American Towman Magazine - August 2011 by dortiz-towman

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Rush hour traffic. An overturned tractor-trailer is in the ditch. Police want the scene cleared fast with minimal lane blockage. You have the training, the experience, and the right equipment to get the job done – your SP 850-XP Sidepuller. With pivoting hydraulic stiff legs and dual 35,000-lb 2-speed winches, the SP 850-XP Sidepuller enables your CENTURY 7035 or 9055 to handle tough side-pull recoveries between the lines – allowing traffic to flow and making you the hero.

Call your local Miller Industries distributor for more information.

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www.millerind.com • 800-292-0330 Number 143 on Reader Card

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Not every call is a cakewalk. Sorne can be a real bear- That 's why the Business Class M2 106 offers unsurpassed visibility. So your drivers can see exactly what they ' re getting into. It also has a 55-degree wheel cut for superior maneuverability. And the large cab with a low-step entry is designed for your customers ' Gomfor t and convenience. That 's not just good design , it' s sma rt business. Finel out more at Freight linerTrucks .Gom /WorkSmart.

Number 218 on Reader Card

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FEATURE CONTENTS

Red Clay Mires a Big Crawler Time spent staging makes recovery of a John Deere excavator smooth and easy. by "Rabbit" Pippin

Working Through the Bugs Departments Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 AD Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Tow Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Beacons On! . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . .66 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . .69

Troubleshooting issues with your PTO requires focus and planning for the best results. by Mikel Janitz

Beat the Heat Keep your crew safe: Know the signs to prevent heat-related personal injuries. by Randall Resch

TOWMAN.COM - August 2011 • 5

An Orchard of Opportunities by Steve Calitri

evenue opportunities abound in the towing business. The wily towman knows where to look, from his experience, the word of mouth of other tow bosses and at places like AT Expo and the American Towman Academy. For example: • Several tow bosses have found that running one’s own auctions can net thousands of dollars more per month. You can hire an auctioneer or learn the talk yourself. Veteran tow business owner Gary Coe from Portland, Ore., will give a seminar in Baltimore in November on the ins and outs of successfully running your own auctions. • A new revenue opportunity in vehicle damage documentation is being opened up by Cross Country Automotive Services. The attractive part of this is the non-emergency aspect that allows for scheduling of the work. Mathew Capozzi and Jeannine Booton of Cross Country will cover the basics in this one on Sunday morning inside the Baltimore Convention Center where all the seminars are held. They will also present CCAS’s unique new online bidding program, something every tower will want to investigate. This system could revolutionize the way motor clubs and towers do business. • I’ve known many towers who started out with independent towing operations and later expanded into

6 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

automotive repair, so the Academy has brought in Matt Winslow of the Automotive Training Institute to do a seminar on just this. Matt’s seminar promises to show you how to create a 30-percent net auto repair business that is compatible with your existing towing business. • Turning Cleanup into a Revenue Source is an opportunity that has been right under our noses all along as a pain-in-the-butt chore. John Borowski, aka Mr. Industry, now specializes in accident cleanup. In his seminar, John discusses how cleanup can be a lucrative aspect of your towing business. • The academy also presents seminars on the Road Service Option with Jim Heward of Cumberland Towing, and how you can take advantage of your existing commercial customer base and their total breakdown needs. • For those considering branching into repossessions, Mike Howk, of RSIG, gives you a good look before you leap. You’ll learn how the repo market is changing. Note the sharing going on here. Experts in the field and towing professionals with tried-and-true, proven practices are reaching out to help tow business owners be more successful and more profitable. The above seminars make up but one of five tracks of the Academy; there are 30 seminars scheduled in all. Check them out in this issue inside the AT Expo section.

Publisher Dennie Ortiz Editor-In-Chief Steve Calitri Editor Brendan Dooley Operations Editors Terry Abejuela Randall Resch Chassis Editor David Kolman Safety Editor Bill Simmons Editorial Board Tommy Anderson, Dallas, Texas Roy Carlson; St. Paul, Minn. Gary Coe; Portland, Ore. Frank Child; Cody, Wyo. Belinda Harris; Greensboro, N.C. Amado Llorens; Hialeah, Fla. Ron Mislan; Warren, N.J. Chuck Swider; Chicopee, Mass. Frank Sanchez; Bridgewater, N.J. Page Layout Artist Ann Marie Nitti Graphic Manager William Burwell Advertising Sales Manager Dennie Ortiz Senior Account Executive Ellen Rosengart VP of Accounts Norma Calitri VP of Communications Neila Smith Subscription Manager Miriam Ortiz Customer Service Henri Calitri President Steve Calitri Headquarters 7 West Street, Warwick NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546 Fax: 845-986-5181 E-mail: Publisher: dortiz@towman.com Editor-In-Chief: scalitri@towman.com Editor: bdooley@towman.com AT’S Digital Edition: itowman.com Weekly Industry News: towman.com Copyright ©2011 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Network, Inc. U.S. Subscription: $50–1 yr; $95–2 yrs • US $65 and $105 • International

Editorial Policy: the act of mailing or delivering a letter or article to American Towman Magazine, shall constitute permission to publish that letter or article or any portion thereof. American Towman Magazine reserves the right to edit any and all material submitted.

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Tower Clings to Minivan An Ann Arbor, Mich., man allegedly jumped inside a tow truck to free his illegally parked minivan and then took off with the driver hanging onto it in July. The suspect allegedly confronted the operator during the early morning tow, and knocked a cellphone to the ground when he tried to call 9-1-1. The tower walked away to borrow a cellphone from someone and the man climbed into the tow truck and began to lower his van. Once it was on the ground, he got inside and put it in reverse, police said. The tower, standing behind, grabbed onto the roof rack and stood on the bumper as the van sped away. Responding officers caught up with the van, pulled it over and made the arrest. The 40-year-old tow operator clung to the van and had only minor scrapes, police said. Source: www.annarbor.com.

New Tow Law Disrespected The Allen Rose Tow Truck Safety Some tow truck drivers said the Act is in honor of Allen Rose, a Colsigns aren't working. orado Springs, Colo., tow truck “People are pulling the stickdriver who was dragged to ers off and winging them death in February while across the parking lot like attempting to tow a car. they're a Frisbee,” said The law makes it one tow owner. This vehicle is in a crime to get “We tell them tow. Attempting to behind the not to rip it off operate or operating this wheel of a and they do vehicle may result in criminal car being it anyway, towed, and so it's just blaprosecution and may lead tow truck drivers tant disregard to injury or death to are now required to and disrespect you or another post a large warning towards us,” said one person. sign on the vehicle. tower. The sign states: It's against the law too: WARNING: This vehicle is in removing a sign carries a puntow. Attempting to operate or operating ishment of a $50 to $750 fine and this vehicle may result in criminal prosup to six months in jail. Source: ecution and may lead to injury or death www.coloradoconnection.com. to you or another person.

WARNING

California Adds

L.A. Deputy Stole Tow Fees

Tow Trucks in Bay Area

A retired Los Angeles (Calif.) County sheriff ’s deputy who pleaded no contest to embezzling almost half a million dollars from the City of La Puente recently was sentenced to three years in state prison. The deputy supervised the impound program at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Industry Station and collected towing fees from residents. He and his wife were indicted in 2009 on charges that he stole fees between June 2001 and December 2007. Source: thedowneypatriot.com.

California’s Bay Area Freeway Service Patrol recently added a fleet of roving tow trucks to monitor 20 miles of Interstate 280 that were a missing link in the coverage area. The trucks patrol “beats” to address accidents, stalls, debris spills and other incidents that contribute to congestion. The new “Beat 33” two-truck patrol brings the total network to 79 trucks on 36 beats covering 560 miles of freeways and highways around the region. The FSP program is paid for by a variety of federal, state and local funds. Source: menlopark.patch.com.

8 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

... 79 trucks now cover 560 miles of Bay Area freeways ... Texas Laws Updated In June, Texas Gov. Rick Perry signed HB 3510, the Towing and Vehicle Storage Facility Industries Clean Up Bill. Among the changes are: The Storage Lien requirement of 72 days was shortened to 45 days. Homes that do not charge for parking on their property are no longer required to post a sign on their property to have an unauthorized vehicle removed. But if the home charges anything for parking on their property, they must post signs. TDLR was given a little discrepancy on the separation of rules for each type of tow license. Booting companies were given the same contractual rights to patrol commercial and private property accounts as tow companies have. The language on a tow sign was corrected to relate to the type of towing or booting that is performed on the property. Courts may award court costs and attorney’s fees to the prevailing party. Perry also signed HB 378, the Texas Move Over for Tow Trucks Bill. Passing motorists must vacate the lane closest to the tow truck when driving on a highway with two or more lanes, or slow down to 20 mph under the posted speed limit if the speed limit is over 25 mph, or 5 mph if the speed limit is under 25 mph. The new law, which has been pushed by the towing industry for more than two years, would make violators face a $200 fine with a higher penalty for any damages caused as a result of their violation. These new laws will take effect Sept. 1st. You may read the full bills at www.legis.state.tx.us.

B/A Sponsors Veteran's Car The 24 Hours of LeMons racing series event on June 1819 at Summit Point Raceway included a fundraiser for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The series (www.24hoursoflemons.com) is an endurance race for cars costing $500 or less. As part of their five-car fleet, the Speedycop team built a Mercury Cougar, cosponsored by B/A Products, for vets to drive free of charge, and sold seat time to anyone else who wanted to drive (20 laps for $100). Seat time was completely sold out on Sunday. By the end of the race weekend, more than $6,000 had been raised for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Joplin Still Cleaning Up from Tornado

Joplin, Mo., tornado damage. Photo courtesy of KOMUnews.

Numerous cars and trucks damaged in the Joplin, Mo., tornado in late May still littered the disaster zone in mid-July. Tow companies have been charged with the task of hauling off the 18,000 vehicles. Unclaimed vehicles declared a nuisance as of July 14 created a new wave of activity for area towers.

“From a business standpoint you always want to stay busy. But not of this caliber,” said one tow owner. “Any inoperable vehicles that are still on properties will begin to be picked up,” said a city spokesperson. The city said 457 properties, including vehicles and homes/properties were designated as public nuisances. Source: www.ky3.com.

TOWMAN.COM - August 2011 • 9

Check Out What’s NEW and HOT! No Wheels, No Problem for Tow Cradle

Miller Offers Combined Towing Service Vehicle

If the vehicle is on blocks or has no wheels, the tow is no problem, says Tow Solutions, with the company’spatentpending Collins Hi-Speed Tow Cradle. Tow Solutions partnered with the engineers at Collins Dollies to create the cradle, made for both dollies and wheel lifts. The cradles weigh under 5 lbs., and are claimed safer than using 4x4 boards that can slip. For carrier work, the cradles can prevent damage to the vehicle under-carriage and truck bed.

www.collinsmfgcorp.com Number 200 on Reader Card

Goodyear Wides Save Weight, Increase MPG Goodyear introduced its G392 SSD drive and G394 SST trailer widebase tires for long-haul and regional-haul applications, and feature Fuel Max Technology and DuraSeal Technology. The DuraSeal is a flatprotecting gel-like seal in the tire lining; Fuel Max is claimed to gain up to 5 percent in mpg. The wide-base tires can save more than 1,100 lbs. over a traditional dual assembly, according to the company.

www.goodyeartrucktires.com Number 201 on Reader Card

New H-D Accessories from Miller Miller Industries introduced new accessories for use with heavy-duty units. The Short Axle Fork Kit gets under a front axle easier, offers a tighter and tapered distance to pinch the axle, and the increased width of the forks helps prevent sliding. The 17-metric-ton Pivoting Equalizer Hook takes the power of two winch lines and combines them into one and using a bearing allows you to easily rotate almost any load. The Short Spreader Bar Tube, for use with the Spreader Bar Kit, adds a range of lifting widths (58” , 63” and 68” ) to the original kits in 100” , 105” and 110.”

www.millerind.com

ith the growing demand by many auto clubs for roadside service and battery replacements, many towers have searched for a more versatile vehicle to handle these calls, yet have towing capabilities. Miller Industries has introduced a Towing Service Vehicle to meet the tower’s need. The Miller TSV has aluminum modular boxes with easy access to haul up to 36 batteries, along with storage for other required equipment like an electric air compressor, floor jack, dollies, gas cans and more.

For instances where a tow is still required, the body is equipped with a Holmes 220 Snatcher to haul the vehicle in. The TSV is designed to fit on a 60” CA cab and chassis with a minimum gross vehicle weight of 13,200 lbs. The vehicle can be ordered without the tow unit for installation on a 56” CA, single-rear-wheel truck with an 8,600-lbs. GVW for use as a light service and battery vehicle only. Both units are available with extensive tool and equipment packages.

www.millerind.com Number 203 on Reader Card

Number 202 on Reader Card

10 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

TOWMAN.COM - August 2011 • 11

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August 2011 For more product info, go to www.towman.com and click on the FREE Product info icon. Or circle the corresponding reader service number on the Action Card to the right, and send it in. Form is valid for three months

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Class A CDL Required

by Terry Abejuela Photo by Brendan Dooley

t one time, not that long ago, in some states there were no special requirements to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Anyone with a license to drive an automobile could also drive a tractortrailer or a bus. There is a lot of discussion in the industry on when a tow driver is required to possess a Class A Commercial Drivers License. Driving some commercial motor vehicles requires special knowledge and skills in order to operate them safely. There seems to be a lot of different interpretations of the laws when it comes to what type of license is required to drive and or tow certain vehicles. The way many laws are written leaves them open to different interpretations. Sometimes federal, state and local laws are not consistent.

1986 Safety Act On October 27, 1986, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was signed into law. The goal was to improve highway safety by developing minimum national standards for drivers of large trucks and buses. Prior to this act, commercial drivers were able to obtain CDLs in more than one state, which allowed them to hide or spread convic14 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

tions among several driving records. Some states did not require skills testing in a representative vehicle. The national minimum standards retained the state’s right to issue a CDL to drivers, but set the minimum standards that the state must meet to issue a commercial drivers license. There are three classifications of CDL: A, B and C. The Class A CDL is required if a driver operates any combination of vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, provided that the towed vehicle(s) has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs. or more. The Class B CDL is required if a driver operates any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 lbs. GVWR. The Class C CDL is required if the driver operates any single vehicle or combination of vehicles that does not fall under the Class A or Class B definitions, but is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or is transporting hazardous materials and is required to be placarded.

Application When an individual applies for a CDL or attempts to renew or update their CDL, the state is required to check

the Commercial Drivers License Information System, the National Drivers Register and the state’s own database to verify that the applicant is not disqualified and has not been issued a CDL in another state. If an applicant has been issued a CDL in another state, the state must require the applicant to surrender the CDL from that state before issuing a new CDL. The state must also request the complete driving record from all other states that issued a license to the individual in the past 10 years. The driver applying for a CDL must pass a state-administered knowledge test as well as a skills test in a representative vehicle. The states have the option of exempting individuals from the skills test requirement provided conditions are set to require that the driver applying for the Class A CDL has a current license at the time of application, and has a good driving record and previously passed an acceptable skills test or has a good driving record with certain driving experience. (Minimum national standards have been set for “Good Driving Record” and “Driving Experience.”) The state may allow third-party skills testing and authorize a person, facility, private institution, employer or

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even another state to administer the skills test. The third party must have an agreement with the state containing provisions that allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the state to conduct random inspections and audits without advance notification, evaluation of the tests, and testing a sampling of the drivers tested by the third party. The third-party examiners must meet the same training standards as state examiners. The state reserves the right to take prompt and appropriate action against the third-party testers should the third party fail to comply with state and federal minimum standards for the CDL testing program.

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Endorsements Endorsements are required to operate special types of commercial vehicles, including double/triple trailers, passengers, tank vehicles, hazardous materials, school buses or a combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials. Restrictions can also be placed on the CDL. If a driver fails the air brake component of the knowledge test or takes the skills test in a non-air-brake vehicle, they would be restricted to a commercial vehicle with no air brakes. If the skills test is taken in a commercial vehicle that has an automatic transmission, the license would be restricted to automatic transmission only. Operating a vehicle with air brakes that has a GVWR of 26,000 lbs. or less does not require Class A CDL as long as you do not tow a vehicle that has a GVWR of more than 10,001 lbs. If you tow a vehicle that has a GVWR of 10,001 lbs. or more, you now have a Class A vehicle and you must have Class A CDL with no restriction from air-brake vehicles. The minimum national standards were developed to ensure that drivers issued a CDL who operate large trucks and buses are qualified to operate those vehicles safely, and to remove unqualified and unsafe drivers from the nation’s highways. Terry Abejuela has 30 years of light-duty towing-and-recovery experience. He has also been a light-duty level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association since 1998.

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TOWMAN.COM - August 2011 • 15

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Take Pictures to Cover Your Work

by Matt Thompson Corvette C6. Photo by Alexander Z.

received a call from GEICO about a broken down Corvette in the middle of the road on a major interstate that was blocking traffic. Police were already on-scene. I headed towards the call after writing down all the information and arrived on-scene in about 20 minutes. As I drove past the front of the car in my flatbed, I saw a problem. I turned my work lights on since it was getting dark, put on my reflective vest and grabbed my flashlight and gloves. “Do you think you can get this piece of junk loaded and off my street?” asked the police officer. “If not, you will be the fourth person to turn down this call, and I’m trying to be nice to the guy. If you turn it down then it becomes a State Police call, and they are not going to care about damages.” I assessed the car and confirmed my suspicion it was not stock height. “I can do it,” I said, “but there are only so many boards I carry on my truck. … Where is the customer?” The officer motioned the customer over, who didn’t appear to be in his twenties yet. (I later found out the kid had put a new computer chip in, but

18 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

the chip was not designed for that motor and the chip blew up.) The officer and I explained to the kid the dilemma, and the kid finally agreed to have me tow the Corvette. I had the officer stay as I loaded the car, pulling in the vehicle slowly. I noticed the front bumper starting to first scrape on the cribbing, then the tow bed. Finally the front wheels started their way up the bed. The last thing you want to do is damage a customer’s car. Since I know the kid’s Corvette has a stainless-steel exhaust system, and its mostly one piece, I placed a small sheet of plywood under the exhaust right before it touched pavement. Now the plywood could drag, not the exhaust. Before I loaded the car up, I snapped a few pictures all around the car, including under the bumpers. Once I got the car loaded and strapped down, I told the customer and the officer that I would have to do the same thing again with the cribbing and plywood at the dealership to unload. There were no available parking spots at the dealership, so I unloaded the Corvette right into the service bay.

Again I snapped pictures. I don’t do this on every call, but on odd vehicles, odd situations and damaged vehicles, I make an exception. About three weeks later, GEICO called and said I damaged the kid’s car and they wanted me to pay $5,000 to fix it. I told them what happened with the tow, and sent them copies of the pictures. I then asked if they knew about the lowered suspension. They didn’t. GEICO called back and said their customer never told them about the suspension work, which added credibility to my story. Later, I found out that I was awarded a bonus for that call from GEICO, based on my service and hard work. The customer, who accused me of something I didn’t do, was dropped by the company. Always bring a camera to work and when in doubt, take pictures!

Editor’s note: This story was originally edited by Michael Saks and appeared in the East Coast Truck and Trailer newsletter (www.ectts.com). Used with permission.

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TOWMAN.COM - August 2011 • 19

Big

Red Clay Mires

Crawler

Story and photos by “Rabbit” Pippin

Time Spent Staging Makes Easy Recovery

20 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

n October 2009, I received a call about a John Deere 555 excavator half buried in an old tiff mine near Potosi, Mo., which is an area well known for its red clay. The call came to me on the reference of two other area tow companies. After getting the background information, I went to the scene to further assess and discuss recovery possibilities with the owner. The best extraction route was on a homemade trail about 300 feet from the crawler. We had rock hauled in to build a road and cut down trees to

Got a recovery for AT? Email the details and high-resolution photos to the editor at bdooley@towman.com to be considered for a recovery feature in AT. Your submissions may also be considered for AT's online use and/or a Donnie Cruse Memorial award.

get as close as possible, but never were able to get a straight shot. Once we were set for staging with our ’89 Peterbilt tri-axle with a 60-ton Challenger, we dragged 300 feet of cable through 2-feet-deep red clay and water in the rain. We had to use a snatch block off the truck to a tree to get a straight shot at the crawler, and ran the other line to another tree for extra stability. With all the staging done, the crawler came out quite easily from the 10 feet of red clay it was mired in.

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CAA Donates to Survivor Fund

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Events, Seminars, Exhibits, Hotels: Advance Register here or online at ATExposition.com

AMERICAN T O W M A N EXPOSITION XX III B A L T I M ORE

M A R Y L A N D ' S INNER

H A R BA R

Exhibit Days Nov. 19 & –20, 2011

American Towman Exposition Is Awesome! Wrecker booms are rising to the heavens, and the entire industry is there inside the Baltimore Convention Center: the manufacturers, motor clubs, service companies, and 10,000 towing professionals – like kids in a candy shop – making it the greatest tow show on Earth.

New equipment designs and innovations debut in Baltimore at AT Expo.

Exhibit Days Nov. 19 & –20, 2011

Upgrade Your Towing Business at The American Towman Exposition Tow bosses come to AT Expo for the tools to upgrade

AT Expo offers a host of vendors who specialize in

who cannot justify the overhead of night dispatch.

With 200 tow industry

their towing business to the next plateau. These tools

dispatch systems, either software or Internet based,

AT Expo is all about finding vendors who will do a

suppliers exhibiting

are found on the show floor, in the seminar rooms,

that can elevate the way you manage the whole ball-

better job for you at less cost, or greater value, and

products and services

and among the many networking events of the Expo-

game: call-assignment efficiency, tow-operator pro-

those that offer services that will drive down your

inside the Baltimore

sition.

ductivity, call-segment analysis. These dispatch

costs. For example, on-board camera systems that

Convention Center, the American Towman Exposition is your

Upgrading the fleet is certainly one reason why tow

greatest opportunity to explore ways in which you can

bosses trek to Baltimore. Manufacturers of wreckers,

improve your operation and make it more profitable.

carriers, trailers and truck chassis exhibit inside the

Several dispatch system companies are exhibiting and demonstrating at Expo.

Baltimore Con-

AT Expo is great

vention Center,

for scouting out

and they are

what’s new in the

there to sell. AT

marketplace.

Expo is a buyer’s

There are several

market with

companies ex-

everything under

hibiting ready to

one roof!

help you finance equipment. Maybe

Several trailer manufacturers exhibit.

Kicking your call

it’s a carrier or

volume up a notch

even a low boy trailer; maybe a specific part or

through motor-club work is another reason towers

200 exhibiting suppliers: a chance for a strategic approach to key products and services and the people behind them.

go to AT Expo. With 14 motor clubs exhibiting on the

system providers demonstrate these wonders at their

will reduce fraudulent claims from motorists.

show floor, tow bosses have an opportunity to mine

booths on the show floor.

You can upgrade your business so that all the red tape of running a towing operation is managed without angst.

for more business, as well as strengthen their relationships with clubs they already do business with.

At AT Expo there are also vendors that specialize in

AT Expo offers vendors that help your company reduce

dispatch services, particularly for tow companies

the time and cost of managing the lien process.

Only in Baltimore can you meet with all the manufacturers of wreckers, carriers, chassis, service trucks and trailers and compare...

Exhibit hours are on Saturday and Sunday, November 19-20.

accessory; you can drive home your new equipment or have it shipped home from the exhibit floor.

Two Big Show Days, Saturday and Sunday! To get the most out of AT Expo, plan on being on show floor both days: Sat. 11-6 pm, Sun. 11-5 pm

Check out AT Expo’s roster of exhibitors at ATExposition.com

AT Expo Boosts Your Critical-Business Segments AT Expo helps boost the tower’s

Towman. The Rite of Passage and the

relationship with key business segments;

pinning of the Cross of the Order

police, commercial, and motor club.

holds a mystique for an industry that is bonded with the police in serving

Seminars on Police-Tower

the motor-

Relationships and Rotation

ing public.

Systems motivate those who tow for the town to

On the show floor, towers

reassess their home strat-

will come across 14

egy. Other seminars, like

exhibiting motor clubs

Accident Cleanup and GPS

and call providers. By

tie into the police-tower

meeting with the club

relationship and working it

representatives, tow busi-

to the tower’s advantage.

ness owners can find new

The AT Academy tract of

allies and shore up old

seminars on recovery as

ones, with hundreds of

well as the DC Recovery

thousands of dollars at

Conference will help your

stake for the average tow

company excel before

company.

police and fire officials. The show floor is not the Meanwhile, police chiefs

only place where tow

across the nation are par-

bosses mingle with motor

ticipating with American

club management. Towers

Towman by nominating

will have an opportunity

towers for the Order of

Police chiefs around the nation are nominating towers for the Cross of the Order.

during the many events to meet up with the men and

women who can influence call volume. The American Towman Academy is helping tow bosses to explore their potential with motor clubs through seminars like Managing Club Calls and the smart phone revolution that address tower-motor club dispatch and billing processes. The commercial sector is also critical to the success of individual towing companies. AT Academy is offering seminars that help tow bosses score with commercial accounts; John Borowski’s seminars on Seminars on the Police-Tower relationship, GPS, and Dispatch are geared to help towing operations work more effectively with police.

14 motor clubs and call providers exhibit on the show floor where the tow boss can make critical contacts. Thinking Outside The Box: Building Commercial Accounts, and DJ Harrington’s seminar on Using Rating To Win Accounts are two must-attend sessions. And the Academy’s dispatch seminars will touch on how your dispatcher can help build your business.

Towers meet with management at a motor club booth to discuss business at AT Expo.

Motor Clubs/ Call Provider Booths AAA Allstate Roadside Services Asurion Copart Cross Country (CCAS) FleetNet America GEICO National Automobile Club National Motor Club Nation Safe Drivers Quest Towing Services Road America USAC-MD

There are two sides to AT Expo: the business side and the events of celebration. The business side kicks off with the famous Captains of Industry

Recovery specialists will want to take part in the DC Recovery Conference/Luncheon and the critiques of the recoveries that win the Donnie Cruse Recovery Awards ... also the six recovery-related seminars of the American Towman Academy.

Conference, featuring a keynote address that will awaken and excite you on the developments of dispatch, GPS, smart phones and the Internet ... a theme that carries over to the American Towman Academy.

Check out the American Towman Exposition on Facebook

The Donnie Cruse Recovery Awards are co-sponsored by Miller Industries and B/A Products.

Nov. 17 - –20, 2011

Nov. 17 –- 20, 2011

Five Tracks and 30 Seminars To Fuel Your Towing Business

$75 Passport gets you into all seminars. Passport holders enjoy complimentary breakfasts, all three mornings.

Track 1: Business Opportunities Turning Clean-up into a Revenue Source

Expanding into Auto Repair

The Challenges Facing Today’s Repossessor

Option one is to start up a separate company that operates to cleanup after a roadway incident. Option two is setting up a protocol that bills out separately for clean-up work. Either option must take the right approach with the insurance companies. John Borowski, Amber Energy Services, Saturday 10 a.m.

Diversifying into full service for profit. This seminar reveals secrets to creating a 30 percent net auto repair business that’s compatible with your existing business. You’ll discover the systems you’ll need and the numbers to watch to keep your service bays busy and your cash profits rolling in. Matt Winslow, Automotive Training Institute, Friday 9 a.m.

The perils, pitfalls and impediments to today’s professional repossessor. The presentation will cover current events, legislation (state and federal) and case law that effect the repossession industry. Conducted by Mike Howk, RSIG, 3 hours on Friday 4–7 p.m.

Auto Auctions: Do it Yourself

New Club Opportunities

Some towers around the nation have kicked up their usable revenue by running their own auctions. Find out not only why you make more money this way, per car, but about the other benefits that come with being your own auctioneer. Conducted by veteran tow boss, Gary Coe, Speed’s SuperTow, Sunday 9 a.m.

Maximize your fleet with two new Cross Country programs. Get in on photo documentation of damaged vehicles and expand your service territory through an Internet bidding system. Learn how Cross Country’s new ViewPoint and Cross Country Bids programs work to your advantage. Mathew Capozzi, Jeannine Booton, Cross Country Automotive Services, Sunday 10 a.m.

The Road Service Option You’re already serving truck accounts, so now what does it take to offer roadside repair to these same companies? Conducted by Jim Heward, Cumberland Towing. Friday 4 p.m.

Business Opportunites is sponsored by Dynamic Towing & Equipment Mfg.

American Towman Academy Track 2: Increasing Your Core Business Effective Marketing in the Internet Age

The Police-Tower Relationship

Towing companies are adding auto service to survive. This session reveals marketing secrets to keep your service bays busy and your cash profits rolling in. Discover how to use web 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 to reach the customers you want now! Matt Winslow, Automotive Training Institute, Saturday 10 a.m.

This veteran tow business manager and former CHiP knows what both sides want and expect. The police department can make or break you on rotation or single contract. It can be extremely demanding of your services. Keep the police on your side. Randall Resch, AT, Friday 11 a.m.

Finding Profit Killers Identify where the profit killers are in your facility: Operations (people and processes), Capital Assets (Trucks & Equipment), and Customers. Learn how to avoid or fix these profit killers now. Andrew de la Chapelle, USFleetTracking, Friday 4 p.m.

The Smart Phone Revolution Smart phones and tablets like BlackBerry, iPhone, iPad, Xoom, etc., will allow you to receive calls from motor clubs, dispatch them to your drivers, track truck and incident locations in real time, assist navigation via audible turn-by-turn instructions, print invoices, retrieve towing instructions from TowSpec, scan VINs and capture signatures from the front seat of a truck. Want to keep up? Todd Althouse, Beacon Software, Friday 9 a.m.

Track 3: Fleet Strategy and Utilization Alternative Fuels Ever-increasing fuel costs are prompting many tow operators to transition their fleet to Natural Gas Vehicles, which deliver superior performance, quieter operation and 30 percent to 50 percent lower fuel costs. Other alternative fuels and trends are discussed as well as available trucks, economics and steps to successful transition. Stephen Yborra, NGV America, Friday 10 a.m.

Fleet Strategy & Utilization, Wreckers to Lowboys Are your tow trucks on the road or sitting in a lot? Do you know when you should buy a new unit and are you sure which type of unit you should add to your fleet: wrecker, carrier, service truck or lowboy? There are many variables. Three veteran fleet owners help you sort it all out. John Borowski, Bill Johnson, Jeremy Procon, Sunday 9 a.m.

Thinking Outside the Box Building your commercial base is as simple as looking right under your nose. According to this veteran tow boss, aka Mr. Industry, you just have to start expanding your perspective beyond the obvious account types. You need to think outside the box. John Borowski, Amber Energy Services, Friday 10 a.m.

Use Your Rating to Your Advantage The “Tow Doctor” discusses getting your towing operation rated by the American Towman Standards Authority; how it works; and how you can use it to win commercial accounts, municipal contracts and lower insurance premiums. D.J. Harrington, ATSA, Friday 9 a.m.

Bold Leadership Impacts Your Bottom Line A seminar to inspire greatness. Learn essential keys of leadership for productive teamwork that meets everyone’s needs; understand knowledge of attributes, challenges, and styles of effective leaders. To take home skills for “best practices” that translates into a more profitable workplace. Stacy Tucker, Chico Towing, Sunday 9 a.m.

Gas Vs. Diesel The new emissions laws have resulted in more expensive diesel trucks, making the gas powered chassis an option for towers to look closer at. Todd Kaufman, Ford Commercial Truck, Saturday 9 a.m.

GPS: Maximizing the Power of Your Fleet This session on the impact of GPS technology will address using GPS to increase productivity and make more money, increasing response times with auto-dispatch and navigation, matching customers to drivers and efficiently routing them, providing motor clubs with verified data to get paid quicker, lowering operating costs, and integrating GPS with your towing software program. Andres Bejerano, Traxxis GPS, Friday 6 p.m.

Managing Your Fuel Expenses How to effectively manage your fuel expenses and protect your business from rising fuel costs. Steve Fowler of 360FuelCard.com, Sean Jimenez of Prolock, with Cross Country Automotive Services. Saturday 8 a.m.

Fleet Strategy & Utilization is sponsored by Cross Country Automotive Services

Nov. 17 - –20, 2011

Academy Passport gets you into all seminars of any and all tracks! And breakfast to boot! Track 4: Managing Critical Processes Discovery Workshop

Lien on Me!

Are the issues preventing you from running a smooth, profitable, customer-oriented operation the same as other big towing companies? This is a participatory workshop; together we find solutions to issues and problems you have in common with others joining the session. Jim Weaver, Tracker Management, Friday 11 a.m.

The focus is on liens and the lien notification process. Find out how to get traction in notifying owners and lien holders when their vehicle is on your lot. Benefit from experts who provide services as well as discussion with peers who can share tricks of the trade to ensure a more efficient process. Jim Taylor, AutoDataDirect, Friday 5 p.m.

The Dispatcher Should Build Your Business

NMVTIS Reporting

Sure, we all want a great personality matched with efficiency in our dispatcher. But it’s all in the details, from knowing when your words are helping to sell your company to knowing how to determine where the broken-down car is located. Conducted by Dave Emmons, ProDispatch Service, Friday 11 a.m.

This session will provide you with a better understanding of the recent Department of Justice clarification on reporting of junk and salvage vehicles to the national database. Find out what types of vehicles must be reported, time frames and the various systems to report your data. Jim Taylor, AutoDataDirect, Saturday 8 a.m.

Dispatch Dynamics: The Failure to Communicate All too often in the tow industry messages are sent one way and received another way. This seminar focuses on the art of communication as it pertains to the tow customer. How to keep your customer on track, while getting the information you need for a successful dispatch. Conducted by Dave Emmons, ProDispatch Service, Saturday 9 a.m.

Managing Motor Club Calls This workshop will show you how to improve your efficiency with automation when dealing with motor clubs. Learn how to eliminate lost calls, how to bill and reconcile your invoices. Learn how to analyze the cost of doing business with the motor clubs. Shon Allen, SSCS/Digital Dispatch, Saturday 8 a.m.

Risk Management: Don’t be Blindsided Getting Recovery Bills Paid This veteran towman has built one of the nation’s most profitable businesses by knowing how to bill out and collect on recovery work. He identifies areas you may not be charging for and discusses how to collect from insurance companies. Bob Foquette, Recovery Billing, Saturday 9 a.m.

This presentation will point out risk management best practices and fundamental considerations every tow owner/operator should understand. It will highlight what you can do better to protect the business you’ve worked so hard to create. Conducted by Mike Harding, Markel Corp., Saturday 10 a.m.

Track 5: Towing and Recovery Air Cushion Dynamics

Know Your Rigging

Critiques of award winning recoveries using air cushions, including in-depth discussion on underwater recovery. Howard Eagan, John Sweezy Jr., Matjack, Saturday 8 a.m.

Understand the numbers behind the equipment you use: chain, shackles, straps and wire rope all have ratings built into them. This seminar will make you a knowledgeable buyer. David Bouvia, WreckMaster, Saturday 10 a.m.

Pitfalls of Rollover Recovery You can roll over cars with wreckers and rollbacks, with or without side winching gear. This seminar is about identifying the pitfalls in rollover work. Terry Abejuela, AT, Sunday 10 a.m.

The Path to Recovery Success Understand the dynamics of recovery through the eyes of WreckMaster’s senior lead instructor. Terry will explain weights and resistance regarding their effect on winching and uprighting procedures. Terry Humelsine, WreckMaster, Friday 10 a.m.

Overcoming Damage Claims Through Education Damage claims are a major issue for towing services in our industry; find out what piece of equipment causes the most damage and why. You will learn ways to improve efficiency and safety and reduce your exposure. Scott Aey, WreckMaster, Sunday 9 a.m.

Recovery Theater This legendary trainer critiques challenging recoveries on the big screen, some successful and some that go awry. Tom Luciano, Miller Industries with Nick Ovenden, Friday 5-7 p.m.

Towing and Recovery is sponsored by Miller Industries.

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The Industry Soars on Festival Night Where else in the world will

Many tow bosses treat their tow

you hear tales of heroic

operators to Festival Night so

towers putting their lives on

they understand why they

the line in the most challenging

should be proud to be towers.

circumstances? Towers who

Many come with their wives and

brave car fires to extricate

significant others for a

motorists, who dive into

moment of celebration, and yes,

freezing waters to save babies,

a little romance, perhaps a slow

who run past flying bullets to

dance or two to the Festival

rescue kids, who rappell down

Night Band. Some bring their

mountains and bridges to save truckers. Where else will you

Pops and Moms who towed in AT Publisher Dennie Ortiz bequeaths the American Towman Medal for “The Simple Act of Bravery.”

the day where such respect and

hear these stories?

The Towman Order salutes the American Towman Medal Recipients during the March of the Heroes.

Where else will you see towing professionals

recognition was never dreamed of. Some bring their

march in ceremonial tribute to salute their

kids, not just to show them how special a tower is that

fellow towers? Where else will you find hundreds

he is bequeathed such honors as a Medal, but be-

of your peers gathered to celebrate the finest

cause the festivities are for all ages and for that kid in

spirit that resides in all of us?

all of us.

Festival Night, November 19th, 2011. It is the

Festival Night Dinner Ticket

event the dedicated towing professional will

with advance registration:

cherish their entire life. In placing the American

$55 per person.

Towman Medal around the necks of towers

Limited ticket availability

who have performed “the Simple Act of Bravery,”

during on-site registration

we are recognizing the unsung hero that resides

at $75 per ticket.

in all of us who tow on these perilous roadways.

To nominate a Hero email scalitri@towman.com. Acquire your Festival Night tickets today through advance-registration.

Nov. 17 - 20, 2011

Dual-Tech sponsors the American Wrecker Pageant.

The American Wrecker Pageant at AT Expo is the world’s largest wrecker pageant, a truck show unto itself with its very own hall inside the Baltimore Convention Center. More than 60 contestants show off the most incredible wreckers with the most amazing hand-painted graphics and most creative wraps to custom hood ornaments, deckcontrol levers and more. The American Wrecker Pageant has broken towing’s word of mouth barrier (competitive towers just don’t talk much amongst themselves) and wrecker owners have come from as far as the Pacific Ocean to compete with their “babies,” hoping to bring back one of the pageant’s legendary Silver Trophies. Nov. 17-20, 2011 Whether you enter a truck in the pageant or not, you’ll marvel at the creative presentations. You may

You’ll see mountains, deserts, rivers and oceans. You’ll see dragon slayers and knights in armor.

see war memorials and city landscapes, and the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Bugs Bunny and the Incredible Hulk. You’ll see mountains, deserts, rivers and oceans. You’ll see dragon slayers and knights in armor. This year, when you cast your ballot, you’ll do so with the Pageant’s new electronic voting system. A vote that may win you one of the Exposition’s grand prizes! The 2011 American Wrecker Pageant is proudly sponsored by Dual-Tech, an independent manufacturer of carriers and wreckers.

Round Trip Air Fares to Baltimore* Atlanta $222 Boston $108 Buffalo $118 Chicago $248 Dallas $288 Denver $278 Detroit $218 Los Angeles $348 Miami $182 Minneapolis $304 Milwaukee $244 Orlando $178 St. Louis $266 San Francisco $390 Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is the networking mecca

like Big Bertha’s at Fell’s Point or the Baltimore Brew-

of the towing industry. It’s where towers meet to talk

ery by Little Italy, and certainly at the Pratt Street Ale

shop and play, both inside the Baltimore Convention

House across the street from the Convention Center.

Get around on the many water taxis or enjoy lunch on the Towman Cruise.

Toronto $473 Tulsa $178 *BWI (Baltimore Washington Int’l Airport), prices subject to change.

Center and out. You’ll likely run into towers at the B&O Railroad Networking is about making friends and alliances

Museum a few blocks away and Friday on the

among suppliers and peers. Yes, your peers. Don’t

Towman Cruise or at the National Aquarium, right

worry, there are thousands of tow business owners

on Harbor Place.

Fell’s Point, full of unique shops and pubs, is on the harbor. Towers walk or ride the water taxi to Fell’s Point.

here who don’t compete in your home area. In fact, towers come from all 50 states and 20 nations!

AT Expo is also a chance to meet with new suppliers that can help your business, as well as an opportu-

You’ll meet other tow business owners who face the

nity to put faces to those voices you’ve relied upon

same challenges you do, in places like the Hard Rock

for years.

Cafe during Miller Rocks on Friday Night, or the Cross Street Tobacco Shop, or

American Towman Exposition is because in all their

Saturday during Festival

travels they never find any place like Baltimore’s

Night. You’ll run into the

Inner Harbor for its magnificence, its great food, its

most diverse array of tow

shops and clubs, its old ships and submarines ... and

industry professionals in pubs Nov. 17-20, 2011

One of the reasons why towers keep returning to the

Miller Industries sponsors the Friday Night Bull & Pig Roast, Miller Rocks!

the camaraderie.

Advance-register on the back page or online at ATExposition.com

Miller Rocks, the Friday Night Bull & Pig Roast, at the Hard Rock Cafe and harborside tent is the industry’s biggest bash.

Celebrate! The American Towman Triumph is about our achievements, our success, our indefatigable spirit. In ancient Rome, conquering generals and their armies were awarded with a “Triumph” as they marched victoriously into the great city. They were feted with cheering crowds, games and feasts. On Sunday, November 20, AT celebrates all that’s great about our industry, and the individual towing companies that continue to endure. Time to take stock of how you have succeeded where others have fallen by the wayside. Your hard work and intelligence, sacrifice and tenacity. Your dedication to those you serve. If these words ring true, then you are invited to join in American Towman’s Triumph.

Participate in the Triumph in the ways you wish. You may join the March of Towmen into the exhibit hall at 11 a.m. , and if you choose, with the Triumph’s Ceremonial Scarf (see Souvenirs page). You will be pampered by masseuses and masseurs on the show floor as you explore the hall and the 200 exhibitors and more than 700 booths. You may join in American Towman’s Chocolate Decadence on the show floor at 3 p.m. or be one of hundreds of prize winners among those attendees in the hall on Sunday afternoon. If the Triumph sounds a little bit hokey, you may want to sleep off that recovery you did last night, and start smelling the roses. Just keep your head up high as you enter the 23rd American Towman Exposition.

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AT Expo Souvenirs AT Expo Hotel Perks AT Expo’s headquarters hotel, the Marriott Waterfront, is right on the Inner Harbor with free shuttle service to the Convention Center. Expo guests receive 10% off all food/meal and gift purchases and special drink discounts. The following events take place at the Waterfront: Festival Night, Order of Towman Ceremony, DC Recovery Conference and Luncheon, Exhibitor Hospitality, Captains of Industry Conference. Expo attendees staying at the Rennaissance Hotel will receive a free souvenir AT Expo coffee mug and free coffee! Attendees staying at the Marriott Inner Harbor will receive a free souvenir AT Expo drinking cup, a complimentary Nacho Bar reception Thursday night at 6 p.m. with discount drinks. These three hotels offer AT Expo guests free Internet access. All AT Expo hotels listed on the registration page will sell out! If you need accomodations, choose your hotel and advance register now!

The Triumph’s Ceremonial Scarf

Official AT Expo Beer Stein The Official Beer Stein of the American Towman Exposition, titled “The Industry Soars,” is being custom manufactured in Germany for American Towman Magazine. The artwork will be baked into the porcelain ware and you will be able to drink from it and wash it time and again. There are two Latin phrases on the stein. Below the top rim is the inscription: vehiculum recuperatio professio spectaculum, which translates as “vehicle recovery trade spectacle.” Inside the Towman Monument show emblem are the words: industria heroica, which translates as “industrious and heroic,” or “heroic industry.” “The Industry Soars” beer stein is available for free only to advance registrants of the American Towman Exposition who subscribe to American Towman Magazine ($45) with this registration form or the Expo online registration form; a current subscriber would extend his or her subscription by one year (12 issues). This official AT Expo Beer Stein will be at the Baltimore Convention Center for pickup on Saturday and Sunday, November 19-20. Those qualifying must be present at the Convention Center to pick up the stein. After this promotion, a limited number of steins will be put on sale for $75 each.

This beautiful cloth scarf can be purchased through advance registration for those choosing to be part of the exhibit hall’s day-two opening ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 20. The artistic design of the scarf will reflect various images and icons of AT Expo XXIII. Only $10 through advance registration. Your scarf will be waiting for you at the Convention Center on Sunday morning. This is a mock-up of the actual stein that is in production. The stein’s lid will feature a customsculpted wrecker in pewter on each stein.

custom sculptured wrecker in pewter will be part of the stein’s lid

EXHIBITORs 1-800-Rescue 911 AAA AASP/PA Access Tools Allstate Roadside Services American Express Open American Towman Standards Auth. AmeriDeck American Towman Magazine Anchor Graphics Astralease Associate Asurion Roadside Assistance AutoDataDirect AW Direct B / A Products Bad Dog Tools Beacon Funding Beacon Software Car-Part.com Century Chevron Code 3 Commercial Safety Services Condor Products Copart Auto Auctions Cross Country Automotive Svc. Crouch's Wrecker & Equipment Sales Custer Products Danco Products DewEze Mfg. D. G. Towing Equipment Dual-Tech Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg. East Penn Sales Excel Sportswear Extreme Toys Federal Signal Flash Equipment FleetNet America Flitz International Ford Commercial Truck Free State Nam Knights G&S Safety Products Gaither Tool. Co GEICO GM Fleet/Commercial Gulf Atlantic Supply Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel Happy Feet Hino Motor Sales USA Holmes IGTC (Ind. Gar. & Tow Contractors) Illumination Promotions InSight USA Insurance Auto Auctions In The Ditch Towing Products Integrated Veh. Equip. Leasing Intek Truck & Equipment Leasing Int’l Tow. & Rec. Hall of Fame & Museum Jerr-Dan Corporation Junk my Car Kalyn Siebert Landoll Corporation Lift And Tow Lodar Lynch Chicago Martens Johnson Insurance Massage Corner Matheny Motors Truck Co. Matjack/International Wreckers Miller Industries Minute Man Manufacturing Muncie Power Products Nation Safe Drivers (NSD) National Automobile Club

National Motor Club (Coach-Net) Navistar / International Truck NBB Controls NRC Industries Olson & Company Penny Pockets Permco Hydraulics Phoenix USA Photo Card Specialists Pierce Arrow Pillow Protection Corporation Powerhouse Industries Professional Dispatch Service Progressive Commercial Insurance Pro-Vision Video Systems Purpose Wrecker Sales Quest Towing Services Ram Trucks Ramsey Winch Ranger SST RC Industries Recovery Billing Unlimited RMP Powertrain Solutions Road America Robert Young Wrecker Sales R•O•M Corporation Rontan of North America Rush Towing Systems Safetyline Service Station Computer Systems SVP/Star Headlight & Lantern Co. Slick Top Solutions SoundOﬀ Signal Sovereign Bank/Santander Steck Mfg. Stertil-Koni, USA Super Springs International Superwinch T.R.A.A. T.R.P.M. Talbert Mfg. TCF Equipment Finance Tech International Teletrac The Insurance Professionals TIS / Transportation Info Systems TNT Insurance Agency Tow Canada Tow Dawg Software Towing.com towPartners TowWithRope.com towXchange Tracker Management Systems Trail-Eze / Dakota Mfg. Transfer Flow Travis Barlow Insurance Traxxis GPS Solutions Trinity Transportation Services Trucker's Guide Tulsa Winch (DP Winch) UD Trucks North America USAC-MD USFleetTracking Vulcan Warn Industries West End Service Whelen Engineering Will-Burt Company Wireless Matrix Worldwide Equipment WreckMaster Zip's Truck Equipment Partial exhibitor list, as of June 15

sponsors CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY

BULL & PIG ROAST “Miller Rocks!”

AMERICAN WRECKER PAGEANT

FESTIVAL NIGHT

AT EXPO FOOD COURT “Jerr-Dan Diner”

A.T. ACADEMY

DONNIE AWARDS

INFORMATION BOOTH

SHOW BAGS

REGISTRATION COUNTER

ACE AWARDS

EXPO INFO CARD

LEGENDARY HOSPITALITY

Quick & easy registration here or online at ATExposition.com

Register Today ... no later than September 30th $ave on Events, Seminars & Hotels • Avoid On Site Lines! AT Expo: Fax: 845-986-5181 • Mail: 7 West Street, Warwick, NY 10990 • Phone: 800-732-3869 / 845-986-4546 x214 • Online: www.ATExposition.com

By advance-registering, the “Boss” and one guest are admitted free to Exhibit Hall. $5 fee applies to all others. Kids under 14 free.

1st Registered Name: " 2nd Registered Name: "

" 3rd Registered Name ($5): "

4th Registered Name ($5): "

" Title " Title "Title "Title

Company: Show Special

Address: City:

State:

Phone:

Zip:

Fax:

E-mail:

PLEASE CHECK BOXES BELOW

First time at Expo:

Yes

2. Secondary business (check those that apply):

check off boxes

3. No. Employees:

1-5

EVENT SIGN-UP

Distributor Equip Other______________

Truck Repair Auto Body Shop Service Station Auto/Truck Dealership Vehicle Leasing

Towing/Recovery Auto Repair/Serv. Ctr. Repossession Transport/Trailer Serv. Salv/Auto Parts

6-10

11-20

Country:

21-50

51-100

100+

1. Is your Primary business Towing/Recovery :

Yes

4. Check one that best describes your purchasing authority: I authorize/approve purchases No authority I recommend 5. No. tow trucks in fleet: 1-3 4-7 8-12 13-16 17+ 6. Types of tow trucks in fleet (check those that apply): Light Duty Wrecker Heavy Duty Wrecker Transport/Trailers Medium Duty Wrec. Carriers Class 7/8 Tractor Service Vehicle Rotators

AT EXPO: Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 17-20 • Baltimore, MD

PRICING

Subscribe to American Towman (or extend your current subscription) and receive the Official AT Expo Beer Stein on show floor. Advance-Registrants Only

FILL IN PRICE

EXHIBIT HALL !" %, 11 am - 6 pm • " %, 11 am - 5 pm, Nov. 19-20. You’ll need both days to take in all exhibits & your badge is good for both days! Yes, please advance register me for the exhibit hall. 1st & 2nd registrants are free: addt’l $5 each. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5 per person $ ___________ ACADEMY PASSPORT! All Seminars, Nov. 18-20 (Includes complimentary breakfast Friday, Saturday, & Sunday) ............. $75 per person $ ___________ 1st registrant 2nd registrant 3rd registrant 4th registrant (register now and save: fee rises to $95 on-site) AMERICAN WRECKER PAGEANT Sponsor: Dual-Tech, Fri.-Sun., November 18-20 $100/$150 $ ___________ Check class you will compete in - one vehicle per class and two per company. Trucks must enter Fri. and stay in hall until Sun., 5 pm $100:

Light (pre-2010)

Light (2010-11)

Med

Vintage (Pre-1985) $150:

HD Single Axle

HD Tandem

Rotator

Carrier

CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY DINNER & CONFERENCE Thurs. Nov. 17, 6:30 pm. Sponsored by American Towman Magazine, Marriott Waterfront Hotel; Surf ‘n Turf Dinner and Legendary Captains Long Table Limit: two people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$75 per person TOWMAN HUNT-SKEET SHOOT Friday, 9 am, Nov. 18. Includes shooting fees, lunch and transportation. # of People _____ $75 per shooter HARBOR LUNCH CRUISE Friday, 12:30 pm Board, Depart 1:00 pm, Nov. 18, # of People _____ $45 per person DC RECOVERY CONFERENCE/LUNCHEON Sponsors: Miller Industries, B/A Products; Marriott Waterfront Hotel Fri., Nov. 18, 12:30 pm., features Donnie Cruse Recovery Awards and critiques of the winning recoveries. # of People _____ $45 per person FESTIVAL NIGHT American Towman Presents: March of the Heroes, Towman Order Salute, American Towman Medal, Marriott Waterfront Hotel Saturday, Nov. 19, 7:30 pm Features Gourmet Dinner and Entertainment # of People _____ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$55 per person TOWMAN TRIUMPH Sunday Celebration on show floor, free # of People _____ TRIUMPH’S CEREMONIAL SCARF ...... $10 per scarf AT SUBSCRIPTION W/PREMIUM GIFT OF AT EXPO BEER STEIN Order: one year/one stein two years/two steins........ $45/one year AT Expo Beer Stein(s) must be picked up Saturday or Sunday on the show floor.

TOTAL

$ __________ $ ___________ $ ___________ $ __________ $ __________ $ ___________ $ ___________

$ __________

BULL & PIG ROAST AT THE HARD ROCK Miller Rocks! at the Hard Rock Café: Free! Sponsor: Miller Industries, Friday, Nov. 18: 7:30 #_______ people.

PAYMENT INFO: Credit Card#:

Exp. Date:

Name on credit card

Signature Required:

Check(s) Enclosed $______ (Registration, Event & Item fees payable to AT Exposition)

HOTEL RESERVATION REQUEST

Make out separate hotel check to BACVA if not using credit card (1st night amount only)

Hotel check enclosed $_____________

Guarantee reservation to credit card above

Arrival Date:______________, 2011 - Depart Date: _______________, 2011 Special Requests ____________________________________________________________________________ If reserving more than one room please list names for each room: # of Rooms __________ # of Guests in each room ___________ # of beds _________ Room #1___________________________________________ Room #2____________________________________________ Room #3__________________________________________ HOTEL CHOICE - Please write in your 1st, 2nd, & 3rd choice hotels below. You will be emailed your confirmation. MARRIOTT WATERFRONT

___Marriott Waterfront Hotel • $172 Sgl/Dbl AMERICAN TOWMAN HEADQUARTERS HOTEL, 4-Star, harborview, fitness center, restaurant/bar. Shuttle Service to Convention Center. Non-smoking hotel, CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY, FESTIVAL NIGHT, TOWMAN ORDER CEREMONY, AND DONNIE AWARDS LUNCHEON TAKE PLACE HERE! GUESTS RECEIVE 10% OFF FOOD / MEAL PURCHASES AT WATERFRONT H OTEL R ESTAURANTS AND R OOM S ERVICE & FREE INTERNET

___Marriott Inner Harbor • $172 Sgl/Dbl One block from Conv. Ctr., fitness center, restaurant, non-smoking hotel. "# $ " " ! !

! %

___Renaissance Harborplace Hotel • $172 Sgl/Dbl Balt. 2011 Balt2010

4-Star, rooms w/harborview, fitness center, restaurant/bar, connected to Mall. Three blocks from Conv. Ctr. Non-smoking hotel. ! % "# $ " ! ! ___Days Inn Inner Harbor • $125 Sgl/Dbl Across from Conv. Ctr., bar & grill, fitness ctr.

___Sheraton Inner Harbor • $164 Sgl/Dbl, $185 T One block from Conv. Ctr. with a catwalk, indoor pool, fitness center.

___Holiday Inn Inner Harbor • $129 Sgl/Dbl, $154 T One block from Conv. Ctr., indoor pool, fitness center.

___Radisson Plaza Lord Baltimore • $119 Sgl/Dbl/T Three blocks from Conv. Ctr., bar & grill, fitness center.

___Hilton Baltimore • $189 Sgl/Dbl, $209 T Next to Conv. Ctr. with a Catwalk, pool, fitness center.

___Best Western • $109 Sgl/Dbl Located two miles from Harbor, Shuttle to Conv. Ctr., breakfast included

& &$5 23(1,1* 722/6 $5 23(1,1* 722/6 AUTO-OP

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Working Through the

Bugs by Mikel E. Janitz

T PTOs, Part Two: Troubleshooting

50 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

roubleshooting a PTO’s performance, or that of any other mobile system, requires focus, planning and expertise. The two main troubleshooting areas are mechanical and electrical. Mechanical problems center on parts, whether they are missing, installed wrong or in the wrong location, and incorrect parts. Electrical issues may include wrong or omitted parts, bad connections, and poor grounding. (One other major area are the hydraulics and pneumatics and their relationship to electrical and mechanical processes.) Where to start is important. Focus on the mechanical and electrical aspects as they relate to and interact with the hydraulic and pneumatic

meshing with the transmission gear. PTOs have an indicator light mounted in the cab; check to make sure it is connected and functional. If all of the PTO components are accounted for and properly installed, it is time to focus on the electrical side.

Electrical

Use a continuity meter to verify ground issues.

circuits. Look at the system as a whole. Study the system drawings or schematics. Thinking through the system will provide the best course of action. Before working around or under any vehicle, make sure the vehicle engine is off and equipment has cooled down. Working near rotating parts is very dangerous. Use safe practices before any work is carried out under the vehicle. Chock the wheels, remove the keys and apply lockout tags. Adhere to all safety warnings and precautions. Studying the system from start to end first works for mechanical, electrical or hydraulic debugging. This technique is known as the divide-andconquer method.

Mechanical First, focus on the mechanical side. Identify what is not working. For example, is the auxiliary equipment not rotating, not building pressure, leaking or not flowing? Start at the end of the system and work your way back toward the PTO. You might find it is not the PTO. Look for anything missing. Do the splines match and are they engaged? Or is the woodruff key missing from the output shaft. Are all the fasteners in place and tight? If it is a cable shift, confirm that the shift lever moves far enough to properly engage. If it is an electric shift, make sure the wires are connected. If it is air shift, confirm that there is a minimum of 65 psi of air pressure. Determine if the input gear is

Again, make sure the engine is off and there are no rotating components. Start at the furthest end of the system and check electrical connections. Work your way back toward the PTO. Are components showing any signs of cracks or defects? If bad parts are found, replace them with new parts from the manufacturer. Do not substitute used. That practice is problematic and extremely difficult to ensure reliability. Next, trace the wire routing and remove or fix any kinks or pinched

The two main troubleshooting areas are mechanical and electrical. wires. Pinched wires cause grounding. Make sure wires don’t touch exhaust pipes. Wires too close to a heat source can melt and ground. Also, inspect each connection to ensure there is adequate contact. Use a continuity meter to verify routings and ground issues. If wires were crimped, make sure the insulation was removed and connected firmly to bare wire. Poor connections can become hot spots later and are more susceptible to corrosion. Step back and take a minute to review the system and the schematic. Ensure you have all switches, sensors and other electrical parts in place. Confirm they are secure in their location. Verify connections are not loose or disconnected altogether. Omitting parts, poor connections, jumping wires or using inferior substitutes will reduce your performance.

PTO indicator light is mounted in the cab; make sure it is functional.

Then you will find yourself back under the vehicle fixing what you should have done right the first time. Another important point to mention is PTO integration with the ECM; it is vital the PTO is properly “plugged in.” Check the connection and routing.

Hydraulic It’s important to review the hydraulic and pneumatic system. Troubleshoot their circuitry, fittings, line orientation and interaction with the mechanical and electrical systems. Isolate components and test where possible, one at a time. Verify proper fittings and hoses are used. Flow rate is directly proportional to inside diameter. Larger diameter hoses and fittings result in faster flow rates. Look for pinched or restricted hose lines. Hose routing is important. They must be secure and away from heat sources. Keep them as straight as possible and when routing requires bending create a large radius. Hydraulics systems require an adequate supply of oil. Ensure you added enough to fill the system or replenish what’s missing. Make sure inlet lines are not crossed with outlet ports and vice versa. Check the hydraulic/pneumatic schematic. Verify connections are tight and not leaking. Do not use Teflon tape with NPF fittings; remove any tape if found. Troubleshooting is a bit of an art and requires patience, specific product knowledge and good tools. Test and verify functionality whenever possible. Use continuity meters, voltmeters and gauges to quantify readings. Mikel Janitz is the Manager of the Engineering Department and Test Lab for Muncie Power Products. He holds five patents and has authored numerous technical articles throughout his 20-year career. TOWMAN.COM - August 2011 • 51

New Social Media Site Exclusive for Towers Developed by a Tower The Heroes of the Highways social network is dedicated to the professional men and women of the towing industry. Its goal is to provide a platform for towers to be recognized as the heroes that they are, to give every tower a voice and to build the bonds of brotherhood that tie the towing industry together. “Without towers, the global transportation system would come to a halt. The men and women of this industry come to the rescue of stranded motorists no matter the hazardous conditions, day of the week or time of the day,” said Perry Shusta, founder of the site and owner of Arrowhead Towing in Antioch, Calif. “When you stop to think about it, everyone in this industry—the drivers, the dispatchers,

everyone that makes the towing industry run—they are the heroes of the highways.” The concept of Heroes of the Highways came about on a hot summer day in 2007 when Perry took a prospective employee for a ride-along. While out, he received a call for a major head-on collision with possible fatalities. They found two heaps of twisted metal and lifting one car from atop the other revealed the bodies of a young father and his three-year-old daughter still strapped in her car seat. After finishing the job, Shusta saw his potential new hire was shaken, tears visible. “Is it like this all the time? How do you deal with it?,” he asked. “We just do,” Shusta said. “We

focus on the task at hand and we do our job.” The prospective employee decided that the towing industry was not for him and left. Shusta realized that there was a vacancy in the towing industry. There are no grief counselors for the tower; only fellow towers to pat you on the back and say they’ve been there too. Heroes of the Highways is a part answer to that vacancy; a community of people who share the same interests and understanding of the daily trials for towers. “Towing is a fiercely competitive business but when it comes down to it, we’re a big family,” said Shusta. Membership is free; check it out at HeroesoftheHighways.com.

Federal Requirement for Tow Companies If you own, gossess, handfe, direct or control five or more junk or salvage vehicies per year you must report to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).

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Updated GPS Insight Nets Software Award talg 1 1 0 -

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GPS Insight recently won the Software category for the American Technology Awards. The ATA bestow the only “Best Of” awards #&'/& ,' that recognize all technology products and % services for the technology industry. “GPS Insight is excited to win this award. … Our customers benefit significantly from our best-of-breed GPS Fleet Tracking portal, and we appreciate the recognition TechAmerica Foundation has given us,” said Rob Donat, founder/CEO of GPS Insight. GPS Insight specializes in software development and embraces customer requests as a part of their continual development process. GPS Insight’s Fleet Tracking Solution dramatically reduces customer’s fleet costs, has helped customers to win EPA Awards, minimizes administrative time and more. “TechAmerica Foundation is excited to highlight GPS Insight, influ,* "&"&as it'*continues ,* "&"& to 1 ence technology development throughout the ' rest of the world,” said Sen. Bob Bennett, Chairman for TechAmerica Foundation. For details, log onto www.gpsinsight.com.

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BAE Systems launched a website to showcase its HybriDrive family of hybridelectric products at www.hybridrive.com. HybriDrive energy-saving products include the mass transit and heavy-duty truck markets. “Hybridrive.com is a great resource for those businesses interested in decreasing their operational costs,” said Steve Trichka, general manager at BAE Systems. “At a time when fuel costs are rising and budgets are tighter than ever, BAE Systems offers economical, green alternatives to the transportation industry with our hybrid-electric propulsion systems.” The HybriDrive series hybrid electric system consists of a generator, an electric motor, and an energy storage system managed by computerized controls. A diesel engine turns the generator and operates independent of the electric drive motor.

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WTRAA Awards $4,500 The Women of the Towing and Recovery Association is celebrating 30 years. Since 1990, the WTRAA Scholarship Committee has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to students affiliated with the towing industry. Recipients for 2011 are Stephanie Siewert, $1,200 Concordia College Moorhead; Kristen Robbins, $1,200, University of Indianapolis; Bethany Hunley, $700, Kent State University; Nicole Bertani, $700, Madonna University; Shayla Moe, $700, North Dakota State College of Science. Applications are reviewed for grade point average, community service, scholastic achievements and personal statements. To donate, send to “Pershing for WTRAA Scholarship” c/o Committee Chairperson, Stacey Tucker, 130 Tweed Lane NW, Suite 2, Bremerton, WA 98312.

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American Towman Exposition, Baltimore MD, November 18-20, 2011

56 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

You may know a tower who risked his or her life to save the life of another human being while on the job. To nominate a towing professional for the American Towman Medal, write a description of the incident and send with any corroborative material you may have, such as police reports, letters or newspaper reports. Include the nominee's name, company, city, state and phone, and your name and phone, and mail to:

Steve Calitri American Towman 7 West Street Warwick, NY, 10950 scalitri@towman.com

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Beat the

Heat

by Randall C. Resch

Know the Signs to Prevent Heat-Related Emergencies

s tow company owners sending employees into the field during heat extremes, it’s important to note how hot weather can cause heatrelated injuries to personnel that may ultimately lead to on-the-job injuries. Obviously, prevention is key in avoiding increased worker’s comp claims. In July 2010, record-breaking temperatures topped out around 105 degrees in downtown Baltimore, Md., 103 degrees in New York’s Central Park, and other records in Boston, Mass., Providence, R.I., and Philadelphia, Pa., … all experiencing temperatures exceeding 100 degrees. The National Weather Service issued extreme hot weather warnings throughout the Eastern Seaboard and Staying hydrated in the heat, preferably with water or sports drinks (no caffeine!), is the first step in avoiding heat injuries.

58 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

as far south as Kentucky and Tennessee. Couple these heat waves with the normal highs in the Western states and desert communities like Las Vegas, Nev., Phoenix, Ariz., and Palms Springs, Calif., where “normal” summer temperatures can exceed 110 degrees, and you’ve got a reason to be cautious. Heat related injuries happen with little to no warnings to employees who may still think they’re fine, only because they’ve disregarded the danger signals of being overcome by the heat. Because the nature of the towing and recovery industry requires drivers and yard personnel to face direct exposure to the heat, they are the quickest to possibly suffer hyperthermia, which can happen to anyone exposed to direct sun and/or heat.

Everyone’s at Risk In 1994, I experienced an on-thejob heat-related injury, having succumbed to hyperthermia while working a canyon recovery with some of my drivers. The recovery required humping cable and chains up and down a steep 300-foot mountainside at the recovery site. The temperatures were said to be in the high 90s that day. I remember feeling extremely hot inside and out and my drivers said I looked “beet red.” Although I’d been drinking water throughout the recovery, I passed out after the recovery at our tow yard and fell face down in the dirt. I remember waking up in an ambulance rolling code to a hospital. The ER doctors filled my parched old carcass with three bags of Ringer’s solution to re-hydrate me and bring my temperature back around normal. To this day, I still do poorly in highheat environments.

Heat Exhaustion Two primary heat-related conditions occur when one’s body overheats and may cause other conditions that affect the body. Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke produce similar symptoms much likened to a stroke injury where they’re sometimes confused when a patient goes down and/or passes out.

Heat Exhaustion is the body’s response to excessive loss of salt and water through sweat where the body isn’t able to self-cool during high-heat scenarios. It’s simply an internal warning that one’s body is getting too hot which can lead to greater difficulties. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in hot environments. Based upon the nature of our industry, working outside means employees are directly at risk. But even non-air-conditioned offices can be hazardous to inside workers should

When outside temperatures climb to extreme highs, those especially at risk are infants, small children, the elderly and outside workers. an office stifle with no breeze or circulating air during sweltering heat. The level of heat exposure runs the gamut of highs and lows where a patient may experience some or many signs and symptoms at the onset of injury. Depending on the level of injury or overall exposure, the person may be sweating profusely and may say that they’re extremely thirsty. Another symptom is if their skin is cold and clammy. Sometimes the victim’s body temperature may be normal, and the pulse may be strong but with an elevated pulse at pressure-point areas. Other symptoms may be overall weakness, lack of energy, or feeling sick to the stomach.

Heat Stroke Heat Stroke is a higher-grade emergency where body core temperatures rise upward to 104 degrees F to 106 degrees F (or higher) within minutes if not cooled. Heat stroke occurs when the body can’t control its own temperature, allowing the body’s temperature to rise rapidly. With the body’s ability to self-regulate failed, the body isn’t able to cool down by itself. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability when emergency care isn’t immediately found. Initial symptoms of heat stroke are similar to heat exhaustion, but may be accompanied by hot, dry skin (to the touch). The patient may complain that they’re really thirsty. This means the victim may be lacking water and salt through dehydration. You can check for dehydration easily by pinching loose skin on top of the patient’s hand—if the skin stacks (instead of snapping back) they are dehydrated. Drivers and yard workers oftentimes fall victim to what’s called “exertional heat stroke,” while those who have heat stroke from high environmental temperatures (hot enclosed spaces/offices) experience “non-exertional heat stroke.” Outside workers are most susceptible to heat stroke. Heat-related injuries are easily recognized by one’s behavior; if they stagger or stumble when they walk, or when they have a really strong and rapid pulse. Their skin may have a tinge of red and may be dry and hot to the touch. With severe exposure, the patient may experience convulsions, temporary confusion or loss of consciousness leading to coma. Heat cramps are another early warning sign, like dehydration, that one’s body is fluid-deprived. Muscles will cramp, especially in lower calves and lower legs and spasms cause the patient to stagger or simply lock up. Although heat cramps are extremely uncomfortable, they shouldn’t be life threatening.

Learn Not to Burn Not all tow companies have the luxury of air-conditioned offices or tow trucks, so it’s common to spend all day in a dry, hot environment without TOWMAN.COM - August 2011 • 59

an opportunity to get into a cold zone. There are precautions to help employees avoid heat-related injuries: Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you’ve become thirsty to drink. Drivers, bring your own cooler to work to keep in your truck’s storage box. Another alternative is to wear a hydration backpack when outside the truck or working in the yard. Wear loose-fitting clothing, even shorts. If contracts require wearing a reflective vest, purchase those that are made of “flow-through” screened material to avoid excessive heat buildup on the torso. Long-sleeve shirts are recommended to cover arms in the sun. Downside: long sleeves retain heat and may raise body temperatures. Wear a hat if recovery activities require working in direct sunlight to prevent sunburn and direct solar exposure to your head. Be aware that hats retain head warmth. Apply an appropriate SPF-rated sun screen to exposed skin. Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from glare. Reduce the amount of direct sun and/or heat you’re exposed to. Cut down on personal exposure to high temperatures by limiting activity levels. Extreme recoveries are always a danger to towers working in high heat. Whenever possible, work recov-

eries during early morning or later afternoon hours where temperatures are lower. Drivers and outside workers should seek refuge in cooling stations, air-conditioned buildings or air-conditioned vehicles in high-heat situations. If your company requires you to stage somewhere within the service area, find a business location that welcomes you to come in out of the heat, i.e., grocery stores, libraries, maybe customer accounts. At minimum, seek shade out of the sun’s direct rays. Pace yourself in relation to the difficulty of tasks at hand. Avoid highly iced or refrigerated drinks as they may cause cramping. Sodas aren’t recommended because they’re sugar-based and may cause further loss of fluids. Sports drinks with electrolytes are recommended. Prescription medications may make you more sensitive to the heat; be aware of precautions listed on the bottle. Forklift operators should get off the machines whenever activity slows down as forklift trucks commonly expel heat through the operator’s seat. Be aware of hot metal surfaces, especially carrier decks and J-hook chains sitting directly in the sun. Metal surfaces can soar to over 300 degrees and may cause topical burns to hands and arms.

Cdebrate Durhan drya 5 and Honor DurF at

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1 Cbattanooga,Tennessee

I he In ternat ional tO\\ in ! and Recooerr 1 lail o1 l arne and ,1luseu n i im ites ioU to a aa eekend celebrating o ur industrr .

SaturdW, Sept 17,10 a m Wallof the Fallen Ume ! % C---w Honor fellov tow operato rs.

who lost their husa and pay respem as the famn pr ovdy memorialiae their loved ona - a very metring

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Cell Cher yl Mish at 423-267-3132 for mora inform ation on this industry evem or to reserve your tickats andhotel room.

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Attend the indusdy's most presägious event and enjoyspending time with old friands and making new.

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Number 157 on Reader Card

60 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

When outside temperatures climb to extreme highs, those especially at risk are infants, small children, the elderly and outside workers. It’s easy to see how drivers and yard personnel can be overcome by extreme heat. Also, consider any pets or animals you have at home or working in your tow yard. Summertime safety meetings must include specific discussions on heatrelated injuries where symptoms and precautions are talked about. Tow drivers, yard workers and even inside office staff need to be aware of their own hydration as the first defense in fighting heat injuries. Owners should consider that to protect drivers from heat injuries, tow trucks may have to idle longer to work the truck’s A/C (if equipped). That’s a policy that you’ll have to decide in the best interests of employee comfort and safety. If your employee demonstrates a series of symptoms similar to that of a stroke or seizure, don’t wait, quickly call 9-1-1 and attempt to cool and comfort them by getting them out of the heat and into a cool, shaded location. Additional first-aid measures may include covering the patient with damp towels or spraying them with cool water. If conscious, have the patient drink cool water or other nonalcoholic beverages without caffeine. A heat injury is a bonifide on-thejob-injury if exposure occurs during the performance of duties. If an employee is transported to an emergency room for re-hydration, observation or admission based on condition, it requires reporting to your comp carrier. Heat-related injuries shouldn’t be brushed off as a lazy employee making excuses. It’s estimated that 200 people die from heat stroke each year—that’s serious business. Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer and has been in the towing and recovery industry for 40 years as a tow business owner, manager, consultant and lightduty trainer. Email Randy at rreschran@aol.com.

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Worwd®g with p oiiceChlef s to foster recognitlonand pr ofesslon a/ the amt

r on hief e nomj nated towing professiona is for The Order of Towman , presented by American Towman Magazine in recognition of their supreme ded ication to their commun ities and to the professiona lism of their trade. No one knows mor a than the chiefs how towers ris a to the occasion to face the cha iienges at incident scene l tha i police oversee .Whi te American Towman Magazine malls nomination forms to all the ch iefs in the nation , it may tak a mor a than one notice to get your chief's attention. Shou ld you feel you qua iify as a towing company tha i has lerved your lotal poiice department with exceptiona l serv ice and professiona lism ,ta ke this nomination form to your chie f. He or she may contact me if they have any questions .Stava Calitri, American Towman Maga zine. Deadline:September 7,2011 Cross Of The Order to be presented Nov. l9th,2011 at the American Towman Exposition

Nomination For The Order Of Towman Nominee (Tow Company ):

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Name of Owner or Manager: Address s City:

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email address :

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New Company for Storage Lot Software Collision Management USA recently formed a new company, VTS Systems, under the Collision Management umbrella to manage its dispatch, towing, and storage lot software business. VTS Systems will be directly responsible for the development and distribution of VTS Lite and VTS Classic. “Our goal … is to earn our clients trust and provide them with a quality product of exceptional reliability, value, and provide the support they deserve. Investing in management software is a long-term commitment and the towing and VSF business is unique,” said Nigel Pestell, senior partner. “VTS Systems will continue to collaborate with Auto Data Direct. … Scheduled for introduction in the third quarter of 2011 will be fully automated access to the new federally mandated NMVTIS program.” A new website, www.vts-systems.com, along with a software download of VTS Classic is now available online.

Number 199 on Reader Card

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TOWMAN.COM - August 2011 • 63

Retired Ford Gets Show Duty

his 1987 Ford rollback was spotted at the Wisconsin Tow Show in June, and the blue collector plates caught the eye. It turns out that the Ford just stepped down from regular service at Johnson Towing in Stevens Point, Wis., this year, and now will be seen mostly hauling the owner’s 1965 Ford Mustang convertible or a low-mile 2006 Mustang. Betty Parnham, who bought the tow company in 1997, got this truck in the deal. Her husband, Darrell, had been driving it since new though. Darrell joined the company full-time in 1980, and this truck became his when it was purchased new by the company in 1987.

About the only main changes to the stock truck have been new black paint in 1997 (it was brown), an auxiliary fuel tank (it can go about a week between fueling) and two clutches. Not bad for nearly 500,000 miles worth of towing and recovery work. Darrell said the truck was “decked out” when it came in, with power “everything,” A/C and the XLT interior package. About the only thing missing is a wheel lift on the Landoll carrier bed, though they weren’t common on flatbeds until a few years later, he said.

“It’s done a lot of work for us,” Darrell said. “It’s been to lots of local accidents, though it’s also been cross country to Washington, D.C., to pickup insurance claim cars.” It’s hauled boats and farm tractors; you name it, it’s been on there. It even has hauled a couple dead horses.” The Tin Lizzy on the bed at the show isn’t a lonely toy, Darrell said. At home, it has the company of several more like it, along with collector pedal cars, thousands of tow truck die-cast models “and about anything else with a tow truck theme,” he said.

This towing Tin Lizzy is just one of "thousands" of tow truck toys at the Parnham home.

Should your truck be in AT?

Story and photos by Brendan Dooley

Email some details and interesting facts about your truck, along with some high-resolution photos, to bdooley@towman.com to be considered for a future 'My Baby' feature. Your submissions may also be considered for AT's online use.

Tech Highlights Chassis: 1987 Ford F-350 Engine: 6.9L diesel V-8 Trans: Borg-Warner T18 four-speed manual Bed: Landoll 17’ aluminum

64 • August 2011 - TOWMAN.COM

TOWMAN.COM - August 2011 • 65

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Number 124 on Reader Card