American Towman Magazine - August 2013

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Ready Ready to to expand expand your your business? business? Need Need more more capability capability in in your your recoveries? recoveries? ® ® CENTURY CENTURY has has the the power power you you need need with with the the industry’s industry’s number number ONE ONE selling 60- 75-ton and 75-ton capacities. selling line line of of rotators rotators in in 30-, 40-, 40-, 60- and capacities. ® ® But But CENTURY CENTURY knows knows you you need need more more versatility versatility in in your your rotator rotator beyond beyond tough tough recoveries, recoveries, so so we we design design and and build build our our rotators rotators using using components components fabricated fabricated with with high-tensile high-tensile steel steel for for maximum maximum strength strength without without excess excess weight weight that that decreases decreases your your towing towing capabilities. capabilities. Our Our lightweight lightweight aluminum aluminum body body design design provides provides ample ample storage storage for for both both your your towing towing and and recovery recovery equipment. equipment.

The Century 1130 (30-ton) rotator provides the versatility of a rotator for recovery applications with a weight-conscience design for increased towing payload.

The Century 1140 (40-ton) rotator fits most applications, with options such as a 2- or 3-stage recovery boom, dual 35,000-lb.

2-speed winches, LDU underlift and a combination of auxiliary winch and outrigger systems.

The Century 1060S (60-ton) provides 360-degree continuous boom rotation, a 3-stage recovery boom, optional turretmounted and deck-mounted winches, your choice of outrigger package, and the proven SDU-4 underlift.

8503 Hilltop Drive • Ooltewah, Tennessee 37363

www.millerind.com • 800-292-0330 Call your local Miller Industries distributor for more information.

Number 143 on Reader Card

To tackle your most difficult recovery jobs for heavy loads, rely on the brute strength of the Century 1075S (75-ton), equipped with a 3-stage recovery boom and available with up to 6 winches for a combined winching capacity of 234,000 lbs.

FEATURE CONTENTS

22

Changing Impound Landscape AT takes an inside look at AutoReturn and how they work with cities and tow companies.

by Brendan Dooley

36

100 Episodes of AT Adventures Illustrator Don Lomax talks about the past and what’s coming soon for AT Armada.

by Steve Calitri

Departments

30

42

Walkaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Damned If You Do

Traveling at Top Speed

News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

One Tow Boss offers advice on documenting damages and who to talk with about them.

by Dan Archer

When drivers speed, they put lives in danger, equipment at risk and jeopardize your business.

by Randall Resch

34

50

Tale of Two Ballads

Recovery in Baltimore

The musical collaborators behind the “The Road Calls” mix things up again, adding rock beats and baseball.

by Steve Calitri

Recovery techniques during AT Expo seminars will cover the gamut from snatch blocks to high-end bus recoveries.

Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Tow Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Repo Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 AD Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Tow Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . .56 My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . . . .61

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Number 109 on Reader Card

Feed Your Head We have some good meat in this issue for you to chew on that will fill your hunger for knowledge. As we know, the importance of safety is never to be underestimated and should be of utmost concern in all aspects of the towing profession.

Many times we find ourselves falling prey to unsafe driving behavior because what we’re looking to avoid is too obvious. We assume that we automatically pay attention to those aspects of operating our machines. Sometimes its the “obvious” things that we need to be reminded of on which to remain vigilant.

Safety vigilance isn’t just about working carefully on the roadways, but the proper use of equipment. Appropriate usage of equipment includes the established

Real Drama in Repo

by Dennie Ortiz

guidelines and laws for driving your vehicle in a safe manner. In this issue, Operations Editor Randall Resch focuses on the importance of maintaining proper speeds in your tow truck. It not only impacts the safety of your personnel, but also your company’s liability.

Questions and concerns have arisen about the growing trend of municipalities outsourcing control of their towing operations. So another must-read within this issue is the profile of AutoReturn, including thoughts from the towers who work with them in various cities. There has been varied speculation on the methods and impact of this municipal towing specialist.

So read on to find out how this business model affects towers, and whether this is an opportunity for more towers to gain a piece of the municipal contract pie.

Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri Brendan Dooley

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor

Randall Resch

Operations Editor

Terry Abejuela

Field Editor, West

Jim “Buck” Sorrenti David Kolman Bill Simmons

Field Editor, Northeast Chassis Editor Safety Editor

Emily Oz

On Screen Editor

Mark Lacek

Repo Run Editor

Editorial Board Tommy Anderson Roy Carlson Gary Coe Belinda Harris Amado Llorens Ron Mislan Chuck Swider Frank Sanchez

Dallas, Texas St. Paul, Minn.

Portland, Ore. Greensboro, N.C. Hialeah, Fla. Warren, N.J. Chicopee, Mass.

Bridgewater, N.J.

American Towman Staff Ann Marie Nitti Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Norma Calitri Neila Smith Miriam Ortiz Henri Calitri Toni Vanderhorst William Burwell Emily Oz Steve Calitri

Page Layout Artist Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec.

VP of Accounts VP Communications Subscription Manager Customer Service Publisher’s Assistant TIW Media Director ATTV Producer President

by Brendan Dooley

In this month’s “Repo Run” column from Mark Lacek, I was shocked and upset by the story. That hasn’t happened to me in quite some time.

I’ve got plenty of years under my belt reading the worst news to come across the wire in selecting items to run in the various newspapers I’ve edited. I’ve selected photos from the scene of a semi that hit a six-year-old boy on a bike. I’ve lineedited and placed a story about a teen on drugs who tried to cut off his own head with a circular saw. I’d become fairly jaded to the news.

But Mark’s column gripped me, and I sent him several follow-up emails to get more of the story. What was a frustratingly bad day to him was a story that made me catch my breath as I read it.

Mark writes often in his column about being safe and non-confrontational as a repoman as being first and foremost … this month’s column couldn’t underscore his teaching any better.

When you’re done with his story, if you want to know more about repo and tips, training and advice, Mark will be hosting a two-hour seminar this year at the AT Expo in Baltimore, Md. Don’t miss it.

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First On The Scene!

American Towman Media Headquarters 7 West Street, Warwick, NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546 E-mail: Publisher: dortiz@towman.com Editor-In-Chief: scalitri@towman.com Editor: bdooley@towman.com AT’S Digital Edition: itowman.com AT’S Website: towman.com AT’S Weekly: towindustryweek.com ATTV: americantowmantv.com Copyright ©2013 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Media, Inc. 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.

Number 103 on Reader Card

Ill. Village Adds $500 Tow Fee To recoup some police department costs, the Wonder Lake (Ill.) Village Board unanimously implemented an administrative towing fee of $500.

The fee is based on what the village has to pay to send the arresting officer to court while keeping the same number of patrol officers on the streets, according to the board.

Wonder Lake joins a growing number of area communities to implement a towing fee for when a driver is arrested in connection with driving under the influence, driving with a suspended or revoked license, an outstanding warrant or other charges where the car is impounded.

The fee does not include the cost of the tow or any court fees.

Source: www.nwherald.com.

Man Points Gun at Repo Agent Police arrested a Saddle Brook, N.J., resident after he allegedly used a gun to threaten a repo agent attempting to tow his Kia. A neighbor called police around midnight and reported that an argument was taking place outside the home. At the same time, police received another call from a recovery agent who was attempting to repossess a 2012 Kia Sorrento with a valid repossession order for the car.

The registered owner became hostile as his car was being hooked up and yelled at the agent while pointing a handgun at him. The agent stepped backward and slowly retreated to his tow truck where he called the police.

The owner initially claimed he had two wrenches in his hand which he pretended was a gun; officers discovered a 40-caliber pistol in the bathroom cabinet of his apartment and hollow-point bullets.

Source: www.northjersey.com.

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Anonymous Thanks to a Tower A positive letter on towing appeared recently in the “Hamilton Spectator” in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Chris Carroll never met the tow operator involved in a tire change he helped with, but felt differently about towing afterwards.

Excerpts from Carroll’s letter to the paper: “I stopped to help a young mother change a flat tire” on the highway.

“We moved her car a little further away from the dreaded white line and jacked the car up. … I realized that traffic didn’t miss a beat and screamed past us. All I could think of was people being hit, police officers being taken out. … It was frightening.

“As I wrestled with the rusty lug nuts, I noticed a flatbed tow truck take up position about 30 feet behind us. The driver didn’t get out of his truck as he could see that I was managing. … I saw he had

turned his lights on and realized he was using his vehicle to protect us from the traffic. I got the spare on, wished the woman a safe trip home, and drove off with a wave of thanks to this man.

“I then realized that these tow truck drivers, emergency responders and highway patrol officers face deadly circumstances on the roads every day. I’d like to thank that man for his thoughtfulness and caring and ask people to give some thought to the actions of those who come to our assistance on the roads.” Source: www.thespec.com.

Hutch’s Goes

to the Dogs in W.V. An early June truck wreck on the West Virginia Turnpike proved to be beneficial for homeless dogs in Mercer, Kanawha and Putnam counties. A driver lost control of his truck and, while there were no injuries in the wreck, bags of dry dog food were scattered all over the highway.

Hutch’s Wrecker Service, a third generation family-owned wrecker service in Handley, W.V., donated the food after the insurance company cleared it for release.

James “Bear” Black, co-manager of Hutch’s, and his Uncle “Bird” Hutchinson, worked for a week to distribute the 600-plus bags of dry dog food to regional animal shelters.

“I know times are hard for all of these animal shelters, and I know people are working hard to help the animals,” Black said. “We are community-service oriented. If we salvage freight from a wreck, we try to buy it and distribute it to human service agencies. We will buy food if it’s edible and see that it gets to food pantries. … We have donated lumber to Habitat for Humanity and have helped out local churches.” Source: www.bdtonline.com.

. . . I’d like to thank that man for his thoughtfulness and caring . . .

Judge Surrenders Tow License Bonney Lake (Wash.) Municipal Judge Ron Heslop reportedly agreed to surrender the license of his Puyallup Towing business while the Department of Licensing watches his actions over his Engle’s Towing business in Bonney Lake.

Heslop’s two businesses have drawn the DOL’s attention several times, having been accused of actions where penalties totaled more than $20,000.

Engle’s Towing remains in business though it cannot have any new violations or that license will be revoked as well, a DOL official said.

In 2012, it was reported that Heslop was under investigation by the Washington State Patrol for allegations he was offering low-cost legal services for property owners who used his towing company. Source: www.bonneylakesumner.patch.com.

Tower’s Drag Truck Gets National Acclaim

Joe Meyer, owner of Overland Tow Service in Overland Park, Kan., also owns a drag truck that received kudos recently on the national level.

A profile in “National Dragster” covers his driver, J.R. Lobner, who got his first career national event win in Meyer’s truck at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in the Top Sportsman class.

The Overland truck, sponsored in part by TowLot.com, is a 2005 Chevy S10, pro-stock truck with chromoly tube chassis, fiberglass body, 672-cid big-block Chevy engine, Powerglide two-speed transmission and 9” Ford rear end.

“I built it with Chris Watkins and Larry Barnett at Star Chassis and CNA Performance,” Meyer said of the truck he’s been racing for five years.

Prior to Lobner’s turn behind the wheel since 2012, Meyer’s son Dusty drove it.

“I started in drag racing in the late 1970s and did it until middle 1980s,” Meyer said. “I started doing the junior drag racing class with my two sons and daughter in 1995 and raced in that until we moved into this class.”

In its Top Sportsman class in NHRA, the S-10 has run a 7.10 1/4 mile at 193 mph, Meyer said. “We’re No. 1 in Division 5 right now, with two races to go to win the championship.”

Best of luck to the team in races in Topeka this month and in Iowa in September; if they hold onto their points lead, the championship is theirs.

Thieving Neighbors in Massachusetts In Brockton, Mass., Paul May, service manager of Mag Towing, said there’ve been problems with the company’s neighbors, so when he arrived one morning and noticed the latch open on one of the trucks, he was immediately suspicious.

Nine car batteries worth about $1,300 and a GPS device were reported missing. May and colleagues walked across the street and discovered the batteries in plain view sitting in the back of a vehicle there.

Police arrested the vehicle’s owner, whose girlfriend borrowed the grill Mag Towing has on its lot during the July 4th holiday weekend. He said the family did not return the grill, so someone had to walk over and retrieve it.

“They’re using our grill on Monday and stealing our batteries on Friday,” May said in disbelief. Source: www.enterprisenews.com.

Recovery Billing in Baltimore Up until May and Tow Industry Week in Las Vegas, Bob and Eric Fouquette of Recovery Billing Unlimited hosted all their Recovery Billing courses in East Freetown, Mass. The classes are held at the Big Wheel Towing facility in the room above the garage holding Bob’s classic car collection. The Fouquettes decided to reach out to western towers with the Las Vegas class and now are reaching out to towers along the eastern seaboard with its eight-hour class at the Baltimore Convention Center on November 16th and 17; four hours on Saturday and Sunday mornings, allowing participants to be on the

Bob and Eric Fouquette

exhibit floor for the American Towman Exposition.

The $1650 fee allows two people into the class; a company’s owner/manager and billing clerk are encouraged to attend. The course focuses on billing and collection with recovery jobs and how to successfully collect from insurance companies. The course has received rave reviews from towers across the nation.

TOWMAN.COM - August 2013 • 9

Check Out What’s NEW and HOT!

New Heavy-Duty Lifts up to 30,000 lbs.

I-Bolt Universal Tow Eye The new I-Bolt Universal Tow Eye with Safety Strap, No. 71490, from Steck Manufacturing Co. allows towers to safely load disabled foreign (and some domestic) vehicles on rollback carriers without causing damage. The I-Bolt is a 2” x 1-1/2” loop connected to a 7” steel shaft with unique gripping teeth that lock into the threaded holes on the front or rear of the vehicle. I-Bolt fits threaded holes from 1/2” to

1-1/4”. This design provides a universal hookup solution for the 200-plus vehicles identified in the Towing and Service Manual from AAA. Also included is a 6’ x 2” polyester safety strap with a 4” looped end to wrap around the control arm or sway bar, and a 3-1/2” steel flat snap hook that attaches to the I-Bolt to positively secure the vehicle. The I-Bolt is certified to pull up to 1,500 lbs.

www.steckmfg.com Number 200 on Reader Card

SuperSprings Feature Easy Installation A new video from SuperSprings International outlines the many commercial uses for SuperSprings—the unique, selfadjusting leaf spring stabilizers with freerolling shackles that fit over factory-spring packs. They enhance the vehicle’s loadcarrying ability, promote a level ride and

reduce body roll. Applications are available for work trucks up to and including Class 5. The video is at www.supersprings.com/videos_supersprings_productinfo.asp, and shows how SuperSprings can be customized with various shackle settings that never have to be adjusted.

www.supersprings.com Number 201 on Reader Card

Diesel Fuel Additives Updated AMSOIL upgraded its Diesel Injector Clean and Diesel Injector Clean + Cold Flow with formulations designed to clean tough-to-remove deposits in modern high-pressure common-rail diesel injectors, as well as the traditional deposits found in older-generation injectors. The Diesel Cetane Boost and Diesel Cold Flow formulations remain

unchanged, but all four products feature new packaging.

Each product in the AMSOIL diesel fuel additive line is highly concentrated and focuses on addressing specific issues. The products are designed for all diesel fuel systems, improve start-ability and are alcohol-free.

www.amsoil.com

S

tertil-Koni recently introduced its Freedom Lift, a new series of heavy-duty, hydraulic two-post lifts.

The new models feature wheels-free lifting, telescopic swing arms with a range of usability and a design that requires no mechanical structure overhead. The product provides optimal safety through a symmetrical, open-floor design that optimizes workspace.

Models in the series include: • SK 2.16: 16,000-lbs. capacity with double telescopic arms, lifts to maximum height in 58 seconds.

• SK 2.16EFA: 16,000-lbs. capacity with extended flex arms, lifts to maximum height in 58 seconds.

• SK 2.20: 20,000-lbs. capacity and lifts to maximum height in 58 seconds.

• SK 2.26: 26,000-lbs. capacity and lifts to max height in 95 seconds.

• SK 2.30: 30,000-lbs. capacity with lifting time of 95 seconds to max height.

The maximum lifting height is 77-3/4”. Safety is ensured by the lifts’ open-floor design and the independent mechanical locking system—which starts at just 8” above floor level and continues up the entire height of the lift every 1-1/4”. Each member of the series is third-party tested and validated by the Automotive Lift Institute/ETLIntertek.

www.stertil-koni.com Number 203 on Reader Card

Number 202 on Reader Card

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TOWMAN.COM - August 2013 • 11

Getting Your Business Under Control

by Don Archer

A

fter being involved in an accident, motorists respond in many different ways.

Some scream, some pray, and some hold it in until later. It’s hard to be an optimist when you’re spinning out of control and blinded by the explosion of an inflated airbag that just won’t die. Then, after comes the realization you’re still alive and finally alone, and the tears roll—not for fear or sadness, but because you had no control over your world.

Running your own business can 12 • August 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

"Projecting costs and revenue is like tossing darts blindfolded."

feel much the same way. Some days you’re running cash call after cash call, doubling the dollars needed to break even for the day. Others have you figuratively scrambling through your desk drawer, revolver in hand, looking for that single bullet that will finally put an end to the madness.

The illusive search for control drives you crazy as you attempt to find meaning in it all. It’s all out of whack.

You either have too many drivers and not enough calls or way too many calls and not enough drivers.

When the job of projecting costs and revenue is like tossing darts blindfolded, you start to think that the problem lies in not enough business. But marketing your services to get more business is just asking for trouble.

You’re held back by the fear that if you actually attempt to get more customers, the phone will begin to ring right about the time you’re swamped.

Just when someone responding to your newest marketing material will call when you’ve got multiple drivers out of town, you’ve called the last on-call driver in and you’re seriously thinking about asking your son-in-law to hop in a truck, Who needs it?

So like most towing companies, instead of chancing the trouble of new business, you only spend money on truck signage, business cards and Yellow Page ads, because that’s what everybody else does. But in so doing, you end up back in the same predicament as before— becoming frustrated when you’re bleeding cash and elated when you can’t possibly keep up. So what’s the answer?

It’s obvious really. You must market your services through numerous media to gain a steady stream of customers who you couldn’t possibly get to during your busiest times. I know it sounds horrible, but what else are you to do? The alternative is to stay the course and still have customers you can’t get to. And that course is going to drive you crazier and crazier as the years go by.

Once you’ve gotten past that hurdle and realize that you’re not too busy to market your company, life becomes easier. You’ll still have slow days that are relentless, but they’ll be better handled because your busy days will more than make up the difference.

Number 193 on Reader Card

Editir’s note: Don Archer lives and works in Jefferson City, Mo., where he and his wife, Brenda, own and operate Broadway Wrecker, a 12-truck operation that’s been in business since the 1950s.

Email him at don@broadwaywrecker.com Number 145 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - August 2013 • 13

Create Your Own Luck

by Mark Lacek

F

irst let me pay homage to Editorin-Chief Steve Calitri for his insight into bringing the repossession industry into the fold at “American Towman.” The recent acquisition of “RepoTimes.com” will no doubt energize repossessors across the nation to understand that American Towman magazine is the No. 1 source of products and information for the repossession specialist.

RepoTimes is a source for many to increase the bottom line. Repossession professionals have the ability to list their company on the Repossession Agency Locator site. Banking and lending professionals can log onto the site and search for a repossession agency in a specific area.

The site has the latest news and laws affecting our industry; RepoTimes is also an online venue for repossession industry vendors to advertise the latest in products and services. One of my favorite parts of the site is giving the nation’s repossession experts a place to discuss the latest issues, products and services on its discussion board. RepoTimes also welcomes comments and opinions from industry professionals.

Check out RepoTimes.com and see what the buzz is all about. Sign up and become an online member of this great online source for the recovery agent.

A Little Luck Now lets talk about being safe, making smart decisions and the value of some good old-fashioned luck.

It’s no secret I’ve been in the repossession business for a while. It was back in 1970s in northern Ohio where I first caught the repossession bug. During all of these years, when asked if I have ever been a victim of assault or shot at, I was always able to answer with a “No.” I liked to think this was mostly a result of good decisions, smart choices and/or an inner stealth.

Well, I might be wrong. A recent incident in Louisiana while repossessing a 14 • August 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

group of dump trucks shed light on the fact that luck has played a role in my personal safety too.

During this Louisiana repo, to my surprise, the debtor showed up during the process of removing the collateral.

This debtor, along with his group of thugs, came in to the parking yard extremely violent and screaming and yelling. Nothing could be said to calm them down.

In these pages, I’ve previously covered the skills of communication and body language prior to and during a confrontation. On this occasion, no words could have stopped the debtor from assaulting three members of our recovery team, me included.

In Baltimore At the American Towman Expo in Baltimore last November, I conducted a one-hour seminar for repossession professionals. The room was packed and the response was overwhelming. This year I will return … with a two-hour seminar.

I am asking you for your input.

What topics would you like to see discussed? (Don’t forget to sign up early, last year’s seminar ended with standing room only.) Email your thoughts and suggestions to me at marklacek@ymail.com

The debtor and the two individuals were out drinking when they received a call from a friend who saw my recovery team enter the parking yard where the trucks were stored for the night.

As I explained in the past, backing down from a potentially violent situation is always the safest and smartest decision.

During this particular confrontation, no one on the recovery team pushed back or returned a punch. My team let the debtor and his friends drive away with the trucks.

The thugs and the debtor forced me and two other agents out of the trucks. A team member called the local police during the repossession when things got scary. The debtor had taken off with two of the trucks, leaving the third behind. I had decided to remove the third dump truck and was pulling out of the storage yard when the debtor’s friends returned to block me in. As I was backing up and the thugs were coming towards me, three police cars rolled in.

The only calming effect was when law enforcement showed up. It’s situations like this when a less experienced repossessor fails to “stand down” that someone’s life is put in danger.

Prior to law enforcement arriving, I felt I was in a very dangerous situation.

Charges have been filed against the debtor for assault on three

individuals. Subsequentially the debtor is being as helpful as he can with the desire to see all charges dropped. In the two days following the event, all of the trucks have been recovered.

If law enforcement had not arrived, I am not sure how the story would have ended.

Even though the debtor was in the wrong, the situation would have heightened if our team member were injured, harmed or pulled a weapon. I can recall a moment during this confrontation where it would have been an easy one-two punch to the jaw, but I held back. As I witnessed the “nice payday” driving away, I was simply glad because no one was really hurt.

Except for a few bruised egos, we were all safe.

Losing one’s temper is not only on the side of the debtor.

Today, defending yourself can have you facing murder charges.

Though I say I’ve enjoyed a certain amount of luck over my career, I have to add that the advantage goes to the repossessor who makes smart decisions. It’s also a clear advantage to be prepared through ongoing training and education. Having the right equipment is a must, too.

But sometimes, when you think your plan is without flaws and you considered all of the variables, remember you might just be unlucky enough to meet a total whack job anyway.

Be safe.

Author Mark Lacek is a 30-year recovery industry veteran and former editor of Professional Repossessor magazine.

Mark@commercialassetsolutions.com Number 139 on Reader Card

Number 148 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - August 2013 • 15

Number 108 on Reader Card

ADVERTISER

ACTION PAGE

AD INDEX

Fax To: 888-847-6035 Page #

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142 171 109 113 215 117 181 193 210 148 198 118 172 103 132 206 206 159 206 191 173 100 122 151 121

August 2013 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

Number 120 on Reader Card

The Inside Scoop on Lockout Tools

P

erforming lockout service has become increasingly more difficult for tow operators. Having a variety of tools available as well as training and practice will make providing this service much easier.

I recommend all tow operators carry some type of lockout manual, whether from a motor club or lockout tool manufacturer. Use these types of publications to prepare yourself before arriving onscene with your customer.

The long-reach tool has become the preferred method of entry on many vehicles. I recommend a light colored one-piece long-reach tool with a protective covering on its tip. Multi-piece longreach tools are more convenient to store, but the connectors may make it more difficult to use and increase the potential for damage.

Long-reach tools can be used to move locking buttons or push electric unlock buttons, or sometimes pull keys out through an opening. Avoid excessive pulling or pushing with the tool, because if the tool slips off of the intended target it can spring out of control and hit window glass or other components and cause damage. Wedges, an air wedge and/or a prying tool may be necessary when using a long-reach tool on some vehicles.

Wedges are useful regardless of which lockout tool you use. There are many different shapes and sizes, including air wedges. Care must be exercised to avoid damage when using a wedge— open only enough space to accommodate the tool you are using. I recommend carrying at least two plastic or wooden wedges and at least one air wedge. Avoid using an air wedge on windows with no frame; too much force can cause a window glass to break.

The “slim jim” served the industry well for many years and many operators still take pride in being able to open cars with just this tool. The design of latermodel vehicles makes them difficult, if not impossible, to unlock without damage using only a slim jim. I recommend

18 • August 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

that you still carry at least two slim jims with multiple notches at one end and a hook at the other (along with a cover for the end not in use), for use on older models.

“Under-window” tools, as I call them, can be effective, but tow operators risk the possibility of getting the tool stuck, scratching window tinting or breaking glass on some vehicles. When using a wedge to insert an under-window tool from the outside, remove the wedge before attempting to raise the tool on the inside of the window glass. Leaving the wedge in place will create more pressure on the inside. Make sure your under-window tools maintain their original shape. Repeated use, improper angle or using too much force can stretch open the narrow bend in the tool and make it more difficult to use.

Make sure that the under-window tool you insert in the door has enough reach to get to the unlock button before inserting the tool. If the tool is inserted into the vehicle and is not able to unlock the door, you will not be able to remove your tool until the vehicle is unlocked.

Excessive force can cause an under-window tool to be wedged in between reinforcement beams or other components

by Terry Abejuela

Two sizes of plastic wedges, an air wedge and a prying tool.

An inside the door cavity light and a suctioncup light.

One-piece long-reach tool, plastic wedges and an air wedge.

Slim jims with multiple notches on one end and a hook at the other; a rubber handle covers whichever side is not in use.

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This lockout kit features various tools, lighting and wedges.

inside the door cavity and make it stuck.

You may have to remove the inside door panel to gain access to the inside door cavity to manually remove the stuck tool (after you’ve unlocked the door another way).

Linkage-rod tools are not as effective on newer vehicles. They still may be useful for older models, so I wouldn’t get rid of them if you already have them.

The banding strap is a simple, effective and economical tool every tow operator should carry. The strap is used in many packages, so it is abundantly available free of charge. Carry some duct tape to use on the inside loop of the banding strap when needed to lift lock buttons with no lip.

Mylar protector sheets should be in your tool kit; they protect the window glass when using tools that make contact, such as slim jims, under-window tools and linkage-rod tools.

Many different types of lights are available to assist with lockout service.

Some lights use suction cups and can be attached to the windshield or opposite door window glass. Other lights are on long probes that allow the operator to insert the light into a door cavity to see linkage rods, bell cranks or other locking-system components when Number 128 on Reader Card

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A set of picks; these require much practice for proficiency.

Various linkage-rod tools.

using a slim jim or linkage-rod tools.

Gas cap keys are very handy to have.

Out of the 10 or so times I have tried the gas cap key, I was able to open probably eight. (They also work on some tow truck toolbox door locks.)

Lock-pick tools can be effective, but require a lot of practice and can be expensive. I’ve never had much luck with them … but I didn’t practice that much either.

Operators should carry some type of lubricant to use with lockout tools. Dried out weather-stripping may make it difficult to insert tools without damage.

Good old dish soap and water in a spray bottle works. It won’t damage paint and you can clean the window when you’re done. Some operators prefer to use spray-can lubricants. Use a siliconebased spray rather than petroleumbased spray that may stain some surfaces.

Carry your lockout tools in a waterproof container or bag. Keep them dry and free of damage and grease. New tools may require a light sanding to remove any sharp edges or metal burrs.

Patience and finesse go a long way in performing lockout service with any tool. Carry a variety of tools and don’t use excessive force to make tools work. If they are used correctly, you shouldn’t need to apply excessive force. Get as much hands-on lockout training as you can get, and study from print and online sources. Practice is the best of all instructors. You may know how to unlock a vehicle, but if you don’t practice it may still be a difficult process.

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Terry Abejuela has 30+ years of light-duty towing-and-recovery experience. He is also a lightduty level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association since 1998.

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TOWMAN.COM - August 2013 • 21

T

Johnny Cortes, owner of Cortes Towing in South San Diego, Calif., prefers AutoReturn’s GPS-based dispatch system now used in his impound zone in the city.

AutoReturn How One Company Is Changing the Impound Landscape 22 • August 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

by Brendan Dooley

here’s one company that seems to have been dominating more industry news, debates and arguments recently than any other. If you haven’t read or heard something by now about AutoReturn, based in San Francisco, Calif., this is either your first week on the job or maybe you thought the news only related to another city and not yours.

AutoReturn, however, is now working its towing rotation system with several major municipalities and hopes to contract with many more around the nation.

AutoReturn got its start in 2002, after its founders decided to take their Silicon Valley experience and apply it to a new industry. After one of the founders experienced his vehicle being impounded in San Francisco, they felt towing, or at least the impound niche, could benefit from 21st Century improvements.

The partners contacted Dan Scanlan for input, who had 21 years of experience with AAA of Northern California. After a little more than two years of discussions and planning, they had a model for a “towing logistics” business and won a bid for the impound contract in San Francisco.

Their model was not to do any of the towing, but to better organize the impound experience from start to finish, from the department who orders the tow to the customer retrieving his car.

“Every community has unique challenges and problems,” said Scanlan, AutoReturn’s VP of towing and quality assurance. “We’ve learned what we do has to be flexible and work with whatever municipality and its local towers to be more efficient and make the process better for everybody, including customers.”

AutoReturn has a few different models now, depending on what a municipality needs from them. “We’re not a one-size-fits-all solution,” Scanlan said.

In some areas, they are a “full-service” company, managing everything from the city impound lot, towing sub-contractors, cars in the lots and disposing of abandoned vehicles (like in San Francisco and recently Indi-

anapolis, Ind.) In other areas, like Baltimore County, Md., they simply act as third-party administrators dispatching calls with their software and providing detailed reports.

One of the things AutoReturn doesn’t do is set towing rates when they bid on a contract. The rates are still set by the cities.

Scanlan said that in its “full-service” contracts, AutoReturn collects the impound fees and pays the cities, who in turn pay the towers. In its third-party areas (like Baltimore County, San Diego, Calif., and Kansas City, Mo.), the towers or cities are paid directly by the customers at city-set impound rates and fees.

Scanlan said the biggest benefits AutoReturn offers cities are transparency on the process and “lots of reporting.” In the areas where they’ve successfully bid on the process, municipalities were “dealing with insufficient reporting—a surprising number didn’t even know how many tows their city did annually,” Scanlan said.

AutoReturn offered them organization and easy tracking of their impounds. He said that claims and complaints have gone down in their areas.

Aside from the usual comments from angry folks who’ve been impounded (“Even the mafia has some scruples,” “We should sue the city,” “Signage was poor/nonexistent,” “It was locusts, floods … it wasn’t my fault!”), some consumer reviews online at Yelp.com did have good things to say about the company as far as the easy return of their cars.

Two sample reviews from the site: “The boyfriend had been filling my head with scary stories about being jerked 180 around everywhere … from police station, impoundment area, police station again, etc. So when I found out that all I had to do was simply pay and pick up my car, I was OVERJOYED.” “They may be evil, but they are efficient. I was in and out in less than five minutes … I have respect for the operation, but I hope it’s a long time before I see it up close and personal again.”

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What About Towers?

For tow companies working in areas where AutoReturn now exists, getting on the rotation as a sub-contractor is still primarily up to the city’s requirements. Though there are a few additional steps to work with AutoReturn.

Companies need to be smartphone- and Internet-savvy, and be willing to use AutoReturn’s free app for dispatched calls. The calls, whether through AutoReturn or directly from local police, route through AutoReturn’s system and automatically are sent to the nearest available truck based on GPS. “We are nearly wholly GPSbased,” Scanlan said. “The call comes in, the computer sees the closest available truck with the correct equipment, and the tower has two minutes to respond.”

“Working with AutoReturn has been really great,” said Tim Marshall, owner of Recovery Tow Service in

Tim Marshall, owner of Recovery Tow in Kansas City, Mo., feels that AutoReturn has improved the towing situation in his city.

Kansas City, Mo. AutoReturn has been in the city since late 2012, and Marshall thinks their dispatch system helped clean up wreck-chasing there.

“The dispatching part of their system really made a difference here. I like it overall, and now you can drive normally to a wreck you’ve been dispatched to and know the car will be there.”

AutoReturn pays him weekly by ACH transfer for tows that go to the

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city lot, and those rates were set by the city and AutoReturn. He said the rate for a basic tow in K.C. now is $200 (up from $165); AutoReturn gets $22 per dispatched call. For Marshall, that means payments of $200 at time of service for “private-no preference” calls initiated by police, or weekly payments from AutoReturn for impounds and other tows that go to the city lot.

The weekly payments from AutoReturn are $100 (minus $22 per call) for impounds (the city keeps the other $100 on impound calls). The weekly payments also deduct $22 per each of the AR-dispatched “private-no preference” calls already paid.

“I think [AutoReturn] improved the towing locally and I would love to work with them as long as they have the contract,” he said.

AutoReturn’s business is “majority enforcement towing, and not accident response,” in most areas, Scanlan said.

“We’ve improved response times everywhere we’ve gone—in San Fran-

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cisco, response times are down to 12 minutes.”

“The better your response time, the better your performance, the more work you can get under the system,” said Johnny Cortes, owner of Cortes Towing in South San Diego, Calif. His company tows light to heavy, but impounds now account for as much as 40 percent of his business. Impounds started at 5 percent of the business.

Cortes likes the system through AutoReturn as compared to previous city contracts. He said it works great for his company where the calls come directly to their smartphones and they have a certain amount of time to accept the call, similar to any other rotation account.

Cortes does impounds in his zone of San Diego along with four other companies. (Two companies were dropped recently for poor ETAs, according to Cortes.) They tow the impounds to a Road One lot, who separately have the city’s impound lot contract. He said his company is paid

"The better your response time, the better your performance, the more work you can get." by the city of San Diego, who also set the rates per tow.

“AutoReturn organizes the system better for how tows are dispatched,” Cortes said. “There’s no favoritism

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because AutoReturn is outside the city with no influence over who gets a call because it’s automatic, based on GPS.” With AutoReturn’s app, Scanlan said companies are able to track trucks themselves, even when they’re off the clock, and operators can document pre-existing damages by taking photos that upload directly to the call assignment.

“With AutoReturn, reports are available to tow owners, or they can create them based on their own criteria, to check their business,” Scanlan said. “We try to be as pro-active as possible about everything we do. We talk to companies that are working with us about issues.”

He said the criteria to work with AutoReturn are primarily set by the cities. For instance, in San Francisco a company needs to have at least three trucks that are manned 24/7. “Any questionable drivers or owners won’t make the cut,” Scanlan said. “We make sure anyone who joins us projects a professional image.”

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Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t Discussing vs. Documenting Damages

by Don Archer

When loading a utility vehicle, take care and use soft straps where you can.

I

recently got an email from a tower in Florida talking about a utility vehicle he towed. David hadn’t towed a UTV before, so he was a bit nervous—especially since the price tag on this one was more than most cars.

“I’m going to make sure these guys see all the marks on this thing before I leave so they don’t think I did it,” he thought to himself as he pulled onto the repair shop’s lot.

He used soft straps and towels

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around the polished aluminum and was sure that the bridle was disconnected and pulled completely away from the expensive toy before towing.

The owners had helped load it and watched his every move—making him quite nervous—so he took his time.

At the shop he discussed the UTV’s condition with the service writer and everyone watched as he unloaded it. He spent extra time

explaining and pointing out all the dings, scratches and scuffs that were there before he picked it up. He wanted to be sure they knew that the marks were there before he touched it.

But that would not be the end of it.

David’s cautious actions would turn into an accusation of damage done.

What happened next: The repair shop service writer called the UTV owner and told him that David had just pointed out all the damage that

his pride and joy had sustained and wanted to know if he wanted the items repaired.

“Damage?,” the UTV owner emphatically questioned, “What damage!!?”

The relatively new vehicle had a 2” scuff on the door and a scratch on the front bumper.

The UTV owner, spurred on by the service writer, automatically assumed the damage occurred due to the negligence or ignorance of the tow truck driver.

Not remembering those two miniscule items, the owner believed that they must have occurred during transport. Spurred on by dollar signs, the service writer got his saddle and went along for the ride.

One thing led to another and David’s boss got a phone call.

You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t; it sounds like that service writer was having a bad sales month. If you want to cover yourself, either take pictures before you touch the vehicle or discuss the dings and scratches with the owner only. Next time don’t discuss the damages with the service writer.

Chalk this one up as a lesson learned—the hard way.

Editir’s note: Don Archer lives and works in Jefferson City, Mo., where he and his wife, Brenda, own and operate Broadway Wrecker, a 12-truck operation that’s been in business since the 1950s. Email him at don@broadwaywrecker.com.

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VDOT Adds State Wrecker on I-95 Some Virginia towing companies are unhappy with the state’s new program to quickly remove wrecked vehicles from a stretch of I-95 in northern Virginia.

After an increase in crashes that blocked traffic on parts of the interstate, the Virginia Department of Transportation began using a stateowned rollback wrecker. This started in June to remove disabled or

wrecked vehicles in Stafford County.

Tow truck drivers say the program unfairly competes with their businesses.

VDOT officials told truck operators that the state’s job is to make sure the interstate is safe and that traffic can keep moving, but that the VDOT wrecker would pull back if a private tower got to the scene more quickly. www.timesdispatch.com.

WorkStar Line Gains SCR Emissions Navistar launched its heavy-duty International WorkStar vocational trucks powered by the company’s 13-liter engine with Selective Catalytic Reduction emissions technology. The WorkStar is the fourth heavy-duty International truck model to transition to SCR technology since December.

The company’s portfolio of SCR-based heavy-duty trucks includes the International ProStar, International PayStar 5900 Set-Back Axle and International 9900i—all available with the Cummins ISX15 engine.

In addition, Navistar’s proprietary 13-liter engine with SCR was launched in the ProStar in April and is now available in the WorkStar.

The remaining line-up of International heavy-duty truck models will transition to SCR emissions technology in a phased launch based on volume and demand. www.navistar.com.

Ervin Extends Tire Life, Mileage Ervin Equipment will begin offering the Meritor Tire Inflation System by P.S.I. on its used and new trailers. The Meritor system keeps trailer tires at the correct pressure while they are rotating via the tractor’s onboard compressor. The system offers a fuel mileage increase of 1.4 percent, and a forecasted 10-percent extended tire life. The system is untethered, meaning it can sustain itself and is compatible with any tractor. www.ervinusa.com

Travis Barlow Revamps Website

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Travis Barlow Company, a retail provider of auto transport, towing and recovery insurance, redesigned its website at www.travisbarlow.com with “a contemporary look with improved navigation and functionality” for the majority of today’s browsers and mobile devices.

The site provides easy access to detailed information on insurance for towing and transport through videos, pictures and the option to share information across social networking sites. The site also provides interaction with the company or to request quotes. www.travisbarlow.com

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TOWMAN.COM - August 2013 • 33

Tale of

by Steve Calitri

Two songs capture the dedication of towing professionals and become a piece of Americana

O

ne morning, about 2 a.m., I awoke and music started coming into my head. I am not sure why, but I knew right away that it was meant for a dramatic narrative that involved towing and recovery, and particularly the towman himself for his dedication and sacrifice. As the music played in my head, the story formed. Later I would write the lyrics.

But I do not know how to write music. I do not play an instrument. I got on the Internet and was fortunate to find a singer-songwriter named Mike Corbin who lived in the same town I did, Warwick, N.Y. I listened to several songs he had composed and recorded online and I knew he was the guy who could sing the “Towman Ballad–The Road Calls” the way it was meant to be.

I called Mike and we got together and started working on the music. I would sing the song, “voice-in-theshower” quality at best, and send him a recording of that, and he figured out the chords and we were off. Time was precious, because by the time I found Mike, it was less than two months before last year’s Festival Night, when the song’s debut was promised.

The Road Calls plays for five minutes—by most standards a long song.

It’s a ballad that tells a story of one night in the life of a towman. This towman we gather has a wife, kids and a dog. It builds to a heroic ending.

Several hundred towers have now heard Mike sing the song live and they have been touched. Many have called it their “anthem.” We think it’s a great song and we knew right away that we wanted to compose and record another ballad involving towing.

34 • August 2013 - TOWMAN.COM

For the second Towman ballad, “Mighty Malone,” I drew upon a short story I wrote in my 20s. I reworked the theme so that towing played a prominent role in the narrative of the song … the great game of baseball is also front and center.

The music of the two “ballads” couldn’t be more different. The Road Calls is a gritty song, a little bit country, a little bit rock. Mighty Malone, on the other hand, will make even a flat foot get up and dance to the 1950s Rock ’n’ Roll reminiscent of Chuck Berry and Jerry Lee Lewis.

There’s no telling how many people will listen to these Towman bal-

lads. But whoever does will hear about first responders who are dedicated service professionals. They will hear about you.

Both songs can be downloaded at re v e r b n a t i o n . c o m / m i k e c o r b i n , itunes.com and amazon.com. A newly cut CD of original songs from Mike, including the two Towman ballads, will be available at Amazon.com sometime this month. They will also be online at youtube.com.

Mike will be singing the ballads live during Festival Night in Baltimore on Nov. 16. For now, enjoy reading the lyrics here.

The summer air crackles with the players’ names I’m waitin’ on deck for my chance in the game

Mighty Malone I throw in the loaves Step into the van

At night I pull a wrecker From the old wrecker lot

Then roll down the street The same old plan

I gotta keep movin’ Keepin’ food in the pot

The first stop is Moseby’s Great grub and brew

Lady’s car was steamin’ Like a pot on a stove

The next pull is Perry’s Great buffalo stew

The world was screetchin’ Everywhere I drove

I flick on the radio My man Malone is up

I can see him crouch The games – on the line

Takes a mighty swing And the fans erupt!

Life is a bust–Crack!

It’s gone! We win ten to nine.

Rollin’ on my route Wonder where this will end

John Malone, he’s got the world by the strings He roams centerfield, takes those mighty swings

Then Malone’s up again And my mind’s in a bend

The summer air crackles with the players’ names Just waitin’ on deck for my chance in the game

John Malone, he’s got the world by the strings He roams centerfield, takes those mighty swings

But the game takes a turn A truck turns on its crown Night ‘s lit red and blue There’s risk in the air I secure the wire rope At the Captain I stare He cries, Jack you’re up!

I grab the knob like it’s Stout Then I raise the boom And they get the man out Hey Malone has gone down And the night is late But hear the fans cheer As I’m crossin’ home plate John Malone, he’s got the world by the strings He roams centerfield, takes those mighty swings The summer air crackles with the players’ names I’m waitin’ on deck for my chance in the game

Bottom of the ninth Malone – take it downtown

*Hear Mighty Malone at YouTube.com/distilleryroadmusic and at reverbnation.com/mikecorbin

The Road Calls (Towman Ballad) Another day of wrecks and strife Lay me down beside my wife Paces from the road I keep Tense this wire rope– need sleep The old lady turns, I hear the page Start a cussin’, whisperin’ rage Kids are dreamin’ and Jesse is strewn Upon the rug I kick his moon Rolling by the river on County Nine Trees are shadows, there is no time Time is the moment and the moment on rent There was then and then was spent Cackle of the radio, calm of the sky Lights flashin’ down the road, on high Nod to the badge and those in blue Hook and winch and raise the boom Thinkin’ ‘bout the lucky, thinkin’ ‘bout the dead Life is mayhem of metal and red The road calls And I roll With my heart And my soul

Music: M. Corbin Lyrics: S. Calitri © 2013

Feel Jesse breathin’ on my hand Peek in the shadows upon my clan

I’m down the knoll, I’m on the car Lit by a flash in the sky up far

Thank you Lord we’re here tonight, Bless the kid who lost his light,

Hair is splayed upon the wheel Is she there? Can she feel?

Slip back in beside my bride Feel her shoulder, touch her side

Now a flame erupts – no good!

Don’t slip now, grab the hood!

Just conkin’ off when a call comes in Another drunken fool again

Maybe she’s dreaming, maybe she naps Crash the window, cut the strap

I nudge old Jess, I’m out the door Slapped by rain and wind that roars

Under her arms and over my back Force my stride to pick up slack

Thunder claps and falling skies Make my office, make my tie

Lay her down on grass- not mud The world explodes behind my head

Where I go Life is blinkin’ Where I go I can’t be thinkin’ Night stretches to the end of the road Where am I headed and when back home

Hey God – inside I’m cryin’ Oh God, please stop dyin’ Lord–– she’s staring at you and me She can breathe and she can see!

The road calls And I roll With my heart And my soul

The road calls And I roll With my heart And my soul

Up ahead a weaving car Seems like fate has taken charge

I am the road I am the Towman

In the blurr I see it leap Turn and roll in one bent heap

I am the road I am the Towman

*Hear or download The Road Calls at reverbnation.com/mikecorbin

Music: S. Calitri, M. Corbin Lyrics: S. Calitri © 2012

100“What Next?”

Episodes of

TO BE CONTINUED...

by Steve Calitri

T

he Adventures of the American Towman began 100 episodes ago with AT Armada crossing a bridge on his pan head motorcycle when an eighteenwheeler crashed and the truck’s cab was then dangling over the river, the driver in perilous straits. Thus began the first of many calamities and rescues, with AT always in the thick of it.

Don Lomax creating at his drawing table.

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AT like most towing professionals has seen and towed it all: bulls, beached whales, UFOs, and your common variety automobile from a cemetery; there wasn’t anything he didn’t tow.

AT has risked his life in bodies of water, down cliffs, on bridges, railroad tracks; he even did a stint in Afghanistan at the time U.S. soldiers first went in, with a super tow truck and articulating boom at his disposal. It looked like a dinosaur’s neck.

AT has dealt with illegal immigrants, drugs, thieves, and obnoxious tow councilmen.

Our hero’s adventures have been often unusual, sometimes familiar, and occasionally marked by intrigue.

Throughout the 100 episodes AT continues to banter with his partner, Pop, be faithful to his friend, HP, and on a rare occasion get caught up in a romance. But who has time for that when you’re a towing professional, 24/7.

The creators of the Adventures

have been myself and Don Lomax. I wrote the first 21 episodes. Then when Don saw I was slow in sending him the scripts (I was juggling a lot of balls at the time), he offered to do the writing as well as the artwork. Since then, though I’ve remained in collaboration on the Adventures, it’s Don’s creative mind that has put AT through hell and back.

Lomax is a throwback to comic artists of yesteryear. Everything in each episode is by hand; the initial sketch, the colorizing, the lettering. It’s hard to go into a comic book store these days and find a comic series that is 100% a hand illustrated product. Computer graphics have changed the game and given today’s comic art a generic look of slickness. The Adventures of the American Towman is an anomaly, i.e., rare.

I asked Don a few questions for this anniversary article: AT: What do you enjoy most about creating Adventures of the American Towman each month?

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Lomax: Of course creating the artwork. I love to paint and Adventures gives me an excuse to do what I love.

AT: What in your background has you illustrating trucks so well?

I’ve been drawing cars and trucks since I was a teenager.

Like most boys of the ‘50s and ‘60s I liked to think of myself as a motor-head but couldn’t afford a car so I drew pictures of them. The next best thing. I drew comics for Cartoons Magazine in the ‘80s and early ‘90s. That proved to be a good training ground for Adventures of the American Towman later on.

AT: What motivates you from episode to episode?

Lomax: I met A.T. Armada nearly ten years ago. I didn’t know what to expect but very soon I became impressed with his high moral character and physical prowess. Since then A.T. has become a close friend. I’ll admit, I’ve put him through a lot. Hurricanes, tornadoes, forest fires, alien invasions he has held up pretty well but I have a feeling there is even more dangerous situations to come.

Adventures has pretty much became a part of my life. I have sat down at the computer more than once, my

mind a complete blank. And I say to myself. It is over. I’m brain locked. I might as well admit it to myself there’s nothing left in the bucket. Then A.T. just takes over and I turn him loose to write it himself. Those are some of the best stories I’ve penned and undoubtedly my favorites.

A Vietnam War vet, Lomax has also authored and illustrated Vietnam Journal and a Gulf War journal, both comic serials.

The Adventures has won thousands of loyal readers over the past nine years, but I remember one who had been an Army Ranger who showed me his coveted medal commemorating his role in the Somalia mission about which the movie Black Hawk Down was filmed. This young man was one of those American “boots on the ground” in the rescue effort. “I love the Adventures of AT,” he said. “I can’t wait for the next issue to arrive.”

A veteran recovery specialist and tow business owner out of Wisconsin, Bill Tomlinson, has remarked to me on a couple occasions how much he enjoys the Adventures. Seeing what AT Armada faces and how he performs a recovery, like the bi-plane that was

continue to page 52

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*

*

A $30 charge to post a vehicle onto one's virtual showroom is recouped by posting a buyer's fee.

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How Much is Too Much?

Traveling Traveling at at Top Top Speed Speed

S

omewhere in the rural boonies of mid-state California, my wife and I were cruising on the Goldwing, returning home from a training event near Sacramento.

As we followed a tractor-trailer somewhere outside of Bridgeport, I spied in my mirrors a beat up, old, red International carrier comin’ up fast from behind.

The carrier slowed as it approached and followed us until the carrier’s driver felt there was sufficient

by Randall C. Resch

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passing room to make his move … and move he did. While ignoring the solid, double-yellow, no-passing centerline, he accelerated around us on a curve and passed us first … and then the semi.

Having been a law enforcement accident investigator some years back, I’ve got a pretty good handle on what visual and actual speed is. I estimated the carrier’s speed to be somewhere around 80 mph in the 55-mph zone. I watched the carrier continue its jour-

ney until totally gone from sight. Simple math will tell you that is 30 mph over the posted speed limit.

About 15 minutes later, we happened upon the same carrier parked in front of a dilapidated old automotive repair shop with no driver in sight. I called the tow company’s phone number, only to be told in very explicit terms, to “mind your own freakin’ business.”

OK, let’s consider this article as me “minding my own business” on behalf

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of the flatbed’s driver for what I’ll call his “being stupid in public.” Although I’d really like to, I won’t mention the owner, driver or company by name … but this one is dedicated to them.

n’t wearing a seat belt and was ejected during the crash.)

Scenario 2: On June 1, 2011, in Virginia, two towers were killed during a rainy morning crash on an Interstate. One operator was disSpeed Kills patched to assist a disabled Two specific actions are the vehicle and pulled onto the most common causes of towhighway’s right shoulder. truck accidents: a tow truck The operator was loading the that is overloaded, or driving vehicle onto his carrier when too fast for conditions. Tow the second tow truck truck and flatbed carriers react approached. The second differently when loaded vs. tower allegedly lost control of Even where the posted speed limit is 65 mph-70 mph and empty. Once load is added to his tow truck, and then sideabove, you still must consider how your vehicle's load and the tow vehicle’s weight, height, swiped the first truck and its road conditions will impact handling and braking. width, and length, the abilities operator. The second truck to handle (steer) and stop (brake) become a dangerous chal- flipped onto its roof and slid across four lanes of traffic. Both lenge for the truck’s driver to maintain control if something drivers died at the scene. Investigators alleged that speed for were to happen unexpectedly. conditions was the primary cause of the accident.

Consider the following real-life deadly towing scenarios: Scenario 3: On April 16, 2007, in Africa, a tower died Scenario 1: On Jan. 29, 2013, in Texas, a 31-year-old tower after a high-speed accident caused the tow truck to hit a dirt was killed in a one-vehicle rollover accident. The tower was embankment beneath a bridge and roll repeatedly. The 49driving a Kenworth rollback wrecker during a rainstorm year-old tow company owner died at the scene. Witnesses and lost control of the carrier due to allegedly driving too alleged the tow truck traveled at high speed and around a blind fast through standing water on the roadway. (The tower was- corner when the driver attempted to avoid a stationary vehicle

Number 152 on Reader Card

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in the roadway. Investigators substantiated witness statements by the location of debris and measuring lengthy skid patterns on the road approximately 165’ long.

California’s basic speed law says, “No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”

Speeding tow trucks are capable of great bodily injury and death to both the tow truck’s driver and anyone they might plow into. In many states, law enforcement has policy or vehicle code that provides for an officer who estimates a vehicle’s speed at 10 mph above a posted zone to arrest the vehicle’s driver and impound their vehicle for reckless driving.

While it’s possible for reckless mentalities to think that 10 mph over the limit is no big deal and easy to beat,

consider the financial side of being arrested for reckless driving: having to get bailed out of jail, bail the tow truck from impound, and hire an attorney to fight a potential conviction in court.

This is all a pricey and avoidable situation. A conviction of reckless driving has almost the same problematic difficulties similar to that of being arrested for DUI, especially for tow truck drivers.

I’m aware that states (like Texas), have posted freeway speeds upwards of 85 mph. But, reality, reasonable thinking, and common sense should suggest that driving a tow truck, loaded or not, at 85 mph is anything but reasonable or prudent.

The Issues When discussing training issues as they relate to tow-truck speeds and safe vehicle operations in general, consider the following questions and contemplate how each could have an influence on safe vehicle operations:

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• Are tow operators capable of judging distances and objects as they travel at higher speeds?

• Do loaded tow vehicles have changed handling characteristics at higher speeds?

• Should speed consideration include tire condition?

• Do deer, moose, bear or other native animals in the roadway affect higher speeds?

• What are the road conditions— rain, sleet, black ice, soft shoulder (extreme heat)?

• At what point does cornering speed initiate a tip over?

• If posted speeds are higher, does it mean drivers should expedite faster?

• Do curves and conditions have an effect on an ability to stop effectively?

Action-Reaction One hugely valuable consideration is the reaction speed of the individual

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tower themselves when faced with an unavoidable, right-now, slam on the brakes, I’m gonna’ crash scenario. For inner-city towing operations, a tower with a heavy foot could experience an unfortunate meeting with some wayward kid on a bike or one running into the street chasing a basketball.

Accidents are something that we have no intuition or forward thinking radar to let us know when something is about to happen. Panic braking is never clean braking, especially when the tow truck or carrier is loaded and/or traveling faster than reasonable or prudent.

A loaded tow truck has behaviors completely different than one with no load. Especially for wheel-lift tow trucks, by adding a towed vehicle into the wheel lift and when driving at

speeds too fast for conditions, an emergency reaction to another’s action will most likely cause the tow truck to experience something that’s less than controlled.

Action reaction is the unsafe or lessened braking phenomenon that occurs when the towed vehicle’s weight (behind the rear axle) applies energies and forces downward causing the front-axle to lighten. In severe scenarios, if the towed or transported vehicle is a heavy one, any panic or emergency attempt to stop could result in light steering or no steering, making evasive action impossible.

Training If you’re a tow business owner who mandates consistent monthly safety meetings … I salute you. Safe vehicle

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operations for tow operators is a must topic. Because training should be “pete and repeat” consistency, the manner in which your tow operators drive on a day-to-day basis has a gigantic bearing on your company’s operational costs and insurance.

As demonstrated by the red carrier scenario, it’s obvious that the company’s owner has little to no regard for public safety, survivability of his equipment, or even the well-being of his employees, based upon his response to my complaint. If it was one of my drivers who received a similar complaint, a stern and guaranteed warning to the employee would have been initiated immediately. (What’s his guarantee? I don’t care how great a driver he is, one more speed complaint and he’s a goner.)

Drivers who operate your company tow trucks are a product of your training or lack thereof. If no training results in continued bad habits and where bad habits go unmonitored and uncorrected, it’s only a matter of time before an accident happens. If and where all of this comes to a head … the appropriate term for uncorrected driver’s behaviors is the company’s vicarious liability. What your drivers do out there has a direct bearing on your company’s liability.

And, oh yeah, for the tow company owner as mentioned earlier … it’s my opinion that your driver wasn’t operat-

ing your carrier either reasonably or prudently, especially traveling that fast, downhill, and within a lane that was barely wide enough for the carrier to fit onto. I’m OK with having to mind my own business because I’ve certainly got better things to do than worry about your company’s liability.

Although I’m disappointed that this company’s owner showed no concern for his driver’s survival, how his employee treats his tow trucks, or the message that his company sends to the motoring public, one can only hope that they’ll take this message to heart before something horrific happens to cause someone to end up upside down in a ditch. Because reality says, it’s just a matter of time … by then, it’ll be too late.

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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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Recovery in Baltimore O ne doesn’t know exactly what one will be faced with at the scene of an incident. There are no two exactly alike and there are those extremely different. Tom Luciano, NE District Manager and Director of Training for Miller Industries, each year prepares a multi-media presentation of different recoveries that are challenging and often surprising. Even the most experienced recovery specialist finds Luciano’s Recovery Theater both exciting and educational.

A former tow business owner and recovery specialist himself, Luciano branched into training towing professionals in the art and science of recovery before signing on with Miller Industries in the mid-90s where he has continued to train independent classes as well as Miller-sponsored classes.

Luciano’s Recovery Theater, a.k.a.

Brainstorming with the Pros, is more challenging for Luciano to produce

today than ever before. “I want the element of surprise, so I don’t want to repeat scenarios that have already been posted on Tow Industry Week’s Recovery page or on tow411. Getting fresh material can be like a treasure hunt.” For material, Luciano taps the many contacts he has cultivated over the years as a sales rep for Miller Industries and as a trainer in the U.S. and overseas, from England to the Middle East.

Luciano recalls two of the most difficult recoveries he critiqued in Baltimore.

“Shlier’s in Pennsylvania did the single best recovery in the past ten years. A refer, tractor-trailer, loaded, went off I-80 and was teetering on a bridge. Fuel was leaking. It took a long time to explain this one. There were many other factors.

There was another tractor-trailer incident in England; impaled on a bridge railing and into a river.”In Baltimore Luciano is also hooking up with Miller Industries VP of Heavy Duty Sales John Hawkins on the subject of Bus and Coach Towing.

Recovery Theater - Friday 5:10pm This legendary trainer critiques challenging recoveries on the big screen, some successful and some that go awry.

Tom Luciano, Miller Industries.

Incident Classification - Saturday 9am Police Towers of America introduces a revolutionary incident classification system with billing guidelines.

John Borowski, Police Towers of America.

Testing Your Snatch Block IQ - Saturday 8am Calculate loads on the snatch blocks, anchors and rigging through the understanding of the theories behind the multiplication or redirection of force.

Terry Abejuela, AT Magazine.

Team Communication on the Scene - Saturday 10am Hand signals to "Sonetics," WreckMaster discusses basic communication protocol.

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Tom Luciano

Both Luciano’s Theater (Nov. 15) and Bus and Coach Towing (Nov. 16) are seminars of the American Towman Academy.

One of the biggest challenges that many towers face is hooking up to highend buses and coaches that can cost up to several million dollars. In the Bus and Coach Towing seminar, Hawkins and Luciano will discuss the proper technics and attachment choices. You will learn from tire lifts to specialized lifting forks, how to properly attach to a wide variety of this growing segment of vehicles on the roadways that are no longer just used by the rich and famous.

Scooby's Mystery Theater - Friday 8:30am A theatrical review of air cushion jobs around the globe.

Howard Egan, Matjack.

Bus & Coach: Techniques & Attachment Choices Saturday 9am, Challenges and solutions to hooking up high-end buses and coaches.

Tom Luciano, John Hawkins, Miller Industries.

There will also be two training courses at AT Expo in Baltimore; Rotator Recovery Training conducted by WreckMaster’s Bruce Campbell, Jeff Martin and Terry Humelsine; and Recovery Billing, conducted by Bob and Eric Fouquette of Recovery Billing Unlimited. Go to atexposition.com for more information.

John Hawkins Recovery Track Sponsor

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IOO EPISODES OF “WHAT NEXT” continued from page 38

snagged in the river just before a water fall, has been a thrill for this old pro.

Another tow business owner from Portland, Oregon, the great Gary Coe, remarked how he got choked up over the episode that recounted how AT lost his mother in a car accident, taking off the arm of the tower who tried to save her.

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I had written that episode and was gratified that the storytelling was striking home.

I also recall how AT threw work to that heroic tower who afterward had to operate with a metal arm; how that episode involved a classic clothesline maneuver using two wreckers.

Every year we honor and celebrate

the heroics of towing professionals with the awarding of the American Towman Medal in Baltimore. For the past nine years we’ve been able to portray this heroism every month inside the magazine through the Adventures.

I can only say, thanks for inspiring us.

Keep reading. Episode 101 is in the works.

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CAA Manitoba President Mike Mager, along with club representatives, delivers their 2013 donation for the Survivor Fund to Randy Olson, International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum board member.

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CAA Supports Survivor Fund CAA donated $2,250 to the Survivor Fund for fallen towers, administered by the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum.

The club’s donations over the past six years now total $13,500.

“As Canada’s largest provider of roadside assistance, CAA understands the risks faced every day by tow truck operators,” said Mike Mager, president of CAA Manitoba. “We are pleased to do our part to help the families of those who have lost a loved one.”

“On the behalf of the Survivor Fund and Towing Museum, we would like to thank CAA for their donation,” said Randy Olson, ITRHFM board member. “Their efforts with both ‘Slow Down Move Over’ legislation along with their generous ongoing support to provide assistance to families who lose a loved one shows their strong commitment to the towing industry and operators” www.thesurvivorfund.com

Exhibit hours: August 9–10 Friday & Saturday noon–6 pm

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Delavan Adds Wright to Sales Delavan Automotive, a subsidiary of Miller Industries, hired Weldon Wright to expand its sales force in the U.S.-Auto Transport Market. Delavan products have been a part of the automobile transport business for more than 60 years; Wright’s 35-plus years in the towing and automotive industry made him an ideal candidate. www.delavantrailers.com

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USED TRUCKS FOR SALE

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TOWMAN.COM - August 2013 • 57

Not Your Father’s ‘Batmobile’

by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

T

ruckworks Australia offers 24/7 Australia-wide heavy towing and recovery service and are heavy vehicle smash, repair and rebuild experts to the transport industry.

They are also the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Miller and NRC towing and recovery equipment.

Truckworks Australia has built some of the most amazing custom rigs on any road anywhere, including this awesome “Batmobile” rig from assembly to paint and graphics.

This 2012 Kenworth T609 is mated to a Century 7035 with a special Euro Body.

The 7035, Century’s most popular and versatile heavy-duty unit, has a 35-ton recovery boom and dual planetary 35,000-lbs. winches.

This rig is fitted with rotator-style rear outriggers and a Low Pro Coach Boom underlift that provides 129” of reach.

This Batmobile is powered by a 600-hp ISX Cummins with PDI

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Tech Highlights Chassis: 2012 Kenworth T609.

Wrecker: Century 7035 with special Euro Body.

Engine: 600-hp ISX Cummins.

Trans: Eaton/Fuller 18-speed RTLO 22918.

Winches: Dual planetary 35,000-lbs.

Builder: Truckworks Extras: 50” sleeper, custom leather seats, custom billet steering wheel.

Equipment: Rotator-style rear outriggers and Low Pro Coach Boom underlift.

Truck’sName: ‘Batmobile’ Paint/Graphics: Truckworks.

upgrades, Big Boss turbo and performance tuning that boosts it to 750-hp at 2,450-ft./lbs. torque.

Transferring all of this power to the

wheels is an Eaton/Fuller 18-speed RTLO 22918 transmission.

The rear axle is a Dana 46/170 at 4.3 ratio, and the front axle is Meritor 16k.

With more than 100 years of axle-manufacturing experience, Meritor has become the world’s largest independent manufacturer of commercial vehicle axles.

As to creature features, this rig includes a 50” sleeper, custom two-tone leather seats, custom billet steering wheel, custom sun visor and stacks, to name just a few.

Truckworks’ extremely capable crew of paint and graphics specialists created the custom Batman and Joker graphics in house.

This truck’s metallic grey features tasteful green highlights, including the front grille, along with the amazing graphics make this a clean mean eyecatching machine. Truckworks has set the bar for others to follow—this Batmobile is no joke(r)!

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Something Has Gotta Sink In

by Steve Calitri

G

PS is front and center in both the news and the 25th annual American Towman Academy in Baltimore during AT Expo. Every towing professional will want to check out Jeremy Procon’s seminar on the “Model 21st Century Dispatch Center,” where GPS plays a starring role. Jeremy, who owns Interstate Towing and Recovery in Massachusetts, will be able to tell you how its various applications have helped in specific aspects of efficiency and customer service, as well as what the costs are to build such a center in your facility.

AutoReturn has captured the industry’s attention as it signs up major cities to manage their rotation and dispatch programs, with GPS as one of its major tools. Jim Taylor of Auto Data Direct will discuss the issue of Corporatizing the City Contract and why towing professionals must partner with tech services that deal with lien services and dispatch programs with the police departments.

Accident Remediation (cleanup) with John Borowski and Preserving Evidence at the Accident Scene with Randall Resch round out the Police Towers Track of seminars. The American Towman Academy features six tracks and 30 seminars.

Efficiency and how to create it is very much addressed by many of this year’s seminars. For example, the Tow Management Track includes a seminar on Fleet Performance and Profit with Jerr-Dan’s Shane Coleman. Coleman discusses how to build a tow truck and fleet to meet the tow

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performance you are targeting. A seminar by Jim Shellhaas of Ranger SST addresses integrating processes between dispatch and drivers—from call-taking to clearing calls; equipping dispatchers and drivers with tools that enable more calls per driver each month.

The Impound Management Track features veteran tow-industry lawyer Mike McGovern and auction-related seminars from Ray Rodecker of Insurance Auto Auctions and Brandon Richard of TowLot.com.

The Academy alone is worth the trip to Baltimore, Md., and its magnificent Inner Harbor. Things are changing fast in the towing industry and the smart tow boss knows he has to keep up.

The Technology Track of the Academy will help a tow-business owner and manager do that. Among the several seminars of this track, Todd Althouse of Beacon Software talks about the many SmartPhone apps that can help a towing business.

Mike Rappaport of OMG National, the production arm of American Towman TV, discusses your Reputation and Presence on the Internet. Do you know you are being bad-mouthed on Yelp or Google reviews? Do you know what to do about it? This seminar is for everyone.

If you’re the type of business owner who thinks they know it all, and says, “I know what I’m doing,” you may want to hang around the Academy for the hot breakfasts that come with the program. Aside from the nourishment of the meals, you might digest something more.

Working smarter and not harder is the purpose of learning new ways of doing things. Like the American Towman Academy, discussed in LowDown. American Towman magazine is always addressing revolutionary practices in managing a towing business. In September you’ll read how one tower brought 30 of his team to AT ShowPlace-Las Vegas and how this was tied into an employee incentive program. Needless to say they were all bowled over by the exhibit hall and the booms rising to the ceiling.

AmericanTowmanTV’s Emily Oz continues to bring attention to the Move Over laws and how they have not been effective. Towers and police speak out on towing’s premier video program. The smart tow boss will take note and figure he’s got to take matters into his own hands and mandate safe operating procedures, like operating the tow truck from the passenger side, which was the subject of a recent AT article by Randall Resch .

TowIndustryWeek.com first brought attention to how Joe Meyer’s Drag Truck was on the inside track to a championship in NHRA’s Top Sportsman class. Joe owns Overland Tow Service in Overland Park, Kan. Using one’s passion or hobby to help bring attention to your business is something for all of us to think about.

RepoTimes.com continues to alert repo specialists on what can go wrong, as in one incident where a lady snapped the wire rope of a wrecker.

©2013 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.

Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 7 West St, Warwick NY 10990

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