50 minute read
Tow Boss
“Should I hire an experienced driver, or should I train (hopefully) someone who doesn’t have another company ’s bad habits?” There are pros and cons to both sides of the question. Consider the differences:
Veteran: Pros
Maintains a demonstrated level of industry training and experience.
Is aware of safety, vehicle codes, OSHA and other workplace requirements/laws.
Provides positive references with contact information.
Can prove training attendance with Certificates of Completion.
Is law enforcement approved; confirmed by DOJ, NCIC, and Live Scan systems.
Has an acceptable MVR; ready to add to company insurance list(s).
Requires only minimum training and orientation before on their own.
Veteran: Cons
May show a know-it-all attitude.
May challenge company rules and regulations.
May demonstrate another company ’s bad habits or their own.
May demonstrate a prima donna attitude towards other drivers.
May want to do things their way.
May be “high maintenance, ” requiring a new truck, higher pay, etc.
May have worked for numerous other companies.
May have been someone else’s problem child.
Rookie: Pros
Oftentimes eager to learn a new trade when given the chance.
Usually demonstrates a willingness to learn.
No bad habits of their own or from other company ’s poor training.
Accepts starting pay, and generally wants to earn advancement.
Rookie: Cons
Lacks industry knowledge or training.
Can’t drive a stick shift or is an unsafe driver.
Requires complete company training and continued supervision.
Not yet approved by law enforcement.
Some can’t be trained.
They ’re a danger to themselves and others until experienced.
OK … Let’s Talk
Perhaps you’ll consider one or two applicants that list the qualifications you seek. At the time of the interview, carefully review their application so you’re familiar with their traits and abilities. Because applicants are never the same, list the things you’ll want to ask pertaining to the individual’s application. Although the list of interview questions is endless, the following questions are specific to the driver position and should be asked:
Questions for Veteran Operators
What level of industry experience do you have?
What companies have you worked for in the past?
Why did you leave your last place of employment?
Do you have a training certificate(s)?
When did you take your last training class?
Have you ever been arrested?
Can you pass Live Scan and DOJ background investigations?
Have you ever had an accident driving a tow truck?
Explain the most expensive damage caused by you?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Can you pass a drug test right now?
What type of tow trucks can you operate?
Can you work nights and weekends?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
What are your long-term goals?
Why are you a good match for this company?
Describe the old Holmes TA-105 (Corvette/Trans-Am) attachment device.
This “teaser” question can establish if experienced drivers are as experienced as they say they are. If they don’t know the answer and say they don’t know, at least they ’re being truthful. Beware someone who fabricates a far-fetched answer rather than say they don’t know.
Questions for Rookie Drivers
What work have you done in the past?
Are you mechanically inclined?
Why is this position a good match for you?
Have you ever been arrested or served time?
Have you ever had an accident driving your personal vehicle; whose fault?
Name your strengths and weaknesses.
Have you stolen from your employers?
Are you willing to be drug tested?
Can you work nights and weekends?
Equally important to the interview process is scheduling the interview so it best suits your time. If the applicant is late, you determine as to whether or not to hold the interview. Since you’ ve already set time aside (for the interview) and you’re already there, a reasonable excuse for their being late should be accepted. You may also note their tardiness as a potential sign (red flag) that they can’t manage their own time.
Applicants are generally on their best behavior and have no intent on talking their way out of a job. Most applicants are nervous for the first 5-10 minutes. Accordingly, the first few minutes may be awkward for both of you, but nerves generally subside as the interview continues.
A well-written, neatly printed application/resume is an indication of an applicant’s work ethic and attention to detail. It’s quite common for tow truck employees to lack some spelling or book skills, however. But that’s irrelevant to theirpotentialtowingandrecoveryskills. (Nothingsaysyoucan’thavethemdoan on-the-spot hook-up test to demonstrate that their skills match their application.)
When an applicant indicates instability, that’s a red flag. However, it’s
Number 108 on Reader Card
atstandards.com
common to this industry that some applicants may list former employment with as many as five (or more) companies in a short amount of time. Don’t immediately dismiss that applicant as a fly-by-night screw-off; rather, make their job history a point of conversation to dig deeper.
Generally, the applicant will have noted information on their acquired skills. Ask them to expound on specific areas, based on your pre-interview notes. Interviews should partially be the applicant’s “bragging session” to tell you what they ’ ve done in the past and what they can do for your company.
However, you control the interview and take the conversation in a direction that provides you the most information while still showing courtesy and respect to the applicant. Don’t forget that the applicant is meeting you for the first time and will get an impression as to what kind of boss you might be.
Be wary of experienced applicants who demonstrate aggressive personalities and/or talk more than they should (more red flags). Some applicants appear cocky and tend to be smart-assed. You decide whether or not this personality meshes with your workforce; some drivers are just that way. Cockiness and aggressiveness can be positive personality traits that indicate perseverance.
Pay, benefits, and expectations can be awkward topics for both the interviewer and interviewee. Provide the applicant a well-prepared, typed, visual aid as to what the position pays, any benefits and the company ’s expectations for the new employee.
Be honest and truthful with what you represent as salary, commissions or hourly rates. Make written notes as to what pay amount was discussed on the application. Don’t trust your memory.
In the End
All applicants dislike the waiting game that’s associated with the post-interview process. You can lessen their anguish by being straight up when you know they didn’t get the job. Thank them for their interest in applying while wishing them good luck in their future. I find it amateurish and bad manners for bosses to make parting statements like, “Thanks for coming in, ” or, “We’ll get back to you, ” and never do.
It’s your desire to hire qualified drivers for your company, but one applicant doesn’t always stand out. For me, hiring a new driver is sometimes a leap of faith; hiring qualified drivers has never been an exact science. Don’t jump too quickly … choose wisely even if that means calling for an additional interview.
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.
Number 198 on Reader Card
Number 157 on Reader Card
Warn WG9 Worm-Gear Hydraulic Winch
Warn Industries’ WG9 worm-gear hydraulic winch has a drop-in design to fit any existing vehicle and comes as a standard-drum model (6.32” wide) or long-drum model (11.32” wide). Both versions accept a range of common hydraulic motor sizes, are available with air, manual and remote free-spool clutch options, and have up to 9,000 lbs. of pulling force. www.warn.com
Number 205 on Reader Card
Lubegard Launches Heavy Duty Line
International Lubricants introduced its Lubegard Heavy Duty line of engine and gear treatments. The Heavy Duty Engine Protectant, Gear Protectant and Power Transfer Protectant are engineered with Lubegard’s LXE bond that provides lubrication and anti-wear protection under extreme pressure. The Lubegard Heavy Duty 2-in-1 Coolant Treatment provides temperature reduction and corrosion protection. It contains wetting agents, eliminating the need for a separate Water Wetter®. www.lubegard.com
Number 206 on Reader Card
Kenworth Introduces Medium-Duty Cabovers
Kenworth Truck Co. expanded its medium-duty product line with the K270 Class 6 and K370 Class 7 cabovers. Each will have wheelbase ranges from 166” inches to 214” and the 6.7LPACCAR PX-6 engine in several horsepower/torque output options. The 33,000-lbs. GVWR K370 will be offered in a 4x2 Class 7 truck configuration with Allison 2500 HS and RDS 5-speed transmissions. The 26,000-lbs. GVWR K270 will be offered in a 4x2 Class 6 truck configuration with Allison 2100 HS and RDS 5speed transmissions. Full production launch of the K270 and K370 is scheduled for early 2012. www.kenworth.com
Number 207 on Reader Card
Designed specifically to protect diesel engines during cold weather, Heet Diesel Winter Treatment prevents cold weather fuel gelling, cleans and protects the entire fuel system, and is enhanced with cetane booster for faster starts and improved fuel economy. The product treats up to 35 gal. of fuel. The solution is designed to prevent fuel gelling down to -40 degrees F and reduces the cold filter plugging point by up to 36 degrees F. www.goldeagle.com
Number 208 on Reader Card
American Towman Magazine
is on Facebook!
Find us on Facebook to get the scoop, interact with us and share your stories and photos!
Number 155 on Reader Card
A Long
Way to Go
Recovery in Hurricane Irene Flooding Overcomes Distance and Obstacles
by Larry Fortier Photos courtesy of Sabil & Sons
In late August 2011, flooding due to Hurricane Irene caused widespread damage across the Northeast. In the weeks after the flood, Vermont’s Sabil & Sons were called out to recover everything from large storage tanks to damaged bridges.
One of their unusual recoveries during that time involved a small flatbed truck that was carried nearly a half mile by the swollen Ottauquechee River and deposited—and partially buried—on an island of small rocks.
The crew had to remove several rocks from in and around the vehicle before they could successfully winch it off the island.
They left the flatbed truck upside-down to avoid as much stress as possible from the swift river current.
Doug Josler, co-owner, and his crew were dispatched to the scene on Route 4 in Woodstock. (The community was hit hard by the flooding of the Ottauquechee River that runs through the center of the village.)
Using the company ’s Kenworth T800 with NRC 40-ton sliding rotator, they set up in the center of Route 4, a major East-West highway. (Route 4 was closed to through-traffic for most of September due to extensive damage along a 30-mile section.)
The truck was down a steep bank and located at least 100 yards from the recovery vehicle. The water out to the island was too deep and swift to walk through, so part of the crew approached the island from the opposite side of the river. Arope was thrown over to them and then tied to a separate length of wire rope. Using the rope, they were able to pull the wire rope through the river to the casualty and make the necessary connections.
One of the most important considerations on the whole process was
Once all the cables were attached and obstacles dealt with, the heavily damaged truck was pulled off the island, across the river and up the steep bank.
selecting lengths of extra wire rope to reach the island recovery. As each wire rope connection reached the area of the boom during the recovery process, it had to be disconnected and more line was played out from the winch. Careful pre-planning ensured that the damaged truck wouldn’t be in the river when a new connection was made.
When they initially hooked to the frame of the partially buried truck and began pulling, the frame started to come apart. They had to remove several rocks from in and around the vehicle before they could continue winching. There were at least two large rocks that also challenged the recovery effort.
There were various discussions among the crew whether to flip the damaged flatbed truck upright or leave it upside-down. It was decided to leave it upside-down to keep the weight low and avoid as much stress as possible from the swift river current as the damaged vehicle was dragged through the water.
Once all the cables were attached and obstacles dealt with, the heavily damaged truck was pulled off the island, across the river, up the steep bank and onto Route 4. From there it was loaded onto the company ’s Isuzu car carrier and transported to their yard in White River Junction.
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.
Number 171 on Reader Card
Number 105 on Reader Card
Fairbanks Considers Call List
In Fairbanks, Alaska, a proposed ordinance would establish a rotational call-out list for towing companies. Rules and a biannual fee will be part of the deal for interested companies.
The city has been using a request-for-proposal process to select one company to do all city tows. The mayor said some situations require multiple towing companies.
“If the primary company is busy, then they (dispatch) have to start scrounging for another firm, ” he said.
A Master Operator’s License fee will be required in addition to the regular city business license fee. If the ordinance is adopted, a resolution will be required to set the new fee at a proposed $250 biannually.
Towing companies must commit to a maximum response time of no more than 30 minutes, be available 24 hours a day and maintain insurance as required by the city.
The city still will use a bid process to select one company to do city impounds, so that only one company will have access to the city impound yard. Source: newsminer.com.
% !" 30 $" ""
#:5)1 ).+<? )8+= )'( =/:. '':') =8+)1+8 )8+= )'( 25= 3/2+9 '':') :=/4 2/4+ =8+)1+8 .?*8';2/) +>: (553 2( =/4).+9 2( =.++2 2/,: 9:++2 2/-.: 6?254 '3(+8 2/-.: ('8 * 8/4-9 .'99/9 *;8'3'> */+9+2 ';:53':/) :8'49 65=+8 =/4*5=9 65=+8 25)19 )8+= )'( *558 '/8 )54*/:/54/4- 3/2+9 9:'/42+99 =.++2 9/39
#:5)1 +>:+4*+* )'( 9:++2 )'88/+8 2( =/4). 2( *+)1 9:':/54'8? )'( 685:+):58 /4*+6+4*+4: =.++2 2/,: 8+35<'(2+ 8'/29 2+* 2/-.: ('8 25=+8 =581 2/-.:9 *;'2 )54:8529 :552 (5> +>:+4*+* )'( *: .6 ';:53':/) :8'49 '/8 (8'1+9 '/8 8/*+ 9;96+49/54 '2;3 =.++29 65=+8 =/4*5=9 '4* 25)19 )8;/9+ )54:852 #:5)1 + ,58* , ';:53':/) )+4:;8? :=/4 =/4). ';:525'*
#:5)1 -3) -+4+8'2 *+:85/: 96++* .523+9
#:5)1 /. )+4:;8? 9:++2 35*+2 2( *+)1 8+35<'(2+ 8'/29 2( =/4). *;'2 )54:8529 8+35:+ 54 =/4). 9:':/54'8? )'( 685:+:):58 9:++2 :552 (5>+9 = 99 ,854: *: .6 ';:53':/) :8'49 '/8 (8'1+9 '/8 8/*+ 9;96+49/54 +>:+4*+* )'( *8/<+89 '/8 9+': '2;3 =.++29 '3 ,3 )* 9:+8+5
#:5)1 1+4=58:. : );33/49 ';:5 )+4:;8? 9:++2 9:':/54'8? )'( 685:+):58 2( =/4). 2+* 2/-.: ('8 *;'2 )54:8529 =581 2/-.:9 ': =/4). 25=+8 =581 2/-.:9 8+35<'(2+ 8'/29 :552 (5> = 99 ,854: .6 );33/49 ';:53':/) :8'49 '/8 (8'1+9 '2;3 =.++29 '/8 8/*+ 9;96+49/54 *8/<+89 '/8 9+': '/8 )54*/:/54/465=+8 =/4*5=9 '3 ,3 )* 9:+8+5
#:5)1 1+4=58:. )+4:;8? 35*+2 :54 (553 2( 62'4+:'8? =/4).+9 .?*8';2/) 96'*+9 9:'-+ ;4*+82/,: ')2+ ,5819 9:++2 2/-.: 6?254 +3+8-+4)? 2/-.: ('8 '/8 '4* +2+):8/)'2 .551 ;69 );33/49 96++* :8'49 3/2+9 '/8 8/*+ 9;96+49/54 '/8 )54*/:/54/4- 92++6+8 ,2': :56 '2;3 =.++29 #:5)1 : 1= <;2)'4 9+/8+9 2( *+)1 2'8-+ :552 (5>+9 2( =/4). 8+35<'(2+ 8'/2 =.++2 /,: 2+* 2/-.: ('8 ;66+8 '4* 25=+8 ,255*9 *;'2 )54:8529 9:++2 )'( 685:+):58 );33/49 */+9+2 ';:53':/) :8'49 '2;3 =.++29 '/8 (8'1+9 '/8 8/*+ 9;96+49/54 '/8 )54*/:/54/4- *8/<+89 '/8 9+': 3/2+9
#:5)1 ,58* 9;6+8 )'( ).+<854 9:++2 952/* 8'/29 2( =/4). =.++2 2/,: *;'2 )54:8529 3> 2/-.: ('8 )'(2+ 8522+8 -;/*+ < */+9+2 96++* :8'49 '6685> 3/2+9 9;6+8 )'( '/8 )54*/:/54/4- 9:'/42+99 =.++2 9/39 :/8+9 .?*8';2/) (8'1+9
#:5)1 /. *: 96++* )+4:;8? +( :54 (553 2( =/4).+9 *'?:54' (5*? =.+2+4 2/-.: ('8 :;44+2 (5> )'(2+ :+49/54+89 =/4). ,8++ 96552 .'4*2+9 '>2+ ,5819 25=+8 =581 2/-.:9 '/8 (8'1+9 3/2+9 65=+8 =/4*5=9 65=+825)19 )8;/9+ )54:852 *8/<+89 '/8 9+': *558 )8+= )'( #:5)1 *: 96++* )+4:;8?
#:5)1 /. *: 96++* )+4:;8? 35*+2 :54 (553 2( =/4).+9 :;44+2 :552 (5> 3+* *;:? :8;)1 ./:). '>2+ ,5819 =.+2+4 9:85(+ 2/-.: ('8 '/8 '4* +2+):8/)'2 .551 ;69 )?2 */+9+2 '/8 (8'1+9 :8'):58 6')1'-+ 9:'/42+99 =.++2 9/39 '/8 )54*/:/54/4*8/<+89 '/8 9+': #:5)1 ) , 9) ';:5 0+88 *'4 :=/4 2/4+ ';:5 25'* '2;3 (5*? +>: (553 24( =/4).+9 ';:525'* =.++2 2/,: 2+* 2/-.: ('8 *522/+9 25=+8 =581 2/-.:9 3/2+9 */+9+2 ';:53':/) :8'49 65=+8 =/4*5=9 65=+8 25)19 '2;3 =.++29 '/8 )54*/:/54/4 & #
#:5)1 6+:+8(/2: /9> );33/49 96++* :8'49 4+= )+4:;8? 35*+2 :54 (553 2( 62'4+:'8? =/4).+9 9:'-+ ;4*+82/,: 2+* 2/-.: ('8 '2;3 :;(;2'8 6?254 .?* 8+'8 96'*+9 '/8 '4* +2+):8/)'2 .551 ;69 9:'4*'8* '>2+ ,5819 25=+8 =581 2/-.:9 '/8 8/*+ 9;96+49/54 *;2' +>.';9: 3/2+9 '2;3 =.++29 *;'2 '/8 )2+'4+89 ,2': :56 92++6+8 *;'2 652/9.+* '2;3 ,;+2 :'419 A'2359: *54+B
#:5)1 +>: )'( *: ';:5 )+4:;8? 9:++2 96 .?* 2+-9 2( =/4). 8+35<'(2+ 8'/29 2+* 2/-.: ('8 *;'2 )54:8529 /4*+6+4*+4: =.++2 2/,: :552 (5>+9 ;66+8 '4* 25=+8 =581 2/-.:9 8+35:+ ,8++ 96552 .'4*2+ *: .6 ';:53':/) :8'493/99/54 '2;3 =.++29 '/8 (8'1+9 '/8 8/*+ 9;96+49/54 +>:+4*+* )'( '/8 )54*/:/54/4- *8/<+89 '/8 9+':
& $ =+ (;? ;9+* +7;/63+4:
roducP t atewaG y 20122012
Check out what these participating suppliers have to offer in the coming year.
Advertorial section includes participating advertisers from this issue.
Access Tools
Emergency Response Kit: All the tools you need to get into any vehicle on the road in an emergency. Kit fits in almost any vehicle.
800-323-8324 www.hightechtools.com Akins Body & Carriers Sales Inc.
Akins is a full line sales and service dealer for Ford, Dodge and Chevron Carriers. Let Akins build your next Chevron! 866-389-4173 www.akinsford.com
American Safety & Supply Inc.
We are specialists in High Visibility clothing including Jackets, Sweatshirts, T-Shirts, Gloves, Vests and Hats. Custom imprinting available. 413-737-5176 www.americansafetysupply.com
Century
Century offers two optional Low Rider stingers on the 7035, 9055 and Rotator underlifts. Available in standard or increased reach, and provide 2-1/2” of additional clearance.
800-292-0330 www.millerind.com B/A Products Co.
B/A Synthetic Winch Lines are Lightweight, Durable, Safer to Handle and Color Coded by Size. B/A: Always Bringing You The “Best Available ” Products. 800-327-3301 www.baprod.com
Columbus Truck and Equipment Co. and Marietta Mack
We represent Jerr-Dan, Mack, Volvo and Hino trucks. Let our 62 years of experience work for you!
800-288-0849 www.columbus-truck.com Blades Tow Right Inc.
The RC-23 is a 23” wireless lightbar with amber turn signals on the front and an amber flasher on the back. Better Quality. Better Value. 734-449-0518 www.bladestowright.com
Freightliner
Freightliner ’ s Coronado SD is built for tough jobs, providing up to 600hp and 2,050-lbs./ft. of torque so you can handle up to 160,000 lbs. GCW. 800-FTL-HELP www.freightlinertrucks.com
Gwinnett Place Ford
We offer a large selection of 2012 Ford F-550s. We are a volume dealer specializing in Ford products. We have the best prices around! 678.859.9565 www.gwinnettplaceford.com
Lodar
Lodar Radio Controls are probably the best way to control your winches … safely!
888-685-6327 www.lodar.com Jerr-Dan Corporation
XLP-6 Low Profile Carrier. Low load angle and deck height with no chassis restrictions. The XLP-6 delivers performance without compromise. 800.926.9666 www.jerrdan.com
Matheny Motors
Matheny Motors is an authorized full-line Miller Distributor. We offer parts, service and sales of new and used inventory.
Mineral Wells, W.V.; 800-284-4418 Woodbridge, Va.; 866-499-9216 www.mathenymotors.com Landoll Corp.
Model 855: 55-ton, hydraulic nonground bearing detachable, loaded deck heights down to 17-3/4” , deck lengths to 32’ , two king pin settings 108”/90” , seven ride-height settings. 800-428-5655 www.landoll.com
Matjack
Matjack’ s American-made airbags (pictured here lifting a 100,000-lbs. train tanker car) and cushions are the most durable and best warrantied in the business. 800-827-3755 www.matjack.com
New England Truckmaster You get it all – the right price, a service department that knows how to take care of you, a parts department with everything you need to get you going, and attention to detail when building your custom small wrecker, carrier, or heavy duty. Call 800-481-0501 or visit www.netruckmaster.com
North American Bancard
NAB Free Credit Card Machine, Visa MC wholesale rates, app for iPhone and Android. Rates starting at .05 percent. BBB A+ Rated! No set up fees!
212-889-1800 www.nynab.com Purpose Wrecker
We specialize in producing quality late-model Nused heavy-duty and medium-duty wreckers with new beds, and recently added Nused rollbacks. Makes and models fit almost any needs. 636-639-9700 www.purposewrecker.com
Ramsey Winch
The Ramsey Winch HSW-10,000 worm gear winch has been redesigned to produce the same pulling power and line speeds as comparable capacity planetary winches.
800-777-2760 www.ramsey.com Rontan Signals
The Maximum lightbar has superior design for WIDE-E-TECH visibility. It is available in 54” , 63” and 72” lengths. Many models are available.
Towers can safely load and secure vehicles with broken ball joints, lost wheels, locked wheels or brakes, collision damage and control arm failures on their rollbacks. 937-222-0062 www.steckmfg.com
Towing.com
There are many reasons to advertise your company on Towing.com. Visit www.Towing.com/Top10 now to see the Top 10.
877-444-6339 www.Towing.com TowMate LLC
Replace 2” and 2.5” marker lights with the new Power-Link, LED marker/flasher combo lights. No additional wiring necessary! Operates with Power-Link PLC-TX. 800-680-4455 www.towmate.com
Vulcan
The Vulcan II provides increased visibility, new hose tracking system, patent-pending pivot pin and redesigned crossbar. Visit millerind.com and click “ videos ” to see it in action.
New Landoll 440 Sliding Axle Trailer, 40 ton capacity available in 41’ , 48’ , 50’ & 53’ lengths. Optional galvanizing for a rust free trailer. Take advantage of Government Program: Section 179
Your design will stand out using our reflective colors on RubberGuard flaps, or have your design hot stamped on either PolyGuard or RubberGuard mud flaps. 812-926-0324 www.usaflap.com
roducP t atewaG y 20122012
Number 177 on Reader Card
Number 151 on Reader Card
Bullock Carried the Museum Torch
Towing hall-of-famer Jerry Bullock, 69, died on Oct. 7, 2011, in his home in West Linn, Ore., from congestive heart failure. Many will remember Jerry for his extreme dedication to the development of the Towing Hall of Fame & Museum in Chattanooga, Tenn.
Jerry started in the workforce hauling peas and wheat; many jobs later he drove a tow truck parttime for Bill Nelson. Eventually, Jerry bought Nelson Towing and changed the name to Bullock Towing. He sold his company in 1985 and moved on to building tow trucks at Jerry Bullock Enterprises Inc. in Sherwood, Ore.
He was one of 26 founding members of the Towing & RecoveryAssociation ofAmerica, and a founding member of the Friends of Towing, which eventually became known as the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. Bullock spent many days of his retirement working on the museum as it went through a major transition and moved to its current site.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Georgia ”Jo” Bullock, his five children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service was held at Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin, Ore., on Nov. 18. At Jerry ’s request, in lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, 3315 Broad St., Chattanooga, TN 37408-3052.
American Towman has signed Emily Oz to produce and anchor American Towman TV programming on the Internet. Oz is a graduate of the University of Minnesota in Journalism and Mass Communication and has worked as a reporter and anchor for leading local television stations in Duluth andAlexandria, Minn., Fargo, N.D., and Miami Beach, Fla.
“We’re thrilled to have Emily on board with American Towman magazine and our online TV program, ” said AT Publisher Dennie Ortiz. “Emily will drive the content of the programming, collaborating with editors Steve Calitri and Brendan Dooley, and be the primary script writer; she will also produce the programming in conjunction with our production partner, OMG National, and anchor the pro-
grams on screen. ” According to AT’s Editor-in-Chief, Steve Calitri, Oz ’s editorial skills will also show up in American Towman magazine. “Emily will be in the field covering the industry and the magazine will take advantage of that, ” he said. “She will help uncover article opportunities for our staff to pursue and she will also be writing her own articles. ”
Watch American Towman TV at www.AmericanTowmanTV.com
WTRAA Names Tow Woman of the Year
The Women of the Towing & Recovery Association of America recently presented its Tow Woman of the Year award to Ruth Landau, who has made a difference in the entire towing industry through her involvement and many years of service with the Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida, The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, and The Towing & Recovery Association of America.
If you have ever attended the Florida Tow Show, you will see Ruth everywhere, answering questions, helping participants and being helpful and hospitable to everyone. She has chaired the tow ladies luncheon for the past two years.
GPS Insight Makes No. 74 on ‘Fast 500’
GPS Insight was ranked No. 74 on Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500. The ranking includes the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications, life sciences and clean technology companies in North America. GPS Insight had a four-year growth of 1,490 percent, and was ranked the No. 2 fastest growingArizona company in the Fast 500.
“Since our end customers save significantly when utilizing a solution, it is a high-growth time for our industry, ” said Robert Donat, founder/CEO of GPS Insight. “We attribute our high growth to our robust, highly adaptable product, which delivers fleet insight to customers at a time when they need it most.
“Additionally, our unique technology makes it easy for us to deploy to customers and adapt, when necessary, to their most costly business challenges. ”
Visit www.gpsinsight.com.
Fleet Management by Smartphone
TomTom’s new WEBFLEET Mobile smartphone app is designed to provide managers on the move with information about their vehicle fleet. TomTom’s fleet management system is available on iOS and Android platforms.
WEBFLEET Mobile includes a detailed map that provides a view of the current traffic situation using TomTom HD Traffic. It allows managers to quickly pinpoint the location of their fleet, obtaining information on each vehicle’s destination and estimated time of arrival, as well as trip data such as mileage and timestamps.
Users can view text, status or order messages and also send text messages straight to the driver’s TomTom navigation device.
“The app gives users the flexibility to monitor their mobile workforce when they are on the road themselves. As a result, managers can achieve even greater efficiencies from their fleet management system, ” said Thomas Schmidt, managing director TomTom Business Solutions.
WEBFLEET Mobile 1.1 is available for download in the Apple App Store and Android Market.
Learn more at www.tomtom.com.
Tremont Towing ' s Robert Ashenoff Jr.(from left), Robert Ashenoff Sr. and Christie Ashenoff, stars of "South Beach Tow " on TruTV. TruTV photos.
Where Grit Meets Glamour
Behind the Scenes of ‘South Beach Tow’
by Wendy Black AT contributor
With all due respect to “The Wizard of Oz, ” there’s really no place like South Beach. From the sandy, sun-drenched beaches to the glitzy, glamorous nightclubs, this celebrity-ridden section of Miami, Fla., is a playground for the rich and famous. It’s also the setting for the truTV cable network’s latest hit,
The show debuted last July and centers around the daily activities of Tremont Towing, a local towing and recovery operation owned by Edwin Gonzalez Jr. The show airs on Wednesday nights, and, according to truTV, it’s watched regularly by approximately 1.6 million viewers. New
Tremont Towing moved from the Bronx, N.Y. to Miami in 1959.
episodes are scheduled to air in early 2012.
Tremont Towing was originally started by Gonzalez ’s father in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1959. They relocated to South Beach some 15 years later and retained the Tremont Towing moniker in homage to Tremont Avenue in the Big Apple. Currently, Gonzalez employs a crew of 25 and they run a small fleet of Dynamic light-duty wreckers and one flatbed. Tremont Towing is completely focused on lightduty jobs—police tows, private-property tows and repossessions.
The show is the brainchild of Gonzalez and a friend who owns a production company, and actually started out as a lark. The men were having lunch one day and started tossing around the idea to produce a television show based on Tremont Towing.
“We said, ‘Why not give it a shot?’ ” Gonzalez said. “In a way, the show started out as a favor for a friend, but now a lot of people seem to like it. I’ ve watched a few episodes and I thought it was funny, but not everybody has the same sense of humor. ”
The show turned out to be popular enough to be renewed for another season; the Tremont Towing crew seems to come across as fun-loving and likable to the general public.
“The show definitely shows the friendlier side of the tow industry, ” said owner Gonzalez. “It shows that not everyone in the towing industry is a mean old guy in the window. It gives our side of the story.
Public Perception
The best example of the lighter side of Tremont Towing is General Manager Robert Ashenoff Sr., the widely acknowledged star of the show. Ashenoff has been with Tremont Towing for about 20 years and was pleased to see the positive reaction that the public has had to the show.
“In our industry, we’ ve always had to fight the (public’s negative perception of our industry), ” Ashenoff Sr. said.
“ ‘South Beach Tow ’ shows that we’re not really the bad guys. We’re just out there doing a difficult job and we do it very well. There are some companies who don’t do it the right way, and we always have to fight off that stigma. ”
On the show and in real life, Ashenoff is joined by his son, Robbie Jr., and daughter, Christie. The senior and junior Ashenoffs handle most onscene operations, while daughter Christie stays in-house and covers the phones.
“I’ ve only been working with my family for the last eight years or so, ” saidAshenoff Sr. “It has its benefits and also setbacks, because they ’re my children. But (Robbie and Christie) have both proven to be good at what they do and now, we couldn’t do it without them. They really work their butts off to do the right thing, they ’ ve learned well and they ’ ve learned quickly. ”
Although Gonzalez seems to enter into the show with a fairly cavalier attitude, not all of his employees were as light-hearted about being on television. At least, not at first.
“This isn’t something I ever expected to do, ” said Ashenoff Sr. “This has put me out there when, like most towers, I’ ve always kept more to myself. … Now I’m OK with it because people’s reception of the show has been really great.
“I just looked at it as another part of my job. But how (the show) has
The show includes a mix of reality and some re-enacted scenes from the day-to-day operations of Tremont Towing.
continue to page 48
Number 150 on Reader Card
Editor ’ s note: This information is an edited and abbreviated version of Jared Null’ s full post on Tow411.net. It is used with his permission.
Following a long and involved recovery inAugust 2010 ofaloadedtractor-trailer,Null’sTowingofParadise,Pa.,ran into some roadblocks getting their invoice paid.
They received a call the same day asking for a reduction on the bill. ”Ourratesareonfilewiththepoliceandtheinvoicewas prepped in accordance to those rates … so we held our ground and said there was nothing that could be done to reduce the bill, ” Null wrote.
Laterthatday,theyagreedtoreleasethedamagedtrailer and load in exchange for half the bill. A representative presented them a letter of intent when retrieving the items.
“Inthefineprintthelettersaiditwasforpaymentinfull. We changed the letter to payment for half of the bill, and the other half due when the tractor was removed and faxed the letter back to the company, ” Null wrote.
“Fast-forward several weeks, the truck was still in our storage yard and we had no contact from the trucking company.Wesentthemaletterinformingthatstoragewasaccumulating and if the issue wasn’t resolved by a certain date that we would assume the truck was being abandoned and proceed from there. A few days went by and we received a letter from them saying that we were to settle for what they hadalreadypaidandreleasethetruckortheywouldsueus. We continued to hold our ground and turned it over to our attorney.
In July 2011, the judge wrote, “It is not often that I have the opportunity to put time spent watching television to practical use as a judge. I am a fan of the TV show, ‘O’Hare Towing, ’ whichfollowsafamilyownedtowingcompanyas itrespondstoemergenciesintheChicagoarea.Accordingly, I am familiar with the various type tow trucks, lift vehicles, and other equipment necessary to cleanup an accident scene. ”Also the judge wrote that an accident that impacts a major road like Route 30 is a major problem and is required to be cleared promptly. “Promptly meant to do whatever wasnecessarytogettheroadbackintooperation.Thecostof doing so is of no concern. I imagine the State Police have a similar view. ”
“The judge concluded that the equipment used at the scene was reasonable. … We were awarded the full remainderoftherecoverybill,fullstorage,and6-percentintereston the money owed, ” Null wrote. “On Sept. 1, 2011, we finally received payment for the recovery we completed over 12 months prior.
“I againwant tothank … theGratzianna Family andthe team at O’Hare Towing for all the work they did to promote ourindustryastruehard-workingprofessionals.…Thisisa huge win for every one of us!” Find the whole story at http://tow411.yuku.com/topic/105723/HeartlandExpress---Iowa-vs-H-Dain-Null-dba-Null-sTowing?page=1#.TqcgtWBe2Hd.
SOUTH BEACH TOW continued from page 44
turned out and how people have received it has been better than I thought. Even in everyday life, people see me on the street and they have positive things to say. ”
Although the show focuses on the Ashenoffs and a few other on-camera employees, occasional actors do make appearances on the show. This occurs to recreate some scenarios where cameras weren’t rolling or they couldn’t get waivers from the participants.
On Schedule
Both Gonzalez and Ashenoff Sr. agree that the biggest challenge to participating in a venture like “South Beach Tow ” is scheduling; scheduling for the employees, scheduling for the actors, scheduling for off-site filming –you get the picture. And that doesn’t even take into account the everyday scheduling of tasks necessary for running a towing business, like maintaining the fleet. Even so, the crew at Tremont Towing makes it work.
“Everybody from the film production company is pretty cool, ” said Gonzalez. “The actors are easy to work with. They go out of their way to work around our schedules, and they try to stay out of our way when we’re working. ”
Ashenoff Sr. praised the people behind the cameras, but did admit that being on camera constantly creates stress that wouldn’t ordinarily be a part of running a towing operation.
“In a way, every day is a challenge because I’m a tower and I’m always working, ” said Ashenoff Sr. “But with the show, I have to be ‘on’ mentally and physically every day. ”
According to truTV, “South Beach Tow ” has been such a hit that it’s increased their viewership on Wednesday nights. Both Gonzalez and Ashenoff Sr. are overwhelmed by the public’s reaction. Gonzalez said that he sees fans stopping by their offices and asking for autographs and to take pictures with his staff.
“Alittle fame can go to your head, ” he admitted. “And yeah, there are people coming in asking for autographs. But it’s all good, it’s still a regular dayto-day business.
Number 101 on Reader Card
Number 146 on Reader Card
Synthetic Rope Vs. Wire Rope, Part II
Types, Construction and Maintenance
The more information you have, the better your decision-making process will be in using synthetic rope on your trucks. One of the misconceptions about synthetic winch rope is that it is made of nylon. Although you can buy nylon rope, it is not best suited to the winching application.
Nylon is a fiber with good elasticity, poor abrasion resistance, poor cutting resistance and low melting point. These characteristics make it unsuitable for the towing and recovery industry. Other fibers are available for winch lines.
Four common fibers for synthetic rope are Kevlar, Technora, Dyneema, and Spectra (see chart in November issue for specs). Of these fibers, Dyneema appears to be the most suitable for towing and recovery.
Dyneema is made from High Molecular Density Polyethylene. Dyneema has excellent abrasion resistance, but a critical temperature of only 150 degrees F. The rope would need to be protected if there is contact with surfaces that exceed that. This fiber floats on water but doesn’t absorb it, and has a good degree of ultraviolet and chemical resistance. It weighs about 5 lbs. per 100’ of rope.
Kevlar’s benefit is that it has a high critical temperature of 400 degrees F. Its down side is that it has a lower working load limit than the other three fibers and only fair abrasion and UV resistance. Kevlar weighs about 4 lbs. per 100’ of rope.
Technora, like Kevlar, has a high critical temperature of 400 degrees F. It is stronger than Kevlar with good abrasion resistance, but only fair UV resistance. It weighs a little more than Kevlar at 4.4 lbs. per 100’ of rope.
Spectra is also made of HMDPE, but has a lower working load limit and has only fair UV resistance. Spectra is substantially lighter than the other fibers at only 3.60 lbs. per 100’ of rope.
by Terry Abejuela AT Operations Editor
Construction
Like wire rope, synthetic rope is often constructed to be task specific. Rope can be purchased in a variety of shapes, sizes and types of construction. Ropes are made by twisting fibers into yarn, yarn into strands and strands into rope. The direction the rope is twisted is called the lay of the rope. Ropes can be laid right or left. The letters S (left lay) and Z (right lay) are commonly used in the rope-making industry to identify the lay. If you look at the rope held out at arms length, the twist of a rope that follows the center line of the letter S is left laid and the twist of a rope that follows the center line of the letter Z is right laid.
The direction of twist is often alternated from fiber to yarn, yarn to strand and strand to rope. The alternating twist gives the rope balance that increases strength, helps the rope keep its shape and reduces the tendency of the rope to rotate.
All early ropes were laid or twisted. Laid ropes are easy to splice or knot. Three-strand rope is still commonly
laid and often used for everything from utility rope to high-strength marine line.
Another construction type is braided rope. Braided rope does not stretch as much as laid rope and is more difficult to splice. It is stronger than an equivalent-size laid rope. Because of its rounded shape, it works better through sheaves.
There are a variety of braided ropes available. Braid-on-braid has a braided core inside of a braided sheath. Multibraid is braided with two pairs of rightlaid strands and two pairs of left-laid strands. Parallel core has a braided sheath over a core of straight or lightly twisted yarns. Hollow braid does not
have a core.
There are several areas where the end user that is familiar with wire rope will need to be properly educated and trained on the proper use of synthetic ropes. Just like the difference between using chain vs. webbing, the tow operator will have to choose which is the most appropriate tool for the application.
Maintenance
Maintenance is one area where synthetic rope is much different than wire rope.
Synthetic rope does not require lubrication. One of the advantages of synthetic rope is how easily it wraps on the winch drum. Wire rope is easily damaged when the rope does not wind tight and even on the drum. This is very evident on car carriers.
Tow operators should still maintain a tight and even wrap on the drum with synthetic rope. But in the event the rope does not wrap tightly and evenly and wraps back over itself, it does not cause permanent damage as it would with wire rope. Flat spots, kinks and bends in synthetic winch line caused by improper winding disappear once the line is under load.
Synthetic rope can easily be cleaned with a pressure washer to remove oil, sand, dirt and salt water. If the synthetic rope is not kept clean of sand, dirt, small pebbles and salt granules from salt water, it will cause abrasion damage to the internal strands and eventually affect its capacity.
Do not step on or drive over the synthetic rope. Small pebbles, dirt or sand may get embedded in the rope causing premature abrasion damage to the line.
Tow operators using synthetic rope will need to be educated on how to inspect synthetic rope and how to identify when the rope should be removed from service. The Cordage institute publishes a document that addresses inspection of synthetic rope and how to determine when the rope is unsuitable for use. You can download a free copy at www.ropecord.com.
Strand rope
Strand-braided rope
Double-braided rope
This Supreema X-12 synthetic rope is made with Dyneema and sold by B/A Products with a ratings tag.
In Use
I think two suitable uses for synthetic rope in the towing and recovery industry are as extension lines and as a winch line on a car carrier.
There are a few ways the line can be attached to the winch drum. Most towers that I have talked to using synthetic rope use the same attachment point that the wire rope uses. Most are wrapping some type of tape on the end of the line and inserting it into the hole in the drum and tightening the set screw. It can also be attached using a battery wire end crimped onto the line and attaching it with a bolt that fits in the set screw hole. Another method is to have the line manufactured with a loop at the dead end of line and attaching it to the drum in a choker hitch. (You would have to hold the line in place to get the wraps started.) What I like about this method is the line is less likely to pull off the drum.
To get the longest life out of your synthetic winch line it is recommended that the winch drum and any sheaves that the line will make contact with be sanded down prior to installation of the rope. Thad Bailey, of Baileys Towing Accessories, was so impressed with the synthetic winch line that he not only sells it, but also manufactures a snatch block specifically designed for use with synthetic lines.
B/A Products offers synthetic rope for the towing and recovery industry with working load limit tags and color coded to identify the size. While 3/8” wire rope measures 3/8” with no load, 3/8” synthetic rope is larger than 3/8” with no load on it. (It reduces in diameter to 3/8” when under load.) This is the reason B/A Products decided to color code the rope—to make it easier for the tow operator to identify the size.
Because synthetic winch line is more slippery than wire rope, I recommend a minimum of 10 wraps remain on the drum. The recommended five
Bailey ’ s Towing Accessories manufactures a snatch block designed specifically for use with synthetic rope. Typical damaged wire winch line on a car carrier deck winch.
wraps for wire rope is not sufficient for synthetic rope. One tower marked the rope so his drivers would be able to see when they are down to the minimum wraps.
One of the best benefits of synthetic rope is easy handling. It can be used bare-handed without injury, and it can be easily coiled up, carried and stored. Frank Sanchez, of Somerset Hills Towing in New Jersey, keeps a length stored under the seat of his truck. Since the rope weighs much less than wire rope, it is easily carried from the truck to the casualty.
Tow operators using synthetic rope must take every precaution to avoid cuts to it. The synthetic rope will need to be protected against sharp edges. Use chain or wire rope when the synthetic rope cannot be protected. Use the proper size rope for the sheaves it will be going through. If you use a winch line that is too large of a diameter for the sheave the line may roll over the edge of the sheave and be cut.
I remain excited about the potential application synthetic rope has in the towing and recovery industry.
Terry Abejuela has 30 years of light-duty towing-and-recovery experience; he ' s also been a light-duty level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association since 1998.
Editor’s note:
The first part of this article in the November 2011 issue covered some practical experiences towers had and the main advantages and disadvantages of using synthetic rope on your truck.
This Beauty Is a Beast
While going through my archive of photos recently, I came upon these photos taken by “Tow Truck” Chris Iodice, sent to me sometime back by his brother, Corey Iodice. Always looking for interesting rigs to feature in this section and being partial to old wreckers, especially old Holmes units, this was perfect.
This rig is owned by Don Campanello Sr., who is owner/CEO of Camp Auto & Truck Parts in Wayne, N.J. Camp is a family owned and operated business that has been in operation for more than 50 years.
“My dad started the company in 1944. At the time he was one of the only guys in this area with a wrecker doing scrap and towing, ” Campanello said. “It passed down to me and I took it to the next level. Now we handle everything, including scrap metal services, towing, recovery, airbags, local- and long-distance heavy hauling, storage, truck service and parts. ”
This long-time company is now in its third generation of family involvement, with Don’s son and daughter onboard and a dedicated team of highly trained professionals that understand and execute all towing activities with proper planning and precision.
With more than 20 units of all kinds including Landolls, flatbeds, and wreckers from light- to heavy-duty, they also have a rotator and the spectacularAutocar/Holmes 850 featured here.
This blast from the past is a 1979 Autocar with a 40-ton Holmes 850 split boom on the business end. The 40-ton Holmes 850 was, and still is, a beast—the largest, heaviest and most powerful wrecker in the Holmes line at that time.
by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti Photos by “Tow Truck” Chris from Wreckerdriver.com
Story and photos by Brendan Dooley
Each boom is completely independent, and can be used separately or together. The booms are power operated and may be raised and lowered when fully loaded. Each can be swung to the side of the wrecker through an arc of 120 degrees. Central controls plus ground controls are provided for each boom. The ground controls can be used to operate both booms from either side of the wrecker. The rating with two booms is 40 tons. The rating for each boom and each drum is 20 tons.
A 3408 Caterpillar powers this rig. The transmission is an eight-gear lowlow unit with a reduction and it has 36,000-lbs. posi rears.
“This truck was originally built by Holmes for Arnold Polizzi. We purchased it and did a complete overhaul in house, including bodywork and paint, ” Campanello said. This rig is painted in the Camp company colors of black and red, giving it a classic look.
For those that don’t know, Polizzi was a well-known tower and wrecker builder based in Clifton, N.J., and the founder of American Towman magazine way back when. He was very active in the towing industry and well known for building some amazing heavy-duty units.
“This truck is garage kept, but it is still in use whenever we need it, ” said Campanello.
Tech Highlights
Chassis: 1979 Autocar Wrecker Body: Holmes 850 split boom Engine: 3408 Caterpillar Trans: Eight low-low with a reduction Winches: 40-ton hydraulic Builder: Holmes Wreckers Bodywork: In house by Camp Paint: In house by Camp Should your truck be in AT?
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.
2010 Ford F-550 w/ 48,000 miles. New Factory 6.4 motor installed by Ford w/ warranty "0" miles w/ 19" Vulcan Aluminum carrier, 4 x 4
631- 531- 0608
For i nf o pl ease cal l Jef f Bodvake “ CALL FOR DETAILS” on all units
Maximize your Return On Investment with protective tapes & films ContactTomHryndathrynda@verizon.net
877-445-TAPE (8273) Fax-610-262-4598 Associate Member-American Salvage Pool NobodyBeatsOurPrices WindshieldWrap36"x200'roll $50.00, plus extra 5% off for mentioning this ad!
Easy Tow Management Software
Free 30-day trial available at: www.TowDawg.com
Dispatch, Lot Management, Accounts
Receivable, Truck Maintenance, Lien Management, Barcode Inventory System, and so much more! 1-888-4TowDawg (888-486-9329)
ZACKLIFT
www.zacklifts.com
HOL WHEEL-LIFTS Repo • Add-OnsMES PARTS
750, 600, 500, 480 & MORE! 1-800-337-2350
Hamman Engineering
Fifthwheelers • Underlifts • Wreckers
FleetOutlook 7.0 Launched
Wireless Matrix Corp. released FleetOutlook 7.0 with the new Mobile Supervisor and FleetOutlook Express. Mobile Supervisor is a mobile application for the iPhone and iPad; FleetOutlook Express is a fleet-tracking solution for small- and medium-sized businesses. Both Mobile Supervisor and FleetOutlook Express support the need for real-time, on-the-go collaboration. Other upgrades in 7.0 include:
TechConnect is faster and allows drag-and-drop group messaging to in-cab Garmin Personal Navigation Devices. Fleet managers now can see at a glance the activity and communications status of drivers through unique driver status icons.
TechDirect offers increased visibility into work orders. Worksites are visible as landmarks, showing a driver’s work time spent at a customer or designated worksite, as well as jobs completed, jobs scheduled and not completed, plus jobs unassigned.
For more information, visit www.wirelessmatrix.com.
Null’ s Sales Adds LAB Products
LAB specialty lubricants named Null’s Sales & Service of Cochranville, Pa., as an authorized dealer to sell its full line of products for tow trucks and recovery vehicles. LAB’s products include Lube-A-Boom, Lube-A-Rope and Lube-A-Pin lubricants.
Find more at www.lubeaboom.com.
