American Towman Magazine - May 2020 by dortiz-towman

Lowdown: America Must Open for Business

The Road Calls

Big Boom Theory

Towers in D.C.

Three companies work scene together in N.J.

TowIndustryWeek.com

MAY 2020 AmericanTowman.com

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Contents

Volume 44 Issue 5

May 2020

Cover Feature

Big Boom Theory

Panek’s Service Center, Livingston Collision and Eagle Auto worked together through the night when a boom truck overturned in a residential neighborhood.

by Jim”Buck” Sorrenti Three companies in New Jersey combined on a tight upright scenario last December.

Features

Towers Advise Trump

Reader responses to AT survey illustrate what they need, want from government during pandemic.

Departments 6

The Walkaround

News Share

Road Tools

Zoom In

Tow Manager

Tow Boss

Ad Index

Repo Run

Repo Times

Towman’s Market

My Baby

Lowdown

M73 N73 S73 W73

Adventures of A.T.

by Brendan Dooley

Towers in D.C.

Tow owners, TRAA and lobbyists work together to educate legislators on key issues in the towing and recovery industry. by Brian Riker

4 • May 2020 | Towman.com

First on the scene since 1977

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The Walkaround

Coronavirus Ripple Effects

Dennie Ortiz Publisher

FIRST AND FOREMOST, I hope that all of our readers—you, your family, co-workers and loved ones— are safe and healthy during these extraordinary and challenging times. Lately I find myself thinking of everyone worldwide whose lives are impacted by COVID-19. Like many of our followers, I’ve been doing a lot of reading (and watching TV) about the multi-tiered impact the coronavirus is having on so many businesses. The ripple effect of the pandemic and its subsequent shutdown of normal life is being felt throughout the world impacting health, the economy and society as a whole. It is a difficult time that forces us to contemplate similar concerns for the future. In this issue, author Bobby Tuttle offers his opinion on why towing is an essential business and should be classified as such in every state. Online at TowIndustryWeek.com, we have compiled a number of resources for you to access with specific intel on how your business can survive during the pandemic and its stoppages to the economy. We salute all American health professionals and our first responders who continue to work, day after day, facing even greater risks than usual to help us make it through these unchartered waters. Towers are a rare breed of strength and fortitude. It’s these attributes that will allow us to get through the crisis. Be well and stay safe!

Business Down Nearly 50%

Brendan Dooley Editor

WHEN IT COMES to the pandemic of coronavirus and its economic impacts on the industry, data from the marketing company Womply shows business in the towing and roadside assistance category was down 47 percent year over year in the first week of April. That number comes from its tracking of daily transactions which includes 30,000 auto services businesses. The company (womply.com), which publishes a Small Business Almanac, also said its analysis showed 7 percent of tow business had no transactions at all that week. A news release from Womply said, “Our transaction analysis shows that some categories are getting very close to ‘sales stopping;’ Many of these businesses will be dead long before they get SBA emergency loans. Some already are.” As federal, state and local governments wrangle with the balance between personal freedoms, economic recession and the “greater good” of the public health at large, tow businesses clearly are hurting. We surveyed readers to find out more about what you’re doing, and what you’d like the government to know to help you, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more about what tow companies are doing to protect workers, and what they’d like the government to do for them, on page 12.

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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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News Share WI Tower ‘Pays It Forward’

Safer Approach for Drivers, Customers?

Bill Robertson, Towing HOF, Dies

At Ott’s Collision Center in Warsaw, New York, they wanted to make sure customers knew they were going above and beyond to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. “We tend to run humorous ads for our business,” said Steve Ott at Ott’s Collision Service in Warsaw, New York.

Bob’s Main Street Auto & Towing in West Bend, Wisconsin, is participating in a community “Paying It Forward” initiative to support local small businesses. “This is the time we can step up and show one another how we truly are ‘all in this together,’ ” the company said in a statement. The company is giving away gift certificates each week, through a promotion on its Facebook page, from two local businesses of its choice. “As the time passes and our community is on the safer-at-home order, our hearts are heavy knowing how much this affects our fellow small businesses,” the statement said. “Time and time again, we continue to see the amazing hearts of those around us in West Bend and this is our time to give back. “Thank you all for continually supporting us and we can only hope we can help support those around is during this pandemic.” Source: washingtoncountyinsider. com.

Towing Hall of Famer Garvin William “Bill” Robertson passed away April 2. The 1998 inductee to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame was surrounded by his wife, Rita, and their daughters. He was 79. Robertson’s love for old autos and trucks evolved to owning his own tow company, Bill & Wags. He owned the company from the early 1960s until he sold the business to United Road Service in 1998. Bill stayed on with United Road Service as a management consultant and trainer for several years afterward. His first tow truck was a 1953 Willys pickup truck with a Zenith wrecker boom and electric winch. “He was a pioneer in the realm of Heavy Duty Towing and Recovery … and a longtime lead trainer for the California Tow Truck Association,” according to a post by ITRHFM. Robertson is survived by his wife of 59 years, their daughters, grandsons and two siblings. He was preceded in death by his son, one brother and a son-in-law. Source: internationaltowingmuseum.org.

8 • May 2020 | Towman.com

“With what is happening in the world right now, we wanted to make an ad that made everyone aware the length we will go to keep our customers safe with some humor.” They ran this pic on the company Facebook page and as part of their ad in local media.

$340M Google Ads Program for Small Businesses Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced in a blog post that the company has created an $800 million program that includes both direct financial assistance and grants. For small businesses, that means $340 million in credits for Google Ads that the company says can be used throughout 2020 across any of Google’s advertising platforms. There’s no signup or application process. Instead, credits will automatically be added to active Google Ads accounts. An additional $200 million will be provided to both non-governmental organizations and financial institutions “to help provide small businesses with access to capital.”

Lastly, Google is providing $20 million in Google Cloud services to researchers who are studying vaccines and treatment for COVID-19.

Source: inc.com.

Tow Company Offering Free Service During Pandemic The coronavirus isn’t stopping a Joplin, Missouri, tow truck company that’s helping residents who are down on their luck during a tough time. Scott Wheeler, owner of Metro Metro Towing is helping as many as it can with free roadside service and towing. Towing, says KOAM image. he’s happy to offer things by ear and offering the free free roadside assistance to folks roadside assistance until he feels who are stuck trying to get home. the pandemic has died down. He He says if people are stuck during also says more than 200 people have the pandemic, he wants to get them taken advantage of his offer since home safe without worrying about he started helping out folks free of the cost. charge on March 23rd. Scott says he plans on playing Source: koamnewsnow.com.

Towmen, Law Enforcement Pray for Medical Staff

Towers and law enforcement show appreciation for medical workers at Arkansas hospital. KNWA image.

Towers and law enforcement in Little Rock, Arkansas, got together to pray for healthcare staff and patients on April 3. More than 30 wreckers and law enforcement vehicles parked outside Baptist Health Medical Center to show support. The parking lot was completely lit up, and all the trucks had their flashers on. “We want them to be recognized … we appreciate what these guys are

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doing. We know their job is difficult and we want them to know we care,” said event organizer Tim Moody of JHook Towing. “We want to express our concerns and our [thanks] to these doctors and nurses that work night and day to take care of these patients. Not only the COVID-19, but there are other sick people in this hospital, and we want them to be recognized.” Source: nwahomepage.com.

News Share AT Reschedules Three Shows

Due to the health crises challenging the nation, American Towman has rescheduled its tow shows in Cleveland, Ohio, Las Vegas, Nevada, and San Antonio, Texas. The Towman Games in Cleveland, Ohio, has been moved to Aug.19-22, 2020 (exhibit dates on Aug. 21-22). AT ShowPlace-Las Vegas has been moved to Sept. 9-12, 2020 (exhibit dates on Sept.10-11). TowXpo in San Antonio, Texas, has been rescheduled to Oct. 16-18, 2020 (exhibit dates on Oct. 17-18). Lastly, the American Towman Exposition returns to Baltimore, Maryland, this year, Nov. 19-22.

Tow Company Helping Elderly, Sick

A Lexington, Kentucky, towing company is making life easier during the pandemic for the sick and the elderly in its community. During a time when many elderly and immunocompromised people are quarantined, Crossroads Towing is making it a mission to run errands for them. The Ferguson family, who own Crossroads, is thrilled to be helping where they can in their community. “God put it on his heart,” Nikki Ferguson said. “We were sitting there and knew I’d be off work a couple days and wanted to do something to help out.” “Yesterday, we had one where we just went and picked up ice from Sonic for them because they can’t leave the house,” Nikki Ferguson said. Those small things they say can really make a big difference in someone’s day. “We do everything just like everyone else, you know. We do the gloves and it’s going to take good people to make this happen,” said her husband, Scott. “You’ve got to step outside your boundaries.” “To help people, to me, means like if you do something kind to them, they might do something kind back but it don’t matter if they do because either way, it’ll make you feel good for doing something for someone,” Isaiah Ferguson said. Source: wkyt.com.

AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 9

Road Tools Kenworth T880S Adds Optional Fixed Grille

kenworth.com

The Kenworth T880S with set-forward front axle has added an optional fixed grille. A radiatormounted grille allows the hood to be opened in applications where equipment is mounted to the front of the T880S. The T880S is offered with a setforward front axle ranging from 14,600 lbs. to 22,800 lbs., and is standard with the PACCAR MX-13 engine. For weight-sensitive applications, the 10.8L PACCAR MX-11 engine is 400 lbs. lighter than larger displacement engines and provides up to 430 hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque.

Hot Shot’s Secret Spray & Stay Grease

Hot Shot’s Secret’s new Spray & Stay Grease is an aerosolized synthetic grease that can be sprayed on metal, paint, rubber and plastic without drips or runs to protect moving parts and machinery from sticking or binding. The thick formula makes it easy to spray on vertical surfaces without making a mess; provides longlasting lubrication and protection while being resistant to water washout. Spray & Stay Grease has an operating temperature range of -80 degrees F to 400 degrees F.

hotshotsecret.com

No-Spill Systems Oil Drain Plugs

No-Spill Systems’ Oil Drain Plugs make messy oil changes a thing of the past. Replace your factory drain plug with the No-Spill Systems drain plug. The company said its no-spill oil drain plug help contain waste oil, save time and money and enable you to change hot oil in seconds.

nospillsystems.com 10 • May 2020 | Towman.com

Zoom In

Talbert Manufacturing 35-Ton Fixed Neck Trailer

talbertmfg.com

Talbert Manufacturing’s new 35FG-BVTL fixedneck, drop-deck trailer is set for hauling small- to mid-size equipment. The 35-ton trailer is rated at 70,000 pounds concentrated in 20 feet and features hydraulic ramps for loading and unloading in confined spaces. The 35FG-BVTL is part of Talbert’s Double Drop Series. The overall length of the 35FG-BVTL is 48’, which includes a 22’ long deck that is 8’-6” wide, and an 8’-6” rear bridge section. Talbert designed the 35FG-BVTL with an 84” swing radius and 18” kingpin setting for increased maneuverability.

Toyo Tires

NanoEnergy Super Regional Drive Tire

ToyoTires.com/Commercial

Toyo Tire USA’s NanoEnergy M671 super regional drive tire provides improved traction, fuel efficiency and wear life developed through the company’s proprietary Nano Balance Technology. The M671 also incorporates Toyo Tire’s advanced e-balance design, which maintains the tread profile of the tire while reducing strain at the bead area and belt edge for greater stability and longevity under heavy loads. The NanoEnergy M671 super regional drive tire is available in 295/75R22.5 G/14, 11R22.5 G/14 and 11R22.5 H/16.

Access Tools

Roadside Service Light

Access Tools’ new Roadside Service Light is a multi-purpose portable worklight and emergency hazard indicator for roadside service work and other automotive purposes. The light features a 500 Lumen COB LED and five lighting modes, including high, low, steady red, strobing red and SOS red. The light features an adjustable hanger arm that doubles as a stand; it runs on three AA batteries.

caropeningtools.com

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 11

Towers Advise Trump by Brendan Dooley

Via TowIndustryWeek.com survey, the industry weighs in on president’s response to COVID-19

Brendan Dooley Editor

merican Towman asked towers what they’d like to say to President Trump during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing, travel restrictions and so much more. Besides your advice on COVID-19, we also asked, “What measures have you instituted to help protect your tow operators and customers from potential virus spread?” (See sidebar.)

Via our survey on TowIndustryWeek. com, you haven’t disappointed with an array of views and advice from brief to bombastic. It was no surprise to see several comments imploring the president to 12 • May 2020 | Towman.com

recognize this industry as essential to commerce. We all understand how vital it is that freight keeps moving to keep our country up and running. That means towers are key workers as well in keeping roads everywhere open for the truckers. “Help the backbone of the transportation industries,” said Edward Castner at C&C Towing in Hubbard, Ohio. Towers around the country wanted protection for workers, as much as recognition for their importance in national trade. “As we take on this virus together, there are different issues or problems arising from all different aspects,” said Mike Nadeau at Mark’s Towing Service in Caribou, Maine. “Every state has

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ 13

a different outlook on towers being ‘first responders.’ Roads need to be accessible and accidents need to be cleaned up. Being from a rural city with a shortage of first responders, we are playing a larger role every day. If anything should change, adding towing operators to the list of first responders would be beneficial to us as well as the others we work alongside.” Piggybacking on that, many towers want to ensure the industry gets its due as first responders on scenes. “Fund the industry as you would Police and Fire,” said Sean Loscalzo of A Superior Towing Co. in Davie, Florida. “Without our private industry clearing wrecks from the roadway, truckers would not be able to deliver the products the American people desperately need. We are hurting like every other industry.” “Please include towers nationwide as Frontline first responders in this pandemic time,” echoed Robert Carroll at B.C.’s Towing in Union Beach, New Jersey, while Pozzie Cowart at CTC in Houston, Texas, implored the president to “Look at the small tow companies that law enforcement does not consider essential companies.” One key strategy in protecting towers would be getting them more of the equipment they need in times of national distress, like the COVID-19 pandemic. “Tow trucks need to be classified as first responders and helped with providing a source for PPE for the operators,” advised Todd Putman of Putman Towing in Cedar Hill, Tennessee; it was a thought echoed by many others. “Follow the guidelines given by the medical profession and send assistance to the first responders first since they are required to provide their resources first,” said Fady Salamey of Wall Street Towing in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In this light, giving towers their due nationally as first responders, the White House should consider towmen more closely in any ongoing national security plans and procedures now and for the future. “Recognize the behind the front lines people that are still working,” said Lisa Brodhagen at Jimmy’s Towing in Butler,

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14 • May 2020 | Towman.com

How Are You Protecting? The second question in the survey on TowIndustryWeek. com was, “What measures have you instituted to help protect your tow operators and customers from potential virus spread?” The majority of answers, not surprisingly, regarded near-constant sanitization of equipment, providing PPE as available for drivers and social distancing. A sample: • “Latex gloves, facemasks on all staff, disinfecting of all trucks and offices daily, and a no-rider policy when ever we can. We limit office transactions to one person at a time and keep operators staged in the field in their trucks to avoid hanging around the shop/offices.” —Sam Johnson, Capitol City Towing; Sacramento, California. • “We have our people in PPEs when we can get them along with sanitizing all of our equipment twice daily. Our facility is shut down for one hour for lunch then to san itize the facility.” —Sean Loscalzo, A Superior Towing Co.; Davie, Florida. • “We are offering to call an Uber, Lyft or family member if [customers] have not made plans.” —Scott McNamee, Big Mack Towing & Recovery; Raleigh, North Carolina. • “I use an old remedy called ‘common sense.’ ” —James D. Collins, Stamp Works; Waco, Texas. • “We clean our trucks every shift. We have switched to all unattended tows. We have been using PPEs to protect our drivers.” —Amanda Girgis, Superior Towing & Transport; Lebanon, New Jersey. • “We do not allow riders in our trucks at this time due to COVID-19; however, law enforcement expects us to, even though they will not.” —Jennifer Rindflesh, Collinsville Auto Repair; Canton, Connecticut. • “Drivers are dispatched from their homes. No building access for drivers or customers. E-invoices and online payments only.” —Kim Lowell, Newburyport Towing Service; Amesbury, Massachusetts. • “Our company utilized more functions that were available through our digital dispatching system … when a call is created, a message is sent to our customers indi cating that we are not allowing riders, do not want customers touching our drivers’ tablets (for electronic signatures), and that by texting ‘agree’ as a response it will be utilized in place of both paper and/or electronic signatures.” —Rebecca Miller, Action Towing; Tampa, Florida.

Wisconsin. “Our drivers are at-risk more than ever with people possibly being sick and needing/wanting service. … It’s bad enough that people ignore the Move Over law, they are now ignoring the Safer-at-Home orders.” “During this pandemic, many people—both first responders and ‘essential personnel’—have put their own lives in jeopardy to work diligently and sacrificially for the well-being of the masses,” confirmed Rebecca Miller of Action Towing in Tampa, Florida. “Keep on staying in touch with the people who are out in the field nationwide in order to be able to send the right help right when needed,” said Joe Pearce of Pearce Truck and Auto in Martin, Tennessee, regarding the towers on the front lines. Still, many others just focused on the president’s performance as a whole: • “There is no easy fix … remain smart and help where you can.” —Michael Frederick, Interstate Wrecker; Canton, Massachusetts. • “Take the necessary precautions as you have done.” —Lynn Jackson, Lynn’s Auto Center; Caliente, Nevada. • “Stay strong and follow your intuition.” —Michael Estrada, Haines Wrecker Service; Elk City, Oklahoma.

• “Make sure that what you promise, happens.” —Scott McNamee, Big Mack Towing & Recovery; Raleigh, North Carolina. • “Let’s get the businesses back open ASAP so our economy can get back on track and not crash.” —Henry Simmons, Oak Beach Auto Repair & Towing; Port Austin, Michigan. • “Make sure laid off workers have health insurance access.” —Alan Kozak, Nussbaum Transportation; Columbia, Pennsylvania. • “You need to put a stop to the media hype. All they are doing is scaring people and starting a panic.” —James Rogers,Autocraft Towing; Calhan, Colorado. • “Just keep doing what he’s doing. President Trump is doing a great job.” —Richard Martucci, Dart Towing; Bronx, New York. Possibly the most salient advice came from David in Fort Worth, Texas, a tower who advised the president something along the lines of what Teddy Roosevelt (“Walk softly …”) might: “Stay the course. Listen to your experts and trusted team. There is no leader who can execute perfection in a crisis of this magnitude. … At times silence speaks louder! … Be the leader, execute the best options and return to greatness again!”

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Jborowski@autoreturn.com

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 15

Tow Manager

Yes, Towers Are Essential By Bobby Tuttle

If towers aren’t essential businesses, how would a scene like this one from March 2020 in Tallahassee, Florida, get cleared? wtxl.com image.

Municipal Editor Bobby Tuttle has been involved in the towing and recovery industry since 1977 at all levels including Traffic Incident Management response in San Antonio, Texas. He also serves as the Incident Manager for the SAPD towing contract. He founded Complete Incident Response Training in 2003.

s I write this, the nation is mostly in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully, though—by the time you are reading this— the nation will be back to some type of normalcy. During the early days of the pandemic, there was a widespread discussion by politicians, the news outlets and social media about which businesses were essential, including towing. Is towing an essential business? To be clear, Yes! (How could transportation and trucking be essential without the indispensable role the towing and recovery industry plays to keep those industries working and moving?) Our Traffic Incident Management team in San Antonio, Texas, addressed this question early on in the emergency. All TIM agencies agreed without question that towing was essential and furthermore were vital to the city. Our area towing companies and operators scrambled to purchase PPE and disinfectant products, as well as to quickly create policies and procedures

16 • May 2020 | Towman.com

to continue to provide service to our TIM partners without placing our tow operators and their families at risk to COVID-19. I am sure many towing companies were doing the same thing all over the nation. Try to imagine a world without towing during any type of a national emergency: I guess if we had a world without cars and trucks, then we wouldn’t need tow trucks. But we do have a world with cars and trucks, and lots of them! During times of national emergency like now, the nation’s trucking fleets and owner/ operators play a critical role in our supply chain. (They have really stepped up recently and we owe them our gratitude.) Since about the middle of March, as the supply chain needs were ramping up, San Antonio seemed to experience an increase in heavy-duty crashes of all types. There was also above-normal rainfall here for this time of year. Our TIM team has discussed whether this is a perceived increase or actual fact. Later, when we have all the data, we should

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be able to answer the question using real numbers. In the meantime, I do know that the increased amount of freight in transport and the additional rainfall has kept us very busy with heavy-duty crashes. So, without all the hard-working tow operators and dedicated towing businesses, how would all these wrecked vehicles be moved off the freeways and

All TIM agencies agreed without question that towing was essential and furthermore were vital to the city. secondary streets? How would all the critical workers— health care staff, police, fire, grocery employees, just to name a few—get to the work through blocked roads or if their vehicles had flat tires, dead batteries, etc.?

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Maybe there is a solution to all these questions other than towing, but I don’t believe it would be as good of a solution as requesting a tow operator. So, I say again, imagine a world without towing. I can’t. So, yes, towing is an essential business and without any question should be classified as such. A critical response to any emergency is to have as many T’s crossed and I’s dotted as possible before the emergency occurs. Hopefully, after this latest emergency passes, the state towing associations can work with their state legislators to ensure towing is defined by statute as essential business (if they aren’t currently). That way, there will be a clear answer for any future need. The state towing associations cannot address these issues without our help. Please get involved. In the meantime, each national emergency teaches us something. What will be the lessons of COVID-19 for the towing industry? After this crisis passes, we should—as an industry and individual tow companies—perform after-action reports to determine how we can best prepare for the next national emergency that could have such an enormous impact on our businesses. Stay safe out there.

AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 17

Tow Boss

Running Daily Truck Inspections California Highway Patrols’ truck inspection forms.

By Terry Abejuela

T 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.

ruck inspections are a critical component in a successful towing operation that help ensure safe, efficient and effective service to customers. Inspections help prevent service failures due to faulty or missing equipment as well as provide documentation of proper inspections and maintenance to help protect your company in potential litigation. Inspections generally fall into four intervals: frequent, daily, monthly and annual. Daily pre-trip inspections are normally performed by the driver that will be operating the truck that day. It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the truck is in safe operating condition.

18 • May 2020 | Towman.com

Many towing programs include provisions for specific equipment to be carried and frequency of inspections. A daily inspection report is required to be completed and the record retained for a specified amount of time. If there is no specific time required for record retention, you should retain inspection and maintenance records for at least three years.

CAB, CHASSIS

Follow all cab and chassis manufacturer recommendations for inspections and maintenance. Tow truck operators should conduct a pre-trip inspection each day, prior to placing the truck in service. This pretrip inspection should include a quick

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visual inspection of all fluid levels, lights, wheels, tires, serpentine belts and window glass. When inspecting the lights on the truck, ensure that you have properly functioning headlamp, running, signal, clearance and brake lights. Don’t forget to include your tow lights during this inspection. Look for cracked or damaged lenses, cloudy lenses and water infiltration. When inspecting tires, make sure to check for proper inflation including inside dual wheels and dolly tires. Check for sufficient

tire tread, abnormal tread wear, damage, objects that are lodged in the tread or screws, nails or bolts that have punctured the tire, etc. Inspect wheels for cracks, damage or missing lug nuts. A quick visual inspection of all safetyrelated items such as steering and suspension components should find any bent or broken parts and missing nuts or bolts. Once you are driving the truck, make sure the steering and brakes are functioning properly. If any deficiencies are identified in safetyrelated components, the truck should

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Bent chain links mean your truck isn’t ready to go.

AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 19

Many towing programs include provisions for specific equipment to be carried and frequency of inspections. be placed out of service until the deficiencies can be corrected. All repairs should be documented in writing and the driver should verify that the deficiency was corrected before placing the vehicle back in service.

TOW EQUIPMENT

Follow all towing and transport equipment manufacturer’s recommendations for inspections and maintenance. Document all inspections and maintenance in writing and maintain those records for a minimum of three years.

WHEEL LIFT

A daily inspection of the wheel lift apparatus should include a quick visual inspection of the L-arms or wheel-retaining arms, crossbar pivot pin, hydraulic rams, hoses, fittings and valves, safety chains, wheel straps and control handles. Make sure all moving parts are moving freely in their full range of motion. Fully extend the wheel-lift boom and look for abrasion damage, broken welds and proper lubrication. Turn the wheel-lift crossbar its full range of motion and check the crossbar pivot pin for proper lubrication and that there is no excessive play.

TOW SLING

If the truck is equipped with a conventional tow sling, it should be inspected. A daily inspection should include a quick visual check of your tow chains, slide arms or extension arms, locking pins, swivel block, tow bar, pinch plate or support bar, control handles, shackles and grab hooks. Make sure there are no signs of bent or damaged parts. Extend the slide arms and check for proper lubrication. Make sure the swivel block and locking pins turn freely and show no signs of damage. Check for bent or damaged grab hooks on each end of the tow bar and pinch plate or support bar. Check the rubber sling straps for tears and other damage to the rubber straps and loose, missing or damaged pinch plate or tow bar attachment bolts. 20 • May 2020 | Towman.com

TOW DOLLIES

If your truck is equipped with tow dollies, make sure to check all dolly parts including the dolly axles, tires, bearings, rims and securement straps. Daily inspections of Check keyhole slot on the bed for damage or wear. dolly parts have become more difficult with the common use of dolly bunkers for storage. If the dollies are mounted on top of the bed of the truck it makes it easier to see the condition of the tires, check air pressure and spin the wheels without removing the dollies from the truck. Spin the wheels and listen for any noise that might indicate lack of bearing lubrication. By grabbing the wheel on each side and pushing and pulling on each side of the wheel, you may be able to identify a wheel bearing that needs attention. Make sure all parts are moving freely and are properly lubricated.

RECOVERY EQUIPMENT

Daily rollover and recovery equipment inspection should include the recovery boom, snatch blocks, chains, straps, wire ropes, control handles and recovery hooks. During a daily inspection you are just completing a quick visual inspection to identify visual signs of damage or need for further attention … and to make sure you have all of the proper equipment on the truck. Fully extend the recovery boom and look for signs of abrasion damage, broken welds and proper lubrication. All chains and hooks should be inspected for

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Don’t neglect checking the carrier bed lock and slide pads.

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ 21

abrasion damage and bent, stretched or damaged links. Synthetic straps should be inspected for cuts, tears, snags, signs of chemical or heat damage, foreign materials or objects embedded in the fibers and damage to the stitching and wear pads. Snatch blocks should This wire rope thimble has been be inspected for bent stretched and should be replaced. or damaged parts and proper lubrication. Make sure all moving parts move freely. During a daily inspection you would not unspool the rope to inspect its full length. Visually inspect that the wire rope is wrapped properly on the drum and check the available length off the drum for kinks, bends, broken strands and proper lubrication. Check the termination of the rope, the hook and safety latch for signs of damage and overloading.

22 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2020 | Towman.com

MISCELLANEOUS

Part of the daily inspection should include an inventory of miscellaneous equipment including your broom, shovel, fire extinguisher, triangular reflectors, tire service tools, fuel service equipment, battery service tools, lockout tools, personal protective equipment and hand tools. Storing equipment in a specific location and having brackets for equipment will make conducting this inventory quicker and easier. Storing equipment in the same location on most trucks will help when drivers frequently operate different trucks.

CAR CARRIER

In addition to the equipment inspected on other trucks that you may carry on your car carrier, you would also include inspection of the deck pivot hinge, loading bridles, carrier subframe, bed locks, slide pads, skates, tie-down chains, straps, hooks and slots. Operators should be properly trained to conduct an effective daily truck inspection in order to be effective, efficient and safe in performing the job duties and to minimize the potential for poor service, injuries and litigation due to missing equipment or equipment failure.

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First responders in Arkansas formed a “living” Move Over arrow to raise public awareness.

The Spirit Lives On by Mike Corbin

Work to raise awareness of Move Over continues

Mike Corbin is a veteran singer-songwriter and cocreator of the towman ballads and helmed the Spirit RV around the country for two years with his wife, Ilce. Together they hosted nearly every Spirit ceremony in 2017 and 2018. Corbin also was the 2017 Silver Star recipient.

lthough the American Towman Spirit Ride may have completed its first campaign in November 2018, the influence it created lives on in the hearts and minds of so many towers, police, EMS, firefighters and DOT workers.

This acute awareness is apparent in the continued work of Tim Moody at JHook Towing in Little Rock, Arkansas. Tim has been active raising awareness of Move Over for years, organizing educational events in high schools and community service assemblies all

24 • May 2020 | Towman.com

across Arkansas to educate the public on the necessities of obeying the Move Over laws. Along with Lt. Brad Perkins of the Arkansas Highway Police, they have continued their efforts by teaching about distracted driving and demonstrating the outcome of what can happen when a driver doesn’t pay attention. On many occasions, Tim has called me to tell me about another radio interview, news article, high school assembly or seeking out updated information on tower fatalities or new ideas to incorporate into his

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JHook Towing’s Tim Moody leads a seminar targeting distracted driving.

events. With the ever-increasing loss of life, this group of responders utilizes many different means of getting attention and trying to inculcate in the minds of drivers the dangers of working the white line. “Anything I can do to help raise awareness and get people to understand the dangers faced by first responders on the highways, I’ll do it,” Moody said. On March 3, 2020, Tim organized a gathering of

first responders at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds and incorporated a unique twist to grab attention and raise public awareness. With the help of Chief Deputy Earnest Whitten and Public Information Specialist Mitch McCoy of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department, they organized a larger-thanlife “Move Over Arrow” comprised of first responder and emergency services cars and trucks flashing their lights. A success on many levels, the event drew the media attention Tim hoped it would. Videoed and photographed from a drone, the arrow was broadcast on all the local TV outlets and published in print media. Moody has vowed to continue his campaign in the hopes of saving as many lives as possible. With his efforts and others like it, the Spirit Ride lives on and the message still spreads from the heart of this dedicated tower. “When the Spirit Ride first came to Little Rock, I saw the value in what they were accomplishing and I felt I needed to continue where they had left off,” Moody said. “I believe it’s all about education and repeating the message over and over again.”

Mike and Ilce Corbin led the Spirit Ride for two years crisscrossing the U.S.

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 25

Correction In the Buyers Report section of the April 2020 issue of American Towman Magazine, production errors resulted in three images being repeated alongside the incorrect companies. The affected testimonials were for Atlantic Emergency Sales (Sullivan’s Towing & Recovery), Peak Wrecker Sales (Banis Towing Service) and Sanderson Truck Equipment (Hooks Towing & Recovery). American Towman deeply regrets these errors.

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

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

26 • May 2020 | Towman.com

Supplier Scoop TowTrax Names New CEO, COO

Miller Develops Tow Icon for First Responder Family

TowTrax (towtrax.net) recently named Staley Cash as its new CEO and Wes Foster as COO. Cash had served as president of Driven Solutions and has more than 20 years’ executive experience in the roadside assistance industry. He will work to implement its platform nationwide. Foster will be responsible for day to day operations.

eImpound Pays Towers for Data

eImpound (eImpound.com) is paying $1 per towed VIN if the VIN has a match in their internal lien holder database and 10 cents per VIN if there is no match. In return, the company will send tow and storage companies lien holder and registered owner information from all 50 states the next day at no cost.

Citing that the spotlight is currently on first responders during the COVID-19 outbreak, Miller Industries (millerind.com) has taken on the task of developing an icon to represent the towing and recovery industry. “As we witness the online recognition for our first responders and towing and recovery community, we realized that there is a need for an icon to represent towing and recovery,” a company release read.

WreckMaster Offers Free Online Course

WreckMaster (wreckmaster. com) revealed a new free online training course, “Introduction to Towing & Safety,” for new operators or to help those looking for a career change to get started in the towing and recovery industry. The course is designed to teach new operators the essential skills they need to gain a solid base to begin their towing career. The course will instruct students on customer service, how to stay safe on scene, operate a car carrier and assess risk.

Zip’s Adds Landoll Trailers

Zip’s AW Direct (zips.com) recently became a fully authorized Landoll dealer, authorized to sell all types of Landoll trailers and replacement parts. This latest addition of heavyduty industrial trailers complements Zip’s inventory of tow trucks, industrial carriers, rollbacks and service vehicles. Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 27

Three tow companies join forces and equipment on a difficult boom truck recovery last winter in New Jersey

n Dec. 18, 2019, at approximately 1:15 p.m., Panek’s Service Center of Livingston, New Jersey, received an urgent call from the Essex Fells Police Department requesting a rapid response for an overturned boom truck with a worker trapped under one of the outriggers.

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.

Panek’s responded with its 2006 Peterbilt equipped with a 35-ton JerrDan, and a 2001 GMC 3500HD 4x4/ Chevron twin-line wrecker. While responding, the police captain on the scene called and requested an expedited response, as time was a factor for the trapped worker. Ted Panek called Livingston Collision and requested that they also respond with their 2011 Kenworth/ Century 1140 RXP 40-ton rotator, service truck and scene support trailer. Once on scene, while rigging to lift and free the worker, the Essex Fells Fire Department, First Aid Squad and the USA1 Urban Search and Rescue Team dug under the overturned boom truck as well. With the worker safely rescued

and transported from the scene, Panek’s and Livingston Collision formulated an extensive plan to recover the casualty while waiting for the utility company to cut the power to surrounding service lines, and for OSHA officials to arrive and conduct their investigation along with the Essex Fells Police Department. Emergency medical responders and law enforcement on scene were Essex Fells Fire Engines 1 & 2, Roseland Rescue, Verona Rescue, Engine 14, Utility, Montclair Truck 1, Rescue 1, Newark USAR Rescue 2, Rope Truck, BC4, Special Operations, Millburn Shoring Unit, West Essex First Aid 771, Rescue 773, Atlantic Medics and Essex Fells PD. On scene from Panek’s were owner/operator Ted Panek and

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Panek’s Service Center recruited some help from nearby New Jersey companies to recover a boom truck that tipped in a residential neighborhood.

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 29

With the trapped worker safely rescued and transported from the scene, work could begin (above). A heavy, rotator, recovery trailer and other equipment were all on scene (below).

30 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2020 | Towman.com

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Workers from Livingston Collision pump off the hydraulic tank (above). The boom was separated from the truck during the recovery (below).

TRAA-, GSTA and Miller Industriescertified heavy towing operator Thomas “Tom” Daniello. Once the all-clear was given by the officials on the scene, Livingston Collision pumped off the hydraulic tank. Panek’s and Livingston Collision worked together to separate the boom from the turret by unpinning the boom, which was kinked in a number of places, making it impossible to draw it in. The left outrigger had to be cut off because it was bent, and unable to be collapsed. “The truck was held in place by the rotator utilizing two doubled-up winch lines, and the 86-foot boom was held in place by the 35-ton Jerr-Dan,” said Tom. “During this point in the recovery, severe snow squalls had come through the area, along with 10- to 15-degree temperatures, which didn’t make for the best working conditions.” With the boom unpinned, the truck was lifted and brought down to the roadway for the upright by the 35-ton Jerr-Dan, and the Century rotator was used to catch the load. Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

The truck was winched around to the back of the 35-ton and moved out of the immediate scene and transported to Panek’s the same night. “It was now 2 a.m., after 13 hours on the scene, and due to the ice conditions, a decision was

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 31

made by both tow companies to cut the boom in half and bring it down to the roadway where it would be left until dawn,” Tom said.

After 13 hours on the scene … a decision was made by both tow companies to cut the boom in half. Livingston Collision went back to the scene with their Century 1140 the following day, and a Landoll trailer, owned by Eagle Auto & Truck Services of Parsippany. The boom was loaded onto Eagle’s Landoll, transported to Panek’s yard and unloaded by Livingston Collision.

COMPANIES ON-SCENE

Panek’s Service Center was established in 1923. Ted Panek is the owner/operator of the family business started by his grandfather John and continues to operate in its original location in Livingston Center. Livingston Collision is a family-owned and operated auto body repair facility and towing service also based in Livingston. They’ve been in business since 1961. Eagle Auto & Truck Services is a full-service company that has provided towing, transportation, and auto body repair services for more than 30 years with locations in Parsippany and Whippany.

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

The bent left outrigger complicated the upright (above). Livingston Collision returned the next morning to load the boom on a Landoll trailer to clear the scene (facing page).

32 • May 2020 | Towman.com

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ 35

Towers in D.C. By Brian J. Riker

TRAA legislative efforts intensify with new lobbyist

D 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

uring the recent Legislative Action Workshop in Washington, D.C., the Towing and Recovery Association of America was assisted by experts from Tremont Strategies Group in making the most of its time with federal lawmakers to see the towman’s side of things on key issues.

Many of TRAA’s 30-plus attendees had never met with federal lawmakers previously, yet reported great success with their individual meetings despite being there in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S. This effort, led by Chet Atkins, provided the attendees with clear and concise talking points and guidance on how to handle opposition, access to key members of Congress on both sides of

36 • May 2020 | Towman.com

the aisle and insights on what to expect. Collectively, the TRAA attendees scheduled 30 individual meetings and a group working lunch with four key members of Congress; most gatherings went as planned despite the burgeoning national crisis. All together this effort represented members of Congress from 16 different states. (I personally met with staff from seven Congressional offices, including the key offices of Reps. James McGovern, Chairman of the House Rules Committee, and Peter DeFazio, Chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Both were receptive to supporting the towing industry and understanding of our unique situations and the issues we face regarding safety for our workforce.) In these meetings, each attendee took a turn presenting a very short and

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 37

U.S. Rep. James McGovern discussing tow industry issues at a private dinner with TRAA and tow industry attendees .

concise narrative on how a specific issue did or would affect their family, their business and the families of their employees. It was important to note that there is opposition to the efforts of the towing industry and to be clear of that opposition when addressing the lawmakers or staff. The Congressional staff truly

appreciates it when a constituent comes to them with a problem, proposed solution and supporting facts that includes who is known to oppose the issue. Each attendee did a fine job of making a case and keeping things pleasant (despite any personal feelings or beliefs about any individual party or specific lawmaker).

SAFETY

The three key issues (below) TRAA and the attendees addressed directly relate to the safety and recognition of towers, roadside service providers and all highway incident responders. Priority No. 1 for TRAA is increased safety of everyone in the towing industryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;without preference to any one segment. Each issue below is key to keeping our workforce safe by providing recognition, education, additional manpower or at least planting the seeds of growth towards larger initiatives in the future. 1. Support for national Move Over legislation intended to harmonize the 50 different state-level initiatives, provide for required public education campaigns and open the dialog for other roadside safety responder initiatives. This bi-partisan effort, being addressed in both the House and Senate, is currently being revised to include all roadside responders such as law enforcement, fire/EMS,

â&#x2014;&#x20AC;

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Priority No. 1 for TRAA is increased safety of everyone in the towing industryâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;without preference to any one segment. DOT, mobile service technicians and, of course, tow operators. 2. Support for passage of the DRIVE Safe Act which is intended to allow qualified and properly trained persons under age 21 to operate commercial

U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas with TRAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joanne Blyton and Cindy and Elizabeth Martineau.

40 â&#x20AC;˘ May 2020 | Towman.com

motor vehicles in interstate commerce. While TRAA recognizes not all in the 18-21-year-old group would benefit from this legislation they feel it is important to open the door to those that desire to enter a vocational trade such as towing or roadside repair or work in their family business. Keeping in mind, interstate commerce is much more than long-haul trucking where the driver is away from home for days or weeks at a time, it also includes truck operations that stay within a single state but move freight (such as out-of-state motorists) from or going to another state. Other examples include bordering states where it may be legal to drive 300 miles one way at 18 but not 10 miles the opposite direction because it involves a border crossing. 3. Support for a technical correction to size and weight regulations previously granted in the FAST

TRAA President Joann Blyton and U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne, who is a champion for a national Move Over law.

Act of 2015 intended to allow tow operators to use modern towing equipment to move disabled or wrecked heavy commercial vehicles off the interstate highway as a combination unit without violating current regulations. Key words were accidentally omitted from the language included in the FAST Act requiring TRAA to intervene and request a simple technical correction to allow tow trucks that do not meet the Federal Bridge Formula the ability to respond to these emergency tows (and return from them upon completion) without requiring a special hauling permit. TRAA believes Congress intended to allow this in the FAST Act of 2015, however the language submitted was insufficient.

ON A MISSION

In the spirit of legislative activism, TRAA also is undertaking monitoring all legislation that could potentially

â&#x2014;&#x20AC;

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 â&#x20AC;˘ 41

impact a tower. Some of the issues they are watching currently do not require action unless they begin to move through Congress. These issues (currently stalled as of this writing) include: • SB 2700, ProtectingRoadside First Responders Act. This bill is intended to provide additional advance warning of highway incidents with pedestrian workers in or near the roadway using advanced crash avoidance technologies such as radio broadcasts, communication with automated vehicles and navigation systems. • SB 665/HR 1511, Stop Underrides Act. This bill would require all commercial vehicles weighing more than 10,000 lbs. (trucks and/or trailers) to be equipped with underride guards to prevent

cars from becoming trapped under larger vehicles. • SB 2033, Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act of 2019. This bill would mandate speed governors be set to 65 mph on all commercial vehicles over 26,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating. • HR 3781, Insurance Act. This bill would increase the minimum liability insurance requirements for trucking companies, including towers, from $750,000 up to $4.9 million with annual increases thereafter. • HR 3773, Safe Roads Act. This bill would require new commercial motor vehicles be equipped with emergency braking systems that would automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision without driver intervention. TRAA has joined a coalition of 31 trucking and trade groups in opposing those last four burdensome bills that would have a devastating effect on the towing industry by imposing unfunded mandates or significant cost increases. Additional legislative effort and support is being given by TRAA on an effort to collect accurate statistics on tow operator roadside injuries or deaths. Currently there is not one single source of accurate and verified information regarding tow operator roadside incidents. Although there are many valiant efforts, without a mandate to collect this data as separate points on investigation reports, towers are often lost in the details as simply pedestrian workers that were injured. In a bi-partisan effort, TRAA is working with Sens. Debra Fischer and Tammy Duckworth to have the U.S Government Accountability Office study the issue of tow operator injury on the roadside.

HELP FOR ALL

I believe the success of this second annual workshop event lies in the dedication and passion of the towing industry leaders that chose to take time away from their businesses, travel to D.C. and stand up for what is right for the industry—even when it may not align directly with their individual views. As an industry, we need to consider all the participants—not just the largest or smallest of operations, nor just one segment like retail or law enforcement towing—if we want this industry to thrive. U.S. Rep. Anthony Brindisi discussing the under-21 driver bill relative to the CDL program with the author.

42 • May 2020 | Towman.com

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I was pleased to see representatives from at least seven state towing associations present and actively participating, even when there were representatives from competing state associations; they were able to work together to address issues of national importance. I’d like to call all state associations to send a delegate next year. Whether your state belongs to TRAA or is independent, this is too important of a project and too great of an opportunity to show strength and solidarity for the towing industry to choose not to attend. I would love to see representatives, association members or not, from all 50 states in attendance. Imagine the impact a delegation of 50-plus towers would have descending on Capitol Hill for the improvement of our industry.

TRAA has a national voice with a seat at the table of many important conferences or committees across multiple agencies and is being asked to participate in more every day. Other disciplines—fire, rescue, EMS, law enforcement— are finally seeking towers’ input and opinions on issues critical to our safety and success. The individual tower has a voice that is being received in D.C. It will take work to keep this momentum going and now is the time to make a difference in the status quo. Find us on Facebook Read more towing news at towman.com

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Do you know a TOWER who risked their LIFE to SAVE another while on the job? PLEASE INCLUDE: • Nominee’s name and company • Nominee’s city and state • Nominee’s phone number • Your name • Your phone number • Your mail/email address

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Beacons On

You may be the fastest operator in the West with a classic star wrench, but modern tools make a great add to your toolbox to perform faster tactical tire changes.

Tactical Tire changes 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.

hen it comes to changing tires on high-speed highways, I believe that employing the “Tow First” principle can be a life-saving practice. Changing tires is too often a deadly practice when customer vehicles are situated on emergency shoulders. They’re called “emergency shoulders” for a reason; risking life and limb for the price of a service call is debatable at best. Soldiers at war experience emergency scenarios requiring immediate actions. Imagine the danger soldiers face when they experience a flat tire on their Humvee in hostile country? This is a situation that soldiers train for.

Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

Watching troops, in training, being taught survival techniques for changing tires in a battle zone, the thought of towers providing tire change services on high-speed highways is similar. On the civilian side, these events are capable of inflicting great bodily injuries or death, so practiced and superior tactics must be employed to complete the task as fast as humanly possible. Professional pit crews are capable of lightning-fast tire changes because they’re practiced. In the same manner that soldiers train for high-stress dangers and pit crews practice their precision, towers must walk the walk for changing tires on the highway.

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 53

If it’s your business practice not to tow first from dangerous spots, it’s imperative that you have the best power tools and training to be expedient on highway tire changes. Thinking of the service as a “tactical tire change” should be the norm when tire changes are performed. Tactical tire changes are more an attitude than action. I teach and firmly believe in the Tow First concept. If you’re not going to heed its message of safety first, following is 12 steps in changing tires that are directly related to survival—performing a tactical tire change. The steps of tactical tire change are: • Be Seen. Use overhead amber emergency lights activated to prompt Move Over. • Tactical Positioning. Tows truck is stationary in tactical positioning to afford blocker protection and safety. • Cones/Triangles. Identify the work site as an active work zone and increase visibility. Emergency signals for stopped commercia motor vehicles. • Motorist’s Safety. Move civilians to be seated and buckled in the tow truck’s cab (preferred), or moved to an alternate location that affords more protection and safety. • Relocate. Where possible, move the vehicle as far away from moving traffic as possible to a location of advantage and increased distances between vehicle and white line • Chock. Set e-brake and chock tires. • Tools. Remove necessary tools and floor jack from storage locations; relocate them to work site.

jack-handle folded out of traffic. • Ready, set … look at approaching traffic … GO Individually, each step employs a means of quickly transitioning to the next step keeping in mind the goal that tactical tire changes demand safety and survival. However, as you consider one through 12, ask yourself, “How much time is this tire change process going to take?”

AT A DISADVANTAGE

We deal with all years, makes and models of cars, trucks and SUVs. Each year it seems that new vehicles are equipped with fancier tires and wheels; with their jacks, tools and spares (if they have one), being stored in awkward locations. Should an arriving tower be unfamiliar with the vehicle and its components, that creates delays in completing the tire change which increases the tower ’s on-scene exposure. Roadside safety suggests we should work fast and furious, especially when tire changes are situated on the white-line side. Safety settings dictate that the longer a tow truck and disabled vehicle remain on the side of the road, the greater the potential that either one or both will be struck by approaching vehicles. Unless much of your workday is spent changing tires, there’s much disadvantage in not knowing how to change tires on specific makes and models. While there’s some outstanding information out there on servicing different makes and models, there’s much to be said as to the actual amount of

While there’s some outstanding information out there on servicing different makes and models, there’s much to be said as to the actual amount of time it takes to change tires. • • • •

Spare Tire. Position the spare tire at the work site away from traffic; lay it flat on pavement to prevent roll away. Situational Awareness. Know your workspace while staying as far from the white line as possible. Nuts. Break lug nuts loose before lifting with jack. Roll floor jack to position, jack up,

54 • May 2020 | Towman.com

time it takes to change tires. When was the last time you changed a tire on a new Cadillac SUV? Do you have a clue as to where the jack is stowed, or, how to get the spare tire down and out of the stowage well? Does it even have a spare? If you’re not knowledgeable as to identifying the various makes and models, how likely are you to finish safely, that is to say in a timely manner? Every second spent on the roadside is a chance for

a tragic impact to you and your roadside customer. For example, California’s Freeway Service Patrol standard procedures address increased exposure: “If a vehicle can’t be repaired within 10 minutes, the driver shall inform the motorist that the vehicle can be towed to a designated drop location where he or she can summon additional assistance.” This suggests the need for operators to not provide tire service but relocate the motorist’s vehicle to a safer location.

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MODERN TECHNOLOGY

Modern tools can be a key in cutting critical seconds from your on-scene time. I’ve witnessed some very competent tow operators working the classic star wrench, but that’s old school. Enter today’s cordless impact tools that are affordable, powerful and, most importantly, fast. They should be an essential accessory for every tow truck toolbox. It doesn’t take long to learn the ins and outs of working with cordless impact guns. Use impactrated sockets to avoid socket explosion under impact forces; safety glasses are mandatory. When loosening; keep a gloved hand over impact sockets to avoid spinning the lug nut into outer space. When replacing lugs; carefully hand start to avoid cross-threading. Inspect your impact daily to ensure batteries are fully charged and operable. A fully charged battery is the lifeblood of any cordless power tool. A battery charger or charging station ensures batteries are ready as long as batteries are recharged in a regular rotation. Make it part of your inspection routine to ensure that batteries are fully charged for tomorrow. As with any towing related task, mechanical advantage and fast hands are gained through practice. Practice in working with powered impact tools helps to eliminate essential seconds spent changing tires. Working the shoulders of the highway is a dangerous place—no matter what—but working with proper tools and doing so with practiced precision is the proper approach to safety and survival. Working faster with the proper tools is an advantage towards surviving. However, it’s my strong and solid opinion that changing a tire remains dangerous business capable of great bodily injury death. Why intentionally risk your life? Tow First.

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 55

Repo Run

Changes Are Coming

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.

s of this writing, we have been told by our leaders and the media that “the worst is yet to come.” Our prayers and well wishes go out to everyone. Many of you operate a small business, as do I. It will be especially difficult for small businesses to survive these challenging times; some will go out of business. For many years, the small repossession firms have been surviving month to month, with last month’s revenue paying next month’s bills. This slow-profit growth “bad habit” has been fueled by lower repo fees paid to the agency repossessing the asset. The trend in the repossession industry, as you know, has been the assignment being processed through a repossession assignment middleman, a forwarder. Although the forwarding company may be receiving $600 for the repossession, the repossessing agency may be getting about half of that. With the rising cost of … everything … over the years, fees actually received by the repossession agency simply just aren’t enough. When this crisis is over, and it will end, there won’t be a better time to reevaluate your fee structure to do more than just break even. Or maybe the time is now to raise your fees. Yes, I am talking about making a profit.

In the coming months, the assignment forwarder also won’t be able to conduct business as usual. Let us use a fictional company, ABC repo forwarding. Before this crisis, ABC was doing quite well reassigning repossession assignments to its network of 750 repossession agencies; ABC was receiving $600 per repo and paying the recovering agency $250. The repo agency, receiving the reduced fees, was able to keep their lights on at the office, but ABC forwarding was really “killing it” with low overhead and high profits. The high profits of the assignment forwarding company will undoubtedly end when possibly half of their repossession agency network fails to reopen after this crisis. Many professional repossession agencies will simply not make it through. What to do? The easy answer is to raise your fees. Of course, this would be you mandating your fees and not allowing your client to set the rate. I know this sounds a bit farfetched to many, but this practice is normal for some of us. For years, I have been setting my recovery rates, not my client. If a client does not want to pay my fee structure, the client can call the other guy … and there always is “the other guy,” living month to month making just enough to keep the lights on and hopefully stay current on his insurance policy.

DIVERSIFY?

Perhaps there is another answer. What about having a second or third alternate revenue stream? Have you considered: • Car or truck sales. • Neighborhood vehicle storage. • Repair service.

56 • May 2020 | Towman.com

• Repossessing other than automobile assets.

(The repossession fees of commercial assets aremuch higher than the feescharged to repossessautomobiles. This I know fora fact, as I have been repossessing commercialaccounts for many years.) As the repossession fees are structured at of this writing, most automobile repossession companies are working themselves out of business every day. Check out the U.S. inflation calculator (usinflationcalculator.com). By understanding inflation and the rising costs associated with maintaining a small business, you will determine very easily the fee structure currently in place by most repossession companies is self-defeating. Let’s say you haven’t raised rates since 2010 (or worse, are taking less from the forwarding companies), each dollar you make is worth 18 percent less than it was. Without applying standard inflationary costs to your businesses, you are going out of business and you don’t even know it! It doesn’t take an economics professor to figure out that one simple statement. If you’re not adding to your savings or investing revenue back into your business on a monthly basis, you are not making a profit. Fellow writer and associate Kevin Armstrong recently wrote an article about repossession fees, “The $500 Repo Fee Revisited,” on curepossessor. com. He wrote, in part: “While the trucks are standing still and the repossession industry is in a holding pattern, waiting and praying for a return to normality, this is a good time for everyone to reconsider their worth and make adjustments to their businesses for a stronger, more professional and profitable future. There is no point in returning to normal if normal is a return to a business model and price structure that is unsustainable, inequitable and unfair to the safety and viability of the industry. … “The associations all need to Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

get on board and launch a pressure campaign against lenders and forwarders unwilling to accept these reasonable terms. This would unfortunately, require boycotts and demonstrations of the deaths, injuries and danger to public safety that untrained and non-compliant agencies and their employees have caused by deed and tactics and will continue to do so until the lenders find themselves on the cover of every website and newspaper in the country.” I have no doubt when this crisis is over that creditors will once again begin the process of sending thousands of repossession assignments to the forwarder. The difference is there will be fewer legitimate repossession agencies for the forwarder to call upon. This dangerous fact will be realized when the forwarding companies will, without a doubt send the repossession assignments to less-qualified, nonlicensed or non-certified companies claiming to have a knowledge of a professional repossession. This

practice will undoubtedly cause harm and, in the worst cases, fatality to consumers. Lawyers will be standing in line to file lawsuits, mainly because killing consumers has been frowned upon for some time now. This crisis will end, but there will be changes in the way everyone does business. Companies who were forced to learn how to operate with employees working from home will realize the advantages of a workforce working from home. Schools and colleges will understand how archaic classroom teaching is in a modern society. Educators will realize the advantages of online classrooms. High school and college campus might just become a thing of the past. As author and crisis manager Judy Smith says, “There’s always an opportunity with crisis. Just as it forces an individual to look inside himself, it forces a company to reexamine its policies and practices.” Be safe and protect yourself.

AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 57

Repo Times Primeritus Lays Off 148

Primeritus Financial Services Inc., which offers services related to auto repossession, skip-tracing and remarketing, has laid off 148 employees. According to a Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development document, the employees were not represented by a collective bargaining agreement. The layoffs are termed “temporary” in the document. Source: nashvillepost.com.

New Mexico: Repos Are Non-Essential

In a recent letter, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission asserted that repossession work is a non-essential towing service. According to an April 14 letter issued by the state’s PRC: “It has come to the PRC’s attention that certain motor carriers may be continuing to operate notwithstanding the Department of Health’s restrictions; specifically, towing services perform-

ing repossession services. Under the Department of Health orders, towing services ‘necessary to maintain the safety ... of residences or essential businesses’ are the only services permitted at this time. Towing services for repossession purposes are currently deemed non-essential by the Governor’s office. “Any actions of engaging in non-essential motor carrier service during the duration of the Order could subject your business to enforcement penalties of operating a non-essential business in violation of the Order.” Source: nmprc.state.nm.us.

ARA Statement During Pandemic

The American Recovery Association issued a message acknowledging the immense problem the coronavirus pandemic is causing when it comes to collections and vehicle repossessions. ARA has tried to get clarity from officials about how businesses involved

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with repossessions and recovery can function under these circumstances. “We have made inquiries to every governor that has made a stay-athome proclamation for clarification on whether or not the repossession industry is an essential or life-sustaining business and we have yet to hear back from them,” the association said in a release. Source: autoremarketing.com.

Maryland Order Halts Repossessions

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan recently offered a variety of financial protections aimed at helping Marylanders impacted by coronavirus, including new restrictions on repossessions. The executive order temporarily prevents cars, trucks and mobile homes from being repossessed. “We’re going to continue to do everything that we possibly can to help get Marylanders through this,” Hogan said. Source: wusa9.com.

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 63

My Baby

Towman Surprised with Custom Carrier at 2019 AT Expo By Sally Hooper

At the 2019 American Towman Show, attendees admire Jerr-Dan’s first new multi-car carrier, which was customized and presented to tow operator Bob Nadeau.

W Sally Hooper is Jerr-Dan’s senior manager of marketing communications.

hen towman Bob Nadeau approached the Jerr-Dan booth at the 2019 American Towman Expo in Atlantic City, New Jersey, last December, he knew something big was about to happen. Although he had been asking for a new car carrier for more than a year, the owners of Autotech Repossessions said he would have to wait. Yet there it was. Jerr-Dan’s first new multi-car carrier that rolled off the assembly line was waiting for him—along with the countless people who helped make the moment possible. Nadeau’s son Joshua was four when he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. As a single father, Nadeau rearranged his life in order to take care of Joshua by juggling a variety of jobs in construction and with tri-axle trucks. Then, after caring for his son full-time for six years, Joshua passed away at 22. Knowing he needed a distraction from his loss, Nadeau wanted to go back

64 • May 2020 | Towman.com

to work as a full-time tow operator. He applied for a job with Syracuse, New York-based Autotech Repossessions. However, since his operator skills were rusty, he almost didn’t get the job. Ziggy and Michelle Keller, co-owners of Team Autotech, decided to give him a chance. While Nadeau’s request for a new carrier was denied, he was unaware that the Kellers—along with Dave Gellinger from Worldwide Equipment and Mike VanAken from Jerr-Dan—were all working behind the scenes to create a one-of-a-kind multi-car carrier for him. “Ziggy came to me and said he wanted to build a truck for one of his drivers,” said Gellinger, Worldwide’s VP of sales. “Ziggy and I started putting it together without the driver knowing anything about it.” The chassis was shipped to Fontaine Modification Co. in Garland, Texas, where many alterations were made. Most significantly, the cab height was lowered by 8” to gain clearance for

◀

The truck was numbered 6190—his birthday—and the passenger door was emblazoned with his name and the word “copilot” underneath.

Team Autotech towman Bob Nadeau admires his surprise new ride, a fully customized Jerr-Dan multi-car carrier.

a lower upper deck to accommodate taller vehicles on it. Gellinger said the modifications took more than a year to complete. “We were extremely pleased the new Jerr-Dan multi-car carrier was part of such a special project and surprise,” said VanAken, Jerr-Dan director of product development. After a year keeping the secret from Nadeau, the customized multi-car carrier was nearly ready to be revealed at the 2019 AT Expo. However, the truck still required a few finishing touches that needed to be made onsite. Hours before the show opened on Saturday, Gellinger and his crew added custom lettering to honor Joshua. The truck was numbered 6190—his birthday—and Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

Joshua Nadeau.

the passenger door was emblazoned with his name and the word “copilot” underneath. With Nadeau’s dad in attendance, Team Autotech, Worldwide Equipment and Jerr-Dan together presented Bob with the keys to his new ride … the first 8.5-ton XLP multi-car carrier manufactured by Jerr-Dan. It was an emotional occasion for everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this moment happen for Nadeau. “There were a lot of tears and hugs,” Nadeau said. “They took everything I was saying over the past year, stored it in their heads and then put it on the truck. They didn’t miss a beat.” Nadeau has always taken a lot of pride in his trucks, and this new carrier is no exception. He enters in about a dozen shows a year, as well as Make-A-Wish truck convoys and Touch-a-Truck events that allow kids with autism and other special needs to explore big trucks, emergency and other one-of-a-kind vehicles. This new carrier keeps Nadeau moving, knowing he has a very special copilot by his side. “This is a one-of-a-kind vehicle, and I appreciate the outstanding job everyone did to make this truck so amazing.”

At the 2019 American Towman Expo, attendees admire Jerr-Dan’s first new multi-car carrier, which was customized and presented to tow operator Bob Nadeau.

AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • 65

Lowdown

America Must Be Open for Business By Steve Calitri

S Steve Calitri Editor-in-Chief

ome 500 towers participated in the Tow Boss Poll on TowIndustryWeek.com, American Towman’s online publication, on the question, “How much has your business fallen during the Corona Virus pandemic?” Ninety percent said business has fallen 40 percent or more. Just under half of the respondents said business has fallen at least by 80 percent. Our industry, as we know it, cannot sustain itself much longer at this level of call volume. Is there light at the end of this tunnel? Not if you listen to media pundits, social engineers and “experts” looking through myopic or politically partisan lenses. The economy, they say, can only open up again if this or that happens … virus testing, antibody testing, vaccine! The world cannot be in motion until those dynamics are solidly in place. The fact that the world cannot exist unless it is in motion is a reality that seems to escape those minds. The race is on for efficient, prevalent tests and treatments, and by the summer this landscape could be changed from what is as this issue goes to print. The virus, due to the nation quarantining and the warm months upon us, could have a scant presence. The tow truck field, traditionally crowded by companies large and small, independent towers and

66 • May 2020 | Towman.com

repair-shop towers, is thinning out already of those not able to survive. When commerce begins flowing again, those still standing will have a robust presence in their communities and in relationships with industry suppliers. There will be a lot of financial pain to that point. In the big picture, state and federal governments have shown bold leadership to fight the virus. I don’t agree with the main strategy, but I support it for the sake of a unified effort. I believe the overall response is on track to open up commerce again with the national guidelines, if state governors and city mayors understand that keeping things closed down is not a viable option. Many others have advocated the strategy of continuing an open society based on the dynamics of “herd immunity.” Sweden has been a leader in this approach. With herd immunity, the spread of the virus is thwarted when enough of the populace is infected and the survivors have antibodies in their systems, so the virus cannot pass through them. Among those not infected, using sanitary procedures and social distancing, and those carrying the antibodies, the virus has fewer pathways and eventually disappears. Throughout this time, the most vulnerable—the elderly and those with preexisting health

conditions—are quarantined to protect them. But society and commerce continue. This approach may be the most sensible one. In the small picture, partisan politics has been raising its ugly head on a daily basis. The media and the Democrats have looked small constantly trying to criticize President Trump no matter what he says or does. Trump, never one to turn a deaf ear or a blind eye, has continually punched back, looking small during this momentous time with his usual narcissistic ramblings touting his efforts. If one can see through all his noise, he and his people and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention appear to be on top of the crisis as much as an administration can be. COVID-19 is an insidious virus that can easily spread and be deadly to elderly folks and others with compromised immune systems or preexisting health issues. Currently the fatality rate is just under 1 percent, based on reported cases. I suspect when there is a true count of those who have been infected, that the fatality rate will be reported at much less and but a fraction of 1 percent. I look toward the prevailing wisdom shifting away from quarantining a whole society to, instead, sheltering in place only the sick and most vulnerable among us. America must be open for business.

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ North 67

News Flash

Tow Company Sanitizing Hooked Cars

It’s hard out there for tow truck operators right now. It’s hard for everyone, but few think about the towing industry—probably because it’s something they’re usually trying to avoid. Lew Blum of Lew Blum Towing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, thinks about it constantly. He fears what the pandemic will bring for his already struggling operation. But on the upside, he’s been hearing an unexpected positive refrain. “Some of them have thanked us,” Blum said of drivers whose cars have gotten hooked, in reference to the care his staff takes to avoid potential coronavirus contamination. “We will open the door, spray the steering wheel, spray the shifter, spray the drivers’ seat.” To make sure his fleet of four drivers are safe while they work, and to keep car owners from worrying about whether a tow equals infection, Blum has gotten creative. In place of hand sanitizer, he’s been providing drivers with bars of Dove soap in plastic bags. Paired with a screw-cap gallon jug of water kept in the truck, his drivers can “wash their hands any and every time [they] need to.” Then there’s the spray, which Blum makes by dilut-

ing ammonium-based sanitizer and uses on basically everything. A small waiting room gets sprayed every time someone new enters, he said, kicking off a miniature cascade of antiviral acts. “They give us their key, we take it with gloves on, we set it down on a tin cup and spray it. They give us a credit card, we spray it—[or if] they give us cash, we spread it across the counter, and spray it and let it dry before we touch it.” Not many people have seen that performance play out; Blum said business is down 80 percent since the lockdown started. Source: billypenn.com.

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Everitt, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the tow truck, troopers said. The truck came to rest on the grassy shoulder of U.S. 301. Everitt died at the scene. The driver and passenger in the Chevy, 19-year-old Kiel Williams of North Port and 21-year-old Jacqueline Beech of Tampa, were not injured. Everitt was a driver for Sunstate Wrecker Services and was on the way to help another motorist when the crash happened, said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, a spokesman for the Highway Patrol. Source: tampabay.com.

SD Bill Increases ‘Slow Down’ Fines

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they could face a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by a minimum fine of $275, according to Senate Bill 164, which passed the House by a 65-2 vote. The bill was introduced following the death of towman Dale Jones of Watertown in January and aims to protect emergency vehicle drivers or any drivers using the flashing lights while on a highway. Jones was struck by a car as he was trying to remove a vehicle from the ditch. A 76-year-old man lost control of his Chevrolet Impala on the Watertown road and struck Jones. According to the bill, when approaching any vehicles displaying flashing blue, yellow or amber lights, such as tow trucks, state Department of Transportation vehicles or a civilian vehicle with their flashers engaged, the same 300’ rule applies, but passing drivers only have to proceed with caution before passing rather than coming to a complete stop.

Another towing bill was awaiting the governor’s signature that allows for tow truck drivers to use blue lights if they are performing their duties in maintaining the highway or are en route to an emergency requiring their services. Source: thedickinsonpress.com

Tow Owner, Deputies Indicted

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • North 69

torney’s Office said March 12. The grand jury heard testimony that Carpenter and Flores used DJ’s Towing out of rotation. Carpenter, who worked there part-time, falsely logged tows as traffic citations in the computer system in an attempt to avoid detection, a district attorney’s news release said. When other members of the traffic division complained, Flores and Christolon “provided cover” for Carpenter, the release said. Also, Flores used Close’s hazardous waste cleanup business even though the business did not have a contract with the Sheriff’s Department, the release said. In exchange, the DA’s Office said, Close provided Flores, Christolon and Carpenter with free or deeply discounted vehicles, free meals and a free stay for Flores in Close’s beachfront home. The men were scheduled to enter pleas as of press time. Source: pe.com.

North 70 • May 2020 | Towman.com

Roadchecks Postponed Due to Pandemic

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance announced it will postpone the annual International Roadcheck inspection blitz, which was set for May 5-7, to later in the year. New dates for the enforcement campaign have not yet been decided. While Roadcheck has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, CVSA noted that roadside inspections and traffic enforcement will continue as normal. When it’s rescheduled, this year’s Roadcheck will focus on driver compliance, notably electronic logging devices and hours of service, but also medical cards, CDLs, seatbelt use and more. Inspectors also will do standard checks of lights, brakes and other equipment. Operation Safe Driver Week is still scheduled for July 12-18 and Brake Safety Week is still set for Aug. 23-29. Source: ccjdigital.com.

Fire Destroys 80+ Cars in Tow Yard

At least 100 firefighters rushed to Davis Towing and Salvage in Franklin, Tennessee, recently for reports of 40 cars on fire. By 6 p.m. the blaze had consumed 80 to 100 vehicles. Crews were trying to extinguish the flames, but experienced challenges since the vehicles were crushed and stacked on top of each other. The fire was believed to be accidental. Officials say it sparked after a worker cut a catalytic converter out of a car. From there, the owner called 911. No injuries were reported as of press time. Source: fox17.com Find us on Facebook Read more towing news at towman.com

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News Flash

Towman Dies after Striking Disabled Car

A 36-year-old towman died recently after crashing into a disabled car on I-75 in Tampa, Florida, authorities said. Jason Lee Everitt was driving a tow truck south on I-75 near the U.S. 301 overpass about 11 p.m. when he struck a 2006 Chevy Cobalt parked on the outside shoulder, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. After hitting the Chevy, the tow truck struck the guardrail and overturned down an embankment. Everitt, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the tow truck, troopers said. The truck came to rest on the grassy shoulder of U.S. 301. Everitt died at the scene. The driver and passenger in the Chevy, 19-year-old Kiel Williams of North Port and 21-year-old Jacqueline Beech of Tampa, were not injured. Everitt was a driver for Sunstate Wrecker Services and was on the way to help another motorist when the crash happened, said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, a spokesman for the Highway Patrol. Source: tampabay.com

Tow Co. Sanitizing Hooked Cars

South 68 • May 2020 | Towman.com

care his staff takes to avoid potential coronavirus contamination. “We will open the door, spray the steering wheel, spray the shifter, spray the drivers’ seat.” To make sure his fleet of four drivers are safe while they work, and to keep car owners from worrying about whether a tow equals infection, Blum has gotten creative. In place of hand sanitizer, he’s been providing drivers with bars of Dove soap in plastic bags. Paired with a screw-cap gallon jug of water kept in the truck, his drivers can “wash their hands any and every time [they] need to.” Then there’s the spray, which Blum makes by diluting ammonium-based sanitizer and uses on basically everything. A small waiting room gets sprayed every time someone new enters, he said, kicking off a miniature cascade of antiviral acts. “They give us their key, we take it with gloves on, we set it down on a tin cup and spray it. They give us a credit card, we spray it—[or if] they give us cash, we spread it across the counter, and spray it and let it dry before we touch it.” Not many people have seen that performance play out; Blum said business is down 80 percent since the lockdown started. Source: billypenn.com.

SD Bill Increases ‘Slow Down’ Fines

$275, according to Senate Bill 164, which passed the House by a 65-2 vote. The bill was introduced following the death of towman Dale Jones of Watertown in January and aims to protect emergency vehicle drivers or any drivers using the flashing lights while on a highway. Jones was struck by a car as he was trying to remove a vehicle from the ditch. A 76-year-old man lost control of his Chevrolet Impala on the Watertown road and struck Jones. According to the bill, when approaching any vehicles displaying flashing blue, yellow or amber lights, such as tow trucks, state Department of Transportation vehicles or a civilian vehicle with their flashers engaged, the same 300’ rule applies, but passing drivers only have to proceed with caution before passing rather than coming to a complete stop. Another towing bill was awaiting the governor’s signature that allows for tow truck drivers to use blue lights if they are performing their duties in maintaining the highway or are en route to an emergency requiring their services. Source: thedickinsonpress. com.

Roadchecks Postponed Due to Pandemic

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more. Inspectors also will do standard checks of lights, brakes and other equipment. Operation Safe Driver Week is still scheduled for July 12-18 and Brake Safety Week is still set for Aug. 23-29. Source: ccjdigital.com.

Tow Owner, Deputies Indicted

March 12. The grand jury heard testimony that Carpenter and Flores used DJ’s Towing out of rotation. Carpenter, who worked there parttime, falsely logged tows as traffic citations in the computer system in an attempt to avoid detection, a district attorney’s news release said. When other members of the traffic division complained, Flores and Christolon “provided cover” for Carpenter, the release said. Also, Flores used Close’s hazardous waste cleanup business even though the business did not have a contract with the Sheriff’s Department, the release said. In exchange, the DA’s Office said, Close provided Flores, Christolon and Carpenter with free or deeply discounted vehicles, free meals and a free stay for Flores in Close’s beachfront home. The men were scheduled to enter pleas as of press time. Source: pe.com.

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News Flash SD Bill Increases ‘Slow Down’ Fines

Lawmakers in South Dakota recently passed a bill that requires drivers approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights to reduce their speed before getting within 300’. If a driver does not slow down, they could face a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by a minimum fine of $275, according to Senate Bill 164, which passed the House by a 65-2 vote. The bill was introduced following the death of towman Dale Jones of Watertown in January and aims to protect emergency vehicle drivers or any drivers using the flashing lights while on a highway. Jones was struck by a car as he was trying to remove a vehicle from the ditch. A 76-year-old man lost control of his Chevrolet Impala on the Watertown road and struck Jones. According to the bill, when approaching any vehicles displaying flashing blue, yellow or amber lights, such as tow trucks, state Department of Transportation vehicles or a civilian vehicle with their flashers engaged, the same 300’ rule applies, but passing drivers only have to proceed with caution before passing rather than coming to a complete stop. Another towing bill was awaiting the governor’s signature that allows for tow truck drivers to use blue lights if they are performing their duties in maintaining the highway or are en route to an emergency requiring their services. Source: thedickinsonpress.com .

Tow Co. Sanitizing Hooked Cars

It’s hard out there for tow truck operators right now. It’s hard for everyone, but few think about the towing industry—probably because it’s something they’re usually

Midwest 68 • May 2020 | Towman.com

trying to avoid. Lew Blum of Lew Blum Towing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, thinks about it constantly. He fears what the pandemic will bring for his already struggling operation. But on the upside, he’s been hearing an unexpected positive refrain. “Some of them have thanked us,” Blum said of drivers whose cars have gotten hooked, in reference to the care his staff takes to avoid potential coronavirus contamination. “We will open the door, spray the steering wheel, spray the shifter, spray the drivers’ seat.” To make sure his fleet of four drivers are safe while they work, and to keep car owners from worrying about whether a tow equals infection, Blum has gotten creative. In place of hand sanitizer, he’s been providing drivers with bars of Dove soap in plastic bags. Paired with a screw-cap gallon jug of water kept in the truck, his drivers can “wash their hands any and every time [they] need to.” Then there’s the spray, which Blum makes by diluting ammonium-based sanitizer and uses on basically everything. A small waiting room gets sprayed every time someone new enters, he said, kicking off a miniature cascade of antiviral acts. “They give us their key, we take it with gloves on, we set it down on a tin cup and spray it. They give us a credit card, we spray it—[or if] they give us cash, we spread it across the counter, and spray it and let it dry before we touch it.” Not many people have seen that performance play out; Blum said business is down 80 percent since the lockdown started. Source: billypenn.com.

Towman Dies after Striking Disabled Car

Fire Destroys 80+ Cars in Tow Yard

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AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • West 67

News Flash Tow Owner, Deputies Indicted

A Riverside County, California, sheriff’s lieutenant, sergeant and former deputy, as well as Temecula towing company owner, were indicted by the Riverside County Grand Jury in what was described as a scheme to bribe the deputies in exchange for illegally steering extra business to the tow firm. Lt. Samuel Flores, Sgt. Robert Martin Christolon, former Deputy Kevin Alton Carpenter and DJ’s Towing owner Cody Close face charges that include bribery and conspiracy, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office said March 12. The grand jury heard testimony that Carpenter and Flores used DJ’s Towing out of rotation. Carpenter, who worked there part-time, falsely logged tows as traffic citations in the computer system in an attempt to avoid detection, a district attorney’s news release said. When other members of traffic division complained, Flores and Christolon “provided cover” for Carpenter, the release said.

West 68 • May 2020 | Towman.com

Also, Flores used Close’s hazardous waste cleanup business even though the business did not have a contract with the Sheriff’s Department, the release said. In exchange, the DA’s Office said, Close provided Flores, Christolon and Carpenter with free or deeply discounted vehicles, free meals and a free stay for Flores in Close’s beachfront home. The men were scheduled to enter pleas as of press time. Source: pe.com.

Roadchecks Postponed Due to Pandemic

Fire Destroys 80+ Cars in Tow Yard

◀

Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!

AmericanTowman.com | May 2020 • West 69

Tow Co. Sanitizing Hooked Cars

It’s hard out there for tow truck operators right now. It’s hard for everyone, but few think about the towing industry—probably because it’s something they’re usually trying to avoid. Lew Blum of Lew Blum Towing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, thinks about it constantly. He fears what the pandemic will bring for his already struggling operation. But on the upside, he’s been hearing an unexpected positive refrain. “Some of them have thanked us,” Blum said of drivers whose cars have gotten hooked, in reference to the care his staff takes to avoid potential coronavirus contamination. “We will open the door, spray the steering wheel, spray the shifter, spray the drivers’ seat.” To make sure his fleet of four drivers are safe while they work, and to keep car owners from worrying about whether a tow equals infection, Blum has gotten creative. In place of hand sanitizer, he’s been providing drivers with bars of Dove soap in plastic bags. Paired with a screwcap gallon jug of water kept in the truck, his drivers can “wash their hands any and every time [they] need to.” Then there’s the spray, which Blum makes by diluting ammonium-based sanitizer and uses on basically everything. A small waiting room gets sprayed every time someone new enters, he said, kicking off a miniature cascade of antiviral acts.

West 70 • May 2020 | Towman.com

“They give us their key, we take it with gloves on, we set it down on a tin cup and spray it. They give us a credit card, we spray it—[or if] they give us cash, we spread it across the counter, and spray it and let it dry before we touch it.” Not many people have seen that performance play out; Blum said business is down 80 percent since the lockdown started. Source: billypenn.com.

Towman Dies after Striking Disabled Car

A 36-year-old towman died recently after crashing into a disabled car on I-75 in Tampa, Florida, authorities said. Jason Lee Everitt was driving a tow truck south on I-75 near the U.S. 301 overpass about 11 p.m. when he struck a 2006 Chevy Cobalt parked on the outside shoulder, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. After hitting the Chevy, the tow truck struck the guardrail and overturned down an embankment. Everitt, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was thrown from the tow truck, troopers said. The truck came to rest on the grassy shoulder of U.S. 301. Everitt died at the scene. The driver and passenger in the Chevy, 19-year-old Kiel Williams of North Port and 21-year-old Jacqueline Beech of Tampa, were not injured Everitt was a driver for Sunstate Wrecker Services and was on the way to help another motorist when the crash happened, said Sgt. Steve Gaskins, a spokesman for the Highway Patrol. Source: tampabay.com.

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