American Towman Magazine - April 2020 by dortiz-towman

New September dates for AT ShowPlace-Las Vegas

The Road Calls

Twisted Trailer 2019 Donnie Award

BUYERS REPORT: Users Talk

Coronavirus and Towing now and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming

Buying Your 1st Rotator

Increasing HD Revenue TowIndustryWeek.com

APRIL 2020 AmericanTowman.com

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Contents

Volume 44 Issue 4

April 2020 50

Cover Feature

Tale of a Twisted Trailer

The Walkaround

News Share

Road Tools

rescue of a trailer

Zoom In

down an embankment.

Beacons On!

Tow Manager

Ad Index

Tow Engineer

Tow Boss

Work Horse

Repo Run

Repo Times

Towman’s Market

My Baby

Lowdown

McGann & Chester won a 2019 Donnie Cruse Recovery Award for its

Towers need to rework a plan in a shifting environment.

ON THE

COVER:

Features

’Tators and Taters

Dowhy Towing recovers spuds spilled on the highway in Nebraska. by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

Departments

Buying Your First Rotator

Tips for considering every angle prior to making a big investment in your fleet.

M105 N105 S105 W105

Adventures of A.T.

by Brian J. Riker

Buyers Report

American Towman’s annual look at what users are saying about products and services in the industry. by Brendan Dooley 4 • April 2020 | Towman.com

First on the scene since 1977

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The Walkaround Persevere and Carry On

Dennie Ortiz Publisher

BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, many circumstances in the world will already have been altered by the novel coronavirus pandemic. In these unprecedented times, change is happening at a breakneck pace. Here in New York, where our home office is located, there have been many statewide restrictions put into place. As I write this, closures of restaurants, bars and gymnasiums along with an edict banning any gathering of more than 500 has been initiated. With the fast-paced changes we are experiencing, restrictions like these will more than likely have increased by the time you read this … and begin to realize how COVID-19 has also impacted the towing and recovery business. Towing is an essential business, or, more correctly stated, an essential service and as such will be needed now and in the coming days. Though this industry is tough, we are not blind to the road ahead that will be bumpy and fraught with obstacles. It has been said that “extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures,” and I believe the uncrushable spirit of towmen and tow women will carry on.

“Yesterday is not ours to recover, but

tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” —Lyndon B. Johnson

American Towman is committed to continuing to bring information to you that is important to keep your business successfully operating even during these trying times. Now is the time for everyone to come together to help one another through this crisis. Please share with us any ideas and suggestions you may have to help your fellow tower get through the challenges ahead. We will share these ideas, suggestions and information in print, by posting it on TowIndustryWeek.com and in our social media channels. Some of the measures the Federal and state governments are considering will help to ease the pain our industry and our nation are facing right now. Stimulus packages including Small Business Administration funding can assist with some short-term cash-flow struggles. Being proactive is essential; be sure to reach out to your creditors to discuss deferred payment options or lowered interest rates. It is difficult to put into words the uncertainty and anxiety we are feeling as we traverse a new path, but persevere we will, as this is our only choice. Keep well and keep safe!

6 • April 2020 | Towman.com

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

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

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

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

American Towman Staff Page Layout Artist Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec. VP of Accounts General Manager Publisher’s Assistant Customer Service Subscription Manager TIW Media Director Regional Advertising Sales iMarketing Manager ATTV Producer President

Mary Collura Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Norma Calitri Jimmy Santos Toni Vanderhorst Henri Calitri Patrice Gesner William Burwell Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Emily Oz Steve Calitri

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

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

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

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.

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ 7

News Share APTO, TRAO Combine Efforts

The boards for the Towing & Recovery Association of Ohio and the Association of Professional Towers-Ohio have formed the Ohio Towing and Recovery Legislative Committee to focus on the industry’s legislative and regulatory efforts in Ohio. The new committee will consist of TRAO and APTO members working together to manage government relations, legislative and regulatory issues and communications on behalf of both associations. The committee will represent a unified front for the towing and recovery industry in Ohio for the first time in years, according to a press release. “Both groups understand the significance of working for the industry with one voice,” stated Dave Clark, APTO board chair. “The issues we are dealing with as an industry impact everyone,” added Tug Brock, TRAO president. TRAO and APTO signed a contract with Shumaker Advisors’ Joe Hollabaugh and Andy Herf to serve as the joint effort’s lobbyists and they will represent both organizations through the OTRLC. Source: APTO.

Wisconsin Safety Bill Stalls Out

A bill which sought to create emergency response areas on Wisconsin roads and highways was unanimously recommended for passage but unfortunately only made it that far in the legislative process. Assembly Bill 746 would have increased fines and penalties for inattentive or distracted driving in emergency response areas, similar to current law as it pertains to road construction areas. However, neither the full Assembly nor Senate took any action on the bill before the legislative session ended; it will need to be re-introduced in 2021. The bi-partisan bill would have doubled fines for motorists who are talking, texting or using devices in such areas and increase fines and penalties for any emergency responder— including tow operators—struck and injured by an inattentive driver. Source: WTA.

8 8• •April April2020 2020| |Towman.com Towman.com

Texas Towmen, Responders Make ‘Move Over’ PSA Emergency responders around Selma, Texas, gathered recently to shoot a joint ‘Move Over’ PSA. ksat.com image.

Numerous emergency responders and tow truck companies in Selma, Texas, joined together to call attention to the state’s Move Over law. The group, organized by Roadrunner Towing Service owner Geoff Nienstedt, gathered to shoot a “Move Over” public service announcement March 15. Nienstedt said a crash in Schertz where a big rig hit a fire truck recently prompted him to start working on the PSA, which he planned to put on social

media. No one was hurt in that instance. “At that point in time I said it’s probably time to pull the trigger; let’s go on and see if we can get this thing done,” he said. Others jumped at the chance to help. “I’ve had four trucks in the past 20 years totaled out, being struck on the side of the road,” said Nienstedt. Source: ksat.com.

Ultimate Towing, Responders Rescue Pinned Baby

Rescue workers at the scene of a fallen tree that trapped a baby. MountAiryRescueSquad image.

A 1-year-old girl was recovering after being pinned in her bed by a pine tree that fell on her home in Dobson, North Carolina, recently. Matthew Kirkman and his fiancé, Caitlin Bowman, had just put their three kids to bed when high winds started. Kirkman said when he heard a pop,

he knew a tree was going to fall. The tree crashed into the side of the home with their baby, Bailey, inside. The other two children were on the other side of the home Ultimate Towing of Mount Airy, members and equipment from all five Surry County Rescue Squads, Central Surry Fire Department, Surry County emergency medical services and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office worked to free the child, according to the Mount Airy Rescue

Squad. Kirkman said it took a heavy-duty rotator to remove the tree and free his daughter. She was transported to a local hospital and did not have any broken bones or internal bleeding, according to a GoFundMe page. Source: wxii12.com.

News Share

Coronavirus: Reduced Calls, Layoffs, Postponed Shows and Training As the impact of the COVID-19 virus spreads in the U.S., towers nationally say they are being hit much harder in the pocketbook than with physical symptoms. The corona virus has hit hardest, so far, in Washington state, New York and California; reactions there and in other states and communities have focused primarily on closing schools and restricting “nonessential” businesses and gatherings. The end result is a lot fewer people in transit, less transportation traffic, fewer police calls (traffic stops/impounds), etc. The average tow businesses, especially the smaller one- and two-truck shops, are being hard hit in the bottom line with far fewer calls than normal. One tow owner remarked that he’s laying off workers due to the reduction in call volume that has come like a “kick in the pants” as it was impossible to prepare for unlike a recession’s warning signs. “We have seen a drastic drop in calls since Saturday,” said Dwane Ranglin, owner of Ranglin’s Towing Service in Finksburg, Maryland. “We have only gotten one tow call and one road service call since then. … “We’ve been doing heavy-duty calls for a little over a year and haven’t had any heavy calls in over a week; normally we’d do between three and five. … “Now we are completely dead. Hope we can survive this.” At Mike’s Towing & Recovery in Bridgewater, New Jersey, communicating with customers via social media and email was important. A statement from the company outlining changes said in part: “Some of the protective measures we are taking include disinfecting our shop, offices and trucks on a regular basis, wearing gloves and offering Tow Owner Dwane Ranglin. towing patrons the option to

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Protecting Against COVID-19 See more advice and information about keeping your operators, office staff and customers safe on page 12.

AT ShowPlace Postponed

Disinfecting a truck between calls at Mike’s Towing & Recovery.

make arrangements to get alternative transportation or for us to deliver vehicles unaccompanied.” Will Sutphin is a tow operator at Joe Ballor Towing in New Haven, Michigan. He’s seen his daily call volume drop down more than half to about four runs per day. “I haven’t had any overnight calls in over a week,” Sutphin said. “All the drivers here are down to like Towman Will Sutphin. 40 hours a week.” As much as the reduced call volume, companies are seeing drastic changes in how they approach their daily routines. For Sutphin, that means no passengers in company trucks (within reason outside of emergency situations), maintaining the oftrepeated six feet of “social distance,” always wearing gloves, etc. “When we’re at the shop, we’re taking the time to do a lot more maintenance with our trucks … and sanitizing the trucks. “Personally, I know a lot of people are panicking, but … [coronavirus] is not going to shut us down,” Sutphin said. “We’re strong. It will pass.” Source: AT staff report.

In light of the recent shutdowns by government officials, the American Towman ShowPlace-Las Vegas has been rescheduled for Sept. 9-12, 2020. Although there are daily reports of the novel coronavirus continuing to spread, American Towman sees there is good reason to believe the nation will be back in business by the start of summer. “The country is now taking unprecedented steps to stop the spread,” said American Towman Magazine Publisher Dennie Ortiz. “We are coming together with all our intelligence, resources and will.” CTTA’s annual Membership Meeting also is rescheduled to coincide with Tow Industry Week and the American Towman ShowPlace-Las Vegas at the Westgate Resort Hotel & Casino, Sept. 9-12. CTTA will be providing its members with more details. All American Towman educational courses, training, demos and special events will take place at the same times on the new dates. Source: ATShowPlace.com.

Florida Tow Show Suspended

The Professional Wreckers of Florida Tow Show, originally scheduled for April 16-18 in Orlando, has been postponed. As of press time, new dates had not been confirmed. A press release from PWOF stated: “Due to the rapidly changing atmosphere with COVID-19, no one can be specific as to when our lives will return to normal. “When the country does start to return to normal, then events like the Florida Tow Show can be determined. “We appreciate your under-standing in these trying times.” Source: PWOF.

AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 9

Road Tools ITD Locking Simple Mounts

intheditch.com

In the Ditch’s Simple Mounts now come with an updated locking pin that features an arrow indicator to show the pin’s orientation while locked inside the mount. The Simple Mounts also have a new Speed Lock feature that gets rid of the wires previously used to store the locking pin and lynch clip with the mount. A lynch clip or padlock is all that is needed to store the locking pin in the unlocked position while the dolly is in use. The steel Locking Simple Mount comes in three sizes and are sold individually, so you need to order two to make a set.

Kenworth DEF Tank with Integrated Steps Kenworth has introduced an optional DEF tank with integrated steps designed for its T680 and T880 models. With the option, the access steps to the deck plate are mounted directly over the DEF tank without requiring additional frame space. Instead, the placement of the steps can free up as much as 16” of frame space. The resulting shorter wheelbase can enhance the maneuverability of the T680 and T880, especially in tight urban areas or jobsites. The option is available with Kenworth’s 21-gal., medium-size aerodynamic DEF tanks for use with the T680 and T880. The new option is not available with full or partial chassis fairings.

kenworth.com

Worx Portable Detailing Vac The new Worx 20V Power Share Portable Vacuum is a lightweight, versatile solution to a wide range of dry spills and messes in the shop, office or truck. Weighing only 3 lbs. with battery, the portable vacuum features a 4’ flexible hose with crevice tool and brush accessories for getting into confined areas. A washable HEPA filter is used to help remove allergens, dander, pet hair and other small particles. Includes lithium battery, a charger, crevice tool and brush accessories, accessory adapter and HEPA filter and cartridge.

worx.com

10 • April 2020 | Towman.com

HaulGauge

Zoom In

Eases Trailer Tows

By Terry Abejuela HaulGauge is designed for trailer towing or weighing a load in the bed of a light-duty truck and engineered products to assist in safely towing trailers. Ensuring that you stay within the ratings of your equipment and maintaining proper weight distribution is essential to safe trailer towing. HaulGauge allows you to accurately weigh your tow vehicle and trailer as well as payload, tongue or pin weight and weight distribution. Simply download the free HaulGauge app for Apple or Android smartphones. Connect the HaulGauge to the OBDII diagnostic port on the tow vehicle. Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone and you have a strong signal. Then you simply follow the instructions in the HaulGauge app.

HaulGauge.com When connected to your vehicle’s OBDII port, HaulGauge communicates wirelessly via Bluetooth with the app on your iPhone or Android device. Vehicles that are 1996 or newer are equipped with an OBDII port. Most 2008 or newer vehicles will have preset calibrations and you can just plug in the HaulGauge device. The device determines force by measuring the slip across the torque converter in the automatic transmission in your tow truck. An accelerometer installed on the HaulGauge device is able to determine acceleration. Using the force determined at the torque converter and the acceleration measured by the accelerometer, the app uses Newton’s Second Law of Motion to calculate the vehicle’s weight. It will use the same technology to determine the combination weight. The technology to calculate the vehicle weight and combined weight does not work on a standard shift transmission, but other features of the app will still work. Tongue weight, payload, pin weight and weight distribution are calculated using the accelerometer in the HaulGauge device to measure the pitch of the vehicle. These features will work even on a standard transmission vehicle.

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 11

Beacons

On!

Protecting Against COVID-19 By Corey Brundage

Tow business owner Alex Shopen.

C Corey Brundage is the CEO of Honk Technologies, the on-demand roadside assistance platform for connecting motorists, towing professionals and insurance carriers, fleet management companies and automotive OEMs.

OVID-19 is now a global pandemic, and domestically, no state has been harder hit at press time than Washington. That’s where Alex Shopen, owner of ASAP Towing and its 19-truck fleet, does business from the company’s headquarters in Vancouver, Washington. He’s taking the safety of his operators and his motorists seriously. Every truck is equipped with an n95 respirator mask, gloves that come halfway up the arm, an aerosol bottle of disinfectant, bleach wipes and a big pump container of hand sanitizer. “I tell my guys, ‘You may look dorky wearing the gloves and mask, but if you get the virus you won’t be at work. You’ll be home sick,’ ” Shopen said. “And to my young guys who think they’re invincible, I tell them, ‘While you may not get symptoms, you could still have it, and that 80-year-old man or woman in your car might die if you don’t wear protective gear. Prepare yourselves.’ ” That’s also his message to towing and roadside companies across the country:

If a motorist needs to use a pen, let them keep it. Disposal pens are cheap—make sure your operators have plenty. 12 • April 2020 | Towman.com

prepare for COVID-19. After all, tow truck operators interact with strangers on a daily basis, with many of them riding with the driver in the cab. Given the current shortage of tests for the virus and the fact that people appear to be contagious before showing any symptoms, it’s critical for the safety of operators and the people they assist to assume that anyone, no matter how healthy they look, could be a carrier. To help keep everyone safe, here’s some best practices your towing and roadside assistance company can use to reduce the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus.

OPERATOR HEALTH

If operators show symptoms such as a dry, persistent cough or fever, don’t send them out on the road. Send them home. Times are tough, but if you can assure operators that they’ll still get paid even if they’re home sick, that can prevent people from “toughing it out” which could result in passing the virus along to people in higher risk categories and other operators. You definitely don’t want your company to become a source of contagion. Not only will that hurt others, but it could also hurt your reputation. “Even though we’re in a time of

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PROTECTIVE GEAR

Given the shortage of n95 masks, unless you already have them on hand, it’s best to save them for medical professionals. That said, if do you have n95 masks, make sure your operators know how to use them properly. Disposable gloves are somewhat easier to find. Make sure to use a fresh pair for each job and properly dispose of them when the job is done.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

crisis, I tell my guys that I know they have families to feed, so I’ll make sure they get a paycheck every week,” Shopen said. “I’ve been prepping for emergencies, so even though it’s taking me out of my financial comfort zone, we’re doing OK.” Ask the motorist if they are showing symptoms: This will enable you to better prepare. If they say they are ill, consider getting local health authorities involved, especially if the individual needs transportation. Avoid allowing people who are obviously sick to ride in the cab with the driver.

WASHING HANDS

The most effective way to ensure your hands are virusfree is to wash with soap and water, scrubbing all the way up to the wrist for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer that’s at least 62-percent alcohol will do in a pinch, but it’s not as effective and good old-fashioned soap. Make sure all operators wash their hands thoroughly both before and after each job. Consider equipping your trucks with a portable wash basin, water, soap and paper towels so they can clean their hands while they’re on a job. Clean and disinfect all service vehicles each morning, as well as before and after each job, paying particularly close attention to the steering wheel, center console, gear shift, door handles and other areas that operators and motorists might touch. Don’t forget about personal electronics.

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Train your operators not to shake hands with motorists. It’s a tough habit to break, but it’s crucial to do so. If motorists try to shake hands, the driver should be polite, but inform them that, in light of the pandemic, company policy doesn’t allow handshakes. Keep at least six feet away from everyone. Operators should let motorists know that company policy requires social distancing, and if a motorist gets too close, it’s important that the driver politely ask them to move away while he or she is working. Remember, this isn’t just for your driver’s safety — this protects motorists as well. Finally, don’t share pens. If a motorist needs to use a pen, let them keep it. Disposal pens are cheap—make sure your operators have plenty. Also, ensure operators have clean hands and that they sanitize the pen before handing it to the motorist. “We’ve had motorists who were coughing, but with limited testing, there’s no way to know whether it’s a cold or the virus,” Shopen said. “In a lot of cases, the motorists do cooperate and leave the vehicle unattended while we work.” Avoid having passengers in the cab if at all possible: If you must have passengers in the cab, provide them with gloves, if available, and open the windows so operators are not completely cooped up in the cab with the motorist, weather permitting. As soon as the passenger is dropped off, sanitize the entire interior. “If there’s anyone that comes near the cab, I tell my operators to have minimal skin exposure to the vehicle,” Shopen said. “Wear your mask and your gloves, and fully clean the cab with Lysol and Clorox wipes once they’ve left.” Shopen said that while business has slowed down a bit in recent days, there are still plenty of motorists out there who need roadside assistance or a tow. Your operators are performing an important public service, and they’re on the front lines, interacting daily with people who could be infected with the novel coronavirus. You owe it to your employees, motorists and yourself to protect everyone by taking the proper precautions.

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Tale of ’Tators and Taters by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

A trailer loaded with potatoes overturned in the median in Nebraska.

Recovering spuds spilled on the highway 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.

16 • April 2020 | Towman.com

t 8:10 p.m. on a summer Saturday evening in 2018, the Nebraska State Patrol dispatched Dowhy Towing and Recovery to a multisemitrailer accident in the median of I-80 near Kearney. Dowhy is owned and operated by Logan and Jordan Dowhy. Logan founded the company in July 2010. ◀

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Dowhy Towing sent its 1989 Pete 377/Century 1150 and 2014 Dodge 5500/Vucan 894 for the main recovery.

A Jerr-Dan 26’ rollback also transported a John Deere payloader to the scene.

18 • April 2020 | Towman.com

Logan responded in Truck 14, a rotator that goes by various names, best known as “Sneaky Pete.” It’s a 1989 Peterbilt 377/1989 Century 1150 “60 ton.” “It’s built more like a 75-ton [than a 50-ton unit], so we call it a 60-ton,” said Logan. Upon arrival at the scene, Logan surveyed the area and deemed it immediately necessary to remove the Freightliner and trailer from blocking interstate traffic. He moved the semi and trailer to a safer location in the median, where it would wait for another tow company to retrieve. Logan then spoke with the Nebraska State Patrolmen on scene and determined it was necessary to postpone recovering the overturned semi, a tan 2016 Volvo/Hyundai reefer trailer, as the daylight hours had subsided. On Sunday at 8:30 a.m., Dowhy dispatched Sneaky Pete, a 2014 Dodge 5500/Vulcan 894 lightduty and an Emergency Response trailer with aircushions, saws, hand tools and scene cleanup equipment, a 2000 Sterling/Jerr-Dan 26’ rollback with a John Deere payloader and a 2009 Peterbilt 386 with reefer trailer and operators Trenton Thomas, Daniel Reifor, Kyle Brennan, Kyle Hort along with Logan as scene supervisor. At 9:15 a.m., Logan and all operators, trucks and equipment arrived on scene. The best scenario was thought to start by offloading the potatoes, restacking them on pallets, wrapping them in shrink wrap and loading the pallets into Dowhy’s reefer trailer. Once decided, Logan called in additional personnel in Les Smith, Peyton Brennan and Jared Cline who were on scene by 10:30 a.m. The potatoes were from two different brands and contained in 50-lbs. boxes and 50-lbs. bags. All potatoes had to be re-stacked,

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 19

broken away from the leaf springs and used a chain to hold it in place. Once the rigging was in place and lines were pulled snug, Logan and his operators checked the rigging to ensure a safe recovery could begin. The operators were given the go-ahead to stand the combo onto its wheels. At approximately 3 p.m., the combo was uprighted, and the remaining debris was cleared from the scene. By approximately 3:30 p.m., the scene was remediated to its original appearance and the remaining additional personnel left the scene. During this time, Dowhy’s operators prepared the tractor and trailer combo to be towed back to Dowhy’s storage facility by running air to the combo, removing the drive line and repairing an air valve leak. The recovery was a success … the 1150 ’tator was ready for further action and the spud taters were ready to ship.

The best scenario was thought to start by offloading the potatoes, re-stacking them on pallets, wrapping them in shrink wrap and loading the pallets into Dowhy’s reefer trailer.

re-palleted and re-wrapped. Dowhy Towing and Recovery personnel used the John Deere payloader to load the re-wrapped pallets into Dowhy’s reefer trailer, where an operator used a pallet jack to organize the load. The off-load was completed at approximately 1 p.m. Dowhy’s operators rigged the 1150 rotator to the front of the tractor with two single lines, one in a strong-arm position to front axle and one to the rear of trailer in a tail wrap position. The Vulcan 894 light-duty was also rigged to the rear of the trailer and with a two-part line to the front of the trailer in a wrap position. Dowhy’s recovery crew noticed the front steer axle had partially

The potatoes were off-loaded to a Dowhy’s reefer trailer ahead of a successful upright of the casualty.

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22 â&#x20AC;¢ April 2020 | Towman.com

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Tow Manager

Tackling salvage assignments is an oft-overlooked niche for heavy equipment.

Maximizing Your Heavy-Duty Revenue By Paul Stephens

T Paul Stephens is a towing industry trainer with more than 34 years of towing experience. He has served as a consultant for many automobile manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and companies for service provider education, towability and road service procedures.

he heavy-duty market can be somewhat hard to navigate with all the guidelines, laws, physics, training and equipment costs. The more you educate yourself prior to exploring different areas, the better prepared you will be when seeking new revenue streams. There are only so many areas you can gain additional revenue, but finding a niche or specialty can separate you from your competition. There is the mindset that heavy-duty towing is specific to the police, commercial accounts or retail. These are the most common revenue streams, but what about the third-party dispatch services, motor clubs, long distance transport, and salvage towing? (The latter of these can be like navigating a minefield to find profitability.) The more equipment you have, the more important it becomes to not

24 â&#x20AC;˘ April 2020 | Towman.com

only keep them moving, but profitable as well. I know many companies that explored new revenue streams only to find out they could not keep the numbers where they needed them and wound up discontinuing them. These areas can be a windfall if handled correctly, but can also be a dead loss if you do not know your operating numbers. Knowing what it takes to run each call can be daunting if you have no idea what you have invested in the daily operation of the unit. We all want as much money as possible from each call, but letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be honest here as those numbers are usually reserved for the busiest companies where the abundance of call volume outweighs the number of heavy-duty companies in the area allowing them to set the rate and stick to it. Every company should set their rate based upon operating cost and profit by market.

OVERLOOKED MARKETS

So, what are some unseen areas that can be profitable or explored? (Remember, some of them may require additional insurance, specialized training or other support.) Salvage hauling quickly comes to mind as one avenue that is always around. I know there are several companies that handle the dispatch in these areas along with bidding wars for each tower to compete for the job. These are times when placing a fair bid can get the job; if someone undercuts your price, don’t feel bad to let them have it. Remember that if it’s not profitable leave it alone, don’t do a job just because you can. Local equipment companies are an untapped resource, as some of these companies need to have equipment assembled and disassembled on job sites for legal or safe transport. The mechanics usually have smaller cranes on their service vehicles; however, they are for light weights with limited reach. These job site assignments can be anywhere from an hour or so to many hours which can be quite profitable when you’re not adding mileage to the unit. Keep these in mind if there is an equipment repair facility or a large construction equipment company in your area— even a few jobs a year can add to the bottom line. Other areas, and it doesn’t necessarily need to be discounted towing, include motor-club work. Most towers frown at motor clubs, however in the heavy world it can be a steady stream of income that will usually be done at your price. The important thing here is don’t compromise your cost; operating at a lean margin is tough with heavy equipment and can become a serious issue if your operator does damage to a unit. Insurance work can be a steady stream if you have the right Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

customers; some will pick you to pieces while others are willing to pay a fair price to get the work completed safely and efficiently. There are challenges in this niche as it is usually standard that you are responsible for everything … including the site restoration. The most common heavy revenue is in police or commercial work. This can be a touchy subject as some towers want to hold onto a customer or account at any cost. The bottom line to any towing is

profitability. I have passed on plenty of contracts. Sometimes I’m asked by others why my bid was “so high” or why I didn’t bid. Sometimes there are bigger issues than price, especially when it comes to effective staffing, equipment requirements and other circumstances. (If there’s a storm and you have to devote all your resources to the contract, what happens if your regular customers need you?) Be cautious when going after

AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 25

a full-blown contract if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not in your wheelhouse as many, many towers have been put out of business by winning an account only to lose it all by not performing. A tower who recently vacated an exclusive contract told me that after servicing the contract for many years, he started running the numbers on who had insurance, who was paying and how many vehicles were being abandoned on his lot. He said it was resulting in just a 60-percent return on his investment, whereas focusing closer on his regular customers would see a 100-percent return. This took a lot of self-reflection when you consider having to walk away from renewing a long-term contract because you know your numbers better. The various revenue streams for a heavy can be abundant, even in semi-rural areas; however, seeking those opportunities requires some leg work and understanding of the customers needs.

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ 27

Buying Your First Rotator By Brian J. Riker

The Century 1150 50-ton rotator’s recovery boom is rated at 100,000 lbs. retracted and 25,000 lbs. extended; the boom also features full 360-degree continuous rotation and two 50,000-lbs. planetary winches. The optional knee-boom underlift is available in a standard length as well as coach-length with 173-¾” full extension and 18,000lbs. capacity. Millerind.com.

Looking at every angle prior to big fleet decision 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

28 • April 2020 | Towman.com

otators have become commonplace in our industry today, making it very tempting to impulse buy one for your fleet. As this would most likely be your single highest priced purchase, I must caution against that. Rotators are a great investment in your fleet when spec’d properly and fed with enough work to allow them to earn their keep. ◀

ow do you decide which rotator to purchase and, more importantly, is it the right time for your business? Having a good grasp of your market, potential market and company’s overall financial health is the first step. Quality data is your best tool for investment decisions, so begin by analyzing your current operations. Do you have a solid base of heavyduty recovery, lifting and load-shift work already? If not, is there an untapped market for these types of jobs that you can enter with your current heavy-duty rigs? Having a solid customer base is critical for future success. I strongly caution against buying a rotator just because everyone else has one, or to make the police department look at you for inclusion on the rotation. Test the waters with your current equipment long before buying a highly specialized unit. When searching for work I must caution you about diversification. Yes, many towers are using their rotators to lift and place materials and equipment in a variety of locations and different situations, however a rotator is not a crane. They are designed to different standards and intended to do different (if similar) tasks. There is more to using your rotator on a non-automotive lift than simply having a crane operators’ certification or license. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has precise design, testing and inspection standards that apply to cranes which reduce the lift ratings greatly as compared to tow trucks which are specifically exempted from the crane standards when performing automotive lifts. Besides the obvious regulatory compliance complications of using a tow truck or rotator in the place of a crane on many different Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

job sites, there is also the issue of legal liability. Will your insurance cover these additional risks, and what special requirements will they have? Do you need additional local or state business licenses or authority to operate? Are there different vehicle registrations or permits when using the rotator as anything other than a tow truck or recovery unit? Are there union work rules and operators? Who is your competition for these lifts? I do not advise competing against crane companies on price but rather service. We don’t like it when the new guy comes into town and undercuts prices, so we shouldn’t do it to others. One distinct marketing advantage towers have when they branch into these lines of work is the 24/7 nature of our operations. We are already geared up to operate at a moment’s notice, which should come at a respectable price premium when compared to long-term scheduled services. This next question requires honest soul searching. Do you, and/or your top operators, have the skill set, dedication to training and desire to become rotator operators? These are high tech and complex machines, that although similar, are vastly different from heavy wreckers. The skills to plan and execute a complex lifting plan with a rotator are at the top of our industry. Is there a large enough talent pool in your market to keep a truck like this staffed and available around the clock? Will the potential operators be able to obtain and maintain the required certifications or licenses required for your operational areas? Do your customers have competent riggers available or are you expected to supply your own?

WEB FLEET

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 29

The Jerr-Dan 50/60-ton rotatorÂ is built with a durable JFB Body that is made of weather-tight, impact-resistant polypropylene and features roll-up aluminum doors for swifter access to equipment, strategically placed LED lighting for improved visibility and specialty storage solutions for all your tools. Jerrdan.com.

30 â&#x20AC;˘ April 2020 | Towman.com

IS IT LEGAL?

Legal operation is another concern. Not all rotators are legal in all states. Some will require special axle configurations and/ or special hauling permits. Some configurations may not be able to be legal in your state. Learn the size and weight regulations as well as permit availability in the areas you plan to operate before selecting a rotator to purchase. You may be in a state that does not recognize a five-axle configuration or perhaps

to pick and swing. The largest rating or longest boom is not always the best solution for every task. All the manufacturers make a good product, each having their own strong points and weakness. The platform designs used by each manufacturer are quite different, which means they will all be most stable at different points in the radius around the truck. Some are best at working off the side, while others have excellent performance around the rear corners. Most have a sweet spot where stability and

Keep in mind the specialized nature of a rotator when determining how often, and how far away, you want to tow with it. your state is a grandfathered state and allows weights in excess of the Federal bridge formula. Remember, as currently in effect, the tow truck weight exemption contained in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act only applies to heavy-duty tow trucks while towing, not responding to or returning from a job. Is this going to be your primary heavy-duty tow truck or only a specialized recovery unit? This has a large impact on which options you select. Keep in mind the specialized nature of a rotator when determining how often, and how far away, you want to tow with it. There will be a cost of operation difference between a typical rotator and a conventional tow truck with similar towing capabilities. There are many more economical units purpose-built for towing than a rotator.

SHOPPING

Decide what you typically plan

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capacity are maximized. Find it and make sure it fits your needs. When comparing brands, be sure to compare apples to apples as not all the ratings and measurements are determined using the same calculations. Overall advertised capacity as well as the published load charts are not all equal. Determine if the numbers you are comparing are structural capacity or tipping point and at what boom elevation, extension or radius were these ratings determined. Don’t forget about the chassis either. It is easy to become fixated on the rotator itself and forget about critical chassis specs. Engine horsepower, torque, gear ratio and even transmission type are crucial to your happiness with the truck. Decide what road speed you plan to operate at (be realistic), and make sure the gear ratio is appropriate to keep the engine in the right RPM range for your

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 31

Metro Tow Trucksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rotators come in multiple configurations for lifting and towing and are rated at 16, 25, 50 and 70 tons; the company also has an extreme heavy-duty line of HRV units that are currently in use in the military. Kits and turn-key units are available. Metrotowtrucks.com.

The NRC CSR50 is about extreme versatility; it features the reach and strength you need for challenging recoveries, yet still is lightweight for everyday tows.

32 â&#x20AC;˘ April 2020 | Towman.com

desired performance. Fuel economy, pulling power and engine life can be drastically affected by gear ratios.

NEW OR USED?

Whether to buy a new or used tow truck is a question almost as old as the towing industry itself. I believe there are advantages to both, depending on your financial situation. New is nice although it comes at a hefty premium when you factor in Federal Excise Tax, sales tax (in some states) and depreciation. New allows you to select just the right options for your plan, ensures the equipment has not been abused and gives you the peace of mind that comes from a good warranty and excellent dealer support. All major manufacturers have factory sponsored training available to help new and experienced operators alike learn how to maximize the performance from their new purchase. Used has plenty of advantages as well. Someone else already took the hit on the taxes and first round of depreciation. A used truck is often sold with the tools and rigging necessary to work right out of the gate, and if it is a private sale the seller will often offer guidance on using the truck. You may even be able to arrange to work the truck firsthand to fully understand what you are buying and the capabilities it has. Older used trucks can be found at a very attractive entry level price point allowing you to test the waters with a rotator before spending upwards of $750,000. Financing may also be easier to obtain, although the rate is often higher than of a comparable new truck purchase. When selecting used from either a dealer or private seller, be sure to thoroughly inspect the truck before committing to purchase. It is always Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

best if you inspect it in person. I highly recommend bringing along a second set of eyes, someone that is not emotionally attached to the purchase and able to speak to you honestly. An industry friend with rotator experience would be best. Operate all the controls, lift and swing something heavy (within the load chart ratings) and drive the truck for a long road test. Be wary of poor-quality repairs, shop-built modifications and other signs of less-than-professional care. The ring gear, turret, outrigger legs and sub-frame (platform components) must be in good shape with no signs of damage. These are critical to your safety when operating a rotator and as such should not show signs of strain, stress or unauthorized repairs/ modifications. Social media is your friend when purchasing a used truck. Find out as much as possible about the previous owners and look for evidence of the truck being abused on the internet. Many towers post pictures bragging about how strong their truck is, and although a little bragging is harmless, it is never acceptable to overload a piece of equipment. It will fail, often when least expected, and could cause great harm. By investigating how a used piece of equipment has been treated, you can make a better judgement call on the overall condition regardless of how well it has been cleaned up. Rotators are an awesome tool that makes many of our most common tasks in the towing industry easier or safer. When you keep the purchase in that perspective, mindful that it is a tool and not a status symbol, you will likely make the right choice for your company.

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AD INDEX April 2020

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Insurancehub........................................60 Integrated Vehicle & Equip Leasing........91 Intek Truck & Equipment........................15 Jerr-Dan Corp..................................... 2-3 Landoll Corp..........................................34 Legacy Plus Insurance...........................52 Len Zermenos................................. 56-57 Lodar USA.............................................86 Lynch Truck Centers..............................43 Matheny Towing Equipment...................27 Matjack Jumbo Safelift..........................79 McMahon Truck Center......................M 99 Metro Tow Trucks..................................45 Metrocom.............................................92 Miller Industries......................................7 New England Truckmaster............... N 103 North American Bancard........................39 Northeast Wrecker Sales................. N 101 OMG Tow Marketing............... M, N, W 102 Pacific General Insurance................M 103 Peak Wrecker Sales...........................W 99 Performance Advantage Company......S 99 Phoenix USA.........................................19 Recovery Billing Unlimited.....................93 Sanderson Truck Equipment..................41 Santander Bank....................................99

Sea Crest Insurance Agency..............W 99 Select Truck & Equipment................M 101 Sepson US............................................26 Sierra Pacific Insurance...................W 101 Smyrna Truck & Cargo...........................60 Specialty Vehicle Equip. Funding............53 Steck Mfg Co........................................91 TLC Truck & Equip. ...............................52 Tow Industries.................................W 102 Towbook Management Software............59 TowMate.........................................19, 82 TowTruckLocater.com.......................S 101 Trac2Tow............................. M 103, S 102 Truck Body Sales.............................W 101 Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX...............W 103 Urgent.ly...............................................21 Verdant Commercial Capital..................62 Warn Industries.......................................5 We Buy Key Fobs...................................15 Webfleet Solutions......................29,31,33 Winches Inc....................................W 103 XINSURANCE....................................S 103 Zellner Insurance...............................S 99 Zendex Tool Corp...................................38 Zip’s AW Direct......................................13

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Tow Engineer

Keep detailed logs of all clean-up activities including time, equipment, supplies and personnel.

Scene Cleanups By Terry Abejuela

S 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.

36 â&#x20AC;˘ April 2020 | Towman.com

cene cleanup for tow truck operators used to mean removing debris deposited on the roadway by the vehicles involved in an incident and spreading absorbent on any fluid spills. Today, towing companies have become an even more valuable resource at traffic incident scenes by not only removing vehicles from the scene but also bringing other assets to quickly clean up the scene and render the roadway safe for traffic as quickly as possible. This is a critical element of traffic incident management to reduce the potential for secondary incidents. Make sure before you invest any time or money to do your research and determine whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal and feasible in

your area. Check your state, county and local laws pertaining to the minimum you are required to do and any other services you might be able to provide. (In California, tow trucks are required to carry one or more brooms and one or more shovels. When engaged to remove a disabled vehicle at the scene of an accident, the tow truck operator is required to remove all glass and debris deposited on the roadway by the disabled vehicle to be towed. Tow truck operators are also required, when practical, to spread dirt on the portion of the roadway where oil or grease has been deposited by the disabled vehicle.) Use your traffic cones and emergency lighting to protect the scene if you are in the roadway or causing

an unusual hazard to motorists. Law enforcement at the scene may determine that the debris will safely dissipate with traffic and may not want to block or impede traffic to complete the scene cleanup. This should be the decision of law enforcement—not the tow truck operator. If law enforcement requires the cleanup, request that they stay on-site to provide traffic direction if necessary. To provide this minimum level of service, most tow trucks are equipped with a long-handle 24” stiff-bristle broom, a long-handle flathead shovel, a 5-gal. trash can and absorbent. In house and on-thejob training is all that is required for this type of minimal scene cleanup and would not normally require any investment in outside training. The charge for this type of scene cleanup is normally included in the company’s hourly or towing service rate. Towing companies providing scene cleanup that requires additional equipment, specialized equipment and/or personnel specifically trained in scene cleanup should be compensated appropriately.

FUEL LEAKS

In the towing industry, we commonly deal with collision scenes where gasoline or diesel fuel is leaking from a ruptured fuel tank. There are many products available that are designed to stop fuel leaks, contain fuel that has leaked onto the roadway and address spilled fuel. Effective cleanup of spilled fuel is important to prevent contamination of waterways caused by run-off. Fuel spills that contaminate waterways may trigger federal or state reporting requirements. Some states may require reporting even for small Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

Portable pool for catching fluids.

fuels spills and may also include a deadline for reporting as well as fines for non-compliance. Stop-leak putty and plugs can be used with leaking fuel tanks. Tow truck operators that may handle fuel leaks should be properly trained in the proper techniques for containment and clean up. Employees that will be transferring fuel from a leaking fuel tank into containers in order to save the fuel should utilize the appropriate safety gear and be properly training in the safe handling of large quantities of fuel. There are many different types of

neutralize various chemicals such as battery acid. Some absorbents are made of natural materials, some are touted to be reusable and many claim to absorb more with less. Absorbent pads, absorbent socks, collapsible containment berms storm drain cover and pools are also available. A plastic shovel should be used when picking up fuel-soaked absorbent to avoid causing sparks. Many states and local municipalities have requirements for the disposal of oil and fuel-soaked absorbents. This contaminated absorbent is considered hazardous materials and is subject

If law enforcement requires the cleanup, request that they stay on-site to provide traffic direction if necessary. absorbent materials that can be used for fluid leaks. General absorbents usually work fine but there are also absorbents specifically designed to

to specific requirements for storage and disposal. Make sure you are in compliance with all laws and requirements.

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 37

Keep detailed logs of all clean-up activities including time, equipment, supplies and personnel.

DOCUMENT IT

Keep detailed logs of all cleanup activities including time, equipment, supplies and personnel. Take pictures of the pre- and postcleanup whenever possible. Some towing companies have invested in equipment to fully remediate a collision scene to the pre-collision condition. Tractors, front-end loaders, trailers, forklifts, sweepers, fuel transfer pumps and material handling equipment can be used to off load cargo from damaged trailers or clean up spilled cargo. Before providing any scene cleanup services, make sure your employees have been provided adequate training and equipment, including personnel protective equipment, to perform this service safely effectively and efficiently. OSHA standards require employees engaged in emergency response scene cleanup be certified 38 â&#x20AC;˘ April 2020 | Towman.com

to perform this service. Tow trucks should be equipped with latex gloves, safety glasses, hard hats and facemasks. Rather than training all of their employees to perform this service, many tow companies have a team of employees who have been properly trained and utilize a scene cleanup truck or trailer to store equipment that can be quickly deployed when needed. Attending an American Towman Expo is a great place to see and learn about many of the latest products, training and services that are available to the towing industry for scene cleanups all under one roof. With some investment in training and equipment, towing companies can provide this valuable service in an effective and efficient manner at the same time increasing revenue and improving safety for first responders and motorists.

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Tow Boss

The Dangers of Gore Points By Randall C. Resch

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.

Note the skid marks crossing this gore point; as a tower working a recovery when that vehicle came through, you’d be a sitting duck.

orking gore points scenarios is one of the most, if not the scariest tow load situation we towers face. A gore point is where a ramp breaks from or joins lanes of an interstate or freeway; they are the triangular zones painted with solid white lines to help manage merging traffic. When parked atop a painted, simulated island while cars whizz by

40 • April 2020 | Towman.com

on both sides … that’s risky business at best. Although you may be ready with a solid escape plan in mind, the reality is that there’s virtually no place to go. Whether the gore point ends at the highway’s on-ramp or is located at the beginning of the off-ramp, impact is simply waiting to happen for tow trucks or carriers situated inside the paint. Gore locations may be outfitted

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 41

with collapsible or water-filled barrels or other absorption barriers to slow vehicles or may be just an area bound by solid white lines. On July, 21, 2019, a Brandon, Florida, tow operator was loading a vehicle on I-75 northbound, situated at an exit ramp to westbound State Road 618. According to the highway patrol, as the operator loaded a vehicle, a 21-year-old male stood outside near the flatbed carrier parked within the painted gore of an exit ramp. Another motorist drove a pickup truck into the carrier and struck the victim. The impact sparked a fire and spread to all three vehicles. It was reported that both tow operator and the disabled vehicle’s driver were standing within the gore point. Tow operators and customers

brake in a normal manner. Let the highway patrol take on that responsibility. The California Highway Patrol’s Freeway Service Patrol Manual has policies for its Freeway Service Patrol operators that are topic specific, including: Vehicles in other dangerous locations. In addition to the center median, an operator shall never leave a motorist in a gore point, within a traffic lane, partially within a lane, on a narrow shoulder, or any other location that would hinder a motorist’s ability to safely enter and exit his/her vehicle. Disabled vehicles that are occupied. An operator approaching a disabled vehicle, whether in the traffic lane, center median or on the right shoulder, shall stop behind the disabled

If you ... determine they’re stuck in a gore point, the highway patrol should be contacted immediately requesting a unit to the location.

are never safe when standing, working or walking within a gore point. Protocol for assisting vehicles in gore points usually is not addressed in industry training. From Traffic Incident Management guidelines comes a “move it or work it” mentality; to perhaps initiate a move-it response that pushes a vehicle to a safer location. Pushing vehicles is risky as motorists aren’t trained in how to operate vehicles that don’t run, steer or 42 • April 2020 | Towman.com

vehicle. The only exception to this rule is if an operator has knowledge the vehicle will require a tow or stopping behind the vehicle is physically impossible or unsafe. Disabled vehicle in a traffic lane. An operator encountering a disabled vehicle in the traffic lane shall immediately determine the safest way to approach the situation rather than unduly risking a collision or injury to remove the vehicle

in a timely manner. Depending on visibility and the speed of traffic, the operator shall consider two options: If visibility is good and traffic is moving slowly, the operator shall hook up the vehicle and tow it to the closest authorized drop point; or if visibility is poor and/or traffic is moving too fast, the operator should position his truck on the right shoulder behind the location of the disabled motorist and request a “traffic break” by a CHP officer through to dispatch. Under no circumstances is an operator allowed to perform a traffic break. Once a traffic break is accomplished, the disabled vehicle shall be removed by towing it, as expediently and as safely as possible. With regard to speed and visibility, it is up to the operator to make the proper decision as to which option should be employed. Having a highway patrol unit arrive on-scene to assist the tow operator with an additional unit working a traffic break to slow passing vehicles is a safe and effective method that helps protect all parties involved. (In a perfect world, two units should immediately be available to offer assistance.) Towers should make no attempt to reach a stalled/stopped vehicle until the highway patrol is on-scene.

WATCH AND LEARN

Responding to calls on highspeed interstates is a dangerous practice no matter what the scenario. Positioned within a gore point brings even higher risks. In 2019, a Michigan State Patrol unit assisted a flatbed carrier in removing a vehicle from a gore point. With the dash-cam facing forward, the carrier

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ 43

and scenario, but be ready for the backlash if your choice of technique is incorrect.

RARE, YET POSSIBLE

Stuck in a gore point with no advanced warning on a moderate curve is a recipe for disaster.

clearly had its overhead amber lights activated. You could hear the officer request an additional unit to shut the on-ramp down just as a vehicle at speed skidded down the ramp sideways and plowed into the rear of the vehicle being loaded. The operator luckily saw the wayward vehicle headed his way and literally ran into traffic lanes to avoid being struck. His guardian angel was with him that day as no vehicles in the traffic lanes were close enough to cause him harm. Even when law enforcement is on scene, a distracted or intoxicated motorist may not heed what’s going on; all the units, traffic breaks, cones or closures may not prevent a motorist out-of-control situation to occur. At the onset of every call, it’s a tow dispatcher’s responsibility to determine if the calling party is stopped in a safe location and out of harm’s way. If you, as dispatcher, speak with a calling party and 44 • April 2020 | Towman.com

determine they’re stuck in a gore point, the highway patrol should be contacted immediately requesting a unit to the location. If your tower is responding, ask the highway patrol for instructions. Dispatchers should advise the customer to remain within their vehicle with seatbelts on and not get out of the vehicle as a pedestrian. Remain in the vehicle until help arrives and wait inside until help comes to them. If the casualty vehicle is deep within the gore point, it may be safer to park to the right of the emergency shoulder with overhead emergency lights turned on. (I personally won’t instruct arriving tow operators to park in front or behind disabled vehicles stopped inside gore points until the highway patrol is on scene and assisting.) None of these suggestions are set in stone. If you believe the liability is too great, you decide what’s proper for a location

The instances of tow operators being struck in gore points are rare, but a serious reality none-theless. The only difference between parking in a live traffic lane vs. gore point is the paint; high-speed traffic is still capable of running into anything within the gore. There’s nothing inside an actual gore point that provides any form of protection. When gore point calls are received by your dispatch office, notify the highway patrol and demand their assistance. If you’re not a member of any freeway service patrol, or do not have specific training in gore point protocol, I don’t advise that tow operator’s risk their lives in these areas. Gore point scenarios should be at the top of your company’s monthly training. If you can get someone from your state’s highway patrol to represent, their input should be most welcome. Don’t provide gore point response/recovery without assistance from the highway patrol. Working gore points is a potentially deadly situation where cross-teamwork, training and quick removal techniques are key to survival.

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46 â&#x20AC;¢ April 2020 | Towman.com

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2020 Exhibitors

For a complete list of exhibitors and updates, go to atshowplace.com Access Tools - pg. 83 Agero Alliance Funding Group Allstate Roadside Services - pg. 85 Amdor American Sweeping System American Towman Magazine American Transportation Ins. Group American Wrecker Sales SC AmeriDeck Amur Equipment Finance Anchor Graphics Arizona Prof. Towing & Recovery Ass. Ascentium Capital Auto Data Direct Automobile Club of Southern California AutoReturn - pg. 93 BBSI Beacon Funding Beacon Software - pg. 21 Best Tools Chergey Insurance Chevron West / Golden West Towing Equipment Clean Diesel Specialists Command Light - pg. 25 Commercial Best Insurance Services Copart Auto Auctions CTTA Custer Products - pg. 26 Custom Radio Detroit Torch DewEze Mfg. - pg. 84 Dibuduo & Defendis Insurance Discovery Bay Insurance DriverLocator.Com Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. - pg. 85 East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales Elite Specialties Agency Environmental Chemical Solutions Excel Sportswear EZ Spare Wheel Farmers Ins / Khasim Ins Agency FCar Tech USAFederal Signal Finex Group LLC Five Star Registration

FleetNet America Freeway Service Patrol FULLBAY Repair Shop Software GEICO GM Consultants Honk Technologies ICW Group Insurance Idaho Wrecker Sales In The Ditch Towing Products Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Kalyn Siebert Landoll Corporation - pg. 34 Leavitt Group Legacy Plus Insurance Lien Enforcement, Inc. Lubnau Gonzalez Insurance Agency Manufacturer Express McCandless International Trucks Menzel Technologies Miller Industries - pg. 7 Mobile Create USA Mobile Road Service Solutions Mobile Video Computing Solutions Motorcycle Towing Services Murphy Bank Nation Safe Drivers (NSD) National Automobile Club NRC Industries NXGEN Omadi OMG Tow Marketing - pgs. M, N, W 102 Penny Pockets PGM Recovery Systems Phoenix USA - pg. 19 Planet Halo Prof. Exchange Service QuestX Twowing Services R.A. Storelee Insurance Ramos Oil Company Ranger SST RealWheels Corp. Road America Robinson Oil Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales Roush Clean Tech RP Recovery Consulting

RRA Tow Truck insurance Rush Towing Systems Safety Up Sanderson Truck Equipment - pg. 41 Santander Bank - pg. 99 Santiam Enterprises Sea Crest Insurance Agency - pg. W 99 Secure Tow Sierra Pacific Insurance - pg. W 101 Southern California Tow Equipment Specialty Vehicle Equip. Funding - pg. 53 Steck Mfg. Co. - pg. 91 Sterling National Bank TCF Capital Solutions The Will-Burt Company TJR Equipment Todd Equipment TOMAR Electronics Tow Industries - pg. W 102 Tow Times Tow World Towbook Management Software - pg. 59 TowLien.com TowTruckLocator.com - pg. S 101 towXchange Tracker Management Sys. Trail King Industries Transit Pros Truck Body Sales - pg. W 101 UniFirst Corp. Urgent.ly - pg. 21 US Fleet Tracking Verdant Commercial Capital - pg. 62 Warn Industries - pg. 5 Webfleet Solutions - pgs. 29, 31, 33 Wellnex Group Whelen Engineering Co. Whiterail Reviews WorldClass Insurance Services Worldwide Equipment Sales WreckMaster Xpress Pay Zipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s AW Direct - pg. 13

*Supplier names in bold are display advertisers in this issue with their ad page number cross-referenced

Calitri vs. Nostradamus

What does the future hold for towers? By Steve Calitri

ostradamus was famous for his prophecies of disasters, calamities and world-changing events. You may know someone who is a regular doomsayer yourself. In fact, everyone may know someone like that. Nostradamus and his ilk today would likely predict the current coronavirus pandemic cascading into the end of the world. First, he would add a doomsayer from the field of finance, regarding Wall Street, a doomsayer regarding climate change, a critic of GMOs in our food supply and then a scholar on the ills caused by overpopulation. He would invite CNN in to fan these flames. At any time in history it is easy to predict a doomsday around the corner. I am a cynical optimist. Optimist by upbringing, cynical through observation. The two balance each other out. So, here is my forecast on the current crisis. (Full disclosure: it’s in my interest that towing operations and industry suppliers are healthy and optimistic.) The current strategy (as of this writing) of social distancing through forced shutdown of commerce and ordering people to stay home—while a sign of a good society—is an unsustainable course. Creating a depression the likes of which we have never seen before is not a practical antidote to the virus. It will cost more in lives and dollars than the virus itself. These things will happen over the course of April: 1. The culture of capitalism and free enterprise in this country will blow harder than the forces of social engineering now at play that are shutting down the country. 2. Americans will fight a government hell bent on restricting their freedoms. 3. Existing drugs will be proven to successfully treat the

Calitri predicts call volume to begin climbing again for towers starting in May.

worst viral symptoms, including death. This changes the ballgame and removes the primary reason for enforcing social distancing and strict quarantines. 4. Cars will be back on the roads by May. Call volume for tow operations will begin to rise and be back stronger by summer. For every tower who could not survive the shutdown will be a tower who profits from the culling of competition. 5. American Towman will continue helping tow bosses and suppliers connect through its pages and events as sure as the mainstream media will be criticizing Trump for favoring the resuscitation of commerce over the advice of the social engineers.

* Supplier names in bold are display advertisers in this issue with their ad page numbers coss-referenced.

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2019

Donnie Cruse

Recovery Award

Presented by American Towman Magazine and WreckMaster

ALL Recovery Specialists Qualify:

Choose the most challenging recovery your company has performed with excellence. Send in your photos or video of the recovery along with your name, company, address, phone # and email, and we may contact you for the details. Recovery must have been performed between 2001 and 2019.

Why They Received the Donnie Cruse Recovery Award:

‘‘

WreckMaster said this recovery was selected due to the limited space, adapting the recovery plan to changing conditions and bringing up the trailer loaded.” 2019

Winner:

McGann & Chester Donnie Cruse Memorial Award

Co-Sponsored by:

50 • April 2020 | Towman.com

An open semitrailer carrying building supplies (above left) partially rolled off a soft road. McGann & Chester responded with its 80-ton rotator and a 50-ton heavy for the recovery. Heavy rains and soft gravel made for some starts and stops in the recovery process.

Tale of a Twisted Trailer

call came in the early hours of the morning on Aug. 18, 2017, for a partially rolled over flatbed tractor-trailer with a tarped load of 48,000 lbs. of building supplies of assorted wood (2x4s, plywood, etc.) Upon arrival, the unit was found to be rolled over in a ditch on a narrow 5-ton weight limit road. Due to the confined conditions and scope of the recovery, it was determined we would return the next morning at 7 a.m. to complete the job. We dispatched a 50-ton wrecker, an 80-ton rotator, and

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a support truck hauling lumber and a flatbed with 15’ long boards. The extra lumber was needed due to the road being loosely packed new asphalt. Using the long boards to crib under the outriggers, the rotator was set up in position. The 50-ton was backed up the road so that it could access the front of the rolled over unit. Using a series of endless loops and recovery straps, the vehicle was slowly rolled over so that more access could be made from the low side. Additional straps were used, and the vehicle was further uprighted.

By Ryan McGann, Mc Gann & Chester Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

“Increased weight on the rotator caused the road to begin sinking.”

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Due to soft ground, anchoring equipment to one nearby tree was not secure enough.

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As the casualty was coming up, increased weight on the rotator caused the road to begin sinking. To help offload some of the weight from the rotator, the driver’s side winch line off of the 50-ton heavy was rigged to a tree in the woods. With the winch line run approximately 75’ into the woods to a tree, a snatch-block attached it to the tree then back down to slings over the casualty. Using the right winch line off the 50-ton heavy, it was anchored to a large tree to prevent the recovery unit from leaning or rolling from the side pull. The ground was soft due to heavy rains and pressure on the tree caused it to begin leaning. We then strapped that tree to two other trees using chains and binders to provide it additional support.

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The rolled unit was uprighted with the two heavy units working simultaneously, with straps supporting the load. Using the recovery straps, the load was centered onto the flatbed trailer. Once uprighted, the unit was partially re-rigged to allow it to be lifted. The trailer was lifted high enough to clear the rear outrigger. The boom was rotated counterclockwise to bring the trailer back onto the road. With the unit back on the road, it was driven to a more accessible area and split for towing. The recovery was completed in seven hours.

Submit your nominations for the 2020 Donnie Cruse Award to: bdooley@towman.com

Save More With Us!

Once the tarped trailer was back to the road (facing page), it was re-rigged to lift high enough to clear the outrigger (above) to be placed accessible for towing.

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Coming Soon to Cleveland By Brendan Dooley

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.

s Traffic Incident Management and other training become evermore paramount to the inherent safety of towers on the roadside, American Towman is adding a new show to its roster of legendary Expos that will focus on quick clearance and elite training that includes some goodnatured competition. The Towman Games (towmangames. com) is an industry-first quick-clearance Expo coming soon to the Huntington Convention Center in Cleveland, Ohio, in partnership with the Association of Professional Towers-Ohio. The Games, “Mid-America’s Tow Show,” will include the exemplary seminar programs, tow business courses, vendor exhibits and product demos that Expo attendees are familiar with from AT Expos in Las Vegas, San Antonio and Baltimore. However, Cleveland is not to be missed as it will add towman skills competitions and quick clearance certification to the mix.

TOWMAN TRIATHLETES

The Towman Games will test operators where it counts: at the truck’s controls, in Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Triathlons. Light-duty skills will be tested with the Quick Draw, Water Lift and Quick Clearance segments: • Quick Draw utilizes the wheel lift and is measured in speed and accuracy of backing to and properly securing a vehicle. • Boom Control is evaluated in lifting and moving a tire without spilling cups of water on the tire. • Quick Clearance is measured in evaluating a vehicle’s damage and selecting right tools and equipment to load and secure. Heavy-duty skills will be tested in the Upright Prep, Rotator Roulette and Boom Control divisions: • Boom Control is evaluated in lifting 58 • April 2020 | Towman.com

and moving a tire without spilling cups of water on the tire. • Upright Prep measures time to properly rig and prep a heavy casualty for uprighting. • Rotator Roulette contestants will rotate a bucket with water around the tailboard to pour into another bucket and then back to the starting point; spilt water will hurt your time.

FIVE CONFERENCES

In addition to the competition, the Towman Games will include plenty of educational content to keep tow owners and operators busy. The conference tracks are Driver Recruitment and Retention, Recovery Business Boot Camp, Business Growth, Cost Control and Quick Clearance. American Towman is offering the industry’s first Quick Clearance Certification Course designed to prepare tow operators for standard operating procedures in quick clearance and integration with incident commanders. American Towman editors and regular seminar presenters Randall Resch and Terry Abejuela will instruct participants in advanced carrier and light-duty wrecker training, focusing on the quick clearance of wrecked vehicles from the highway. Driver Recruitment will be presented by Jim Weaver and Sam Lombardo to help you build a winning team and improve employee retainment. Recovery Business presenters will include John Borowski, Ron Myers and Brian Riker covering topics around billing, invoices and maximizing ROI on tools and equipment. Business Growth speakers will be Bill Johnson, Ron Myers and Jim Figueira covering diversification through accident remediation, traffic control and other topics. Cost Control topics from Riker,

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Borowski, Weaver and Rob Austin will help attendees manage their insurance costs, target preventative maintenance and other advice to improve the bottom line.

HEAVY TRAINING

The Towman Games will also include access to 32 hours of hands-on heavy-duty training from recognized industry experts in CIRT’s Bobby Tuttle and WreckMaster’s Bruce Campbell, Jeff Martin and Kurt Wilson. Both sessions include a mix of classroom and hands-on instruction. Tuttle will be covering Advanced Heavy-Duty Training, while WreckMaster will be giving Advanced Rotator Training. Register at towmangames.com. Let the games begin.

855.269.5347 SmyrnaTruck.com/tow Our New Location! 138 Roberson Mill Rd. Milledgeville, GA 31061

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60 • April 2020 | Towman.com

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Buyers Report

what the users say

Product reviews of participating advertisers

Brendan Dooley Editor

Welcome again to American Towman Magazine’s annual Buyers Report. The next 15 or so pages are chock full with word-of-mouth recommendations on companies and products for the towing and recovery industry. The dozens and dozens of reviews you find in this section are compiled by AT staff in talking directly with the users themselves. The goal? Find out what customers like about the companies they use and share that important data with our readers. More than just, “they go above and beyond,” or “they’re great,” when we talk with the users in person we look for the specifics that potential customers want to know in considering new suppliers. Among the recommendations you’ll find in these pages are: ·

“It’s going to make me a lot of money and then I’ll be back for more.”

“We have his home number to call any time and he will handle it.”

· ·

“This way we can see exactly where they are and judge what size truck we can get [there].” “It’s not just about money, it’s about family.”

We want to get the best product information possible for readers to evaluate tow industry suppliers, don’t skip these important pages to follow.

AAA Helps Us and Our Customers

“We’ve been working with AAA for 36 years. AAA works for me, it works for the shop; we get a lot of benefits like the specials and percentages off for parts, and the programs we’re involved with, like AAA-approved auto repair, helps us and helps the customer out at the same time and we can give a longer warranty on parts and labor. The customer gets a 10-percent discount that attracts customers to come to the shop too. The Network of Savings helps a lot and gets us discounts on the tow trucks we buy with the Miller wreckers and flatbeds.”

Mike Benson, Powder Mill Towing; Parsippany, New Jersey See Ad Page 61

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Buyers Report

Access Tools Are Reliable

“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 See Ad Page 87

Akins Feels Like You Belong

“They are the best people at Akins Body & Carrier. We have been purchasing not only trucks, but also some cars for our business for the last 10 years from them. We deal with Todd Durham and Jerry White and they are two of the best people to work with. I don’t like all the haggling and back and forth of buying a vehicle; they don’t do any of that. Whenever we need a new truck, I just give them a call and they know exactly what we want. … They always call back whenever you have a question and have been there for me and the business and I would not go anywhere else than Akins Ford, just great and honest people who get us what we need. … I’m strapped for time as a business owner and they save me time.”

Emily Hemmings, Quick Recovery Services; Loganville, Georgia

See Ad Page 35

Allstate Keeps Us Happy

Allstate Road Service has been really good to work with the past nine years. Their customer service is good and available most times by phone for questions; they get you what you need to get the job done. … I would highly recommend Allstate to anyone considering it. They pay well for the work I do and appreciate the quality of service I provide. Their rates and communication are a big part of keeping us satisfied. We can contact our area manager Greg by email or text and get responses quick, often taken care of immediately. It’s more than money, it’s a combination of everything they do that keeps us happy.”

Michael Drier, West Suffolk Auto; Suffolk, Virginia

See Ad Page 85 64 • April 2020 | Towman.com

“As the Legislative Chairman for the Towing and Recovery Association of Kentucky, I enjoy keeping up with the current and new laws from across the country. I read every issue of American Towman Magazine from cover to cover several times.”

Mike Penn, Holbrook Towing & Recovery; Frankfort, Kentucky

Atlanta Wrecker Works with Open Arms

“I’ve been buying from Atlanta Wrecker Sales since 2009 and it’s always been a real good experience, including the Kenworth rollback I bought in December. … I like the personal service you get as much as the price; they help you and work with you for anything you need. They’re ready to help you and work with you as soon as you walk in until you leave whether you buy or not. They treat you with open arms and go above and beyond to help you.”

Turkey Craig, Turkey’s Towing; Gaffney, South Carolina

See Ad Page 55

Atlantic Emergency Sales Adds Personal Touch

“With Atlantic Emergency Sales, the experience is great because they are very helpful and knowledgeable with their equipment and get you answers. The Jerr-Dan trucks are a fantastic product that does whatever you ask of it. … Atlantic goes out of their way to make sure little personal items are done before we pick the trucks up. I get a sheet of equipment to check off what I personally need on my trucks and they furnish them how I want. No other dealer has done that for me. That stuck out.”

Pete Sullivan, Sullivan’s Towing & Recovery; Fredericksburg, Virginia

See Ad Page N 99 AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 65

what the users say

American Towman Magazine Is Essential Reading

Buyers Report

Austin Insurance Makes Sense of Things

See Ad Page M 101, S 102

“We’ve been working with Austin Insurance for about three years and they’re always very fast when we need to add drivers or add or remove trucks. They take care of things as quickly as I need it whether I call, text or email. They’re dependable and they don’t wait until the end of the year to go over renewals and pricing to where we’re forced to go with them. It’s not forced; they’re honest about the process. They answer all my questions and take time to walk me through the things that just don’t make sense to ‘normal’ people.”

Kat Long, Red’s Truck Center; Bidwell, Ohio

AutoReturn Saves Us Time

“We’ve been using AutoReturn since fall of 2018 and I love it because it makes my wife’s and my jobs a whole lot easier. It’s a great management tool that helps us keep track of what’s going on. Fort Worth can be difficult in locating impounds, but all we have to do now is look in the program and see which yard it’s in. It’s very organized and they stay on top of any issues we have. It’s a transparent tracking tool for drivers and ETAs, uploading pics at scenes and a great record of a call. It saves us time.”

J.D. Thomas, Thomas Wrecker Service; Fort Worth, Texas

See Ad Page 93

Beacon Software Helped Us Grow

“Beacon Software has been instrumental to our success. Since partnering with Beacon Software in 2014, we have seen exponential growth both revenue-wise and fleetwise. I believe Beacon has greatly contributed to that success. With increased efficiencies between dispatch and drivers, accounting, impound yard management and reporting, we have been able to streamline our business in a way that I did not believe was possible. I personally like the reports Beacon has to offer. You can see your revenue per “X” in many different forms, cancelled call reports (and reasons why), calls by day and time, etc. I have the ability to look at these reports and have a pulse on my business at all times. No longer are we flying blindly, and we can make sound business decisions. I cannot imagine operating without Beacon.”

See Ad Page 21 66 • April 2020 | Towman.com

Ryan Cecrle, Englewood Truck Towing & Recovery; Clayton, Ohio

“I bought three trucks from Chevron Commercial last year and multiple parts. They are super people who I enjoy dealing with quite a bit. They always have parts in stock that I need and help me figure out what’s going on with my trucks. They’re a small family operation and always willing to help, even with the trucks I didn’t buy from them. We had unit from elsewhere that had the same apparatus, but lots of identifying numbers were gone. I sent Keith what I could and he figured it out, tracked down all the parts I needed for the bed assembly and got them sent to us to get it up and running. Everyone form parts to sales has always been straight up with us.”

Robert Goolsby, PDR Co.; Sumrall, Mississippi See Ad Page 84

Crouch’s Is Always Good Service

“I’ve been buying tow trucks from Crouch’s since 2006 when they built my first truck. I buy about a truck a year from them since because it’s always real good service— they take care of me and go out of their way to help with any issues. David, our salesman, will come by and pick up a truck to take in for service and bring it back. That’s big, a big help, so I don’t have to stop what I’m doing and drive 45 minutes away to drop off a truck and tie up another vehicle and driver. I like the Miller products and will continue to use Crouch.”

Chris Graham, Chapman’s Wrecker Service;

See Ad Page 22-23

Nashville, Tennessee

Custer Products Are Innovative

“Custer Products is very innovative, they come up with new products every year. They always ship on time and are easy to work with. Their products are high quality. Our customers seem to support Custer Products the most of the lighting products we stock. The product is real decent quality, and they are one of the easier companies we work with. Customer service is excellent and they’re an all-around great company to deal with.”

Mary Perkins, Associated Merchants; Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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what the users say

Chevron Commercial Deals Straight Up

Buyers Report

Deep South Is Phenomenal

“Since I’ve been here, we’ve purchased every truck but one from Deep South Wreckers; we are close to 25 or 30 wreckers from them since then. They are absolutely a phenomenal business; they were willing to work with us as a new company with no credit rep for buying trucks. … I can call them now and say what we want and they’ll have it up here in a few days even before the financing is all the way through. That’s outstanding that they’re willing to take those steps to help a tow company and be on our side through everything. … They are quality trucks and sales.”

Derrick Burton, T&M Towing and Recovery; Lebanon, Ohio See Ad Page 41

DewEze Pumps Are Quiet, Powerful

“We’ve had nothing but great experiences with DewEze products. They’re very quiet, very powerful and an easy install. They have great products and are 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

See Ad Page 84

Dynamic Responds on Race Day

“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.”

Shaun Johnson, Charlotte Motor Speedway; Charlotte, North Carolina

See Ad Page 85 68 • April 2020 | Towman.com

“We’ve been using Elizabeth Truck Center solely for 20 years. They’re a family business similar to ours. Jim Powers is a huge part of why we use Elizabeth—he’s the most accommodating person I’ve ever dealt with in tow sales. He personally attends to any parts or service needs we have; it’s like having an in-house concierge. He’ll come here and diagnose things himself and will make an appointment for us at Miller to get our truck down there or get something as simple as a light. It’s personable service that’s on our level. It’s not just a sale … they are professional, industry knowledgeable and loyal. We’ve built our business on loyalty and they have the same business model with their customers.”

See Ad Page 81

Joe Breen, Breen Bros. Towing; Staten Island, New York

G. Stone Trucks Are Ready to Work

“The crew at G. Stone Commercial treat me really good. I found them through American Towman Magazine and went from there. I’ve bought six new flatbeds from them and a used wrecker ... all their equipment is super and ready to work when it lands here. They take some of my trucks in trade and we can keep working them once we decide on a price—they come up and deliver the new truck and bring my trade-in back. I don’t have to go to Vermont from Maine. I even recommend them to other companies in the area. The great part is it’s not just sales … they check back on every truck in a week, then a month and do nice follow-ups. I’ve not had any problems on any trucks they delivered—just put on a plate and go. They’re equipped and ready to work.”

Steve and Jackie Laite, Camden Exxon Towing; Rockport, Maine

See Ad Page N 103

Integrated Leasing Builds Trust, Growth

“We’ve been working with Integrated Vehicle & Equipment Leasing for four years; Doreen is a class act and top-of-the-line person to work with. She makes the customer feel great through fast response times and she gets fast closure to deals. Being able to have a business partner such as Integrating Leasing has really allowed me to grow my business. I’ve actually recommended a lot of customers to them based on how they treat me.”

Jason Rauen, Tegeler Auto; Dyersville, Iowa See Ad Page 91 AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 69

what the users say

Elizabeth Truck Center Built on Loyalty

Buyers Report

Intek Leasing Is Always There

“I’m coming up on 15 years using Intek Truck and Equipment Leasing; Billy and Adam are like family now. I’ve never had a bad experience with them. They are always a phone call away to help grow our business and make life easier financially. They’ve always treated us right and customer service there is next to none. … Our first purchase was a $500,000 rotator and they’d never met us and they had no questions on us and got it handled for us and made us customers for life. … Once you start doing business with Intek, you’re one of the family and they’re always there for you.”

Jesse Trgo, Interstate Towing & Transport Specialists; Twinsburg, Ohio See Ad Page 15

Jerr-Dan Builds Dependable Trucks

“I’ve been buying Jerr-Dan trucks since 1994; their trucks are dependable with very few warranty issues. The JerrDan network of dealers and parts availability make for very little downtime. I did switch brands once or twice due to availability, but always went back. … The fit and quality, cross-members, paint—any issues of years ago are long gone. It has been a good product. … Their finance partners are good to work with. The new rotator training is really good that came with our new 60-ton. Our operators left the school more confident with setups, load limits, different scenarios; Rich Guttman is a wealth of knowledge and good at what he does.”

Bill Johnson, Hampshire Towing; Holyoke, Massachusetts

See Ad Page 2-3

Landoll Trailers Hold Resale Well

“I’ve been buying Landoll trailers for many, many years; we have 25 of them and it is a quality trailer. It’s the best trailer for us for the type of work we do. We’ve never really had any problems with Landoll on warranty or anything else. … Landoll makes a great product, and they really hold their resale value well. We use them for about five to six years and there’s never a problem selling them after that. It’s just a quality trailer.”

Sam Sails, Midwest Transportation Specialists & Tow; Kansas City, Kansas

See Ad Page 34 70 • April 2020 | Towman.com

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.”

See Ad Page 52

Morgan Longstreet, Asset Solution Recovery; Howell, New Jersey

Len Zermenos Trucks Are Durable

“It’s been the last six years I’ve been doing business with Len Zermenos, for light- and medium-duty flatbeds. They’ve been great … only one truck with any issue and it was taken care of overnight. … The biggest thing is I can call and tell them what I’m looking for and they’ll tell me when they can have it or other options. I always get a truck within 30 days. A couple weeks ago I called and they delivered a truck to me within four days. I don’t have to go to Ohio, they deliver right to me here in Maine. … I hear concerns about the durability of Kilar beds, but I’ve had zero issues with them. Overall sales and service have been fantastic and zero issues with them.”

Scott Hatch, Southern Maine Towing & Locksmith; Old Orchard Beach, Maine

See Ad Page 56-57

Lodar Remotes Are Essential Tools

“Lodar’s remote equipment is great and helps do the job and not smash anybody’s hands while doing it. I’ve been using their remotes for 10 years. I remember the first heavy-duty wrecker we got with a Lodar and it was a life-changer. In the old days, you’d get under the casualty, go back to the truck to tighten the lines, then go back to the casualty and check. With the remotes, you can be on your knees and start to lift and see if its aligning in real time. It’s a time saver and really great. We even use on rollbacks for winching. We have 14 heavies and maybe 24 light-duty trucks and Lodar is so essential we put one on every truck as standard issue.”

David Williams, Tow Pro; See Ad Page 86 Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

Nashville, Tennessee

AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 71

what the users say

Legacy Plus Insurance Comes Through

Buyers Report

Lynch Specs a Lasting Truck

“I’ve been buying trucks from Lynch for 10 years. … They are real good on sales and service. My father was buying trucks from Lynch since 1985. I’ve always dealt with Robert. They build a good product and build all my trucks to custom specs. They are good at spec’ing out the trucks. Comparing trucks on price isn’t apples to apples; when you consider horsepower and galvanizing sub-frames and beds and pylons and specs to make a truck last … you don’t just get that when you buy a truck off a lot that’s ready to go. You may pay a little more, but get a better product.”

George Garbis Jr., Classic Towing; Plainfield, Illinois See Ad Page 43

Matheny Motors Is About More Than Money

“We’ve bought our last 15 trucks from Matheny Motors. Their sales people are wonderful and go above and beyond with any problems and come here and either get or fix the truck. We bought three brand new rotators from them. The service guys come and do everything on site for us. … My father ordered a rotator last year from Woody and it was set for delivery [in March]; my father passed away on February 16. I called to tell Woody and that Friday at the viewing the truck was out front of the funeral home. Woody and Joe went to Miller to pick up the truck so it was here for the funeral. You could never have two better guys at Matheny; it’s not just about money, it’s about family and those two guys proved it.”

Jodie Snodgrass, Nick’s Auto Sales and Rebuilders; Weirton, West Virginia

See Ad Page 27

Matjack Knows the Industry

“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.”

Donny Callahan, Gerlock Towing and Heavy Haul; Portland, Oregon

See Ad Page 79 72 • April 2020 | Towman.com

“Miller tow trucks are awesome. It took us a year and a half to design our new Century 1150 and a year and a half to complete. It’s a big upgrade from the older style 70-ton unit we had. The wireless remote for underlift and boom makes it a lot safer. I like the firetruck-style custom roll-up doors that make me safer in traffic. I added custom lightbars from Federal Signal that I liked … I made this truck a lot different than what normally rolls out the door. I was very picky and there were daily emails and communication back and forth; they were very responsive, they were rock stars, and I can’t wait for the next purchase. This truck performs way better than I could have hoped.”

See Ad Page 7

Ernie Vole Jr., Ernie’s Wrecker Service; Vernon Hills, Illinois

New England Truckmaster Attentive to Details

“I’ve been buying from New England Truckmaster for about 18 years. Chris is awesome to deal with; he knows the specs in and out and the attention to detail can’t be beat. When we get a truck from there, it can go right to work, gloves and all. They’re very good to us. Chris handles everything personally. He calls back and is involved in every aspect of the business; to be that involved is very rare these days. … I wouldn’t go anywhere else. We’re loyal to him and him to us.”

Charlie Wade, Bud’s Truck & Diesel Service; Bridgeport, Connecticut See Ad Page N 103

Peak Wrecker Doing It Right

“The best thing Peak Wrecker Sales ever did was come in here. I could not wait to see Randy Olson here in San Antonio when I heard about it. We have never bought five trucks in one year; we’ve bought five from them in the past 12 months already. I love working with Randy and Jim. I’m glad that they’re here; they do it right. … When you have a repair, they get in and repair and it’s done for you immediately. We’re not having to wait for parts and can go in and get what we need right away. Having service where they can get a truck back up same day or next day—that means everything.”

Jason Banis, Banis Towing Service; Leon Valley, Texas See Ad Page W 99 AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 73

what the users say

Miller Industries Responsive to Customization

Buyers Report

Phoenix Has Everything Your Truck Needs

“Customer service at Phoenix USA is great. They’re very quick shipping, and a great company to deal with. I had a toolbox leaking one time and they shipped out a brand-new toolbox. It’s hard to beat a family-owned company like that. We buy their lightbars, toolboxes, stainless steel quarter fenders, wheel simulators … they’ve got everything a man needs for a tow truck.”

Greg Hinds, Austin Hinds Motors; Arab, Alabama

See Ad Page 19

Sanderson Trucks Make Me Money

“Sanderson Truck Equipment put me in a really pretty tow truck and the all-around experience was good. We’ve done a lot of business through them, off and on including parts and everything, for 10-plus years. The service is good and loyal, quick. Sean is good, the parts department is really good at taking care of everybody; I have nothing bad to say about them. … My new F-650 is completely loaded with all the goodies and it’s going to make me a lot of money and then I’ll be back for more at Sanderson. They are getting me better equipment and a lower price than elsewhere.”

Tommy Iddings, Hooks Towing & Recovery; Glendale, Arizona

Specialty Vehicle Funding Available Beyond 8-5

See Ad Page 41

“Specialty Vehicle Funding have been fantastic over the past year and a half we’ve worked with them. They stood out to us with their timeliness and quick turnarounds and response times financing equipment, repo trucks and rollbacks and trailers. If I have any questions, they’re very thorough and quick. Other financial places may have been a week or more, but Specialty can turn something around in a couple of days. There are no surprises in the contracts; they are always what was discussed. We don’t have to check for changed interest rates or terms. … Being a small business owner, working 24/7, they are available late evenings or early mornings and make themselves available beyond just an eight to five timeframe. We have no issues with them.”

Wayne Ray, Big Dawgz Recovery/Select Choice Transportation; Dallas, Texas

See Ad Page 53 74 • April 2020 | Towman.com

“TLC Truck and Equipment is a fantastic company; I like that it’s family owned Their customer service is, bar none, the best. My background, I’ve been in hot rods and custom cars for a while; I specialize in frame-off restorations and exotic vehicle transport. They helped me build my new truck, a 2020 International with Triple-E Track and acquire a custom United 48-foot enclosed trailer to work at my business. They helped me get the truck how I wanted it and went above and beyond to find the trailer and help get me financed. Thanks to TLC, I have one of the nicest trucks around.”

Craig Rosen, Made Motors; Parkland, Florida See Ad Page 52

Towbook Management Software

“We are in our fifth year powered by Towbook Management Software. In that time span we have increased our call volume from 1,200 calls a month to 2,600 calls per month. It was quickly realized that by taking the invoicing out of the hands of the driver, we were saving each driver 60 minutes a day of clerical time. An extra hour a day created an additional call completed without the need for overtime. The completed dispatch immediately became our invoice and reduced the time spent in the office pushing and deciphering handwriting. The auto billing to motor clubs according to our agreed rates became a task that took moments instead of hours. Reporting to watch the health of our company was now a fun activity rather than a chore. … Kitsap Towing has expanded two-fold to a staff of 35 people with 25 trucks over our years with Towbook. They hold the key to our success and they are at the core of us helping our community.”

Jaci Bryant, Kitsap Towing;

See Ad Page 59

Silverdale, Washington

TowMate Keeps You a Step Ahead

If you do not have a TowMate, you are a step behind the rest. I remember as a kid helping Dad string the wing for the tow lights, finding the right piece to anchor it good. If not, it would drag the ground and get worn into. Also finding the right amount of cord for the swivel points. TowMate just turns on, attaches to the rear of the tow, and go. No cut cords, no winding of cords when done, no wear marks in the paint when you would store the magnet lights. With the cord, they always found dirt and rust that could scratch the paint. TowMate is easy to stow away. When needed, pull out, attach, turn on and tow.”

Ed Oliver; Greenville, South Carolina

See Ad Page 19, 82 AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 75

what the users say

TLC Got Me One of the Nicest Trucks

Buyers Report

TowTruckLocator.com Getting Good Responses

“I think so far using TowTruckLocator.com we’ve had good response on the ads and customers seeing what they have; we’re impressed with how they’ve worked to solve problems we have. To find a real human or send an email or call and say this didn’t work or did work and they’ve solved every problem we’ve ever had using the site. They revamped and are still making more improvements and good for our industry going forward. For advertising, it’s still a growing site and a growing source.”

Chris Taylor, Eastern Wrecker Sales; Clayton, North Carolina See Ad Page S 101

Trac2Tow a Safer Way to Tow

“The main benefit of Trac2Tow is actually the pinpoint location on where motorists are. We are a very touristy area where a lot of customers don’t know actually where they are. This way we can see exactly where they are and judge what size truck we can get based on the area, roads and streets around them. … With the many tourists and people are hesitant to trust others, through Trac2Tow they can see who will show up, a rough ETA and it really benefits us to show them the name and photo of the driver. It’s a safer way to tow.”

Patrick Morris, M&M Towing; Mountain Home, Arkansas

See Ad Page S 102, M 103

Truck Body Sales Offers Innovative Packages

“I’ve probably bought 15 trucks from Truck Body Sales due to their attention to detail. They do some innovative things other builders don’t do, especially in design with toolboxes and lighting packages, and they go above what other vendors do without the price going up. Instead of the jack rolling around, they put a receiver in the bottom of the box for the jack that saves room too. Toolbox lights are wired in so we don’t need all the worklights and beacons running just so we can have toolbox lights on for a simple tire change. Running 70 calls a day and 18 trucks, that saves time. Flipping a switch doesn’t sound like much, but that saves something, and drivers can move on.”

See Ad Page W 101 76 • April 2020 | Towman.com

John Dayton, Ace Towing; Tracy, California

“Tim at Webfleet Solutions is very helpful. They’re on [top of everything], and very good. I swear by it. The installation is 110 percent. Any issues, Tim corrects in a reasonable timeframe, within 24 hours. He’s a really good guy to work with. He was here last week to help integrate cameras with the Webfleet software. It’s great in the accuracy report-wise, truck maintenance, and does so many different things. You can really get into the system and use lots of options. I’m totally happy with it. We’re working to integrate it with TowBook how we want it. This system is A-1 to me.”

Charlie Gullotta, City Towing/Interstate Towing; Boca Raton, Florida See Ad Page 29, 31, 33

XINSURANCE Knowledgeable on Repo Business

“They’ve been very helpful and always have an answer very quick and are easy to deal with. Customer service is great. There’s lots of confusing stuff in these insurance policies and they’re always good at explaining it to us. They’re very knowledgeable of the way we do this business and know repo inside and out. We have his home number to call any time and he will handle it. Service is above and beyond anything else we’ve dealt with in insurance.”

Paul Poenitsch, Run Recovery; Waukesha, Wisconsin

See Ad Page S 103

Zip’s AW Direct Is More Than a Call Center

“We buy our trucks from Zip’s and they customize the lighting on our trucks and make them to our specs. I’ve been going to them for a long time, 20 years. They do custom lighting how we like it and our hi-vis uniforms with our name and logo. We can order one jacket or 20, it doesn’t matter. If we hire someone, or need a replacement, we can get a new hi-vis jacket in a couple days which is pretty cool. They always have parts in stock. I always talk to the same account manager when I need to order something and he gets to know my business and I don’t feel like I’m just calling a call center. I called Ed one time about 3 p.m. on a Friday for a truck that was down and we had parts Saturday morning and got the truck running by Saturday afternoon.”

See Ad Page 13

Gary Behlmann, Kearney Towing & Repair; Kearney, Nebraska

AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 77

what the users say

Webfleet Solutions Is A-1

Work Horse

2020 NTEA Work Truck Show

he 2020 Work Truck Show, put on by NTEA-The Association for the Work Truck Industry, drew 13,675 attendees March 3-6, down slightly from last year’s record, for its 20th annual event at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis (worktruckshow.com). Electrification was a major theme of the event, as the commercial vehicle industry gathered for what has become the annual launching pad for new vocational trucks, vans, chassis, engines, bodies and equipment. “I am constantly impressed by the new ideas innovators in our industry come up with to solve problems and simply design a more effective commercial vehicle,” said Steve Carey, NTEA president/CEO. Next year’s show will be March 9-12. Manufacturer updates and product introductions from the 2019 show included:

ALLIANCE AUTOGAS

Alliance AutoGas (allianceautogas. com) unveiled its new aftermarket autogas system in a 2020 Ford F-250 7.3L in the Propane Education and Research Council booth. The bi-

Alliance AutoGas system integrated with the 2020 Ford F-250 7.3L V8.

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fuel engine will provide an average savings of $1 per gallon on fuel and extend operating range more than 700 miles between refueling. “It is exciting to finally see a modern high torque engine in the marketplace. … This engine will offer a diesel-like performance at a fraction of the cost,” said Ed Hoffman, president of Blossman Services, distribution partner for Alliance AutoGas. “This technology is a great example of innovation, providing benefits of reduced operating costs to fleets that choose it, while offering significant benefit to the community in cleaner air and quieter streets,” said Tucker Perkins, CEO of PERC.

ALLISON TRANSMISSION

Allison Transmission (allison transmission.com) announced the official opening of its Vehicle Environment Test Center on July 8, 2020. The 60,000-sq.-ft. building will house two environmental chambers capable of simulating a broad range of environmental conditions and duty cycles, including temperature extremes, grades, altitudes and other on-road conditions. The capabilities include temperature extremes from -54 degrees F to 125 degrees F and altitude up to 18,000 feet, grades and other on-road conditions. By utilizing this test center, Allison and our OEM partners will be able to accelerate development and validation of conventional powertrains, alternative fuel vehicles, electric hybrid vehicles and fully electric vehicles for all aspects of performance. The company also announced Isuzu’s new gas-powered Class 5

truck features an Allison transmission with PTO option. The Allison 1000 Rugged Duty Series transmission will be the exclusive transmission for Isuzu’s NQR and NRR Class 5 trucks that will offer a PTO option for the first time by Isuzu in a gas-powered truck.

Chevy introduced updates for its medium-duty and LCF models.

CHEVROLET

Chevrolet (chevrolet.com/ commercial) announced a new engine for the Express and Low Cab Forward trucks, as well as improvements for the Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD and 6500 HD chassis cabs. For 2021, Express configurations and LCF will be available late this summer with a new 6.6L V-8 gas engine. Originally introduced in the all-new 2020 Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD, the direct-injected engine is SAE-rated at 401 hp and 464-ft./lbs. of torque for the Express. That is 17 percent more hp and 24 percent more peak torque than the 6L it replaces. The 6.6L output on the LCF is 350 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque, which is nearly 18 percent more hp and 14 percent more peak torque than its outgoing 6L. Debuting in 2018, the Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD and 6500 HD updates include: • Maximum gross combined weight rating is now up to 37,000 lbs • Longer axle-to-end-of-

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frame options for the two shortest wheelbases enable longer upfit bodies and increased upfit flexibility. • A new mechanical locking rear axle. Longer axle-to-end-of-frame options for the two shortest wheelbases enable longer upfit bodies and increased upfit flexibility. • New extended mirror arms. • New left-hand PTO capability.

CTECH MANUFACTURING

CTech Manufacturing (ctech manufacturing.com) showed a new option from CM Truck Beds: OEMinstalled CTech toolbox cabinets. The CTech cabinets feature heavyduty ball-bearing drawer sliders and a one-hand, one-motion latch system. The integrated latch handles optimize drawer depth.

CUMMINS

Cummins Inc. (cummins.com) introduced its next generation of medium-duty on-highway power solutions, showcasing advanced diesel and natural gas engines. The 2021 B6.7 and L9 were made with customers’ total cost of ownership in mind. Both engines feature extended oil drain and fuel

Cummins next-gen B6.7 engine.

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filter replacement intervals, and a redesigned breather that is now maintenance-free. Base engine hardware improvements and advancements in air handling for the L9 deliver up to 5-percent better fuel economy when compared to the 2017 L9 engine model. The B6.7N natural gas engine recently received certifications from both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board.

Ford announced an all-electric Transit coming soon.

FORD

Ford (ford.com) added more customer-driven options to its F-650 and F-750 Medium Duty trucks and E-Series cutaway and stripped chassis. The allnew F-600 Super Duty chassis cab is now available to order as well. The Ford F-600 delivers the capability of a Class 6 truck in a familiar Class 5 package; it will be available for delivery Summer 2020. The Ford Transit is going digital, with an all-electric version coming for the 2022 model year. The all-electric Transit is part of Ford’s more than $11.5 billion investment in electrification through 2022. The all-electric Ford Transit will offer uncompromised cargo capacity and the power of choice with a variety of chassis options, including cargo van, cutaway and chassis cab, plus three roof heights and three body lengths.

Fleets looking for an affordable solution to meeting alternative fuel goals will see new choices with 2022 E-Series cutaways and stripped chassis as Ford adds available flex fuel capability for the 7.3L V8 gasoline engine in both premium and economy calibrations. For customers who prefer alternative fuels, Ford is offering a gaseous fuel prep package for its new 7.3L V8 gasoline engine in current model year Super Duty F-450, F-550 and F-600 chassis cab, Medium Duty, E-Series and F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis vehicles. The package includes upgraded valvetrain components to withstand higher operating temperatures and lower lubricity of gaseous fuels so the vehicle can be converted by a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to run on CNG or propane.

ISUZU COMMERCIAL TRUCK

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (isuzucv.com) revealed two new gasoline engines for its N-Series

Isuzu’s NRR crew cab gas-powered LCF model.

trucks. The engines include a 6.6L V8 that will be available in the Class 3 NPR and Class 4 NPR-HD, and a 6L V8 that will be offered in both the Class 5 17,950-lbs. GVWR NQR and the Class 5 19,500-lbs. GVWR NRR. “Some of the major challenges our industry will face in the coming decade are the result of emissions

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regulations, some that have been defined and some that are still a work in progress,” said Shaun C. Skinner, president, Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “At the same time, we see an increasing demand for gasoline engines in Classes 3, 4 and 5. These engines will allow us to meet new and stringent emissions requirements and meet the needs of our dealers and customers as the market grows and evolves.” Production of NPR Gas and NPRHD Gas models equipped with the new 6.6L V8 gasoline engine will begin this July. The new 6L V8 engine that will debut in the upcoming NQR and NRR gas models represents the first time Isuzu has offered a gasoline engine in a Class 5 truck—and the NRR Gas will be the first gaspowered Class 5 low cab forward truck with a 19,500-lbs. GVWR in the industry.

Mack unveils its new MD Series Class 6 and 7 models.

The engine will be certified and supplied by Power Solutions International and built from a Vortec V8 block that has been customized

to Isuzu specifications to produce 311 hp and generate 353-ft./lbs. of torque at 4,150 rpm. The engine will be mated to a six-speed Allison 1000 RDS transmission with PTO. This will be the first time Isuzu has offered PTO in a gas-powered truck. Customers can choose between a Standard Cab with seating for three or the Crew Cab with seating for up to seven, and wheelbases ranging from 132.5” to 176”.

MACK TRUCKS

Mack Trucks (macktrucks.com) unveiled its all-new Mack MD Series of medium-duty trucks that includes a Class 6 and Class 7 model, both of which are exempt from the 12-percent Federal Excise Tax. The Mack MD6 has a GVWR of 25,995 lbs., and the MD7 has a GVWR of 33,000 lbs. “With these trucks, Mack now offers a complete lineup of Class 6 to 8 vehicles, and the Mack MD Series will enable us to meet the needs of those customers desiring Mack’s legendary durability in a lighter weight GVWR configuration,” said Jonathan Randall, Mack Trucks SVP of North American sales and marketing. The MD6 and MD7 models,

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available in 4x2 configurations, incorporate comfortable and ergonomic design features from Mack’s Class 8 truck models, ensuring a quiet ride for drivers. Offering a sharp wheel cut for enhanced maneuverability in tight urban settings, the all-new cab of the MD6 and MD7 models feature a short 103” bumper-to-back-of-cab measurement. Eight wheelbase lengths are offered, ranging from 10’ to 26’. The vehicles come standard with 22.5” wheels or optional 19.5” wheels. The Mack MD Series production begins in July.

RAM COMMERCIAL

Ram Commercial reveals ProMaster.

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Chevron Commercial, Inc. 3545 George Street • Exit#30 on Interstate 70 Highland, IL 62249

For complete patent listing go to: www.chevroncommercial.com

EYE CANDY INDUSTRY

of the

Freightliner M2 Cummins 350HP Automatic

Dodge 5500 Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins Auto Diesel w/Chevron Renegade 408T Light Duty Wrecker

Kenworth T270 PX7 300HP Auto w/Chevron 21’ Alum LCG Carrier Series 12

w/ Chevron 30’ Aluminum IV Car Carrier Series 20

Kenworth T370 - Tandem PX9 - 350HP - Automatic Kenworth T800 38” Sleeper X15 565HP 18 Speed

w/ Chevron 30’ Aluminum IV Car Carrier Series 20 AG Wheelift

w/ Vulcan V100 HD Euro Stinger Tri Axle Alum Body Wrecker

Used 2007 Ford F550 Extended Cab XLT 6.0L Automatic

Chevrolet C6500 Duramax Diesel 350HP Automatic

w/Chevron 22’ Steel Carrier Series 10 102” Wide Body

Visit our used truck section on our website to see the variety of used trucks available NOW

w/ Chevron LMD 512 Wrecker Vulcan Scoop Wheelift

800-443-5778 618-654-5555 Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

www.chevroncommercial.com sales@chevroncommercial.com AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 85

Ram Commercial (ramtrucks. com) revealed its 2021 Ram ProMaster full-size van with a classexclusive Digital Rearview Mirror option that displays video in real time from a rear-facing camera and can be turned off to revert back to a traditional reflective mirror. Crosswind Assist is standard equipment on all 2021 Ram ProMaster models and helps the driver keep the vehicle stable, even when wind gusts attempt to push the vehicle off course. ProMaster now offers several available safety options including Blind Spot with Cross Path, Forward Collision Warning with Emergency Brake Assist and Ambient/Courtesy Lights. The 2021 Ram ProMaster is available in 18 different wheelbase and roof height configurations and features the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

VANAIR

Vanair Manufacturing (vanair. com) introduced advancements to its PTO-driven underdeck compressor. Innovations in air/oil separation tank designs, VTEC II electronic controls, FailSafe DualSensor Redundancy System and ThermalGuard weather protection kit substantially reduce downtime. The company also debuted of its new Start-All Jump Pack series

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of portable jump-starters. A highoutput lithium-ion battery provides performance and longevity, while the Start-All models provide safety features including reverse polarity, low-voltage protection, short circuit overheat protection, and overdischarge protection. Integrated heavy-duty cables with large metal clamps for maximum safety and protection are included on all models.

VMAC

VMAC (vmacair.com) released its Stacked G30 Air Compressor, a vertical 30-cfm rotary-screw air compressor, powered by a Honda GX390 gas engine. The VMAC Stacked G30 forgoes the traditional horizontal design of a gas-drive air compressor and has a footprint of just 2.5-sq.ft. on the truck, making its footprint 59-percent smaller than other models. Designed to produce 30 cfm at 100-percent duty cycle, the Stacked G30 air compressor does not require a large air receiver tank, providing on-demand air, so operators can get jobs done faster and without interruption. The VMAC Stacked G30 is lightweight at 210 lbs., offering some 220 lbs. of weight savings over other gas-driven air compressors.

XL FLEET

XL Fleet (xlfleet.com) debuted two new hybrid electric Chevrolet

Vanair debuts its PTO updates.

Silverado pickup truck options, an upfitted hybrid electric Silverado 2500 HD and an upfitted hybridelectric Silverado 3500 HD with an installed Knapheide service body. Both vehicles were equipped with the XLH hybrid electric-drive system, representing the latest expansion of XL’s hybrid solutions for commercial and municipal fleets. The XLH hybrid electric platform for the Silverado features a highefficiency lithium-ion battery, inverter and electric traction motor, which propels the vehicle forward during acceleration and captures energy through regenerative braking during deceleration. The system requires no external power or charging infrastructure to operate, and all OEM factory warranties remain intact. The XLH system will include XL’s standard 3-year, 75,000-mile warranty, with extended warranty options available.

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Repo Run

Max Shockly Takes Cleveland By Mark Lacek

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!

The sound of the .223-caliber bullet smashing through the rear window of Max Shockly’s Ford F-350 and tearing into the dashboard display screen was not loud at all. The projectile, traveling at roughly 3,100-feet-per-second, missed his head by about a foot. Max stomped on the accelerator and the Ford Power Stroke engine responded quickly. In a few moments, Max was miles away. He never heard the shot, but knew very well it had to be fired from at least 50 yards. Del was just making his coffee when Max walked through his office door. “I need another truck,” he said, as Del handed Max his cup of fresh java. “Call the Ford dealer and talk to Alfonso; he will know exactly what I need.” Del (short for Delores) has worked for the Shockly Company for 10 years, and she knows when not to ask too many questions. “I would like to speak to Alfonso, please,” she said to the receptionist at the Ford dealer. She was speaking with the man in a couple of minutes to order another truck. Del knows when Max wants something taken care of right away. “Yes, ma’am,” replied the sales manager. Sitting in his office, Max knew all too well who was responsible for firing the shot that almost ended his life. Two days earlier, Max was landing a Learjet Bombardier 75 at the Van Nuys, California, airport. “Any Bozo can take off and fly

a jet, it takes skill to land one,” Max had joked often. The Van Nuys airport has an 8,000’ runway, and it’s no secret Max Shockly needs every foot of it to land a plane. This Lear 75 was acquired after six months of searching. His fee would be 25 percent of the sale price; his commission would be almost $2 million, plus expenses that now included a new F-350. Sitting at his desk, sipping his coffee … Max knew he had to make the call. He opened the file on the Lear 75 and dialed the private cellphone number for the Prince. “Why are you making this personal,” he asked the Arab Prince on the phone. “You almost killed me this morning—business is business. Ask your uncle to get you another jet, and this time pay for it.” The Prince laughed. “If I wanted you dead, Shockly, I would not have instructed my man to miss!” he said. “Lucky for you I only killed your expensive American pickup truck.” “Nothing personal, Prince, just doing my job,” Shockly said. “You’re very good at what you do, Shockly,” the Prince said, “but you will have a much harder time finding the next one.” The two men shared a laugh, knowing they would meet again. “Del! Did you order me a new truck?” asked Max. “Yes I did,” Del said. “I need a vacation, get me a flight to Vegas, I need to play some Texas Hold’em,” Max instructed. “Sorry, Max, I have a

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message from Frank Kowalski from Cleveland Yacht Sales. He wants you to give him a call,” Del said. Max had worked with Kowalski a few years back, who hired Max to locate a missing Monterey 355 Sport Yacht. Max was able to locate and recover the Great Lakes-style motor yacht in less than a month. The 355 later sold for about $225,000; Max walked away with about $50,000 after expenses. Max gave Frank a call. “Max, I need your help,” Frank said. “We had a guy in here who took delivery on a 2007 Navigator 51 Motor Yacht about four months ago. Now the guy is nowhere to be found and all the info on the credit turns out to be bogus. The lakefront address in Avon Lake where we delivered the yacht turned out to be someone else’s who was on vacation at the time.” “I need a vacation myself,” Max said. “Can this wait, Frank? I was thinking of getting a few days of poker time in Vegas.” “Max … the guy took off with a $400,000 yacht and I financed the deal myself; I need you here right away,” Frank said. “OK, Frank; I’m on my way,” Max assured him. “Del, get me a flight to Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront airport right away,” he said. The last time Max conducted a successful repossession in Cleveland, Frank introduced him to Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Although not a basketball fan, Max was a fan of Texas Hold’em and Gilbert also owns the beautiful Jack Cleveland Casino, though getting any poker in had become the last thing on Shockly’s mind. As the plane made its final approach to Burke Lakefront Airport, Max looked out the window and was reminded of what 90 • April 2020 | Towman.com

a beautiful downtown Cleveland, Ohio, is. Max could see the Terminal Tower in the middle of downtown, which was the home of Jack Casino. Frank was waiting for Max when he landed and quickly handed Max a handful of paperwork. “This is all BS on the paperwork,” Frank said, “I don’t even think the guy’s name is correct. He said his name was William McClundy III. He pulled up to our sales office at the marina in a two door RollsRoyce and a hot redhead at his side” “Haven’t you ever heard that name before?” Max asked. “No.” “William McClundy was the name of the con man who sold the Brooklyn Bridge to a tourist in 1901,” laughed Max. “It appears your customer has a sense of humor. Do you have security cameras at your marina?” Two hours later, Shockly was looking at the security footage of a man and a very attractive redhead parking a two-door Rolls right in front of the sales office. About two hours later, as the car pulled away, the camera was able to catch the Ohio license plate number. Running the license plate in the Ohio DMV provided Shockly with a VIN and the National Insurance Crime Bureau database instantly got a hit. It seems the Rolls was listed as stolen until two days earlier where it was spotted and pulled over at a marina in Sandusky. Shockly copied the case number and contacted the Sandusky County Sheriff’s department. Detective James Perkins was working the case and was happy to meet with Shockly the next morning. “Yeah, we have the guy in our jail right now,” Perkins said. “He had a fake ID on him … William McClundy. His real name is William Stanley, a gypsy con man.”

Max explained why he was calling. “You might want to get up here” Perkins said. “See you in the morning” Max responded. The next day at the Sandusky County Sherriff’s office, Shockly and Perkins sat and talked over coffee. Perkins had been a detective in Sandusky for more than 30 years. Perkins explained that one of their patrol officers noticed Stanley walking away from the Rolls towards the Sandusky Star Marina. Stanley said he was loading his boat. The patrolman thought something just wasn’t right, so he ran the tag on the Rolls and it came up stolen. Stanley was arrested on the spot and taken into custody. “Would you like to speak to him?” asked the detective. Trying to hold back his excitement, Max answered, “Later, maybe. Right now, I have to get to the Sandusky Star Marina.” Sitting at the marina was the beautiful Navigator 51, matching the serial number on Shockly’s repossession order. No need to speak to the conman now Shockly thought, as he turned his thoughts to the Jack Casino. Kowalski was happy and Shockly did take a few well-deserved days off in the Jack Casino poker room. Max looked down at his hole cards … two red aces. The flop landed with an Ace of Clubs, the turn card was a nothing card and the river was the Ace of Spades, giving Shockly four bullets. “All in,” he calmly said. As the dealer pushed all of the poker chips toward Max, he sat back and thought of what a great couple of days he was having … until his phone rang. It was Del in the office. “Max, you better get to the airport right away!”

...to be continued...

Supplier Scoop focused on partnering with military customers across North the company’s network of America. Previously, Boyer worked at two Agero (agero.com) announced exclusive distributors to provide business units of Snap-On. shop equipment to heavy-duty that its advanced artificial intelligence services are now in use by 11 clients to repair facilities, fleets and U.S. improve driver assistance for millions of motorists in the U.S. Agero’s Command Center uses predictive analytics and machine learning developed from more than 50 million events to combat unexpected delays in delivering roadside assistance caused by traffic, weather, high service volume and more. The company said the result is up to a 30-percent reduction in customer complaints and the transformation of high-risk roadside events into positive, memorable experiences. “Predicting when and where potential problems will occur … is critical to ensuring the best customer experience for motorists on behalf of our insurance and auto clients,” said Jeff Blecher, Agero’s chief strategy officer.

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STERTIL-KONI ADDS EQUIPMENT SPECIALIST

Heavy-duty lift company Stertil-Koni (stertil-koni.com) recently named Carl Boyer as its Shop Equipment Specialist,

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 91

Repo Times

Agent Arrested for Running Undersheriff

An elderly man was recovering in the hospital after police say a man repossessing his family’s car ran him over in Catoosa, Oklahoma, recently. Catoosa police are calling it a “botched repossession.” A retired Wagoner County undersheriff was recovering in the hospital at press time. When a man came to take a car from a Catoosa residence, his daughter said her 70-year-old father intervened. “He was doing the right thing; the people had no paperwork whatsoever to prove anything,” she said. She says the company came to pick up her cousin’s car, but after a fight between her father, she says the driver tried to leave with the car, and in the process, ran over her father. “When he went to pull away, he struck the victim with a truck, knocked him to the ground and was run over by the rear dual tires at that time,” said Chief Ronnie Benight. Catoosa police say they arrested

92 • April 2020 | Towman.com

the driver of the truck and booked him into the Wagoner County Jail for assault with a deadly weapon. Benight said the car also fell off the truck and hit a gate after rolling over the elderly man. He also said the agent did not have paperwork or Department of Transportation numbers on the truck. After bonding out of jail, the agent later said he had the paperwork digitally with him. Source: ktul.com.

NARS 2020 Convention Postponed

The American Recovery Association has postponed its annual convention and NARS 2020. The 56th annual ARA convention now will be held on Sept. 30, followed by NARS 2020 on Oct. 1-2. NARS 2020 originally was scheduled for May 7-8 in Irving, Texas. “We understand the unique obstacles business owners in our industry are currently facing during this time of change and consolidation,” said

ARA president Dave Kennedy. “Now more than ever, we know it’s important for the industry to unify forces, establish industry standards and address concerns. “However, as the committee continued to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak over the past week, it became clear that we must take immediate action to protect the health and safety of our attendees,” Kennedy said. Source: autoremarketing.com

Resolvion Creates Client Success Department

Skip-trace and repossession management firm Resolvion recently announced the launch of its new client success team. The client success team is led by SVP of client services Claudia Plascencia and includes seasoned client success directors and quality audit representatives. Their role is to serve as a primary point of contact on overall relationship issues and coordinate action across the multiple departments that touch the client relationship. “Customers are vital to our business, so focusing on them and their success with our products/services helps with retention. When customers are happy and succeeding, it benefits our entire organization,” Plascencia said. The firm said the initiative would better coordinate client needs and improve transaction efficiency. Source: autoremarketing.com.

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 93

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94 •April 2020 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 95

My Baby

A ‘Pete’ by Any Other Name by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

owhy Towing & Recovery, owned and operated by Logan and Jordan Dowhy, is based in Kearney, Nebraska, and was founded by Logan in July 2010 when he was 23. Today, it’s the second largest towing business in Buffalo County. “I’m the owner, CEO, CFO, janitor, founder ... OK, just owner-founder,” Logan joked. Serving Buffalo County and the surrounding areas, Dowhy’s now has five employees and a fleet of nine trucks, which includes one lightduty, two medium-duties, three carriers, a service truck, a semi with a traveling-axle trailer, a John Deere payloader, air cushions, forklifts, etc. and the remarkable rotator featured here, known by many names.

96 • April 2020 | Towman.com

“The original owner called it ‘Sneaky Pete,’ but we don’t really call it that. It’s ‘Big Pete,’ ‘Big Wrecker’ and ‘Truck #14,’ but some people still know it nationwide by Sneaky Pete or ’50,’ ” said Logan. Whatever you call this rig, it is a 1989 Century 1050 60ton rotator mounted on a 1989 Peterbilt 377. “It’s built more like a 75-ton,” Logan said. “From what I’ve been told, Century was trying some new things back in ’88-’90 with heavy wreckers and this truck was a test dummy. … [It’s] way overbuilt!” This beauty has twin 50,000-lbs. two-speed planetary winches to handle the lift and pull. A B-Model Caterpillar C15 engine mated to an Eaton 18-speed transmission provides get up and go.

“I purchased the truck used … I’m pretty sure it was an in-house build with Miller Industries,” Logan said. It’s actually painted black and orange with all of the chains being decals. Miller Signs in Kearney did the graphics. They had the truck a couple days doing the decals. Logan said the graphics go back to 2013 when they used the chain theme on the company’s second truck. “It has performed many memorable jobs,” Logan said. “It has never let me down. Only having one heavy wrecker is challenging at times and this ol’ girl gets it done every single time on her own. The original owners have many stories about this truck as it has been featured in many movies, the most popular is ‘Gone in 60 Seconds.’ ” Sneaky Pete took second place in the Vintage Class at the 2017 Professional Towing Association of Nebraska tow show. “The most important attribute this unit brings to our business is being able to do anything in its way,” said Logan. “It’s an older and slower truck, which might take me longer to complete the recovery, but we never come home empty-handed.” Whatever you call this rig there is no doubt that it is a workhorse, whether it’s heavy recovery, towing buses or supporting the Spirit Ride and Move Over awareness, it gets the job done and draws eyes wherever it goes.

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‘Sneaky Pete’ Highlights Chassis: 1989 Peterbilt 377 Wrecker: 1989 Century 1050 Engine: B Model Caterpillar C15 Trans: Eaton 18-speed Winches: Twin 50,000 lbs. twospeed planetary Builder: Miller Industries Graphics: Miller Signs

AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • 97

Lowdown

Forward Thinking in a Stunned Economy By Steve Calitri

Steve Calitri Editor-in-Chief

mid government shutdowns of commerce and social gatherings, the spreading of a dangerous virus and a drastic slowdown for the average tow business, how do our industry’s towmen and suppliers think ahead in order to survive while facing the specter of doomsday? The answer is simple: keep your eyes wide open and think positive. Always remember this one vital statistic: We only live once. Or, as I like to put it, we only die once. Now is the biggest challenge facing this nation and our businesses in our lifetime. We can choose to shrink from it and look forward only to the worst. Or we can bake positive pie, determined to still be around when it’s taken out of the oven. All of us face serious issues in business and life. In my own life I have faced challenges to my survival and my outlook on the future. I have felt the clock was ticking against me where fate seemed to be painting me into a corner. Maybe you can relate to that sensation at this time. Silently I questioned why I should plan or create anything new. With diminishing physical capabilities, it seemed my state of being was creeping towards a terrible end. As I teetered in spirit, the voice of a woman who handled our company’s health insurance reverberated in my 98 • April 2020 | Towman.com

mind. “Steve, you are a fighter,” she said. “You can overcome this.” My first thought when I heard her was that she did not know me well enough to know that I was a fighter, though she spoke with a knowing conviction. As I was challenged by every inch of movement, I fought. I fought physically and I fought mentally. But I realized my being was on hold. Even though I prided myself in keeping my good humor and believed I was fortunate overall, my vitals being in good health, my diet superb, and blessed to be loved by wife and family, I realized I was facing death inside me. I was not living. I said to myself I could choose to continue my own deathwatch, or I could decide to live. I chose to go forward. I created the Adventures of the American Towman. I composed songs about the towman’s heroic nature as well as songs reflecting on my life. I wrote poetry, hosted readings in my building and organized a poetry college. I led the creation of new media with TowIndustryWeek.com and American Towman TV. With my brother presenting new show opportunities in Las Vegas and Cleveland, I set about creating new events. For the Towman Games I worked at setting our bar higher for educational programs. I proudly created and led an epic campaign to save towmen from being killed on the white line with the Spirit Ride, a journey involving 10,000 towers that touched the hearts and minds of millions of people. As I fought physically a neurological affliction, I lived to the fullest moving forward.

“To be or not to be,” Shakespeare’s Hamlet asks, “that is the question.” Now American businessmen and the towing industry face the same question. Tow bosses see their trucks sitting idle in the yard. They hope the medical community will come out soon with a treatment for the virus or that the government’s fight against it will shift to a strategy that is commerce friendly. Some towers meanwhile who are already operating in the red will place For Sale signs out front. Others will look for a silver lining like brewers during prohibition, shifting production to ice cream, cheese, sodas. Other tow bosses will see seeds of opportunities on the horizon and will think and plan forward. Towers determined to survive will hunger for the newest pages of American Towman. They will be itching to regroup with their peers and attend the Expositions when the industry convenes again. Industry suppliers also face tough choices. For those suppliers who choose to think forward, American Towman will be there to connect them to those tow business owners who also are choosing to move forward, damn the Corona torpedoes. Commerce will come alive again. It’s not a matter of if, but when, and there are those among us who will be well-positioned to bring business to greater heights as the industry revives. Because we choose to think forward. So, to all who believe: Let’s meet this challenge with all our strength and patience, our will and ingenuity. Hey! Let’s make towing great again. Greater than ever before.

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ North N99

On the Net

Get Involved by Voting

By Brian J. Riker

s you read this I will be preparing for several meetings in Washington, D.C., as part of the TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop. Just a few short years ago, I wouldn’t have imagined I would be meeting with legislators to discuss the future of the towing industry. I was not one to participate in the legislative process; rather I just reacted to what was thrown my way. It’s never too late to decide to get involved and make a difference. One thing that stands out to me is how difficult it was for me to get the meetings set up since I’ve only recently become an active voter. I have been registered all my adult life; however, other than voting in the presidential elections, I never bothered to vote at the local or state level. Having a track record of barely participating in the process made me seem less important to the elected officials I am now trying to influence. Now is the time for everyone to become more active in the political process. You don’t have to spend all day watching the news and dissecting every nuance of a candidate’s behavior; though you should understand the basics of where they stand on key issues that affect your personal and professional life. Find the candidates that have the right balance of social and economic programs that will help you obtain your goals and support them with your vote. Though they don’t see how you vote, building a track record of voting tells the lawmakers you are

North N100 • April 2020 | Towman.com

serious about making a difference. This will prioritize you on the list when they are scheduling their limited time for personal meetings with constituents. It will also allow your voice to be heard. Each vote does really count even when we may feel like it won’t matter. You can have your voice heard by attending town hall meetings with your lawmakers when they are in the

All towers should be involved in the process that regulates their chosen industry.

area. The goal is to build a relationship with their office as the go-to person for issues related to your cause. For me, I want my legislators to know me as “the tow safety guy” so that they will begin to actively seek my input on issues. It is much better to have a say in the development stages rather than trying to react to a bad proposal. Our job is to educate the lawmakers so that they understand the towing industry from our perspective. The insurance companies, private property owners, tenant rights groups and trucking industry all have folks working to provide their point of view. We must provide ours as well if we want the results to be fair and balanced for all parties. This needs to be done in a professional manner, no name-calling or strong language. Stick to the facts that can be proven with solid data. You don’t have to agree with or even like your representative; however, you do need to be able to work with them if you want your voice heard. Keep it short. Our industry is one of thousands that a lawmaker must consider; they need simple talking points and data to help them understand the key points of an issue. Staying on topic and avoiding generalities is key to being heard. Don’t be discouraged if you only get to speak to a staffer; they are usually the experts on policy for specific issues and lawmakers listen to their staff.

Bottom line: One person can and does make a difference. This isn’t just for the owners; all towers should be involved in the process that regulates their chosen industry. Vote for what you believe in. Show support for those that share your beliefs by supporting your state or national towing association, your local lawmaker’s campaign directly or having your own one-on-one meetings with those involved in the legislative process. Just do something: it doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference.

Editor’s note: This story originally ran on AT’s sister site, towindustryweek.com, which features industry news, training, recoveries, new products and more. Don’t miss out—make sure to read it each week.

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • North N101

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ South 99

On the Net

Get Involved by Voting By Brian J. Riker

South 100 • April 2020 | Towman.com

watching the news and dissecting every nuance of a candidate’s behavior; though you should understand the basics of where they stand on key issues that affect your personal and professional life. Find the candidates that have the right balance of social and economic programs that will help you obtain your goals and support them with your vote. Though they don’t see how you vote, building a track record of voting tells the lawmakers you are serious about making a difference. This will prioritize you on the list when they are scheduling their limited time for personal meetings with constituents. It will also allow your voice to be heard. Each vote does really count even when we may feel like it won’t matter. You can have your voice heard by attending town hall meetings with your lawmakers when they are in the area. The goal is to build a relationship with their office as the go-to person for issues related to your cause. For me, I want my legislators to know me as “the tow safety guy” so that they will begin to actively seek my input on issues. It is much better to have a say in the development stages rather than trying to react to a bad proposal. Our job is to educate the lawmakers so that they understand the towing industry from our perspective. The insurance companies, private property owners, tenant rights groups and trucking industry all have folks working to provide their point of view. We must provide ours as well if we want the results to be fair and balanced for all parties. This needs to be done in a professional manner, no namecalling or strong language. Stick to the facts that can be proven with solid data. You don’t have to agree with or even like your representative; however, you do

need to be able to work with them if you want your voice heard. Keep it short. Our industry is one of thousands that a lawmaker must consider; they need simple talking points and data to help them understand the key points of an issue. Staying on topic and avoiding generalities is key to being heard. Don’t be discouraged if you only get to speak to a staffer; they are usually the experts on policy for specific issues and lawmakers listen to their staff.

All towers should be involved in the process that regulates their chosen industry.

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • South 101

News Flash LAWSUIT CHALLENGES CHICAGO TOW PROGRAM

A recent federal lawsuit claims that the city of Chicago, Illinois, is unlawfully towing cars and selling them. The suit claims this happened to more than 19,000 vehicles in 2017.

The plaintiffs claim the city impounds and sells cars when owners have as few as two outstanding tickets. Once the sale is made, none of that money goes toward compensating the owner or toward his tickets. “This practice has to stop and if past

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is prologue only a lawsuit will force the city to change its ways,” said attorney Jacie Zolna. The lawsuit also named the city’s tow contractor as a defendant. Source: wgntv.com.

TOWMAN INTERVENES IN POLICE CHASE

A towman recently attempted to stop a man leading police on a chase through Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in a stolen ambulance. The chase began when Mark Giwerowski, 42, stole an ambulance as medics and police responded to a possible assault at a hotel. Despite being shot by an officer, the suspect led police on a 90-minute chase. “Basically, no regard for life, he struck a couple of other vehicles and sent a couple of people to the hospital,” said towman Joell Hilton. Hilton was responding to a call when the scene unfolded right in front of him. He decided to intervene and try to stop the stolen ambulance. Hilton was able to flatten some of the suspect vehicle’s tires during his effort. The suspect was later apprehended. Source: 6abc.com.

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ South 103

South 104 â&#x20AC;¢ April 2020 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ Midwest 99

On the Net

Get Involved by Voting By Brian J. Riker

Midwest 100 • April 2020 | Towman.com

in the political process. You don’t have to spend all day watching the news and dissecting every nuance of a candidate’s behavior; though you should understand the basics of where they stand on key issues that affect your personal and professional life. Find the candidates that have the right balance of social and economic programs that will help you obtain your goals and support them with your vote. Though they don’t see how you vote, building a track record of voting tells the lawmakers you are serious about making a difference. This will prioritize you on the list when they are scheduling their limited time for personal meetings with constituents. It will also allow your voice to be heard. Each vote does really count even when we may feel like it won’t matter. You can have your voice heard by attending town hall meetings with your lawmakers when they are in the area. The goal is to build a relationship with their office as the go-to person for issues related to your cause. For me, I want my legislators to know me as “the tow safety guy” so that they will begin to actively seek my input on issues. It is much better to have a say in the development stages rather than trying to react to a bad proposal. Our job is to educate the lawmakers so that they understand the towing industry from our perspective. The insurance companies, private property owners, tenant rights groups and trucking industry all have folks working to provide their point of view. We must provide ours as well if we want the results to be fair and balanced for all parties. This needs to be done in a professional manner, no namecalling or strong language. Stick

to the facts that can be proven with solid data. You don’t have to agree with or even like your representative;

All towers should be involved in the process that regulates their chosen industry.

however, you do need to be able to work with them if you want your voice heard. Keep it short. Our industry is one of thousands that a lawmaker must consider; they need simple talking points and data to help them understand the key points of an issue. Staying on topic and avoiding generalities is key to being heard. Don’t be discouraged if you only get to speak to a staffer; they are usually the experts on policy for specific issues and lawmakers listen to their staff. Bottom line: One person can and does make a difference. This isn’t just for the owners; all towers should be involved in the process that regulates their chosen industry. Vote for what you believe in. Show support for those that share your beliefs by supporting your state or national towing association, your local lawmaker’s campaign directly or having your own one-on-one meetings with those involved in the legislative process. Just do something: it doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Editor’s note: This story originally ran on AT’s sister site, towindustryweek.com, which features industry news, training, recoveries, new products and more. Don’t miss out—make sure to read it each week.

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Midwest 102 â&#x20AC;¢ April 2020 | Towman.com

News Flash LAWSUIT CHALLENGES CHICAGO TOW PROGRAM

A recent federal lawsuit claims that the city of Chicago, Illinois, is unlawfully towing cars and selling them. The suit claims this happened to more than 19,000 vehicles in 2017. The plaintiffs claim the city impounds and sells cars when owners have as few as two outstanding tickets. Once the sale is made, none of that money goes toward compensating the owner or toward his tickets. “This practice has to stop and if past is prologue only a lawsuit will force the city to change its ways,” said attorney Jacie Zolna. The lawsuit also named the city’s tow contractor as a defendant. Source: wgntv.com.

“Basically, no regard for life, he struck a couple of other vehicles and sent a couple of people to the hospital,” said towman Joell Hilton. Hilton was responding to a call when the scene unfolded right in front of him. He decided to intervene

and try to stop the stolen ambulance. Hilton was able to flatten some of the suspect vehicle’s tires during his effort. The suspect was later apprehended. Source: 6abc.com.

TOWMAN INTERVENES IN POLICE CHASE

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • Midwest 103

Midwest 104 â&#x20AC;¢ April 2020 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • West 99

On the Net

Get Involved by Voting By Brian J. Riker

West 100 • April 2020 | Towman.com

solid data. You don’t have to agree with or even like your representative; however, you do need to be able to

All towers should be involved in the process that regulates their chosen industry.

work with them if you want your voice heard. Keep it short. Our industry is one of thousands that a lawmaker must consider; they need simple talking points and data to help them understand the key points of an issue. Staying on topic and avoiding generalities is key to being heard. Don’t be discouraged if you only get to speak to a staffer; they are usually the experts on policy for specific issues and lawmakers listen to their staff. Bottom line: One person can and does make a difference. This isn’t just for the owners; all towers should be involved in the process that regulates their chosen industry. Vote for what you believe in. Show support for those that share your beliefs by supporting your state or national towing association, your local lawmaker’s campaign directly or having your own one-onone meetings with those involved in the legislative process. Just do something: it doesn’t have to be perfect to make a difference. Editor’s note: This story originally ran on AT’s sister site, towindustryweek.com, which features industry news, training, recoveries, new products and more. Don’t miss out—make sure to read it each week.

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News Flash LAWSUIT CHALLENGES CHICAGO TOW PROGRAM

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AmericanTowman.com | April 2020 • West 103

West 104 â&#x20AC;¢ April 2020 | Towman.com

CopyrightÂŠ2019 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.

Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990

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