half the time and the folding handle helps create a clear work path. Enclosed ratchet gear housing is protected. Includes: • DFX-38: Fits chain sizes 3/8”-5/16”. • DFX-12: Fits chain sizes 1/2”-3/8”. • DFX-58: Fits chain sizes 5/8”-1/2”.
durabiltusa.com
ARI’s HD Brake Maintenance Tools
ARI Phoenix recently released its new Brake Maintenance Tools hub and caliper removal system. The Wheel Hub Removal Jack, No. WS-18-HR, and Brake Caliper Jack, No. WS-18-BC, allow one person to quickly and safely service heavy-duty vehicle brake assemblies and reduce manual lifting. Features of the Brake Maintenance Tools include: • Helps avoid damage to hub seals and components. • Removal of the hub and caliper is safe and simple. • Reduces chance of injury. • Fits in tight spaces. • Easily moves around shop.
ari-hetra.com
10 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
The new International CV Series for the Class 4/5 market launched in November and recently began delivery of vehicles to customers. The Series is available to be upfitted for almost any Class 4/5 commercial application yet includes “automotive-like comfort” in its premium interior.
International CV Series ‘Disrupting’ Class 4/5
I
n March, International Truck celebrated its first customer delivery of the International CV Series that it debuted in late 2018. Since its launch in November, International said the CV Series “has disrupted the Class 4/5 markets” and “brings with it the same toughness built into International’s larger trucks … as the only Class 4/5 truck that is designed, distributed and supported by a manufacturer specializing in commercial vehicles.” The CV Series features many commercial-grade features, like a geardriven transfer case, a high-strength, low-alloy steel frame rail and painted chassis for corrosion resistance. For faster, more convenient service, the CV Series includes a commercial-style forward-tilting hood. Under that hood is the International 6.6L, 350-horsepower engine with 700-lbs./
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
ft. of torque and one of two Allison transmission options. The CV is capable of handling up to a maximum GCWR of 37,500 lbs. Straight frame rails with no rivets on the top flange provide a clean area from cab to axle, making it easy to mount bodies for virtually any commercial-grade application. The CV Series offers a dual battery box mounted under the cab, multiple fuel tank options, optional exhaust outlets, and multiple wheelbase options. CV Series customers also have access to the same Truck Specialty Center expertise as all International customers, where experts provide quick, efficient and cost-effective custom engineering solutions. The truck offers automotive-like comfort, featuring premium interior finishes and driver ergonomics.
“The CV Series has been compared to a field office with perks,” said Michael Cancelliere, Navistar’s president, Truck and Parts. “Our philosophy is that driver comfort is critical to get the job done smoothly and efficiently, and the CV Series brings that philosophy to life.” Service through the International dealer network offers more dedicated commercial truck bays than are offered by any competitor in the segment, backed by a commercial-grade parts network. “We’ve designed, built and tested the CV Series to deliver the commercial-grade power, reliability and practicality that growing businesses require, along with the comfort, safety features and easy drivability that drivers appreciate,” said Cancelliere.
internationaltrucks.com
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 11
Where Is San Antonio TIM Headed? by Bobby Tuttle
The first and second parts of this story appeared in the December 2018 and February 2019 issues of American Towman Magazine. —Ed.
M
y whole adult life I have heard that, “You can’t fight city hall.” It doesn’t always have to be a fight though. When it comes to Traffic Incident Management issues in your community, why not try and find areas of agreement with city hall? When it comes to public safety and a city’s first responders, don’t we all want the same thing? Remember, public safety not only includes the public, it includes all the TIM responders working on the roadway 24/7/365. It always has been my experience that working with city hall requires
three main ingredients: respect, knowledge and cooperation.
Respect
When it comes to working with your local, state or federal TIM partners, you most likely won’t always agree; that is OK. Focus on the issues where you do agree. Time has a funny way of changing opinions. Be patient. Many times, a TIM agency may have standard operating procedures in place that may need time to evolve.
Knowledge
Having a seat at the TIM table comes with responsibilities. Knowledge is an important part of being prepared to provide information on towing and recovery response to the other TIM stakeholders. You can build
Multi-agency training is the backbone of TIM partners learning to work together. 12 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
your knowledge base by attending the American Towman Expos to network with other owners and exhibitors and attend the seminars. You will be exposed to thousands of fellow owners and operators from across the country and may be surprised to hear about how things are being done in other regions.
Cooperation
Collaboration between TIM responders includes communication between one and all. One of our TIM team’s goals for 2019 is to focus on communication in the early stages of a TIM event. When the right personnel and resources are deployed early in a TIM event, the total clearance time of that event can be reduced. That reduced clearance time helps us
➢
A look inside TransGuide, the San Antonio DOT’s Traffic Management Center.
‘‘
Every minute we are not exposed
to moving
traffic makes our TIM
responders safer.
get our TIM responders off the roadway faster. Every minute we are not exposed to moving traffic makes our TIM responders safer. We also continue to look at technology to improve communication and response. Having our towing dispatcher at the San Antonio Department of Transportation’s Traffic Management Center, known as TransGuide, has been very helpful in the communication and response to traffic incidents. When a major TIM event is seen on one of TransGuide’s approximately 200 traffic cameras, we can quickly make the notifications to the required personnel and begin directing the resources. Images from the traffic cameras can be sent to the phones of supervisors so that they can ensure the proper personnel and equipment are mobilized.
Training
Multi-agency/multi-discipline training should be the backbone of every TIM program. The time to meet
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the other TIM responders is not while working in a high-stress environment at a major TIM scene. It is much better to learn the capabilities of your TIM partners in a controlled environment—a.k.a., training. It has been my experience that training alongside the other TIM responders builds trust, respect, and better cooperation at TIM scenes. TIM goals for our team this year also include training and implementing a new Safety Service Patrol. The San Antonio Police towing contract has elevated standards for the training of tow operators at all levels. Towers provide a critical service at a crash scene, therefore it makes sense that the tower training should be comparable to that of other TIM responders. Like most safety patrols, San Antonio’s new SSP will provide motorist assist services. The SSP also will support the safety of our TIM responders by providing traffic control at crash scenes and other TIM support when needed. My experience in San Antonio’s
TIM program has been a long road. Throughout the years, many champions from our TIM program have served their time and moved on to other assignments or retired. The revolving door of TIM champions must be expected and planned for. The more TIM programs can be documented, the easier those personnel transitions become. Think about what improvements your tow company can make to improve your local TIM response and try to implement those developments. They do not always have to involve a large financial investment. Be a TIM champion in your TIM community.
Municipal Editor Bobby Tuttle has been involved in the towing and recovery industry since 1977 at all levels including Traffic Incident Management response in San Antonio, Texas. He also serves as the Incident Manager for the SAPD towing contract. He founded Complete Incident Response Training in 2003.
The Big Decision: Carrier or Wheel-lift By Randall C. Resch
When it comes to a start-up tow business, one of the first questions to consider is whether a flatbed or wheellift truck is more advantageous in the beginning. We’re not talking apples to apples here; there’s a lot to be considered. Choosing the best tow truck for your business can be like the 100-yearold quandary of Chevy vs. Ford vs. Dodge. Ask 12 owners their preference and get a dozen different answers. Choosing a suitable tow vehicle begins by first identifying and defining what work your business will target. The decision of which truck type is best suited for a company begins with the business niche they plan to serve. (I personally am a carrier guy; I’ve typically found more business for them when tow volume has been low.) To start with, a clear definition between these two types of trucks and their operational capabilities is needed: • A tow truck attaches a vehicle to its apparatus and tows a vehicle behind the truck with wheels on the ground. • A flatbed or carrier winches a vehicle onto a tilt-tray deck where it’s secured and the vehicle is transported with wheels off the ground. (Anything else that’s loaded onto a carrier’s deck is product.) • A recovery truck is capable of conducting winching operations using a recovery boom that raises, lowers, extends and retracts. Generally, they’re equipped with dollies for salvage and tow operations. If your niche is private-property tows and impounds, a wheel-lift truck equipped with dollies is best suited as its size works well in parking lots and underground structures.
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Recovery trucks should be equipped with a surplus of tow and recovery equipment that includes, extra-length cable, a drop-down lightbar, motorcycle adaptors, snatch blocks, chain, skates, an array of soft loops and lifting straps and, most importantly, a working set of dollies. Yes, they can tow expensive and lowered cars, under the proper circumstances with correct qualifying techniques.
‘‘
Any tow truck that’s sitting in your tow
yard won’t help grow a company.
While these considerations are important, it’s imperative to pre-consider all potential business types that can be had in this industry. Your ability to accept calls and requests, outside the norm of vehicle towing, is the most important factor in your company’s ability to serve your customer’s needs. Questions to consider are; • W hat type trucks are most favored and requested by insurance companies and law enforcement agencies? • What trucks do TRAA, motor clubs and other agencies recommend? • I s your company’s environment such that the need for 4x4 capabilities will be frequent for extreme winch-outs? • W hen business is slow, will transporting other products pay the bills?
Law Enforcement Carriers weren’t originally designed for recovery work; however, carriers can be equipped with sidepuller devices that enhance usability. Unfortunately, many law enforcement agencies still don’t accept side-pullers for recovery operations. For example, the California Highway Patrol’s rotation contract says, “Carriers are not a recovery truck. An operator who has a car carrier is exempted from the recovery, wheel lift, and boom capability requirements. However, the carrier must be an additional unit and shall not be used for recovery.” What does that mean to you? Should you (or can you) automatically bring, use and get paid for two trucks? If you arrive in a carrier and a vehicle is rolled over, do towers decline the call even if they’re experienced in rollover recoveries with the carrier? A carrier is the proper truck for a vehicle torn in half and debris strewn for hundreds of feet. Although questionable and challenged by towers working difficult scenarios, a carrier can quickly be loaded upside-down to open lanes faster than attempting to work that “car from hell” rollover with a wrecker. What about fire or an explosion on the carrier deck? The bigger picture is that more tow operators are killed due to extended time on scene than they are loading cars upside-down. In consideration of careful risk management, does your business niche need to consider fast towing and recovery techniques if you don’t serve the highway environments? Don’t discount a wheel-lift’s value. Some owners believe access and hook-up speeds are priority considerations; others counter by citing
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VS
Choosing a suitable tow vehicle begins by first identifying and defining what work your business will target.
ease and safety. If you’re providing private-property impounds, access and hook-up speed could be related to lifesaving minutes by getting off a property to avoid a violent confrontation with an angry and/or armed vehicle owner. Also for consideration, choosing the combination recovery truck is smart when it comes to winch-out scenarios over an embankment, and
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perhaps problematic reverse-rollover recoveries. Boom trucks are designed with recovery in mind. Carrier manufacturers don’t warranty, guarantee or recommend their products against recovery-incurred damages. While a carrier can’t be all things to all towers, the same stands true to working a wheel-lift. In the big picture of towing and recovery, I believe that a flatbed carrier lends a new owner
more working opportunities in which to satisfy more customers’ needs and keep their truck working. In my many years of working with carriers, my company transported small airplanes, classic and irreplaceable Ford GT40s and other exotic cars, yard sheds, gazebos, construction tractors, roofing trusses, catamaran sailboats with trailers and spun bearings, street-sweepers, a beached bottlenose
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 19
dolphin for Sea World, portable toilets, 24’ pine logs, church pews, railroad ties, landscaping materials and a toomany-to-count loads of hay. These cash jobs would have gone elsewhere had I only owned a wheel-lift. A busy carrier can average $500 a day if that truck rolls all day long on back-to-back calls. As your business niche is established, expanding (and varying) the fleet becomes more possible and probable.
The Right Operator
I believe that it’s every tow owner’s vision to build their company into a successful, large operation with a strong customer base; plenty of accounts and contracts, and a solid family of operators and support personnel. That being the case, choosing the right tow truck is as important as finding good men and women to operate them. Experienced operators, those who know their equipment in relation to
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loading vehicles and transporting product, are worth their weight in gold. This is especially effective where they’ve demonstrated competency in carrier and wheel-lift operations; slip-seating out of one and into the other. That’s your best format to help bring in those business dollars. An experienced operator, using either type tow truck, in theory, is most capable to, “Go get it and, don’t come back without it.” Operator competency and ability comes in all sizes, shapes, levels and egos. Tow operator training in carrier and wheel-lift operations is needed no matter who is working either type of tow truck and to their level of experience. Whatever formal training program you choose, be sure you get your money’s worth being trained in both carrier and wheel-lift operations. When evaluating manufacturers and suppliers to help your new business, consider what other tow managers and owners are saying about them.
A great place to start that is right in this issue’s Buyers Report, starting on p. 63. Networking at Tow Expos is another plus. Attending tow shows will put you face-to-face with distributors, manufacturers and builders of towing and recovery equipment, as well as lenders. The difficult part, you’ll have to do your homework and decide your specialty niche. Starting a towing and recovery business is a daunting, scary task, but the moving parts are there to help you make an educated decision about the direction you’re headed.
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.
Getting Involved in Your Community
D
By Brian J. Riker
o you take the opportunity to give back to the folks that support you, both personally and professionally? We all need to stop and take a moment to reflect on the position we are in and give thanks to those around us for everything we have. Becoming involved in the local community is a great way to both say thanks and promote your company, all while serving your fellow man. Take heed to be genuine with your community involvement, as people will see through blatant promotion attempts. Also, be careful when/ if promoting controversial topics. While I fully support our right to free speech (what writer wouldn’t?), I also understand how a seemingly innocent project can be detrimental to one’s reputation (personal and/or business). How can you become involved in your local community? Participation can be something as simple as volunteering to coach a little league team, provide food for a charity fundraiser or even organize a Touch-a-Truck event for children. I volunteered as Technical Director at my local high school for many years, teaching stage lighting and live audio production to support their music and drama departments. This was some of the most fulfilling work I have done, helping shape kids while making art. I loved every minute of it, plus the promotional value was priceless. More than 500 people coming to a show, four shows per event, all seeing my truck parked front and center at the venue. That doesn’t include all the opportunities to network with other parents and community members, many who could be potential customers. Perhaps you can volunteer with your local fire department or ambulance squad. We all know that their membership numbers are trend-
22 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
ing down, and the cross-training exposure you receive is priceless. The training you will receive as a volunteer will help you work s a f e r … perhaps it could even save your life. At a minimum it will help you increase your professionalism as a primary responder.
‘‘
Planning
commissions,
zoning boards,
town supervisors,
school boards and other part-time
offices are excellent opportunities for a business owner to
grow their influence. (Do not abuse the community trust placed in you if you chose this path. Keep your activities with the rescue service separate from your towing activities. Don’t be one of those guys that responds to the crash in your tow truck as an attempt to bypass the rotation or otherwise solicit the call.) Speaking of working with your local fire departments, what about cross-training opportunities between responders and your employees? Not only will cross-training with your fire department improve their perception of the towing industry while building skills that will save lives, it is a great way to give back.
Both career and volunteer fire/rescue departments are struggling for training resources as their budgets are stretched thin. By providing scrap vehicles and your talent to move these vehicles around (perhaps even a location for them to run practice drills), you will be doing a great service to your community. Getting involved with their training team will also allow you to collaborate on real-world scenarios that they may not have had the resources to simulate previously. One word of caution when initiating cross-training with a fire or rescue department, chain of command and safety protocols are the basis of everything they do. This means you need to make sure your equipment and rigging is up to standards, properly tagged/rated and ready for the task. The fire service tends to lean to the side of caution with one universal truth—safety always! It may be difficult to open the door at first, but keep at it in a professional manner. One thing I found that works well is donating simple pieces of equipment to the department, new but not expensive. My favorite way to open the line of communication is donating a set of straps with hook cluster ends. I bring them the set of four straps and give a quick demonstration on how they can use them in various situations to immobilize a vehicle more efficiently while performing patient extractions. It takes about 30 minutes, costs less than $100 and opens the door to a cooperative future. There is great free publicity when you stage a cross-training exercise with first responders in your community; convince their media relations officer to invite the local news outlets to cover it. It raises awareness of the
➢
issues we face as responders and reminds the community how hard everyone works behind the scenes to provide support and protection when needed. Political involvement, although potentially polarizing, can be an effective way to serve your community while also protecting your business. How many of us complain about our local government, yet fail to participate? We don’t have the right to complain if we have not done our part to shape the events around us. Planning commissions, zoning boards, town supervisors, school boards and other part-time offices are excellent opportunities for a business owner to grow their influence. One of the earliest towers I worked for was a township supervisor then later a county commissioner, all while owning a very small towing company. We only had two trucks and no full-time employees. So, if Charlie could do it as a very small business, so can you. I highly recommend supporting your employees if they want to get involved with the community. Community involvement is not just an ownership or management issue. Involved and active employees take great pride in being servants—a highly desirable trait in our line of work. I fully support the principle of servant leadership, and what better way to serve your team than helping them help others? Community involvement does not need to be expensive or take away from your valuable family time. We already sacrifice so much as towers that I would never suggest giving up family time. However, many of the ways you can help your local community are excellent opportunities to get your whole family involved. These are teachable moments that will forever change your children’s views of serving neighbors. Involvement doesn’t need to be expensive. If you are on a tight budget, don’t let that stop you from giving where you can. Many community support organizations need volunteer labor as much as they need money, so you can always give a little of your time or support your employees doing the same. A tower where I live supports the local humane society by providing mechanical repairs on their van and donating abandoned items from wrecked cars (and the occasional truck wreck). The shelter manager sells these items to raise cash or even sometimes finds uses for these items around their property. Perhaps you have items laying around that would make great pet toys or could be sold at a flea market with the proceeds being donated to the charity of your choice? There are many different ways to become involved in your local and professional communities. Anything you can do to help will make a difference.
Brian J. Riker is a third-generation towman, with 25 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 24 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 25
Volvo Delivers its First Electric Trucks
Volvo Trucks delivered its first all-electric vehicles recently—a refuse truck to waste and recycling company Renova, and a distribution truck to the logistics company DB Schenker and partner hauler TGM, operating in Sweden. The Volvo FL Electric trucks are part of a pre-series developed in collaboration with selected customers. “Our close collaboration with drivers and customers has enabled us to develop, in a short space of time, electrified transport solutions that meet high requirements in terms of performance, driving distances, cargo handling and vehicle use,” said Volvo Trucks President Roger Alm. Series production of the Volvo FL Electric and its sibling, the Volvo FE Electric, is expected to commence with a limited number of European models later this year. Source: ccjdigital.com.
AAA: Temperatures Affect EV Driving Range
New research from AAA reveals when temperatures get to 20 degrees F and a car’s heat is being used, the average driving range of electric vehicles decreases by 41 percent. This means for every 100 miles of combined urban/highway driving, the range at 20 degrees F would be reduced to 59 miles. Cold weather, however, is not the only factor that can influence driving range. AAA’s research also found that when outside temperatures heat up to 95°F and air-conditioning is used inside the vehicle, driving range decreases by 17 percent. Extreme temperatures certainly play a role in diminishing driving range, but the use of HVAC in these conditions – particularly the heat – has by far the greatest effect. AAA urges EV owners to be aware of the reduction and the need to charge more often to minimize the chance of a dead battery. Of course, towers also should be aware of the potential uptick in stalled vehicles. Source: newsroom.aaa.com. 26 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 27
If you fail to plan, you can plan to fail. By Jesse Lubar
“Warning! Do not hang up! Your Google Business Listing needs your IMMEDIATE attention. If you are not getting new customers from Google and would like to, please press one!” If you’re like most businesses in the U.S., you’ve probably received many of these types of calls over the past few years. The feeling of being misled, hustled or fast-talked are among the common challenges tow bosses face in their pursuit of better and smarter advertising.
from the wrong places, I’ve found that many towers just throw up their hands in disgust and place advertising and marketing on the back burner when it should be one of their most important considerations.
ers is that their company has signed up for some sort of directory or other lead-generation/cash-call service, spent a lot of money, and gotten little in return. Whether that meant a small amount of calls relative to the dollars spent, or the wrong types of calls
Bill from Augusta, Georgia, is a good example. Last year he received one of these robocalls. Thinking that Google was on the phone concerning his listings, he listened to the presentation and got signed up for a Google My Business listing. After giving his credit
M
any times this begins with a robocall, like the above, or with a pitch from some quick-buck artist selling a one-time fix with little to no real value for your company. Another common issue with tow-
28 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
Common Issues
Have a Plan
Making the right call for your business requires some pre-planning and a basic knowledge of how Internet marketing works. The following guide can be used to help evaluate how a successful operator should go about selecting the right marketing agency, or activating the right marketing platform, for their business:
card info and being charged $625, he spoke to his daughter who told him that a Google My Business listing is free. She told him that she could claim the page on behalf of the company, add pictures and their services and save the money. Bill was upset and tried to resolve the issue with the company directly. He got the run-around including a supervisor who talked him in circles. In frustration, he hung up and called his credit card company to dispute the charge.
PLANNING
Have a brief internal chat where you list your goals for marketing and what success would look like for your company.
‘‘
INVENTORY
Create a list of any paid marketing or advertising you are currently doing. Things like email marketing, mailers, AdWords ads, truck directories, etc.
He was frustrated, but stayed on
RESEARCH
board out of fear
Are there personal recommendations you could get from the towing community for those with similar operations? Are there recent reviews for any company you are evaluating?
that he’d lose
what little results he was getting.
Sam and Gina own three light-duty trucks for mostly private-property towing in San Diego, California. They got a call from an “Internet Marketing Specialist” who explained that their service would keep those three trucks busy and running with new jobs daily. They signed on for a monthly $300 fee; after a few weeks they started getting new calls from the service. The calls were for heavy-truck repairs and towing, and most of the jobs were more than 50 miles away. Not only could they not handle the jobs with the type of equipment in their fleet, but the distance of the jobs also made them geographically undesirable. Being afraid to make a change is another common concern. Some companies offer what amounts to a marketing “rental” approach. When you stop paying, the website and associated lead generation go away. Luis, from Miami, Florida, was paying a huge national company a $500 monthly fee and getting next to zero return. He was frustrated, but stayed
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
APPROACH Does the stated approach or the description of results either listed on the website, or explained by a salesman, match the goals you’ve just laid out?
CONSOLIDATION Can I consolidate or cancel any current service as part of this new option?
MONITORING
Are the stated benefits both tangible (like immediate inbound calls) and intangible (like branding on social media and attraction with review management)?
VERIFYING
Will it be easy to track the results? Is there comprehensive reporting?
➢
Using a guide such as this to help you make the right decision is a positive step towards reaching your goals. With Internet marketing becoming more complicated by the week, another important determination is whether you have someone internally to help you to maximize whatever your marketing and or advertising might yield.
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 29
on board out of fear that he’d lose what little results he was getting. These are common issues throughout the towing profession.
‘‘
Making the right call for your
business requires
some pre-planning and a basic
knowledge of how Internet
marketing works. Like every industry, there are bad actors in the Internet-marketing business, but there also are companies who may have a valuable service to offer … they just don’t understand the towing business enough to plan the right approach.
30 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
Emulate Success
One of the biggest indicators of how well a new marketing agency relationship, marketing platform or paid directory will likely work is seeing a similar company successfully using it. Let’s face it, there are only so many ways to skin a cat, so if you see a company who you know is doing what you do and they are advertising on Google, promoting their social media posts on Instagram, or building out a robust overall presence online, those are things you want to consider before investing in your next marketing program. There are many options for Internet marketing, websites and other lead generation. Making sure that you’ve got a solid plan going in will ensure your success and help you to build your brand, one call at a time.
About the Author Jesse Lubar is CEO at OMG National and OMG Tow Marketing. He is also the co-executive producer of American Towman TV. Meet Jesse and the OMG Tow Team this May at the American Towman ShowPlace in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Thanks for Dispatch Recognition Thank you for your column “Hats Off to Dispatch.” (p 6, March 2019 edition.) Sometimes, thanks are for the tow operators who actually do the job, so the company can get paid. No one thinks of the one-girl office who is 24/7 dispatcher/bookkeeper/orders uniforms and supplies/ storage vehicle check-in and -out/etc.; i.e. the person who does all except the actual tow. I certainly appreciate your words, “hats off to all the dispatchers out there who keep the customers, tow operators and the business owner in a happy place.” Foremost, though, it takes the entire team to make things work and keep our customers happy. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Thank you, Elva Short STARR Towing & Recovery Alice, Texas
32 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
AD INDEX April 2019
Page #
AAA 83 Access Tools 49 Akins Body & Carrier Sales 51 Allstate Roadside Services 25 Atlanta Wrecker Sales 37 Atlantic Emergency Solutions N 99 AT ShowPlace - Las Vegas 40-43 Austin Insurance S 99 AutoReturn 27 B/A Products 62 Beacon Software 34 Captain Recovery M, N 102, S 101, W 104 Casanova Towing Equipment W 104 Chase Insurance Agency S 101 Chevron Commercial 53 Crouch’s Wrecker Equip. & Sales 47 CTTA 36 Custer Products 57 Danco Products 85 Deep South Wrecker Sales 27 DewEze Mfg. 24 DP Winch 5 Driveline Buddy 57 Dual-Tech Wreckers & Carriers 25 Durabilt by Durbin 38 Dynamic Towing & Equipment Mfg. 59 ECCO 61 Elizabeth Truck Center 56 Environmental Chemical Solutions 36 ESTRA Tow Show N 101 G.Stone Commercial N 103 34 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
To receive free information on products and services from our advertisers go to www.TowExtra.com
Page #
Integrated Veh. Equip. Leasing 26 Intek Truck Equip. Finance & Lease 81 International Truck 2,3 Kenworth of South Florida 32 Landoll Corp. 19 Legacy Plus Insurance 32 Len Zermenos 55 Lift And Tow 24 Lodar USA 89 Lynch Truck Centers 31 Manufacturer Express 19 Matheny Motors 33 Matjack Jumbo Safelift 17 McMahon Truck Center M 99 Midwest Wrecker M 100 Miller Industries 7 New England Truckmaster N 103 New England Wrecker Sales N 104 New Hampshire Tow Show 76 North American BanCard 15 Northeast Wrecker Sales N 102 Nussbaum Equipment N 101 OMG National M 103, N 104, S 102, W 99 Order of Towman 86 Pacific General Insurance M 100 Performance Advantage Co. 84 Phoenix USA 45 Quest Towing Services 20 R & R Towing Insurance W 103 Ramsey Winch 21 Recovery Billing Unlimited 89
Page #
Road America 35 Sanderson Truck Equipment 61 Santander Bank 107 Sea Crest Insurance Agency W 99 Select Truck & Equipment M 102 Sepson US 81 Smyrna Truck & Cargo S 99 Southern California Tow Eq. W 100 Specialty Vehicle Equip. Funding 13 Steck Mfg. Co. 60 Sterling National Bank 52 Towbook Management Software 108 Tow Expo Dallas 93 Tow Industries W 103 Towing.com 85 Towman 100 77 Towman Medal 91 TowMate 26, 89 TowTrax 87 TruckMax 39 US Fleet Tracking 37 Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX W 100 Warn Industries 35 We Buy Key Fobs 92 WorldClass Insurance M 101, W 102 Worldwide Equipment 79 Worldwide Equipment Sales W 102 XINSURANCE 45 Zendex Tools 39 Zip’s/AW Direct 23
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 35
Jerr-Dan Parent Oshkosh Named ‘Most Ethical’
Oshkosh Corp., parent company of Jerr-Dan (jerrdan.com), was recently honored by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the 2019 World’s Most Ethical Companies for the fourth consecutive year. Oshkosh is one of only four honorees in the automotive category and one of only 128 companies, spanning 21 countries and 50 industries, named to the list. “We are honored, once again, to be recognized for this award,” said Wilson R. Jones, Oshkosh president/ CEO. “It is a testament to our 15,000 team members who demonstrate everyday our values of citizenship, honesty, accountability, integrity and respect.” “Operating with integrity and ethics is what fuels our spirit for innovation, which is why we are honored to receive this recognition for a fourth consecutive year,” said Richard Del Campo, VP/GM at Jerr-Dan. “It is our people, our product quality, our unwavering commitment to safety and ethics that sets up apart.” Scores are generated in five key categories: ethics and compliance program, culture of ethics, corporate citizenship and responsibility, governance and leadership and reputation. All companies that participate in the assessment process receive their scores, providing them with valuable insights into how they stack up against leading organizations.
36 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 37
TRAA ‘40 in 40’ Campaign In celebration of TRAA’s 40th Anniversary, the association has launched its “40 in 40” campaign. The combined contributions of 40 members will allow TRAA to fund the initial expense of hiring a federal lobbyist to represent the industry for the next three years. After that point, the lobbyist will be integrated into TRAA’s operating expense and covered by membership dues. “With TRAA’s dedication to legislative change and the formation
of the TRAA Legislative Advocacy Network,” said a release from TRAA. “A lobbyist is now a necessity to accomplish future goals.” The release further stated, “the towing industry needs expert and proactive legislative lobbying to continue to lookout for the interests of the industry.” With the “40 in 40” campaign, donors agree to contribute $2,500/ year with a three-year commitment. They will receive special recognition on TRAA’s website, annual directory and newsletter. The first 40 donors will receive a specially designed “40 in 40”
recognition and donors must remain members in good standing with TRAA for the duration of the campaign. Source: TRAA.
Navistar Awards Top Suppliers Navistar (navistar.com) recently recognized 35 of its top-performing suppliers with its annual Diamond Supplier Awards. Exclusive to the top two percent of the company’s supplier base, this select group has helped Navistar deliver uptime to its customers and has exceeded performance expectations in four key metrics: quality, delivery, technology and cost. “The companies we recognize with the Diamond Supplier Award stand out from the rest for the outstanding level of support they provide in helping us deliver the highest level of quality and value to our customers,” said Dave McKean, Navistar chief procurement officer. “These suppliers have earned this recognition by demonstrating a shared, unwavering commitment to quality, customer value, cost-effectiveness and innovation.”
Allison Building New Test Facility Allison Transmission (allisontransmission.com) is investing in a new vehicle testing facility that will include two environmental chambers capable of simulating temperature extremes, altitude and on-road conditions. This facility is to be located on the campus of Allison’s global headquarters on the west side of Indianapolis. It will allow testing for regulatory compliance, on-board diagnostic development and performance improvements for vehicle functional optimization. The Vehicle Environmental Test facility will further support testing for a wide-range of propulsion systems, including conventional powertrains, alternative fuel, electric-hybrid and fully electric vehicles. “The Vehicle Environmental Test facility will provide Allison engineers 38 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
with enhanced capabilities to conduct testing replicating vehicle environments and duty cycles,” said David Graziosi, president/CEO of Allison Transmission. The facility will be one of a few in the United States, and the only one of its kind in the Midwest.
The Peterbilt Store Is ‘Dealer of the Year’ Peterbilt Motors Co. (peterbilt. com) named The Peterbilt Store as its 2018 Dealer of the Year. The award was presented at the 2019 Peterbilt Dealer Meeting held in San Diego, California. “The Peterbilt Store has made significant investments in state-of-art facilities in multiple locations and it has paid off by making them one of the top performing dealer groups across several key metrics,” said Jason Skoog, PACCAR VP/Peterbilt GM. It was The Peterbilt Store’s third Dealer of the Year award, adding it to their awards in 2004 and 2016. The
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Peterbilt Store operates 16 dealership locations across seven states.
Hino Expands Certified Ultimate Network Hino Trucks (hino.com) recently announced the expansion of its Certified Ultimate dealer network by eight dealers; its certified network now includes more than 25 dealerships operating nationwide. The newly inducted Certified Ultimate Dealerships were: Interstate Trucksource, Romulus, Michigan; Bergey’s Truck Center, Souderton, Pennsylvania; Gabrielli Truck Sales, Jamaica, New York; Potomac Truck Center, Gainesville, Virginia; Hino of Baton Rouge, Port Allen, Louisiana; Rush Truck Center, Houston, Texas; Flag City Truck, Findlay, Ohio; Degel Truck Center, St. Louis, Missouri. “It takes commitment, investment, and embracing continuous improvement to become Certified Ultimate,” said Mark Dysarz Sr. manager of Dealer Development for Hino Trucks.
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 39
AAA-Arizona Access Tools – pg. 49 Agero Allstate Roadside Services – pg. 25 American Towman Magazine Anchor Graphics Arizona Prof. Towing & Recovery Association Ascentium Capital Auto Data Direct Automobile Club of Southern California Automotive Training Institute AutoReturn – pg. 27 Beacon Funding Beacon Software – pg. 34 Best Tools Casanova Towing Equipment – pg. W 104 Chergey Insurance Chevron West/Golden West Towing Equipment Clean Diesel Specialists Copart Auto Auctions CrashFilm CTTA – pg. 36 Custer Products – pg. 57 Custom Employer Solutions Custom Radio Detroit Torch DewEze Mfg. – pg. 24 Discovery Bay Insurance DriverLocator.Com Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. – pg. 59 East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales Eemerge.com Employer’s Guardian Environmental Chemical Solutions – pg. 36 Excel Sportswear Farmers Ins / Khasim Ins Agency Federal Signal Finex Group LLC Five Star Registration FleetDown FleetNet America Flitz International Freeway Service Patrol GEICO Global Gadgets GM Consultants
Heartland Payments Systems Honk Technologies ICW Group Insurance Idaho Wrecker Sales In The Ditch Towing Products International Key Supply Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Kalyn Siebert Landoll Corporation – pg. 19 Legacy Plus Insurance – pg. 32 Lien Enforcement Lift Marketing Group Live View GPS Lubnau Gonzalez Insurance Agency Manufacturer Express – pg. 19 McCandless International Trucks MercurySend.com Metabond USA MFE Distribution Co Miller Industries – pg. 7 Mobile Create USA Murphy Bank Nation Safe Drivers (NSD) National Automobile Club Nite Beam Nomad Manufacturing NRC Industries NXGEN Payment Services Omadi OMG National – pg. M 103, N 104, S 102, W 99 Penny Pockets PFC Brakes Phoenix USA – pg. 45 Planet Halo Podium Corp. Prof. Exchange Service QuakeLED Quest Towing Services – pg. 20 R & R Towing insurance – pg. W 103 Ramos Oil Company RealWheels Corp. Road America – pg. 35 Robinson Oil Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales Roush Clean Tech RP Recovery Consulting
Samsara Sanderson Truck Equipment – pg. 61 Santander Bank – pg. 107 Santiam Enterprises Sea Crest Insurance Agency – pg. W 99 Sierra Pacific Insurance Southern California Tow Equipment – pg. W 100 Specialty Vehicle Equip. Funding – pg. 13 Spill Tackle Steck Mfg. Co. – pg. 60 Sterling National Bank – pg. 52 Sun Country Trailers Swoop TCF Equipment Finance The Will-Burt Company Todd Equipment TOMAR Electronics TomTom Tow Industries – pg. W 103 Tow Times Tow Truck Locator Tow World Towbook Management Software – pg. 108 Towing Dispatch Services Towing.com – pg. 85 TowLien.com TowTrax – pg. 87 towXchange Transit Pros Truck Body Sales UniFirst Corp. Urgent.ly US Fleet Tracking – pg. 37 Vasquez Tow Truck Repair Verdant Commercial Capital Warn Industries – pg. 35 We Buy Key Fobs – pg. 92 Weego Wellnex Group Whelen Engineering Co. Whiterail Reviews WorldClass Insurance Services Worldwide Equipment Sales – pg. 79, W 102 WreckMaster Xpress Pay Zip’s AW Direct – pg.23
*Supplier names in bold are display advertisers in this issue with their ad page number cross-referenced.
Embracing Technology on the Road
D
By Charles Duke
aniel Young has been with U.S. Fleet Tracking for three years where he specializes in helping small business owners, fleet and operations managers improve overall operational efficiency. Young will be conducting a seminar, “IoT: The Connected Workforce,” during Tow Industry Week in Las Vegas, Nevada, as part of the Business Operations Conference. (IoT stands for “the Internet of Things.”) Some examples of IoT in the towing industry include security systems, door alarms and motion sensors around impound lots, backup cameras on trucks, smartphones in every driver’s pocket, GPS devices for both locating and aiding in navigation, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for warning of collision, tire-pressure monitoring, and more. Young said we live in a connected world full of integrated sensors. His session will be an in-depth discussion on the use of sensors, telemetry and IT to provide real-time feedback to make smart business decisions. There is old technology like the temperature sensors in trucks and new technology to report issues with those sensors via the mobile network.
44 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
‘‘
Just ask a
millennial to
back up a truck
without a backup camera or get
to a destination
without using GPS.
Along with technology comes what Young refers to as “a generational gap.” He said that the older generation is less apt to embrace the new technology while most millennials take it for granted. Young said there are tradeoffs involved in this. Just ask a millennial to back up a truck without a backup camera or get to a destination without using GPS. Or try to get the location of a driver when he is in unfamiliar territory, getting cross roads instead of the younger generation just texting you a “pin” or GPS coordinates. People don’t understand the magnitude of IoT, which is the future of technology, Young said, adding that people at his seminar will develop a greater understanding of technology and how it affects the workforce of today as well as in the future. Young was emphatic that the integration of several technologies can aid in day-today smart business decisions. “Anything from location of drivers, the safety of drivers, their security, feedback about engine details, reduced maintenance costs and most importantly better customer satisfaction,” Young said. As the seminars draw a cross-generational audience of towmen, Young spoke of the importance of making his
ShowPlace Seminar
“IoT: The Connected Workforce,” is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, prior to the opening of the American Towman ShowPlace.
session relevant to the mix of veteran and newer operators. “Older operators would probably be more accustomed to flip phones, radios and push-to-talk-type applications,” he said, “whereas the newer generation have changed to FaceTime and text and more than the face-to-face interaction or the audio interaction. “So there are vast differences between the generations,” he said. “However, the people that are resistant to change are going to get left behind.” The people who are getting in early on the latest technology are the people who are going to survive in the long run, he said. “My opinion on the best way to do that is to bring in the millennials and mentor them to be the future leaders,” Young said. “At the same time get them to teach (today’s owners) how to use new technologies across all aspects of the business. “They’re going to understand that ‘if I spend money on this, then in the long run it’s going to save me money.’ Technology and automation is going to reduce their overhead and add to their bottom line. “I think it’s important for everybody, despite their generation, to embrace technology and to embrace the changes in order to not get left behind,” Young said. “Much like the taxi companies are going under because of the rideshare services that are putting them out of business. [The taxi companies] resisted that change, and now they’re becoming (in many locales) obsolete.”
American Towman Magazine Senior Editor Charles Duke has written and served as editor for trade, music and nonprofit publications. He also serves as the editor for AT’s online sister publications Tow Industry Week and Tow Industry Today. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 45
Using lumber or a ramp reduces load angle to best winch a car without damage to the lower front end.
Avoiding Common Car Carrier Damages
C
By Terry Abejuela
ustomers, and many tow operators, consider car carriers as a damage-free way of transporting disabled vehicles. Are they? Transporting vehicles on a car carrier eliminates some vehicle damages, such as transmission damage, harm caused by jackknifing during the tow with a conventional tow sling or a wheel lift or backing into objects. However, damages can and do occur when transporting vehicles on a car carrier. There are many common damages that can occur when vehicles are transported by an improperly trained operator.
Hooks
Choosing the wrong attachment hooks can cause damage. There are
46 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
several different attachment hooks that can be utilized to load a vehicle on a car carrier. A carrier operator should carry a few different loading bridles so they can utilize the appropriate hook for the vehicle to be loaded. A loading bridle with multiple hooks can be used, but if you want J-hooks I would recommend a separate bridle for the J-hooks. I find that when using one of the other hooks, the J-hooks gets in the way and can catch on other components and cause damage. Many operators feel that J-hooks are obsolete, yet lots of operators still use them. There are vehicles that can be safely loaded damage-free using J-hooks, but each year there are more and more vehicles that can sustain damage from
‘‘
Damages can and do occur
when transporting vehicles on a car
carrier. There are many common
damages that can
occur when vehicles are transported by an improperly trained operator. J-hooks. Many vehicle manufacturers are utilizing lightweight suspension components like aluminum. Attaching J-hooks to aluminum lower control arms commonly results in a bent control arm. Other components can be damaged by contact with the J-hooks such as tie-rods and brake lines. Frontwheel-drive vehicles should not be loaded using a J-hook bridle.
➢
Before loading any vehicle, the operator should do an inspection of the vehicle and document and notify the customer of all pre-existing damages prior to loading. This includes inspecting the FWD axle boots. Use of J-hooks attached to the lower control arm to load a FWD vehicle will likely puncture the axle boots. As the vehicle rolls up the deck, the tip of the J-hook may contact the axle boot and puncture or tear the rubber axle boot. Many vehicle manufacturers recommend the use of T-hooks, R-hooks or mini J-hooks to attach to body or frame holes instead of attaching to suspension components. Be careful when choosing a hole in a unibody vehicle, as many of these holes are not designed for this purpose. Look for T-hook holes that are double reinforced for towing, loading and tiedown purposes. There are other holes that are shaped like a T-hook slot, but are not double reinforced. These holes are not strong enough for loading or tie-down.
Low Clearance
Vehicles with low ground clearance are often damaged during the loading or unloading process. Most carrier manufacturers have addressed this issue successfully with deck designs that accommodate many lowered vehicles. Low-profile tires, air-dump suspensions, low-center-of-gravity chassis and lower approach angles on the deck makes loading lowered vehicles easier and reduces damage potential. If you operate a car carrier that does not have these features, you may need to use ramping to load/unload lowered vehicles without damage. Fully extending the deck will provide you the lowest loading angle. If the deck is not fully extended you may need to raise the deck angle to get the approach plate firmly on the ground. Lumber or ramps help in these cases. Using these under the deck will lower the loading angle of the deck as well as raise the vehicle to create more clearance between the deck and the vehicle’s air dam, bumper or valance
48 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
It is not necessary to winch until the vehicle squats to ensure the vehicle is secured.
panel. Lumber under the rear tires may be required to raise the rear of the vehicle to avoid dragging the rear bumper, valance or exhaust pipes. Vehicles with air dams and low valance panels are often damaged by contact with the loading bridle or winch line. Lumber can be placed between the bridle and a strong vehicle component behind the air dam or valance panel to create clearance for
the bridle to avoid contact and damage. When unloading vehicles, make sure to firmly plant the rear of the deck on the ground. The deck may touch the ground because of the weight of the vehicle and when the load comes off of the deck it may lift off the ground and make contact with the undercarriage, valance or air dam causing damage.
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A tow eye bent from too much sideways or downward force.
Tow Eyes
Many vehicle manufacturers are providing a tow eye for loading and unloading because there are no accessible components that are strong enough to use for this purpose. They are normally covered with a plastic cover that must be removed to install the tow eye. This cover is often damaged when the operator attempts to remove the cover using a metal screwdriver. Using a plastic tool or a screwdriver with a plastic tip will reduce the potential for damage. Another common damage is caused when a vehicle is loaded so far forward the tow eye is pulled downward and/or sideways causing it to bend. Some manufacturers have solved the sideways pull on the tow eye by designing winches or sheaves that are movable to line up the winch line pull with the tow eye. Some car carrier operators use chains for tie downs at the rear of the deck and overtighten the chains with the winch and cause damage. Shortly after the slack is out of the chains and they become taut, stop winching. It
is not necessary to winch until the vehicle squats to ensure the vehicle is secured. Another reason this happens is the operator is attempting to create equal tension on both tie-down chains. Unless both chains happen to tighten at the exact same time, the operator continues to pull until the second chain is tight resulting in the first chain being overtightened and causing damage to suspension components. Using straps with ratchets to tie-down at the rear is less likely to cause damage from overtightening. Check the vehicle’s owner’s manual, AAA Tow and Service manual or other qualified source for information on proper loading, and tie-down procedures. Often there may be specific instructions, such as the proper set up for the air suspension, which will help
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avoid damage. This is not all-inclusive of the damages that can be caused while operating car carrier equipment, but addresses some of the most common mistakes. There are publications, videos and training courses available to assist operators in the safe and damage-free operation of carrier equipment. Carrier operators should review all of the carrier manufacturer publications and videos available for their particular equipment, as well as attend formal training and practice before operating the equipment in the field.
Field Editor Terry Abejuela has 40-plus years of light-duty towing and recovery experience. He is also a light-duty Level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association.
2019 NTEA Work Truck Show By AT Staff
The 2019 Work Truck Show, produced by NTEA-The Association for the Work Truck Industry, drew record crowds of more than 14,000 attendees last month for its annual event at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. The main staple of the trade show is displays by the main manufacturers and suppliers to the vocational truck and equipment market. Event highlights included vehicle introductions, equipment demos and a wide display of available trucks and equipment in the segment. “This is a diverse industry, and our stakeholders have many different needs, from improving operational efficiency to knowing how to specify the right truck for the job or figuring out which powertrain is most appro-
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2018 Ford F-150 with port-fueled direct injection autogas engineered system.
priate for a specific application,” said Steve Carey, NTEA president/CEO. “We have a lot of positive momentum going into our 20th anniversary event next year.” The Work Truck Show next year returns to the Indiana Convention Center March 3-6 (worktruckshow. com). Manufacturer updates and product introductions from the 2019 show included:
Alliance AutoGas
Alliance AutoGas (allianceautogas. com), the largest network providing a complete propane autogas solution to fleets interested in converting to alternative fuels, showcased some of its many new technologies released in the prior year. Examples of the new technologies brought to the marketplace in 2018 include 58 new EPA certifications covering 38 differing vehicle platforms, an electric/propane autogas hybrid Ford
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD.
Fusion, and the aftermarket autogas port-fueled direct injection engineered system. The PFDI system can integrate Alliance’s engineered system into the OEM factory computer system of the vehicle, making for a seamless communication between the two.
Chevrolet Chevrolet (chevrolet.com) debuted the full lineup of its all-new 2020 Silverado HD. Max towing capability increased 52 percent to an available 35,500 lbs. It is the third all-new Silverado in just 18 months, each designed for different customers.
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Ford
The all-new Ford F-600 Super Duty, with Class 6 capabilities in a Class 5 package.
The all-new 2020 Silverado HD is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor with a wheelbase that’s been stretched 5.2” on Crew Cab models and is scaled for HD customers. The Silverado HD will be available in five distinct trim levels—Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ and High Country— available across 22 cab, bed, chassis and driveline configurations. The 2020 Silverado HD highlights include: • New, more powerful 6.6L V-8 gas engine with direct injection for greater performance and stronger trailering capability with 22 percent more torque and up to 18 percent more towing compared to previous 6.0L gas engine. • All-new Allison 10-speed automatic transmission is matched with the available Duramax 6.6L V-8 Turbo-Diesel engine for a 52 percent increase in max towing to 35,500 lbs. on properly equipped models. • An all-new, factory-integrated engine-driven Power Take Off is available and eliminates the need for an aftermarket unit. Exclusively offered with the Allison 10-speed transmission on select diesel models, it’s the first fully integrated PTO system of its kind in the HD truck segment, with the PTO’s drive gear operated via chain to direct engine power. • Autotrac active two-speed trans-
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fer case on 4x4 models electronically controls “4 Auto” mode, allowing the truck to seamlessly shift between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive based on road conditions. • A dvanced Trailering System technologies and new transparent trailer view: The in-vehicle trailering system features an available total of 15 available camera views (requires an installed accessory camera), such as HD Surround Vision1 and other unique views including a transparent trailer feature to help provide added confidence when towing. • HD-exclusive sculpted exterior design features the most differentiation from the Silverado 1500 ever — the roof is the only shared sheet metal. • H eavy-duty details designed to make work easier and more intuitive, including features such as an easy-access engine block heater outlet, easy-to-fill diesel exhaust fluid tank with opening inside the fuel door, advanced trailering mirrors with available spot lamps and more. • Larger cab enables more spacious interiors with Crew Cab models adding about 3” in overall length. The all-new 2020 Silverado HD goes on sale this summer.
Ford (ford.com) introduced an allnew F-600 Super Duty chassis cab, a medium-duty truck that delivers the capability of a Class 6 truck, including a maximum GVWR of 22,000 lbs., in a Class 5 Super Duty package. Customers no longer have to choose between a truck that doesn’t have enough payload and a truck that’s too big. The F-600 is poised to go where bigger trucks can’t. For customers who need additional payload or need to mount heavier upfits but don’t want to move into a larger truck, the all-new Ford F-600 Super Duty chassis cab fills the sweet spot between F-550 and F-650. Although the overall vehicle is the same size as an F-550, F-600 uses upgraded driveline and chassis components, as well as higher-weightrated 19.5” tires and wheels to help it achieve a higher GVWR. With Ford’s choice of gasoline or diesel powertrains and 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains, F-600 lets fleets spec the truck they want. F-600 can be ordered in early 2020 and will be available in mid 2020. F-600 customers can choose from two engines: the 7.3-liter gas V-8 or the third-generation 6.7L Power Stroke diesel. An all-new 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission is available across all engine offerings with available live-drive power take-off provision. Updates to Transit, Super Duty chassis cab, Medium Duty trucks, E-Series and stripped chassis completed the refresh of Ford’s entire commercial vehicle lineup that began in 2018 with the introduction of the 2019 Transit Connect. All Ford commercial vehicle product lines are updated with standard modems with 4G LTE Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices to help keep drivers and crews connected while on the job or on the road. New Ford Telematics and Ford Data Services are available across the lineup to help commercial customers operate their fleets more efficiently. Ford Telematics and Data Services enable fleet managers to enhance
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uptime and asset utilization, optimize running costs, improve driver behavior, and protect their fleets using Ford OEM-grade telematics software or taking vehicle data directly into their own IT systems. Ford’s all-new 7.3L V-8 gasoline engine that debuted last month in F-Series Super Duty pickups is also available in Super Duty chassis cab, F-650 and F-750 medium-duty trucks, E-Series, and F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis. The 2020 Ford Transit offers vehicle configurations in cargo van, passenger van, chassis cab and cutaway models and a new crew van with seating for five.
gasoline-powered trucks. The demand for gasoline-powered trucks continues to increase year-over-year according to industry data. “We understand from our research that many diesel Class 5 truck owners want increased power allowing for more payload,” said Justin Palmer, president/CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America. The truck is powered by a GM 6.0L V-8 engine delivering 297 hp and 361-lbs./ft. of torque, combined with a
commercial-grade Allison 1000 Series transmission that is PTO-capable. Fuso includes the FuelSense 2.0 featuring DynActive Shifting from Allison that can provide a 2-percent to 6-percent improvement in fuel economy. The entire FE GAS series, including the new FE180 GAS, are built at Freightliner Customer Chassis Corp. in Gaffney, South Carolina. It will begin arriving on dealership inventories in the final quarter of 2019 as a 2020 model year truck. ***
Fuso
Fuso (mitfuso.com) unveiled its new Fuso FE180 gasoline-powered cabover truck. This truck’s design provides power and performance allowing for increased payload for truck owners needing a boost from the market’s traditional Class 4 offerings in
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The new Fuso FE180 gaspowered cabover.
Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America also celebrated its 2018 top performing dealerships at a special celebration event during the Work Truck Show. This year, 21 independent Fuso dealerships earned top honors in the distinction of being a Fuso “Frontrunner.” “These dealerships set the benchmark in sales, service and parts volumes and ensure customers have access to the outstanding products and services Fuso trucks offers in North America,” Palmer said. The U.S.-based Frontrunner dealerships included Capital Ford, Raleigh, North Carolina; Coffman International, Dothan, Alabama; DeMary Truck, Columbus, Ohio; Diamond Mitsubishi Fuso, San Jose, California; Rendel’s, Joliet, Illinois; Portland Mitsubishi Fuso, Portland, Oregon; Diversified Truck & Equipment, Mesa, Arizona; Seattle Mitsubishi Fuso, Seattle, Washington; Liberty International Trucks Of NH, Manchester, New Hampshire; San Francisco Mitsubishi Fuso, San Francisco, California;
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Miller’s Truck Sales & Repair, Lincoln, Rhode Island; Kearny Mesa Truck Center, San Diego, California; Quality Truck Center, Egg Harbor City, New Jersey; Messina Truck Center, Tampa, Florida; D&S Truck Center, Hodgkins, Illinois; AM Fleet Service, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; International Trucks of Houston, Houston, Texas; Highway Motors, Roanoke, Virginia; Quality Truck Care Center, Appleton, Wisconsin; Freightliner Northwest, Medford, Oregon; Globocam, Anjou, Quebec, Canada; Vanier Mitsubishi Fuso, Vanier, Quebec, Canada.
General Motors
General Motors Co. (gm.com) announced it is launching an initiative to help fleet managers protect the safety of their drivers, optimize vehicle performance and reliability, and support strong resale values through its new GM Fleet Parts Discount Program. With the program, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac dealers will be able to offer commercial, government and rental fleets substantial discounts on more than 450,000 GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco maintenance and repair parts. “Fleet managers are the most sophisticated vehicle buyers in the industry,” said Ed Peper, U.S. VP of GM Fleet. “They have a job to do, drivers to keep safe and investments to protect. A maintenance program built around GM-designed and factory-certified parts helps address all three of these priorities.” Any small business, commercial, government or rental customer with a GM Fleet Account Number and at least
The Isuzu family of work and vocational trucks. 58 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
five vehicles in service is eligible.
International
With its complete vocational product lineup on display, International Truck (navistar.com) announced the launch of its Diamond Partner Program to focus on connecting truck equipment manufacturers with International dealers. The goal is providing a range of benefits aimed at streamlining installation efforts, improving communication, offering best-in-class body builder resources, providing spec optimization and building stronger relationships. Benefits will include an assigned application engineer and cross-functional team review of specs. *** Navistar also announced it signed a service partnership agreement with Love’s Travel Stops, which adds more than 315 Love’s Truck Tire Care and Speedco locations and more than 1,000 technicians to Navistar’s International service network. The exclusive partnership (internationaltrucks.com/loves), which will be fully operational in the second half of 2019, authorizes most Love’s and Speedco service locations to handle a wide array of work covered by a Navistar-issued new-product warranty, as well as the company’s extended warranties and used truck warranties. All applicable Love’s and Speedco service locations will be authorized to perform warranty work with service repair times of three hours or less for all International Class 6-8 trucks. The partnership brings the Inter-
national service network to more than 1,000 locations in North America.
Isuzu
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (isuzucv.com) announced production plans for its 2019 and 2020 model-year lineup. Highlighting the announcement was the addition of two new Class 5 gasoline engine models next year. Two Class 5 models are planned: the NQR Gas (with a target GVWR of 17,950 lbs.) and the NRR Gas (with a target GVWR of 19,500 lbs.) Both will be powered by a General Motors 6.0L Vortec V-8 supplied by PSI and will be mated to an Allison 1000 RDS transmission with PTO gear. “We’re thrilled to bring the convenience and low cost of ownership of our N-Series gasoline truck to Class 5 and a whole new group of customers,” said Shaun C. Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. Production is expected to begin in mid-2020. In addition to the Class 5 gasoline trucks, Isuzu announced a number of refinements to its returning lineup of diesel- and gas-powered trucks, including new driver-assistance and audio options for all models. Beginning in May 2019, all Isuzu N-Series and F-Series trucks will be available with a suite of Mobileye advanced driver-assistance features including Forward Collision Warning, Pedestrian Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Headway Monitoring Warning.
Nissan Titan XD, Titan, Armada and Frontier models are now available with Rocky Ridge packages at Nissan dealerships.
Nissan
Nissan (nissanusa.com) and Rocky Ridge Trucks (rockyridgetrucks.com) made it official that Titan XD, Titan, Armada and Frontier models are now available with Rocky Ridge packages at Nissan dealerships. Rocky Ridge is a top truck and SUV upfitter with more than 30 years’ experience and will match all Nissan factory warranties. “Rocky Ridge-warranted Nissan trucks are definitely going to drive excitement and traffic to Nissan showrooms for a closer look,” said Fred DePerez, VP, North America LCV
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Business Unit, Nissan North America. All Nissan Rocky Ridge packages (rockyridgetrucks.com/lifted-nissan-trucks) start with custom suspension systems designed to “stand tall” without compromising smooth ride and handling characteristics. All packages also include custom wheels and off-road performance tires selected specially for each model.
PERC
The Propane Education & Research Council unveiled its new, redesigned version of propane.com to better
showcase all the things propane can do, including benefits for propane autogas fleet vehicles. “With the launch of the new propane.com, fleet owners can easily navigate and locate propane autogas resources that will lower their fleet’s total cost of ownership and meet their emissions goals,” said Michael Taylor, director of autogas business development with PERC. “The new site … has been repackaged in an easy-to-navigate format with even more information to answer more of the questions fleet owners have about transitioning to propane autogas.” Visitors will find information about propane autogas in videos, customer case studies, emissions data, fact sheets and more.
Peterbilt
Peterbilt (peterbilt.com) announced the expanded availability of remote diagnostics to its medium-duty product line.
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SmartLINQ is now available for order, giving customers the option to spec the remote diagnostics system on Models 348, 337, 330 and 325 when selecting a PACCAR PX Engine. Customers selecting a natural gas engine will also have the option to add remote diagnostics. “The system gives customers easy-to-understand real-time information on the status and performance of their vehicles to maximize uptime,” said Kim Lawton, Medium Duty Marketing Manager, Peterbilt. SmartLINQ is Peterbilt’s solution for connected truck technology to provide customers with real-time fleet health. If a diagnostic code is generated, a notification is produced with details regarding the severity, urgency, recommended actions and other pertinent information needed for a fleet manager to make informed service decisions. *** The Bendix Wingman Fusion advanced driver assistance system is now available for Peterbilt’s medium-duty Models 348 and 337. The optional collision mitigation technology from Bendix will be available beginning this fall. The system integrates camera and radar technology to enable advanced collision mitigation features including object detection, lane departure warning and overspeed alerts.
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“Safety systems like Wingman Fusion are not intended to be a replacement for skilled drivers or safe driving habits,” Lawton said. “They are intended to complement the safe drivers that remain the heart of transportation industry.” Wingman Fusion’s advanced features are ideal for the congested urban environments that many Peterbilt medium-duty customers operate in.
Ram
The new 2019 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab combine ability with never-before-offered comfort and technology. With a towing capacity up to 35,220 lbs., GCWR of 43,000 lbs. and payload up to 12,510 lbs., Ram’s heaviest haulers are built for tough duty cycles with new levels of efficiency and upfitter
friendliness. The new Ram Chassis Cab offers Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking and AEB with trailer brakes on all trim levels. “Ram Chassis Cab operators work their trucks at maximum capability in the harshest drive cycles every day,” said Reid Bigland, head of Ram Brand, FCA. “With the Chassis Cab Limited, we’ve also created something the segment has never seen, surrounding owners in premium materials and technology with the highest quality interiors, active safety systems and, of course, our award-winning Uconnect technology.” The standard engine in the 2019 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab is the 6.4L Hemi V-8 with up to 410 hp and 429-lbs./ft. of torque. A signifi-
The new 2019 Ram 3500, 4500 and 5500 Chassis Cab combine ability with neverbeforeoffered comfort and technology.
cantly revised Cummins 6.7L inline-six turbo-diesel is optional on the 2019 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab. The 2019 Ram 3500/4500/5500 Chassis Cab offers customers a trio of automatic transmissions: TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic, electronically controlled Aisin AS66RC six-speed automatic and fully electronically controlled Aisin AS69RC. Ram Chassis Cab trucks come in four industry-standard frame lengths measured in inches from the cab to the rear axle (CA): CA 60, CA 84, CA 108 and CA 120. Frame rail width also follows industry guidelines at 34” spacing. Four trim levels are offered on the 2019 Ram Chassis Cab: Tradesman, SLT, Laramie and the new Limited. The new HVAC system features 30-percent more airflow at lower noise levels, including larger front defroster vents for better performance. All-new in-duct electric heating elements on diesel models help speed cabin warmup on cold days.
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Buyers Report Products reviews of participating advertisers
what the users say
By Brendan Dooley
The annual Buyers Report in American Towman is where you can go to get real word-of-mouth recommendations on the companies, products and services you use to enhance your business. “Meh, it’s just another advertisement,” you might think in skimming over this section. But you’d be wrong. In assembling this feature every year for the April issue, Senior Editor Charles Duke and I reach out by phone, text and email to real users to get the information we need straight from customers themselves. It is a task that is several months in the making; as we all well know, the life of a tower is not 9 to 5, Monday through Friday.
AAA Network of Savings Saves Big
See Ad Page 83 “We just used the AAA Network of Savings with Santander for a new 2019 Kenworth. I just called my rep to say I was looking at a wrecker and its cost and they did all the paperwork in a seamless process. … We used the AAA fleet number rebate on a 2019 Ford F-250 and one other Ford truck; we saved almost $9,000 on one truck. … We also use the AAA 15-percent discount with Zips AW Direct, and we buy a lot of equipment through them. It uses a AAA facility number code and auto applies the discount at checkout.”
Kenneth Priest, Priest Brothers Wrecker Service; Lawton, Oklahoma
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For every towman, business owner or tow manager we reach in one try—who actually has time to talk right then—we leave a half dozen or more voicemails, emails and text requests. Why do we do this? In order to get the best product information possible for our readers to evaluate tow industry suppliers, which results in all the details—big and small—you can find in these pages. Editor Brendan Dooley joined AT in January 2011 after serving as the editor of two magazines covering the auto repair industry for shop owners, techs and tool distributors. His experience includes hard news on daily newspapers and editorial leadership at vintage motorcycle and car magazines. Brendan is WreckMaster 6/7A certified.
Access Tools Is Over-Par
See Ad Page 49 “I use just about all their equipment. It’s very durable, and the equipment is really reliable. When you need it the most, it works. They have great door-opening tools, from their wedges to their bars and their jacks. Their air pumps are really, really reliable. If something breaks, they have the replacement parts; you don’t have to buy the whole entire set. I’ve seen them demonstrate to people at tow shows how to use the equipment. They’re really good at explaining and showing people exactly how to use their equipment. They’re ‘Over-par’. Everything is made by them, here in the U.S. at their shop. Their equipment is top-notch”
Robert Ashenoff Jr., Tremont Towing; Miami, Florida
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 63
Buyers Report
Akins: Any Day of the Week
See Ad Page 51
Allstate Road Service Is Solid
See Ad Page 25
“I mostly deal with Jeff McKinney at Akins; he gets me financed at payments I can afford. I have nothing bad to say about them because they’ve always been fair by me. … Soon I’ll be looking for another self-loader and it will come through Jeff. He always keeps his word about everything he says he will do. In fact, they go over and above. On one flatbed, I expected about three to four weeks for it to be ready due to the color I wanted. In one week’s time, they had it ready—bare cab and chassis painted and equipment installed. … My shop is about 90 miles from them and he even delivers my trucks. No one else offered to do that for me. … Anyone who wants to buy a new truck, I recommend go see Jeff any day of the week.”
“We are in our 15th year with Allstate Road Service. A lot has changed over the years, but management has always been really great with us. We serve on some of their advisory boards. Someone is always available. I’ve had my fair share of reps, but they’re always responsive, available and professional. They respond when we need them. The digital on-boarding makes it even easier to work ARS. We have a long-term solid relationship there and we enjoy being one of their partners.”
Austin Insurance Has Your Back
AutoReturn Is Easy to Manage
Joe DiMarco, Quik Pik/All Over Towing; Phoenix, Arizona
David Shore, B&D Towing; Palmetto, Georgia
See Ad Page S 99 “We’ve been with Austin Insurance since 1993, a very long time, and always received good service. They’ve always had my back in claims or what we deal with and the rates are very reasonable. I’m very pleased with what we get from Rob and Sharon Austin. They’ve always been there to handle claims—we’ve had just a few—but those few times he took care of us and represented us though times where we weren’t at fault and I’ve been pleased in those outcomes when we did have issues.”
Tim Brown, Burl’s Wrecker Service; Mayfield, Kentucky
See Ad Page 27 “We signed up with AutoReturn in November when it went live in Fort Worth. I didn’t really have many expectations. It’s different going from calls to dispatch and then dispatched to drives. It seems like they’ve managed their end well with hiccups with the city and kept [towers] involved and the city involved. It’s really helped the city which never really had much more than a homebrewed app to run the rotation. … AutoRetrun has really increased the city’s inventory and ability to manage the rotation. … It’s a pretty easy system for all the drivers to use. So far, most drivers find it easy to download and manage, answer and do what they need to do. On the office side, the website is very easy to handle and navigate through for what you need to do. Overall it’s been pretty simple.”
Chris Akers, Texas Towing; Fort Worth, Texas
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See Ad Page 62
Beacon Software Works Best
See Ad Page 34
“B/A Products’ Container Links have several advantages over alternative rigging. Shipping containers are a constant battle in our industry as they are usually very heavy and traveling with uneven loads. This causes them to overturn very often. In the past, chain has been used in the container pockets, which has often failed and caused tow trucks to overturn and ultimately put operators in extreme danger. B/A created Container Links that are specifically designed for the corner pockets of containers, making the operators job safer. This is becoming an industry standard as they are tested and proven to be safe, and have the correct working load limit to safely upright or lift a fully loaded container. With the new Container Links there is no pre-picking necessary, which makes the job quicker and more efficient.”
“I would definitely recommend Dispatch Anywhere by Beacon Software. Any time you call to ask a question they are always available. If for some reason they are not and you have to leave a message, they still always get back with you. We’ve used [other software programs], but definitely like Dispatch Anywhere best out of all of them.”
Century: Never an Issue
Chevron Commercial Is Phenomenal
what the users say
B/A Products Give Advantage
Rick Grimstead, A to Z Towing; Punta Gorda, Florida
Sean Van Lingen, Van Lingen Towing & Recovery; Torrance, California.
See Ad Page 7 “I run three Century 12 Series carriers, all with Right Approach, for going on eight years. They are definitely reliable; I like the strength of the bed for such a low load angle. I do all exotic cars and work direct for a Lamborghini dealer; not using ramps or wood is a plus in my business. I’ve never have to ramp basically anything. They are reliable, I’ve never had any issues. Not one. No blown hoses, leaking pistons or valve body—never one issue with the bed.”
Jason Cartledge, Prestige Imports; Miami, Florida
See Ad Page 53 “There isn’t a bad word I can say about Chevron Commercial, they are top notch and phenomenal. I bought our whole fleet right now from them … everything is either Vulcan or Chevron. Their customer service from time of build to the end is phenomenal. If you can dream of putting in on a truck they’ll do it. Our last wrecker was pink for breast cancer awareness, they just knocked it out of the park beyond my expectations. From paintwork to everything else, it’s above and beyond in craftsmanship and attention to detail. … I wouldn’t have had anybody else do it. Don’t even shop or look anywhere else. .”
Steve Kainz, Trickey’s Service; Wood River, Illinois Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 65
Buyers Report
CTTA Influences State Legislators
Crouch’s Wrecker Works Hand-in-Hand
See Ad Page 36 “One of the big benefits from California Tow Truck Association for operations is the training they offer our operators and the resources they offer for referencing current laws. … A larger benefit, less obvious, is behind the scenes with CTTA and legislation and monitoring bills being drafted that are coming down the pike. CTTA forms relationships and negotiates with bill authors to negotiate language in towing’s best interests. … The CTTA is very involved in legislature to partner and work in helping explain how lawmakers’ intent transforms to the street and know the real impact of the language in bills and shed some light on towing for them. … Having those relationships is critical to our survival as an industry.”
Sam Johnson, Capitol City Towing; Sacramento, California
Custer Products Gets High Praise
See Ad Page 47 We got (our 2018 Dodge Ram 5500/2018 Century 612) built—it took us over a year to do it—it turned out to be a beautiful truck. The size of it is most useful to us; it’s very versatile. Customer service-wise, David Reed is one of the best people you’ll ever deal with; he is a great guy. We work hand-in-hand. I give him my ideas, told him what I wanted and he got it done. I’ve bought other units from them: their carriers, the 12 Series. They’ve done a great job of building their carriers; I haven’t had any issues with them. Across the board Crouch has been very helpful as to whatever I need, parts, chains and towing accessories. I’ve been dealing with Crouch’s now for at least three years. David and Lee of the Installation Shop; they’ve pulled off a dream for me.”
Gerald Stooksbury, Stooksbury’s Towing & Recovery; Sevierville, Tennessee
Deep South Wrecker Sales Is on the Spot
See Ad Page 57 “We sell a lot of Custer Products’ stuff; tow lights and wireless lightbars. Their products are great, very few problems with them. With the wireless lightbars we have very few problems, and they’ve been immediately fixed. The other lights and work lights we haven’t had any problems; it’s good stuff. It’s all really good equipment and decently priced. Our customers all give them very high praise for quality.”
Tommy Morris, Monroe Lighting & Safety; Massillon, Ohio
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See Ad Page 27 “I’ve bought several trucks from them, probably more than 10, along with some personal trucks. I love it because when I’m ready to buy, I call and they’ll tell me what they’ve got, send me a picture and if I like it I never have to leave my office. He brings me the paperwork and I go out and there’s my new truck. It’s easy business. I’ve had 10 years of nothing but great service from them, night or day. They always help whether its parts, service or buying a new truck. … They’re on the spot.”
Jim Pursley, A Plus Towing; Fairburn, Georgia
See Ad Page 24 “We have been using DewEze products for about three years now. We’ve had nothing but great experiences with their products. They’re very quiet, very powerful and an easy install. They have great products and a great company. Customer service is top notch to say the least. They’re very knowledgeable and always have a fast turnaround. Here at Midwest Wrecker, we look forward to many more years of business with DewEze.”
Bob Steltzer, Midwest Wrecker; Pataskala, Ohio
Driveline Buddy Saves You Headaches
See Ad Page 57 “Driveline Buddy has been outstanding; it’s saved us a lot of headaches and money with no lost or damaged drivelines that we’ve disconnected to tow. We’ve been using them for just over a year; now I have them on 15 of my big wreckers. It’s a good-quality well-made product. We’ve had very good luck with it and drivers love them. The old day of a chain or strap for drivelines are over with these.”
Doug Thoma, Sandy’s Towing; Dayton, Ohio
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
DP Winch Is Durable for Heavies
See Ad Page 5 “We have DP winches on 14 big wreckers. They are dependable, durable and we have never had issues with them. When we service them, we call them and they can walk us through it and what to check … very helpful and will email any schematics or whatever you need to know. … What I like about them is that at a trade show they’ll have knowledgeable people there to answer questions. They work with you and get someone on the phone to answer anything they can’t. I recommend to anyone. I won’t buy big trucks with anything less than a DP Winch on it.”
what the users say
DewEze Is Easy to Install
Dan Parker, Parker Towing & Recovery; Fort Wayne, Indiana
Dual-Tech Are Who to See
See Ad Page 25 “We’ve been using Dual-Tech rollbacks for some 12 years and they’ve always worked well. They stand up. They do a great job of telling what they’ve got and explaining it to you and they’re just good people. Their beds are set lower to the ground than the others and work with lowered cars and you don’t have to use boards. Every time I want a Dual-Tech truck, I can go get one and they are close by and easy to get to. If you want to buy a truck, they are the people to see.”
David Brooks, Supreme Towing and Truck Repair; Dandridge, Tennessee
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 67
Buyers Report
Dynamic Responds on Race Day
See Ad Page 59
Elizabeth Truck Center Is First Class
See Ad Page 56
“We’ve been using Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing trucks for nearly five years and have 14 pieces of Dynamic equipment, rollbacks and wreckers, at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dynamic has been developed into the truck to have for quick responses on race day. We are excited about our partnership with Dynamic and appreciate everything that Anthony Gentile and his team have done. The customer service is outstanding; when you can get the owner of the company in minutes to help you with anything, that’s the sign of a great company.”
“I’ve been dealing with Jim Powers as long as he’s been at Elizabeth Truck Center for all my flatbeds and heavies. He answers 24/7, does whatever you need and delivers whenever you need it. He’s a first class guy and builds a nice truck and delivers it fully equipped. They build a nice truck and are a first class operation. Trucks always come out the way you order. I just bought a 50-ton and a 25-ton and he delivered them 100 percent on everything as he said he would.”
Shaun Johnson, Charlotte Motor Speedway; Charlotte, North Carolina
Steve Flanagan, Steve Flanagan’s Towing; Pennshauken, New Jersey
G. Stone Commercial Treats You Right
Integrated Vehicle Leasing Is Streamlined
See Ad Page N 103 “I’ve bought three trucks with G. Stone Commercial because they’ve really treated me right. I actually had some problems with one of the trucks [due to OEM chassis issues] and Andy stepped up to the plate and gave me a good trade-in price on it so I could easily move into a different wrecker easily. … I bought a used 2000 Ford F-350 quad cab with a Jerr-Dan bed from them; he knew I was looking for something like it to buy outright and called me as soon as it came in to them. It’s got low miles and a 7.3-liter engine that will go forever. … Andy and I are evenly matched – I’m cheap but we can get to an agreement on price that isn’t painful. They’ve been really good to me.”
Steve Cushman, Cushman’s Towing; Rutland, Vermont 68 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
See Ad Page 26 “I’ve used Doreen for about 10 years and has been absolutely wonderful. If you call and say you’re looking at a truck, ‘bing bang boom’ and you’re good to go. If I know I’m looking for something at a show, I’ll call before and get there and it’s all set up. … They’re so streamlined and easy. … Integrated doesn’t ‘hammer’ you like I’ve been with some companies. I won’t lease with anyone else. Their service after the sale is second to none and that’s more important than a lower rate. … I’ve found trucks at eight or nine at night and will text or call Doreen and she’s right on it. … It’s not a mom-and-pop operation, but they still treat you like family. …. I know I’m going to get taken care of.”
CJ Chase, C+L Towing and Transport; Titusville, Florida
See Ad Page 81 “Intek Truck & Equipment Leasing is probably the easiest bank that we have ever dealt with. I call to say that I am buying a truck and they send me all the paperwork and we are done. We have a truck lease plan that is allowing us to keep growing, but also allows us to get out of the lease any time to sell the truck and upgrade. We have been using them for two years since we first contacted them. The first truck was our rotator that we had financed through them, and six trucks in total. For me, I find the truck and call them up and say what type of truck it is, where the truck is, and we are buying it; I sign the paperwork and the truck shows up to our garage. I am very satisfied with their service and would recommend them to anyone else in a heartbeat.”
Brad Carroll, CBK Towing; Boxborough, Massachusetts
Landoll Makes No Excuses
See Ad Page 19 “I bought our first Landoll trailer in 2004 and I think nine more Landolls since. Every year we tend to order a brand new one. It’s more about customer service and standing behind their product. … I’ve had some issues in the past and they went above and beyond to make sure it was rectified. That means more than price to me. Once a Landoll trailer leaves the factory, they will stand with you almost for its life. I had a paint issue with a trailer and they brought me a loaner trailer and hauled mine back to the factory and repainted and noticed a few things and fixed them and hauled it back from Kansas to Ohio and picked up their trailer. I was expecting a huge bill because it was out of warranty, they made no excuses and took care of it to make sure I was happy.”
Aaron Aber, Aber’s Towing & Crane; Ashland, Ohio Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Kenworth of South Florida Is Exceptional
See Ad Page 32
what the users say
Intek Leasing in a Heartbeat
“Kenworth T-270 Rollbacks are what we use and I believe we are on our way to purchasing numbers 12 and 13 in less than a two-year period from them. Service is exceptional. The products are 100-percent backed and very rarely have an issue. The issues have been minor. I love the load capacity and durability of the Jerr-Dan XLP 22’ steel heavy beds. They have exceptional winching capacity and are equipped to go to work as soon as received. The price is a 100-percent useful truck. Shane Hoskins and all the folks are amazing. Purchasing is a seamless process and if you need anything they are always available. Shane’s work ethic is unmatched. He knows what we want, when we need it. He has truly been a part of our continued success and building of a fleet that is unmatched in our area.”
Stella Miller, Miller’s Towing; Weatherford, Texas
Legacy Plus Insurance Comes Through
See Ad Page 32 We have used Legacy Plus for five years for our insurance. They are second to none. Michael and Charles are always available to talk to and handle any requests immediately. I once bought a truck on New Year’s Eve and emailed him the vehicle info, just because I was standing there with the title in my hand, and I had the insurance cards in my email before I got home. Every year they handle our renewals and make it a seamless and easy experience, making sure all our clients get our updated insurance information and we don’t skip a beat. Michael and his team at Legacy will always come through for their client. They’re an absolute pleasure to work with.”
Morgan Longstreet, Asset Solution Recovery; Howell, New Jersey
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Buyers Report
Manufacturer’s Express Works Quick
Lynch Chicago for Whatever You Need
See Ad Page 31 “I’ve bought a T-880 Kenworth with a Century 1150 rotator from them. It’s been a big asset to my business. (It has put me) in a lot of other markets. I deal with Mike Mariner; he’s my go-to guy. Anytime I need a heavy or a small carrier—whatever I need, or however I need to have it spec’d out—it’s not a problem. I’ve been dealing with them for over 25 years. They’ve always come through, and they’ve always gone out of their way—if there is an issue—to get it handled. I’ve also bought numerous Century carriers and Vulcan heavies from them, too. They are a company that goes above and beyond when need be.”
Larry McKay, Suburban Towing & Recovery; Elk Grove Village, Illinois
See Ad Page 19 “I use their whole line: their towing straps, their chains, winch cables, snatch blocks—all the tow accessories. I have a store; I sell their products also. I run 25 trucks. If I call them eight in the morning and I need something, they get it to me the same day. I deal with Anthony most of the time, and I’ve been dealing with him since 2011 when I met him at the Florida show. I ordered from him on a Thursday and everything was at my front door when I got back Monday morning. If I need something immediately they’ll make it for me: they do custom work.”
Joe Notarianni, Pro-Tech Auto; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Matheny Motors: Generations of Service “I’m the fourth generation owner of Magill’s Auto Service—and when I met Tim Matheny I learned he was also the fourth-generation owner of Matheny Motors, the parent company of Matheny Towing Equipment. Knowing firsthand how hard it is for a business to thrive for this many years, I was very interested in learning more about them and I became a loyal customer last year. Woody Woodrick has sold us a Century LCG, Century 20 Series carrier, and the Chevron 512, which has truly impressed me. I’m really happy with the Miller Industries products, but I’m even happier with the better service I’ve gotten from Woody and Matheny Towing Equipment. We are looking forward to many more years of working with Matheny Towing Equipment as our fifth generation is slowly getting into the business.”
See Ad Page 33
Mark Magill, Magill’s Auto Service; Pitcairn, Pennsylvania
Find the digital edition of AT’s
Buyers Report at itowman.com
70 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
See Ad Page 17 “We’ve been using MatJack’s bags for a couple years. I did my homework and I don’t think anything compares to MatJack out there. I wouldn’t buy any other bags but MatJack. They’ve put a lot of time in our industry to make what we need. Landing bags are what interested me first and after I talked with John Sweezy I went ahead and bought a full set of each. One of the best purchases we’ve ever made. They’ve made a lot of scenarios … safer, and you can’t put a price on safety. We’re very happy with them and use them quite a bit.”
See Ad Page M 99
what the users say
McMahon Truck Centers Sells Quality Work
MatJack Knows the Towing Industry
“I like McMahon Truck Centers; I’ve bought somewhere around 10 trucks from them. They sell a quality product and stand behind it. Paul Blackfin works very attentively with me. … When we had a truck hit on the freeway, they were very quick to turn it around and get it back on the road for us. I didn’t have to worry, it was done quickly and a quality job.”
Jim Shriner, Broad & James Towing; Columbus, Ohio
Donny Callahan, Gerlock Towing and Heavy Haul; Portland, Oregon
Midwest Wrecker Anticipates Needs
New England TruckMaster: No Surprises
See Ad Page M 100
See Ad Page N 103
“Midwest Wrecker is a pleasure to work with. They are responsive when we have questions and are efficient once an order for a truck has been placed. Once an order is placed, they have a quicker turnaround time than we’ve had in the past with other companies. Midwest Wrecker anticipates our needs in advance so they can reduce the amount of time we wait for a truck once it is ordered. The staff makes recommendations based on our business needs and alerts us of different types of equipment that could make us more efficient. I would highly recommend giving Midwest Wrecker the opportunity to build your next tow truck.”
“As a family owned and operated company for 49 years, we know what customer satisfaction is and New England Truck Master surpasses all our expectations. Chris Lambiase has built a handful of trucks for our company and continues to build and restore for us. Chris always shows up in our office in person to make sure all our needs are met. While your truck is being built, Chris encourages you to stay involved and in the loop throughout the whole process: no surprises. He encourages you to stop by his facility to check up on the progress. Chris just built the newest addition to our fleet: our 2016 Peterbilt 389 with a Century 1150S rotator. Chris knows we can be very picky and he made sure we got everything we wanted. If you’re looking to build or restore your truck with the least amount of headaches possible, New England Truck Master is the way to go.”
Brad Sheets, AAA Ohio Auto Club; Columbus, Ohio
Anthony and Violet Lisi, Lisi’s Towing Service; Brewster, New York Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Buyers Report
New England Wrecker Sales Answers Right Away
Nussbaum Equipment Works Tirelessly
See Ad Page N 104
See Ad Page N 101
“Working with New England Wrecker Sales, they are great and pretty personal people. They get down to your level and talk about everything you want and get to a friendship level and make it easier—which is good when you’re spending that much money. Customer service is great. … I have the owner’s cellphone and talk or text with questions. Send an email and he gets right back. I haven’t had any issues with their trucks. Every question or option, they answer right away.”
“Our company has been purchasing towing equipment from Barry Nussbaum at Nussbaum Equipment since 1997. Barry has helped us spec out and purchase everything from light-duty to heavy-duty tow trucks and wreckers. Barry and the Nussbaum staff show genuine concern in meeting our company’s expectations. They work tirelessly to help us with any problems and make sure that we’re completely satisfied. Our experience demonstrates that customer service is consistently a priority with Nussbaum Equipment. If you are in the market, I strongly recommend you contact Barry at Nussbaum Equipment.”
Mike Pereira, Central Auto & Transport; Hartford, Connecticut
Dave Faust, Faust Auto Collision Service; Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Phoenix USA Gets High Marks
See Ad Page 45 “We have been working with Phoenix USA for approximately 30 years. They’ve always been a great support network for us and always follow nicely and address questions and concerns and respond to any needs; I give them high marks. If there have been complaints or issue on any products, they have very quickly sent reps to our location to look at our concerns and address as expediently as possible. That’s over and above what a lot of manufacturers will do. … They are very accessible and you can talk to someone at any and all levels when needed.”
Bob Crouch, Crouch’s Wrecker Sales; Kingston Springs, Tennessee 72 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
Ramsey Winch Is More than Business
See Ad Page 21 “Ramsey Winch is great to work with, more like a friendship than a business because of the people. Especially Harold Todd, my main go-to guy. You can Call day or night with any questions. … You can call customer service and they’ll solve issues right away; I don’t recall the last warranty problem we had with them. … If they tell me x amount of time, it will be delivered within that time. I can’t find a damn thing wrong to stay about them.”
Anthony Gentile, Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing, Norfolk, Virginia
See Ad Page W 103 “I have been with R&R Tow Truck Insurance for the past three years and they are professional and efficient. It has been a pleasure working with RRA. They have always gone above and beyond to provide our company with support. Ed Fierence, our broker, and his colleagues are very knowledgeable, collected and selfless. Their professionalism and integrity shows that they value our business relationship. RRA has helped save us thousands of dollars without compromising our coverages. They have made our annual renewals seamless, no hassles and no stress; this is a huge relief. The support that they provide to our company is immeasurable, and for that reason, we could not see working with anyone else.”
Sanderson Truck Equipment Becoming Great Again
See Ad Page 61 “Pete Colantoni is ‘Making Sanderson Great Again.’ We have purchased a Ford F-650 with Jerr-Dan bed, and Peterbilt heavy- and medium-duty trucks from Sanderson. We like the setup of the truck and the warranty. Most useful to our business is the new location of the PTO switch, the air switch to release the winch cable, the toolbox and the size of the bed. The sales department is great and service is perfect and always available.”
Khaled Al Bahoudi, Professional Towing & Recovery; Phoenix, Arizona
Jose Rodriguez Jr., American Towing & Recovery; Barstow, California
Santander Excels with the Little Things
See Ad Page 107 “Working with Santander is as seamless as possible considering that you’re being loaned large amounts of money. There’s a minimal amount of interaction required to get the process started, moving and approved. … Within 72 hours they called me back and said ‘Yeah, you’re good to go. How do you want to proceed?’ I took delivery from Utah at the Vegas show and drove it home. My Santander rep was in Vegas and brought all the paperwork, signed copies and I jumped in my truck and drove home to Washington. … That was one truck purchased through them, where they loaned me 100 percent of value. I’ve purchased four more since, some built and one used. Every single time, they’ve taken care of me and they made it easy as far as docs, paperwork for MSO for licensing, title … all those little things you have to do to get a truck.”
Specialty Vehicle Funding Gives a Personal Touch
See Ad Page 13 “Specialty Vehicle Funding is a great company. We financed our last seven trucks through them because customer service, rates and everything are fantastic. …. I like the personal touch the company gives and they keep in touch throughout the process of the loan. Now it’s 1-2-3 as I’ve built a relationship with them and they move even more quickly. … A simple verbal request and they send back rates and terms. … I own three businesses and I just like the speed and no-nonsense and no gibber-gabber to get through. Literally, a 1-2-3 approval within five hours typically, and you deal with one person.”
Dan Ketterer, Reliable Recovery Services; Phoenix, Arizona
Dan Johnson, Johnson’s Towing; Bellingham, Washington Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 73
what the users say
R&R Is Knowledgeable, Selfless
Buyers Report
Towbook Makes Staff More Efficient
See Ad Page 108 Towbook Management Software is cutting edge. Towbook has made my business more efficient which has really helped my bottom line. Submitting hundreds of invoices a day can be done in just a few minutes. Towbook has made my staff much more efficient which has saved me thousands in payroll annually. Digitally accepting calls from motor clubs keeps my dispatchers off the phone so they are able to multitask. Features like predicted arrival makes it easier for my dispatchers to update customers on when to expect service without calling the drivers. Motor club billing is a snap. Impound/Lot Management makes it super easy to keep track of our stored vehicles. My customers love the option of inputting call info directly to my dispatch screen. Customer service is never an issue because the Towbook staff is always there to resolve any issues. From the first day we started using Towbook, all of our questions have been answered.
Mike Guske, Wells Automotive Service; Chicago, Illinois
TowMate Works with Customers
See Ad Page 26, 89 “We’ve been dealing with TowMate for about nine years. They’re great to work with, the warranties are great. Pick up a phone and you get someone and there’s never a problem. They are first to send a rep if there’s ever a problem to install a product on a vehicle. Great product. It’s a family business and definitely get that kind of vibe with them. With bigger corporations, you get a lot more hoops; the small business feel is more concerned with making customers happy and dealing with paperwork later. … I look forward to more business in the future. We have decent size booths at American Towman’s Expos and they have a rep there to help out and fix what they can on spot for customers.”
Danny Breach, Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales; Baltimore, Maryland
U.S. Fleet Tracking Is Outstanding
TowMate Helps Any Way They Can
See Ad Page 37 See Ad Page 26, 89 “The biggest thing with TowMate is they take really good care of me and Meyer Truck Center; everyone is easy to talk to out there and tries to help any way they can. Whether warranty or customer service, they help me out tremendously to answer questions and do whatever we need to do them to do. We just mainly use magnetic tow lights and the big truck bars and they take care of any warranty issues—usually no questions asked. They take great care of me.”
Matt Pannell, Meyer Truck Center; Olathe, Kansas 74 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
“I’ve been the operations manager [at two other companies] and now here at DCA, and I’ve brought U.S. Fleet Tracking everywhere because their system is outstanding. Shows PTO operation so I know when agents are activating to pick up a car or driving with PTO on, it gives us speed and maintenance alerts and does a lot that is very beneficial. The best thing is the historical playback to show the vehicle trail and see a map and watch what a guy did or where he’s been. … It’s really the best system I’ve used as far as GPS tracking. … I always work with Daniel and he’s always as helpful as possible whenever I call him.”
Wayne Pullen, Dallas County Adjustors; Dallas, Texas
Worldwide Equipment Sales Works Tirelessly
See Ad Page 92 “The customer service with We Buy Key Fobs over the past few years has been great, they respond quickly and are always ready to help and answer any questions. The payments come to you quickly. Everything has worked out as we all hoped, they make the process very easy. If you are looking for a company to take care of key fobs, I think We Buy Key Fobs is the only company to go through.”
Melissa Bivens, Greenwood Towing; Baltimore, Maryland
See Ad Page 79
what the users say
We Buy Key Fobs Pays Quickly
“Worldwide Equipment Sales has always been there for Bulldog Recovery with dependable wreckers and reliable service. I started Bulldog Recovery in 2010 and I’ve been a customer of Worldwide the entire time because of their tireless dedication to customer satisfaction. Dave Gellinger is one of the best sales guys I’ve ever done business with. When there is an issue, which is rare with Worldwide, Dave is always there to take care of it quickly and without hassle. When I need a new truck, I can count on Dave to work with me to get the best deal possible. Worldwide truly appreciates their customers and that is what keeps me coming back. … I am a customer for life.”
Andy Moore, Bulldog Recovery; Lynwood, Illinois
Worldwide EquipmentCalifornia Goes Above
See Ad Page W 102 “We’ve been working Worldwide Equipment Sales of California for at least five years. They’ve been great with customer service; John is really on it with any questions we have and attentive to making sure we are up to date with the build and paperwork and takes care of everything. He makes sure we get a good deal and we’re happy with them and never any complaints about their trucks. … I know John deals a lot with Jose, but they’ve come to show me the truck personally at home to get my opinion to make sure we’re both happy. Obviously that’s going above to make sure we’re both on board with it.
Jose and Wendy Munoz, CBM Towing; El Monte, California Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Xinsurance Always Cooperative, Ready
See Ad Page 45 “We use Xinsurance for our liability insurance for our company. They’ve been very cooperative with me. Last year, we purchased a truck when I was on a New York trip and my son was involved. We needed to have insurance ASAP to get the truck out of the lot. A couple of phone calls and some paperwork through emails and in less than an hour the truck we purchased was insured and ready to close the deal. This did not just happen once—and I am not a large company. After hours and weekends, I just call the 800 number, give them my policy number, tell them this is what I need to do—and they’re just very good people.”
Raul Suarez; Westbrook Towing; Miami, Florida
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Buyers Report
Zendex Tool Saves You Money
See Ad Page 39 “The Go-Jak dollies (from Zendex Tool Corp.) are great for repossessions and different applications. I use them a lot for Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the area and so a lot of people get stuck in a garage and it’s tight in the rich houses and driveways; if you’ve got Go-Jaks you can load the car in the garage and push it outside. Without Go-Jak, it’s going to cost you money. All my trucks have four on each truck. We do everything the right away. I don’t want to damage a $40,000 driveway with rubber marks.”
Alex Jinks, Jinks Motor Carriers; Midlothian, Virginia
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Zip’s AW Direct Is Great
See Ad Page 23 “I like the life-saving products that Zip’s AW Direct has. The Code 3 Magnetic Strobe & Light gets peoples’ attention; they move over. It’s got a good battery life; it’s bright. It’s got a blue strobe and a red strobe, and around here people get over for blue. It’s magnetic so you can just slap it on the back of your truck and hook it up. They probably see it a mile away. Their customer service is great. I can call Shelli Hawkins any time of the day or night: she takes the calls and takes the orders. We’re 100 percent happy with their customer service: they’re fast and get their shipments out quick. I don’t have any ways to improve the service; it’s already great.”
Josh Spear, Simpson’s Towing; Salisbury, Maryland
Pepe’s Towing recovers a long trailer loaded with steel I-beams from a ditch.
SoCal
Winch Out by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti
O
n Jan. 25, 2019, the California Highway Patrol’s South Los Angeles Division requested Pepe’s Towing Service to respond to the Willow off-ramp of the southbound 710 Freeway. “This guy drove his tractor with a loaded 80-foot trailer through a ‘short cut’ and got himself in a horrible situation,” said Josh Acosta, manager of Pepe’s L.A. location. “The trailer was carrying a full load of steel railroad I-beams. This call was handled with my L.A. trucks.” Josh responded in the 2001 Peterbilt 379/Century 1060 60-ton rotator, operator Jacob Lares in the 2002 Peterbilt 379/Century 9055 integrated and operator David Celis in their new 2019 Peterbilt/Century 1075 75-ton rotator
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(see more on this truck in My Baby, p. 96-97). After doing their walkaround, it was decided that they would use the Century 9055 to winch the tractor from the front. The 9055 has a 50-ton, three-stage recovery boom and dual 50,000lbs. winches. The 9055 was staged on the road at the front of the casualty’s tractor, with the 75-ton rotator in the middle and the 60-ton rotator at the rear. The crew started pulling lines and rigging for the A loaded 80’ semitrailer failed to maneuver through winch out.
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a ‘short cut’ on an off ramp from the 710 freeway in Los Angeles, California; Pepe’s Towing was called by CHP to respond.
‘‘
We lifted from the rear and the middle to get it up in the air, then rotated our booms
counterclockwise at the same time it was being winched from the front.
The front of the tractor, trailer landing gear and rear of trailer were all partially sunk in the soft ground.
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“The front of the tractor, landing gear of the trailer and rear end of the trailer were all sunken into the ground. This made straight winching from the front impossible, which is why we needed the rotators to lift from the rear and the middle,” Josh said. “Normally, we would use just one truck to lift from the rear, but the extremely long length of 80 feet made that difficult. If we just lifted from the rear, then the front of the trailer would be stuck. If we just lifted from the front or middle, then the rear would still be stuck. “We lifted from the rear and the middle to get it up in the air, then rotated our booms counterclockwise at the same time it was being winched from the front.” With the experienced crew and the right equipment, they were able to get this very long tractor-trailer combo back onto the solid roadway. “This one was way more difficult than I thought it would be, but we got it done,” Josh said. “After we winched him out, the driver went on to deliver the load of I-beams himself.”
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 81
About Pepe’s Towing
Pepe’s Towing Service in Southern California has a new addition to its extensive fleet and it’s a monster: a Century 1075 75-ton rotator. This now puts the company at four rotators, including two 60-tons and a 40-ton. Jose and Delfina Acosta established the company in March 1978 with one tow truck converted from a standard Ford F-350 pick-up truck. In the early days, Pepe’s Towing Service served the community of Los Angeles and quickly earned a reputation of providing prompt and honest service at a reasonable price. As the business grew, sons Jose Jr. and Manny followed in their father’s footsteps in the towing business. Forty years later, Pepe’s is still family owned and operated. Manny runs the Inland Empire offices and Jose Jr. runs the Los Angeles offices; Jose’s son Joshua is the manager of the L.A. base of operations. Pepe’s is now a fleet of more than 80 trucks, including this new Century 1075. This is one of the largest fleets in Southern California and they handle everything from transporting vehicles to major accidents and everything in-between. Their specialty and primary focus is medium- and heavy-duty towing and recovery.
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.
The rear and middle of the trailer were lifted and rotated as the tractor was winched from the front.
The Century 9055 was rigged to the tractor.
The Century 1075 and 1060 units were rigged to the trailer. 82 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
RISC Offers Video Monitoring Recovery Industry Services Co. recently joined forces with Traxxis GPS Solutions to offer a risk-mitigation product by providing on-truck video monitoring to its members. According to a release, the partnership broadens RISC’s compliance offerings to agencies, clients, and insurance companies by leveraging Traxxis GPS Vehicle Tracking and Video Telematics to help agencies with risk mitigation. “The initial investment in Traxxis GPS is pennies compared to the mitigation of claims,” said Stamatis Ferarolis, chief executive officer of RISC. “I’ve been told by many agency owners that within the first three months users have saved their investment in claims mitigation alone.” “RISC is excited to work with Traxxis GPS to offer this unique opportunity to agency owners and help them reduce risk, increase industry compliance and improve safety. Lenders have
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been asking RISC for such a solution and we’re happy to have partnered with Traxxis GPS to provide it,” said Holly Balogh, president and chief operating officer of RISC. Source: RISC.
SCM Enters Forwarding Business Just a few months after moving into a new corporate headquarters, Secure Collateral Management is advancing beyond skip-tracing and into being a forwarding company. In a recent message sent to “SubPrime Auto Finance News,” SCM Executive VP Joseph Farley explained why the company is making this move now, seven years since its founding. “SCM has recently moved into a huge, new, high tech office facility, so we have the capacity to rapidly grow our business,” Farley said. “While skip-tracing will continue to be the core business at SCM, we have received numerous requests from our
clients and our agent network to manage forwarding assignments. … “Our agent network, who are the backbone of SCM’s continued growth, are always asking us for more volume,” he said. Farley indicated SCM will pay the same contracted rates for forwarding work that the company pays for skip repossessions and with no fees charged to the agent for same-day payment. Source: autoremarketing.com.
Agent Shot During First Repo A repo agent was shot recently while taking repossession of a vehicle in DeKalb County, Georgia, according to a report. Another repo worker said they were loading a vehicle onto the tow truck when someone started shooting at them. They hopped back into the truck and drove to a nearby gas station where he discovered the driver was
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 85
hit in the back of the neck. The driver’s injuries were not life-threatening, according to police. At some point, the alleged gunman shot himself in the foot, according to authorities. Police said the repossessed vehicle was his. It is not clear if the man is in custody at press time. According to police, the shooting occurred on the other repo agent’s first day on the job. He was not injured. Source: ajc.com.
Martinez deployed to Afghanistan in March through November of 2018, officials said. The settlement calls for $80,000 in fines and penalties, the company must help Martinez repair his credit and take steps to not impound the vehicles of military members without court orders in the future, authorities said. Source: ktla.com.
78 Bags of Heroin in Repo’d Car
Advantage GPS has formed a strategic partnership with the American Recovery Association. According to a recent news release, ARA made this move to continue developments that include what the association dubbed a “Unity Initiative” with Time Finance Adjusters. Together they plan to strengthen their relationships with other leading trade associations. “Our Unity Initiative with TFA and the enhancement for our relationships with a variety of national trade associations and companies like Advantage GPS will only serve to create a better and more profitable environment for our members,” said Les McCook, ARA executive director. This specific partnership is designed to enhance the ability of ARA members to locate and recover finance company collateral more efficiently. Source: autoremarketing.com.
Duncan Eric McCreary will serve prison time for drug trafficking after authorities found 78 bags of heroin in his car while it was being repossessed. C&O Recovery & Towing was repossessing McCreary’s Mazda 3 Sport from a motel parking lot in Duluth, Georgia, officials said. While looking through the car, the towman said he found 78 bags of heroin in the center console, the district attorney said. Gwinnett police seized the drugs. Later that day, authorities said McCreary reported his car stolen and told officers he was the only one who had a key. Source: ajc.com.
$80K Settlement over Repo Allegations
ARA Partners with Advantage GPS
Federal prosecutors reached a proposed $80,000 settlement with California Auto Finance of Orange, California, in March. The auto lender was accused of illegally repossessing the cars of two U.S. Army soldiers just after they reported for active duty. The court-enforceable consent order requires California Auto Finance, as well as a related company called Generation Inc., to pay $30,000 in compensation to a U.S. Army Specialist, as well as a $50,000 fine to the government, according to U.S. Attorney’s Office spokesman Thom Mrozek. (The settlement was to be approved by a federal judge before taking effect.) The U.S. Justice Department alleged the company had repossessed the car of U.S. Army Pvt. Andrea Starks, even after she notified the company in April 2016 that she would be entering the military the following month. “Despite this advanced notice, California Auto Finance repossessed Private Starks’ vehicle without a court order on May 9, 2016, her first day of military training duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri,” Mrozek said. Investigators also learned of a second similar instance involving U.S. Army Spc. Omar Martinez, officials said. “California Auto Finance repossessed Specialist Martinez’s vehicle during his first month of military service,” Mrozek said. “The repossession severely damaged Specialist Martinez’s credit.” Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Inspired by Professionals at Work
T
By Mark Lacek
his past January, Winter Storm Harper and I both arrived in Chicago, Illinois. Luckily for me, I was there a couple days after Harper froze everything in its path. (God bless all of you upper Midwest tow operators and repossessors. You all deserve great respect from both the repossession and towing industries.) My job on that freezing Chicago winter day was to repossess and transport a 2008 Volvo 64T300 down to my repo and sales facility in sunny central Florida. Once there, I would prep the truck for sale. This particular assignment was a show truck with a 120” sleeper cab. The truck was like an RV inside with all the bells and whistles. I figured I would fly into O’Hare International Airport, jump into the Volvo super truck and head south towards the sun. A couple of days out of town would do me good, plus it paid well. What could go wrong? Everything was going smoothly as I drove south in the repo’d Volvo towards the Sunshine State. Just after entering beautiful Tennessee, however, I pulled into the weigh station and on to the scale when the truck suddenly lost all air pressure and the brakes locked up. “Get that truck off of my scales,” yelled the Tennessee highway patrolman. “Won’t move; no air pressure!” I shouted back. Behind me was a long line of 18-wheelers, all waiting their turn to weigh in before re-entering the blacktop and getting back up to speed. As the big rigs behind me waited, I could feel the cold air around me heating up … I had to think quick. The patrolman at the scale gave me the names of two tow companies to call, which I did right away. Both companies were some 60 miles away and about 3 to 4 hours out, and the cold air
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Portland Towing & Collision Centre sent its “Drag’n Wagon” heavy unit to rescue the author when his Volvo truck repo assignment broke down at the scales in Tennessee.
was moving in as the sun descended on the horizon. It was time to call upon Google to find a nearby tow company to come to my rescue. It took about 10 minutes to locate a heavy towing company, Portland Towing & Collision Center, who brought with them a quality of service to make the entire towing industry proud. Within a half hour, Jacob Smith pulled up in his bright yellow Kenworth T600 50-ton wrecker. Named “Drag’n Wagon,” the KW boasted a blue and ruby-red dragon painted on its side. Jacob quickly hooked the Volvo super truck from the rear and towed me to the Volvo dealer in Franklin, Kentucky. Jacob, 22, explained he had recently rebuilt the Caterpillar engine in the KW. Jacob also explained when he was six years old, his father had purchased the KW and taught him to drive it. While riding with Jacob on the way to the Volvo truck dealer, I recalled 44 years ago when I was 22 and driving a heavy wrecker in Cleveland, Ohio. Portland Towing & Collision treated me well and Jacob even gave me a ride to a nearby hotel. It is inspiring to see young men in the towing industry showing such courtesy and professionalism.
The Business of Repo
In a recent issue, I discussed the
need for repossession associations to step up to the plate at the annual conventions and provide attendees with something more than a bagful of refrigerator magnets and cheap pens. I also touched on repo’s middlemen (forwarders) who reduce repossession-related revenue streams like skip-tracing, locksmith services and the second tow to the auction. I’ve received quite a bit of feedback on that column; I think I hit a nerve. The first email was from a forwarding company in Indianapolis Indiana: “Dear Mr. Lacek, you mentioned the repossession associations not providing anything of value to the attendees at the yearly conference. We strongly disagree. Our company attended the last conference and was able to sign up multiple agencies. We feel the repossession companies we were able to sign up will benefit from signing with us.” Another e-mail was from a forwarder in Atlanta, Georgia: “Dear Mr. Lacek, your comments regarding forwarders could not be more off base; today’s repossession companies cannot properly manage assignments while maintaining complete compliance regarding repossession law.” My response, saved for this column, is that before forwarders infested
‘‘
As the big rigs
behind me waited, I could feel the
cold air around me heating up … I had to think quick.
the repossession industry our recovery rate was at 85 percent. Now, with the middleman controlling the flow of information, recovery percentages rarely reach 50 percent. I’d guess the clients are not very happy about the drop in repo percentages. I also received many emails and phone calls from repossession companies thanking me for “having the cojones to tell it like it is.” My opinion, and that of many others in the repossession business, is that a direct relationship between the lender and repossessor protects the consumer from the untrained and non-certified repossession agent. When the forwarder chooses the repossessor based on the lowest fees, and not on its qualifications, the public is at risk. When an untrained plumber makes a mistake, the customer may end up with a leaky pipe. When an unqualified repossessor makes a mistake, someone can lose a life. As always, be safe.
Repo Editor Mark Lacek authored the Certified Commercial Recovery Agent certification program and has more than 30 years of recovery experience. He is the former editor of “Professional Repossessor” magazine. Email him at Mark@commercialassetsolutions.com. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Treat every wire-down or electrical scenario as energized and live. Never enter hot-zones before confirming the all-safe.
Downed Wires: Hot or Not? By Randall C. Resch
W
ith great interest I recently read an article in a Springfield, Missouri, newspaper in which, after nearly three years, it was reported that the accidental death lawsuit of tow business owner and operator Ed Kammerer, 60, was settled. I was bothered at the news commentary suggesting Ed’s death was possibly without fault or error on the part of other responders who were first to arrive on-scene. On Dec. 26, 2015, Kammerer died when he exited his flatbed carrier near Farm Road 112 south of Strafford. Ed owned and operated A-1 Towing for 30 years. He was an experienced tower and volunteer firefighter. From initial reports of the accident, a hit-and-run motorist sheared a power pole that landed near the roadway and partially in a ditch. At the moment of impact and when the pole dropped, a second vehicle skidded to a stop near or on top of downed electrical wires.
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Ed spoke directly to the young male caller who anxiously explained that he and his pregnant fiancée were still sitting within their truck on top of downed wires. Ed told him not to get out of their vehicle and to await the arrival of first responders. Ed also responded to the accident scene upon request of the Green County Sheriff’s Department. Ed arrived and found a sheriff’s volunteer directing traffic. Strafford firefighters were also on-scene where barricades were said to have been situated near downed wires. As this was going on, Ed’s wife, Betty, listened to emergency radio dialog from her scanner at home. Newspaper accounts alleged that Ed drove around the barricades to the vehicle located in the ditch, where he didn’t see downed power lines. It was reported that, as Ed drove to position his flatbed carrier, the carrier’s overhead lightbar unknowingly
snagged one of the downed wires and energized the carrier. As Ed exited his carrier, electricity jolted his body the moment he stepped onto the ground. He died instantly.
Hot or Not?
In the newspaper, the town of Strafford’s fire chief said, “They (electrical wires) were not throwing off sparks. No one knows why the experienced tow truck driver didn’t wait to make sure the power was off and the scene was safe.” I believe that statement in itself was made to imply error on the part of the tow operator and to shun responsibility by the city and county, but it did not determine whether or not it was completely communicated to Ed that power was totally shutdown. Note: Kammerer was not PG&E trained or certified. An important lesson lies in the fire chief’s own words that “the wires were
➢
not throwing off sparks.” Downed or exposed electrical wires do not have to be snapping, popping or dancing to be energized. Note: With high-voltage electricity, you don’t have to make direct contact with an energized source. My resource expert, Mike Rottenberg, is one of four San Diego Gas & Electric fire coordinators, and a retired command fire chief from the Santee, California fire department. He warned that, “Depending on the voltage, electricity can arch across 10 feet to 25 feet or more of ‘open air.’ ” With both firefighters and a deputy on-scene, with all due respect to the town’s fire chief’s quotes in news articles, most firefighters, police officers or other first responders are not qualified electrical engineers capable of determining that power has been turned off. This is especially true in small towns with volunteer firefighters and law enforcement—they may not have been thoroughly trained in high-voltage scenarios.
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‘‘
Depending on the
voltage, electricity
can arch across 10 feet to 25 feet or
more of ‘open air.’
Remembered
Soon after this unfortunate accident occurred, towers around Ed’s hometown attended his funeral with a display of some 50 tow trucks and carriers. In November 2016, I had the honor of bestowing the American Towman Medal to Ed posthumously, presenting the medal to Betty and his son Donovan. Ed’s instructions to the vehicle owner may have been instrumental in saving their lives. Towers are reminded to locate a qualified, on-scene power company-certified first responder to solidly
confirm downed wires are no longer energized before commencing vehicle recovery. Treat every wire-down or electrical scenario as energized and live. Never enter hot-zones before confirming the all-safe. Regardless as to how many years’ one may have on the job, always treat and approach each scenario as your first: cautious, aware, inquisitive. Now, nearly three years later (regardless of settlement), the importance of Ed’s unfortunate death hopefully spreads the message regarding the dangers of downed wires. Here’s to Ed … he is truly missed.
Editor’s Note:
This story originally ran on AT’s sister site, towindustryweek.com, which features industry news, training, recoveries, new products, events and more. Don’t miss out—make sure to read it each week.
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 95
Big Flipper By Jim “Buck” Sorrenti
A
t Pepe’s Towing Service in Southern California, tackling the big jobs is commonplace (just check out their recent recovery on p. 80). “As we expand more and more into the heavy lifting and recovery side of towing, acquiring a rotator of this size was the obvious next step,” said manager Josh Acosta. “With the addition of our new rotator, we are excited to see how much more we can do when it comes to clearing the local highways and streets of Los Angeles from accidents and assisting customers with their heavy loads. “We’ve been in business long enough to know that the most important component to the recovery process is the operator, not the equipment,” he said. “You can have the world’s biggest tow truck, but without an operator that knows how to fully use it, it’s essentially useless.” They call this beast “Big Flipper.” It’s a 2019 Peterbilt 389 powered by a Cummins ISX 535 engine, mated to an Eaton 18-speed trans. The business end is a 2019 Century 1075 75-ton rotator with an awesome battery of winches; driver side 60,000-lbs., passenger side 60,000-lbs., driver side 22,000-lbs. deck, passenger side 22,000-lbs. deck, driver side 35,000-lbs. drag, passenger side 35,000-lbs. drag. Miller Industries built this beauty with additional work done by Tow Industries in Los Angeles. Miller did the paint all white with black cylinders and black outriggers, with a full chrome package. The lettering and logo was done by Al Signs. Big Flipper is loaded with equipment and extras. It has collapsible second pylon, extra heavy-duty 3/4” Grade 10 recovery chains, dual spreader bars, a full Snap-on tool kit, power saw, air cushion recovery mats and even a custom-built mini-fridge.
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‘‘
We are fortunate, and blessed
enough, to have this new rotator be an exclusive
recovery-only unit.
The first thing people will notice about Pepe’s new rotator (besides the size of this beast) is obviously the lack of an underlift. “Why would you get a tow truck if you can’t tow with it?” is a question they’ve already been asked countless times. “In our Los Angeles Division alone, we have five heavy-duty wreckers, four medium-duty wreckers,
two Landolls and two rotators with underlifts,” Josh said. “We are fortunate, and blessed enough, to have this new rotator be an exclusive recovery-only unit. When we respond to a major rollover or accident, we’ll have multiple trucks on scene. During these recoveries, our 75-ton rotator will assist in the upright of any overturned vehicles, and any of the other heavy-duties on scene will complete the tow. “Simply put, this is not a truck we would send out on a basic tow,” he said. “In the absolute rare event that this truck will need to tow something, such as pulling a vehicle to the shoulder on the freeway, then it can handle it easily with the tow bar. So, while we don’t expect to tow with this unit, we do have the capability to do so in rare emergencies.” There has yet to be a job that the Pepe’s team has shown up on that they could not handle. Some jobs have been
Highlights
Name: Big Flipper. Chassis: 2019 Peterbilt 389. Wrecker: 2019 Century 1075 rotator. Engine: Cummins ISX 535. Trans: Eaton 18-speed. Winches: Two 60,000-lbs. main, two 22,000-lbs. deck, two 35,000-lbs. drag. Builder: Miller Industries, Tow Industries. Paint: Miller Industries. Design/Graphics: Al Signs.
so risky and dangerous that it took their entire team and many hours to get it done, but they always get it done right. “Our new Century 1075 will allow us to handle these complex jobs and situations with more ease and safety,” Josh said. “With this 75-ton rotator, we can boom out fully to 42 feet and lift 36,000 pounds from this position. For reference, our 60-ton rotator booms out to 37 feet and can lift 24,000 pounds fully extended. Having a larger truck with a higher lifting capacity allows us to handle more difficult calls outside the realm of basic towing and accidents. “For example, a large part of our call volume comes from customers that need to load or unload heavy equipment. Situations like this aren’t always in ideal locations with lots of room. They are often in tight areas, with low clearance or limited space. One customer might want to position a super heavy machine in a tight corner of their shop. Here is where a rotator will shine, as it allows us to park the truck in any position to complete the job.” “We have worked very hard to get to this point and we are proud to join the small ‘75-Tons of Fun’ club in Southern California, along with other large companies such as Statewide, Ten West Towing and Van Lingen,” said Josh.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • 97
Tow Industry Week Drawing Police Towers By Steve Calitri
Police tows are a stabilizing force in the towing industry in general and, for many tow companies, the bread and butter of their revenue. The relationship between the tow company and the town and the police is critical to the business of this industry. The success of AutoReturn and their march on the cities of this nation underscores the complexities of this relationship.
‘‘
Tow business
owners have an
interest in raising regulated rates
and being a part of a rotation system that qualifies the
participating towers. AutoReturn offers cities state-ofthe-art dispatch and rotation management solutions. The result can be a win-win for the tower and the city. Towers should pay attention to why cities and police are responding favorably to AutoReturn. Towers have the ability to offer cities the same solutions if they organize intelligently in their towns. In most cases, cities and police departments want control of the rotation, but without the headaches that come with managing it. Can a bunch of competitors come together to offer a cohesive approach to the towns? The Police Towers Conference in Las Vegas during Tow Industry Week, May 8-11, broaches these issues and
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Retired Col. Ken Morckel speaks during the 2018 Police Towers Conference in Las Vegas during Tow Industry Week. Signup now at ATShowplace.com for the 2019 event.
others. If you do police tows or are trying to get on a rotation list, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, or protect, by buying into this conference. Seminar presenters include: Ron Meyers, Police Towers of America, and Col. Ken Morckel (retired), director of law enforcement/homeland security services at First Response Solutions and a leading consultant to TIMS. The wealth of experience that Col. Morckel brings to police towing issues is invaluable for the tow boss. He was a player in this conference last year and participants raved about his con-
tribution; one attendee said you could hear a pin drop because Morckel was so captivating. Meyers brings 20 years of tow business and police towing experience to the conference. Tow business owners have an interest in raising regulated rates and being a part of a rotation system that qualifies the participating towers. The Police Towers Conference helps towers achieve these goals and strengthen their relationships with police departments. Towers may sign up for the Police Towers Conference at ATShowplace. com.
Chelsea Wrecker Service owner Roger Melson restored and modified this red ‘49 International KB7 with two Ramsey electric winches. The wrecker is still in working shape.
Wheelie Wizardry
Editor’s note:
This story originally ran on AT’s sister site, towindustryweek.com, which features industry news, training, recoveries, new products, events and more. Don’t miss out—make sure to read it each week.
By George L. Nitti
T
here’s a long-standing creed at Chelsea Wrecker Service of Chelsea, Oklahoma: “If it’s not old, it’s not any good!” Owner Roger Melson, who owned Chelsea for 29 years before retiring, was referencing his passion for collecting, restoring and retrofitting antique cars, hotrods and tow trucks. One of his amazing restorations has included a red 49’ International KB7 with two Ramsey electric winches. “I was nicknamed ‘The Wizard’,” Melson recently recalled. “I built racecars and fast cars. You name it. My daddy was chief of police and used to borrow this truck in 1959 to sell watermelons. I was five years old then. I had no idea that I would own it. I traded for it about 20 years ago and fixed it up. It could pull anything out of a lake and a house if it needed to be moved.”
The wrecker is still in working shape. It operates with many of its components like the suspension springs, pedals, steering wheel, dashboard, original headlights, and more.
‘‘
I wanted to go to
work in an antique truck every day.
Melson claims to have had the oldest tow trucks in Oklahoma’s history. “I wanted to go to work in an antique truck every day,” he said, “and I did not want to spend a whole lot of money on new tow trucks because it’s a small town where somedays
NORTH 100 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
you make money and some days you don’t. I didn’t want a struggle. I think it helped my business. Nobody ever rode in a ’30 or ’40 model (truck). It only lacked air-conditioning.” Part of the retrofitting included shortening the frame, putting a back seat in, adding a swiveling bed and most extraordinarily, a heavy winch box that has enabled it to do wheelies. “The winch box added about 5,500 pounds of weight,” Melson said. “You can put it in different positions and wheelie down the road. It’s very forgiving and goes straight.”
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.
STA: More Women Becoming Towers According to the Statewide Towing Association of Massachusetts, there are more women choosing to do tow operations. Bianca Mojica, a tow operator with Todisco Towing in Boston, is among them. She may get some funny looks when she pulls up, but she says there’s never any second-guessing when customers see her in action. “It’s a little stereotypical,” said Mojica. “The reactions are never-ending. They are never new. I love figuring out the puzzle … How am I going to get this out? What am I going to do? What’s my next move? “I don’t have any limitations. … I’m very hands-on. So, I catch on pretty quickly,” she said. Mojica used to drive tractor-trailers, so Todisco’s huge rigs, she says, are easy to handle. Todisco says they are always looking for new operators and Mojica hopes to see other women eager to join their team. “It’s not easy, but it’s definitely fun. If you love action and love hands-on stuff, it’s definitely something to be in,” she said. Source: boston25news.com.
Ticket, Towing Revenues Decline in D.C. Parking ticket and towing revenue is on the decline in the District of Columbia. While the District collected about $75 million in parking tickets and towing fees in the 2016 and 2017 budget years, that dropped to $69.4 million in the 2018 budget year ending Sept. 30. In the first four months of the current budget year, from Oct. 1, 2018, to Jan. 30, 2019, the city collected $21 million in parking tickets and fees, which would set a pace for another decline this fiscal year. Source: wtop.com.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Woman Charged in Towman’s Death
A woman has been charged in a towman’s death after she crashed into a DPS trooper’s vehicle in Galveston, Texas, in February, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Authorities say Dianna Hoyler, who remains hospitalized, has an outstanding arrest warrant on charges of intoxication manslaughter and possession of a controlled substance. Sgt. Stephen Woodard, a DPS spokesman, said troopers found muscle relaxants in the woman’s car after the crash. Based on preliminary information, investigators believe she was under the influence of drugs at the time of the wreck, Woodard said. Hoyler is accused of killing towman Gary Dubose, who was with a DPS trooper at a traffic stop on the Gulf Freeway. He said Hoyler was traveling southbound on the freeway access road around when she “left the road-
way” and hit the DPS trooper’s vehicle near the Galveston County Daily News parking lot. Dubose was standing near the back of the DPS vehicle at the time of the crash, while the trooper was handling the driver they pulled over. The trooper was not struck, Woodard said. Dubose, who drove for All American Towing, died later at the hospital. Source: chron.com.
TDLR Discontinues Periodic Inspections The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has discontinued periodic inspections of tow companies. Discontinuing the periodic, routine inspections will reduce the redundant regulatory burdens on the industry and allow both TDLR and licensees to “more efficiently use their time and limited resources to perform additional time-intensive inspections
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of vehicle storage facility establishments,” according to the Southwest Tow Operators. Texas law does not require TDLR to perform periodic inspections of tow companies or tow trucks. Further, there have been no serious health or safety violations identified by TDLR during the inspections. TDLR will continue to investigate complaints received regarding tow companies, check insurance and perform spot inspections when necessary. Source: Southwest Tow Operators.
GPS Helps Find Tow Truck Thief A woman was arrested after she was caught on video stealing a tow truck from a gas station in Houston, Texas, in February. Authorities say a towman with National Roadside stopped to get gas and went inside the store to use the
restroom. While he was gone, the woman, who was also inside the store, walked out, got in the truck and drove off. The truck had GPS tracking on it. Houston police told Montgomery County officials that the stolen truck was in their area 90 minutes later. The woman was taken into custody, and the stolen tow truck was recovered. The wrecker driver was about to drop off a customer’s vehicle when the truck was taken. Source: abc13.com.
Police, City Need More Lot Space Police and city officials in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, are struggling to keep up with the number of towed cars they can store. The current facility they share is no longer sufficient for the
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • SOUTH 101
needs of both parties. The storage lot’s capacity is 270 cars. Police were holding 250 cars at the lot as of press time. Add to that the number of abandoned cars Community Development is collecting. Police Capt. Mike Cardwell says changes in evidence-retention laws mean police are holding onto cars longer. “We will hang on to all the evidence in that case and that may take 60 to 80 years depending on if it’s a life sentence,” Cardwell said. The city tows about 100 cars in a three-month period and, in the last two years, two people have claimed their vehicles. “The system that we are proposing we go to, we take the city out of that and we use a contract company basically to store the vehicle, to tow the vehicle and to do the release process,” Cardwell said. The proposal is also making sure there is a practice in place that controls
fees associated with the towing company so the public is protected. Source: myfox8.com.
‘‘
We will hang on to all the evidence in that case and that may
take 60 to 80 years
depending on if it’s a life sentence
A&G Towing Recognized for FD Support The Bullhead City (Arizona) Fire Department recently recognized A&G Towing for its 10-plus years of support for the department. A&G has donated multiple vehi-
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cles for training purposes, a department spokeswoman said. “These donations allow our members to create real-life training scenarios in advance of the actual events our first responders may face daily,” spokeswoman Lori Viles said. In 2018, A&G Towing donated 36 vehicles, which were used for department training exercises, demonstrations of equipment the BCFD is considering buying and familiarizing crews with newly purchased extrication equipment, Viles said. Fire Chief Patrick Moore presented a plaque to A&G’s Kevin Malaro and Bobby Hosler at a governing board meeting. Source: mohavedailynews.com.
California DMV: Robot Cars Not Ready Reports required by the California Department of Motor Vehicles from companies testing robot cars on Cali-
fornia roads reveal a fleet-wide average of one human takeover for every 14 miles, according to calculations by Consumer Watchdog. The number of times a human driver had to take control of the robot car during testing varied between companies. Overall, 28 companies including Uber, Apple, Toyota, Waymo (formerly Google’s autonomous vehicle unit) and GM Cruise logged 2.04 million miles in testing and reported more than 145,402 disengagements. Waymo logged the majority of those miles with approximately 1.25 million miles. It reported a test driver took control 76 times, or once every 16,447 miles. General Motors’ Cruise division, which previously claimed it would put robot cars on the road in 2019, drove 447,621 miles in San Francisco and had 86 human interventions or one every 5,205 miles. The reasons robot cars needed humans to take over included automatic disengagement caused by perception fault, extra braking to maintain gap in front of car, disengagement for a reckless road user, incorrect behavior prediction of other traffic and disengagement for when the vehicle’s perception system failed to detect an object correctly. Source: dmv.ca.gov.
Dispatchers’ Calls Lead to Driver’s Arrest A man with three prior DWI convictions is facing a new charge after two Mankato, Minnesota, tow company dispatchers called authorities. One dispatcher called county dispatch recently reporting a man was verbally abusive and possibly intoxicated when he called for a tow. A second towing company called soon after and reported receiving a call from a man slurring his words. Driver Michael Klick admitted he had been drinking at a Mankato bar, a court complaint said. Klick had an alcohol concentration of 0.16 and was charged with felony DWI. Source: mankatofreepress.com.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Texas Task Force Tackles ‘Move Over’
Law enforcement in Texas’ Potter and Randall counties are increasing patrols to find violators of the Move Over law. During the last week in February, the new task force stopped nearly 100 drivers for violating the law. Safety Manager David Ferril of T-Miller Wrecker Service in Amarillo said he supports what the task force is doing. “The towing industry did (the American Towman Spirit Ride) campaign last year where they brought a casket and they went all around the United States and actually came through Amarillo twice last year trying to raise awareness,” he said. “We’re still just losing operators way too often.” Bob Douthit Autos is a 24-hour tow service in Pampa; Bob Douthit himself was killed in 2002 by a drunk driver while operating on the side of the road. The company said it is passionate about the Move Over law because of
American Towman’s national Spirit Ride campaign to raise public awareness of Move Over laws was cited in Texas as an influence on a new task force targeting violators.
their loss. “It’s just very important to us because of that and it devastated our whole family,” said Rick Garrison, manager of Bob Douthit Autos and VP of Southwest Tow Operators. “There’s been numerous times I’ve been out and nearly got hit on the side
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of the highway working an accident or just a breakdown,” he said. “It seems like the breakdowns for a tow truck driver are more dangerous than even the accidents because you’re out there by yourself.” Source: newschannel10.com.
ODOT Expanding FSP Program
The Ohio Department of Transportation plans to expand its Freeway Service Patrol program, sponsored by State Farm, July 1, according to a release by the Association of Professional Towers-Ohio. Currently operating in Cleveland, the program plans to add tow trucks in Akron, Cincinnati, Columbus and Toledo. The program will operate yearround from 6 a.m. through 9 p.m., Monday through Friday. The trucks will be capable of towing passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks and SUVs. The purpose of the FSP tow trucks is to facilitate the quick clearance of vehicles that have become disabled and are blocking one or more travel lanes, impeding or have the potential to impede the normal flow of traffic. The disabled vehicle will be removed by the FSP tow truck and taken to a safe location, such as on the shoulder, nearby off-ramp, or municipal parking lot, where it will be left for
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➢
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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further towing by a local company. The FSP tow truck will not tow vehicles to local repair facilities, gas stations or motorist designated locations. The FSP tow truck will also not be completing any recovery efforts for vehicles on the berms that are not adversely affecting the normal flow of traffic. ODOT will look to the local tow companies for all recovery efforts. The release also stated that the FSP tow trucks will not be operating in competition with the local towing companies. Source: APTO.
April 16 Deadline for Ohio TRIP Bids The Ohio Department of Transportation currently is seeking bids from qualified heavy-duty towing companies for its Towing and Recovery Incentive Payment program. The contract will cover the two-year period of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2021. ODOT makes incentive payments
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of up to $2,499 per event to heavy towing companies that perform the required work and meet the arrival and clearance times specified in the contract documents. (The maximum incentive payment is being revised from $2,500 to $2,499 per event to allow payment to be made by ODOT to towing companies using a credit card. The use of a credit card will expedite payment and simplify the process.) The bid documents for Invitation 055-19 can be accessed at: dot.state. oh.us. (Invitation 055-17 will expire on June 30, 2019. Heavy towing companies currently providing TRIP program services to ODOT under Invitation 055-17 must submit bids under Invitation 055-19 if they wish to be considered for the program going forward.) All bids for Invitation 055-19 must be received by 2 p.m. on April 16. Late bids will not be accepted. Pre-bid questions can be submitted to the ODOT Office of Contract Sales. Source: APTO.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Chelsea Wrecker Service owner Roger Melson restored and modified this red ‘49 International KB7 with two Ramsey electric winches. The wrecker is still in working shape.
Wheelie Wizardry
Editor’s note:
This story originally ran on AT’s sister site, towindustryweek.com, which features industry news, training, recoveries, new products, events and more. Don’t miss out—make sure to read it each week.
By George L. Nitti
T
here’s a long-standing creed at Chelsea Wrecker Service of Chelsea, Oklahoma: “If it’s not old, it’s not any good!” Owner Roger Melson, who owned Chelsea for 29 years before retiring, was referencing his passion for collecting, restoring and retrofitting antique cars, hotrods and tow trucks. One of his amazing restorations has included a red 49’ International KB7 with two Ramsey electric winches. “I was nicknamed ‘The Wizard’,” Melson recently recalled. “I built racecars and fast cars. You name it. My daddy was chief of police and used to borrow this truck in 1959 to sell watermelons. I was five years old then. I had no idea that I would own it. I traded for it about 20 years ago and fixed it up. It could pull anything out of a lake and a house if it needed to be moved.”
The wrecker is still in working shape. It operates with many of its components like the suspension springs, pedals, steering wheel, dashboard, original headlights, and more.
‘‘
I wanted to go to
work in an antique truck every day.
Melson claims to have had the oldest tow trucks in Oklahoma’s history. “I wanted to go to work in an antique truck every day,” he said, “and I did not want to spend a whole lot of money on new tow trucks because it’s a small town where somedays
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you make money and some days you don’t. I didn’t want a struggle. I think it helped my business. Nobody ever rode in a ’30 or ’40 model (truck). It only lacked air-conditioning.” Part of the retrofitting included shortening the frame, putting a back seat in, adding a swiveling bed and most extraordinarily, a heavy winch box that has enabled it to do wheelies. “The winch box added about 5,500 pounds of weight,” Melson said. “You can put it in different positions and wheelie down the road. It’s very forgiving and goes straight.”
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.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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A&G Towing Recognized for FD Support
The Bullhead City (Arizona) Fire Department recently recognized A&G Towing for its 10-plus years of support for the department. A&G has donated multiple vehicles for training purposes, a department spokeswoman said. “These donations allow our members to create real-life training scenarios in advance of the actual events our first responders may face daily,” spokeswoman Lori Viles said. In 2018, A&G Towing donated 36 vehicles, which were used for department training exercises, demonstrations of equipment the BCFD is considering buying and familiarizing crews with newly purchased extrication equipment, Viles said. Fire Chief Patrick Moore presented a plaque to A&G’s Kevin Malaro and Bobby Hosler at a governing board meeting. Source: mohavedailynews.com.
WEST 100 • April 2019 - TOWMAN.COM
Chelsea Wrecker Service owner Roger Melson restored and modified this red ‘49 International KB7 with two Ramsey electric winches. The wrecker is still in working shape.
Wheelie Wizardry
Editor’s note:
This story originally ran on AT’s sister site, towindustryweek.com, which features industry news, training, recoveries, new products, events and more. Don’t miss out—make sure to read it each week.
By George L. Nitti
T
here’s a long-standing creed at Chelsea Wrecker Service of Chelsea, Oklahoma: “If it’s not old, it’s not any good!” Owner Roger Melson, who owned Chelsea for 29 years before retiring, was referencing his passion for collecting, restoring and retrofitting antique cars, hotrods and tow trucks. One of his amazing restorations has included a red 49’ International KB7 with two Ramsey electric winches. “I was nicknamed ‘The Wizard’,” Melson recently recalled. “I built racecars and fast cars. You name it. My daddy was chief of police and used to borrow this truck in 1959 to sell watermelons. I was five years old then. I had no idea that I would own it. I traded for it about 20 years ago and fixed it up. It could pull anything out of a lake and a house if it needed to be moved.”
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
The wrecker is still in working shape. It operates with many of its components like the suspension springs, pedals, steering wheel, dashboard, original headlights, and more.
‘‘
I wanted to go to
work in an antique truck every day.
Melson claims to have had the oldest tow trucks in Oklahoma’s history. “I wanted to go to work in an antique truck every day,” he said, “and I did not want to spend a whole lot of money on new tow trucks because it’s a small town where somedays
you make money and some days you don’t. I didn’t want a struggle. I think it helped my business. Nobody ever rode in a ’30 or ’40 model (truck). It only lacked air-conditioning.” Part of the retrofitting included shortening the frame, putting a back seat in, adding a swiveling bed and most extraordinarily, a heavy winch box that has enabled it to do wheelies. “The winch box added about 5,500 pounds of weight,” Melson said. “You can put it in different positions and wheelie down the road. It’s very forgiving and goes straight.”
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.
AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - April 2019 • WEST 101
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GPS Helps Find Tow Truck Thief A woman was arrested after she was caught on video stealing a tow truck from a gas station in Houston, Texas, in February. Authorities say a towman with National Roadside stopped to get gas and went inside the store to use the restroom. While he was gone, the woman, who was also inside the store, walked out, got in the truck and drove off. The truck had GPS tracking on it. Houston police told Montgomery County officials that the stolen truck was in their area 90 minutes later. The woman was taken into custody, and the stolen tow truck was recovered. The wrecker driver was about to drop off a customer’s vehicle when the truck was taken. Source: abc13.com.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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