Official Show Program Inside
towman.com
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Information Kiosk in the registration lobby. Get the lowdown on AT Expo XXVII: pages 53 - 86
FEATURE CONTENTS
30
Rotators on the Market The AT Expo in Baltimore next month is a great opportunity to learn more about rotators. by Brendan Dooley
42
Small Company Big Job Departments Walkaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
A rolled propane tanker was still loaded, complicating this recovery on an island off Washington state. by Jim “Buck“ Sorrenti
News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
53
Beacons On! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Show Section
Tow Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Everything you need to know to make the most of your time at the AT Expo. And more.
AD Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Tow Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Tow Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
106
Repo Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112
Billboard Recovery
Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . . .118
A 100-mph Blazer goes airborne in the wee hours for this unique scene. by Denny’s Towing
My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .120 Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . . .130
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Number 118 on Reader Card
The Show Is Bigger than Its Parts by Dennie Ortiz
First On The Scene! With summer at an end, I’m looking forward to the fall, the changing colors of leaves, the cooling temps and, of course, The Monster Tow Show. During the third week of November, towers from around world will converge on Baltimore’s beautiful Inner Harbor for the annual American Towman Exposition. The AT Expo is gearing up for our biggest show of the last 27 years! We have more exhibitors this year than ever before, along with a record number of attendees pre-registering for the exhibit hall, seminars, events and registering their beauties for the American Wrecker Pageant. Aristotle said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” In many ways I agree with him, especially as it relates to The Monster Tow Show. You can have seminars, exhibits, or trucks in a pageant anywhere, but all these elements come
together in an unparalleled way in Baltimore to produce the finest, most extensive and comprehensive trade show for the towing professional. Where can you find under one roof: Rotator training, a recovery billing course, more than 30 informative seminars, 200-plus exhibitors including all the wrecker manufacturers, award programs, and networking events with crowds in the thousands? All of this is put together with the goal of helping towing business owners succeed. American Towman Magazine is very proud to produce the Exposition, which offers so many opportunities for towers to learn and to grow. Be sure to visit the American Towman Magazine booth (located in the center of the show) to visit with our editors that have brought you industry news for the last 39 years. We want to meet you and learn more about your lives and your businesses. Can’t wait to see you in Baltimore!
A Couple More Rotators by Brendan Dooley
In the August issue we talked about the varied uses for a rotator. This issue we present many of the rotators that are on the market.. Since buying a rotator will be one of the biggest investments in your business, and the largest in equipment, we felt it would be good for readers to get information right from the source. When it comes to information from the source, one of the best places to get that is in your distributor’s showroom; of course, if you’re still comparison shopping, that makes for a lot of miles. If you’re talking rotators, keep this issue in hand when you visit the American Towman Expo in Baltimore next month. We’ve got most manufacturers promising to have some rotators on the showfloor, giving you a chance to compare and contrast several right in one place as you narrow down your favorites. See you there! 6 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri Brendan Dooley Charles Duke
Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor Senior 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 Don Archer Roy Carlson Debbie Collins Belinda Harris Bill Johnson Ron Mislan Kurt Wilson
Dallas, Texas Jefferson City, Mo. St. Paul, Minn. Las Vegas, Nev. Greensboro, N.C. South Hadley, Mass. Warren, N.J. Creve Coeur, Ill.
American Towman Staff Ann Marie Nitti Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Norma Calitri Miriam Ortiz Henri Calitri Toni Vanderhorst William Burwell Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Helen Gutfreund Emily Oz Steve Calitri
Page Layout Artist Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec. VP of Accounts Subscription Manager Customer Service Publisher’s Assistant TIW Media Director Regional Advertising Sales iMarketing Manager Communications Mgr. ATTV Producer President
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 ©2015 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.American Towman Media does not test or review products submitted for inclusion in its publications. All included information, specifications and abilities are as claimed by the equipment manufacturer who is solely liable for any defects or misrepresentations in its products.
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Towers Rally for Injured Driver Tow truck drivers from throughout New England rallied at Brockton Fairgrounds in Massachusetts recently in support of one of their own. Jonathan Tetreault, 33, of Wareham, remains in critical condition after he was hit by a car while servicing a disabled vehicle on Route 495 in Middleboro. “It’s been really hard,” Tetreault’s aunt said. “Jon’s fighting, so we’re fighting with him one day at a time.” There were two big reasons for the event: helping Tetreault with his medical bills, and trying to remind drivers about the Move Over law requiring motorists to change lanes to accommodate emergency vehicles. The driver that struck Tetreault’s rig is facing charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to change lanes for an emergency vehicle, marked lanes violations and speeding. Sources: boston.cbslocal.com
$10K Donation to Survivor Fund The Internabrand manager for tional Towing and AW Direct. Recovery Hall of “As we work to Fame and Museum provide funds for (internationaltowfamilies when ingmuseum.org) tragedies occur, we announced that are also working to AW Direct donated create an investment $10,000 to its Sur- The annual Wall of the Fallen position to allow our vivor Fund on ceremony is a somber reminder fund to meet the Sept. 10 at the of the dangers towers face on the needs of our industry beginning of the road and the necessity for the on a perpetual basis,” Hall of Fame week- Survivor Fund. said Jeffrey Godwin, end that includes the Wall of the ITRHFM board member and SurFallen ceremony. vivor Fund Committee Chairman. The Survivor Fund helps provide “Corporate donations like the one immediate financial help to families from AW Direct are key to our sucaffected by tragedy in the line of duty. cess in reaching our $1,000,000 goal.” “We are honored to be able to On average, close to 60 road sermake a donation to the Survivor vice professionals are killed annually Fund again this year and are proud assisting stranded motorists or perto support the towing industry with forming their duties in towing and this donation,” said Tom Welsh, recovery.
Disaster Conference
Tower Helps N.J. Octogenarian for Free
Covers Catastrophes
James Fred Huntenburg is thankful for a New Jersey tower who came to the aide of his 84-year-old great-aunt recently. Huntenburg said that Claire, his great-aunt, had car trouble at a supermarket in the town of Rockaway. As it had been a frequent occurrence of late, Claire had used up her allotted free service calls. When the first tower arrived, he demanded $84, which Claire did not have. According to Huntenburg, Fred Becker, another tower, seemingly came out of nowhere and offered to give Claire the needed battery jump for free. Becker sent the other tower away. Becker then followed Claire home to make sure that she arrived there safely. Source: www.northjersey.com
In recent years, there have been some unforgettable natural disasters that had tremendous impact. Many towing professionals have worked such catastrophes. However, there are others who are looking to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to be a part of any future efforts. One of the most anticipated learning opportunities at this year’s American Towman Exposition in Baltimore is the Disaster Conference. Tow industry experts will cover a wide range of topics including the benefits of being a part of a network of tow operators that work natural catastrophes as well as the actual duties and chains of command needed to work them efficiently. Jim Hurst of United Road Towing will discuss how tow businesses can benefit as part of a disaster network.
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The Disaster Conference during the American Towman Exposition will help towmen figure out how to help in the aftermath of natural disasters. FEMA file photo.
He’ll discuss how it can become an added source of revenue, the necessary qualifications, driver expectations and more. The Conference will convene a panel of industry experts for a special two-part “Disaster Force” seminar, moderated by Don Cerovski of WreckMaster. The Disaster Conference will take place Nov. 21 during the American Towman Exposition at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Md.
Tedford talks on third-party dispatch to Captains . . . Who Ordered Private Impound? A state board found that a Conway, Ark., wrecker service towed three vehicles without proper authorization and overcharged the owners, even though the impound call came from a pastor’s request through the sheriff’s department. Tower Bill Helton told the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board in a hearing: “These were young kids ... out partying ... parked their vehicles on the church parking lot and left them. They had been across the field over there in the shale pit doing their drinking and what have you. And they left their vehicles there because they did not want to drive them home because they had been drinking.” Five hours of testimony centered on: Who requested the tow, the sheriff’s department or the pastor? A deputy testified that he made it clear to the dispatcher and the tower that this was a private-property tow at the pastor’s request. The board fined Helton $3,300. Source: katv.com
URT’s Tedford to Address Captains Tom Tedford will give the keynote address at the Captains of Industry Conference in Baltimore kicking off the American Towman Exposition on November 19th at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel. Tedford will speak on the value offered cities and towers alike by third party dispatch and rotation management companies. United Road Towing (URT) is one of the nation’s largest towing companies with several locations across the U.S. URT also offers third party dispatch and rotation management services and recently contracted those services with San Antonio. Dave Lambert of North American Training Institute will also speak on the topic of Tow First, an initiative that promotes keeping tow operators safe. The Captains Conference, featuring its legendary Long Table, will also honor the Towman of the Year, Bill Johnson. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Floods Make for Chaotic Tows Towing dispatcher Dawn Hansen has one word to sum up the hours after flash flooding hit Sioux Falls, S.D., recently. “Chaos—I don’t think there’s a better way to explain what was going on last night,” said Hansen, of Lightning Towing. Phones at Sioux Falls towing companies rang nonstop into the Flash floods made for some chaotic days next day as drivers sought to for local towers recently in Sioux Falls, S.D. recover vehicles that were stalled Argusleader.com image. or even swept away by flash flooding. Early estimates put the number of damaged cars in the thousands. Mark Pyle, owner of A-Plus Towing, worked through the height of the storm. Trucks had to wait for water to recede to get cars out of the roadway, he said, and many cars were abandoned by then. Manager Jeremiah Bethke said about 40 cars were in the A-Plus lot, waiting for owners to come claim them or for insurance adjusters to evaluate the damage. A-Plus had been at least 50 calls behind all day, Pyle said, sometimes getting 100 calls behind. Lightning Towing estimated a wait time between six and eight hours. Source: argusleader.com
Canadian Towers Rally for New Laws Canadian tower Alan Kadir said his dad was left clinging to life after he was struck by a car while responding to a collision. His father, Abbas, the founder of Jonny’s Towing in Ottawa, Ontario, was removing vehicles Towers lined up in a procession to support a from the scene of a collision when struck towman in Ottawa, Canada, recently. another passing vehicle, driven Ottawasun.com image. by a 19-year-old woman, hit him. Alan and close to 50 other towers from Ottawa and the surrounding area rallied for Abbas. Escorted by police, they drove to the hospital to show support for the family and raise awareness for the changes to the Move Over law, which went into effect Sept. 1 in Ontario. “You don’t see many guys working anymore. Everyone is getting a little bit scared, that’s why we want to see this Move Over policy going,” Alan said. “It really affected me because this is my job and I just saw someone I respect and work with, left fighting for his life,” said tower Cory Lague said. “Today, we want to show our respect for anyone in any type of road work area. People drive crazy out there. We just want people to move over because we all have families.” He said he doesn’t know of a tower who hasn’t had a close call on the job. Source: ottawasun.com
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Check Out What’s NEW and HOT! Kalyn Siebert Adds Low Profile Trailer Kalyn Siebert recently introduced a low-profile Phoenix hydraulic sliding-axle trailer geared toward all segments of the hauling industry, including construction, transportation, agriculture and towing. The trailer includes a lower deck height, four-beam main frame, increased capacity, a perimeter frame gooseneck pivot, closed cylinder while in travel position and more.
www.kalynsiebert.com Number 223 on Reader Card
Muncie Optimum Durable Pumps Muncie Power Products’ Optimum Series gear pumps are designed for durability, featuring a rigid pump design for long life and maintained performance. Available in three frame sizes and tandem or triple configurations, the Optimum Series possesses flow ranges from six to 63 gpm at 1,000 rpm and pressures of up to 4,350 psi. The Optimum Series features a 13-tooth gear design that provides smoother operation and reduces hydraulic noise.
www.munciepower.com Number 224 on Reader Card
Safe Air Pressure with Tow Coupler Started in 2014, Tow Coupler offers kits with three couplers that connect directly to the ports found on many heavy trucks along with two fittings that connect to the main air line or to the dryer. Use of these couplers is a quick, safe way to supply air pressure to disabled trucks and greatly reduces the amount of time spent in the danger zone, according to the company. All kits include a plastic container and have a oneyear warranty.
www.towcoupler.com Number 225 on Reader Card
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Redesign for Holmes DTU
H
olmes recently introduced Generation II of its Detachable Towing Unit; 10 years since it was introduced, the DTU has been redesigned to decrease rear overhang by 10”, increase front axle weight and improve towability. Its elevation cylinders were repositioned to provide an improved center of gravity and increase front axle weight. The cylinders also substantially increase the underlift and boom lift height capabilities, and the adjustable mounting bracket accommodates different fifth-wheel plate heights. The new design is standard with a 20,000-lbs. planetary winch, 175' of 9/16" wire rope and front legs that allow the unit to be removed in a matter of minutes so your truck can be multi-functional for both towing and pulling trailers.
The DTU Gen. 2 is designed to secure to your truck using a front lock-down bracket and the fifth-wheel plate. Power is provided by an optional wet line kit, with quick connect couplers, which is installed on your truck. Other options include a 25,000-lbs. planetary winch, toolboxes and lanyard controls.
Lift Capacity •Retracted, 35,000 lbs. •Extended, 16,000 lbs.
Reach Past Tailboard •Fully retracted, 51”. •Fully extended, 113”.
www.millerind.com Number 226 on Reader Card
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 11
Increase Safety with GPS Alerts, Functions
A
constant concern for towing businesses is their drivers’ safety on the job and finding ways to improve safety procedures. One of the best ways for towing fleets to increase driver and public safety is by installing a GPS tracking system. Advanced GPS tracking solutions have the capability to solve unique challenges through adaptable functionality that can be applied in several uses. By working with a GPS tracking provider, towing fleets are able to use existing and/or create custom alerts to alleviate safety concerns that are unique to the industry like dangerous customer locations, notifying managers when a driver may be in need of assistance during a long service stop, 12 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
and warning drivers if they are driving with their flatbed unsecured. GPS tracking technology helps towing fleets decrease accidents, injuries and fatalities by providing technicians with a panic button that can be carried on their person, monitoring driver behavior to prevent reckless driving, using smarter navigation to prevent driver distraction, and improving maintenance management.
Dangerous Locations For towing fleets that do not use a GPS system, drivers head into service requests, for the most part, unaware of what they will encounter once they arrive. This presents a significant safety challenge for towing fleet owners and managers because they have
by Jenny Malcolm
no way to guarantee their operators’ safety on the job. This is when GPS tracking becomes a valuable tool to help protect employees if they are headed into a dangerous customer location. To increase driver safety, towing fleets can use a GPS tracking system to create custom landmarks, or geofences, around known dangerous customer sites. If a particular residence, neighborhood, or business has a history of violent residents or patrons, fleet management has the ability to let their drivers know as soon as they arrive by setting a landmark alert. Drivers will receive the alert to their cellphone to notify them as soon as they enter the geo-fence with a custom note about the location. For a danger-
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ous customer site, a custom note could be, “Dangerous customer location! Police escort may be required.” By notifying technicians that they are entering a potentially dangerous location, they will be able to take the appropriate precautions to maintain their own safety while performing the service. This also gives towing businesses the ability to guarantee the safety of their employees on the job site.
Long Stops Another way towing businesses are able to use a GPS system to increase safety is by verifying drivers’ well-being during a long stop. Knowing about longer-than-usual stops increases safety because it will alert management if a driver may be experiencing complications, is taking their time, or may have an emergency. For example, if management receives a long stop alert for a tow truck picking up a vehicle at an apartment complex that should have taken 15 minutes, but the driver has been on site for almost 45 minutes, this could mean that they encountered a dangerous situation. Once management is aware that a driver may be in need of assistance, they can reach out by phone or send a message to their navigation device to see if they need help. If the driver indicates that they are in a dangerous situation, or that they are experiencing maintenance issues with their vehicle, management is able to dispatch police or a nearby driver to the vehicle’s current location right away.
Secure Flatbeds On an arm-actuated tow truck, it is very dangerous to drive with the power take-off switch engaged, which is activated when the flatbed is lowered to hook up a vehicle. To guarantee driver and public safety, it is important to make sure a tow truck’s flatbed is raised back up to position to prevent the arm dropping to the ground with a vehicle attached while driving. To prevent this dangerous situation, towing fleets can use a GPS tracking system to setup PTO alerts to notify drivers if they are driving with the PTO switch engaged with a custom note about the specific switch that is engaged like, “Pull over, flatbed is not secure.”
Idle Time Along with improving safety, towing fleets can benefit from enabling PTO on idle alerts and reports to distinguish between true and work idling. Most tow trucks require their engine to be turned on to operate the flatbed and should consider this as “work idle time.” To easily disqualify work idle time from alerts and reports, management can simply exclude PTO from idle alerts to monitor true idle time only. It is important for towing fleets to closely monitor true idle time to ensure that fuel costs are not higher than need be. By receiving alerts for true idling, drivers will be notified to turn off their engine to prevent unnecessary fuel expenses.
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GPS systems can be programmed for a variety alerts.
Other Functions Along with these unique use cases for GPS tracking alerts, GPS systems provide many other features that can be used to increase safety for towing fleets: • Panic Button. Towing fleets can provide a panic button so drivers are able to notify management if they are in need of assistance. The panic button can be attached to the
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driver’s key chain and becomes valuable when they are not in the cab in the event of an emergency. By pressing the panic button, management will be notified that the driver is in need of assistance and can locate their vehicle’s current location to send assistance. • Monitor Driver Behavior. The best way for towing fleets to prevent accidents caused by their own drivers is by eliminating reckless driving behavior. Using a GPS system allows towing fleets to monitor dangerous driving behaviors like speeding, harsh braking and rapid acceleration/deceleration through schedule reports and proactive alerts. It is particularly important to ensure towers are not driving recklessly when they enter a residential neighborhood. Unsafe driving will result in complaints, which can be damaging to the relationship between a towing company and its clients. If a towing fleet gains the reputation for unsafe drivers, it will result in fewer
service requests and hurt future revenue. • Smarter Navigation. There will always be the need to convey information from the office to field employees during the workday. Distracted drivers are a major safety concern for towing fleets, so finding a way to keep drivers off their cellphones while maintaining communications is essential. To overcome this safety challenge, towing fleets are able to use a GPS system in conjunction with navigation devices to communicate with drivers, send new service requests, and even include turn-by-turn directions. • Maintenance. Improving maintenance management is another way towing fleets can improve safety with a GPS system. Using a GPS tracking solution to manage fleet maintenance will ensure that all tow trucks receive preventative services on schedule. Utilizing scheduled maintenance reminders for any type of service like oil changes, tire rotations and emis-
Number 165 on Reader Card
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sions testing will prevent safety hazards due to neglected maintenance items. Using a GPS system to manage maintenance will ensure that all services are performed when they should to ensure fleet safety. Using a GPS system is highly beneficial to towing businesses to solve unique safety challenges and to increase fleet safety across the board. Along with improving safety procedures, towing fleets can also benefit from using a GPS tracking solution to increase response times, complete more jobs, generate more service requests, reduce costs and more. By selecting a GPS tracking provider with the ability to customize its functionality, businesses are able to solve any concern facing their business and become more productive and efficient overall. About the Author Jenny Malcolm is the Content Marketing Specialist for GPS Insight (gpsinsight.com).
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Know Your Tires
T
he tires on your tow truck are where the rubber meets the road—everything is riding on your tires. The safety of the driver, customers and the motoring public sharing the roads with us are depending on them. We depend on them to safely stop, steer and support the loads we place on our tow trucks. To get the most from your tires you must know how to inspect them. That includes understanding what the sidewall markings mean and how to determine the load rating and manufacture date, as well as the importance of maintaining the proper air pressure. It is the responsibility of the owner and/or user of the tire to maintain proper tire inflation pressure as specified by the vehicles manufacturer, to operate the vehicle within the their load and speed limitations, to maintain proper alignment and tire and wheel balance.
Inspection Examining your truck tires should be done before the tires are warmed up from driving or from ambient temperatures. This means tires should be inspected in the morning before the truck is driven. Driving the truck or the truck sitting in the sun for a short period of time can increase the air pressure in the tires by a significant amount. When inspecting the tire, look for visual signs of damage or wear including bumps or blisters, any cuts that reach the belt or ply cords or are large enough to grow in size or depth, any foreign objects imbedded in the tire that may eventually puncture the tire such as nails, screws or metal splinters, or any foreign objects embedded in the tread. You must also be familiar with the laws pertaining to tires on commercial vehicles. According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, “no motor vehicle shall be operated on a tire that has body ply or belt material exposed through the tread or sidewall or has any tread or sidewall separation, is flat, or has an audible leak. … “No bus, truck or truck tractor shall be operated on a tire with less than 4/32” tread depth on the front steer tires and 2/32” tread depth on other wheel positions. The measurement shall not be made where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located.” Use a tread depth gauge to quickly confirm compliance. The FMCSR regulations also state “no motor vehicle shall be operated on a tire which has a cold inflation pressure less than that specified for the load being carried. If the pressure has been increased by heat because of recent operation, the cold inflation pressure will be estimated using a 18 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
by Terry Abejuela
Speed Symbol
Speed Category
F G J K L M
50 55 62 68 75 81
mph mph mph mph mph mph
(80 kmh) (90 kmh) (100 kmh) (110 kmh) (120 kmh) (130 kmh)
Load Index
Lbs.
kg.
102 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133
3,985 3,195 3,305 3,415 3,525 3,640 3,750 3,860 3,970 4,080 4,190 4,300 4,410 4,540
1,400 1,450 1,500 1,550 1,600 1,650 1,700 1,750 1,800 1,850 1,900 1,950 2,000 2,050
Vehicle sticker includes tire size, rim size and air pressure information.
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Tire size information - 255/70 R 22.5 indicates the tire is 255mm nominal section width, 70 percent aspect ratio, radial, with 22.5” rim diameter.
table for inflation pressure measurement correction for heat that is provided in the FMCSR.” Regulations state “a re-grooved tire with a load-carrying capacity of equal to or greater than 4,920 pounds shall not be used on the front wheels of any truck or truck tractor.” If any of these conditions are found, the tire should be removed from service until the repairs can be performed or the tire can be replaced.
Sidewall Tire sidewalls have a wealth of useful information, but you have to be able to interpret what it all means. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires a DOT code on all tires. This 12-digit DOT number provides the plant code, size code, option code and date of manufacture. This number must appear on all tires legally sold for highway use in the United States. Due to the nature of the DOT tire codes, thousands of tires can have the same code. All retread tires must have an additional DOT code. The NHTSA assigns each retreader a three-digit shop identification code. The DOT identification number indicates compliance with its safety standards. The first two digits of the code
Tires designed to be re-grooved must be marked on the sidewall.
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Maximum load information.
indicate the manufacturer and plant. The next two digits indicate the tire size code. The next three digits indicate the manufacturer’s identity number. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. On tires that were manufactured before the year 2000, the last three digits of the serial code identify the week and year of manufacture. For example, a tire with a code ending in 424 would likely have been manufactured in the 42nd week of 1994 (but it could also be 1984). In the 1990s, they added a triangle next to the three-digit number to identify the decade. The number 428 with a triangle would indicate the tire was manufactured in the 42nd week of 1998. On tires that were manufactured since 2000, the last four digits of the serial code identify the week and year of manufacture. For example, a tire with the last four digits of 0514 would have been manufactured in the fifth week of 2014. Some date codes will be encircled for easier identification. Most tire manufacturers say that tires are too old after approximately six or seven years. Some manufacturers also provide a serial number that identifies a specific tire. This optional number is located on the sidewall opposite the DOT number and should not be confused with the DOT number.
DOT’s 12-digit identification number; the last four digits indicate the tire was manufactured in the 15th week of 2013.
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The tire size information on the sidewall provides the nominal section width, the aspect ratio, tire construction, and tubeless rim diameter. The 255/70 R22.5 translates to 255mm section width, 70 percent aspect ratio, radial design and 22.5” tubeless rim diameter. The section width is the measurement of the cross-section of the unladen tire across the casing. The aspect ratio number is the ratio of height to width. Tires also have a service designation consisting of the Load Index and Speed Symbol. The Speed Symbol is a letter that indicates the maximum speed for which the tire is rated.
Air Pressure Maintaining proper air pressure for a specific vehicle is very important for safety, wear, vehicle handling and performance of the tires. The vehicle manufacturer specifies the proper tire inflation pressure for their specific vehicle. Tire size, rim size and air pressure information is included in the vehicle manufacturer’s vehicle sticker usually located on the door jamb or edge of the door. Tire pressure must be checked when the tires are cold. Heat from driving on the tires or atmospheric temperature will cause the tire pressure to increase. The tire will have a maximum tire pressure, but the recommended tire pressure is provided by the vehicle manufacturer. Underinflated tires can’t maintain their shape. A tire that is underinflated by only 6 psi could result in tire failure. The tire tread life can be reduced by up to 25 percent. Underinflation will cause the tire to deflect (bend) more as it rolls, causing more internal heat build up, more rolling resistance and reduce fuel economy. In steer tires, it will cause significant loss of steering precision and cornering ability. A significantly underinflated tire causes the center of the tire to collapse, causing less footprint contact with the roadway. Overinflated tires will cause a reduced footprint in contact with the roadway as well. Overinflated tires are more easily damaged when running over potholes or debris in the road because the tires are stiff and unyielding. Tire pressure must be checked frequently and maintained at the recommended cold tire pressure to function as designed. Use a quality tire pressure gauge that is able to check the inside dual tires. Understanding your tires is important to get the most out of your tires and provide for the safety of all motorists sharing the road. Proper selection, inspection, inflation and maintenance of your tires is critical to safe performance, Field Editor Terry Abejuela has 30maximum serplus years of light-duty towing-andvice life, proper recovery experience. He is also a light-duty Level 1 instructor for the vehicle hanCalifornia Tow Truck Association. dling and fuel economy. Number 187 on Reader Card
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‘Getting Paid’ Conference at Exposition The Getting Paid by the Motor Clubs Conference was a hit in Las Vegas, and looks to be even better in Baltimore this November. The Conference will feature presentations from eight of the towing industry’s motor clubs: Agero, Allstate Roadside Services, Coach-Net, FleetNet, GEICO, Nation Safe Drivers, Road America and USAC/MD. They will speak to towing companies on how to expedite payments as well as the specifics on how to get paid. The participating motor clubs will discuss what is required, time frames, proper invoicing procedures and other pertinent information. Luis Chacon of Chacon Towing and Roadside Assistance in Atascosa, Texas, attended the Conference in Las Vegas earlier this year. He said he enjoyed the opportunity to talk face-to-face with motor club representatives. “You know you have GEICO, Allstate, all these folks that are bringing their folks out to tell us how to submit invoices, what extra things we can bill for, what’s not billable, how to just go through the process and that’s what everybody wants to know: how to get paid and how to get the most out of every call we go out on for these motor clubs,” said Chacon. “The only way you can learn all that is to actually come down to a conference and sit in one and learn from the folks that actually write the checks.”
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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“We appreciated the opportunity to speak to service providers in an open format and the conference afforded us that,” said Kay Martin, GEICO national ERS zone manager. “Anytime you can improve communication it’s a good thing. We’ll always be willing to participate in any future ‘Getting Paid’ conferences or other subjects and opportunities.” One participating club reported that they even wrote new business as a result of the conference. “Nation Safe Drivers got three new contracts out of the conference,” said NSD Regional Network Manager Patrick Nahoum. “When you go into something like this, you’re working on the assumption that everyone there is already contracted with you; but there were people who wanted to learn more about NSD. They like what they heard, and they decided to contract with us.” The Getting Paid by the Motor Clubs Conference will take place at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 19-22.
Court Upholds San Francisco’s Permit Fees Federal and state law do not preempt the permit system in San Francisco, Calif., for the towing industry, the Ninth Circuit ruled. The recent decision upheld a district court ruling in a case filed against the city and county of San Francisco by the California Tow Truck Association. In a complaint filed in 2010, the association claimed the municipalities’ “scheme” of charging towing companies from $217 to $546 for business permits, and $34 for drivers, is pre-empted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act. The act has authority over intrastate transportation, including towing, and trumps state and municipal law for price, route or service of tow trucks, the complaint said. Both parties filed motions for summary judgment, and U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer initially sided with the industry, ruling the federal law trumps San Francisco’s permit system. A Ninth Circuit court reversed the ruling and remanded the case, directing the lower court to “analyze each challenged provision individually.” After having a second look at the case, Breyer preserved the permit system, holding that all but one of its challenged provisions fall under the Act’s safety, insurance and price exceptions. The district court also determined that several challenged provisions, such as the permit display requirement and the business plan requirement, were not subject to the preemption clause at all. The association once again appealed to the Ninth Circuit, but a three-judge panel affirmed the district court’s ruling on all provisions, except the business plan requirement. The panel rejected the association’s argument that the safety exception only applies to the “safe physical operation of the tow trucks themselves.” “Regulations that are ‘genuinely responsive’ to the safety of other vehicles and individuals involved in the towing process may also be exempted
from preemption,” U.S. Circuit Judge Marsha Berzon wrote in a 39-page opinion. The panel applied that “safety concept” in affirming Breyer’s ruling. “That the permit requirements have a significant and logical relationship to safety is evident,” Berzon wrote. “As the district court stated, ‘the presence of a permit requirement implies the threat of permit revocation,’ which makes the requirement ‘a tool for policing misconduct in the towing industry.’ Furthermore, the
permit requirement enables the city proactively to ‘weed out’ and monitor tow car drivers and firms on an ongoing basis.” The panel said the other provisions “including the criminal history disclosure requirements, fall within the scope of [the act’s exception] and are therefore not preempted.” Patrick Whalen, the attorney for CTTA, said he could not yet divulge what the next move would be or what legal options remain. Source: courthousenews.com
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TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 25
Ordinance Wording Hampers Tows Problems with the inoperable vehicle ordinance in Hopewell, Va., have kept city staff and the police department from fully enforcing it for the past few months. Inoperable vehicles are only being towed from public land while changes made by the former and current city attorneys are awaiting approval from city council. The ordinance was up for a final vote at press time. Earlier this year, changes were made to the ordinance, with the majority made to the towing section. City Manager Mark Haley said the primary reason to go back and review the ordinance was for the towing section, saying the language was not as specific in order to “sustain a legal challenge.” While reviewing and revising the section on towing, Haley said other opportunities came up for clarifying the language throughout the rest of the ordinance.
For four months, the police department had not enforced the ordinance in its entirety. Deputy Chief of Police Robert Skowron said the department was awaiting approval from council and until such time, the department is only enforcing the section of the ordinance regarding inoperable vehicles on public streets.
We are not doing enforcements on private property. “We are waiting until council passes a more robust ordinance that gives us the teeth to properly enforce it,” Skowron said. “Until the code is rewritten, and it’s clearer, we are not doing enforcements on private property and we’re just waiting for council
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to agree to pass the revised ordinance.” According to Councilor Jackie Shornak, who gathered information from members of the police department, from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, 787 inoperable vehicles were tagged, with only 20 of those being towed (2.5 percent). Source: hopewellnews.com
Tallahassee Approves Fee Increase Tallahassee, Fla., city commissioners approved hiking maximum trespass tow fees from $88 to $110. The $22 bump was pushed by towing companies who had gone 10 years without any increase in what they can charge motorists whose cars they tow off to their lots. They’ve argued the costs — fuel, insurance and labor — of doing business have gone up substantially since the last increase. The ordinance took effect the next day and included two other changes:
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The maximum per-day storage fee jumped from $15 to $25 and the amount that can be charged in administrative fees for sending letters to owners, lien holders or insurance companies is now $45, up from $33. Drivers who pay their tow fee in cash are entitled to a $5 discount since towing companies can avoid credit-card processing fees. The increase puts Tallahassee in the class of more than a dozen Florida municipalities that charge more than $100 in towing fees. The city last increased the maximum trespass tow rate in 2005 when commissioners pushed it from $80 to $88. Tallahassee attorney Ron Mowrey spoke on behalf of several tow companies in support of the increase before commissioners adopted it. “This is a fair, equitable way to let these folks continue to make a living, and it’s a reasonable increase,” he said. Several towing companies showed their support for the increase. Several property owners who use the towing services wrote letters to the commission endorsing the change. “We have gone through terrible increases from everything, the worst economy in many years,” said Professional Parking Services owner Chester Murray. “Even though fuel has come back down a little bit, it’s just one of the costs that we suffer every day.” Source: tallahassee.com
master key to start up and move vehicles without authorization from the truck driver, or company. The bill also requires law enforcement agencies that are responsible for patrolling highways in the state to maintain at least one tow rotation list. Tow operators that are present at the scene of a vehicle incident or disablement that were not requested by law enforcement, or the owner or operator of the vehicle would be told to leave the scene.
Towers found to be soliciting business at wreck or disablement scenes would face fines between $500 and $1,000. Offenders would also face three months suspension. In addition, truck drivers arriving on the scene while a tow is in progress must be able to get the truck and/or trailer disconnected as long as they pay up to one-half of the posted rates of the towing service for each vehicle. Source: landlinemag.com
Ill. Bill Would Limit Tows A bill on Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk would prohibit towers from removing a commercial vehicle under the vehicle’s own power without authorization from law enforcement. SB1441 forbids “towing” a truck by operating the vehicle under its own power as opposed to physically hauling the vehicle away unless police authorize moving the vehicle. Sen. John Sullivan said the protection is needed to address use of a Number 112 on Reader Card Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 29
Rotators On the Market Do Comparisons at the AT Expo in Baltimore
Miller Industries said it is the top-selling manufacturer of heavy-duty rotators for both military and commercial towers worldwide. The rotators are manufactured under two of the industry’s leading brands, Century and Vulcan, and range in capacity from 30- to 75tons. Models are available with a variety of turret and deck mounted winch options along with several different outrigger configurations. Century and Vulcan rotators are engineered not only to provide excellent recovery potential, but also superior towing capabilities for those heavy, more difficult loads. Recent additions include a 50-ton rotator with patented roller system and the Raptor System with joystick controls and load sensing. Pictured are the Century 1075S rotator (silver truck) and Vulcan 950R rolling rotator (red truck), models of which are scheduled to be in Baltimore.
by Brendan Dooley
T
he variety of rotators available to tow companies range from as low as 16-ton units up to 65ton trucks, and may also be sliding or rolling and have any number of winches, outriggers and other options available. How’s a tow owner to decide what’s right for his or her business? By talking with each manufacturer. There are seven companies today manufacturing rotators; you'll find all seven on the exhibit floor at the American Towman Exposition from Nov. 20–22. The more established companies design and build rotators starting with computer software that identifies
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stress points and lead designers to target different areas for structural integrity. Others may hang their hat on “overbuilding” to ensure an able lift at target capacities. Overbuilding, though, can bring forth weight concerns in the final equation. Because of the variety of testing methods and sources, one company’s 50-ton rotator may not necessarily equal another, based on load angle, boom extension and other variables in the process. Based on differences in building and testing—where there are no set industry standards—sometimes comparing specs from one company to specs from another doesn’t give an
accurate picture. The Exposition in Baltimore affords you the opportunity to speak with the manufacturers' product experts to learn more about the rotator's makeup beyond the specs. The seven manufacturers showcased here are expecting to display rotators on the show floor in Baltimore. Given the expense of a rotator, it behooves each potential buyer to talk to each manufacturer about their building process, materials, testing, aftercare support and any other key features. Editor’s note: Caption information according to manufacturers’ own data.
Jerr-Dan by design offers combinations of body, underlift, winch and platform options to meet the needs of today’s towing businesses. The company said its Composite Body combined with its S100 Torsion Frame Platform offers best-in-class performance while maintaining a respectable investment level in a three-winch optioned unit. (Pictured [white truck/black boom] is a 60-ton Composite S100 with three winches and 300 underlift). Jerr-Dan offers standard and twin-steer options in its JFB Body Series. The JFB Body offers tool organization either pre-determined or fully customizable so the operator can organize it. All units can be built with the S100 or S130 Platform designed with Jerr-Dan’s unique platform/spading feature. (Pictured [white truck/red boom] is a 60-ton standard-steer JFB Gold Series S100 with five winches and three-stage 565 underlift.)
NRC Industries is celebrating 40 years this year. The company said its lightest sliding rotator, the 40/50 CSR, has a power-to-stability ratio that will allow you to deliver expected performance, no matter what you’re dealing with, to efficiently lift up to 50 tons and safely perform the toughest jobs. The model features a two-stage boom (three stages optional) rated at 100,000 lbs. Retracted and 40,000 lbs. fully extended. Two two-speed 40,000-lbs. planetary winches are standard and two auxilliary 15,000lbs. winches are optional. NRC said its 60/80 SR features an oversized version of the its Slider System combined with a V-shaped boom and 60,000-lbs. planetary winches. The company said it is designed to simplify even the most complicated recoveries to reach, lift and pull anything imaginable. The standard two-stage boom (three stages optional) is rated at 160,000 lbs. retracted and 50,000 lbs. extended. Four different underlift options for either rotator range from 15,000 lbs. to 20,000 lbs. extended and 35,000 lbs. to 60,000 lbs. retracted.
Dangelo’s Custom Built rotators include the CB 40/50 R and CB 50/60 R. The company said its CB 40/50 R (white truck) offers a maximum working capacity of 50 tons and a fully extended boom capacity of 25,000 lbs. Standard winching power is 70,000 lbs. split between two 35,000-lbs. Ramsey two-speed winches. They can add two 15,000-lbs. boom-mounted auxiliary winches and a 35,000-lbs. drag winch. They add a 135” independent underlift on all rotators that lift up to 50,000 lbs. fully retracted and 14,000 lbs. at 135” extension. The CB 50/60 R (blue/white truck) has a 60-ton rotating threestage recovery boom with 264” of extension and a reach of 270” off the tailboard. Dual drive motors make for smooth rotation under load. Two 50,000-lbs. Ramsey winches, a 20,000-lbs. Ramsey auxiliary winch and 35,000- to 50,000-lbs. drag winches are available. The company said the average completed scale weight is 68,000 lbs. for its CBR 50/60 Rotator, the model they plan to display in Baltimore.
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B&B Industries said its 70-ton rotator (red truck) features a threestage boom with 308" of boom reach with a retracted structural capacity of 140,000 lbs. and an extended structural capacity of 56,000 lbs. The wrecker is fitted with 50,000-lbs. or 60,000-lbs. main winches, 20,000-lbs. catch winches and a 50,000-lbs. drag winch. It is equipped with a 50,000-lbs. wheel lift that has 138" of reach. The company said its 50-ton rotator (green truck) is similar with slightly lower capacities that include a boom-retracted structural capacity of 100,000 lbs. and an extended structural capacity of 40,000 lbs. The 50-ton unit uses the same wheel lift as the 70-ton version. All B&B rotators feature dual swing motors. As of press time, B&B planned to bring a 70-ton rotator to Baltimore.
Metro Tow Trucks said that while its RTR-35 is the company’s smallest rotator, it doesn’t mean it is limited in its capabilities. The company said the light rotator can pick up and rotate 7.3 tons at full extension. The RTR-35 includes two 20-ton planetary winches (two additional 10-ton winches are optional), an optional sliding boom, continuous 360-degree motion side to side under load, and standard H-shape outriggers. Options include wireless remote and tailboard controls, aluminum/composite body, side-puller and more.
Powerbilt Wreckers said its PB50SR, built in St. Clair, Mo., is comparable with anything on the market. The PB50SR 50-ton sliding rotator is outfitted with dual 45,000-lbs. main winches and dual 20,000-lbs. auxiliary winches. The company said it’s overbuilt for performance and longevity; they’ve rated the boom at 100,000 lbs. retracted and 24,000 lbs. extended (236”). The underlift is rated at 55,000 lbs. retracted and 22,000 lbs. fully extended. Standard features include air free spool (all winches), air tensioner (all winches), three-stage boom, six tailboard-mounted Drings, Dual house locks, H-Beam front and rear outriggers, rear outriggers, proportional wireless remote, dual controls, electro-proportional control panel, aluminum body and more. The company said it builds all units to customer request. Powerbilt will have a PB50SR on display at AT Expo.
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AD INDEX
Page # RS# AAA 13 101 Access Tools 95 102 Advantage Funding 111 106 Agero 33 114 AHT Automotive N 128 200 Akins Body & Carrier Sales 99 126 Allstate Roadside Services 52 183 American Tranport. Ins. S W 125 105 American Safety & Supply 38 210 Atlanta Wrecker & Carrier Sales S 123 179 Austin Hinds Motors S 123 135 Auto Data Direct 46 127 AutoReturn 41 202 AW Direct 47 209 B/A Products 37 108 B & Z Sales S 127 170 Bauer Built Tire M 125 206 Benedict Company 36 219 Big Tows/Metro Tow Trucks N 127 137 Century 68, 69 143 Chase Insurance Agency S 127 180 Chester Point 116 215 Chevron 35 143 Chevron Commercial 106 217 Coach-Net 113 133 ComeUp USA 48 116 Condor Products 117 167 CPAAM 24 136 CRASHFILM 98 140 Crouch’s Wrecker Equip. & Sales 49 177 Custer Products 34 201 Dan-Am/Sata Spray Equipment 100 169 Dangelo’s Wrecker Sales 40 122 Daniel’s Wrecker 110 142 DewEze 90 147 Dom’s Wrap-A-Wreck 51 146 Don Jackson Carrier & Wrecker 23 144 Donnie Cruse Award W 126, S M 128 — Dual-Tech Wreckers & Carriers 94 192 Dynamic Towing Eq. & Mfg. 97 218 East Penn Truck Equipment 26 107 Eaton Transmission 17 211 ECM Performance 51 150
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Fax to: 888-847-6035
Elizabeth Truck Center Equipment Sales & Service Florida Wrecker Sales Ford Commercial Truck Freightliner GEICO Ginn Carrier & Wrecker Sales G Stone Motors Hino Hub International IGTC Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) Integrated Vehicle Equipment Intek Truck Eq. Finance & Lease ISU Insurance I Tow In Jerr-Dan Corp. Kalyn-Siebert Kavanaugh’s Towing Equip. Landoll Corp. Lift & Tow Lodar USA Loganville Ford Lynch Chicago M2 Image Solutions Manufacturer Express Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Matheny Motors Matjack Jumbo Safelift McMahon Truck Centers Mobile Battery Solutions Muncie Power Products New England Truckmaster North American BanCard OMG National OnlineParkingPass Pacific General Insurance Agency Pardo’s Sales & Services Performance Advantage Phoenix USA PowerBilt Wrecker Mfg. Prince Manfacturing Quest Towing Services
Page # RS#
109 N 124 S 124 2, 3 7 131 39 N 125 73 110 107 71 107 109 W 125 98 132 19 M 123 24 28 117 103 89 23 103 N 123 21 115 M 125 16 87 N 126 91 105 117 M 124 M 123 N 125 98 51 48 108
123 152 153 176 216 154 125 182 160 129 212 110 161 145 130 204 124 162 134 174 139 163 207 149 220 213 164 194 186 189 165 168 171 109 221 166 193 119 173 185 172 141 175
October 2015 Page # RS#
Quick Draw Tarpaulin 50 Ramsey Winch 25 Recovery Billing 24 Road America 28 Ricky’s Sales & Services N 127 R.O.M. Corp. 27 R.P.M. Equipment 93 Rush Towing Systems W 128 Santander Bank 79 SavaCOMM 36 Savatech 5 Sea Crest Insurance Agency W 126 Silver Star Award 114 Smyrna Truck Center S 125 Sonetics Corp. 111 Specialty Vehicle & Equip. Funding 15 SpeedTech Lights 29 Steck Mfg. 46 Sun Country Trailers N 124 Talbert Mfg. 51 The Light House W 123 The Order of Towman S,M 128 TomTom Telematics 38 Tow Industries W 124 Towing.com 101 Towman Hero Award 114 Tow Ramps 88 TowMate 97 Trail-Eze Trailers 22 Triple K Industries 92 Truck Body Sales W 124 Twin Cities Wrecker Sales N 126 TwinState Equipment W 127 United Road Towing 92 USAC/MD 96 Utility Trailer Sales S.E.TX W 123 Winches Inc. 100 Worldwide Equipment 90 Zacklift International 50 Zendex Tool 108 Zip’s 40
178 197 155 111 203 188 205 115 103 158 118 156 — 113 120 195 112 132 117 159 104 — 184 199 214 — 131 191 187 100 198 138 157 196 190 208 148 151 121 181 222
For Advertiser product info go to www.towweek.com/products & click Or circle the corresponding reader service number on the Action Card to the right, and send it in. If number is not shown on the card, write on icon on the lower left-hand side. it in margin of card and circle it. 34 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
SERVING THE TOWING AND RECOVERY INDUSTRY SINCE 1966
Exotic, High Performance or Low Clearance vehicles are no problem for Chevron’s Generation II LoadRite carriers. The LoadRite features a unique “drop deck” design with a sloped tail section that improves the load angle an additional 3 degrees. For ease in securing your load, the LoadRite option on a steel carrier features bidirectional chain locks down the inside rail every 12 inches. Number 143 on Reader Card
Medium-Duty Fords Built in U.S. Ford has started production of its 2016 F-650/F-750 line for the first time in the United States. The mediumduty truck lineup, previously assembled in Mexico, is now built at Ford’s assembly plant in Avon Lake, Ohio. The shift helped to secure more than 1,000 UAW hourly jobs. “Our investment in Ohio Assembly Plant reinforces our commitment to building vehicles in America and to delivering best-in-class commercial trucks,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas. “Working with our partners in the UAW, we found a way to make the costs competitive enough to bring production of a whole new generation of work trucks to Ohio.” Number 158 on Reader Card
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100,000th MX-13 Goes in a 579 Peterbilt Motors Co. said its 100,000th PACCAR MX-13 engine produced for North America was recently presented to Kenan Advantage Group, which will operate the landmark engine in a Peterbilt Model 579 (peterbilt.com). “PACCAR’s MX-13 engine continues to achieve new levels of success through exceptional fuel economy, reliability and performance. It is the ideal engine for Peterbilt’s aerodynamic Model 579 which is a leader in fuel efficiency, quality and overall value,” said Darrin Siver, Peterbilt GM/PACCAR VP. The engine was presented at the PACCAR engine plant in Columbus, Miss., where the MX-13 is manufactured for North American markets. The engine can be spec’d with up to 500 horsepower and 1,850-ft./lbs. of torque. This power range, combined with excellent fuel efficiency, high reliability, durability, lightweight design and low cost of ownership makes it an ideal choice for both over-the-road and vocational applications. Number 210 on Reader
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GPS Insight Makes Inc. 5000 Inc. magazine ranked GPS Insight No. 2,734 with three-year sales growth of 133 percent on its 34th annual Inc. 5000 (inc.com/5000), an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. This is the sixth consecutive year that the GPS fleet tracking company has made the list. “We appreciate being recognized for our accelerating growth and making the Inc. 5000 for the sixth time in six years,” said Robert Donat, CEO of GPS Insight (gpsinsight.com). “We look forward to attending a great conference again this year, and returning to the Inc. 5000 for many years in the future.” “In an incredibly competitive business landscape, it takes something extraordinary to take your company to the top,” said Inc. President and Editor-In-Chief Eric Schurenberg. “You have to remember that the averNumber 122 on Reader Card
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age company on the Inc. 5000 grew nearly six-fold since 2012. Business owners don’t achieve that kind of success by accident.”
Damon to Lead Firestone Industrial Products Firestone Industrial Products Co. named Scott Damon as its president of Firestone Industrial Products (firestoneip.com). Damon succeeds John Vincent, who served as president of Firestone since 2010 and announced his retirement after 33 years with Bridgestone Americas. Damon will be responsible for leading the strategic growth of the Firestone Industrial Products business and its more than 1,100 global employees. Damon joins Firestone from Speedco, where he served as president since 2014. Prior to that, he served Bridgestone Americas in several roles since 1996.
Discounts, Benefits through towPartners FTI Groups recently announced that towPartners (towpartners.com) is providing a free Employee Benefits program for all towing and road service industry employees. This new program will give industry employees access to a select group of discounts and benefits free of charge. Employees can sign up for these benefits at towpartners.com. “The towPartners membership program has already provided millions of dollars in savings for towing business owners,” said Jeff Holland, program director for towPartners, “but we wanted to do something special to recognize the hard working men and women who are the day in and day out backbone of the towing industry.” The benefits include restaurant and movie discounts, as well as special deals with Sprint, Aramark, DirectTV, Dell, Wyndham Hotels and Office Depot. Each employee will receive a unique member number and PIN via email to access these savings.
netic motor to counteract the shaking and jarring experienced by many drivers while on the job. SmarTire TPMS provides real-time pressure and temperature status on an invehicle dash display, instantly informing the driver if there is an issue with a tire. For drivers and fleets, this means they can accurately maintain their pressures whether a truck has been sitting idle or driving for hundreds of miles. … The company also announced a fiveyear contract extension with several of its NASCAR partners. Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing South and JTG Daugherty Racing all renewed their agreements
with Freightliner through the 2020 NASCAR season. Through this relationship renewal, Freightliner Cascadia trucks will continue to transport the teams’ cars, supplies and equipment to NASCAR races and events across North America. Freightliner also renewed its partnership with Motor Racing Network and continue to haul its broadcast trailers to races. “Freightliner provides us the dependability and performance we need to ensure our cars and equipment reach the track safely,” said Todd Meredith, COO of Joe Gibbs Racing.
Racine Named President at AmeriDeck Deist Industries Inc. named Dennis Racine as president of Deist and its four operating divisions: Bucks Fabricating, Switch-N-Go, AmeriDeck and Roll-offparts.com. Racine brings years of experience that includes start-ups, directing turnarounds, and providing innovative and pioneering growth solutions for small to mid-sized industrial manufacturing companies.
Freightliner Adds New Options, Stays in NASCAR The Bose Ride system II truck seat suspension and the SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System from Bendix CVS are now in production for the Freightliner Cascadia and Cascadia Evolution truck models (freightlinertrucks.com). The Bose Ride system II truck seat suspension has been reported by drivers in recent studies to dramatically reduce fatigue and pain. The system uses sensors and a powerful regenerative electromagWork the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Small Company
Big Job
A small tow company is called to stabilize and upright a leaking loaded gasoline tanker in Washington state. by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti
Using an on-site excavator, National Response Corp. rotates the tanker tongue 90 degrees to place the axles parallel with each other to protect the underbelly fuel valves.
Orcas’ International 4700/Chevron 1014 14-ton wrecker is in position to stabilize the loaded fuel trailer.
U
zek Susol owns and operates Orcas Towing in Eastsound, on Orcas Island in Washington state’s San Juan Islands. Besides being a tower, Uzek is an ace mechanic and fabricator who builds some awesome rods and bikes. He has transported everything from classics, hot rods and custom cars to mobile homes and buses and has handled a variety of situations from loaded tractor-trailers to runaway cars. In April, Orca’s was called to recover a propane truck. “On April 11, 2015, at 12:26 a.m., I was contacted by Jason Blair, Emer42 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
gency Manager from NRC (National Response Corp.) … to stabilize a leaking, full, 5,000-gallon gasoline tanker that had been involved in an incident and had ended up on its side.” Uzek arrived on scene at 1:20 a.m. in his Truck No. 6, a 2001 International 4700, Chevron 1014 14-ton wrecker, with dual 12,000-pound planetary winches with 150 feet of steel core wire rope on each drum. He initially contacted the Fire/Rescue Incident Commander Patrick Sheppler who guided him to Blair, who then described that he needed the tanker stabilized so that his crew could
climb on top of the tanker and cut holes in the side to pump out the fuel. Jason’s concern was that while the tanker was being pumped out it would shift with his men on top of it. Once they have pumped as much as they could, they would need the tanker uprighted and towed to a level parking lot nearby. “I surveyed the scene and found a damaged, leaking aluminum tankertrailer on its passenger side; it appeared it had rolled at least once down a small embankment coming to rest on its passenger side with the front facing downhill,” Uzek said. “The rear
compartment roof hatch was actively leaking and at the time estimates by the fire department were it had leaked 300 to 500 gallons onto the ground.” Working in conjunction with San Juan County Department of Emergency Management, Washington State Department of Ecology, Eastsound Water Users’ Association, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Orcas Island Fire/Rescue and National Response Corp., Uzek discussed his plans for stabilizing the tanker. “I secured a nylon continuous loop to each end of the tanker’s chassis then
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connected a winch line from truck No. 6 to each loop and tightened the lines to stabilize the tanker as discussed,” Uzek said. At the request of Blair, Truck No. 6 was left in operation with an operator ready and the PTO engaged during the drilling and pumping of the tanker to adjust if the tanker were to shift due to weight transfer while unloading. “At 5:30 a.m. after the tanker was pumped off, we discussed uprighting the tanker,” Uzek said. “We all agreed that I would return at 9 a.m. for the tanker uprighting so all emergency
responders could get a couple of hours rest and food, and for me to collect two more trucks/operators and to perform the uprighting in daylight for safety due to better visibility. I was released from the scene, Truck No. 6 was left on standby with cables still attached to the trailer for stability.” As planned, Uzek returned at 8:50 a.m. with operator Jason Madeiros in Truck No. 1, a 2001 Ford F-550 4x4/Chevron 408 8-ton wrecker with dual 9,000-lbs. planetary winches with 150’ of steel core swedged wire rope on each, and operator Nate Rivas in Truck
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National Response Corp. personnel prepare to drill and pump out the fuel from the loaded tanker.
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Orca’s recovery team rigs the tanker for uprighting, here and below.
No. 7, a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado service truck. They all discussed the recovery plan with NRC and the Orcas Fire Incident Commander on scene. “We secured Truck No. 1 with two snatch-blocked cables to the north side of the tanker axles/chassis to pull it back onto its wheels. We chained a front and rear wheel to the chassis to prevent the wheels from rolling during uprighting.”
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Truck No. 6 was still secured to the south side and was in place to control the tanker’s roll back onto its wheels softly rather than having it drop from the momentum and keep the remaining fuel from sloshing out. Truck No. 7 was secured to the chassis on the west of the tanker to prevent the tanker from rolling forward once on its wheels as none of the tanker brakes were functional and the tanker was on
a downhill slope. Using an on-site excavator, NRC rotated the tanker tongue 90 degrees to place the axles parallel with each other to protect the underbelly fuel valves during uprighting and to have the tongue facing an accessible direction once uprighted. “The tanker was uprighted without any further damage or spillage,” Uzek said. “Once all recovery equip-
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The tanker is safely back on its wheels.
ment was disconnected, we towed the tanker to a nearby parking lot with Truck No. 1 at the request of the on-scene owner.” All Orcas Towing equipment was cleared from the scene and back in service at 11 a.m. “This was a big challenging job for my small company, but we were successful and the customer was satisfied.”
Jim “Buck” Sorrenti, a longtime editor of American Towman, has been our field editor for the past few years. He is a freelance writer and photographer with more than 40 years of experience covering motorcycle, hot rod, truck and towing culture. He writes weekly for TowIndustryWeek.com. Number 132 on Reader Card
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Hotel Booking App for Truckers Truckers.StaySmarter.com is a hotel-booking site dedicated for truckers and built by hotel experts. It works on any device and operating system and shows all hotels, including trucker-friendly sites, and prices all at once. The free site allows you to pay after you stay and earn your points in every hotel rewards program. You can get a real hotel confirmation number, cancel with one click, and call the hotel directly or the site. The site also offers fleet and towing deals.
New Director at Travis Body & Trailer Travis Body & Trailer (travistrailers.com) hired Jerry Guerrero as its new director of operations, a new position at the company intended to keep up with the latest production processes and techniques, improve operational efficiency and increase trailer output. Guerrero’s primary focus includes introducing advanced plant management and lean manufacturing production systems. These new techniques will manage and drive cultural change to improve and sustain higher levels of operational performance. “I feel I bring the leadership and the experience this role requires to help foster growth and build relationships,” Guerrero said.
Service King Adds Chicago Locations Service King Collision Repair Centers recently added repair centers in the Chicago area through the acquisition of Riverdale Body Shop and its eight collision repair facilities. Through the partnership, Service King (serviceking.com) substantially bolsters its premium auto repair service in the Chicago market, with 22 locations across the area. The Riverdale acquisition marks Service King’s third expansion in the Chicago market since March. Service King now officially operates 251 locations in 22 states across the U.S. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Number 209 on Reader Card
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Online Reviews Simplified Whiterail Reviews (towreviews.com) is a cloud-based marketing software system that gives towing companies control of their online reputation and attracts new customers through promoting and sharing customer experiences on social media. The system motivates happy customers to share reviews while giving the company opportunities to intercept negative reviews. Whiterail Reviews is designed to work autonomously, but also currently integrates with OnScene Solution’s InTow software suite and towXchange’s TOPS software suite. Features include: · SMS text messaging · Negative review intercept system · Daily email dashboard reporting ·Instant negative review email alerts ·Social media sharing ·Facebook Reviews app that displays only positive reviews ·Trouble ticket tracking system Number 116 on Reader Card
Number 141 on Reader Card
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Number 177 on Reader Card
Towman Prevents Forest Fire Tow operator Kevin Tinker and others helped prevent a vehicle fire from causing a major forest fire in Upper Clearwater, British Columbia, recently. “It could have made Rock Creek look like a backyard barbecue, but those guys were right on the spot and not afraid to go into action,” said resident George Briggs. A woman and two children were in a vehicle that collided with a second vehicle; they wound up smashed together, with one of them burning actively. Fortunately, a tow truck from Clearwater Towing had been nearby on another scene. Tinker sized up the situation and attached a long line to the burning car. The tow truck then pulled the pickup into an open gravel area where it could burn itself out safely. “I’m just glad that I was able to do
that,” Tinker said. “It’s just good luck that I arrived on the scene when I did.” Source: clearwatertimes.com
Luxury Vehicle Training on the Floor in Baltimore Allstate Roadside Services will conduct Luxury Vehicle Training on the show floor of the American Towman Exposition, Nov. 21-22. Vehicles will include BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, VW and Audi. Attendees interested in any of the sessions need to simply join them, near the food court. The training atmosphere is casual while the coverage is comprehensive. Several towing and recovery topics will be discussed during the American Towman Academy by industry trainers and experts. For complete information on seminars, go to ATExposition.com.
Check out AT’s digital edition at itowman.com
Number 121 on Reader Card
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Number 178 on Reader Card
Number 146 on Reader Card
Number 159 on Reader Card
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Number 150 on Reader Card
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TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 51
Number 183 on Reader Card
220 Exhibitors! 200 Tow Trucks! 30 Manufacturers! 15 Call Providers & Motor Clubs
Saturday 11/21
Sunday 11/22
AT Academy Seminars Passport required
AT Academy Seminars
8 a.m. – 11 a.m., Baltimore Convention Center Recovery Billing Sat/Sun, 8-noon
Testing, TRAA Level 1&2
Friday 11/20
Thursday 11/19
Rotator Training
Passport required
Testing, TRAA
Luxury Vehicle Training, Exhibit Hall
AT Academy Seminars
Baltimore Conv. Center/Camden Yards 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Must advance-register
AT Welcome Cruise
Recovery Luncheon
BMW 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. General Motors 4 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Captains of Industry
2 – 5 p.m. Baltimore Convention Center
Exhibits Preview: Hall Opens Order of Towman
Renaissance Harborplace Hotel 6 p.m. Watertable Ballroom
11:10 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Official AT Expo Beer Stein purchase thru advance-registration
1 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
12 noon Luncheon, Baltimore Convention Center Sponsored by B/A Products, AW Direct, WreckMaster
Porsche/Volkswagen/AUDI Jaguar/Land Rover
Spirit of Baltimore, Inner Harbor 6:30 p.m. Boarding
Captains of Industry: Tom Tedford (United Road Towing) speaks on Third Party Dispatch & Rotation Management. Dave Lambert (North American Training Institute) talks about the Tow First initiative.
Co–Sponsored by SpeedTech Lights & American Towman
Conducted by Allstate Roadside Services
Baltimore Convention Center 9 a.m. – 12 noon; 5 – 7 p.m.
Transport from Pratt St. lobby of BCC 9 a.m. Prince George’s Skeet & Trap
Renaissance Harborplace Hotel 6:30 p.m. Must advance-register
Jaguar/Land Rover
11 a.m.
Towman Hunt (Skeet)
Rotator Training
Exhibit Hall Grand Opening American Wrecker Pageant Opens
Towman Monument
Exhibit Hall Closes 6 p.m.
Festival Night
Baltimore Convention Center 6 p.m. Wrecker Pageant Hall Boss comes free with advance-registration Compliments of American Towman Magazine
Bull & Pig Roast/Miller Rocks
Towman Chopper on display in the Pageant Hall
Hard Rock Cafe-Sponsored by Miller Industries 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Calitri’s Cuba
Luckie’s Tavern, PowerPlant 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sponsored by Savatech
Welcome Cruise
Captains of Industry
54 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Exhibit Hall
10 a.m. Exhibits and Pageant
Luxury Vehicle Training, Exhibit Hall
Baltimore Convention Center 8 a.m. – 12 noon
Level 3 Heavy Recovery Specialty 9 a.m. Baltimore Convention Center
Exhibit Hall Opens
9 a.m., Baltimore Convention Center
11 a.m.
Continued from Thursday
9 – 11 a.m. Passport required
AT Aca ademy
Rotator Training
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Conducted by Allstate Roadside Services
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Mercedes-Benz
12 noon – 1:15 p.m.
ACE Awards
2 p.m. Baltimore Convention Center Wrecker Pageant Hall
Sponsored by Coach-Net, GEICO, National Automobile Club, Nation Safe Drivers
Sunday Pie
3 p.m. Wrecker Pageant Hall
Complements of American Towman Magazine
Wrecker Pageant Winners’ Ceremony 3:30 p.m. Co–Sponsored by SpeedTech Lights & American Towman
Exhibit Hall Closes 4 p.m.
What’s New at AT Expo XXVII
Getting Paid by the Clubs Academy Conference features eight individual seminars by eight motor clubs on specific issues of getting paid by them. Disaster-Response Conference Jim Hurst of (United Road Towing disaster-response network) speaks on why and how towers benefit. Plus WreckMaster panel: the Response and the Aftermath. Festival Night by the Trucks–The Boss Comes Free All-you-can-eat Feast by the trucks, this year is on the show. Come as you are. Sunday Pie American Towman treats you to pie and coffee before the wrecker pageant winners ceremony. Circus Acts amid the Pageantry Come by the food court in the Pageant Hall, you just may catch a circus act, or, live band music. 30 New Exhibitors among the 200 Plus! Plus new products and services debuting right here in Baltimore.
Miller Rocks
Calitri ’s Cuba
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 55
Towing, Transport, Road Service, Repair: 220 Exhibitors & 900 Exhibit Booths
American Towman Exposition, the “Monster Tow Show!”
T
he towing industry packs the Baltimore Convention Center November 20-22 for the world’s largest towing show: 220 exhibitors, 900 exhibit booths, 200 trucks (wreckers, carriers, trailers, chassis). The products, services, equipment and personnel on the show floor are a resource of tools and expertise to help a towing business succeed. Potential
allies to that success are part of the dynamic fabric of the Exposition that makes a powerful experience for the tow business owner. Each year over $100 million in business is transacted on the show floor, trading in anything and everything towing, from the hardcore equipment to parts and accessories, dispatch systems and GPS, to all the
business to be had. You can shore up relationships or find new opportunities among the fifteen motor clubs and call providers exhibiting. The operative word is “opportunities.” It’s what makes the exhibit floor exciting. A place that will have a positive impact on your towing business and on you, the Boss.
Manufacturer’s Spotlight: Jerr-Dan
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Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
as of 9/18/15
Exhibitor Roster
AAA
AmeriDeck
The AAA Network of Savings provides superior value to our hard-working highway heroes.
Manufacturer of safest, easiest, towing system for motorcycles that will load at ground level.
Access Tools
Anchor Graphics
The undisputed leader in specialty tools for towing and repo professionals worldwide.
Signs–Chorplast/Aluminum, parking permit decals, plastic hang tags, violation/warning regular/NCR stickers, visitor passes and more!
ACDelco Auto & Equipment Tools Offers a complete line of power tools to improve mechanics efficiency and accuracy.
Actus Manufacturing Manufacturer of wireless valve control system for use on roll-back carriers with manual valves.
Arrowhead General Insurance Agency The Arrowhead Automotive Aftermarket program offers commercial insurance for towing businesses nationwide.
Astralease Financial services designed to assist tow owners in the purchases of their tow vehicles.
ADDCO A leader in traffic message signs with slim, easy to mount and changeable message sign to inform motorist to slow down and move over.
Atlanta Wrecker Sales Jerr-Dan's number one leading sales distributor nationwide for wrecker and carrier sales for over 15 years and counting.
Advantage Funding We provide an array of financing options for both new and used wreckers, rotators and service trucks.
Auto Data Direct ADD offers a suite of web based tools to simplify business processes for modern tow professionals.
Agero A leader in roadside assistance, offering high volume dispatches, easy online billing and free dispatch software.
Automotive Training Institute ATI is the industry leader in automotive business coaching providing expert management and consulting services.
all-Grip Vehicle Recovery Systems Dedicated to providing the towing operator with the finest products and tools to get the job done safely.
AutoReturn Partner with AutoReturn logistics to increase profit from your municipal contracts. We don’t tow. You do.
Allstate Roadside Services Our mission is to deliver the industry's best roadside assistance service to our valued customers. More service providers contract with Allstate Roadside Services.
AW Direct America's leading supplier of towing and recovery equipment, supplies and support.
B/A Products Amdor Manufacturer of custom aluminum roll-up doors & Luma Bar LED lighting systems.
Manufactures the most complete line of chains, wire rope and web sling products for the towing industry.
American Express Open
B&B Industries
Business cards provide access to tools that can help you move your business forward.
Manufacturer of medium and heavy-duty tow trucks.
American Safety & Supply
Bad Dog Tools
High visibility clothing - including jackets gloves, hats and more - lowest prices - highest quality.
For 29 years we’ve been making tools so good they’re guaranteed for life!
BASE Engineering American Towman Magazine The leading publication in the towing and recovery industry for over 39 years!
International leaders in radio remote technology for industrial applications. Over 75,000 systems in place worldwide.
in their words
Beacon Software Company Desktop and mobile applications to give you the most comprehensive dispatch solution with motor club integration, automated billing, lot management, accounts receivable, and lien processing.
Best Tools Sells professional quality lockout tools, wireless tow lights and various towing equipment.
C3 Location Systems GPS fleet tracking and maintenance management including PTO notifications in real-time and much more.
Capital One Services Get unlimited 2% cash back with the Capital One Spark Business Card.
Car-Part.com Purchase salvage vehicles and recycled auto parts online with our innovative software and web tools.
Century From car carriers to rotators, we are the number one selling brand of towing and recovery equipment worldwide.
Chelsea Products Division The leading manufacturer of auxiliary power.
Chevron We have built our reputation for providing a complete line of quality car carriers to meet the tough demands of professional towers.
Chevron Commercial CCI, Eye candy of the industry. Home of the Vulcanator. Licensed applicator of special coatings.
Coach-Net Offers light, medium and heavy duty motor club services to roadside professionals.
ComeUp Winch The choice of OEM’s and tow professionals, offering pulling capacities of 8,000-30,000 pounds.
Commercial Fleet Financing Financing tow trucks since 1995 with amazing rates and terms.
Beacon Funding Tow truck and trailer financing for your business – specializing in challenged credit. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 57
AT Expo Exhibit Highlights Exhibit highlights of American Towman display advertisers
AAA
Access Tools
American Safety & Supply
See Our Ad on Page 95
See Our Ad on Page 38
The AAA Network of savings provides superior value to our hard-working highway heroes.
One Hand Jack Set The One Hand Jack Set is the best selling Car Opening Tool Set in the world.
Atlanta Wrecker Sales
Auto Data Direct
See Our Ad on Page 13
See Our Ad on Page S 123
TOW123 is an affordable web-based tow management solution that provides efficient powerful business tools built for the modern tow professional.
Chevron Commercial
ComeUp Winch
Visit our booth for FREE GIVEAWAYS and register each day to win a wireless tow light. We will Draw for 1 each day.
Freightliner M2 260HP Auto w/Chevron 21’ Steel LCG Carrier. See Our Ad on Page 106
See Our Ad on Page 46
Bison Hydraulic Winch Features our patented Multi-Disc Brake, built in air clutch and two stage hardened planetary gears. Meets SAE J706 standards in 20K & 30K pulling capacities.
Show Special! Item #75-1313 BlackBottom Bomber. Regular Price $39.00 Show Special $35.00 Small – 6XL.
B/A Products
A sampling of new and innovative product introductions and displays at our booth. Stop by and see us! See Our Ad on Page 37
CRASHFILM
A blue self adhesive film. It's easily applied by one person and protects the vehicle's interior from the elements. See Our Ad on Page 98
See Our Ad on Page 48
58 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Exhibitor Roster Copart Auto Auctions
Dangelo's Custom Built Mfg.
Remarkets salvage/clean title vehicles through internet sales utilizing VB3 technology around the world.
American manufacturer of heavy wreckers from 15-tons to 80-ton rotators.
Detroit Wrecker Sales CRASHFILM A self adhesive film that protects from the outdoors. Long lasting, clean release and residue free.
A global leader in commercial vehicle transmissions and clutches.
DewEze Mfg.
ECCO
Creditors Specialty Service
Preferred provider of clutch pump kits to the tow industry.
We are a full service nationwide collection firm. No up front costs or fees. We never give up!
Dom's Wrap-A-Wreck
Crouch's Wrecker & Equip. Sales Sales and support of full line Miller Industries tow trucks and tow accessories since 1989.
Crash film 3 & 4 mil, high quality puncture resistant, true thicknesses, with extended UV protection.
Dual-Tech Custer Products Providing LED lighting and Wireless products with first class service, quick order fulfillment and innovative solutions.
A worldwide market leader in safety lighting, scene lighting and audible warning equipment for commercial vehicles.
Enovative Technologies Massage therapy units.
Excel Sportswear
Manufactures a full line of quality, low profile towing and recovery equipment.
Specializing in silk screen printing of t-shirts and sweatshirts as well as a variety of outerwear clothing.
Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg.
Extreme Toys
Custom Radio
Offers a full line of self-loading wreckers and carriers with three-year warranty.
Mobile Digital Recording – GPS – WiFi – 3G – Vehicle Tracking – Live View.
East Penn Truck Equipment Full line Miller Industries dealer with two state of the art facilities to serve you.
Manufacturer’s Spotlight: Miller Industries (showing Chevron, Century, Holmes, Vulcan)
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Eaton – Vehicle Group
Home of the Low Loader Car Carrier and Lil’ Hercules Wheel Lift.
1/64 Scale Die cast O'Hare Logoed Kenworth T800 with Century 9055 Integrated Boom-VERY LIMITED!
15 Motor Clubs & Call Providers Exhibiting
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 59
Ninth Wonder of the World
T
he world’s greatest wrecker pageant keeps on evolving! Last year there were strong entries in the first-ever Service/Support Vehicle class. So much so that the top entry was voted Best of Show, Quality Towing’s Peterbilt/Hackney service vehicle; most seemed to agree that this one set the standard for recovery-support vehicles. Another fun one in the service vehicle class from K&S Towing featured graphics on the side that showed the company’s heavy-duty macabre “Who’s Next?” wrecker in a light-hearted scene on a blue-sky day. This category also brought non-trucks into the pageant in the form of an impressive road service Ford Crown Vic
60 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
from All Season Assistance that was all blacked out. The Carrier Class continues to be a tight race. With less to judge in terms of rigging, winches, toolboxes and equipment, more entries are coming in with pedal cars, classics, off-road vehicles and other attention-getters loaded on the decks. To further encourage this trend, this year the Pageant added another trophy to the Carrier Class for “Best Presentation.” The Carrier Class has truly added a touch of class to the American Wrecker Pageant. The booms, of course, still rule. Three heavy-duty classes, including rotators, raise booms to the ceiling of the Baltimore Convention Center in the Pageant Hall.
The graphics painted or wrapped on these wreckers reflect the colorful and sometimes bizarre character of the owners, graphics ranging from classical art to cartoon characters, the macabre to the inspirational, Jesus Christ to Marilyn Monroe, landscapes to city-scapes. The American Wrecker Pageant, this year co-sponsored by Speed Tech Lights and American Towman Magazine, may well be the ninth wonder of the world. You can vote for your favorites on the electronic balloting system in the Pageant Hall, where live music and a food court add to the festive mood. Sponsored by:
Exhibitor Roster Eye3Data
Fleetway Capital
Provides in-vehicle video recording solutions for monitoring, tracking, & protecting your fleet. Introducing the Eye3WitnessView Body Cam.
Specializes in financing trucks and equipment for the towing industry. We lend money!
Ford Commercial Vehicle Federal Signal Industry leading innovator and manufacturer of vehicular warning and safety solutions for work trucks.
Fleetmatics A GPS Fleet Tracking and Management Solution that lets you know what’s going on with your trucks, your employees and your business in real-time.
See the newly designed F-650 and F-750 conventional trucks.
Hino Trucks Medium duty conventional and cab forward trucks.
FREE State Nam Knights A non-profit organization raising money for U.S. Veteran & law enforcement families in their time of need.
GEICO Emergency Road Service provider program.
Holmes The oldest and most recognized name in the towing and recovery industry, having built a reputation by supplying innovative and reliable equipment for close to 100 years.
Hooks Towing Supplies & Equipment Working everyday to supply our customers with top quality towing supplies since 1999.
FleetNet America
GM Fleet/Commercial
The premier industry leading third-party vendor management company coordinating maintenance management services.
We offer a broad portfolio of commercial trucks. We’re always thinking ahead to move your business forward.
FleetSharp
Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel
Insurance for towing, repossession and auto transporters.
A GPS tracking solution that increases productivity, reduces fuel, labor costs, and improves fleet safety.
Full service trailer dealership, offering sales, parts, rentals, financing and service.
Ice-E-Liminator
Hi-Dow Professional Incorporated
First patented heated beam blade. Will keep ice and snow off blade in any temperature.
HUB Intern’l Transportation Ins. Ser.
Massage therapy units. Manufacturer’s Spotlight: NRC Industries
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 61
AT Expo Exhibit Highlights Exhibit highlights of American Towman display advertisers
Dangelo's Wrecker Sales
DewEze
Dom's Wrap-A-Wreck
See Our Ad on Page 40
See Our Ad on Page 90
See Our Ad on Page 51
REDiscover American Craftsmanship at its finest. Dangelo’s Custom built will have one of our newest models on display for you to check out.
Dual-Tech
Manufactures a full line of quality, low profile towing and recovery equipment. See Our Ad on Page 94
Ease of installation continues with the DewEze Kit for the 2016 Dodge 6.7L Cummins delivering the flow and pressure required to do the job.
Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.
Dynamic features their Service Truck with a 5,000 lb. wheel lift, 4 large roll-up door compartments, unique battery racking system, 3 additional large storage compartments. Available with a push bumper and winch.
High quality puncture resistant 3 & 4 mil crash film, true thicknesses with extended UV protection, adhesive won't break down in rain.
East Penn Truck Equipment
Stop by our booth to see our custom built trucks! See Our Ad on Page 26
See Our Ad on Page 97
Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA)
Integrated Vehicles Leasing & Financing
Auctions nationwide. Buyers worldwide. With IAA, tow operators get more for impounded vehicles.
Let Integrated finance your next new or used truck, and we will give you an iPad!
See Our Ad on Page 71
62 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
See Our Ad on Page 107
I Tow In
The invention of this simple product to locate immobilized vehicles, minimizing damage and resistance, now 19 products! See Our Ad on Page 98
Exhibitor Roster I Tow In
Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA)
“The Skate People.” The invention of this simple product to relocate immobilized vehicles, minimizing damage & resistance, now 19 products!
Auctions nationwide. Buyers worldwide. With IAA, tow operators get more for impounded vehicles.
Kalyn Siebert Integrated Vehicle & Equip. Leasing
Icom North America Manufactures the patented Icom JTG II Propane Liquid Injection System available in Bifuel or Monofuel. On-site fleet propane fueling available thru partners.
IGTC Provider of truck and commercial insurance for the tow business person.
In The Ditch Towing Products The industry leader in innovative towing accessories.
As a nationwide direct lender since 1999 Integrated has been providing leasing and finance for the tow truck industry.
Landoll Corp. Intek Truck Equip. Finance & Leasing A financing source since 1986. Offers customized and flexible lease & financing options for all equipment. Exclusive finance programs up to 10 years available.
International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum Preserving the history of the towing industry for over 20 years!
Industrial Netting Disposable plastic Car Go net contains small/loose debris during the transport of wrecked autos.
Kalyn Siebert is a manufacturer of heavy duty trailers for the wrecker and towing industry located in Texas.
World's leading manufacturer of specialized equipment transport trailers. Haul with Hoss 400A Series Landoll Trailer.
Lattimer’s Warehouse Axle Covers (Axle caps) for towing larger trucks once the drive axles are pulled.
Lift And Tow The "Original" hidden tow system for a 3/4 ton or larger pick up truck.
Jerr-Dan Corporation Leading industry innovator offering an extensive range of standard, medium and heavyduty wreckers, carriers and rotators.
LodarUSA Features 2 – 40 function wireless controls built to keep your team safe from harm.
Manufacturer’s Spotlight:Detroit Wrecker Sales (carrier), Powerbilt Wreckers (green boom)
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 63
Exhibitor Roster Lynch Chicago
Matjack Jumbo Safelift
Minimizer
Miller Industries & Talbert Trailer dealer, large new and used inventories & full parts/service departments.
Jumbo air cushions, landing bags, Matjacks, underwater cushions, chain kits, lights, plastic cribbing.
Tested and tortured heavy duty truck parts and accessories.
Manufacturer Express
MBS Mobile Battery Solutions
Distributor of hooks, chains and tow accessories.
Features Exide Technology & B2Q Cloud based tester. Great opportunity to improve revenue and customer satisfaction with full service best in class battery program.
Minute Man Wheel Lifts
Marlow Ropes Wire rope replacement with synthetic fiber ropes offers significant strength, handling, and safety benefits.
Metro Tow Trucks Manufacturer of high quality light, medium and heavy-duty wreckers and rotators.
Myers Benner Insurance
Midwest Keyless Supplier of high quality refurbished auto remotes, transponder key and other automotive locksmith products.
Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales Towing and recovery full service dealership: sales, parts, service, body mounting.
Matheny Motors Offers one of the best selections of new and pre-owned towing equipment in the industry.
Muncie Power Products A leading manufacturer of Power Take Offs and hydraulic systems for mobile power applications.
Martens Johnson Insurance Full service agency offering commercial insurance, bonds, employee benefits and loss control services.
We manufacture the Minute Man XD Slide in Wheel Lift and the forklift wrecker attachment.
Miller Industries World leader in towing and recovery equipment. Manufactures many of the industries leading brands including Century, Vulcan, Chevron and Holmes.
Insurance program for towers including property, liability, cargo, on hook, repair services, umbrella, and workers compensation.
Nation Safe Drivers (NSD) Founded in 1962. A motor club with a fresh new attitude.
National Purchasing Partners Enjoy discounts with companies like Verizon Wireless, Expedia, Impac Fleet, Fastenal, Sherwin-Williams & more!
Manufacturer’s Spotlight: B&B Industries
64 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Exhibitor Roster NRC Industries
Penny Pockets
The home of the slider & sliding rotators.
Embroidered jackets, sweatshirts, polos, printed T’s & vests.
Pop-A-Lock
Omadi Dispatch. Invoice. Track. One towing management platform that does it all.
Penske Truck Leasing A global provider of logistics, transportation and distribution services.
Offering franchises for road service and residential locksmiths.
Powerbilt Wreckers
OMG National Tow Marketing Pro's! Websites, on-hold messages, video, online marketing, social media, reputation intelligence, seo, and more!
Permco Hydraulics U.S. manufacturer of high quality gear pumps, clutch pumps & motors. Vane units available.
Comparable to anything else on the market. Manufacturer & customization of heavy duty wreckers and rotators.
OnlineParkingPass.com
Phoenix USA
Powerhouse Industries
Brings a much needed service improvement to create a trouble-free Parking Management Environment.
Manufacturer of towing accessories including wheel simulators, hub covers, tool boxes, emergency lighting and custom engineered products.
Builders of Jiffy Jump Jump Starter, DC-Matic Hammer Torque winches & distributor of Val6 heaters.
Presto Permits
OPS Wireless Designs and manufactures OEM-specified radio remote controls and integrated machine control systems.
Photo Card Specialists Manufacturers of photographic promotional products using the customers’ photo for over 30 years.
Pro-Vision Video Systems
Otto Trading Massage therapy units.
Special hauling permits, freight brokering, pilot cars, route surveys, oversize/overweight permits.
Pneu-Tek Tire Tools We sell a complete line of portable tire changing tools.
Rugged, reliable, rear vision and commercial video recording systems with a 5-year warranty.
Trailer Manufacturers Exhibiting: Kalyn Siebert (pictured below), Landoll, Sun Country Trailers,Talbert, Trail-Eze
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 65
AT Expo Exhibit Highlights Exhibit highlights of American Towman display advertisers
Intek Truck Equipment Finance & Lease Leading source of financing since 1986 for towing & recovery industry, offering customized and flexible options for new/used equipment. Exclusive finance programs up to 10 years available for heavy-duty market.
Lift And Tow
Manufacturer Express
Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales
Versatile & quality tow system with new upgraded features. See Our Ad on Page 28
See Our Ad on Page 109
In keeping on the cutting edge of the towing industry, we have continued our Stainless Steel line with a 2''x5' Underlift Axle Strap. Maintenance Free! See Our Ad on Page 103
22” Wireless Tow Light TowMate wireless light, MD flag design wrap, provides stop/tail/turn functions for vehicle in tow. Visit our booth for special price!
Lynch Chicago
Full line of Miller Industries towing equipment. The finest towing equipment available. See Our Ad on Page 89
Matheny Motors
The Century 1150R Roller with the Matheny Motors custom treatment. Ready for whatever it takes. See Our Ad on Page 21
See Our Ad on Page N 123
Matjack Jumbo Safelift
Matjack high, medium and low pressure airbags, jumbo cushions, landing bags, underwater recovery cushions, plastic cribbing and fiber mats. See Our Ad on Page 115
MBS Mobile Battery Solutions Great opportunity to improve revenue and customer satisfaction with Mobile Battery Service’s full service best-in-class battery program.
Miller Industries
Century low profile carrier with SST tail section option on display with #24 Nascar Sprint carrier race car. See Our Ad on Page 68, 69
See Our Ad on Page 16
66 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Exhibitor Roster Progressive Commercial Insurance
RC Industries
Commercial insurance for towing industry.
Manufacturers of high quality commercial grade tool boxes, storage compartments, bumpers and custom metal fabrications.
Purpose Wrecker
RP Recovery Consulting
2016 Kenworth T880 Twin-Steer Century 1075 5-Winch Rotator, Raptor Remote, HHUOutriggers, Low-Rider.
Recovery Billing Unlimited Advanced business management classes.
Distributor of Sonetics headsets: Wireless and hands free for an amazing experience in communication for professional towers.
Quake LED
Ricky’s Sales & Service
Rush Towing Systems
LED lighting and accessories for trucks and other off road vehicles.
Premiere experts in emergency lighting, equipment, clothing, and towing accessories. Try us FIRST! Family owned.
Authorized distributor of the complete line of Jerr-Dan products including carriers, wreckers and parts.
Road America – A Mapfre Company
Safety Vision
ERS, accident, secondary and salvage towing. Join one of the fastest growing motor clubs in the industry.
Providing mobile video surveillance solutions, including: recorders, cameras, monitors, software, and wireless downloading accessories.
Robert Young's NRC Sales & Service
Santander Bank N.A.
Your "One Stop Shop" from NRC wreckers, B/A, all-Grip, TowMate, Stramlight, Kinco, Federal Signal, and many other towing product manufacturers.
Offers financial solutions to help you expand/upgrade your fleet. Finance with a leader.
Quest Towing Services Dispatching towing and roadside events nationwide for over 50 clients.
R•O•M, a Safe Fleet Brand Manufactures compartment access solutions: roll-up doors, cargo trays, fuel tank steps, and LED lighting.
Ramsey Winch A world class manufacturer of planetary and worm-gear industrial winches.
Savatech Rotary Lift
Ranger SST Call-taking to GPS tracking/navigation to Quick Books Mobile apps for drivers and lot management. Manufacturer’s Spotlight: Metro Tow Trucks
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Heavy duty mobile column lift system.
Manufacturer and distributor of air cushion systems, high pressure lift bags, & recovery equipment. Licensed supplier of SavaCOMM the only portable expandable full duplex headset communications systems.
Roster continues on page 75
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 67
Number 143 on Reader Card
AT Expo Exhibit Highlights Exhibit highlights of American Towman display advertisers
Muncie Power Products
Hydraulic Directional Control Valves Muncie Power Products now offers a full range of hydraulic valves ideally suited for all tow and recovery applications. See Our Ad on Page 87
Phoenix USA
Galvanized Powder Coated Steel Toolbox Available in 36 L x 18 D x 18 H and 48 L x 18 D x 18 H corrosion resistant tested beyond 1,000 hours of exposure to calcium chloride. See Our Ad on Page 98
Ramsey Winch
Leading manufacturer of Hydraulic/ Electric, Worm and Planetary Winches & Hoists. Using advanced processes & premium materials, Ramsey Winch is today’s choice for quality, dependability, and endurance. See Our Ad on Page 25
Ricky’s Sales & Service
Offering a large variety of high viz apparel. Embroidery & silk screen available. See Our Ad on Page N 127
R•O•M
Improve personal safety and productivity while getting questions answered on LED lighting, roll up doors, cargo trays, and more. See Our Ad on Page 27
SavaCOMM
Full duplex wireless headsets are designed specifically for teams that need to communicate hands-free wirelessly. See Our Ad on Page 36
Savatech
Savatech is a worldwide manufacturer and Supplier of Towing recovery solutions for today's industry professionals See Our Ad on Page 5
Rush Towing Systems
Stop by our booth to see a 2016 Peterbilt 325 with Jerr-Dan MPL40. Plus, register to win a 85qt Esky cooler. See Our Ad on Page W 128
SpeedTech Lights
K-Force II Micro 57” Tow Bar TIR or Linear optics. Work Lights, Traffic Advisor, and Stop/Turn/Tail. Up to 150 Gen III 1-watt LEDs. 5 year warranty. Starting at $479.99. See Our Ad on Page 29
70 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Number 110 on Reader Card
Towers Take Over The Hard Rock
Sponsored by:
Miller Rocks at the Hard Rock
A
Calitri’s Cuba in the Power Plant
merican Towman’s legendary hospitality treats towers like kings. From the Bull & Pig Roast on Friday evening (Miller Rocks) to Saturday’s Festival Night (the Boss comes free). Once again towers will find they can keep their wallets in their pockets when they’re hungry. Miller Rocks at the Hard Rock features sides of beef and pulled pork sandwiches. Festival Night by the Wrecker Pageant features the International Feast: beef brisket, roast suckling pig, Bavarian sausages, chicken tamales, eggplant parmigiana, broccoli-risotto di Roma, and more! Seminars goers will find hot coffee and rolls and omelet chefs. And those attending the American Wrecker Pageant winners ceremony on Sunday will be treated to pie and coffee. Those looking for a good premium cigar and some war stories will find the hospitality extended to Calitri’s Cuba at Luckies Tavern, sponsored by Savatech. The history behind all the hospitality: “When a guest shows up at our house, we feed them. I was raised that way,” said AT Expo founder Steve Calitri. “American Towman Magazine hosts this event and towers have come a ways to be with us. We celebrate their coming every year.”
You'll see ATTV's Emily Oz at all hospitality events. 72 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Number 160 on Reader Card
AT Expo Exhibit Highlights Exhibit highlights of American Towman display advertisers
Talbert Manufacturing Steck Mfg.
Sun Country Trailers
Steck’s BigEasy Lockout Tool have become the tools of choice for Tow Drivers to unlock vehicles in seconds without damage.
2016 Sun Country Next Generation Anniversary 5 – Car Carrier offers the most load flexible Available! This car carrier provides loading options not seen anywhere else in the industry.
See Our Ad on Page 46
See Our Ad on Page N 124
4040TA Travelling Axle Lowbeds of all types; mechanical & hydraulic removable gooseneck trailers, extendable, east/west coast spread axle, and multi-axle configurations, including 13 & 15 axle trailers, tag-a-long, tilt, utility, traveling axle, flat bed and hydraulic tail trailers. See Our Ad on Page 51
Trail-Eze Trailers
TE801-53 The Trail-Eze 40-Ton Sliding Axle Trailer is the most versatile trailer for the towing industry. Many options available!
TomTom Telematics
The LINK 220 is an easy installation vehicle tracking device providing real-time tracking & tracing, instant alerts and trip reports.
See Our Ad on Page 22
Towing.com
See Our Ad on Page 38
Yes, companies that want to win can signup at the show, but all families are welcome to color pictures and take photos with mascot Towby. See Our Ad on Page 101
United Road Towing
Zip's
URT Disaster Response Team - a nationwide network of towers responding to floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, visit our booth to join. See Our Ad on Page 92
HUB International Trans. Insurance Services Insurance for towing, repossession and auto transporters. National coverage, 24 hour claims service, 24/7 certificates, loss control and risk management. See Our Ad on Page 110
74 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Miller Industries – Vulcan
Vulcan has a reputation for innovation which is further reinforced with The Vulcan V-703, a heavy duty integrated towing and recovery unit that features a third winch to increase recovery capabilities. This unit is also equipped with a PolyBilt body.
Zip’s has everything you need to tow, rig, recover and haul. From custom built heavies to fleets of Service Bodies, plus every repair part and towing accessory available. We are your towing equipment authorities. See Our Ad on Page 40
Quest Towing Services
Stop by our booth and speak to your regional manager about the opportunities in your market. See Our Ad on Page 108
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Exhibitor Roster SEFAC
Sun Country Trailers
Heavy duty mobile lift manufacturer specializing in U.S. manufactured mobile lifts and accessories.
Manufacturer of Lo-Profile 4 & 5 car carriers designed to maximize load size and versatility.
Sky Patrol An Integrated GPS Tracking Solutions company that builds innovative software ideal for vehicle finance industry.
Smart Power Systems Electronically-controlled hydraulic generators and integrated rescue tool pump systems from 6-30kw.
SuperSprings Int’l
TOMAR Electronics
For all your fit–it–and–forget– it, maintenance free, USA made suspension solutions.
Manufacturer of light bar scene lights and directional light’s all made in the USA.
T-Max Winches
TomTom Telematics
Convenient for various industry uses, especially on pulling and lifting, high efficient working performance and reliable safety.
Business Unit of TomTom dedicated to fleet management and vehicle telematics.
Tow Canada T.R.A.A. (Towing & Recovery Association of America)
Published six times a year tells the story of Canadian towing and recovery professionals.
The industry's only national membership association, offering leadership, representation and the gold standard in certification.
Tow Life Wearing Apparel
Manufacturer and distributor of affordable emergency vehicle warning LED lighting, BBB A+ rating for 10 years.
T.R.P. Maryland
Towbook Management Software
Towing and Recovery Professionals of Maryland, state association.
Cloud-based towing software for managing motor club calls, mobile dispatching, impounds and private properties.
Stamp Works/Magnetworks
Talbert Manufacturing
Tow Truck Magnets. “Show Your Tow” custom die cut tow truck magnets full color imprint “FREE PROOF.”
Your system solution provider - developing trailer products to successfully keep our customers on the road and hauling the heavy loads.
Towing.com
TCF Equipment Finance
towPartners
Widely recognized as one of the premier equipment finance companies in the US.
Discounts for the industry on Sprint, Aramark, truck insurance, sureFleet, and more, including revenue opportunities.
Specialty Vehicle Funding Group Financing programs for tow truck purchases.
Offering shirts, decals, jackets, caps, and more.
SpeedTech Lights
Out to help towing companies win. Win more business and win with marketing tools to simplify your business.
Star Headlight/Signal Vehicle A wide range of lighting products including strobes, warning lights, Star Headlights.
Steck Manufacturing BigEasy Lockout Tools, I-Bolt and 4th Wheel Loader are tools of choice for towers.
Time – Out Seated Massage Corner Seated back, shoulder, neck and foot massage. $1 per min 10 min minimum.
Manufacturer’s Spotlight: Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 75
The Boss Comes Free!
T
his year Festival Night takes it to the trucks and the Boss comes free! Cut another notch in American Towman’s history of legendary hospitality. Tow bosses will enjoy the International Feast on Festival Night, compliments of American Towman Magazine through advance-registration; the Boss may bring guest(s) at $40 per person. The Feast includes: Beef Brisket, Roast Suckling Pig, Bavarian
Sausages, Chicken Tamales, Eggplant Parmigiana, Broccoli-Risotto di Roma and more! Enjoy all you can eat with the American Wrecker Pageant trucks in the background, and experience the March of the Heroes and bequeathing of the American Towman Medal. Enjoy interactive entertainment and the live music of Mike Corbin and Band singing tribute songs to “The Band” like the Night They Drove Ole Dixie Down and other classic Ameri-
can hits, plus Towman Ballads like Booms in the Sky and The Road Calls. The doors open at 6 pm on Saturday when the show closes for the day. No stringent dress code; come as you are. Chill out after walking the show floor and bask in the moment. The heroic stories of this year’s American Towman Medal recipients will have every towman feeling proud. But act fast, tickets are limited. Sign up and join in the celebration!
Official Tow Truck • Jerr-Dan Official Emergency Road Service Provider • GEICO Official Winch • Superwinch
Exhibitor Roster TowProgram.com Full service Internet marketing firm providing effective online advertising programs for towing & recovery companies.
Trinity Transportation Services
towXchange
Truck Crane Solutions/MercedesBenz Sprinter of Silver Spring, MD
TOPS, a full service towing management software system for managing your day to day business.
Insurance Agency – offering total packages for the tower & the professional recovery specialist.
Introducing the new QuickTow tow body on a Mercedez-Benz Sprinter Chassis.
TTN Fleet Solutions
Management, software and GPS solutions for the industry’s leaders.
Helps manage and coordinate service calls for towing, breakdown, recovery and emergency needs.
Trail-Eze Trailers Transportation Insur. Professionals
Emergency roadside service provider to heavy duty trucks, automobiles and motorcycles.
Urgent.ly
Tracker Management Systems
For over 50 years we have built custom trailers to work hard like you do!
United States Auto Club, Motoring Div. (USAC/MD)
Mobile applications for Smartphones and tablets.
Vulcan
Manufacturer of planetary winches and global leader in winches, gear boxes and swing drives.
Known for product innovations, Vulcan has lead the industry in integrated towing and recovery equipment from its popular Intruder (autoload) through the V-100 (50-ton).
United Plastic Fabricating
Warn Industries
Plastic replacement bodies that will never rust or corrode! All body sizes/styles available.
Manufactures electric and hydraulic winches and hoists for commercial and industrial applications.
TWG-Tulsa & DP Winch/TWG Group
Commercial tow truck insurance programs.
Travis Barlow Insurance Insurance solutions for the towing and auto transport industries for over 30 years.
United Road Towing Traxxis GPS Solutions Specializing in providing businesses with wireless GPS vehicle location, tracking, dispatching & fleet management solutions.
URT Disaster Response Team - a nationwide network of towers responding to floods, tornadoes, hurricanes.
WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers Manufacturer - hydraulic wreckers 8-55 tons, wheel lifts, flatbed carriers, heavy-duty custom industrial carrier bodies.
Manufacturer’s Spotlight: Jerr-Dan
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Roster continues on page 83
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 77
Show Up and Be Counted!
W
here and when do tow business owners get the opportunity to network with their peers and industry suppliers … let’s face it, there’s not much interaction with one’s local competitors and tapping the resources among suppliers is all too infrequent. But inside the Baltimore Convention Center and around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor tow bosses have a once-ayear chance to pick up pointers from other towers around the country and the world, compare notes, and make friends. Under the roof of the Convention Center they come across product and service experts from over 200 exhibitors. They pow wow with representative and executives of 14 motor clubs and call providers. They meet the men who make and sell the wreckers, carriers, trailers and truck chassis. It’s an amazingly powerful experience packed into three days. It’s business and it’s fun, particularly chilling out at the Hard Rock for Bull & Pig Roast (Miller Rocks), the Cigar Smoker with Savatech (Calitri’s Cuba) at Luckies Tavern up the block and Festival Night; these are just some of the opportunities to rub shoulders with the men and women who make up the towing industry. Running a towing business is an all-consuming proposition; tow bosses can become insulated with the tasks immediately at hand. Many never suspect there’s much to gain talking and learning from others in the industry—even if for nothing else than to take a step back and get a fresh perspective. That’s what the American Towman Academy is all about, and the same dynamics play out in the hall and corridors of the Convention Center, the hotels, and Baltimore’s many destination sites during the Exposition.
Networking on the show floor.
Sponsored by:
The Welcome Cruise
There's nothing better than enjoying a premium cigar with a fellow tow boss; networking at its best, during Calitri's Cuba, Luckies Tavern inside the Power Plant.
78 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Number 103 on Reader Card
$75 Passport: Access to all Conferences & Seminars; Enjoy Breakfast Hospitality!
MOTOR CLUBS CONFERENCE “Getting Paid by the Motor Clubs”
Motor Clubs discuss the ins and outs of getting payed by them. Agero——Saturday. 9 am CoachNet——Sunday, 9 am FleetNet——Sunday, 10 am GEICO——Saturday, 10 am Nations Safe Drivers——Friday, 10 am Road America——Friday, 11 am USAC/MD——Friday, 5 pm
DISASTER-RESPONSE CONFERENCE Working Within a Disaster Network
POLICE TOWING CONFERENCE Working on High-Speed Highways
Disaster Force Panel
Protecting Your Business/Law Enforcement Networking
How tow businesses can benefit from participating in a disasterresponse network. Jim Hurst, United Road Towing’s Disaster Response Team. Saturday, 8 am
The Response: Natural Disasters and Catastrophic Incidents. WreckMaster’s Don Cerovski moderates panel of experienced disaster-response towers and incident command officials. Panel includes Bruce Campbell, Scott Eager, Dave Lander of Savatech. Saturday, 9 am
Disaster Force Panel The Disaster’s Aftermath
All the issues of a disaster’s aftermath are covered, including payment. Don Cerovski, WreckMaster, moderates.
Saturday, 10 am
ROTATOR RECOVERY TRAINING WreckMaster Instructors Bruce Campbell and Jeff Martin conduct a special 12-hour training course on rotator recovery, classroom and hands on outdoors. $595 Thursday & Friday
80 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Independent Courses RECOVERY BILLING
This is the famous 8-hour course that teaches you how to charge the value of recovery work and collect from insurance companies. Fee, includes two company personnel, the Boss and billing clerk. Bob & Eric Fouquette Fee also includes the A.T. Academy Passport and breakfast Fri.–Sun. Sat. & Sun., 8 a.m.-12 noon $1,850
20 "Aces" on how to perform on the highway and go home safely. Dave Lambert, North American Towing Academy. Friday, 9 am
Information enabling tow bosses to protect their businesses and comply with statutes and/or regulations. Plus, the advantages of towers networking with law enforcement to create alliances and lay the groundwork for long-term relationships. Les Cravens, Auto Data Direct. Friday, 10 am
Special Requests from Law Enforcement
Examining an officer’s on-scene requests. Randall Resch, American Towman. Friday, 11 am
On-Scene Survival
Special to law enforcement towers and incident management standards. Randall Resch, American Towman. Saturday. 8 am
Securing Municipal Contracts
Towers make an investment to service municipalities, justifying a contract. John Borowski, AutoReturn. Sunday, 10 am
Linking Your Dispatch System
How to connect your dispatch with the latest tools for private property impound management and owner/lien holder notifications. Todd Althouse, Beacon Software; Sunday, 10 am
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Breaking new ground for today’s tow boss. NEW REVENUE CONFERENCE New Money Through Diversification
OPERATIONS CONFERENCE Leading Customer Service
How one tower makes it all work: accident-clean-up, car rental, oil delivery, auto & body repair. Bill Johnson, Hampshire Towing. Friday, 10 am
Acheving a professional image through customer service. Chris Griffin, Road America. Friday, 9 am
Private Property Towing
How good and bad reviews can help you build your company’s brand and reputation, dominate online search responses and help position you as the good guy. Mike Rappaport, OMG National. Friday, 5 pm
Private lot towing in a hi-tech, lotowner, friendly way. Rick Chambers, Online Parking Pass. Friday, 6 pm
Don’t Crush Your Cash
Realize your assets in unclaimed vechicles and capitalize on them. Ron Walters, Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA). Friday, 6 pm
Make Money Through Traffic Control
Traffic control can be a seperate revenue source; a proven model. Bruce Campbell of WreckMaster. Sunday, 10 am
operations conference continued Effective Succession Planning
Prepare for handing down the business in a tax-savvy way. Matt Winslow, Automobile Training Institute. Sunday, 9 am
How Your Online Identity Can Drive Your Cash Business
Learn how to manage your online reputation to maximize profit via web content, customer reviews and targeted advertising. Dennis Wencel of TowProgram. Sunday, 9 am
Handling Internet Reviews
Solving the Insurance Mystery
Did you know that five tow trucks can be cheaper that four on an insurance policy? Do you know the small jobs that can eliminate you from most insurance markets or how driver incentives can save your company money? Diane Burrow & Haley Kirchen, TOPP Insurance. Friday, 5 pm
True Grit
Compelling seminar that gives you strategies to reignite the “grit” within yourself, your employees and your company. Matt Manero, Commercial Fleet Financing. Friday, 6 pm
TOWING & RECOVERY CONFERENCE “Scooby’s” Mystery Theater
Review of air cushion jobs worldwide. Howard Eagen, MatJack; Friday, 10 am
Synthetic Rope: Right for You?
Performance characteristics and inspection protocol. Terry Abejuela, American Towman. Friday, 11 am
Recovery Night
Towings legendary trainer illustrates difficult recovers. Tom Luciano, Miller Industries. Friday, 5 -7 pm
Car Carrier Securement Techniques
The many ways to use hooks, straps, chains and binders in tie-downs. Terry Abejuela, American Towman. Saturday, 8 am
Bus and Coach Towing
The challenges of hooking up coaches and high-end buses. Tom Luciano & John Hawkins, Miller Industries. Saturday, 9 -11 am
Light-Duty Rollovers Made Easy
The Standard, Reverse, and California rolls are illustrated. Terry Abejuela, American Towman. Sunday, 9 am
Risk Management
In today’s economic environment, limited staffing may present many challenges to your tow business. How your tow business might be impacted by overlooked risks or those you failed to consider. Michael Harding, Markel Specialty Programs; Saturday, 8 am
Telematics for Everyone
Putting technology to work for your fleet, large or small. Ty Lambert & Matt Gunzenhaeuser, TomTom Telematics. Saturday, 9 am
Using Propane as a Fuel Source
Potential savings benefits of propane autogas and how it can dramatically reduce your carbon footprint; extend the life of gasoline engines and extend fleets’ scheduled maintenances by up to 50%. Ronny Martinez, ICOM North America Saturday, 10 am Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 81
Manufacturer’s Spotlight: Dual-Tech
Corporate Sponsors AT ACADEMY
CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY
BULL & PIG ROAST “Miller Rocks!”
AMERICAN WRECKER PAGEANT
AMERICAN TOWMAN MEDAL SPONSORS
FESTIVAL NIGHT
LUXURY VEHICLE TRAINING
EXPO INFO CARD
CALITRI’S CUBA
ACE AWARDS
LANYARDS
DONNIE AWARDS
INFORMATION BOOTH
LEGENDARY HOSPITALITY SHOW BAGS
82 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
BADGE INSERTS
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
Exhibitor Roster Weldex Offers variety of products from CCD cameras, DVRs, LCD monitors and emergency lights.
West End Service Full line Miller Industries distributor. International Chassis. Parts and Tow Truck accessories.
Whelen Engineering Co. Manufacturer of warning light systems, technologies used include halogen, strobe, LED and Super-LED.®
Will-Burt Company Offers a full line of lighting systems designed for the towing and recovery industry.
Windsor Steel American manufacturer of heavy duty boxes. High quality toolboxes with fast delivery and better pricing.
Worldwide Equipment Sales Full service Jerr-Dan, Landoll and Cottrell car haulers. Full line of parts.
WreckMaster Towing and Recovery training, certification, training DVD’s, manuals and a full line of equipment and rigging.
Manufacturer’s Spotlight: WeldBuilt
Zip's Truck Equipment Everything you need to tow, rig, recover and haul. From custom built towing equipment to towing accessories, repair parts and operator supplies. Manufacturer’s Spotlight: Miller Industries
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Advance Register online @ ATExposition.com
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 83
Where the Action Is!
B Fells Point
View from the Renaissance Hotel
84 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
altimore’s Inner Harbor has been the towing industry’s home-away-from-home for 27 years. In that time, nearly 300,000 towmen and towwomen have visited the Harbor during the American Towman Expositions, enjoying the brick promenade that goes around the harbor, the water taxis to the Aquarium and Fells Point, and the many eating places and shops all along the way, and of course, the old ships and submarines. The restaurants and pubs in and about the harbor are a culinary tour de force. Fish joints abound, ethnic food is all over, American favorites like ribs are right there. Little Italy is a few blocks away. The B&O Railroad Museum, the nation’s largest of its kind is a short taxi ride, as is Fort McHenry, which inspired the Star Spangled Banner. The Civil War Museum, Babe Ruth Museum, Orioles Museum and more are right there. Maryland Science center and the National Aquarium are found on that same brick promenade. The Baltimore Convention Center is but two blocks from the harbor where the action is; the hotels are all there. Towers going to the Bull & Pig Roast, the Towman Cruise or Calitri’s Cuba will be at or on the water. It’s the only place in the world where towers literally take over the town.
Sample Air Fares
The B&O Railroad Museum
Expo - Harbor Happenings: Bull & Pig Roast (Mlller Rocks at the Hard Rock Cafe), Calitri's Cuba at Luckies in the Powerplant, and Festival Night at the Convention Center are just some of the Inner Harbor happenings. AT Welcome Cruise: Join American Towman for the dinner cruise Thursday evening on the Spirit of Baltimore.
Great pubs fill the Harbor and Fells Point
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Convention Center
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - October 2015 • 85
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Save $ - Register with this form or online at ATExposition.com
!
AT Expo: Fax: 845-986-5181 • Mail: 7 West Street, Warwick, NY 10990 • Phone: 800-732-3869 / 845-986-4546 x214 •
Industria heroica
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REGISTER HERE:
By advance-registering, the “Boss” and one guest are admitted free to Exhibit Hall. $5 fee applies to all others. Kids under 14 free.
1st Registered Name: 2nd Registered Name: 3rd Registered Name: ($5) 4th Registered Name: ($5) Company: Address: City: Phone: Fax: PLEASE CHECK BOXES BELOW
OS
II
Save on Events, Seminars & Hotels • Avoid On-Site Lines! X ITION X
V
Title: Title: Title: Title: Show Special
State:
Zip: E-mail:
First time at Expo:
2. Secondary business (check those that apply): Towing/Recovery Salv/Auto Parts Auto Repair/Serv. Ctr. Truck Repair Repossession Auto Body Shop Transport/Trailer Serv. Service Station
DISASTER-RESPONSE CONFERENCE Working Within A Disaster Network Disaster Force Panel: The Response Disaster Force Panel: The Aftermath NEW REVENUE CONFERENCE Make Money Thru Traffic Control Private Property Towing & Technology New Money Thru Diversification Don’t Crush Your Cash POLICE TOWING CONFERENCE Special Requests From Law Enforcement Securing Municipal Contracts Working On High-Speed Highways On-Scene Survival MOTOR CLUB CONFERENCE Getting Paid by the Clubs Agero Nation Safe Drivers Coach-Net Road America FleetNet USAC/MD GEICO OPERATIONS CONFERENCE Guarding Your Reputation Leading Customer Service Telematics For Everyone Effective Succession Planning TOWING & RECOVERY CONFERENCE Scooby’s Mystery Theatre Car Carrier Securement Techniques Synthetic Rope: Right For You? Bus & Coach Towing Recovery Night Light Duty Rollovers Made Easy
No 1. Is your Primary business Towing/Recovery :
Auto/Truck Dealership Vehicle Leasing Equipment Distributor Other______________
3. No. Employees: 1-5 6-10 11-20 21-50 51-100 4. Check one that best describes your purchasing authority: I authorize/approve purchases No authority I recommend
"
Yes
100+
Yes
No
Subscribe to 5. No. tow trucks in fleet: 1-3 4-7 8-12 13-16 17+ American 6. Types of tow trucks in fleet (check those that apply): Towman Light-Duty Wrecker Heavy-Duty Wrecker Transport/Trailers (or extend your current Medium-Duty Wrec. Carriers Class 7/8 Tractor subscription) and receive Service Vehicle Rotators the Official AT Expo Beer Stein on show floor. 7. Number of unclaimed vehicles sold to salvage or auctioned Advance-Registrants Only each month: 10 20 30 40 50 75 100
EVENT SIGN-UP
PRICING FILL IN PRICE AT EXPO: Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 19-22 EXHIBIT HALL , 2-5 pm, , 11 am-6 pm • , 10 am-4 pm, 11/20-11/22. Your badge is good for all days Yes, advance register me for the exhibit hall. 1st & 2nd registrants are free: addt’l $5 each. $5 PP ..........................$ ______ ACADEMY PASSPORT All Conference Seminars, 11/19-11/21 $75 PP ...............................................................$ ______ 1st registrant 2nd registrant 3rd registrant 4th registrant Register now & save: fee is $150 on-site. RECOVERY BILLING COURSE Sat. & Sun. 8-12 noon, Rec. Billing Unlimited $1850 (2 people per co.)..................$ ______ HEAVY DUTY RECOVERY WITH ROTATOR TRAINING WreckMaster instructors, Thurs. 8-5 pm Fri. 8-noon $595 PP: fee is $695 onsite. R ec o v er y B i l l i n g C ou r s e a n d R ot a t o r Tr ai n i n g i n c l u d es A c a d em y Pa s s p or t . .................................$ ______ AMERICAN WRECKER PAGEANT Fri.-Sun., 11/20-11/22 $100/$150...................................................................$ ______ One vehicle per class/three per company. Trucks enter Fri., stay in hall until Sun., 5 pm $100: Light (pre-2014) Light (2014-15)
Med
Vintage (Pre-1985)
Service/Support Truck $150:
HD Single Axle
HD Tandem
Rotator
Carrier
CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY DINNER & CONFERENCE Thurs. 11/19, 6:30 pm. Sponsored by American Towman Magazine, Renaissance Hotel; Surf ‘n Turf Dinner & Legendary Captains Long Table Limit: 2 per co. # of People ___ $75 PP .........$ ______ A.T. WELCOME CRUISE Thurs., 11/19, 6:30 pm Board, Cruise 7 pm, Dinner & Show. # of People ___ $75 PP...................$ ______ TOWMAN SKEET SHOOT Fri., 9 am, 11/20. Includes fees, lunch & transp. # of People ___ $75 PP..........................$ ______ RECOVERY LUNCHEON Balt. Conv. Ctr., Fri., 11/20, 12:00 noon, Donnie Cruse Awards Luncheon. All recovery specialists welcome. Co-Sponsored by B/A Products & AW Direct # of People ___ $35 per person...........$ ______ CALITRI’S CUBA-VIP Passport # Sponsored by Savatech. Fri., 11/20: 9 pm # of People ___ $20 PP ...............$ ______ Passport includes: (1) Premium AT Cigar, (1) Premium Cigar & Special Gift from Savatech, (1) Premium-Aged Cognac Drink Ticket
FESTIVAL NIGHT The boss (first registrant) comes free with advance registration! Int’l Feast, Medal Ceremony, Mike Corbin Band, Balt. Convention Ctr., Sat., 11/21, 6 pm. Add’l guests (registrants) $40 per person. 1st Guest Free ___ Add’tl. # of People ___ $40 PP .....$ ______ AT SUBSCRIPTION W/EXPO BEER STEIN* Order: 1 year/one stein: $50 2 years/two steins $100.........................$ ______ *AT Expo Beer Stein(s) must be picked up Friday through Sunday at the AT Store inside Convention Center.
BULL & PIG ROAST - FREE CALITRI’S CUBA - Cigar Smoker
TOTAL.......$ ______ : Sponsor: Miller Industries, Fri., 11/20: 7:30 pm...........#_______ people (1) free cigar compliments of Savatech. Fri., 11/20: 9 pm................#_______ people
at #
PAYMENT INFO: Credit Card #: Name on credit card: Check(s) Enclosed $______
HOTEL RESERVATION REQUEST
Country:
Exp. Date: Signature: (Registration, Event & Item fees payable to AT Exposition)
Make out separate hotel check to Visit Baltimore/American Towman if not using credit card (1st night amount only)
Hotel check enclosed $_____________
Guarantee reservation to credit card above
View of the Renaissance Hotel
Arrival Date:______________, 2015 - Depart Date: _______________, 2015 Special Requests ____________________________________________________________________________ If reserving more than one room please list names for each room: # of Rooms __________ # of Guests in each room ___________ # of beds _________ Room #1___________________________________________ Room #2____________________________________________ Room #3__________________________________________
HOTEL CHOICE - Please write in your 1st, 2nd, & 3rd choice hotels below. You will be emailed your confirmation.
___Renaissance Harborplace Hotel • $182 Sgl/Dbl AMERICAN TOWMAN HEADQUARTERS HOTEL, 4-Star, rooms w/harborview, fitness center, restaurant/bar, connected to Mall. Two blocks from Conv. Ctr. CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY TAKES PLACE HERE! GUESTS RECEIVE FREE INTERNET. SHOW YOUR BADGE AND RECEIVE 10% OFF FOOD/MEAL PURCHASES AT HOTEL RESTAURANTS. TOWMAN BAR OR COFFEE SHOP SPECIALS ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT WITH BADGE. ___Marriott Inner Harbor • $179 Sgl/Dbl One block from Conv. Ctr., fitness center, restaurant. Complimentary Internet. Towman Specials when you show your badge. ___Days Inn Inner Harbor • $127 Sgl/Dbl Across from Conv. Ctr., bar & grill, fitness ctr.
___Sheraton Inner Harbor • $175 Sgl/Dbl, $195 T, $215 Q One block from Conv. Ctr. with a catwalk, indoor pool, fitness center.
___Holiday Inn Inner Harbor • $137 Sgl/Dbl One block from Conv. Ctr., indoor pool, fitness center.
___Lord Baltimore Hotel • $135 Sgl/Dbl Two blocks from Conv. Ctr., bar & grill, fitness center.
___Hilton Baltimore • $195 Sgl/Dbl, $215 T, $235 Q Next to Conv. Ctr. with a Catwalk, pool, fitness center.
___Hyatt Regency • $170 Sgl/Dbl, $195 T, $220 Q One block from Harbor and two blocks to Conv. Ctr., fitness center.
___Royal Sonesta Harbor Court • $169 Sgl/Dbl, $189 T, $209 Q 4-Star Hotel on Harbor. Two blocks to Conv. Ctr., fitness center, restaurants. Views of Inner Harbor from Light Street location.
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New Jerr-Dan Website Jerr-Dan Corp. recently launched a redesign of its website, www.jerrdan.com. The company said the website draws inspiration from the belief that few professionals can match the heart and soul of tow owners and operators, and each page aims to make their lives easier with simpler navigation. Jerr-Dan said operators and customers will benefit from more robust customer support, including an enhanced distributor lookup tool, updated contact information, warranty information, technical publications and mobile-friendly optimization. “Our new website is very much like the men and women who operate our equipment,” said Ashley Soverns, Jerr-Dan’s marketing communications manager. “It’s bold, confident, passionate—and most importantly— declares an unabashed love for the business.”
Burning SUV in Okla. Number 131 on Reader Card
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Tulsa, Okla., fire crews rushed to put out a car fire in the southbound lanes of Highway 75. Authorities say a repo agent was
*** Recently, the company and its advertising agency were awarded a Platinum level Hermes Award for creativity in print media for JerrDan’s “Towmance” marketing campaign. Towmance was designed to show the close relationship that a tow truck operator has with his truck. “From a marketing perspective, we wanted to take a chance on our ad campaign and do something different. By listening to our customers, we found that they have a love for their trucks that could rival many relationships,” said Jeff Soldner, Jerr-Dan’s senior director of marketing/product management. “This campaign focuses more on the customer, rather than just the product itself, and we are very proud to have been recognized with this award.” The Hermes Award is an international competition for creative professionals.
towing the SUV from Kansas when he heard a strange noise. The driver turned around to see the SUV on fire. He was able to unhook the vehicle and back away so his tow truck was not damaged. Tulsa firefighters got the vehicle fire out and were investigating to learn why it burned. No one was injured. Source: newson6.com
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Defensive Pessimism by Don Archer
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n an article entitled “How to Instantly Increase Your Bargaining Power In Any Negotiation,” author Al Pittampalli writes about developing his personal negotiating skills, including a story about car hunting with his father when he was 16 and his unreasonable desire for a 1994 Buick Skylark.
Would it really be the end of the world to miss out on this car? Think about the big picture for your business in your employee negotiations and evaluations.
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Pittampalli loved everything about the car, but didn’t have enough money to buy it. So he started out by asking the seller to come down on the price. Seeing how bad the young man wanted it, the seller quickly refused. The teenager was devastated, and asked his dad to loan him the money. His dad didn’t, but helped him in another way. His dad told him to go back to the seller of the Buick, but focus on the worst-case scenario: Not being able to buy the Buick. “Picture yourself driving the Honda and listening to that sound system,” his father said. With this picture in mind, Pittampalli went back to the seller and confidently asked him to lower the price. Seeing a difference in the young man, the seller gave in as he realized he could sell the car today or lose a willing buyer. He got the car for 20-percent less than the asking price. Pittampalli explains he was able to
do this by using what’s called defensive pessimism. Defensive pessimism is embracing the worst-case scenario and mentally rehearsing how it is you would cope if it were to happen. It gives you the power to walk away from any negotiation.
He wants to know exactly what will be expected of him and to know that he’ll be paid, per the agreed rates. Let’s take a look at how it could be used when dealing with employees. Picture two people sitting at a negotiating table going over a written
Number 196 on Reader Card
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agreement. On the one side you have the employer, and what he wants is fairly simple. He wants someone who knows what they’re doing to do the work. On the other side of the table sits the hopeful employee. He looks over the agreement and thinks about what he wants from the relationship. His needs are simple as well. He wants to know exactly what will be expected of him and to know that he’ll be paid, per the agreed rates. Sometimes, however, the relationship breaks down and an employee fails to follow through on certain aspects of the agreement. In the process of deciding how to respond, many possible scenarios run through the employer’s head. He starts asking questions like: “Is the employee’s failure in this one area acceptable?” “Will correcting the employee bring about the desired result?” “Do I have the manpower neces-
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sary to continue providing seamless service should a separation occur?” The problem starts when the employer questions whether or not this bad behavior is something that can be lived with. In doing so, he begins the descent into accepting less than what he’s negotiated for. How could defensive pessimism be used to resolve the matter? 1. Take care of your business first. Your business must come first; everything else is ancillary. When a situation occurs where an employee correction is needed, you must be able to walk away from the negotiating table and start over. Everyone involved in the business is either a part of the solution or a part of the problem. You must practice tough love. 2. You must keep a clear picture in your mind of your ideal employee. Although perfection may seem illusory, your ideal employee is out there. Your job is to find them or create
Your ideal employee is out there. them, and fill your business with these high-quality people. Create a beautiful picture in your mind of your perfect employee and hold it there throughout the conversation. If you must, try picturing yourself going back to the negotiation table with someone new if nothing is resolved. 3. Don’t trash the existing relationship if it’s good. The point of the story of Pittampalli and the Buick was that he was able to get what he wanted: the car at his price. Unless the relationship is beyond repair, your goal is to use defensive pessimism to help get the employee back on track by keeping your bargaining power.
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4. Do it early. The longer an employee is allowed to continue doing the unacceptable behavior, the more he’ll believe that the behavior is acceptable. If left unchecked, it will snowball, making corrections much more difficult. To many, defensive pessimism may seem like the “my way or the highway” approach. But rather than causing you to concentrate on what you can’t get, it forces you to look at what’s really great about the alternatives and it keeps you focused on the bigger picture. Editor’s note: This story originally ran on AT’s sister site, towindustryweek.com, which features industry news, training, recoveries, new products and more. Don’t miss out—make sure to read it each week.
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. He writes a weekly column for TowIndustryWeek.com. Email him at don@broadwaywrecker.com..
Number 102 on Reader Card
36 Added to Wall of the Fallen The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum (towingmuseum.com) added 36 new names to the Wall of the Fallen during its ninth annual ceremony honoring towing operators who died while in the line of service. The names include those from previous years as the details of fatalities become known. The Wall now has nearly 400 names of men and women who have lost their lives serving the towing and road service industry. The names added in 2015 were: Jason E. Bailey, Va.; John R. Barringer, Texas; Alfred E. Bliss, Ohio; Michael C. Bower, Calif.; Jennifer W. Brown, N.C.; Emmett Burton III, Va.; Larry J. Caro Sr., Calif.; John A. Carpenter Jr., Ohio; Ryan A. Everly, Calif.; Sam Franks Jr., Ala.; Denise E. Gajus, Fla.; Robin A. Gandee, Tenn.; Duane K. Goodwill, Ohio; Leo J. Gortmaker, S.D.; David R. Gutierrez, Calif.; Eric G. Hodgson, Canada; Daniel C. Horbovetz, Texas; Jabar “Qasdano” Issa, Calif.; Michael W. Kennedy, Ohio; Walid Mansour, Calif.; Hicham Najdi, Va.; Ricky G. Oliver, Ind.; Sergio Orosco, Calif.; Jerry W. Pineiro, Calif.; Jeffrey A. Rackley, N.C.; Shaun Riddle, Calif.; Jesus J. Salcedo, Calif.; Timothy D. Schroeder, Calif.; Robert D. Snyder, Calif.; Kevin J. St. Pierre, Mass.; José A. Torres-Laboy, Puerto Rico; Jewan W. Turner Sr., Ky.; Nathan E. Walsh, Wis.; Wayne F. Williams Jr., S.C.; Bryan “Keith” Yeager, Texas; Raymond A. Zabala III, Calif.
At the Wall of the Fallen in Chattanooga,Tenn., 36 names were added in September this year.
The annual ceremony aims to boost motorists’ awareness of Move Over laws in effect in all 50 states that require drivers either to move over one lane and/or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle. Some states also designate tow trucks as emergency vehicles. Museum President Troy Barnett acknowledged the difficulty of losing a driver at the beginning of this year’s ceremony. “Last year my senior driver died while recovering an accident,” said Barnett, also of Barnett’s Towing in Phoenix, Ariz. “So I want you to know that I know how you feel.”
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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15 Call Providers in Baltimore Motor Clubs and call providers are full force this Nov. 20-22 inside the Baltimore Convention Center for the 27th annual American Towman Exposition. Tow business owners looking to shore up relationships with call providers or kindle new ones will find the exhibit floor fertile ground. The 15 dispatchers/call providers will be exhibiting with executive and field representatives looking to meet their service partners and hoping to find new ones to bolster their networks in certain areas. Exhibitors include AAA, Agero, Allstate Roadside Services, AutoReturn, Coach-Net, Copart, FleetNet America, GEICO, Insurance Auto Auctions, Nation Safe Drivers, Penske Truck Leasing Services, Quest Towing Service, Road America, United Road Towing, USAC/MD. Number 185 on Reader Card
TDLR to Shut Down Tow Company
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Texas’ Department of Licensing and Regulation is moving to suspend the towing privileges of a Dallas, Texas-based company for one year, on top of a $91,000 fine. The company was charged with taking their cars out of apartment parking lots for having out-of-date registration stickers, according to documents filed by the state. The TDLR originally filed 18 “enforcement” actions against the company in 2014; some of the illegal tows date back to 2012. In January 2014, the offending company took a Mitsubishi from an apartment complex in Arlington without providing the owner a ticket to explain the reason for the tow in writing. The company has also demanded cash payments, the state says, and has tacked on a random, illegal $20 “impound fee” for another angry customer’s car. Source: dallasobserver.com
Number 126 on Reader Card
Oil Busts, Repos Boom Though oil closed at its lowest price in more than six years last week, there’s one business that’s going through a boom in the Texas oil patch right now: the repo business. Ryan Peck says as a repo man, he’s been picking up a lot of trucks lately. Some of the trucks he picks up still have oilfield tools and equipment. He’s been busy at his impound lot on the south side of Corpus Christi. He just picked up a couple of brand-new pickup trucks and a few work trucks, all of which are headed to auction. “In our business there [are] trucks that we normally don’t pick up, three-quarter ton diesel trucks, one-ton trucks,” he said. “They’re pickup trucks tricked out with suspension lifts, good stereos, rims. Work trucks that are also status symbols for the, well, mostly guys that drive them. “[T]hey’re gonna pay those bills before they’re gonna pay anything else,” Peck says. “We’re now seeing that those trucks are getting picked up.” He says during the drilling boom, oil workers bought a lot of expensive trucks. Now the boom’s over and they can’t make payments. So he’s doing a lot of repossessions in the nearby oil town of Alice. Number 169 on Reader Card
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“Most of these trucks that we have here are coming out of that town,” he said. “Alice would be probably my first stop to find out what’s going on.” Peck says if the downturn keeps up, car loans will be harder to get. Fewer people will buy cars, so fewer people will default on their loans. That means eventually his business will take a hit. “If nobody’s paying for cars nobody’s buying cars as well,” he says. “[I]t comes back to get everybody. Nobody’s safe from it.” Source: stateimpact.npr.org
STA Marks 45 Years
ably possible. Make sure to protect your business first!” Source: quickclearprofessionals.com
Gray’s Towing Rescues Submerged Truck A man was uninjured after his Chevy Silverado rolled back into the waters of the Holloway Reservoir in Richfield Township, Mich., recently. The incident took place when the vehicle’s owner backed up to load a boat. The truck slid back and became fully submerged. Gray’s Towing, located in Flint, was
called to help remove the vehicle, which took three hours. Police said the fire department wasn’t called after it was determined there were no leaks from the vehicle that would have necessitated a hazardous materials response. Willy Lucero was ready to unload his boat when he saw the truck going down in the water. “It was pretty crazy,” said Lucero, noting several people filmed the incident from the shore and the water. “I was told by somebody there the guy tried to pull out, and it just slid back into the water.” Source: mlive.com
The Statewide Towing Association of Massachusetts celebrated its 45th anniversary in October. Under the theme “Driving Your Business to Success,” STA’s event included seminars, exhibitors, training, a driver’s forum and wrecker pageant. A Saturday evening gala was scheduled with Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Karen Polito as the keynote speaker. Source: statewidetowing.org
New Ohio Estimate Requirements The Quick Clear Professionals of Ohio recently updated Ohio towers on the state’s estimate requirements. A letter from Executive Director Joe Hollabaugh said in part: “Last year, Senate Bill 274 created new laws that require towing services to provide fee estimates to vehicle operators in limited circumstances. “Earlier this year, QCPO and PTO worked with the legislature to exempt the estimate requirement for tows pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 4513.66 – Removal of Highway Obstruction beginning July 1st of 2015. It is important to note, however, that estimate requirements remain in place. Failure to provide an estimate when required may result in a towing service receiving a violation or ‘strike.’ … “We have posted an Analysis on Towing Estimates on our website for everyone in the industry to review. … “Please review this information carefully. We believe it is advisable to provide estimates whenever reasonNumber 214 on Reader Card Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Starting a Company Newsletter by Randall C. Resch
Creating a company newsletter needn’t be a hassle or time-consuming if you share the load and make initial use of a readily available template from the web or word-processing software. LauraMG/Wikimedia Commons image.
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lthough you might think starting a company newsletter is easy to do, it’s a labor of love that needs time and energy that is aside from normal day-to-day tasks. Just ask Nancy Shultz, owner of Anytime Towing in San Diego, Calif., about her newsletter, “NanCar News,” one that’s grown from a single-page notice into a four-pager. “Our newsletter kept employees current on what was happening within the company and changes in laws or with law enforcement agencies, motor clubs, our customers, etc. “It was a great way to get information out to all of our employees and all shifts. Safety tips were included plus other topics such as good attitudes, customer service, taking care of your health, etc. I also included the birthdate and anniversary dates of each 102 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
employee for the current month, and we always featured an employee of the month with a photo. I always liked including pictures of recoveries, employee parties, etc.” Good guy employee stuff, employee of the month, awards, birthdays, and anniversaries are great morale builders when employees see that they’re being recognized for what they do and who they are.
Newsletter Anatomy Depending on the message you’re trying to deliver to your readers, content can be as full or simple as you need. Many newsletter-building websites or formats allow for specific narratives and photographs by formatting total space; feature articles can be as long as 1,500 words, mini articles 250 words, and snippets can be as little as a paragraph long … you choose. Future
issues can follow the same template for ease of consistency and preparation. Some sample headings for regular departments could include: • The Boss’ Corner • Administrative & Office • Timely Reminders • From the Shop • Tidbits & Pieces • Something Fun • Hobbies & Pastimes • Favorite Recipes • Safety & Training • Employee of the Month • Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc. • Upcoming Events • Outside News
The Boss’ Corner What I like best about owners who participate in writing a monthly something is that it brings them out from behind the proverbial shell to a level
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that’s more approachable. Too many tow bosses reach a level of business activity that removes them from the day-to-day involvement where they become more like dust in the wind than readily available to employee interactions. The newsletter ’s editor makes choices regarding overall content; because tow owners guide the company, their messages oftentimes bring feelings of stability to a challenging business environment. Words from the top don’t have to solve the world’s problems, but offer thanks where thanks are due; words that show appreciation for everyone’s contributions to their company. Words don’t have to be gushy and sweet; just something positive that looks toward the future or mentions something possibly on the horizon.
What’s the Value? Producing company newsletters should be towards fun and instilling a sense of pride in the company. When employees see their company in newsletter form, they gain an increased sense of pride and belonging. Company newsletters help build employee morale, camaraderie and participation. The content should be openly focused on the company and its operations by contributing something that’s specific to its goals, day-today tasks and successes. It’s the perfect platform to include safety and training information. Company managers and trainers should be involved in these areas; although participation should be voluntary, there’s nothing wrong for bosses or editors to make assignments to those in managerial positions to help further their own leadership capabilities. For management to disseminate important company information; editors (owners) should use this area to write administrative sections about day-to-day tasks, policy and procedures. For recognizable issues, narratives should be written in ways that don’t point-fingers, belittle or criticize personnel, but identify specific problems and seek solutions. By asking for input, the company as a team may 104 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
come forth with solutions to problems; getting people involved is good leadership. Human interest stories are always compelling as they relate to workers in the company. This is especially true for larger companies with satellite locations where not all employees are friends or acquaintances with one another. A company’s newsletter is the perfect place to recognize company growth, promotions, introduce new hires, or anything nice to share about the company, employees and overall accomplishments.
Nuts & Bolts Contributing to the company’s newsletter is a great way for owners to motivate employees towards management or managerial tasks. One needn’t be an experienced journalist or writer; simply write something they know about or are passionate about. Most articles or bits should be industry or company related. Invite employees to contribute to the newsletter by writing miniarticles or submitting photos or material that’s not sensitive, off-color, religiously/politically challenged, etc. It’s important to evaluate cartoon-type material closely to ensure that it’s not likely to be interpreted as offensive or degrading. Everyone should have a chance to contribute something; it’s fun to see your contributions and photos in the newsletter. Important: Be aware not to infringe on copyright laws by using someone else’s material or pictures without proper credit.
Starting Out The Internet is full of programs and solutions to build your newsletter. First, determine what content you want to include, then you can find an easy template or outline and develop appropriate headings. Start with simple topics; you can always add and tweak sections later as the newsletter evolves. Seek others to share writing, photo and layout tasks. Try easy deadlines that don’t overtake primary work functions or those of participating
staff. Make it fun. If projects are overwhelming from the start, deadlines are equally overwhelming. Check for accuracy and content. When items are ready within your newsletter’s format, check for spelling and grammatical errors before making ready for print. In today’s world of multi-color personal printers, you don’t need to send your finished newsletter out to commercial printers. “I used Microsoft Publisher at the time and brochure paper (for) minimal costs while investing two to three hours, depending on the month and how much information I had to distribute,” Shultz said. Company newsletters can be printed in-house at about 12 cents a page if black and white. Color ink is expensive; varying grades of paper can keep costs lower. Heavier paper, however, will print with less ink bleeding through. An effective company newsletter can be built into a learning tool—don’t forget to write your productions costs off on your company’s taxes, filed under training and communications. Distribution can be whenever you choose to send it, especially if there are specific target dates. Ideas for employee distribution include leaving a copy in the employee’s mail, handedout during company safety meetings or with the employee’s paycheck. It will take a few issues to work out the bugs; company newsletters generally fall into place as a labor of love. Newsletters have a place in today’s business climate while bringing personality and whimsy to the company. With a little time and imagination, they certainly make for good reading and increased morale. Author’s Note Special thanks to Nancy Shultz for sharing her experience for this article.
Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer and veteran tow business owner, manager, consultant and trainer. He writes for TowIndustryWeek.com and American Towman, is a member of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame. Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.
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Billboard Recovery Blazer Goes Airborne in Idaho
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n early morning wreck in Pocatello, Idaho, last month left a car perched on a billboard. Clayton Facer with Denny’s Towing and Wrecker Service said in his five years on the job he’s never seen anything like the crash he responded to just after midnight.
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Facer arrived on the scene to find a vehicle lodged in a billboard some 30’ in the air. “It’s the first time I’ve seen anything like this, except at the monster truck show,” Facer said. Lt. Ian Nelson of the Pocatello Police Department said the driver, Gina Barela, struck the median, then hit a car in the lot at Creekside Auto Sales and vaulted the 1995 Chevrolet Blazer she was driving into the air, rotating one and a half times before striking the billboard with the front of her vehicle before coming to rest on other cars on the ground.
Her front end was buried in the billboard.
Facer said Barela struck the curb near a U-Haul office, drove across the lawn and into a gravel area at a grain elevator before hitting the median and going airborne. He was on the scene for about two hours with “Ole Punkin,” the company’s 1984 Kenworth with a 35-ton NoMar wrecker. Once it was on the ground, they loaded it onto a rollback and hauled it to the shop. “Her front end was buried in the billboard and the rear was smashed onto the cars on the ground,” Facer said. Jarem Rencher owns Creekside Auto Sales and he said the car lot has been at its current location for 11 years. “I have had a few things happen over the years, but never anything as destructive as this,” Rencher said. Two of his cars were totaled and two other vehicles sustained major damage. Rencher said it’s ironic that for the past five years, the billboard served as a public service announcement aimed at preventing drunk driving. Two weeks ago, the sign was replaced with a funeral home ad. An employee at Creekside was on his way to work Friday just before Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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midnight and he reported that Barela actually passed him on the way. “He said that she had to have been traveling at least 100 mph,” Rencher said.
She had to have been traveling at least 100 mph.
Denny’s ‘Ole Punkin' 35-ton NoMar wrecker picked up the Blazer and moved it to a rollback for transport.
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Once the vehicle came to a stop after the acrobatic collision, Rencher said Barela attempted to crawl out of the damaged tailgate. “My employee actually helped her get out of the car,” Rencher said. Barela, 45, was transported to Portneuf Medical Center with nonlife threatening injuries. She was cited for driving under the influence and failure to provide proof of insurance then released. Sources: Denny’s Towing (pics); Idaho State Journal
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Manager Charged with Stealing An office manager at an Auburndale, Fla., towing company has been charged with stealing nearly $40,000 from the business over a four-year period. Amanda Baker, 38, was charged with grand theft of more than $20,000 and false entries in books of business at Webb’s Towing, according to the State Attorney’s Office. Investigators said Baker stole cash and checks totaling $37,666 from the company from 2011 to 2015. Police are searching for two accomplices, Robert Fry, a wrecker driver at the company, and his wife, Pamela Fry. Robert Fry faces charges of petty theft and forgery. His wife faces charges of grand theft and forgery, according to documents. Baker, the dispatcher and office manager at Webb’s Auburndale location for nine years, was the ringleader
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in the theft, according to documents. An investigation by the State Attorney’s Office shows that 122 checks, ranging in value from $99 to $800, were cashed by Baker at the Beverage Castle in Auburndale. In an interview, Baker told investigators she would make false entries into the company’s accounting log to cover her theft, according to documents. Webb’s Towing has five locations in Polk County. The family business opened its Auburndale location in 1994. Source: theledger.com
Four Years in Tow Bribery A former state trooper who sold accident reports for thousands of dollars was sentenced to more than four years in prison. Kirk Chambers, who resigned as a Florida Highway Patrol trooper in
March, pleaded guilty in May to an extortion conspiracy charge in Miami federal court. Chambers, who worked the north end of Miami-Dade County, moonlighted for years as a corrupt source of information on car accidents for “pirate” towers, according to federal prosecutor Anthony Lacosta. In his plea agreement, Chambers admitted that he schemed with a local towing operator to sell hundreds of confidential accident reports for $6,200 to a fictitious “Russian chiropractor” in a sting operation run by the FBI. Chambers, who became a state trooper in 2004, was convicted of accepting $5,000 in bribes in the undercover operation. Chambers made more than $48,000 a year as a trooper. The tow operator was sentenced to three years in prison earlier this month. Source: miamiherald.com
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Be Safe, Forget the Keys by Mark Lacek
W
e all know the fastest and quickest way to repossess an automobile is with a tow truck equipped with a self-loading wheel-lift. The recovery agent can back up to the car, lift and go without even getting out of the cab. Lift and go, hook and book, snatch and grab or pic and git, whatever you call it, this safe and quick process of repossessing a car has been the mainstay of the automobile repossession business since the wheel-lift debuted in the late Eighties. Today, thousands of these timesaving units are built and sold each year by all of the leading tow truck manufactures. For a tower, the introduction of the self-loader meant it was no longer necessary to exit the tow truck and “throw tow-hooks,” as it was sometimes called. For the repossessor, a fast hook-up time reduced confrontations with disgruntled debtors—the best repossessions include no debtor confrontation. For years, many repossession companies would generate extra revenue by making keys for the automobiles they repossessed. Clients would pay the repossessor an amount less than a locksmith service, which saved money for the client and added revenue for the repossession agency. The repossession company could invoice the client from $50 to $125, depending on the key. Automobiles would be delivered to the clients with a set of keys. Life was good, everybody was happy. Then things started to go wrong; and when things start to go wrong in the repossession business, more often than not I’ve found it has something to do with the forwarding companies.* The forwarding companies have found yet another way to dig into the 112 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
Are you willing to face this if you knock on the door for keys?
repossessor. The forwarding companies now contract with their clients to provide keys to the repossessed automobile, and the process of getting the keys is putting the lives of reposses-
sors at risk. The forwarder is demanding the repossessor knock on the door of the debtor after he hooks the car to ask for the keys. In some instances the forwarder is adding as little as $15 to
the repossession fee. I’m not kidding, hard to believe isn’t it? If the repossession company does not participate, often he will lose the assignment. Where the heck is the value of an auto-loader if the repossessor hooks to the auto and pulls out to the street, only to get out of the tow truck and knock on the door of the debtor? Why the need for speed? What about confrontation issues?
In some
sling would provide them with what they needed. Why the “need for speed” if you are going to put yourself in harm’s way by walking up to the door and asking for the keys? The No. 1 responsibility of a repossessor and a tow truck operator is to make it home safely. We go to work every day paying attention to the traffic signals and stop signs to keep us safe from hurting ourselves or others. Well here’s a big sign to read: DONT GO BACK AND ASK FOR THE KEYS.
* The repossession assignment forwarding companies have taken over about 80 percent of the repossession business. Now, the repossessors’ client base contacts the forwarding company and sends the recovery assignments to them. The forwarder chooses where the assignment is sent, and chisels off as much as 70 percent of the fee.
Repo Editor Mark Lacek has more than 30 years of recovery experience and is the former editor of “Professional Repossessor” magazine. Email him at Mark@commercialassetsolutions.com
instances the forwarder is adding as little as $15 to the repossession fee. Every week I hear about a fellow repossessor becoming involved in a confrontation after knocking on the door and asking for the keys. Usually the confrontation ends with an injury; sadly there is often a death involved. One associate of mine in Jacksonville, Fla., was shot and killed at the door when the debtor returned with a gun instead of the keys. One woman pulled a gun out of her back seat while trading her keys for the baby seat. Recently I was given the opportunity to conduct a seminar at the Tow Expo International in the historic city of San Antonio, Texas. In a packed room of repossession professionals— including many just entering the industry—I called for a show of hands of those who owned a tow truck equipped with a self-loading wheellift. I was not surprised that most in the room had proudly raised their hands high. I then asked, “How many of you knock on the door and ask for the keys after hooking to the car?” I was in disbelief when about half in the room raised their hands. I had to pause for a moment to gather my thoughts. I was upset. For those who went back for keys, I advised that they had no need for the expensive truck with the self-loader. I told them a vintage Holmes 220 with a Number 133 on Reader Card Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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FBI Seeks Tow Records, Emails The FBI instructed East St. Louis, Mo., city treasurer Charlotte Moore to produce records related to city towing fees and appear before a federal grand jury as part of an investigation last month. Moore said in an interview that an FBI agent served her a summons seeking all records related to towing fees from Sept. 1, 2012, through Aug. 25, 2015. The summons also requires her to provide receipts, statements or reports related to towing fees and all correspondence including emails related to towing. Moore said she doesn’t know why the FBI wants the records but she said she is cooperating with the investigation. She said she started as treasurer in May and that most of what the FBI requested is from before she took office. Moore said towing fees are paid through the treasurer’s office during the day but are paid to the police department during evenings. If the FBI finds evidence of theft or malfeasance, Moore said, it will help the city correct problems. “We need to do some things to tighten up our internal control,” Moore said. Source: stltoday.com
Ex-Tow Boss Sentenced in Bribery A former business partner of convicted Sweetwater, Fla., Mayor Manny Maroño was sentenced to almost three years in prison for paying thousands of dollars in bribes to Miami police aides in exchange for tow-job referrals. Robert Muriedas, former owner of Southland The Towing Co., pleaded guilty in May as part of an FBI investigation into alleged corruption among towing operators, drivers, body shops and certain law enforcement agencies, including the Miami Police Department. Last year, investigators began focusing on Muriedas, who had acquired Southland from then-Mayor Maroño in 2009 and was involved with him as a partner in other businesses. In an unrelated case, Maroño pleaded guilty to receiving kickbacks in a government contract case in 2013 and is serving a nearly 3-1/2-year prison sentence. Two former police service aides plead guilty to pocketing at least $20,000 and $35,000 in bribes between 2011 and 2014, according to court records. Both received a 29- and 30-month terms, respectively. Four tow truck drivers also plead guilty, with three of them receiving sentences ranging from 29 to 32 months. The fourth driver will be sentenced this month. In his plea agreement, Muriedas admitted that he paid thousands of dollars in bribes to the two Miami Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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public service aides in return for referrals that benefited Southland and affiliated auto body shops, according to court records. He made the illegal payments through the four convicted tow-truck drivers, including one who worked for Southland, and played the role of middleman. The FBI investigation is now zeroing on body shops that did business with Muriedas’ towing company. Source: miamiherald.com
Woman Arrested from Car’s Hood A Monterey County (Calif.) Superior Court jury found a San Jose woman guilty of misdemeanor charges related to refusing to comply with police recently, according to Monterey County Deputy District Attorney Montana Musso. Dulce Guerra, 28, appeared in court before Monterey County Superior Court Judge Stephanie Hulsey for an incident that occurred Nov. 29 last year where Guerra resisted, obstructed and
delayed a police officer. During the incident, California Highway Patrol officers arrested a driver operating Guerra’s vehicle for DUI. Police told Guerra, who was riding in the back seat of the vehicle with another passenger, that her car would be towed and that she needed to find another way home. According to the district attorney’s office, Guerra refused to take the taxi ride home and became verbally aggressive toward the officers. When the tow truck arrived, Guerra sat on the hood of her vehicle and refused to leave, according to the district attorney’s office. An officer tried to lead Guerra out of the way of the tow truck driver, to which she physically resisted by pulling her arm away, leaning her body backward and using her other arm to grab onto the vehicle, the district attorney said. Police then arrested Guerra and transported her to Monterey County Jail. Source: kron4.com
Armed Resident Apprehends Tow-jacker An armed New Orleans, La., homeowner captured a carjacking suspect who had fled into his yard to avoid police, according to the NOPD. Police said 17-year-old Larry Pierre flagged down a tow truck, implied he had a gun and took off in the victim’s tow truck. Officers spotted the stolen truck nearby and put on their sirens and lights and followed the truck to an intersection, where two men inside the truck got out and fled. Police set up a perimeter and called in a canine unit. An armed resident told police he heard a thump in his back yard and he armed himself with a shotgun and went outside, where the driver of the truck gave up and placed his hands in the air. The homeowner then led the suspect to police. He was taken into custody. Pierre was booked with carjacking, flight and resisting an officer, illegal possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless operation of a vehicle and criminal trespassing. Source: wwltv.com
Canadian Tower Rescues Toddler A Canadian tower is being called a hero after he recently rescued a toddler who had been accidentally locked inside a vehicle in sweltering heat. The Brandon, Manitoba, temperature was well above 86 degrees F when Jeff Hogg was called to deal with a malfunctioning automatic locking system. Hogg tried to get the door open to get the little boy out, but the system kept overriding his efforts. When the child started showing signs of distress, he smashed a passenger window, crawled inside and pulled him to safety. Hogg says the boy was starting to doze off after his third attempt at opening the door, so he didn’t take any chances. The child was taken to hospital for observation. Source: torontosun.com Number 215 on Reader Card
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Dealing Drugs to Get Repo’d Car A 23-year-old Paterson, N.J., resident who allegedly was caught with 26 grams of cocaine and 10 bricks suspected of being heroin in Parsippany claimed he needed to sell drugs to help a girlfriend retrieve her repossessed vehicle, according to an assistant prosecutor. Jacorie Duren was charged by Parsippany police with possession of heroin and cocaine and possession with intent to distribute the drugs. During a bail review, Morris County Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan told the judge that authorities received information that Duren planned to sell drugs in the area. Duren, who has a prior conviction for drug distribution, was picked up in Parsippany and allegedly had the drugs in his possession. Callahan said preliminary testing reveals that the “bricks” may not entirely consist of heroin but some folds of heroin were found within them. Duren made admissions to police that indicated he was hoping to make a profit off the drug sales to help a girlfriend whose car had been repossessed, Callahan said. Source: dailyrecord.com
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One of a Kind
by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti
R
ick’s Towing & Repair Inc. in Williston, Vt., is a family-run company established by Rick Lepage in 1984. Rick grew up in the towing and auto repair business. “My dad started towing in 1952. He started at Ray’s Towing,” Rick said. “I started towing at 14.” The company is a family affair that includes Rick’s wife, Kimberly, as office manager, son Mathew among four other operators running carriers and wreckers, daughter Jennifer handles the U-Haul end of the business and son-in-law Chris Boyajian runs the heavies. Rick’s has a full service auto repair shop; his son’s friend Kristopher Lawyer wrenches on everything from cars to big rigs. For equipment, the company mixes it up.
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Rick Lepage wanted something different when he added this Jerr-Dan 20’ XLP flatbed to his fleet.
Tech Highlights Chassis: 2015 Ford F-550 Super Duty Extended Cab 4x4. Wrecker: Jerr-Dan 20’ XLP Aluminum bed. Engine: 6.7L PowerStroke diesel V8. Trans: Six-speed SelectShift Automatic. Winches: 10,000-lb Planetary. Builder: Jerr-Dan, National Truck Body. Extras: SRS-10 side-puller, In The Ditch toolboxes. Graphics: Razor Graphics in Fredericksburg, Va.
“My dad ran Holmes 440s and others, then we had Centuries,” Rick said. “I run a mix of Jerr-Dans and Centuries. They both have their good qualities that I look for in my fleet.” When looking to add a flatbed, Rick didn’t just want any carrier—he wanted something different. This 2015 Ford F-550 Super Duty Extended Cab 4x4/Jerr-Dan 20’ XLP Aluminum bed with SRS-10 Side Recovery System fits the bill. “The SRS unit normally comes with an 8,000-pound winch for carriers this size, but I wanted a 10,000-pound winch unit that would normally go on the big rigs,” Rick said. “I like to build my carriers strong to be able to handle anything. “We had to shorten the legs to make it fit. Douglas Paul and the boys at National Truck Body did a great build. National was the only one that would handle the
The hood art, simply the truck in profile, helped the truck garner a 2nd place award—even before it was lettered.
job. They had to stretch the F-550 frame 18-inches more than normal to accept the 20-foot Jerr-Dan bed length and accommodate the SRS-10 unit.” A 6.7L PowerStroke diesel V8 mated to a six-speed SelectShift automatic powers this beauty and it has In The Ditch toolboxes all the way around. Mark Long from Razor Graphics in
I like to build my carriers strong to be able to handle anything.
Fredericksburg, Va., did the wrap. The hood art is a profile of the rig inset in a fall scene in Vermont. It finished second at the 2015 tow show in Lake George, N.Y., before it was even lettered. “This truck is one of a kind,” Rick said “The only one like it in the country … or anywhere else.”
Lepage upsized from the standard 8,000-lbs side-puller to a 10,000-lbs. unit for this rollback.
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Your Reputation
R
eputation. Every one carries it, based on what’s been earned over time and what others have heard. It affects one’s long-term run of success or struggle. When positive and substantial, it can fuel one to further succeed. It’s a critical aspect of one’s character and business that must be guarded at all times. In today’s world of Internet testimonial sites and Facebook dynamics, it must be constantly watched, whether you own a restaurant, a medical practice, an auto-repair shop or a towing business. OMG National, our technical producer of American Towman TV, offers a service called Presence and Reputation that helps tow business owners guard their online reputation and cultivate positive testimonials (check out OMG’s Reputation Seminar in Baltimore). Whether or not your reputation needs a boost, I think we can all appreciate that it should be guarded if not gardened. Those tow bosses stepping into the Baltimore Convention Center for the 27th annual American Towman Exposition, Nov. 19-22, will do so with chests out, as if a royal greeter bellowed out their names for all to hear as they enter. Most of them come from a place where they’ve made their mark, where their reputation has been hard-earned. Entering the world’s premier Exposition seems to give recognition to one’s reputation, whether or not that is just a subjective feeling. But it is easy to have that feeling looking around the Hall in all its grandeur and partaking in all the events that treat attendees with their deserved respect. The towing business has always been challenging compared to other trades when it comes to building
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by Steve Calitri
repeat clientele. When a motorist breaks down and has to use a towing service, he hopes he won’t have to again for a long time. So getting him back is quite a different proposition than, let’s says, a restaurant owner’s great food bringing back a diner the next day. Still, people remember when they’ve been treated well and will tell others about the experience. That will only help bring the tower more business. I know many towers who routinely go above and beyond the standard services. One that comes to mind is Jason Banis in Texas, who told me he makes it a point every day to help someone in need without charging for the service. That may be a free battery boost, a tow for a stranded motorist or driving the passengers a distance to their home. You can bet the good will he generates for being the Good Samaritan will come back to him in many positive ways, seen or unseen. My friend, Bill Johnson in Massachusetts, each year goes out with many of his crew to clean up the town, literally. He doesn’t do it just for the bit of publicity it might generate on the nightly news or the local papers, nor just to give the town’s mayor some support. First and foremost, he does it because he’s proud to do it, to help the town he serves with his business. Anyone who has had any dealings with Bill knows his character. Our actions build our reputation. Gossip and detractors cannot contradict one’s actions, but if written somewhere like Yelp or Google without words of support from those happy with your services, it can hurt future business. So today we have to guard our reputation more diligently than ever.
The Captains of Industry Conference in Baltimore, November 19th, features a keynote address on Third Party Dispatch by Tom Tedford of United Road Tow (URT). URT is one of the nation’s largest towing companies with several locations in the U.S. The company has also ventured into police-towing dispatch and rotation management, currently serving north Chicago and soon, San Antonio. Tedford will address the values of third party dispatch to cities and towers, as he sees it.
American Towman Magazine will cover this speech and other news-making events at the 27th annual American Towman Exposition, as will TowIndustryWeek.com and American Towman TV: Emily Oz will be at the Captains dinner and other events of the Exposition, including the Main Event on the show floor where over 200 exhibiting companies will engages with some 12,000 attendees. Oz will also be covering the American Wrecker Pageant in all its color grandeur. This year a new trophy is being awarded in the Carrier Class for Best Presentation, a nod of appreciation to all the carriers showcasing vehicles on the beds, funny cars to hot rods, vintage cars to vintage trucks.
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Copyright 2015 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
Visit us at American Towman Expo Baltimore booth #918 "We have over 100 trucks in-stock and beds on the ground to fit your towing needs."
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City Towing Records Investigated Lynn, Mass., Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy launched a probe into city Parking Department towing records, claiming city financial oversight rules have not been followed and leveling criticism at Parking Director Louis J. Fenton. Fenton has been placed on paid administrative leave, according to a letter addressed to the Lynn resident by Kennedy, while an auditing firm pores through the department paperwork. The letter states that “turnovers” — a reconciliation process to account for cash and checks paid to the city — has not occurred, in some instances, in the Parking Department since 2012. City policy requires turnovers be made daily and never less frequently than weekly. Kennedy ordered Fenton in her letter to “refrain from any dealings”
with the Parking Department, adding: “Your actions appear to be in direct contravention of longstanding City of Lynn policies and do not comport with sound financial practice.” Kennedy’s letter highlights two concerns focusing on the Parking Department and Fenton, who has been director since 1991. According to the letter, lack of timely reconciliation means the Lynn Towing Association may owe the city “in excess of $100,000 for snow and police tows dating back to 2012.” The letter also states that $12,000 in cash was found in a Parking Department safe with records dating back to 2012. City Solicitor Michael Barry said it will take auditor Melanson, Heath & Co. 45 or more days to match the money with any available records and take a detailed look at parking receipts and accounting procedures. “This cries out for a third party with no interest to have a look at this,” Barry said.
Fenton, who had been on medical leave since May, said he was unaware of the letter and the change in his leave status. He did acknowledge that settlement discussions between the Lynn Towing Association and his office are “not done as often as they should be.” Settlements, said Fenton, are intended to reconcile money owed to the city for tows done by the association’s four member companies and money owed to the association for city tows. “They’re not timely—it’s been that way forever, but there is no collusion, fraud or anything inappropriate,” Fenton said. Towing Association member Edward Fleming said the Association has not received paperwork from the city recently requesting reconciliation of money owed to the city from the Association. He said parking officials and association members sit down three or four times a year to figure out how much money the Association owed the city and money owed to association companies for city-ordered tows. “It’s not like nothing has been done since 2012,” Fleming said. Source: itemlive.com.
Front Yard Tow Co. Legal Merv Hayner admits keeping his tow trucks in his front yard is not an ideal scenario, but currently, it’s the only one he can afford. “Have you ever tried to buy property in Kendall County? Don’t,” said Hayner this week, as he chuckled about the cost of real estate. The military veteran opened 1 Veteran’s Towing in 2013. Hayner said his business has grown to include four wreckers and he currently handles calls for service in both Kendall County and Bexar County. But with Hayner not owning a tow yard or facility, those calls sometimes end with vehicles being brought to his Boerne, Texas, home, located inside the Ranger Creek neighborhood. A fellow Ranger Creek resident, Number 153 on Reader Card
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who asked to remain anonymous, shared videos and pictures of Hayner’s yard at times packed with wreckers and towed vehicles. Hayner, the president of Ranger Creek homeowners association, acknowledged this week he is violating HOA by-laws, which forbid residential property from being used for business purposes. “I guess I don’t have a response, because I’m a very lenient president,” said Hayner, who pointed to a nearby home and said its owner also uses his property for business purposes. But is Hayner violating state laws pertaining to tow truck operations? State investigators, so far, say ‘No.’ Hayner says he was interviewed by an investigator from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation two weeks ago. The investigator determined the vehicles in Hayner’s yard were not required to be kept at a secured facility, since he either owned the vehicles or had the owners’ permission to tow them. Hayner said he keeps towed vehicles in front of his home only when they are towed after hours, when body shops and other drop-off facilities are closed. Incidental management tows and private property tows require operators to take vehicles to a secure facility, such as a fenced in tow yard. However, Hayner currently does not have contracts with agencies, such as the Boerne Police Department, which handle these kind of tows. Hayner said he continues to look for property to buy or rent that can be used by his company. “I’m looking, I just can’t afford property.” Source: kens5.com
Texas City Closer to Tow Ordinance The towing committee in Denton, Texas, recently finalized two proposed towing ordinances. The committee plans to introduce the proposed towing ordinances to the town’s city council by November. The committee included members of citizen advocacy group DenSOUTH 126 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
ton for Fair Towing, B&O Towing, Pro Tow Wrecker Service and Providence Place Apartments. The first proposed ordinance would lower the amount towing companies can charge for light-duty tows to $145, down from the state maximum of $250. The new amount would not include storage fees of $20 per day or the $50 fee for a notification letter, which must be mailed as a certified letter after someone’s vehicle is impounded for more than 24 hours. The second proposed towing ordinance would require each towing company to have its trucks inspected by the city, as well as background checks on tow truck operators who work to tow vehicles without an owner’s consent. Pat Smith, a representative of Denton for Fair Towing, said the final amount of $145 for light-duty tows was a little higher than the $125 that his group proposed. “But at least people aren’t going to have to pay a half-a-month’s rent to get their car out of storage,” Smith said. Smith noted another benefit of the proposed towing ordinances: Tow truck companies will have to impound vehicles within five miles of Denton. Currently, tow truck companies can tow a vehicle from an apartment complex in Denton and impound it at a storage facility in Carrollton or Dallas; towns that are 29 and 44 miles away, respectively. Source: dentonrc.com.
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Fire Guts Westside Towing A Cleveland, Ohio, towing company went up in flames on Sept. 11, as Cleveland firefighters responded to a fire at Westside Towing. Workers said the fire ignited while a mechanic was using a drill to work on a vehicle’s gas tank, fuel pump and fuel system. When the drill caused a spark, the fumes caught fire, engulfing the garage into flames. All employees inside escaped without injury. They were able to save some tools and new tires inside, but little else. Source: newsnet5.com. Number 180 on Reader Card Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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City Towing Records Investigated Lynn, Mass., Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy launched a probe into city Parking Department towing records, claiming city financial oversight rules have not been followed and leveling criticism at Parking Director Louis J. Fenton. Fenton has been placed on paid administrative leave, according to a letter addressed to the Lynn resident by Kennedy, while an auditing firm pores through the department paperwork. The letter states that “turnovers” — a reconciliation process to account for cash and checks paid to the city — has not occurred, in some instances, in the Parking Department since 2012. City policy requires turnovers be made daily and never less frequently than weekly. Kennedy ordered Fenton in her letter to “refrain from any dealings” with the Parking Department, adding: “Your actions appear to be in direct contravention of longstanding City of Lynn policies and do not comport with sound financial practice.” Kennedy’s letter highlights two concerns focusing on the Parking Department and Fenton, who has been director since 1991. According to the letter, lack of timely reconciliation means the Lynn Towing Association may owe the city “in excess of $100,000 for snow and police tows dating back to 2012.” The letter also states that $12,000 in cash was found in a Parking Department safe with records dating back to 2012. City Solicitor Michael Barry said it will take auditor Melanson, Heath & Co. 45 or more days to match the money with any available records and take a detailed look at parking receipts and accounting procedures. “This cries out for a third party with no interest to have a look at this,” Barry said. Fenton, who had been on medical
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leave since May, said he was unaware of the letter and the change in his leave status. He did acknowledge that settlement discussions between the Lynn Towing Association and his office are “not done as often as they should be.” Settlements, said Fenton, are intended to reconcile money owed to the city for tows done by the association’s four member companies and money owed to the association for city tows. “They’re not timely—it’s been that way forever, but there is no collusion, fraud or anything inappropriate,” Fenton said. Towing Association member Edward Fleming said the Association has not received paperwork from the city recently requesting reconciliation of money owed to the city from the Association. He said parking officials and association members sit down three or four times a year to figure out how much money the Association owed the city and money owed to association companies for cityordered tows. “It’s not like nothing has been done since 2012,” Fleming said. Source: itemlive.com.
Front Yard Tow Co. Legal Merv Hayner admits keeping his tow trucks in his front yard is not an ideal scenario, but currently, it’s the only one he can afford. “Have you ever tried to buy property in Kendall County? Don’t,” said Hayner this week, as he chuckled about the cost of real estate. The military veteran opened 1 Veteran’s Towing in 2013. Hayner said his business has grown to include four wreckers and he currently handles calls for service in both Kendall County and Bexar County. But with Hayner not owning a tow yard or facility, those calls sometimes end with vehicles being
continue to page M 127 MIDWEST 124 • October 2015 - TOWMAN.COM
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Policy & Procedures Prohibiting Offensive Behaviors by Randall C. Resch
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pitting, cigarette butts, trashit’s everywhere. It makes me boil. When it comes to towers jumping into company tow trucks, I don’t care for these bad habits. Tow company management should be committed to providing a smoke-free, garbage-free environment for employees who choose not to smoke. Second-hand smoke and loose trash are offensive and harmful to one’s health. Equally offensive are those that chew, dip and spit tobacco. As a lifetime non-smoker, I detest smokers who bear an attitude that “the world’s my ashtray.” Butts on the yard’s pavement, snuffed-out in the shop, burn marks on truck seats … it’s a nasty habit that I’m dedicated to enforcing. As one who took pride in my uniform and police vehicles, I was adamant that my police car had to be clean, washed and nice smelling if I was going to spend full shifts in it. I dislike visual reminders that spitters also drive company trucks when I’d spy custom paint and graphics streaked by dried, crusty, spit streaks running parallel and down the truck’s side. My Employee Handbook is clear about offensive behaviors in my company’s environment where it states: “Our Company’s goal is to provide a healthy and pleasant work environment to its employees and customers. The Company PROHIBITS tobacco
and certain food products and their use on Company premises, within Company office spaces, and in Company vehicles. “Employees shall refrain from tobacco and food products during the following specific conditions: As image is important, employees will not smoke in the presence of our customers, accounts, law enforcement personnel or other contracts. Smoking, outside company trucks, is allowed once the call or contact is completed. • Smoking, chew, and spitting within the office or company compound is prohibited. • Tow operators and service techs will not smoke, chew, and spit in company vehicles. • Employees who smoke, chew, and spit may do so off-property during breaks. • Spit-cups or containers are pro-
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hibited at desks, inside office spaces, the shop, or tow trucks. • Tow operators will not smoke during fueling operations. • Cigarette butts will be deposited in an appropriate receptacle; not on the pavement. • Sunflower seed shells and gum will be disposed of properly; not in truck ashtrays, floors or other interior areas. • At shift’s end, work spaces and tow trucks shall be cleaned of trash items. Truck debris will be disposed of in appropriate locations. • Employees who report to work areas are encouraged to report to management if work area was not cleaned to their satisfaction. • Supervisors are responsible in enforcing these policies. Following the rules shouldn’t be difficult. (Rant over.) Editor’s note: This story originally ran on AT’s sister site, towindustryweek.com, which features industry news, training, recoveries, new products and more. Don’t miss out—make sure to read it each week.
Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer and veteran tow business owner, manager, consultant and trainer. He writes for TowIndustryWeek.com and American Towman, is a member of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame. Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.
NEWS FLASH continued from page M 124 brought to his Boerne, Texas, home, located inside the Ranger Creek neighborhood. A fellow Ranger Creek resident, who asked to remain anonymous, shared videos and pictures of Hayner’s yard at times packed with wreckers and towed vehicles. Hayner, the president of Ranger Creek homeowners association, acknowledged this week he is violating HOA by-laws, which forbid residential property from being used for business purposes. “I guess I don’t have a response, because I’m a very lenient president,” said Hayner, who pointed to a nearby home and said its owner also uses his property for business purposes. But is Hayner violating state laws pertaining to tow truck operations? State investigators, so far, say ‘No.’ Hayner says he was interviewed by an investigator from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation two weeks ago. The investigator determined the vehicles in Hayner’s yard were not required to be kept at a secured facility, since he either owned the vehicles or had the owners’ permission to tow them. Hayner said he keeps towed vehicles in front of his home only when they are towed after hours, when body shops and other drop-off facilities are closed. Incidental management tows and private property tows require operators to take vehicles to a secure facility, such as a fenced in tow yard. However, Hayner currently does not have contracts with agencies, such as the Boerne Police Department, which handle these kind of tows. Hayner said he continues to look for property to buy or rent that can be used by his company. “I’m looking, I just can’t afford property.” Source: kens5.com
Texas City Closer to Tow Ordinance The towing committee in Denton, Texas, recently finalized two proposed towing ordinances. The committee plans to introduce the proposed towWork the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
ing ordinances to the town’s city council by November. The committee included members of citizen advocacy group Denton for Fair Towing, B&O Towing, Pro Tow Wrecker Service and Providence Place Apartments. The first proposed ordinance would lower the amount towing companies can charge for light-duty tows to $145, down from the state maximum of $250. The new amount would not include storage fees of $20 per day or the $50 fee for a notification letter, which must be mailed as a certified letter after someone’s vehicle is impounded for more than 24 hours. The second proposed towing ordinance would require each towing company to have its trucks inspected by the city, as well as background checks on tow truck operators who work to tow vehicles without an owner’s consent. Pat Smith, a representative of Denton for Fair Towing, said the final amount of $145 for light-duty tows was a little higher than the $125 that his group proposed. “But at least people aren’t going to have to pay a half-a-month’s rent to get their car out of storage,” Smith said. Smith noted another benefit of the proposed towing ordinances: Tow truck companies will have to impound vehicles within five miles of Denton. Currently, tow truck companies can tow a vehicle from an apartment complex in Denton and impound it at a storage facility in Carrollton or Dallas; towns that are 29 and 44 miles away, respectively. Source: dentonrc.com.
Probation for Stealing Van from Impound A 37-year-old West Branch, Mich., man who stole his own van from an impound lot has some probation and court fines in his future. Andrew R. Kolar was sentenced on Sept. 9 to one-year probation, plus $505 in court fines and costs. The judge gave Kolar credit for four days served in jail. Kolar pled guilty in August to one
count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. The charge is punishable by up to two years’ incarceration and a $1,500 fine. In exchange for his plea, the prosecution dismissed single counts of unlawful driving away a motor vehicle and breaking and entering with intent. Those charges are five- and 10year felonies, respectively. Kolar’s legal troubles stem from him illegally removing his 2006 Chevrolet Express from an impound lot, according to court records. Surveillance camera footage showed two men enter the fenced-in lot with one man placing a battery inside the vehicle before driving it away. The second man followed in a separate vehicle, court records show. Kolar visited the Bay County Sheriff’s Office on July 2 and spoke with a lieutenant. He admitted to entering the Village Towing lot, putting a battery in his van, and driving off with it, court records show. The next day, Kolar visited the impound lot and begged the owner for his van. He told him he had unfastened the gate’s bolts and took his van, but would repair the gate if necessary, court records show. As the owner spoke with Kolar, another employee called 911. Police responded and arrested Kolar. Source: mlive.com
Fire Guts Westside Towing A Cleveland, Ohio, towing company went up in flames on Sept. 11, as Cleveland firefighters responded to a fire at Westside Towing. Workers said the fire ignited while a mechanic was using a drill to work on a vehicle’s gas tank, fuel pump and fuel system. When the drill caused a spark, the fumes caught fire, engulfing the garage into flames. All employees inside escaped without injury. They were able to save some tools and new tires inside, but little else. Source: newsnet5.com.
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Lynn, Mass., Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy launched a probe into city Parking Department towing records, claiming city financial oversight rules have not been followed and leveling criticism at Parking Director Louis J. Fenton. Fenton has been placed on paid administrative leave, according to a letter addressed to the Lynn resident by Kennedy, while an auditing firm pores through the department paperwork. The letter states that “turnovers” — a reconciliation process to account for cash and checks paid to the city — has not occurred, in some instances, in the Parking Department since 2012. City policy requires turnovers be made daily and never less frequently than weekly. Kennedy ordered Fenton in her letter to “refrain from any dealings” with the Parking Department, adding: “Your actions appear to be in direct contravention of longstanding City of Lynn policies and do not comport with sound financial practice.” Kennedy’s letter highlights two concerns focusing on the Parking Department and Fenton, who has been director since 1991. According to the letter, lack of timely reconciliation means the Lynn Towing Association may owe the city “in excess of $100,000 for snow and police tows dating back to 2012.” The letter also states that $12,000 in cash was found in a Parking Department safe with records dating back to 2012. City Solicitor Michael Barry said it will take auditor Melanson, Heath & Co. 45 or more days to match the money with any available records and take a detailed look at parking receipts and accounting procedures. “This cries out for a third party with no interest to have a look at this,” Barry said. Fenton, who had been on medical leave since May, said he was unaware of the letter and the change in his leave status. He did acknowledge that settlement
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discussions between the Lynn Towing Association and his office are “not done as often as they should be.” Settlements, said Fenton, are intended to reconcile money owed to the city for tows done by the association’s four member companies and money owed to the association for city tows. “They’re not timely—it’s been that way forever, but there is no collusion, fraud or anything inappropriate,” Fenton said. Towing Association member Edward Fleming said the Association has not received paperwork from the city recently requesting reconciliation of money owed to the city from the Association. He said parking officials and association members sit down three or four times a year to figure out how much money the Association owed the city and money owed to association companies for city-ordered tows. “It’s not like nothing has been done since 2012,” Fleming said. Source: itemlive.com. Number 156 on Reader Card
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