The Walkaround

Dennie Ortiz

Publisher

Spring Ahead

Spring has finally sprung and so has the sales activity for towing equipment. In determining what type of equipment your business needs contributing writer, Paul Stephens tackles the age-old question (at least in towing) of which to purchase … carrier or wrecker.

Paul suggests the best decision will be based on knowing the mix of business your company will service and the core business on which you will focus. He then leads you down the path of discovery with an overview of the variety of choices and options to consider as you plan this important purchase.

Additional help in planning an equipment purchase (or for that matter, the purchase of any other service your company may need) can be found within our Buyers Report section. This unique resource allows you to get an idea of the quality of products/services and reputation of the supplier from whom you are considering doing business with. You can gain a certain insight into how dealings with the business will be directly from the mouths of other tow business owners.

Another timeworn towing question is addressed in Terry Abejuela’s article about whether a carrier can or should be used for recovery work. Terry does not offer judgement instead he suggests techniques to consider if using a flatbed for recovery applications.

As carriers are the most prolific and most used piece of equipment in our industry, Operations Editor, Randall Resch reports on how to stay safe when loading and offloading vehicles from the carrier bed. No surprise, Randy recommends training is the best way to counter any dangerous mishaps.

Coming full circle on wreckers versus carriers, one of our featured recoveries showcase two recoveries performed with a self-loading wheel-lift.

You must’ve seen the harrowing scenes of the horrific multi-car pileup in Texas that made international headlines this past February. Take a look at the graphic photos of this massive recovery scene and the challenging job multiple towing companies performed working together.

In a special look at the technological advances in towing equipment, Brian Riker takes a closer view at the various enhancements and safety features now available from manufacturers.

We then round out the issue with our My Baby department featuring Chaz Towing and their stand-out fleet of well maintained vehicles. Be sure to take a look at their eye-catching branding.

On a final note, it is with much regret to inform the ardent fans of AT Armada and Pops that for the first time in over 15 years Adventures of the American Towman is absent from the issue. Famed illustrator and creator, Don Lomax, has retired. Going forward we plan to revisit earlier episodes for the foreseeable feature. Many thanks and appreciation to Don for helping to create this unique and memorable part of towing history.

Stay safe out there!

Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri Brendan Dooley Randall Resch Terry Abejuela Jim “Buck” Sorrenti David Kolman Bill Simmons Mark Lacek Brian Riker Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor Operations Editor Field Editor, West Field Editor, Northeast Chassis Editor Safety Editor Repo Run Editor Contributing Editor

Editorial Board

Tommy Anderson Roy Carlson Debbie Collins Belinda Harris Bill Johnson Ron Mislan Kurt Wilson Dallas, Texas Saint Paul, Minn. Las Vegas, Nev. Greensboro, N.C. South Hadley, Mass. Warren, N.J. Creve Coeur, Ill.

American Towman Staff

Gina Johnson Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Henri Calitri Patrice Gesner Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Emily Oz Steve Calitri Page Layout Artist Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec. Customer Service Subscription Manager Regional Advertising Sales iMarketing Manager ATTV Producer President

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