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Truck Sales Surge in September

Heavy-duty truck orders from North American Class 8 (trucks weighing over 33,000 pounds) surged in the month of September, up 55%, according to a report released by FTR Intel, which provides industry news and analysis for the transportation industry.

Familiar names to the towing industry, such as Kenworth, International and Freightliner, fall into that classification.

Don Ake, VP of commercial vehicles at FTR, said, “Rates have improved, so carriers have the cash, and now they also have the confidence. When you combine those two factors, orders tend to surge.”

Pent-up demand is also a factor, as the months from March to May saw significant contraction to the economy due to the coronavirus. Ake said, “Trucks that would have normally been ordered then, are being ordered now, since much of the risk has passed.”

Source: www.fleetowner.com

DOJ Cracks Down for Servicemembers

The Department of Justice Department (DOJ) filed suit on 9/28 against a Dallas-based towing firm for allegedly auctioning off cars and trucks belonging to U.S. servicemembers in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

The suit is the latest in a string of civil actions taken against towing companies nationwide for failing to comply with a law that requires companies to get a court order before disposing of troops’ vehicles. It’s the fourth case in the last 5 weeks. The suit claims that the Dallas company sold at least five vehicles belonging to service members in their absence and without their consent.

Last month, a Florida towing and storage company allegedly auctioned off at least 33 service members’ vehicles between 2013 and 2020 without obtaining court orders, agreeing to compensate service members.

Source: www.military.com

Teen Restores Wrecker

In Bay County, Fla., 15-year-old Zach White completely redid an old wrecker given to him by his parents, making it his own.

The unit, a 2008, 5500 Dodge Laramie with a twin line, self-loading Century was originally bought by Zach’s father, handed over to his grandfather, then sold and eventually ended up in the “bone yard” when the family reclaimed it and gave it to Zach as a gift.

White, who’s family own’s White’s Gulf County Wrecker Service, LLC, has been working on the project for 7 months, redoing the interior and exterior, including the engine repairs.

He said, “It was all beat up when I got it. The truck, the whole interior was messed up. I just had to fix all of it, order new stuff, send it to shops, get it repainted and all that. It’s worth it. Yup,

Howard L. Eagan

Howard L. Eagan of the Town of the Wheatfield, NY, passed away on Saturday, September 19, 2020, in Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Howard, called “Scooby” by friends and professional associates, was employed with Leaseway Transportation and as a foreman with Penske, before becoming a heavy tow truck operator with John’s Towing in Buffalo and Big Red Towing in Syracuse for many years. He was an instructor with MatJack Indianapolis Industrial Products for many years, training tow operators around the nation on air cushion recovery. He often taught air cushion usage at American Towman Expositions.

Eagan was a member of the 3F Club, the 9/11 Memorial and enjoyed riding his Goldwing Motorcycle and camping.

He was born in Niagara Falls, NY on February 11, 1966, a son of Robert Eagan and the late Bonnie [Miers] Eagan. In addition to his father, he is survived by

Zach White with his Dodge Laramie. it’s a beautiful truck now.”

He credits his dad for teaching him, as he watched him around the shop over the years.

Since he is only 15, he is waiting until he gets his driver’s license and plans to drive his wrecker to school and help out his dad’s company.

February 11, 1966 - September 19, 2020

Industry Stalwart Howard Eagan Passes

Source: www.mypanhandle.com

his wife Janeene M.[Tokarczyk) Eagan; his children Marcas Eagan, Jessica Marquart and Danielle (Brian) Curry; two grandchildren Natalia Curry and Taya Marquart, a brother Robert (Rene) Eagan, Jr. and good friend Kimberly Simpson and her children Andrew, Ross, Tara; also several nieces and nephews.

Procession honoring Dave Ritzer.

Michigan Tower Saluted

People came from various points in Michigan to honor deceased tower David Ritzer, owner-operator of Steve’s Auto of Constantine, Mi. Ritzer died Sept. 25 at age 60, following a brief illness, after working in the towing and recovery business for 44 years. 20 tow-trucks lined up in the town of White Pidgeon on Sept. 30 to salute the legacy of Ritzer. Friends and colleagues described him as “hard-working and “a great man.”

Toronto based tow truck driver 39 year old Ninos Barcham became a repeat lotto winner playing Canada’s add-on game called Encore.

The drawing for the Daily Grand lotto was held on Sept. 17th when Barcham once again defied the 1,111,111 odds to win the $100,000 prize.

Previously he won the April 25th Lottario draw after once again purchasing the Encore add-on game and winning $100,000. Combined, the odds of winning 2 times becomes even more astronomical.

Barcham, who purchased his tickets at a local Circle K convenience store, called it “A Blessing from the Sky.”

Source: torontosun.com

“He was a good, dedicated and smart guy,” said a friend, Steve Lard. “There was nothing he couldn’t do.”

In addition to towing, Ritzer established a metal-fabrication enterprise, creating prototypes for multiple businesses. He also manufactured tow-truck bodies and parts; got into land development and cell towers; and co-founded SEA Wireless Partners in Kalamazoo and TRMR in Three Rivers.

Lightning Luck Strikes Twice

Source: www.sturgisjournal.com

Ninos Barcham PA Puts Teeth in Move Over Law

In a 49-0 vote, the Pa. Senate passed a “Move Over” law on Sept. 22 imposing stiffer penalties on motorists who don’t slow down or steer clear of emergency response vehicles.

The penalties will include assigning points to a motorist’s license and raising fines for each offense for failing to move over or slow down. In addition, the state Department of Transportation will be required to educate the public to promote driver awareness.

In the past year, the state has lost 35 first responders along the highways and roadways, including 17 tow operators. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, there have been 7,075 citations issued this past year for “Steer Clear” violations and 3,204 warnings.

Pa. tower Brian Shockey, who was struck by a passing motorist in 2018 and suffered multiple injuries, said the accident impacted his life, making it hard for him to coach youth football and play with his kids. He said his medical bills are now in excess of $500,000 while the woman whose vehicle struck him was given an under $500 fine.

Source: www.pennlive.com

Tow Truck Driver Busted

A tow truck driver was arrested for a hazardous tow involving a teenage girl in Miami. Coming to repossess the car, the tow operator backed up his wheel lift into the vehicle while it was moving and then lifted it with the driver still behind the wheel.

According to the police report, the tow truck driver’s account of what happened didn’t match up with video surveillance in the neighborhood and he was arrested, charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Source: wsvn.com