Alaskan Ingenuity Enjoy your coffee with TowIndustryWeek.com
Uber for Towing? Pre-Trip Inspections Drug Test Compliance
Product Gateway 2017 pages 42-52
FEATURE CONTENTS
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Alaskan Ingenuity It takes a special wrecker to recover off-roaders in Alaskan snow. by Jim “Buck“ Sorrenti
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Drug Testing Compliance
Departments
Effective drug screening increases safety both on and off roads. by Michael Rannigan
Walkaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Tow Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
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Tow Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Uber for Towing?
Beacons On! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 AD Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 On the Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Tow Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 Repo Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . .78 My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . .regional
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Chainsaws and Snowcat-based booms were needed on this recovery in an Alaskan refuge.
Make the best of the mobile towing apps targeting consumers. by Don Archer
Inspiring Words First On The Scene! by Dennie Ortiz
Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri
Y
ou never know how your words may influence another individual, whether it’s a family member, friend, co-worker or someone you may not even know. This is truer when your words are read by thousands of people around the world. Last month, I met someone whose own account brought this concept home. I was speaking with a former tower, Simon Birch, who told me that the reason he became a tower when he came to the United States from the U.K., was because of a story he read in a 1989 issue of American Towman magazine. Simon was living in Scotland when he began subscribing to American Towman. The towing bug had bit him when he learned towing and recovery techniques while serving in the British military. In the October issue that year, he read a story about Don Holling, a tower in Madison, Wis. The article talked about the high level of professionalism Don instilled in his company and his employees.
Don was a progressive tower who sought proper pay for the work he performed. The story began about Don’s strong work ethic and the joy of the job and helping others. Don was a progressive tower who sought proper pay for the work he performed, trained all his operators, offered employees good benefits, insisted on 6 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Brendan Dooley Charles Duke
Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor Senior Editor
Randall Resch
Operations Editor
Terry Abejuela
Field Editor, West
Jim “Buck” Sorrenti Don Archer David Kolman Bill Simmons
Field Editor, Northeast Field Editor, Midwest Chassis Editor Safety Editor
Emily Oz
On Screen Editor
Mark Lacek
Repo Run Editor
Editorial Board Tommy Anderson Roy Carlson Debbie Collins Belinda Harris Bill Johnson Ron Mislan Kurt Wilson
Dallas, Texas Saint Paul, Minn. Las Vegas, Nev. Greensboro, N.C. South Hadley, Mass. Warren, N.J. Creve Coeur, Ill.
American Towman Staff
The October 1989 issue of American Towman featured Wisconsin’s Don Holling, who inspired a future tower half a world away.
proper uniforms for drivers, and invested in modern equipment and tools to make the business more efficient (including buying a computer for the business). Simon was so impressed in how Don ran the business that he called him from Scotland and asked if he was hiring. Simon mentioned that Don seemed a bit surprised getting a phone call from around the world asking to be part of his company. Two days later Simon arrived on the doorstep of Don’s Towing, and the rest was history. Simon was hired and he moved from Scotland with his child and made a life as a tower here in the United States. Wow, now that’s a leap of faith and it all began with words on a page in American Towman. That’s some influence. Simon’s story also reminds me of just how passionate people in this industry are about the towing profession. Towers really are a rare breed!
Ann Marie Nitti Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Norma Calitri Jimmy Santos 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 General Manager 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: americantowman.com AT’S Weekly: towindustryweek.com ATTV: americantowmantv.com Copyright ©2016 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.
Towers Rally for Blue Lights When New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo arrived at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse recently, he was greeted by rows of tow trucks. Operators said the goal was to get help improving compliance with the Move Over law. Towers who took part in the rally all could name someone who died on the job. They said not enough motorists are paying attention when they see the flashing lights. “Nobody takes them seriously really. Nobody is slowing down and moving over for the yellow lights because everybody has them,” said Tina Lyon, a tow operator and the rally’s organizer. “So, we are asking the governor to amend the Move Over Law to allow tow truck operators to have the blue rear-facing lights, so when we do our job, it’s a little easier for the public to see.” Source: localsyr.com.
In Memoriam: Bill Jackson Famed industry trainer Bill Jackson, widely credited as the father of recovery training, passed away Oct. 25 after a short illness. He was 91. Jackson began his career in 1945 in the United Kingdom as a farm equipment salesman, and in 1972 he formed Wreckers International Ltd. A member of the inaugural class of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame in 1986, Jackson authored and produced several books and videos on recovery. In 1991, Jackson was honored by American Towman as the “Father of Recovery Education.”
Bill Jackson, a founding father of recovery training, died in October at 91. Submitted photo.
“Bill Jackson inspired later trainers that served the towing and recovery industry,” said Steve Calitri, AT president and editor-inchief. “All the training being done today owes a debt to his efforts.”
TRAA Donates to
Cancer Research
Overbilling Charges Dropped by Troopers
Pennsylvania State Police have withdrawn the accusations that tow company owner Max Mohney improperly billed several insurance companies for costs connected with several traffic accidents in Armstrong County. A district judge cleared Mohney, owner of Mohney’s Towing in Kittanning, of the charges that troopers filed in September. He had been charged with overbilling the insurance companies more than $18,000 after his company performed traffic control, road clearing and vehicle removal services at the scenes of traffic accidents in March, April and May 2015. Source: indianagazette.com.
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TRAA donated proceeds from its Pink Tow Truck Raffle to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Pictured are (front row): Wendy Wallace, Belinda Harris, Gay Rochester, Marci Gratzianna, Cynthia Martineau, Glenn Landau, Michelle Topel, Frank Gentilquore; and (back row): Jeff Roskopf and Michael Wildman. TRAA photo.
The TRAA Education Foundation recently donated a portion of the proceeds from its Pink Tow Truck Raffle to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. TRAA Education Foundation members took the opportunity during a recent meeting for an official check presentation in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Pink Tow Truck Raffle kicked
off last November at the AT Expo in Baltimore and the winner was drawn in April. Sponsors included Jerr-Dan Corp., B/A Products, FastSigns, SavaTech and Beacon Funding. The winner of the Pink Tow Truck was Michael Graff of Graff Trucking & Towing in Pennsylvania. Source: TRAA.
. . . The driver was barely conscious . . . Towman Killed on New York Highway A tower was struck and killed by a car Oct. 22 in Shoreham, N.Y., according to police. Police said 39-year-old Gian Russo, of East Moriches, had been dispatched to tow an unoccupied, disabled vehicle. The tow truck was parked on the shoulder of the roadway, facing westbound, when a westbound 2008 Ford Taurus struck the disabled vehicle and Russo. Russo was pronounced dead at the scene. Source: patch.com.
Towmen Barricade Road for Police
Moses Lake Towing of Moses Lake, Wash., was recognized by the town’s police recently for their support after an attempted robbery at a credit union. Alan Mathyer and Junior Alvarado used their tow trucks to block two streets near the credit union for more than three hours. The police chief said their actions saved manpower the police department didn’t have to spare. “This is the kind of relationships we have to have in this community, with businesses and with citizens,” said Police Chief Kevin Fuhr. Source: ifiberone.com.
New Tow Ordinance Passed
The Mobile (Ala.) City Council voted unanimously to change an ordinance that now says a wrecker company can only tow a vehicle from a city street if it has authorization from the car owner or an order from a police officer or firefighter. Also, vehicles towed from city streets or parking spaces must be towed to the city impound lot. Source: local15tv.com. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Tribute Honors New York Towman Dozens of towers from across New York honored a fellow driver who was killed on the job. Trucks lined the streets of Canajoharie, N.Y., for a procession in honor of 51-year-old James Homkey, who was hit and killed by a tractor-trailer while helping a disabled vehicle on the New York State Thruway. The trucks first gathered Towman James Homkey was honored with a at Roosevelt Garage, where procession of tow trucks after being struck Homkey worked, and then and killed on the New York State Thruway. wwlp.com image. made their way to the funeral service. They later visited the firehouse where Homkey was a volunteer. While some of the drivers never had a chance to meet Homkey, they felt the need to pay their respects while calling attention to the dangers of the job. Source: wwlp.com.
Hero Towmen Rescue Woman from Burning Car Two California Freeway Service Patrol towmen are being called heroes after they rescued a woman who crashed and whose car was quickly engulfed in flames in Oakland recently. CHP says a woman lost control of her car and knocked over a sign, hit a concrete Towmen Moises Reyes (center) and Darryl Poe wall, and barreled into a (right) rescued a woman from a burning car in tree where it caught fire. Okland, Calif., last month. ABC&news.com Towman Darryl Poe image. was first on-scene and sprang out of the driver’s seat of his tow truck and rushed over to help. He saw the driver was barely conscious. A waste management crew pulled over to help, and Darryl’s coworker and fellow FSP towman Moises Reyes pulled up in another tow truck. The car’s doors were jammed, so they cut the seat belt and pulled the driver out through the window. “Fifteen seconds later, and the car blows. The whole tree went up,” Reyes said. Source: abc7news.com.
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 9
Check Out What’s NEW and HOT! Cooper Roadmasters for Mixed Service
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. recently added a 385/65R22.5 (in load range L) size to its Roadmaster RM332 WB commercial tire line, which joins the 425/65R22.5 (load range L) model. The tire features a specially designed ribtype tread pattern to withstand the rigors of heavy-haul driving, on- and offroad, while also providing long tread life and even wear. The design of the RM332 WB tire includes a protective curb bar on both sidewalls and stone protector ledges in all four circumferential grooves to help resist stone penetrations.
Patented Jerr-Dan Rigging Carousel
Jerr-Dan Corp., an Oshkosh Corp. Co., recently received a U.S. Patent for its Rigging Carousel. The patented Carousel features convenient access and organized storage for chains, shackles and snatch blocks and is available on all JFB rotators and heavy wreckers. This storage solution option can be added to any Jerr Dan JFB wrecker or rotator.
Jerrdan.com
Coopertire.com
Magnetic Mounting Plate for Spotlights
Wheel-lift Forklift Attachment
Larson Electronics developed a magnetic mounting plate for the Ford F-150 series for mounting magnetic base lights to the new aluminum body models. The GMP-F150-2015 magnetic mounting plate is compatible with the 2015 and newer models of the trucks. This unit is manufactured in Texas with a durable aluminum frame and a stainless steel mounting plate surface. The magnetic mounting plate includes a rubber gasket for weatherproof sealing. The aluminum body is powdercoated in an optional black, white or grey finish.
Casanova Towing Equipment’s new I-Metal forklift attachment for wheel lifts are designed to reduce damage when moving vehicles around the lot. Lift capacity is 3,500 lbs. and are easy to install. The zinc-plated attachments feature rounded tips, internal springs, flush pivot points and 3” overall height.
casanovatowequipment.com
Larsonelectronics.com
NuShield Anti-Glare for GPS NuShield’s new Triple A anti-glare screen protector eliminates glare and allows drivers to read their GPS display while driving. The film is placed over the display area and dramatically cuts down glare, allowing the resolution of the digital display to stand out and not be compromised. The NuShield film can be easily removed when necessary without leaving any adhesive residue. NuShield also offers a DayVue anti-reflective screen protector film for drivers who wear polarized sunglasses. Both films are just six mils thick and don’t interfere with a device’s touch-screen function.
Nushield.com
10 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Bailey’s HeavyDuty Tie-Down
Bailey’s new Heavy-Duty Tie-Down Kit uses B/A’s patented Rollback Tie-Down System with Chain Ends, but is for heavy-duty use with 3” polyester webbing, 3/8” upgrade chains and larger ratchets. The kit includes four each of 3”x18’ long strap with 3/8” chain, 3” short strap with lined eyes and 3” long-handle ratchet with 3/8” chain; 5,000-lbs. working load limit for each.
Baileystowinginc.com
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 11
Road Map for Your Business
by John S. Freeman
I
n April 2016, a U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy report concluded that small-business owners each need to create, finetune and keep current a financial road map that works for them personally, for their businesses, for their families and for their employees. The SBA report determined that many small businesses have not completed that planning. Judging from my experience with small businesses, the SBA got this right. Most of us do not have business protection, wealth transfer and succession plans in place. We might succeed in starting to address each in part, but we typically do not complete the work. After our death or after the sale of the business is too late. The SBA’s analysis bears out, in my experience, that while we usually know what we should do, we just don’t get it done. The ramifications of that can later inflict serious pain on us individually, as well as our families and key employees. While the SBA here uses “benefits” 12 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
generally, I use the phrase “business, family and employee road maps.” Whichever term you prefer, there are five interconnected vital categories: • Employee benefits. This is what you offer to attract and keep your employees. Typically this starts with health insurance and retirement plans and can grow to include free lunches, employee showers, education tuition assistance, day care, etc. • Business protection for people and equipment. Insurance-based protection for yourself as owner and key employees, known as key-man insurance. The point here is clear financial mechanisms so that if one of you dies suddenly, the business can afford to hire appropriately and quickly to keep operating and move forward. Insurance here also should cover your major equipment in case of breakdown, accident or other sudden “hardware” breakdowns that would limit your
ability to continue business. (A towing firm might be most worried about losing trucks; a warehouse operator would worry about fire or flooding.) • Business protection/keeping assets separate. Another usually insurance-based plan that focuses on ensuring the financial separation of your business and your personal worlds. In other words, it’s protection so that if your business is sued, the other side can’t go after your house, boat and personal savings too. • Success plan. How you will retire or sell and ensure that your move doesn’t come back to haunt you or your family. Do you have key management in place, ready and able to keep the business humming smoothly if you drop dead or retire? If you sell and accept a payment plan, what happens to you and your family if those payments suddenly stop? What if the buyer took on your debt and then goes bankrupt?
• Wealth transfer. You might not have gone into business to get wealthy, but hopefully as a solid business owner you’ve done well and prospered. When you die, what happens to that wealth? Your will spells out what to do with your stuff, but unless you have a clear wealth transfer or estate plan in place the IRS will get a real chunk of it.
What To Do The SBA report’s analysis leads to six essential recommendations for all small-business owners: • Review current employee benefit offerings, making sure those offerings reflect your goals and priorities for yourself, key employees and general business needs. • Learn about the options available and evaluate them to create a timeline to offer any to yourself, your family and your employees. • Learn best practices and ways to improve your benefit offerings to improve both short-term and long-term operations. • Network with business peers in your community. Get out of your office and truck, meet, listen and talk to other business owners. You can learn from them while marketing your business to them. • Don’t let short-term concerns cloud your long-term planning. • Work with a trusted financial professional to develop a comprehensive benefit plan that includes employee
benefits, business protection (should something happen to the economy or the health of yourself or a key employee) and succession/business transfer planning that protects your family as well as the business you’ve built. The SBA asked small-business owners to rank the importance of 10 categories and to identify which ones they follow for their business needs, personal needs and employee benefits. This list is how high each category was ranked, along with what percent of business owners offer them: • Business protection (business needs): 30 percent. • Income protection (personal needs): 26 percent. • Health and wellness solutions (employee benefit needs): 53 percent. • Qualified retirement plans (employee benefit needs): 42 percent. • Non-medical benefits (employee benefit needs): 42 percent. • Wealth transfer (personal needs): 66 percent. • Supplemental key employee benefits (business needs): 24 percent. • Survivor income (personal needs): 66 percent. • Voluntary benefits (employee needs): 22 percent. • Exit Planning: 38 percent. Ironically, owners considered business protection a top priority, while 70 percent of those surveyed had no plan for it.
Getting Out The SBA report showed 19 percent of the owners surveyed were looking to sell their businesses; but 60 percent of those didn’t have a sale plan—that is, no exit plan to transfer the business assets or, significantly, to transfer income and/or wealth from the business to the family. Lack of a clear exit or succession plan, the SBA noted, is especially painful should your family need to transition out of the business quickly because of your unexpected health crisis or death. Not only does such an event directly impact your family, but it has a direct, negative and immediate impact on the value of your company and the stability of key employees. The SBA report found the majority of business exit strategies revolved around selling to an outside entity, liquidating, giving the business to family or selling to business partners. A full 20 percent of those surveyed, however, were unsure what their exit strategy was. Where do you and your company fit? Is your business protected against the loss of a key employee? If that key employee is you, have you protected both your family’s income and the business itself so they can continue? If you match the trends in this report, it is past time that you make time to protect your business, your family and your dreams. About the author John S. Freeman is a registered principal at Keating & Associates in Overland Park, Kan., where they “believe it takes a small business to understand a small business.” Their services for business owners include personal financial organizer, employee benefits, business succession and business consulting.
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Steps to Safe Steering, Braking
The vehicle manufacturer determines the proper tire inflation—not the tire manufacturer. by Terry Abejuela
I
n order to safely tow a vehicle with a wheel lift or conventional tow sling, the tow operator must know how much weight can be lifted and towed while maintaining safe steering and braking. In my training classes, on average about half of the students admit they’ve towed a vehicle that reduced their ability to safely steer and/or stop their tow truck. The most common reason is “to get the job done.” Is it worth the consequences of potential citations, accidents, injuries or death? To maintain safe steering, the industry standard is that the front axle of the tow truck not weigh less than half of its unladen weight while in tow. If it does weigh less than half, there won’t be enough weight on the front wheels to safely steer the truck or brake effectively. Many tow operators have done this and they feel that if they know they don’t have enough weight on the front axle they can compensate for this by reducing their speed and increasing their following distance. Even if you maintain enough weight on the tow truck’s front axle, you will still need to compensate for the reduction in front axle weight by reducing your speed and increasing your following distance. 16 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Measuring the wheel lift overhang to calculate safe steering load.
In the event of a unanticipated incident, such as a child riding their bike into the street in front of you, it may make the difference between stopping in time and not. Add to this poor weather conditions such as rain, black ice or snow and the conditions are set for a catastrophe. To maintain enough weight on the front axle of the tow truck, you must calculate your safe steering load in advance. In this way you will know how much you can lift with your wheel lift or tow sling while maintaining enough weight on the front axle. To calculate your SSL, the industry has long used the formula of 1/2 your front axle weight times the wheelbase divided by the overhang (1/2 FAW x WB / OH = SSL).
Axle Weight To get an accurate front axle weight, take your fully equipped tow truck with a full tank of fuel and usual supplies to a commercial scale and have the truck weighed. You need to know the unladen front axle weight, rear axle weight and total weight of the truck. You only need the front axle weight to determine your SSL, but you need the other weights to compare to
the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating of the tow truck. Measure the distance between the center of the front axle and the center of the rear axle in inches to determine the wheelbase; for tandem rear axles, measure to the center of the bogie. Extend the under reach and measure from the center of the rear axle of the tow truck to the lift point on the under reach in inches. On a wheel lift, this would be to the point where the center of the towed vehicle’s axle would be. For frame forks, it would be to the center of the frame forks. I recommend the measurement be done fully extended so you know even if the under reach is fully extended you would be able to lift that amount. You should retract the under reach as much as possible, yet maintain enough extension to create the tailgate clearance needed for turning radius. This way the front axle of the tow truck will have slightly more than 50 percent of its unladen weight.
Tires, etc. Also important to maintaining safe steering and braking is good tread and proper air pressure in the tires. Many
drivers don’t understand that the vehicle manufacturer determines the proper tire inflation—not the tire manufacturer. Check the tire information plate from the vehicle manufacturer for the proper size and air pressure for the tires. Frequently check tire condition and air pressure. Of course, steering and brake components are going to affect your ability to safely stop and steer your truck. Periodic inspections are required to identify components in the steering and braking systems that have become worn or damaged. These are two areas that are critical to the safe operation of all vehicles, but are especially critical on tow trucks. In addition to retaining enough weight on the tow truck steer axle and maintaining the steering and braking systems, the tower must reduce speed and increase following distance when in tow. Towers must be vigilant during the towing process as inattentiveness will affect your perception and reaction time thus increasing your stopping distance.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Tow truck operators are responsible for operating their equipment safely. In order to safely steer and stop the truck, the operator must consider all pertinent factors and avoid unsafe conditions.
Field Editor Terry Abejuela has 30plus years of light-duty towing-andrecovery experience. He is also a light-duty Level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association.
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 17
Verizon Acquires Fleetmatics Verizon acquired the Dublin, Ireland-based Fleetmatics Nov. 7 and now takes over the Fleetmatics North American headquarters in Waltham, Mass. Verizon (verizontelematics.com) now controls about 25 percent of the telematics market, following its acquisition of Telogis, and counts about 1.4 million units in service. The Verizon-Fleetmatics merger received approval from the Irish High Court on Aug. 1 and Fleetmatics shareholders. Fleetmatics brings more than 42,000 customers, approximately 826,000 subscribers, and 1,200 employees to Verizon. “Verizon Telematics is squarely positioned as the global leader in fleet and mobile resource management, leveraging the combined strength of three world-class platforms, now serving every segment of the market,” said Andrés Irlando, CEO of Verizon
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Telematics. “We’ll continue to work urgently to solve our customers’ most critical challenges in deploying their mobile workforces utilizing our newly combined assets, coupled with the industry’s largest distribution channel and customer support team.”
Ram Sets Pricing for 2017 Power Wagon Ram Truck recently announced its 2017 Ram Power Wagon (Ramtrucks.com) will have a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $51,695, plus $1,320 destination fee. Built on a Ram 2500 platform, the 2017 Power Wagon gets a new look— inside and out—to match its capabilities as a heavy-duty interpretation of the Rebel’s unique design. Ram Power Wagon’s off-road capabilities include 14.3” ground clearance, 26” of wheel travel and 30” of water fording. A $4,495 Leather & Luxury option package is offered with upgraded
sound system, touchscreen, dual-zone temperature controls, backup camera and more.
Tracker Partners with Whiterail Reviews Tracker Management Systems (trackermanagement.com) recently announced a new strategic partnership with Whiterail Reviews (whiterailmedia.com) to give its clients a competitive advantage. Tracker said that Whiterail Reviews enables their clients to automatically monitor their online reviews and intercept most negative reviews before they ever get posted to social media. Citing that 90 percent of cash and corporate customers read a tow company’s reviews before they even make a phone call, the company said the partnership enables them to offer clients a competitive advantage with a wealth of positive, online reviews.
Stertil-Koni Debuts New Site Heavy duty vehicle lift leader Stertil-Koni officially launched its new, fully responsive company website, Stertil-Koni.com, showcasing the latest innovations in its heavy-duty vehicle lifting systems and related shop equipment and accessories for the North American marketplace. The site is designed to immediately address and recalibrate to fit the viewing screens of all visitors regardless of device used. The new site delivers the broadest range of heavy-duty vehicle lifting options whether servicing buses, trucks, municipalities, the U.S. military, school districts, corporate fleets, airlines, mining, construction, agricultural vehicles and more. “Our new site is fully loaded with videos, images, computer animations and informative content – all presented with dynamic graphics in an easy-to-use format,” said Dr. Jean DellAmore, president of Stertil-Koni.
Peterbilt Adds PacLease Trucks to Certifieds Peterbilt’s Red Oval certified pre-owned truck program now includes PacLease trucks with the complimentary Red Oval Assurance Warranty (PeterbiltRedOval.com) that provides engine and aftertreatment coverage for vehicles up to five model years or 550,000 miles, Peterbilt Motors Co. recently announced (peterbilt.com). In addition to the standard warranty coverage, buyers of qualified pre-leased PacLease trucks receive the full lineup of Red Oval benefits, including comprehensive vehicle inspections, preferred PACCAR Financial financing and PACCAR Parts Loyalty Card discounts for parts and service at participating Peterbilt dealerships. Red Oval certified PacLease trucks pass a comprehensive, 150-point inspection that is reviewed and approved by Peterbilt’s Red Oval Management Team. Certification includes an oil and filter change, DPF cleaning and other maintenance checks and procedures. All Red Oval certified trucks are DOT certified. Optional extended coverage can be added up to 60 months or 625,000 miles. Plans include 24/7 roadside support, free towing and a $0 deductible.
New President at VT Hackney VT Hackney (vthackney.com) recently announced Mike Tucker stepped down as president and will be replaced by Steve Miller as president and CEO. Miller previously served as president of Waltco Lift Corp. and before that was VP of sales for Morgan Olson. “Mike has done a great job diversifying the products 20 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
under both the Hackney and Kidron brands,” said Miller. “I look forward to working with VT Hackney team members and customers and begin the next chapter of VT Hackney. The transportation and delivery markets that we participate in are changing and adapting, and I feel we are positioned to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Peterbilt Mediums Get Bendix Wingman Expanding its availability of Bendix Wingman Advanced collision-mitigation technology, Peterbilt Motors Co. now offers the active safety system on its 337 and 348 medium-duty models. Wingman Advanced (safertrucks.com/solutions) can be ordered as a factory-installed option on both. The truck maker has offered Wingman Advanced as an option on its entire range of on-highway truck models since 2012. Bendix Wingman Advanced is a radar-based collision mitigation system that delivers adaptive cruise con-
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trol with braking, along with autonomous emergency braking technology, to help drivers mitigate rearend collisions. Wingman Advanced is produced by Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.
Navistar Launches Core Advantage Program Navistar (Navistar.com) recently launched its Core Advantage Program, a new approach for core life-cycle management, to help fleet owners reduce their overall costs by helping them to manage their core and remanufacturing activity through new tools like the Navistar proprietary Core Management System software. Cores are employed to remanufacture a returned part and restore it to “like new” condition. Remanufactured parts carry the same features and functionality as new parts and come with the same warranty. Last year alone, Navistar recycled more than 70 million lbs. of used truck components.
With the new Core Advantage Program, fleets can now have their own account number and location codes within CMS, which streamlines their ability to see and run reports on purchases, return history, core eligibility and core fallout rates across multiple locations.
Knapheide Inventory Now Searchable Work Truck Solutions online platform has partnered with Knapheide Manufacturing Co. to help dealers show their in-stock Knapheide commercial vehicle inventory to truck buyers with the click of a button. Using Work Truck Solutions’ new national work truck locator feature (worktrucksolutions.com), customers can find Knapheide-equipped workready trucks at their local dealership in a matter of minutes, by searching for a specific body type and chassis in their desired area by ZIP code and further filter results by additional details.
Winter: Feast or Famine by Randall C. Resch
I
n many areas right now, communities are getting deep into another winter or storm season. For many towers, a long, harsh winter or rainy season is quite welcome to generate income. Not that towers enthusiastically seek the misfortune of others; rather the simple fact is that when the motoring public can’t handle the weather, towers are there to pick up the pieces. However, the same boon that breaks the bank may overextend and overwork even the best staffed and prepared companies. This past year’s weather and related conditions was no exception to the fact that in many parts of the county, towers were simply overwhelmed with the amount of weather-related work. I’ve talked with tow owners regarding how extreme weather conditions impacted company operations. Several operational issues were consistently mentioned, including: Too much work overwhelmed company assets, staff and their resources. “There are only so many calls you can safely run in a 24-hour day.” Tow trucks were abused. When day-to-day operations are chaotic, run-
ning trucks around the clock and to all areas takes a huge hit on wear and tear. Running drivers, dispatchers and company staff ragged means they’re working in an exhaustive state, which ultimately makes them more susceptible to colds and illnesses.
When activity increases, so does the level of stress on each employee. Feeling ill or being overworked leads personnel to short temperaments. Drivers who suffer from exhaustion, sleep deprivation or exposure are a liability that could lead to injuries or worse. When activity increases, so does the level of stress on each employee. Increased activity promotes the reality of getting hurt due to physical and mental exhaustion that employee’s face. When speed goes up, accuracy and safety go down. So, at what point does a business owner throw in the towel? Weather
Forty vehicles crashed into each other during a massive pileup in January 2016 in Indiana that completely shut down highway I-74. Paying attention to the weather, on the news or online, is a good way to prepare for what each shift has in store for you. Abcnews.go.com image.
24 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
extremes have always created an increased level of income for some, but have been a bane for others. When weather-related business gets too hectic, savvy owners stop to evaluate when more work becomes too much, even dangerous, for their employees and operations. For some tow owners, pride gets in the way of declining some work. At some point, considering what’s best for the company needs to be the ultimate objective. I’ll admit that, as a tow business owner myself, making the decision to throttle back isn’t an easy choice. Perhaps the best question to ask is this; “Is it really worth it to beat up your company, its assets and its personnel, only to chase the American dollar?”
Get Ready What changes will you put into your tactical plan in the best interests of your company’s operations. Tow operators must always be aware of surroundings as well as how the weather conditions may affect each tow or recovery. Paying attention to the weather, on the news or online, is a good way to prepare for what each shift has in store for you. Consider these 10 points for survival as you prepare your towing or recovery activity. Remember, each situation has its own set of circumstances, dangers and outcome: Getting there. Take time to drive carefully and cautiously. What’s the big picture? Look around your vehicle. Keep looking far enough ahead to allow sufficient reaction time to hazardous situations and changes in traffic. Decrease the tow truck’s speed while increasing following distances. Keep your head on a swivel, continuously scanning for obstacles.
continue to page 26
Inaugural Peterbilt Pride Parade Nearly 50 Peterbilt customers showed their pride and showcased their ride by circling the Downtown Square in Denton, Texas. Peterbilt Motors Co. (peterbilt.com) has their heavy-duty truck manufacturing facility and is headquartered in Denton. Trucks ranging from a 1948 Model 350 to current production Model 579s and Model 567s—and many models manufactured in-between—were in Denton for Peterbilt’s annual employee and family open house. The trucks and their owners came from throughout the U.S. and Canada. The Pride & Class Parade raised nearly $1,000 from donations made during the event for the United Way of Denton County.
Peterbilt customers showcased nearly 50 trucks at the comapny’s inaugural parade in Denton, Texas. Supplied image.
New Sales VP at Vanair Vanair promoted Dean Strathman as its new VP of Sales. Strathman joined Vanair (vanair.com) when the company acquired Air N Arc in 2009. Since that time, he has advanced through sales positions in the organization to become VP of Abovedeck Sales before taking this new position. His responsibilities now will include oversight of the entire Vanair sales team, developing strategic sales plans to promote growth and continually improve customer satisfaction.
Head-Up Display Awarded Industrial Technology Research Institute (itri.org/eng) received five 2016 R&D 100 Awards on Nov. 3 in Oxon Hill, Md., including for its floating screen display. The Long-Distance Floating Multi-Screen Head-up Display technology improves driving safety by projecting driving information directly into the driver’s field of view at a 2-meter distance behind the windshield, allowing the driver to stay focused on the road and avoid fatigue or risks caused by constantly shifting attention between the road and dashboard or windshield. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 25
BEACONS ON! continued from page 24 When working outside the tow truck, be aware of the total work/recovery environment and be aware of danger zones along the white line. Determine escape paths prior to beginning activities. Make other drivers aware of your presence via emergency lighting, signage, flares, cones, reflective vests, etc. Never put trust in another motorist’s ability or assume they see you or your tow truck. Work quickly and safely to complete the job. Get out of the elements and immediately to an appropriate environment that counteracts the harsh effects of extreme weather.
Smart and Steady Never overlook your individual safety when it comes to being exposed to extreme weather conditions—hot or cold, wet or dry. If it’s colder than the inside of your freezer, selfpreservation makes perfect sense. Always be alert, use good judgement, and make your health and safety a priority when weather goes extreme. Yeah, we towers have an important job to do. Working smart and steady shouldn’t necessarily overwhelm you, your company or the comOperations Editor Randall C. Resch is a pany’s assets. Rememretired California police officer and vetber the proverb that eran tow business owner, manager, to eat an elephant, consultant and trainer. He writes for TowIndustryWeek.com and American you take one bite at Towman, is a member of the Internaa time; that is to say, tional Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame. Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com. set a pace that works for your company.
26 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Alaskan Ingenuity
Snowcat wrecker is unloaded. The massive 5’ tracks contribute to a 14’ footprint.
Pickup Gets Trapped in the Ice in Alaskan Refuge Using a chainsaw and pry bars to break up the thick ice and create a transition path to pull out the pickup.
Rigging the pickup for the pull.
by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti
I
n February 2016, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game called Happy Hooker Towing in Wasilla to winch out a sunken Ford F-150 pickup from the waters of the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge. It was reported that the driver was illegally off-roading when his truck fell through
28 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 29
the ice into juvenile salmon rearing waters early in the morning. The refuge and streams in the area are critical salmon-spawning habitat for several species of salmon. Ice overflowing water doesn’t freeze as it would on a lake, so just because the lakes in the area are drivable it doesn’t mean that the streams are. It’s not only the vehicle going through the ice but the damage caused by the removal process. Off-roading on the refuge is illegal without a permit. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game only issues permits to vehicles like snow machines and four-wheelers when the ice is frozen solid and there’s a foot of snow on the ground. Off-roading without a permit on the Palmer Hay Flats is a Class A misdemeanor that carries a
They had to blaze a trail by cutting down dozens of dead trees to make room for the snowcat. fine of up to $10,000 and one year in jail. The driver is also responsible for the cost of removing the vehicle. When off-roaders get stuck it requires a special wrecker to pull them out. The tow operator has to drive across the frozen marsh so it doesn’t get stuck in the ice too. Then crews
have to cut the vehicle out with a chainsaw. Tow owner Wade Behm, his son Eric and a few other operators prepared to respond. Extreme situations call for extreme equipment, so Behm called his friend Ron LaVigne, the owner of Extreme Services & Development, to borrow his DeLorean 3700 snowcat for this job. Extreme Services & Development is also based in Wasilla; the two companies have worked together on many jobs. Behm and his crew custom built a specialized homemade detachable wrecker apparatus for situations like these. “We built it in house,” Behm said. “The boom is an I-beam construction and we adapted a 12,000-pound Warn winch to handle the pull. We can easily
The crew are using heavy planks for leverage to aid the winch out.
Getting close to coming out.
30 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 31
With its front end out of the water, the pickup is on its way back onto solid ground.
mount it to whatever unit we may need.” They picked up and hauled the specialized DMC 3700 snowcat wrecker on Happy Hooker ’s 60 Freightliner with a Century flatbed to as close as they could get. After it was unloaded, the massive snowcat
32 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
It took nine people nearly three hours to get the truck out.
wrecker made its way across the ice and rolled through a half mile of refuge into the woods to get to the Ford F-150 pickup stuck in Wasilla Creek. They used a four-wheeler to carry chains, line, chainsaws and everything else they would need for the recovery. Before the Happy Hooker crew could recover the pickup, they had to blaze a trail by cutting down dozens of dead trees to make room for the snowcat to get to the site. It has a mammoth 14’ footprint (each track is 5’ wide). “We had to make sure our machine stayed safe and didn’t get any trees in its tracks,” Eric Behm said. “If the tracks were destroyed, we wouldn’t be able to get it back out.” Not only did the Happy Hooker have to take out the trees, the casualty could have damaged salmon-rearing
Putting down absorbent pads to collect any spillage from the pickup.
The snowcat wrecker tows the pickup across the frozen Palmer Hay Flats.
grounds in the creek. They were concerned with not only gas and oil leakage, but also antifreeze leaking in the creek if the radiator had frozen and blown open. Thankfully in this case the pickup didn’t leak any fluids into the water. With the unseasonably warm weather, the ice didn’t hold up and the pickup was sunk in the water and wedged in the ice tight. It took nine people nearly three hours to get the truck out. Using chainsaws to cut ice along with pry bars and heavy planks to assist the snowcat wrecker in getting it out. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
“With those big tires it wouldn’t come over that lip,” Behm said. “Once we got that lip freed, it came right up that ice.” With all that work the driver was looking at a $2,000 towing bill, a fine of up to $10,000 and a year in jail. This joy ride turned out to be one costly Alaskan sleigh ride.
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.
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 33
AD INDEX
December 2016
To receive free information on products and services from our advertisers go to www.TowExtra.com
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4 State Trucks/Bawer Tool Boxes A-1 Merchant Solutions AAA Access Tools Advantage Funding Akins Body & Carrier Sales American Safety & Supply American Wrecker Sales Atlantic Emergency Solutions Atlanta Wrecker Sales Austin Hinds Motors AutoReturn AW Direct B/A Products B & Z Sales Casanova Towing Equipment CTECH Manufacturing Chelsea Parker Division of Parker Int’l Chevron Commercial ComeUp USA CRASHFILM Crawford Truck Sales Crouch’s Wrecker Equipment & Sales Danco Products Deep South Wrecker Sales/Loganville Detroit Wrecker Sales
17 N 83 15 63 53 23 14 N 84 N 88 S 87 S 83 25 57 19 S 85 W 83 N 89 53 62 62 57 N 91 41 32 65 34
DK2 Warrior Winches Don Jackson Carrier & Wrecker Driveline Buddy Dual-Tech Wreckers & Carriers Eartec
N 88 68 N 86 26 26
East Penn Truck Equipment 76 ECM Performance 33 Elizabeth Truck Center 38 Equipment Sales & Service N 85 Fabco Power 18 Florida Wrecker Sales S 85 Freightliner 7 G. Stone Commercial N 87 Ginn Carrier & Wrecker Sales 71 GPS Insight 39 Intek Truck Equipment/Leasing 65 Jerr-Dan Corp. back cover Kavanaugh’s Towing Equip. M 85 Kenworth of South Florida 37 Kold Ban International M 83 Lift & Tow 39 Lodar USA 57 Lynch Chicago 75 Manufacturer Express 17 Maryland Carrier & Wrecker N 89 Matheny Motors Truck Company 61 Matjack Jumbo Safelift 35 McMahon Truck Center M 87 Miller Industries 2, 3 Mobile Battery Solutions 22 New England Truckmaster N 90 Nitro Motor Sports 33 North American Bancard 5 Northeast Wrecker Sales N 85 OMG National 70 Pacific General Insurance Agency M 83 Powerhouse Industries 20
Quick Draw Tarpaulin 74 Renew Truck Body N 87 Ricky’s Auto Sales N 92 Safety Vision 13 SSTA S M 84 , N W 86 SavaCOMM 56 Savatech 69 Sea Crest Insurance Agency W 87 Select Truck & Equipment M 85 S&J Metal Manufacturing W 84 Smyrna Truck Center S 83 Spill Tackle N 84 Steck Mfg. 64 Talbert Mfg. 74 The Tow Academy N 91, S M W 88 Tow Industries W 84 Towbook Management Software 21 Towing Payment Solutions 56 TowMate 71 Truck Body Sales W 85 United Plastic Fabricating (UPF) 27 Urgent.ly 64 Utility Trailer Sales S.E.TX W 87 Virgo Fleet Supply 20 Warn Industries 40 WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers 52 West End Service N 90 Will-Burt Company 52 WorldClass Insurance Services W 85 Worldwide Equipment Sales 51 XG Industries 36 Zacklift International inside back cover
DewEze Mfg.
18
34 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Fred’s Helps Hurricane Victims
“We started at 7:30 a.m. and by 3:30 p.m. had the 53’ trailer filled up,” said Karrie O’Neal Fogg, of Fred’s Towing.
TRAA Launches Advocacy Network
Fred’s Towing collected items for victims of Hurricane Matthew in October and filled up a 53’ trailer in eight hours. Fred’s Towing photo.
Fred’s Towing & Transport in Henderson, N.C., held a “Fill A Trailer” event in October to support the victims of Hurricane Matthew. They paired up with the Vance County Fire & Rescue Association to collect supplies, including cleaning items, water, baby goods, toiletries, food and clothes.
36 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
The Towing and Recovery Association of America recently formed the TRAA Legislative Advocacy Network, a program designed for dedicated, diverse, and unbiased leadership to advocate as a collective on a variety of towing-related legislative issues. The TRAA LAN will consist of one TRAA Legislative Chairperson, one Motor Club Representative, one Lobbyist Representative, and two members each from six regions (Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Mountain, Pacific). The association said the network’s duties will include: • Develop an email network of towing professionals across the country to be engaged when a
legislative matter is urgent and a grassroots effort is required. • Monitor legislative issues that may impact the towing industry as a whole and inform the TRAA Cabinet of any potential legislative concerns. • Research and formulate an industry position on legislative matters and develop a plan to implement the position. The deadline for submissions to apply for a position on the TRAA LAN is Jan. 1, 2017. Source: TRAA.
Tow-Specific Rules Approved in Ohio Ohio’s first towing-specific rules were approved, as the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review approved the Towing Rules created in accordance with Senate Bill 274, on Oct. 17. According to a release from the Association of Professional Towers-
Ohio, the rules establish public safety regulations for towing, safety standards for equipment and standards for private tow-away zone towing and after-hours retrieval fees. APTO “spent a tremendous amount of time and effort to ensure these rules are fair to the industry,” the organization said. “We met with the PUCO staff,” a release by the organization read, “participated in the PUCO rule writing process by providing official comments that resulted in several rules being amended beneficially for the industry, and we continue to be the only towing and recovery association in Ohio officially participating in the process. “It is vital that towers have a seat at the table and continue to positively change the industry’s relationship with legislators and regulators.” Source: aptohio.com.
Pa. Town Awards Contract South Whitehall Township, Pa., will have multiple providers for tow-
38 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
ing service after two companies were approved by the Board of Commissioners recently. Hauser’s Truck Service of South Whitehall and North Whitehall Township-based Stew’s Tire Center will provide towing service, primarily for the township’s police department. Both will serve South Whitehall on a rotating basis for a two-year term. The contract is for light-duty towing services and does not include commercial towing. The township based its selection on the number of employees and equipment associated with each bidder, Township Manager Howard Kutzler said. Source: mcall.com.
TV Report Gets Tower Booted Oregon State Police plans to remove Discount Towing & Recovery of Salem from its non-preference tow list after a local television station raised questions about the Salem company. Donald Duddles, owner of Discount Towing, has a criminal history including drug charges, criminal mis-
chief and attempting to elude a police officer. By law, those six felony convictions should have disqualified Duddles and his company from towing for state police.” We are currently conducting an internal review on how that happened and to ensure that it won’t happen again,” said Captain Bill Fugate, spokesman for Oregon State Police. “We’re thankful that it was caught.” Discount Towing is one of nine towing companies on the state police non-preference tow list for a portion of the Salem-area. Records show Oregon State Police called Discount Towing about 60 to 70 times per year for vehicle tows. By law, the company could charge whatever it wanted, but the station uncovered complaints where consumers claimed they were charged excessive fees by Discount Towing, ranging from $800 to $1,000, for tows from a private lot. Discount Towing did not respond to a request for comment. The company has requested a hearing to appeal its removal from the Oregon State
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 39
Police non-preference tow list. A date for that hearing has not been set. Until then, state troopers will continue to call Discount Towing to assist drivers in the Salem area. Source: kgw.com.
First Responders Training in N.Y. A training event in Cohoes, N.Y., hosted by T&T Towing and Savatech Corp. Rescue Recovery Division of North America, featured scenarios and demonstrations of emergency situations involving vehicle crashes. Crews also learned about new tools in the industry and how to work as team with different agencies during and after a situation. “We’re showing them also the towing industry’s capabilities when they get on a scene; how we can come and help them stabilize a vehicle, remove a vehicle off a casualty—not just clean up the mess afterward,” said Tom Brennan, T&T Towing owner. Source: twcnews.com.
40 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Detroit Cops Suspended in Towing Probe Six Detroit, Mich., police officers were suspended amid an FBI probe into alleged widespread towing corruption in the police department. A police source familiar with the investigation said the suspended officers were accused of taking bribes from a tow company owner in exchange for funneling work, including towing stolen cars, to the firm.
It’s still an active investigation. Detroit Police Chief James Craig said the officers are expected to be indicted soon and added more officers could be suspended. “It’s still an active investigation,” he said. “This investigation has been going on for some time, and we have our own internal investigation which is ongoing.”
The six officers have been suspended with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation, Craig said. Officers are supposed to rotate jobs to the 23 tow companies authorized to remove crime-related, stolen or abandoned vehicles for the police. But the police source told a local newspaper the six suspended officers allegedly were paid by one tow company owner to bypass the other firms on the list. Sources confirmed to a local television station that instead of calling the abandoned vehicles into dispatch to be towed, it’s alleged the officers involved would get $50 to $100 dollars for it. Sources also confirmed to the station that it’s alleged the tow company farmed those cars out to two specific collision shops where the cars were stripped and put back together in an elaborate scheme to defraud insurance companies. Sources: detroitnews.com; fox2detroit.com.
PRODUCT GATEWAY 2017
Advertorial section includes participating display advertisers from this issue.
Check out what these participating suppliers have to offer in the coming year.
4 State Trucks
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AAA
Access Tools
Advantage Funding
Sprint offers exclusive discounts to AAA Service Providers. Only Sprint offers a 60 day network guarantee. Switch to Sprint and enjoy the best value in wireless.
Damage Guard is a protective tape material that is applied to a vehicle prior to performing a lockout. A must have for any lockout.
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407-444-8771 Sprint.com/aaasp
800-323-8324 AccessToolsUSA.com
888-246-4091 AdvantageFund.com
Akins
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American Wrecker Sales
Akins is a full line sales and service dealer for Ford and Chevron. In 2017 let Akins build your next Chevron.
Waterproof, Insulated Work Pants. Featuring Rip-Stop material, Easy-Access Zip Legs and Dual Sized. $59.00 Each.
866-389-4173 AkinsFord.com
800-472-3892 AmericanSafetySupply.com
2017 Int'l 4300 Black Beauty, Ext Cab Loaded 300HP Auto 22.5 Rubber, 22' Alum Deck Galvanized Subframe, Removable Rails, SS Toolboxes and much, much more. Call for Pricing!
42 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
800-433-4210
Atlanta Wrecker Sales
Atlantic Emergency Solutions
Austin Hinds Motors
The Freightliner M2 Pro in red, black or white with a Jerr-Dan 21 ft Steel 6 -Ton Carrier with removable rails for only $79,900. Many in stock now and for 2017.
Mid-Atlantic region’s premier Jerr-Dan towing and recovery dealer, specializes in sales, service and parts. Safety, quality, attention to detail, dedication to service and years of industry experience.
2017 International 4300 21-ft Chevron 12 Series LCG Loadrite Bed, AB, AR, Alum. Wheels, 260hp Cummins, Auto.
888-432-0097 AtlantaWreckerSales.net
800-442-9700 AtlanticWreckers.com
256-586-8161 AustinHindsMotors.com
AW Direct
B & Z Sales
B/A Products Co.
Introducing the first ever Magnetic Axle Strap. This unique strap includes magnetic base that hold tight for easier attachment! Exclusively from AW Direct.
2016 International, 2015 Century, 6.7L Cummins 260 HP, 2200 RDS Allison Auto, 21’ LCG Steel, and so much more. Special Pricing!
The future is here. Made from high strength alloy and composite materials this innovative new 15-ton block by Skookum weighs just 44 lbs!
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Cassanova Towing Equipment
Chelsea Products Division
Chevron Commercial
I-Metal wheel lift forklift attachments reduces damages when moving vehicles around the lot. Lift capacity 3,500 lbs. Easy installation. Zinc plated.
Parker Chelsea is the world’s leader in Power Take-Off Technology and Innovation.
Family owned business since 1987. Our 100% dedicated sales staff is here to help you purchase your new Chevron or Vulcan Car Carrier, Wrecker or Industrial Transporter.
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
662-895-1011 PHTruck.com/Chelsea
800-443-5778 ChevronCommercial.com TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 43
ComeUp USA
CRASHFILM by Boxes 4 U
Crawford Truck Sales
ComeUp USA offers hydraulic winches in capacities of 8,000 to 50,000 pounds for recovery applications. ComeUp has the solution for all of your recovery needs.
Try our new 12� size roll. The same blue self-adhesive film with UV inhibitors. Easy to apply and protects vehicles from the elements.
New Body Style, 2017 Ford F550 XLT, Gas, 4WD, Automatic, Aluminum Wheels, 19-ft Jerr-Dan Steel 2- Car Carrier, 2 Toolboxes Call For More Info!
503-783-6142 ComeUpUSA.com
972-516-0002 Crashfilm.net
800-427-7404 CrawfordTruck.com
Crouch Wrecker & Equip. Sales
CTECH Manufacturing
Deep South Wrecker Sales
Full line of Miller products with a huge inventory of new and used units. We specialize in rotators and heavy duties with turn-key trucks ready for delivery.
All aluminum construction with our patented MotionLatch handle to secure equipment when in transit. Add to any opening in any manufacturers truck body.
We are founded on trust, integrity and respect. The vehicles on our lot have the best prices and quality in the area. Danco, Detroit Wrecker, Dynamic and WeldBuilt.
800-628-5212 CrouchTowTrucks.com
715-355-8842 CtechManufacturing.com
404-569-4723 DeepSouthWreckerSales.com
Detroit Wrecker Sales
DewEze Hydraulics
DK2 Warrior Winch
Built Tough! Lifetime warranty on pins & bushings! Ability to tighten critical pivot points! Sandblasted & Powdercoated! Look for our traditional flatbed in 2017!
2017 Ford 6.8L Gas Powering the wrecker industry with clutch pump kits for more than 20 years.
Our JP Series winches boast 30,000 lb - 90,000 lbs. of pulling capacity, galvanized steel cable(s), balance valve, heavy-duty hook and auto tensioner included as standard offerings.
313-835-8700 DetroitWrecker.com 44 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
800-835-1042 DewEze.com
905-335-2152 Detailk2.com
Driveline Buddy
Dual-Tech
Eartec Co.
Designed to cradle the driveline for heavy-duty towing. A safer and more efficient way for towers to manage a driveline during service.
Dual-Tech Inc. now offers a Grease System that makes your life easy to grease all your grease connections on your New Dual-Tech RollBack.
ComStar wireless headsets allow recovery crews to communicate hands-free within a 400-yard range. New for 2017, system can link up to 16 users.
209-401-0069 DriveLineBuddy.com
800-852-0345 Dual-Tech.com
401-782-4966 Eartec.com
East Penn Truck Equipment
Elizabeth Truck Center Tow Sales
Fabco Power
Full line Miller Industries distributor with two state-of-the-art locations to serve your needs! Contact us today to build your dream truck!
2017 Peterbilt 567 Twin Steer 600HP Cummins, 18 speed, 52K rears, Platinum Interior w/ Century 1150R, Roller Option, 5 Winches, Raptor Controls, Low Rider Under Lift, Fully Equipped. (NAP)
Welds generate 6500 watts of mobile AC power with 300 DC amps. Jumpstart and Battery charger has 400 DC Amps with CV allowing MIG/ TIG welding.
610-694-9234 Bethlehem 724-342-1800 Mercer EastPennTrucks.com
908-355-8800 ElizabethTruckCenter.com/tow-sales
845-469-9151 FabcoPower.com
Florida Wrecker Sales
Freightliner Trucks
G. Stone Commercial Division
A full service Jerr-Dan dealer offering sales/ parts/ service. Pictured is the Jerr-Dan “hose track”.
The Freightliner M2 106 provides impressive power, maneuverability and visibility in towing. For wrecker and recovery efforts, flex your muscles with the 114SD and 122SD.
The new arrival of the 2017 Ford F450 & F550 chassis with new design, a high strength, military grade aluminum body and full boxed steel frame.
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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
800-FTL-HELP (800-385-4357)
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TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 45
GPS Insight Fleet Tracking Solutions
Intek Truck/Equipment Leasing
Jerr-Dan Corporation
GPS Insight improves fleet management. We work with towing businesses to solve your unique challenges through increased visibility, increased revenue, reduced costs, and reduced risk.
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877-477-2690 GPSInsight.com
973-403-7788 IntekLeasing.com
35-ton JFB heavy-duty wrecker stacked with aluminum roll-up doors, pre-set or customizable storage solutions and expanded storage capacity. Durable, non-corrosive body. Limited Lifetime Warranty.
800-926-9666 JerrDan.com
Kavanaugh’s Towing Equipment Co.
Kenworth of South Florida
KBI / Kold-Ban International, Ltd.
We sell complete trucks. We also service them and carry a full line of parts for the most popular Miller Industries brands and more!
An authorized dealer for Kenworth Commercial Trucks. We offer some of the best financing options available. Full service department and parts department.
Mini HD is a Supercapacitor-powered jump starter, doesn’t get “plugged-in” to be recharged and the Supercapacitor never needs to be maintained or replaced.
877-564-9752 CommercialTrucksofFlorida.com Kenworthsf.com
847-658-8561 Ext. 1004 Koldban.com
502-454-4960 Kavtow.com
Lodar USA
Lynch Chicago
Manufacturer Express
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We provide the finest towing equipment. Custom build or select from our wide variety of stock built units. The right truck at the right price - right away!
First in the Industry to introduce our Stainless Steel Ratchet Series! With us…you are not just a number. Personalized attention is our key focus!
708-233-1112 LynchChicago.com
201-754-1010 MFRExpress.com
940-538-5643 Lodar.com
46 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales
Matheny Motors
Matjack Jumbo Safelift
Your one-stop shop for Jerr-Dan parts along with quality lighting from TowMate and Federal Signal, and equipment from brands like all-Grip, PhoenixUSA, and Bawer!
Always one of the Industries largest inventories of new and pre-owned Rotators and Heavy-Duty Wreckers - Work Ready and Ready to Roll.
Matjack introduces rigging supplies, hazmat control solutions along with remote lighting packages.
800-284-4418 x2542 MathenyMotors.com
317-359-3078 Matjack.com
844-TOW-GEAR MdCarrierWrecker.com
McMahon Truck Centers
Miller Industries
New England Truckmaster
Jerr-Dan Heavy-Duty solutions. Ready to work, reconditioned chassis with new Jerr-Dan wreckers. All new Jerr-Dan wreckers. Fleet disposal services and fair trade in values.
Knee Boom underlift option now available for Century 1150 rotators. This versatile new underlift option provides 173 ¾” extended length and 55,000 retracted lifting capacity.
The right price, a service department that takes care of you, a parts department with all you need, and attention to detail when building small wrecker, carrier, or heavy-duty.
614-252-3111 McMahonTrucks.com/jerrdan
800-292-0330 MillerInd.com
800-481-0501 NETruckmaster.com
Night Scan HDT Light Towers
Northeast Wrecker Sales
Pacific General Insurance Agency
Overhead lighting improves safety and speeds recovery – you can make more money. Install on new builds or retrofit. No generator required. Sizes for every truck.
Holmes DTU, 20,000 lb Planetary Winch, Passenger Side Controls, Power Tilt, Power Elevation, Hydraulic Fold, 3-Stage Design, Five Sets of Cast Forks, Can Ship to You. Call for pricing.
We insure more towing, auto transport & salvage operations than any other independent insurance agency. Our expert staff has served the towing, auto transport & salvage industries since 1977.
330-684-4000 Nightscan.com
518-573-8232 NortheastWreckerSales.com
800-888-0545 TowTruckInsuranceusa.com
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 47
Quick Draw Tarpaulin System
Renew Truck Body
Ricky's Sales & Service
Industry leader, Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems, provides you with the highest quality, custom designed & engineered rolling tarp system for safe and profitable operations.
Our polymer under body storage boxes are made from welded 1/2" thick co-polypropylene sheet. These virtually indestructible boxes are available in all standard sizes.
Over a million-dollars in inventory, Ricky’s has the parts and the know how to get the job one. Preventative maintenance to a full overhaul.
1-800-266-TARP QuickDrawTarps.com
844-736-3982 Renewtruckbody.com
978-534-0120 Rickstrucks.com
S & J Metal Manufacturing
Safety Vision
SavaCOMM
Reverse Built-In Axle V Strap This V Strap is designed with hooks in a reversed position for easier access in hard to reach areas.
Cost-effective solutions of fully compatible cameras, monitors, and recorders for use in a variety of tow and recovery appliacations.
Savatech is a worldwide leader in lift bag and air cushion technology and solutions. Full duplex headsets by SavaCOMM ensure your team safely communicates during an emergency.
573-885-4460 SJMetalMfg.com
800-880-8855 SafetyVision.com
888-436-9778 Savatech.com
Sava Spreader Bar
Sea Crest Insurance Agency
Select Truck & Equipment
The new technology spreader bar from Savatech provides "safety through innovation” and technology. See your Savatech rigging distributor.
Leading insurance provider in the towing and recovery field for over 25 years. We service large and small size businesses with competitive pricing, giving security and confidence.
2017 Hino 268, 260 hp 22.5 rubber, s.s. Visor loaded, ab/ar alum, 22' Jerr-Dan XLP, 3-year warranty.
386-760-07066 Savatech.com
949-951-5900 SeaCrestInsurance.com
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800-896-2120 SelectTowtrucksmo.com
Smyrna Truck Center
Spill Tackle Technologies
Steck Manufacturing
Full line Miller Industries distributor. We are family owned and operated since 1952. We are able to service all your needs in 2017.
Patented absorbent technology proven to encapsulate spills in all conditions while increasing efficiency and minimizing carbon footprints for large-scale spills.
Tow drivers unlock cars in seconds without damage to the car door. Visit our website to obtain more information on those preferred tools.
228-206-1449 TackleTechnologies.com
937-222-0062 SteckMfg.com
855-269-5347 SmyrnaTruck.com/tow
Talbert Manufacturing
The Tow Academy
Towbook Management
Manufactures a wide variety of heavy haul trailers and specialized transportation equipment and has served the transportation industry since 1938 covering commercial, government, aerospace and energy applications.
The leading provider of online tow company marketing. Get found where your customers are looking. We are your internet experts.
Cloud-based towing software for managing motor club calls, digital dispatching, mobile apps for iPhone and Android, impounds and private properties.
314-328-9869 TheTowAcademy.com
855-869-2665 Towbook.com
219-866-7141 TalbertMfg.com
Tow Industries
Towing Payment Solutions
TowMate
Southern California’s most reputable and longest operating tow truck center and tow truck dealer of new tow trucks and pre-owned recovery trucks and towing equipment.
Save with Xpress-Pay! Keep your current credit card processor and reduce the high fees involved. Earn residual income! Specializing in the towing industry. Simple, secure, accessible!
Helios Wireless Tow Light. Attention grabbing sequential turn signals, safety strobing brake light and powerful backup lights, most feature packed lithium powered wireless light bar.
323-660-4866 TowIndustries.com
877-532-5155 TowingPaymentSolutions.com
800-680-4455 TowMate.com
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 49
Truck Body Sales
United Plastic Fabricating
2017 Kenworth T270 / Century 12 Series LCG Carrier Carrier installed and ready to work, all this truck needs is your choice of toolboxes.
Is your wrecker body rusted and corroded? Poly-Gen™ replacement bodies are durable, strong and can be customizied to fit any truck make and model.
800-233-8898 TruckBodySalesinc.com
978-975-4520 UnitedPlastic.com
Urgent.ly On Demand Roadside Assistance Urgent.ly pays you more! Earn more money and get more jobs through our on-demand roadside assistance service.
951-522-9922 GetUrgently.com
Utility Trailer Sales Southeast TX
Virgo Fleet Supplies
Warn Industries
New 2016 & 2017 Landoll 440 -53. Large selection of new and used trailer sales, parts and service departments, paint and body shops. 7 locations!
Virgo Fleet Supplies stocks replacement bumpers for most heavy duty trucks. Replace old damaged bumpers or customize with light holes, even your name cut out!
Our wireless winches are now 50% easier to unspool, especially in cold weather thanks to a redesigned end housing and aircraft-grade gear lubricants.
888-240-7320 UtilityTrailers.com
800 -270-6003 VirgoFleet.com
800-543-9276. Warn.com
WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers
West End Service
WorldClass Insurance Services
A patented low-profile carrier design, anodized bolt-on blade rails, new aluminum carrier body built, friction stir-welding, marine-grade stainless steel taillight boxes & backlit control panels.
2017 White Pete 389X 6x4, 25-ton Wrecker, 54,600# GVW, Cummins ISX-500hp, 18-spd Trans, Century 5130, 128” Wheel Lift, Red Boom, Loaded… Stock# W0366
“A” rated tow truck insurance carriers. Transparency is our key to success. Open communication on all levels give us satisfied towers.
631-643-9700 WeldBuilt.com
800-425-4455 WestEndService.com
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877-789-1523 MyTowAgent.com continue to page 52
PRODUCT GATEWAY continued from pg. 50
Worldwide Equiptment Sales Full service Jerr-Dan, Landoll, Cottrell dealer. Four locations to serve you better in 2017.
California 562-287-5200 Illinois 815-725-4400 Michigan 248-324-904 Nevada 702-269-1471 NewTowTrucks.com
XG Industries XG 300 is a nanoparticle infused diesel engine treatment that works with your motor oil, increasing fuel economy, reducing harmful emissions and restoring engine performance.
475-282-4643 XGIndustries.com
Zacklift International The Patriot R.T.U. features the Z353, powerful 30k Warn planetary winch, and massive 7" Bigfoot stifflegs.
509-674-4426 Zacklift.com
Hidden Lift & Tow Coming soon! The new super series wheel lift.
717-496-0839 LiftandTow.com 52 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 53
Storage Fees May Rise in Superior The Public Works Committee in Superior, Wis., approved increasing the daily tow lot storage fees from $10 per day to $25 per day for vehicles left on the operator’s storage lots following an accident. The last time the fee was changed was 1998. Mark Androsky, owner of Stadium Towing, said about 90 percent of all vehicles towed and stored under the higher fee are those involved in accidents. He said in an average year, he tows about 111 cars involved in accidents, and stores them for one to three days on average. Under the current fee structure, he said he makes about $3,600 a year, but he pays about $6,000 a year to maintain his storage lot. “It doesn’t even cover my lot fees,” Androsky said. “And I have a nice lot, with a nice fence, lights cameras.” Tom Johnson of Grandpa Tom’s Towing said just in the last year—with no claims against him or his insurer—the cost of insurance increased by $1,000. “We have a big responsibility protecting personal property,” Androsky said. He said technology advances in vehicles, such as navigation systems, create a bigger liability for tow operators. “Costs go up and everything else stays the same,” Androsky said. Source: superiortelegram.com.
Investigation Uncovers Alleged Scheme Atlas Towing in San Antonio, Texas, is under fire after the owner was accused of not following a city ordinance. Police arrested owner Ricardo Venegas for felony theft of a vehicle. According to the arrest warrant, an employee with Atlas Towing retrieved a motorcycle from an apartment complex on Aug. 27, but waited nine days before reporting it to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The city ordinance requires police notification within 45 minutes, which investigators say did not happen. Instead police said Venegas’ company held onto the motorcycle and then tried to make the owner pay more than $400 in towing fees. The affidavit also showed the motorcycle was reported stolen before Atlas towed it. Police are investigating Atlas for similar cases that have happened within the past six months. An attorney for Venegas said the allegations are “bogus” and they are in the process of fighting the claims. Source: news4sanantonio.com.
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Tow Company Hosts Career Day Ryan Amborn, owner of West Coast Auto & Towing in Atascadero, Calif., recently hosted a Mobile Career Day for students from Del Rio and Atascadero High Schools. The students, accompanied by Principal Chris Balogh, were treated to an in-depth look at automotive careers including towing, dispatching, smog, road service, repairs, smog checks and even car rentals. Amborn held a contest for the fastest tire change, which came in at an impressive 2 minutes, 17 seconds. The event was sponsored by the Atascadero Rotary Club. “The day was fantastic,” Balogh said. “The mix of hands-on and indepth information was a real plus for the students. They were very excited about the visit and they all feel privileged to have been a part of the experience.” Source: atowndailynews.com.
2015 Repos Close to 2009 Peak Repossessions in the U.S. hit 1.6 million in 2015, the third highest level on record for data going back 20 years, comparative to the 1 million and 1.9 million peaks seen in 2008 and 2009, respectively That number is predicted to rise to 1.7 million this year, according to Cox’s Automotive. The increase comes amid rising concern about a crisis in the auto loan market. Analysts say that as competition has grown, lenders have relaxed lending standards, offering bigger loans to consumers and giving them more time to pay the loans back. The auto loan market has grown from $750 billion in 2011 to $1.1 trillion at the end of June, according to the Federal Reserve. For consumers facing mounting debts, the broader economics pale into insignificance, especially with the looming potential for repossession. Source: ft.com. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 57
Drug Testing
Compliance Knowing when to test is essential to your SOP by Michael Rannigan
I
t’s important that towing companies follow both state and federal regulatory guidelines as it pertains to the towing industry. In respect to vehicles regulated by the Department of Transportation, federal law will always supersede local and/or state law. Each state will have its own set of unique laws enacted to protect the industry and its consumers. Regarding drug testing, tow companies should find a testing compliance company they trust to stay abreast of mandated regulatory laws. A professional company should always be used to oversee your drugfree workplace and administer your drug-testing program. Many tow truck operators with CDLs for larger trucks are DOT-regulated for drug and alcohol testing. (For instance, Texas requires drug testing for tow truck operators; other states vary. Your drug testing company should have compliance experts to assist with this.) Drug testing has become more common and increasingly influential in almost all workplaces across the United States. Utilizing effective drug screening measures helps to ensure safety both on and off the road and help a company save money. Screening is not only regulated by driving authorities, but also helps to significantly reduce turnover in the workplace, as well as save on the cost from worker’s compensation and unemployment payouts. Most consumers will utilize a com58 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Courts have been very firm in supporting employers’ abilities to enforce drug-free workplace policies, even in states that have legalized marijuana for recreational and/or medicinal use.
pany with an effective drug-free workplace policy vs. one that does not, because the former indicates a dedication to safety and integrity. Preventing accidents is key. Drug abuse is a serious problem affecting businesses across the United States. The latest statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration show: • Overall, the use of illicit drugs— including marijuana—among Americans 12 and older increased from 9.4 percent in 2013 to 10.2 percent in 2014. • In 2014, 27 million people 12 or older used an illicit drug in the previous 30 days.
• In 2014, roughly 8.4 percent of Americans 12 and older were current users of marijuana, up from 7.5 percent in 2013. • 17 million employed Americans reported illegal drug use in the previous 30 days—that’s 10.9 percent of the working population. It is alarming that more than 10 percent of the working population has admitted to using illegal drugs or abusing alcohol. Employees using drugs or abusing alcohol are less efficient and more likely to file workman’s compensation claims and take sick days. In the end, it’s much more expensive and complicated to keep
these employees on the payroll while ignoring the increased workplace hazards.
When to Test? Reasons to test applicants and employees include pre-employment screenings, annual tests, random tests, reasonable suspicion, post-accidents and follow-up tests. Some general guidelines include: • Require a pre-employment drug test for each towing operator or employee. • Require an annual drug test for each towing operator or employee. • Randomly select at least 25 percent of towing operators or employees for drug testing annually. • Employees must not engage in the manufacture, sale, distribution, use or unauthorized possession of illegal drugs at any time. • Employees must not take or be under the influence of any drugs, unless prescribed by the employee’s licensed physician. • If an employee is convicted of violating a criminal drug statute, they must inform their supervisor within five days of the conviction. If the employee fails to notify the employer, the employee can be fired. • Before taking a drug test, all employees must sign a drug testing procedures consent form that should be kept on company premises at all times.
SOP It is crucial that when incorporating a new drug-testing program into the Standard Operating Procedures for your company, all employees must have access to the policy. After each employee reviews said policy, they must acknowledge that they have read and understood what the policy states. The employer must keep records that the employee has signed a standardized consent to drug testing. Typically a 30- or 60-day notice is provided to the employee upon implementation of a new drug free workWork the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
place program policy. Educating employees on the harmful effects of illicit drugs is important to the success of a drug free workplace program. A comprehensive drug free workplace program should include: a written policy, access to assistance, employee education, supervisor training and drug testing. A professional drug testing service provider can assist employers with implementing a new drug free workplace program.
Test Types DOT testing is urine only, but states vary on the types of testing allowed. Like DOT, Texas allows just urine tests; other states include options for testing hair and oral fluids. Of course DOT testing is currently urine only. One of the major differences between the specimen types is the window of detection: oral fluid the shortest at about one day, urine is a few days and hair is up to 90 days. Today, urine remains the most commonly used drug specimen because of its familiarity, cost to test, and detection of a wide range of drugs on test panels.
Utilizing effective drug screening measures helps to ensure safety both on and off the road. Oral fluid is a good specimen type for remote work locations and organizations who have physical contact with their candidates and employees (i.e. offices, manufacturing plants, distribution centers, etc.). The narrow but immediate detection window makes it a natural choice for reasonable suspicion testing and for post-accident testing. Hair testing can be useful in settings where drug testing is scheduled (such as pre-employment and returnto-duty screenings), because of its long detection window. An individual with substance abuse issues may choose to abstain from drug use for a few days
when facing a scheduled oral fluid or urine drug test in order to subvert the detection of drugs in their body. It can be far more difficult for habitual drug users to refrain from drug use for 90 days in order to pass a hair test. Hair testing is significantly more expensive then urine or oral fluid testing. As with DOT, a basic five-panel drug screen is typically utilized. The five-panel test screens for signs of marijuana, cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP), amphetamines and opiates. Amphetamines include illegal drugs such as methamphetamines, speed, crank and ecstasy. Employers sometimes choose to expand the drug testing options with a 10-panel test and expanded opiates testing. State laws should be checked for what panels may be allowed or restricted. The 10 panel and expanded opiates testing adds testing for benzodiazepines (such as Xanax), barbiturates, methadone, propoxyphene and methaqualone (Quaaludes). For alcohol testing a breath alcohol test is utilized.
Legal Pot While public sentiment toward legalizing medical and recreational marijuana is literally lighting up, courts have been very firm in supporting employers’ abilities to enforce drug-free workplace policies. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law. Employers are not required to tolerate drug use on the job, even if someone has a medical or recreational marijuana excuse. DOT employers must test for marijuana and must take action when an employee tests positive for it. Due to the rapidly changing nature of this area of law, and the differences between states, it is best to seek advice from an attorney in your area if you have questions or concerns. As of October, courts have upheld employer rights to maintain a drug free workplace including testing for marijuana. About the author Michael Rannigan is the CEO of USA Mobile Drug Testing of Dallas. USAMDT, usamdt.com, is a national mobile drug-testing company that sends certified compliance specialists to your business or work site 24/7 for assessment. TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 59
Rocky Mountain: Double-Trouble A pup tanker went over leaving a truck stop.
We tried to get a strap under the trailer, but couldn’t.
by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti
B
rothers Dale Sheridan Norberg Jr. and Shawn Michael Norberg manage and operate Norberg's Towing Service in Green River, Wyo. They both grew up in the family business their parents, Dale Sheridan Sr. and Elaine, established in 1967. At around 9 p.m. on Sept. 21, Norberg’s received a call from the Wyoming Highway Patrol requesting they respond to the Little America Hotel truck stop for a rolled-over pup tanker, about 25 miles west of Norberg’s location. Sheridan Jr. drove out in Big Orange, their 1983 Pete with a 750 Holmes built by Moeller Brothers in San Francisco in the 70s. Shawn
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They eventually did the lift with a two-part line.
The pup tanker was loaded, but not with any hazardous materials.
responded in the Eagle, their 1998 Freightliner FL112 with a Don Hines bed and a Zacklift. “This pup tanker was loaded with magnesium chloride water that is used on dirt roads to keep the dust down. It is not hazardous,” said Sheridan Jr. “As it was leaving a parking lot in front of the Little America truck stop, it ran over some boulders that were put there to protect the landscaping. The trailer was around 33,000 pounds. This truck was a Rocky Mountain double.” A Rocky Mountain double is one 40’ trailer or longer and a shorter trailer, usually a 28’, or the “pup.”
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The brothers surveyed the scene and put both heavies in position to start the recovery. “We kept the draw bar hooked from the rear trailer to the front trailer to keep the front of the rear trailer stable,” Sheridan Jr. said. “We tried to get a strap under the trailer, but couldn’t due to the damage to it.” They first attached the Eagle to the low side to get the trailer to lift a little, but all it did was start dragging the tanker. They eventually got a block under the trailer and did the lift with Big Orange using a two-part line. The Eagle was attached to a strap over the top to finish pulling the trailer back onto its wheels. “Total time out was three hours,” Sheridan Jr. said. 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.
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.
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Traffic Incident Response Week The National Traffic Incident Management Network held its inaugural Traffic Incident Response Week on Nov. 14-18. They asked all first responders to discuss traffic incident management within their area and reach out to the public so that they would understand the dangers emergency responders face at and near the scene of a crash. To help support the effort, the Network set up a web page with links to many different resources at timnetwork.org/traffic-incidentresponse-awareness-week. They also asked that responders share their experiences on TIM’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, using the hashtags #SafeIncidents, #MoveOver or #MoveOverSlowDown. Source: timnetwork.org.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 65
Uber for Towing?
Mobile Apps Target Stranded Motorists
by Don Archer
I
magine you’re a neurosurgeon and it’s the middle of the night. You’ve just been awakened to perform emergency brain surgery on a patient who’s been involved in a horrific accident. Upon arriving at the hospital you encounter nurses and support staff busily preparing the patient and the operating area. You wash up and dig right in, only to learn that the problem is worse than first thought. After a somber explanation to the family, laying out their loved one’s chances of survival, you spend the next 23 hours relying on your vast experience and training to solve the problem—and save a life.
Maybe a fresh pair of eyes is just what the doctor ordered. Imagine the same scenario, but instead of being a neurosurgeon you’re a 20-something Internet technology worker with a big idea on how to solve a problem. Rather than years of medical school and countless nights interning, you’ve been pounding away at your keyboard creating lines of code. You’ve come up with a brain surgery app to streamline the entire process and save patients money. On the surface, most would be inclined to applaud the IT guy’s efforts—because it looks like his heart is in the right place. But if you’re a neurosurgeon you’ve got to ask, “How is he qualified to solve the problem?” The towing business isn’t brain 66 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
surgery, but it does have its parallels. Sleep deprivation, pressure to perform, industry-specific expertise and a significant investment of time and resources. Although there’s not a brain surgery app (yet), the towing industry has seen its own wave of towing apps hit the market. Including Honk, Towing Nation and Urgent.ly, these apps are all designed to provide solutions to problems that plague our industry. Maybe a fresh pair of eyes is just what the doctor ordered. Although most towers are selfreliant, sometimes during the course of a difficult recovery, a new way of looking at a problem can bring about a better solution. So to summarily dismiss the value that towing apps provide might be a mistake. If an app can help fix some of towing’s problems, then it might be worth taking a look.
Money Talks What’s in it for the towers? Are they another entry in the market, squeezing in on your margins, or are they truly here to help towers make more money? Reps at three of the main apps indicated towers are considered more like partners, or even customers, in their systems—to do that, they know money is key. “Our goal is to turn a bad experience [the stranded motorist] into a better one,” said Heather Shelton, Honk VP. “We know that we can’t accomplish that using traditional methods … that includes traditional compensation. … we don’t dictate rates.” Towing Nation founder/CEO Don
Honk targets growth through exceptional customer experiences.Honk targets growth through exceptional customer experiences.
Miller said they don’t dictate rates either. “We simply connect the motorist directly with the closest towing company, cutting out the middle man entirely. We don’t dictate rates, and we don’t gouge the customer or the towing company,” he said. “Towers can make up to 2-1/2 times what most motor clubs are paying,” using Urgent.ly, said Luke Kathol, co-founder/COO of the brand. “There’s no paperwork and [towers] get their money overnight. … We
don’t treat towers as suppliers, we treat them as customers.” Being paid what you’re worth is all well and good, but these apps need to increase their volume of calls to compete. Even the oldest of these apps have only been around for a few years. “Urgent.ly is now part of AT&T’s Connected Car Platform, and will be partnering with a luxury automotive brand in the following months,” Kathol said, forecasting call volume to “double or even triple” in the coming months. Honk, similarly, is looking to expand its reach. Shelton said the app is “always onboarding new partners and we’re continuously making upgrades to the services we provide. … We believe the way to grow is by providing an exceptional experience to the customer.” At Towing Nation, Miller also indicated the end-user was essential to growth. “We’re not really trying to compete against the big guys, we’re just wanting to provide another option, one that we believe is more favorable to both towers and consumers.”
Visibility As far as marketing the apps to the consumer, when it comes to using Google AdWords, one concern for many tow company owners is direct competition for clicks. The argument is that if both the app and the towing company are going after the same customer, the tow company loses. First, the cost per click goes up, due to the competition for keywords. Second, if the customer chooses to use an app rather than calling the towing company directly, the app takes a share of the towing company’s fee. Many are asking how this can be good for the tower. In most areas, AdWords cost between $7 and $16 per
Urgent.ly sees the tower as a customer, not a supplier.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Towing Nation wants to provide another option for stranded motorists.
click. Towing Nation’s flat fee doesn’t come anywhere close to that, and the towing company charges their own rates. Urgent.ly no longer uses AdWords Pay Per Click; it relies mainly on partners and word of mouth. Honk relies on PPC and word of mouth. Are apps truly competing with towers for customers? Maybe … if the towing industry is a zero-sum game. However, it doesn’t make sense to assume that just because an app maker gains a customer, a towing company loses one. The apps still rely on towers to serve their users, and the mere existence of the apps widens the available customer base. The Uber ride-share app is one such case of expanding a customer base. Before the advent of Uber, people drove themselves, called a cab or used some other form of public transportation. With the Uber app on your phone, you generally can get a ride in a matter of minutes. This caused many to choose Uber, those who might have driven themselves over calling a cab or using public transport. This then increased the pool of customers from which all rideproviders could draw. Just like the motor clubs, apps aren’t going away anytime soon. Though they may be on the outside looking in, they do offer a fresh perDon G. Archer is a multi-published author, spective. Anything educator and speaker helping others to build and start successful towing busithat breaks down nesses around the country at TheTowAthe barriers, and cademy.com. Don and his wife, Brenda, formerly owned and operated Broadbrings more way Wrecker in Jefferson City, Mo. He is potential custhe Tow Business Editor for Tow Industry tomers into the mix Week; email him direct at don@thetowacademy.com. is a good thing.
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 67
Pre-Trip Inspections Every Shift by James Roudon
O
ne of the things I have said over and over is that if someone thinks they know everything about towing they are dangerous. I try to keep an open mind to new equipment, trends, advertising opportunities and more, but the one thing I have always held as a 100-percent necessity is the need for a comprehensive pre-trip inspection on equipment, every shift. It surprises me every time a new driver looks at me like I am completely crazy for requiring a pre-trip. It surprises me even more that it is so difficult to get drivers to perform and turn in a pre-trip inspection sheet.
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Even as detailed as the pre-trip inspection is, it isn’t enough to ensure safety.
Over the years I have added specific items to be checked in addition to the items that DOT requires. Some of the things I have checked are equipment specific to tow trucks like the jack and jack equipment, lumber, skates, dollies, flashlight, etc. Nothing is worse for the company and driver image than getting to a tow scene and not having the right equipment for the job, not to mention the lost revenue caused by having to send another truck out to do the job or deliver equipment to a driver in the field. I use the same form to document other information like beginning and ending mileage, times in and out, and fuel put in the truck on the shift. Even as detailed as the pre-trip inspection is, it isn’t enough to ensure safety. I once thought that the pre-trip and annual or semi-annual inspections of the trucks were enough, but they aren’t. This week we were hit with an unusual streak of truck breakdowns; one of them, in particular, could have cost the life of the tower and possibly others on the road.
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If the arm had broken loose while the truck was at any speed, the results could have been catastrophic. This particular truck has had drivers report that it was “squirrely” on the freeway. I drove the truck and agreed that it was a little touchy on the steering at freeway speeds, but the mechanic and I thought that it was a new brand of tire we used on the fronts and didn’t do much follow up on the situation. As far as my pre-trip inspection required, we all did our job, but for safety sake we fell short. Our medium-duty was called out for a small motorhome, the truck arrived, the driver performed the hookup and when he attempted to start the tow, the truck wouldn’t steer. The Pitman Arm broke, causing a complete lack of steering control.
Upon further inspection of the part after the truck was towed back to the yard, the Pitman Arm had been cracked for some time as evident by the rust that had formed across about 75 percent of the width of the arm. If the arm had broken loose while the truck was at any speed, the results could have been catastrophic. What I learned is that the checks that I had in place and thought added adequate safety for our drivers are far from enough. I am working on expanding our truck inspections to include a weekly physical inspection of components such as steering, suspension, brakes, drivelines and more. Safety, as I have recently learned, requires much more thorough handson checking on a regular basis and a cursory check can result in accidents and even lost lives. About the author James Roudon has been doing light-, medium- and heavyduty towing since 1988, has been general manager of five tow companies and currently operates TowBiz Consulting Group. You can reach him at jroudon@live.com or jroudon.com.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 71
Confrontations Keep Going Up
A Los Angeles, Calif., repo agent was chased and killed in 2014; confrontational incidents are increasing for agents, often resulting in serious injuries or death for agents and debtors. Blog.cucollector.com image.
by Mark Lacek
D
eath and injury seems to be at an all-time high in the repossession industry. What I find most interesting is the circumstances surrounding these occurrences. All too often, I read about the debtor chasing after a tow truck during the repossession process and somehow becoming entangled between the truck and the car, which results in the debtor getting run over. This is especially disturbing when you consider the training most repossessors must undergo before being allowed to repossess a vehicle. Every recovery organization in America promotes some type of certification training. All promote safety and compliance to law. A few states even require repossessors to complete stateprovided training and issue a repossessor’s license to those who qualify. With a focus on safety and training, why are there so many instances of confrontation resulting in injury and death? When repossessing an automobile
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with a tow truck, the repossessor must always be aware of everything going on around him. If the debtor, or anyone opposing the repossession, confronts the agent, he must stop all movement to defuse a threatening situation. Often, just a few words of kindness can calm the debtor. Many times the debtor just wants to retrieve something left inside the car.
Repossessors must make a decision and choose which clients matter most. A self-help repossession is legal, as long as there is no breach of the peace. In just about every confrontation between debtor and repossessor, there is a breach of the peace. It is up to the
repossessor to stop the repossession process and lower the car. In the past I have said never to allow a debtor to reach inside of his car to remove anything. It was years ago I learned this lesson, when the most frightening of things happened. I agreed to let the debtor retrieve some belongings from the car and he reached behind the back seat and in the next few seconds he was pointing a gun at my head. To this day, I suggest in all my certification and training seminars that repossessing a vehicle should always be devoid of confrontation. The self-loading wheel lift was created for the repossessor to have the ability to hook to a car and leave the scene of a repossession quickly, reducing the chances of a confrontation with the debtor. However, the repossession industry has changed over the years causing repossessors to become involved in procedures that aren’t necessarily safe.
Inventory For years, repossessors would remove and inventory the personal belongings from the repossessed auto, placing those items in separate storage. The debtor would call the repo company and make an appointment to come and retrieve those items. For this service, the repossession company would charge a reasonable fee. Over the past couple of years, some automobile lenders stopped allowing the repossessor to charge the debtor a fee for this service. Repossessors are now in the bad habit of hooking to a car, removing the car to the street … then knocking on the debtor’s door asking them to remove their personal items. This dangerous change in policy and procedure causes a confrontation almost every time.
Often the debtor calls the police, which escalates the situation. Courts have ruled that police presence during a repossession constitutes a breach of the peace. Now we have a wrongful repossession, which will often be settled in court. What sense was there in spending money on a $70,000 selfloader if “hooking and booking” gets interrupted by knocking on the door?
Keys Another factor in the increased instances of injury is key recovery. For years, repossession companies would be paid by the client to provide keys for the car. Many repo companies had a key shop just for this. This key shop was a source of revenue for the company. Now, clients are demanding repossessors get the keys from the debtor
In the next few seconds he was pointing a gun at my head. during the repossession. This creates another confrontational situation between the repossessor and the debtor. In the efforts of the client to reduce their losses, confrontations are becoming more and more a reality. Repossessors, as well as, debtors are being killed or injured.
Training There are far too many instances where the owner of the repo company will attend training and become certified, but will not certify his agents who are actually in the field conducting repossessions. In the last year, I have worked as an expert witness on wrongful repossession lawsuits where the company owner was certified or aware of certification programs, yet failed to certify his employees. Courts have ruled against the repossession company in these cases. Injury and death happen most often when there is a confrontation during the repossession. Eliminate the confrontation, and there will be fewer injuries and incidents. Repossessors must make a decision and choose which clients matter most. Letting a client place your company and employees in harms way is a bad choice. Repossessors across the land are busier than they have been in many years. Now is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your procedural guidelines: Highlight policies on safety. Certify all of your employees. Drop clients who do not have your best interest in mind. You are the owner of your company, stop letting your client tell you how to run it.
Repo Editor Mark Lacek authored the Certified Commercial Recovery Agent certification program and has more than 30 years of recovery experience. He is the former editor of “Professional Repossessor” magazine. Email him at Mark@commercialassetsolutions.com.
74 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Miller CFO Mish Retires William G. Miller, chairman of the board, said, “Vince has been an officer and integral part of Miller Industries and its predecessor company since 1990. As chief financial officer over this period of time he has had a significant impact on Miller Industries and more
specifically, its financial success. Mr. Mish has been the driving force for the financial credibility and integrity of the company since its inception. “We have been fortunate in having someone of Vince’s caliber as CFO over these years. He has developed a strong financial team, which will continue to serve Miller Industries well into the future. As a longtime friend and business partner, I wish Vince the very best in his retirement. It is well deserved.”
Christmas Is Coming Soon
J. Vincent Mish, executive vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer with Miller Industries (millerind.com), will retire December 31, 2016 after more than 25 years of service to the company.
76 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
With the aid of a heavy-duty wrecker from Falzone Towing Service in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Wilkes-Barre Department of Public Works employees put up a 35’ evergreen Christmas tree on Public Square last month. The warm weather and sunny skies weren’t exactly mood-setters for the holiday while it was still 49 days
Falzone Towing helped install the Christmas Tree in WilkesBarre, Pa., last month. Timesleader.com image.
away, but the time was right. The tree was in place in plenty of time for the Nov. 19 Christmas parade and other events on the Square and downtown. Source: timesleader.com
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robertyoungtrucks.com 78 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
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CTTA’s Training & Education Program teaches drivers skills & knowledge needed to stay safe & serve the motoring public. CTTA Instructors will meet following for this part-time position: • Willing to travel and coordinate class dates/times with the CTTA Office • Ability to teach a set curriculum put forth by the Association’s Education Department • Prior experience in the industry and/or instruction experience is desired, not required • Ability to read and interpret documents, including technical data, safety rules, vehicle codes and procedure manuals • Ability to speak effectively in interpersonal situations and with groups of people Submit resumes and contact information to: ctta@ctta.com
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TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 79
‘Nightmare’ in the Heartland Tech Highlights Name: Nightmare. Chassis: 2000 Peterbilt 379. Wr e c k e r Body: 1984 Koehring crane. Engine: 425 CAT. Trans: Eaton 10-speed. Winches: 30,000-lbs. Superwinch; 45,000-lbs. DP winches; 25,000-lbs. Chevron winches. Builder/paint: In-house.
by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti
R
obert “Bob” Gaston Sr. is the owner of RBC Towing and Recovery in Lincoln, Ill. He started the company in 1988 with just one wrecker and later turned one of his over-the-road semis into a wrecker so he could provide for all of Logan County’s recovery needs. Gaston now has seven units in his fleet, including Gaston’s first recovery wrecker: a 1977 U.S. Army tank retriever. RBC is well known for its ability to do heavy-duty jobs. Call them gearheads, motorheads, grease monkeys, wrenches or whatever else, our industry is full of them. Gaston is an old-school, hands-on man who likes to build his wreckers himself.
80 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
The best thing about a shop-built wrecker is you know your unit inside and out. “The best thing about a shop-built wrecker is you know your unit inside and out,” he said. “You can fully understand the capabilities of each.” Gaston has been turning wrenches for many years, so when he decided that his company needed a rotator, he
and his crew got busy and built this massive “Nightmare.” Gaston’s Nightmare is a 2000 Peterbilt 379 mounted with a 1984 Koehring construction crane. Gaston, fabricator Rodney Dove and assistant Joe Millerd built Nightmare in-house; a 425 CAT engine mated to an Eaton 10-speed transmission powers it. Handling the lifting and pulling of the imposing boom on this massive wrecker are two 30,000-lbs. Superwinches, two 45,000-lbs. DP winches and two 25,000-lbs. Chevron winches. “This truck makes lifting easier, quicker and safer,” Gaston said. Bob painted Nightmare in house and it took two months to finish.
“Purple and yellow are the company colors and I always liked flames. We are very proud of it,” Gaston said. Nightmare hasn’t won any beauty contests or been in any parades yet because it’s fresh out of RBC’s garage. They just got it done in October 2016, but it is sure to be an eye-catcher wherever it goes!
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.
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • 81
One Hundred Years
by Steve Calitri
The Song
The motor hummed like a song My Daddy said come along
Mama’s cookin’ on my brain Hear her laughter in the rain!
He said---hang tough on this ride Keep calm I’m by your side
One Hundred Years! Where’ they go! Gone, Gone, Gone Winds of change forever blow
One Hundred Years! Where’ they go! Gone, Gone, Gone Winds of change forever blow His truck rusts on the grass The rust of Pop’s unsung past
One Hundred Years! Where’ they go! Gone, Gone, Gone Come and gone like an April snow
Watch the kid hot wire, then gun Roar toward the blessed sun
We just keep rolling along Come the call I must be strong!
One Hundred Years! Where’ they go! Gone, Gone, Gone Come and gone like an April snow
All the horror all the pain We live it all all over again
Swing the beers Dam the tears Shake thru the darkest night Rolled over now upright There’s light on morning dew Those gone I carry through Retreating from the road For a meal I hunger so
82 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
One Hundred Years! Where’ they go! Gone, Gone, Gone Winds of change forever blow One Hundred Years! Where’ they go! Gone, Gone, Gone Come and gone like an April snow Lyrics by S. Calitri Music by M. Corbin
Media today is truly exciting for publishers and readers and viewers. Today readers are publishers in their own right through social media, blogs, and web sites. American Towman Media ties all its in-print and online publications into all available media. You can catch American Towman Magazine online with its virtual digital edition at iTowman.com or its exclusive weekly publication at TowIndustryWeek.com. American Towman news reporting, feature articles and video presentations are networked with Facebook, and its own super app.
Mike Corbin
If you want today's action in video go to AmericanTowmanTv.com and you'll find great stories presented by ATTV's Emily Oz. Mike Corbin's song saluting towing's Centennial can be found on TowIndustryWeek.com. In a real sense you'll find "100 Years" of towing in every weekly edition of TIW, as well as hundreds of archived articles that can only be found at TIW.
Get Tough on ‘Move Over’ Central New York tow truck operators are calling on Albany to beef up the “move over” law that motorists to either slow down or move over when approaching emergency vehicles or vehicles with flashing yellow lights, like two trucks or road maintenance vehicles, on the side of the road. There have been three deaths this autumn on upstate New York roadways involving motorists not paying attention to New York’s law. A state trooper, maintenance worker and tow-truck operator have all been killed by oncoming traffic while they were tending to an issue on the side of the road. Tina Lyon, of Meyers Towing in Camillus, said motorists don’t seem to be paying attention to the law right now. “Nobody is really paying attention when we’re out there because everybody can have a yellow light,” Lyon said. “They don’t take it seriously I mean a residential plow person has a yellow light. When we’re out there, we’re right on the white line. And when these people don’t slow down or move over, they’re killing us.” She would like to see harsher sanctions for motorists ticketed for breaking the “move over” law. “There needs to be definitely tougher penalties and this needs to be a law that isn’t taken lightly,” Lyon said. “You need to slow down and move over, because we’re losing many people out here, at an alarming rate.” Source: wrvo.org.
$3M for Tow Injury A jury has decided the city of Buffalo, N.Y., should pay $3 million to a woman who suffered serious spinal injuries when a police department tow truck ran a traffic light and triggered a crash downtown. Brigette Brzezniak, of Cheektowaga, was 24 at the time and a pasNORTH 84 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016• NORTH 85
senger in a Ford Escape when it collided with the tow truck in 2013, according to her lawyer, Michael Scinta. The city’s Law Department has filed a notice that it intends to appeal. But the jury’s verdict for pain and suffering could presage a second financial blow to City Hall from the same accident. Brzezniak’s twin sister, Kristen, was driving the Escape, and she also injured her spine. She has her own lawsuit, which is scheduled to go to trial in State Supreme Court in 2017, Scinta said. The autos crashed as tow truck driver Vincent J. Sorrentino, 27 at the time, returned to the city’s police garage for his lunch break on April 22, 2013. Driving along Seneca Street, Sorrentino failed to stop at a blinking red light at Michigan Avenue, according to the written explanation he gave his employer. The Brzezniak vehicle, traveling north on Michigan near the Buffalo Transportation-Pierce Arrow Museum, slammed into the truck’s passenger side. Source: newyorkupstate.com.
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TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • NORTH 87
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Repo Man Considers Plea Deal A Utah repossession agent charged with causing the death of a woman by forcing her off the road while trying to take back her car is considering a plea deal. A local newspaper reported Kenneth Drew was set for an evidentiary hearing in October that was scrapped when prosecutors instead offered a plea deal. Drew was scheduled to be back in court as of press time. If he doesn’t accept the deal, the evidentiary hearing will be held scheduled. The crash occurred on May 17 after Drew went to the house of Ashleigh Best, a 35-year-old mother of two, prosecutors said. Best had fallen behind on title loan payments. Best’s husband, Brennen, stepped between Drew’s tow truck and the SUV, and the two men argued until Drew agreed to leave the SUV alone to allow the couple time to make a payment and return with proof, charging documents show. A short time later, Best got in her SUV and drove away. Her husband told police he had instructed her to drive the SUV to her mother’s house. Drew later told police he was angry about the deception and sped after her in his tow truck with his girlfriend in the passenger’s seat. A neighbor’s security camera shows Drew trying to force Best against a curb as both cars accelerated. Later in the chase, prosecutors say Drew drove alongside Best’s SUV, grinding his rear right tire into her door. Going faster than 50 mph, Best jumped a curb and smashed into a tree. She died a short time later. Drew told investigators he was just following Best to keep an eye on the SUV, charging documents show. Investigators say evidence, Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM -December 2016 • NORTH 91
including pictures and GPS data from the tow truck, shows Drew’s story doesn’t match what happened. Source: abcnews.go.com.
“This sends a strong signal to all suppliers for the
Montreal Bans Three Companies
city that this
The city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, has banned three tow truck companies from bidding on city contracts for five years after an inspector general’s investigation found they had colluded to win city bids for towing services during snow clearing operations. Under the first use of the city’s new contract management policy adopted in August, Remorquage TAZ Inc. and its president Jean-Marc Lelièvre, Remorquage Mobile and its president Réal Tourigny and Auto Cam 2000 and president Steve Lenfesty are on the city’s “black list of suppliers,” barred from any bids on contracts or carrying out any sub-contracts for five years, said Lionel Perez, city executive committee member.
administration has a zero-tolerance policy,” he said. “This sends a strong signal to all suppliers for the city that this administration has a zero-tolerance policy,” he said. The inspector general’s office, responsible for investigating municipal contracts for signs of corruption or wrongdoing, found the three companies had been colluding with each other, discussing which contracts they would bid on and at what price, which neighborhoods they wanted to work in, and which contracts they were not interested in.
PARTS • SALES SERVICE
Three contracts underway by Remorquages TAZ were ordered suspended by the inspector general. In the case of the other two operators, the contracts investigated had already finished. The collusion led to pricing high above industry standards in some cases, the investigation found. The inspector general’s report was studied by the city’s standing committee on the inspector general’s office and approved. Among the troubling findings of the report was the fact the owners shared information with investigators freely, treating much of their actions as standard operating procedure in their industry. Not bidding on contracts in someone else’s territory was a sign of “mutual respect,” operators said. “It is obvious the entrepreneurs did not understand yet what is involved in collusion, despite the fact several reports have been published by the inspector general on the subject,” the report reads. Source: montrealgazette.com.
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CopyrightŠ2016 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 7 West St, Warwick NY 10990
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TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • SOUTH 83
Get Tough on ‘Move Over’ Central New York tow truck operators are calling on Albany to beef up the “move over” law that motorists to either slow down or move over when approaching emergency vehicles or vehicles with flashing yellow lights, like two trucks or road maintenance vehicles, on the side of the road. There have been three deaths this autumn on upstate New York roadways involving motorists not paying attention to New York’s law. A state trooper, maintenance worker and towtruck operator have all been killed by oncoming traffic while they were tending to an issue on the side of the road. Tina Lyon, of Meyers Towing in Camillus, said motorists don’t seem to be paying attention to the law right now. “Nobody is really paying attention when we’re out there because everybody can have a yellow light,” Lyon
said. “They don’t take it seriously I mean a residential plow person has a yellow light. When we’re out there, we’re right on the white line. And when these people don’t slow down or move over, they’re killing us.” She would like to see harsher sanctions for motorists ticketed for breaking the “move over” law. “There needs to be definitely tougher penalties and this needs to be a law that isn’t taken lightly,” Lyon said. “You need to slow down and move over, because we’re losing many people out here, at an alarming rate.” Source: wrvo.org.
$3M for Tow Injury A jury has decided the city of Buffalo, N.Y., should pay $3 million to a woman who suffered serious spinal injuries when a police department tow truck ran a traffic light and triggered a crash downtown.
SOUTH 84 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Brigette Brzezniak, of Cheektowaga, was 24 at the time and a passenger in a Ford Escape when it collided with the tow truck in 2013, according to her lawyer, Michael Scinta. The city’s Law Department has filed a notice that it intends to appeal. But the jury’s verdict for pain and suffering could presage a second financial blow to City Hall from the same accident. Brzezniak’s twin sister, Kristen, was driving the Escape, and she also injured her spine. She has her own lawsuit, which is scheduled to go to trial in State Supreme Court in 2017, Scinta said. The autos crashed as tow truck driver Vincent J. Sorrentino, 27 at the time, returned to the city’s police garage for his lunch break on April 22, 2013. Driving along Seneca Street, Sorrentino failed to stop at a blinking red light at Michigan Avenue, according to the written explanation he gave his
employer. The Brzezniak vehicle, traveling north on Michigan near the Buffalo Transportation-Pierce Arrow Museum, slammed into the truck’s passenger side. Source: newyorkupstate.com.
Repo Man Considers Plea Deal A Utah repossession agent charged with causing the death of a woman by forcing her off the road while trying to take back her car is considering a plea deal. A local newspaper reported Kenneth Drew was set for an evidentiary hearing in October that was scrapped when prosecutors instead offered a plea deal. Drew was scheduled to be back in court as of press time. If he doesn’t accept the deal, the evidentiary hearing will be held scheduled. The crash occurred on May 17 after Drew went to the house of Ashleigh Best, a 35-year-old mother of two, prosecutors said. Best had fallen behind on title loan payments. Best’s husband, Brennen, stepped between Drew’s tow truck and the SUV, and the two men argued until Drew agreed to leave the SUV alone to allow the couple time to make a payment and return with proof, charging documents show. A short time later, Best got in her SUV and drove away. Her husband told police he had instructed her to drive the SUV to her mother ’s house. Drew later told police he was angry about the deception and sped after her in his tow truck with his girlfriend in the passenger’s seat. A neighbor’s security camera shows Drew trying to force Best against a curb as both cars accelerated. Later in the chase, prosecutors say Drew drove alongside Best’s SUV, grinding his rear right tire into
continue to page S 87 Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • SOUTH 85
Company History Marks Rotator
by George L. Nitti
G
raphics on a tow truck sometimes illustrate a company’s history. This is the case for the new acquisition of a 2016 Peterbilt/Century 1150 rotator by Fred Robertson Wrecker Service in Tuscaloosa, Ala. According to Jimmy Robertson, his father James took over the company in 1947 from his Uncle Fred, who started the business in 1936. A picture on the cab of the two men standing side by side features the words ‘In Loving Memory’ as a tribute to the men who helped build the company into what it is today. “Me and my brother Fred are third generation,” said Robertson. “The company started as a Woco Pep Gas Station, which was bought out by Pure Oil. Then in the ’60s or early ’70s, it was taken over by Union 76. We
adopted their colors of orange and white for our trucks.” The orange and white blend well alongside other colors, like the lime green of the side and back outriggers, colors which also accent the boom and towing fork. The orange, used in several shades, stands out in covering a great portion of the rotator. On the bottom half, the orange merges with metal spikes, creating layers in a modern design, accented by three lines. Another little historical element that takes on significance is the unit number, “3647,” representing the years Fred and James took control of the business, respectively. Most importantly, the name of the company is not easily forgotten because it is written in a beautiful script along the side of the truck; their
SOUTH 86 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
company name pops with elegance. “My father was a plain man. He passed away in February of last year. We were hoping he would be around to see this new rotator,” Jimmy said. Today, the company is as busy as they have ever been. “We’ve got good employees who are trying to do the right thing,” said Jimmy. 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.
George L. Nitti has written for American Towman since 2009. He started out as a news writer and now writes a weekly feature on TowIndustryWeek.com, Tow Illustrated, which spotlights the tow truck graphics.
NEWS FLASH continued from page S 85 her door. Going faster than 50 mph, Best jumped a curb and smashed into a tree. She died a short time later. Drew told investigators he was just following Best to keep an eye on the SUV, charging documents show. Investigators say evidence, including pictures and GPS data from the tow truck, shows Drew’s story doesn’t match what happened. Source: abcnews.go.com.
Montreal Bans Three Companies The city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, has banned three tow truck companies from bidding on city contracts for five years after an inspector general’s investigation found they had colluded to win city bids for towing services during snow clearing operations. Under the first use of the city’s new contract management policy adopted in August, Remorquage TAZ
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
Inc. and its president Jean-Marc Lelièvre, Remorquage Mobile and its president Réal Tourigny and Auto Cam 2000 and president Steve Lenfesty are on the city’s “black list of suppliers,” barred from any bids on contracts or carrying out any sub-contracts for five years, said Lionel Perez, city executive committee member. “This sends a strong signal to all suppliers for the city that this administration has a zero-tolerance policy,” he said. The inspector general’s office, responsible for investigating municipal contracts for signs of corruption or wrongdoing, found the three companies had been colluding with each other, discussing which contracts they would bid on and at what price, which neighborhoods they wanted to work in, and which contracts they were not interested in. Three contracts underway by Remorquages TAZ were ordered suspended by the inspector general. In
the case of the other two operators, the contracts investigated had already finished. The collusion led to pricing high above industry standards in some cases, the investigation found. The inspector general’s report was studied by the city’s standing committee on the inspector general’s office and approved. Among the troubling findings of the report was the fact the owners shared information with investigators freely, treating much of their actions as standard operating procedure in their industry. Not bidding on contracts in someone else’s territory was a sign of “mutual respect,” operators said. “It is obvious the entrepreneurs did not understand yet what is involved in collusion, despite the fact several reports have been published by the inspector general on the subject,” the report reads. Source: montrealgazette.com.
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • SOUTH 87
More Public Sought for Tow Board The Arlington County (Va.) Board is asking for authority to add more public members to the county’s Trespass Towing Advisory Board, which advises elected officials on towing matters. Currently, state law requires that representatives of towing companies and the police department hold the majority of voting seats on the panel. Only one voting spot is reserved for a member of the public. County Board members appear to be in sympathy with those who say the composition of the body gives it an anti-consumer slant. But chances the General Assembly will make any changes at the behest of the Arlington government likely are slim. Arlington board members were slated to adopt their 2017 legislative package on Dec. 10. Source: insidenova.com.
Vehicle Had Tools, Not ‘Bombs’ Buffalo (N.Y.) police shut down a local street in the late afternoon recently after “possible pipe bombs” were found in a Jeep in the lot of a repossession agency. Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell W. Whitfield Jr. said that the items turned out to be nothing more than a handyman’s drill bits. The items were found in a vehicle that was repossessed by Nu-Era Services. Nu-Era Services recovery agent Jeremy Branch told reporters that he got a call from his boss, warning him not to come to the office because the street had been blocked off. He said that police found two items they thought could be pipe bombs in a black Jeep that was repossessed. Source: buffalonews.com.
SOUTH 88 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Get Tough on ‘Move Over’ Central New York tow truck operators are calling on Albany to beef up the “move over” law that motorists to either slow down or move over when approaching emergency vehicles or vehicles with flashing yellow lights, like two trucks or road maintenance vehicles, on the side of the road. There have been three deaths this autumn on upstate New York roadways involving motorists not paying attention to New York’s law. A state trooper, maintenance worker and tow-truck operator have all been killed by oncoming traffic while they were tending to an issue on the side of the road. Tina Lyon, of Meyers Towing in Camillus, said motorists don’t seem to be paying attention to the law right now. “Nobody is really paying attention when we’re out there because
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
TOWMAN.COM - December 2016 • MIDWEST 83
everybody can have a yellow light,” Lyon said. “They don’t take it seriously I mean a residential plow person has a yellow light. When we’re out there, we’re right on the white line. And when these people don’t slow down or move over, they’re killing us.” She would like to see harsher sanctions for motorists ticketed for breaking the “move over” law. “There needs to be definitely tougher penalties and this needs to be a law that isn’t taken lightly,” Lyon said. “You need to slow down and move over, because we’re losing many people out here, at an alarming rate.” Source: wrvo.org.
$3M for Tow Injury A jury has decided the city of Buffalo, N.Y., should pay $3 million to a woman who suffered serious spinal injuries when a police department tow truck ran a traffic light and triggered a crash downtown. Brigette Brzezniak, of Cheek-
towaga, was 24 at the time and a passenger in a Ford Escape when it collided with the tow truck in 2013, according to her lawyer, Michael Scinta. The city’s Law Department has filed a notice that it intends to appeal. But the jury’s verdict for pain and suffering could presage a second financial blow to City Hall from the same accident. Brzezniak’s twin sister, Kristen, was driving the Escape, and she also injured her spine. She has her own lawsuit, which is scheduled to go to trial in State Supreme Court in 2017, Scinta said. The autos crashed as tow truck driver Vincent J. Sorrentino, 27 at the time, returned to the city’s police garage for his lunch break on April 22, 2013. Driving along Seneca Street, Sorrentino failed to stop at a blinking red light at Michigan Avenue, according to the written explanation he gave his employer. The Brzezniak vehicle, traveling north on Michigan near the Buffalo Transportation-Pierce Arrow
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Museum, slammed into the truck’s passenger side. Source: newyorkupstate.com.
Repo Man Considers Plea Deal A Utah repossession agent charged with causing the death of a woman by forcing her off the road while trying to take back her car is considering a plea deal. A local newspaper reported Kenneth Drew was set for an evidentiary hearing in October that was scrapped when prosecutors instead offered a plea deal. Drew was scheduled to be back in court as of press time. If he doesn’t accept the deal, the evidentiary hearing will be held scheduled. The crash occurred on May 17 after Drew went to the house of Ashleigh Best, a 35-year-old mother of two, prosecutors said. Best had fallen behind on title loan payments. Best’s husband, Brennen, stepped
between Drew’s tow truck and the SUV, and the two men argued until Drew agreed to leave the SUV alone to allow the couple time to make a payment and return with proof, charging documents show. A short time later, Best got in her SUV and drove away. Her husband told police he had instructed her to drive the SUV to her mother’s house. Drew later told police he was angry about the deception and sped after her in his tow truck with his girlfriend in the passenger’s seat. A neighbor’s security camera shows Drew trying to force Best against a curb as both cars accelerated. Later in the chase, prosecutors say Drew drove alongside Best’s SUV, grinding his rear right tire into her door. Going faster than 50 mph, Best jumped a curb and smashed into a tree. She died a short time later. Drew told investigators he was just following Best to keep an eye on the SUV, charging documents show. Investigators say evidence, including pictures and GPS data from the tow truck, shows Drew’s story doesn’t match what happened. Source: abcnews.go.com.
More Public Sought for Tow Board The Arlington County (Va.) Board is asking for authority to add more public members to the county’s Trespass Towing Advisory Board, which advises elected officials on towing matters. Currently, state law requires that representatives of towing companies and the police department hold the majority of voting seats on the panel. Only one voting spot is reserved for a member of the public. County Board members appear to be in sympathy with those who say the composition of the body gives it an anti-consumer slant. But chances the General Assembly will make any changes at the behest of the Arlington government likely are slim. Arlington board members were slated to adopt their 2017 legislative package on Dec. 10. Source: insidenova.com. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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Creating the ‘Wow!’ Factor
by George L. Nitti
W
hen Dick Lumpkins Auto Body was looking to decorate their newest unit, a 2016 Kenworth with a Jerr-Dan 21’ flatbed, owner Mike Lumpkin knew he wanted to create something impressive. “We wanted it to stand out,” Lumpkin said. “I asked [PSG Graphics] to use their imagination.” The result was an abstract wrap exploding with colors, similar to another light-duty unit recently completed. “We were going to paint it, but in case we sold it, we wanted the option of peeling off the wrap,” said Lumpkin. “It would be better for its resale value.” Lumpkin, whose father Dick started the company 65 years ago in Piqua, Ohio, knew that that they were
in the right location for doing something different with their graphics. “In our local market, no one has a wrap,” he said. “There was no ‘Wow!’ factor. Where we are, nothing like it has been seen. This is a wrap that sticks out. You remember seeing that truck, whether you are young or old.” The company name on the side of the unit stands out with a gradient and bevel effect, integrating with the abstract graphics. The lettering adds contrast. Their company motto, “Got a Bump, Call Lump,” is found on several places of the unit, including the side of the all-red bed, the top of the front window and below the company name on the side doors, written in a small script. “We’ve trademarked it,” Lumpkin said. “It’s a good catch phrase that my
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father came up with. We use it for our on-hold telephone music. It’s a catchy jingle. It’s always in your head.” Cleanliness is key to business, too. “Our drivers keep [the trucks] spotless … If you owned a brand new Cadillac, who would you call to pick up your car? You would call us,” he said. “How we keep our trucks represents everything we are.” 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.
George L. Nitti has written for American Towman since 2009. He started out as a news writer and now writes a weekly feature on TowIndustryWeek.com, Tow Illustrated, which spotlights the tow truck graphics.
Lawsuit Filed for Back Wages The U.S. Department of Labor filed a lawsuit in federal court to recover approximately $41,323 in back wages and an equal amount in liquidated damages for 30 current and former employees of ARS Ohio, a vehicle repossession service located in Cincinnati. The suit names company owner Gary Finn and his wife, Karen, who assisted in managing the company’s payroll. An investigation by the department’s Wage and Hour Division revealed that ARS Ohio violated the FLSA by failing to pay employees for all hours worked, minimum wage and overtime violations and failing to keep accurate records of employee hours and pay. The investigation found at least 14 employees due $11,759 in minimum wage and at least 19 employees due $29,564 in overtime pay. The complaint also seeks injunctive relief for willful violations of the FLSA. The Wage and Hour Division also assessed civil money penalties in the case. Source: dol.gov.
Vehicle Had Tools, Not ‘Bombs’ Buffalo (N.Y.) police shut down a local street in the late afternoon recently after “possible pipe bombs” were found in a Jeep in the lot of a repossession agency. Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell W. Whitfield Jr. said that the items turned out to be nothing more than a handyman’s drill bits. The items were found in a vehicle that was repossessed by Nu-Era Services. Nu-Era Services recovery agent Jeremy Branch told reporters that he got a call from his boss, warning him not to come to the office because the street had been blocked off. He said that police found two items they thought could be pipe bombs in a black Jeep that was repossessed. Source: buffalonews.com. MIDWEST 88 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Get Tough on ‘Move Over’ Central New York tow truck operators are calling on Albany to beef up the “move over” law that motorists to either slow down or move over when approaching emergency vehicles or vehicles with flashing yellow lights, like two trucks or road maintenance vehicles, on the side of the road. There have been three deaths this autumn on upstate New York roadways involving motorists not paying attention to New York’s law. A state trooper, maintenance worker and towtruck operator have all been killed by oncoming traffic while they were tending to an issue on the side of the road. Tina Lyon, of Meyers Towing in Camillus, said motorists don’t seem to be paying attention to the law right now. “Nobody is really paying attention when we’re out there because everybody can have a yellow light,” Lyon said. “They don’t take it seriously I mean a residential plow person has a yellow light. When we’re out there, we’re right on the white line. And when these people don’t slow down or move over, they’re killing us.” She would like to see harsher sanctions for motorists ticketed for breaking the “move over” law. “There needs to be definitely tougher penalties and this needs to be a law that isn’t taken lightly,” Lyon said. “You need to slow down and move over, because we’re losing many people out here, at an alarming rate.” Source: wrvo.org.
Repo Man Considers Plea Deal A Utah repossession agent charged with causing the death of a woman by forcing her off the road while trying to take back her car is considering a plea deal. A local newspaper reported Kenneth Drew was set for an evidentiary hearing in October that was scrapped when prosecutors instead offered a plea deal. Drew was scheduled to be back in court as of press time. WEST 84 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM
Work the Passenger side–Stay Safe!
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If he doesn’t accept the deal, the evidentiary hearing will be held scheduled. The crash occurred on May 17 after Drew went to the house of Ashleigh Best, a 35-year-old mother of two, prosecutors said. Best had fallen behind on title loan payments. Best’s husband, Brennen, stepped between Drew’s tow truck and the SUV, and the two men argued until Drew agreed to leave the SUV alone to allow the couple time to make a payment and return with proof, charging documents show. A short time later, Best got in her SUV and drove away. Her husband told police he had instructed her to drive the SUV to her mother’s house. Drew later told police he was angry about the deception and sped after her in his tow truck with his girlfriend in the passenger’s seat. A neighbor’s security camera shows Drew trying to force Best against a curb as both cars accelerated. Later in the chase, prosecutors say Drew drove alongside Best’s SUV, grinding his rear right tire into her
door. Going faster than 50 mph, Best jumped a curb and smashed into a tree. She died a short time later. Drew told investigators he was just following Best to keep an eye on the SUV, charging documents show. Investigators say evidence, including pictures and GPS data from the tow truck, shows Drew’s story doesn’t match what happened. Source: abcnews.go.com.
Montreal Bans Three Companies The city of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, has banned three tow truck companies from bidding on city contracts for five years after an inspector general’s investigation found they had colluded to win city bids for towing services during snow clearing operations. Under the first use of the city’s new contract management policy adopted in August, Remorquage TAZ Inc. and its president Jean-Marc Lelièvre, Remorquage Mobile and its president Réal Tourigny and Auto
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Cam 2000 and president Steve Lenfesty are on the city’s “black list of suppliers,” barred from any bids on contracts or carrying out any sub-contracts for five years, said Lionel Perez, city executive committee member. “This sends a strong signal to all suppliers for the city that this administration has a zero-tolerance policy,” he said. The inspector general’s office, responsible for investigating municipal contracts for signs of corruption or wrongdoing, found the three companies had been colluding with each other, discussing which contracts they would bid on and at what price, which neighborhoods they wanted to work in, and which contracts they were not interested in. Three contracts underway by Remorquages TAZ were ordered suspended by the inspector general. In the case of the other two operators, the contracts investigated had already finished. The collusion led to pricing high above industry standards in some cases, the investigation found. The inspector general’s report was
Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!
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studied by the city’s standing committee on the inspector general’s office and approved. Among the troubling findings of the report was the fact the owners shared information with investigators freely, treating much of their actions as standard operating procedure in their industry. Not bidding on contracts in someone else’s territory was a sign of “mutual respect,” operators said. “It is obvious the entrepreneurs did not understand yet what is involved in collusion, despite the fact several reports have been published by the inspector general on the subject,” the report reads. Source: montrealgazette.com.
$3M for Tow Injury A jury has decided the city of Buffalo, N.Y., should pay $3 million to a woman who suffered serious spinal injuries when a police department tow truck ran a traffic light and triggered a crash downtown. Brigette Brzezniak, of Cheektowaga, was 24 at the time and a passenger in a Ford Escape when it collided with the tow truck in 2013, according to her lawyer, Michael Scinta. The city’s Law Department has filed a notice that it intends to appeal. But the jury’s verdict for pain and suffering could presage a second financial blow to City Hall from the same accident. Brzezniak’s twin sister, Kristen, was driving the Escape, and she also injured her spine. She has her own lawsuit, which is scheduled to go to trial in State Supreme Court in 2017, Scinta said. The autos crashed as tow truck driver Vincent J. Sorrentino, 27 at the time, returned to the city’s police garage for his lunch break on April 22, 2013. Driving along Seneca Street, Sorrentino failed to stop at a blinking red light at Michigan Avenue, according to the written explanation he gave his employer. The Brzezniak vehicle, traveling north on Michigan near the Buffalo TransportationPierce Arrow Museum, slammed into the truck’s passenger side. WEST 88 • December 2016 - TOWMAN.COM