TOW PROFESSIONAL
CONTENTS
January/February 2012
www.towprofessional.com
SAFETY 12 | The ERG: Know What You’re Dealing With!
TOWING SOFTWARE 14 | Towing Management Software 18 | Dispatch Productivity
TOW EQUIPMENT 20 | It’s in the Bag...
Online
22 | Now You See It... Now You Don’t...
24 | How Low Can YOU Go?
IN EVERY ISSUE
Industry NEWS
4 | Publisher Letter
6 | NRC Industries Inc.
28 |
6 | Isuzu Trucks
HOOKED UP
7 | How2Media announces that Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing will be part of its “World’s Greatest!...”
8 | Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing
Announces
Shelly Schultz to VP
8 | B/A Products Open House 9 | Cross Country Automotive Services and ATX Group Combine To Form Agero Cover Image Courtesy of Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing
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Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
26 | Going Wireless
P U B L I S H E R S
LETTER
TM
Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
January/February 2012
www.towprofessional.com
PUBLISHERS Darian Weaver President & Co-Publisher
I
will start by saying, Happy New Year, to our new audience of readers and the towing community that has welcomed us to the market. This is our premier/launch issue of Tow Professional Magazine. This publication will come to you bi-monthly with coverage of products and services for the Towing & Recovery Industry.
Tow Professional began as a conversation between best-friends Jack Hartsfield and myself.
darian@towprofessional.com
Jack Hartsfield Vice President & Co-Publisher jack@towprofessional.com __________________________
After an in-depth study of the market, it became clear that companies needed professional help in a business to business style format. With 34 years of shared publishing experience, Jack and
PRODUCTION
myself set out to design a true product and service driven publication, to give companies large
Clint W. Cabiness Art Director
and small a voice in the market. We were aware of quality publications already established in this specific market; however, we saw the need for a publication that would be specifically focused on the latest products and
Hal K. Huber Graphic Designer
services in the industry. A resource for towing & recovery, manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and repossessors, motor clubs, police and municipal government. We recognize that many of us are in nominally separate fields such as: publishing, marketing, sales, and manufacturing; however, we are all working on the same problem from slightly different angles. Our vocabularies and immediate aims may be different, but at the core, we’re all concerned with our presentation, creativity, care of content, and, most importantly, the concerns of what serves our clients and readers most effectively. Our goal is to help educate our readers about the features and benefits of the products and services offered in this market. This, in turn, gives our towing professionals the valuable tools to
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Anderson Jessica Barone Tom Bray Mike Farrell Jeffrey Godwin Cal Vazquez Brandon Vazquez
make informed buying decisions when selecting vendors. Our first issue is a look at what manufacturers of the industry are bringing to the forefront of
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the market in 2012 with towing software, towing equipment, and a look at safety. I would like to thank the dealers, distributors, and manufacturers for such a warm welcome to the market. We appreciate our editors working hard through Thanksgiving and Christmas to provide our readers with quality content. And above all, we trust our readers will enjoy the new publication, and over time see they can rely on Tow Professional to acquire the information to make educated purchasing decisions. Enjoy,
Darian Weaver and Jack Hartsfield
For a new free subscription, address changes or corrections, please visit www.towprofessional.com and click on the “subscribe” tab.
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Executive and Advertising Offices P.O. Box 26308 Birmingham, AL 35260 Toll free: 888-802-8544 Fax: 205-987-1550 www.towprofessional.com Tow Professional is published seven times a year on a bimonthly basis by Over The Mountain Media, Inc., P.O. Box 26308, Birmingham, Alabama, 35260, USA. Tow Professional is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. Tow Professional is distributed to qualified Towing & Recovery's Top Decision Makers. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.
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Industry NEWS
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TOWING & RECOVERY
NRC Industries Inc.
>>>
At the Baltimore show this year NRC was displaying a new 80 ton Slider Rotator
The NRC 60/80 SR NRC has upgraded its Flagship “Heavy Incident Manager” by giving it a new streamlined body. The design of their new 6080SR now matches the capabilities of the HIM that was already recognized by the industry as the ultimate Recovery machine. Also available on the 5065CSR, this 6080SR features new laser sensors that allow the computer to know what you can
safely lift depending on your boom & outrigger position. The computer screen installed by the side controls will tell you how much you are picking up compared with what the lifting chart allows you to lift at this position. This is the first time that laser technology has been incorporated into a Recovery vehicle. Extra rigging points on the boom of this new Sliding Rotator from NRC complete the new package.
On the back of this Slider Rotator is the new NRC Drag winch. This modular drag winch assembly consists of a 35000 lbs DP winch that sits in a removable cradle. It is located in the underlift rails and can be used in a variety of positions. This vehicle is owned by Finish Line Towing of Santa Clara, California.
.......................................................... Isuzu Trucks >>>
Whether you’re a small business operator with a single vehicle or you manage an entire fleet, Isuzu trucks will do more with a demonstrated lower cost of operation. Isuzu’s heritage is second to none – in fact, Isuzu has been the #1 selling Low Cab Forward (LCF) truck in America since 1986.
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Isuzu is the only LCF truck company to offer a choice of diesel- or gasoline-powered trucks. Our N-Series gasoline-powered trucks offer GVWR ratings from 12,000-lbs to 14,500-lbs. Our N-Series diesel-powered trucks offer you a choice of our 12,000-lbs GVWR NPR ECO-MAX model that offers up to 20% improved fuel economy vs. competitive models For GVWRs up to 19,500-lbs, there’s our brawny 5.2-liter diesel that has improved for 2011 to deliver more performance, economy and reliability. With our N-Series products Isuzu also gives you a choice: 3-across seating conventional cab or our 7-seat crew cab. We offer wheelbases from 109 to 212 inches – and can accommodate bodies ranging from 10 to 24 feet in length – that means there’s an Isuzu truck for virtually any medium-duty need. Then there’s Reach – our all-new commercial van that provides 35% better fuel
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
economy than traditional walk-in vans, plus adds the convenience of a walk-in/walkthrough design that increases efficiency, which saves you time. We also offer a variety of tools to help you control costs – for example our Total Cost of Ownership calculator demonstrates just how efficient these Isuzu trucks are in the real world. Plus, Isuzu has a nationwide dealer organization with factory-trained technicians and convenient service hours offering an array of service, warranty and parts programs to help you control costs. Isuzu trucks deliver: Performance. Practicality. Dependability. Durability. We would like to demonstrate to you how Isuzu trucks can help drive up your productivity while driving down your cost of ownership. Visit your Isuzu truck dealer to discuss your Isuzu transportation needs. www.isuzucv.com (866) 441-9638
................................................................. How2Media announces that Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing will be part of its “World’s Greatest!...”
>>>
Delray Beach, FL----How2Media, the producers of the television show “World’s Greatest!...”, announced today that they have recently selected Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing to be a part of the popular television series.
“Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing is one of those companies that we like to feature on “World’s Greatest!...”. The originator of the Self Loading Wheel lift, which really moved the towing business away from a manual process; a privately owned, mid-sized company that prides itself on being able to take the customers’ specifications and build a truck body to those specifications, and, all Dynamic Towing Equipment is “Made in the
USA”...no outsourcing of anything. That’s what leaders do, they pioneer, grow, and lead. We think their story will be meaningful to our viewers” said Gordon Freeman, Executive Producer of the show. As part of the show, How2Media will be sending a film crew to spend time at the company’s Norfolk, Virginia facilities, to get the story behind the story on Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing, allowing us to then show the “World’s Greatest!...” viewers
why they were selected as the best in their category, and therefore featured on the show. “World’s Greatest!...” is a thirty minute show dedicated to highlighting the world’s greatest companies, products, places, and people. Each show is a fast paced tour around the world featuring behind the scenes footage, informative interviews, and exciting visuals. How2Media is a 21st Century television Production Company. Their award winning programming can be seen on national cable channels and local network affiliates across the country. For more information on How2Media and show lineup, please visit How2Media.tv
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www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
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Industry NEWS
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TOWING & RECOVERY
Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing Announces Shelly Schultz to VP
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Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing is pleased to announce the promotion of Shelly Schultz to the position of Vice President. Shelly joined Dynamic in April 2011 as its new Business Development Manager.
Shelly began her Dynamic career initially focused on assessing opportunities and generating sales leads. Nevertheless Shelly’s role quickly expanded beyond advertising, sales, and marketing to include accounting, legal matters, quality control, and the management of personnel and operations. The job of Business Development Manager has been incredibly demanding, but Shelly Schultz has stepped up to the challenge time and time again. The title of V.P. more accurately reflects not only Shelly’s actual responsibilities, but also the
incredible talent she brings to the table. Shelly Schultz will play a pivotal role in the continued success of Dynamic both in the U.S. and abroad. Shelly Schultz hails from Macon, Georgia, where she graduated from Wesleyan College with a Bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications. Founded in 1982, Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing is an innovator. Dynamic’s Self Loading Wheel-Lift is the most sought-after technology in the industry. For more information about purchasing Dynamic equipment or becoming a distributor, please call Shelly Schultz at 757-803-4712 or send an email to: shelly@dynamicmfg.com
.......................................................... B/A Products Co. Open House >>>
that we received from all of the people who attended. We hold our open house each year on the Friday of the American Towman Expo. We are looking forward to next year’s open house to be held on Friday November 16, 2012 and as always, all are welcome.
B/A Products Co. started in a modest Hollywood, Florida storefront in 1978, later moving to our current location in Columbia, Maryland in 1984. Offering only a few items at the start, the company quickly grew into a manufacturing powerhouse. Supplying first the Towing Industry and now also the Auto Transport and Fire Rescue Industries, B/A continues to offer innovative products and possesses the unique ability to manufacture custom assemblies built to customer specifications. B/A began opening up its doors for an inside look at our manufacturing facility at our first open house in 2007. We wanted to give people a chance to see how the products that they use everyday are made and to give a hands on look at the product testing that is 8
performed before any item leaves our facility. In addition, we held live demonstrations featuring local towing companies to show those same items in use. The 2007 open house was also the start of our annual charity auction benefitting the Tow Museum and Survivor Fund. That first open house turned out to be such a success that we decided to make in an annual event. With each subsequent year this event has grown bigger and better and this past November was no exception. B/A Products proudly held our 5th annual open house November 18th and not only did we surpass last year’s attendance, but we were able to raise a record $15,000 during our charity auction. We genuinely appreciate the overwhelming support
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
BA Products Company founder Mel Berman and sons in law Fritz Dahlin and Chip Kauffman present a check for $15,000 to Troy Barnett and Bill Gratzianna of the ITRHFM. The money represents the proceeds from products donated by B/A and auctioned off during their 5th annual open house held on Nov 18th, 2011 and attended by over 500 towing and recovery industry members in town for the American Towman Expo. The funds raised will be split 50-50 between the museum and the survivor fund.
................................................................. Cross Country Automotive Services and ATX Group Combine To Form Agero
>>>
New name, brand reflects the creation of leader in roadside assistance, claims management and connected vehicle services Focus will remain on safety, security and innovation that enhances vehicle ownership Service Provider community will remain Cross Country until March 1 MEDFORD, MASS., DEC. 5, 2011 — Cross Country Automotive Services, a leader for nearly four decades in driver assistance programs, and its subsidiary ATX Group, a pioneer in connected vehicle (telematics) services, today announced its new corporate brand name, Agero. For its National Network of Service Providers, the
brand change won’t take effect until March 1, 2012 on which communications will be sent out. All contact info, as well as all administrative processes and billing procedures, will remain the same. Agero (pronounced Ah-JEH-roh, from the Latin word agere: to do, to lead, to drive) combines the heritage and innovation of both companies to create an integrated set of offerings to help auto manufacturers, insurance carriers and aftermarket providers manage the entire vehicle ownership and driving experience. Its services provide drivers with enhanced safety, security, and convenience through roadside assistance, claims management and connected vehicle technology. “Since Cross Country Automotive Service’s acquisition of ATX Group in 2008, our focus has been on integrating our technologies and solutions to provide unique and exciting new benefits to our clients and their customers,” said Michael Saxton, CEO of Agero. “The introduction of the Agero brand
represents the culmination of these efforts while providing a platform to continue to develop safe, smart and driven solutions.” Agero has four decades of experience and nearly 2,500 employees in the U.S., Canada, Germany and France. Its roadside assistance services protect more than 75 million drivers a year in North America through the response and management of in-vehicle and post-emergency safety and security situations. These programs are supported by a best-in-class network of more than 30,000 roadside assistance providers across North America. Agero’s claims management service combines technology, proven operating experience, and its network of service providers to drive significant cost savings and maximize customer satisfaction for the majority of the large insurance carriers in North America. Agero’s connected vehicle services divi-
Agero continued.
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Industry NEWS
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TOWING & RECOVERY
Agero continued. sion has a rich history of innovation and has been one of the pioneers of the in-vehicle telematics industry, starting with the Lincoln RESCU program in 1996. Agero provides private-label connected vehicle services to BMW, Hyundai, Infiniti, Lexus, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Toyota. Agero’s combination of capabilities and advanced technology enables it to provide a market-leading suite of services and a seamless customer service experience. Recently launched services include the following: The Hyundai Blue LinkH program, launched in June 2011, which offers one of the broadest menus of innovative services in the connected vehicle market, including a unique, seamless agent-assisted interactive voice recognition interface for enhanced navigation assistance. The deployment of voice-based advanced automatic collision notification for BMW that utilizes data from in-vehicle crash sensors and customer-provided information to predict the likelihood of severe injury to the ve-
hicle’s occupants, launched in August 2011. The combination of crash notification services with connected vehicle systems which accelerates and enhances vehicle claims processing for auto insurance policyholders, launched in May 2011. The first and largest North American roadside program for electric vehicles, with the August 2011 deployment of mobile, electric vehicle recharging systems. The use of mobile technology at the scene of car accidents to accelerate claims processing and drive enhanced customer satisfaction, launched in 2010. The use of GPS smartphone technology to provide detailed on-time arrival information of service trucks to stranded motorists, launched in 2010. As a combined organization, Agero is poised to continue its growth and innovation, assisting automotive manufacturers, insurance companies and others in making driving and the vehicle ownership experience safe, secure and enjoyable.
About Agero Agero (formerly Cross Country Automotive Services and ATX Group) is the leading provider of roadside assistance, claims management and connected vehicle services for the automotive, insurance and aftermarket industries. Based in Medford, Mass., the company has operations throughout North America and offices in Europe. For more information, visit www.agero.com. Agero is a member of The Cross Country Group of companies (CCG). CCG is a Boston-based organization comprised of operating businesses and investments that specialize in private-label, technology-enabled service programs for global corporate clients.
Con tact: Gary Wallace 800-511-5891 or 972-753-6230 gwallace@agero.com www.agero.com
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www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
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The ERG: Know what you’re
dealing with! By Tom Br ay
he Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) is a resource that is published to assist emergency responders including tow operators when dealing with hazardous materials (hazmat). It is republished roughly every four years to provide users with the most current information.
T
Knowing about the ERG is key during the initial response phase. Along with knowing how to use it, equally important is knowing when to use it!
Anything that carries cargo Tow operators should always inquire, as early in the process as possible, about the cargo being carried in any cargo-carrying vehicle. This allows the driver, in the event of a cargo-related problem, to be aware of what materials could be involved at the beginning of the incident. An “incident� in this context does not mean the crash or breakdown that got the tow truck there initially, it means the operator or someone else at the scene noticing cargo spilling or dripping from the vehicle. If the initial accident or breakdown involved the known release of hazmat, the authorities at the scene should be working with the tow operator as a fellow emergency response resource. The tow operator would also be operating under the incident command structure, so the orders to start moving the vehicle would be coordinated with the other emergency response resources working at the scene by the incident commander. 12
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Isolate and identify If material does start spilling or dripping from the unit being towed, the driver will need to take steps immediately. First, the driver should isolate the immediate area. It may be nothing, but the risk of exposing the driver or the public to toxic or dangerous chemicals is too great to not take immediate precautions. Next steps for the driver are to identify the materials involved, determine the hazards associated with the materials, and
SAFE+Y
take appropriate actions. This is where the ERG comes into play. The information in the ERG is intended to assist first responders by providing them an easy-to-use reference that will keep them and the public safe during the initial phase of an incident. Included in the ERG is information about: • Potential Hazards, including fire and explosion hazards, and health hazards. • Public Safety considerations, including immediate isolation instructions and distances (if applicable), necessary protective clothing, and immediate evacuation distances (if applicable). • Emergency Response information, including what to do if the material is burning, how to deal with a spill or leak, and first aid for anyone that has been exposed to the material.
Using the ERG Because of its design, using the ERG is fairly easy ― provided the driver knows some basic information about the material involved. To use the ERG, it is best if the driver knows the name and/or four digit identification number for the material. If this is not available, the class of placard that is on the vehicle (or should have been on the vehicle) can be used. With any of the above information, the driver can locate the necessary information in the ERG. When it comes to the name or identification number for the material, where would the tow operator get such information? It is available through the driver, on paperwork that is supposed to be in the cab of the vehicle. If the driver was driving, it should be visible and within the driver’s reach. If the driver was not with the vehicle, it should be on the driver’s seat or in a pouch on the driver’s door. Another potential contact is the carrier operating the vehicle (the name of the carrier should be on the door). The carrier and driver may not know what the specific material is, but they will know where they picked it up and the shipper will know what it is. Placards are the diamond-shaped warning signs that are on the sides of a vehicle transporting either: • Certain hazardous materials (the really dangerous materials require placarding in any amount), or • A large quantity of other hazardous materials (the other hazardous materials must be placarded if the vehicle contains more than 1,000 pounds of hazardous materials).
There are several exceptions to the placarding regulations, so they cannot be relied on as a “foolproof” method of determining if a cargo-carrying vehicle contains a dangerous cargo. The shipping documentation and the driver are far more reliable. This goes back to the comment above about finding out about the cargo in the case of any cargo-carrying vehicle. Once the tow operator has identified the material involved, the next step is using the ERG. Knowledge about the material will be used to locate the correct “guide.” The guides are the pages that provide the information discussed above. If the placard is known, use the “Table of Placards and Initial Response,” which is on pages 16 and 17 in the white-bordered pages in the 2008 ERG, to locate the appropriate guide. If the four-digit identification number for the material is known, you would locate the guide using the yellow-bordered pages. If only the name of the material is known (make sure the spelling is right!), you would use the blue-bordered pages to locate the correct guide.
The ERG only provides “step one” in a chain of steps! One key point about the ERG is that it is intended to only provide initial response information. The information necessary for the long-term handling of the incident is normally not found in the ERG. This includes information on how to safely contain and clean up the incident and how to dispose of contaminated materials. Other emergency responders, such as the “hazmat team,” are the ones that have access to that information.
Learn about the ERG before something goes wrong While the ERG is fairly easy to use, ideally you do not want a tow operator you have just sent to a scene where something is dripping out of the back of the vehicle to be completely unfamiliar with the ERG. Knowing in advance what the cargo is, how to use the ERG, and what the tow operator can do are critical to effectively responding during an emergency incident. TOW
www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
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Towing Management
Software By J ef f r ey G odw in
Have you ever found a product that you thought you could get from anywhere and it would be the same? That’s called a commodity. To the untrained eye, anything from raisin bran to towing can be considered a commodity but looking more closely reveals differences in each offering. Granted, all raisin bran should be made up of bran flakes and raisins. But, the real question is “do you want two full scoops of fresh, plump raisins?” If so, then there is a brand on the market that has spent millions of dollars to let you know they offer two scoops. With towing services, you hope your potential customers know what makes you better for them. Maybe you are closer, faster, cheaper (I hope this is not your primary selling point but it is often true of towing and raisin bran), have newer equipment, trained operators, special contract relationships, or some other factor that differentiates you from your competition. In both scenarios, there are commonalities as well. Many outside of our industry look at towing as purely a commodity. The same is true for many of those in our industry when it comes to software offerings. In this article, I want to highlight the basics of what is available in the industry. 14
Call Taking All towing software packages are likely to have a call entry and management screen organized in some user friendly manner to track the basics about a call. Standard information would be to track the service being performed, information about the vehicle being serviced, location, destination where applicable, and customer information so you know who is paying. As you look at the various
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systems, it is important to determine if the many things you do in your business are available in the program. For instance, you may need a special field for a number other than your tow ticket number or maybe you have customers like police departments with specific record keeping requirements. It is important that you are comfortable that the things you do every day can be handled by a prospective software application.
TOWING SOFTWARE
Dispatch If you use software for live dispatch (and you should), the dispatch screen is very important. If you do not dispatch yourself, be sure your dispatcher looks at the various software options. Though dispatching may seem simple, there are many ways to go about it and the one that will be best for you is the one that is best for your dispatcher. Most of the towing dispatch systems also have some sort of mapping interface to allow the dispatcher to determine distance on tows or even the route between two points. Some even allow the user to bring up a map that shows where the job is located, where it is going or both with a breadcrumb-style path demonstrating a possible route, and offer mileage between the two points. Dispatch is the nerve center of any successful towing business and a good dispatcher with good software can make a significant difference in your top and bottom lines.
Customers The system should track information about your customers. This can be anything from a simple customer list to an elaborate setup that allows you to provide specialized notes to dispatchers or towing operators during calls. Many systems allow you to set defaults for customers so information does not have to be typed in each time a call is taken. Whether it is the vehicle color defaulting to brown on UPS calls or a destination defaulting to your impound yard for police calls, there are many ways the various systems address default values. A good customer area in the system will save you time and money as you provide better customer service.
Trucks The trucks area of a system should track the
assets so they can be assigned to calls. This allows you to report on what value they are adding to your business. Truck tracking can be as simple as a truck number or it may add status information or driver assignment. Truck data can also include a way to track your maintenance activity though that is not necessarily a function of towing software.
Pricing Systems for the towing industry vary widely in the area of pricing. For some, pricing is simply a grid where any values can be input and then saved. Others offer consistency to customers by setting pricing in customer profiles. There can be pricing plans where a customer is assigned to a specific set of rates or even specific rates for every customer. Companies have many variations of pricing depending on who the customer is and when or where a service is completed. Making sure the system you are purchasing can manage these things for you will assist you in training your staff and make sure you are remaining in compliance when necessary.
Payments, Paperwork, and Accounting Towing software can often be your accounts receivable billing system or it can interface to a real accounting package such as QuickBooks. In some cases, these packages can do
both. Getting to the point of billing and accounting is all about accuracy in the system. A good way to manage this is to receive in all of the paperwork from your drivers and then to verify that their paperwork and received payments match what is shown in the system. Once any discrepancies are addressed, these can then be transferred to an accounting package or you can handle all of your billing and payment application in the towing system if that feature is offered. Either way, there is information that is validated to bill to customers and to reconcile cash payments received. Tracking the paperwork from your drivers is also a good way to further manage your tow tickets.
Inventory If you store vehicles and need to track inventory, towing software packages are made to assist in this process. Whether you need to know what is on a particular lot or you need to find a specific car, these systems are invaluable. You can assign vehicles to lots on intake and begin charging fees based on various agency and other customer profiles. The systems should manage re-tows as well as track all access granted to impounded vehicles. Systems should allow call takers to locate vehicles in storage, quote prices when consumers call about release options, and track releases including who the vehicle was released to and when.
Lien and Auction There are as many ways to handle lien processing as there are software solutions, if not more. Some systems leave it to you to do this work manually or simply generate a letter for you. Others generate every letter that is needed in the process, tell you when steps are needed, and then do the bulk of the work for you so all you have to do is fold, stuff, and mail.
www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
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Towing Management
Software Trying to make sure you train your staff correctly for this activity and keep them current on the specific requirements of your state, county, and city is a never ending task that can be managed by a software application. Lien systems in the towing industry also often tie to an auction module that allows you to build auctions and auction lists as well as to manage bidders, the sale of vehicles, and even the
generation of paperwork after the sale.
Reports Reports are the lifeblood of any good system and should include standard things such as driver and truck productivity to determine who is doing the most work for you as well as customer reports to determine when a customer’s business picks up or drops off. Reports tell you where your call volume is coming from and what services are being purchased. Reports can allow you to view commissions, taxes, inventories, cancelled calls, and more. Reports also encompass specialized forms such as printed receipts, police department required report formats, and more. Be sure the company where you buy software can provide you with customized reports at a reasonable price. Also keep in mind that some systems will allow you to track your work live and to determine where you are in your business at any given point in the day. A good graphical report can also help you make timely decisions and help you to improve your bottom line.
Interfaces There are a variety of interfaces in the towing software arena. For regular customers, you may have a web interface that allows the customer to enter their own tow and service requests or to check the status of an existing request. For a motor club customer, you may have the ability to accept calls and bill electronically. For police agencies, you may have a tool that allows the agency to look at their inventory online through a simple login. There are tools that can even allow police agencies to manage multiple service provider relationships, dispatch directly to your dispatch screen, or add and remove holds. All in all, the ability to receive calls electronically or to have police department connectivity will help to save you time and further strengthen the relationships you have with your customers.
Multiple Operating Entities Whether you operate two parts of the same 16
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TOWING SOFTWARE business, have multiple locations with different financials, or even have different operating names and locations, be sure the system you select allows you to merge these entities when needed and to separate them when required as well. Whether it is the ability to dispatch all of your entities together at night or the ability to run separate sales reports for varying business segments, your company structure needs to be supported by the system you select. There is no value in purchasing a system that only handles part of your business.
Selecting A System Whether you are on a system now, or are in the market for one, you should take the time to see how your selections measure up and then select the best solution for your company. TOW
over the past 19 years. He currently serves as Vice President of towXchange, Inc. and runs the day-to-day operations of the company’s FTI Groups unit which operates towPartners and several other businesses. Mr. Godwin can be reached at jgodwin@ftigroups.com.
Jeffrey Godwin has been involved in the towing business in a variety of capacities
Other Features There are many other features that are typically common among software providers in our industry and you should look for these when making a decision. The ability to decode VINs to fill in make and model information or to alert you when the VIN is incorrect is important. Systems should allow you to store images in order to track condition of vehicles before towing or other service as well as for parking violation documentation. Most quality systems also allow you to customize your screens. Whether one dispatcher likes something on the left and another on the right no longer matters.
Price of Systems I could say a lot about the price of systems but the simplest way to deal with this issue is two parts. One, you get what you pay for is often true so don’t go cheap unless you are sure it is everything you need for your business. You wouldn’t buy a 20 year old, worn out light duty truck would you? Two, evaluate the value. Are you getting software that will grow and continue to evolve with your business? Is support included? Is it a monthly fee or a onetime expense? If you are buying software, be sure it is everything you need for a long time to come and that there is a reason for the provider to always support you. If you plan to grow your business or want to keep up with industry or legal changes, go with a company that makes on-going service a part of the offering. www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
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TOWING SOFTWARE
Dispatch Productivity O
N
L
I
N
E
By J e ss ica Bar on e eacon Software Company, a pioneer in
B
towing industry technology, is the product of a successful partnership between Todd Althouse, the Managing Partner of
Beacon Software Company, and Rudy Smith Service, Inc., a third generation towing company founded in 1920, and thought to be one of the oldest in the United States. The company was incorporated in December 2000 with a mission to marry technology and experience in order to offer service-related products to the towing industry. Althouse has an extensive history in transportation software development. He completed a bachelor’s degree at Ohio University in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a minor in Computer Science while supporting himself by working for the Ohio Department of Transportation, and later, for himself. While still at OU, Althouse formed Althouse Consulting Company, and shortly after graduation he co-founded Advanced Data Technologies to develop software for City and State Departments of Transportation. By the time Althouse founded Beacon Software Company at age 32, he had 16 years of experience behind him working for himself, Alcoa, and others. Althouse stepped out on his own with the help of Rudy Smith Service, which provided both venture capital money and towing industry knowledge to the new company. Beacon Software spent its first three years on research and development before finally marketing its first product in 2004. Beacon’s first commercial release was a product called Dispatch Anywhere. Dispatch Anywhere is a dispatching program designed to dispatch more calls using fewer dispatchers. It also offers service providers tools for accounting, impound management, report generation, administration, mapping, and the flexibility to run multiple companies or divisions from anywhere in the world. Additionally, Dispatch Anywhere is intended to adapt to the current needs of the service provider. Customers pay only for what they use. In 2009 automated motor club invoicing was also 18
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
added to Dispatch Anywhere so that companies would no longer risk forgetting to bill a motor club. Shortly after the release of Dispatch Anywhere, a new program called TowMagic was made available by Beacon. TowMagic is an online dispatching assistant that allows towers and roadside assistance companies to receive motor club jobs electronically over the Internet directly to a desktop computer, smart phone, or other mobile device. The service provider can then accept the job electronically. With this new product, Beacon was able to capture four of the twelve motor clubs as customers. The benefits to the towing industry are obvious. TowMagic reduces call times from road club dispatchers by approximately five minutes per call. TowMagic saves both time and money for its customers in the form of increased employee productivity and less money spent on telephone services. In 2009, Beacon Software also solved the problem of inputting information that is received by fax/email by electronically scanning the fax/email, entering it into Dispatch Anywhere, and sending the call out just like a digital call. It is now able to service all towers in the same way through TowMagic. Towers receive all motor club information in a consistent, predictable manner. TowMagic can be used either as a stand-alone product, or in conjunction with Dispatch Anywhere. Beacon now supports twelve clubs through digital dispatch, faxes, and email. Today, calls processed through TowMagic and Dispatch Anywhere, including all elec-
tronic calls, total more than four million annually. Dispatch Anywhere is one of the first towing industry products to adopt cloud technology. Previous business models had businesses purchasing software and installing it on its own computer systems. All of the data would then be kept on its own servers. Dispatch Anywhere allows the customer to pay a monthly fee to use the software, service, and training while storing all of the information on secure servers located in Cleveland, Ohio. The importance of the cloud technology was never more evident than on August 29, 2005 when hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. Beacon’s new software was put to the test as its partner, Rudy Smith Service, Inc. moved all of its trucks and computers out of New Orleans in advance of the hurricane. As soon as trucks could safely return to New Orleans, Rudy Smith Service was able to run its business via the Internet from other cities around Louisiana because all of its information was safely stored in Cleveland. When cell phone service was disrupted in Louisiana, Althouse even pitched in by dispatching trucks from his home in North Royalton, Ohio via text. With the help of Dispatch Anywhere, he was able to see the trucks in real time and provide them with directions on a turn by turn basis. Less than 24 hours after the levees broke, Rudy Smith Service was up and running. Hurricane Katrina created the need for the largest towing and recovery job ever attempted in the United States. Working with the state of Louisiana, Beacon and Rudy Smith Service created a plan of attack for dealing with damaged boats, cars, and even a few planes that needed to be collected. With Beacon handling the software side of things and Rudy Smith Service heading up the towing management side of it, a system was put into place whereby the highway patrol would mark damaged vehicles and enter them into a database. Software was developed that would retrieve the list of vehicles and populate the dispatch program with them. Vehicles were then towed to huge lots, and the information was linked back to the server when each vehicle came in. Every night the system was updated in real time and the state would be notified of which vehicles were collected. The towing companies collected 15,000 vehicles over a period of months. Beacon Software was formed to build Internet dispatching software, but through Dispatch Anywhere and other software programs
Beacon has been able to offer more automation for the towing industry than had ever been imagined. Althouse comments, “Dispatch management software should not just track calls, but automate the entire process.” Beacon has succeeded in automating the industry and saving time and money for the service providers. In addition to Dispatch Anywhere and TowMagic, Beacon Software also created TOWSPEC.com as a way to earn name recognition in the towing industry and to provide a free service for current and future customers. This web site was created from many sources and provides towers with information on tow limits, hook and jacking points, and manufacturer warnings. TOWSPEC.com services thousands of lookups a day. Beacon also provides a variety of other towing and roadside software. Today Beacon Software has grown from four employees in 2006 to nine employees in 2011, and it continues to lead the industry in cutting edge technology. Althouse is looking forward to the future, and the release of new mobile apps that will benefit both large and small towers. Due to a lack of affordability, it has been difficult to provide smaller towing companies with the same technology that larger companies are using. With Beacon Software’s new apps for the iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows 7 Mobile, Althouse says that, “small companies will have all the benefits of the big companies.” All towing companies will now have an affordable option for tracking trucks in real time, sending invoices via fax/email, and receiving calls electronically. By taking everything mobile, all of this can be done on a phone or a tablet with mobile apps. Tow companies will be able to run the entire business from a phone or tablet with mobile apps. Towers will also be able to print receipts from a Bluetooth printer, accept credit card payments, capture signatures, and take photos and link them to their calls for quick retrieval and protection against accusations of damage. Beacon Software Company believes that its customers are the service providers. “We take care of the tower and make sure that what we do will save them money,” says Althouse. Beacon will continue to take care of its customers with the next generation of Dispatch and Management Systems. These systems are completely integrated with the Internet to take advantage of the latest technologies today with an eye to the future. New apps will hit the marketplace by early 2012. Today Beacon Software has over 18,000 users in 30 countries and will continue to serve the industry with dedication for generations to come. TOW www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
19
It’s in the
TOW Equipment
Bag...
Matjack, a family owned corporation, started back 1981 in Indianapolis, Indiana is today one of the largest airbag manufacturing companies in the world. Started from simple beginnings in 1981, literally working out of a garage and selling out of the trunk of a car. Matjack has grown to manufacturing not only the Matjack high pressure bags to a full line of other inflatable industrial products including the Jumbo line of recovery air cushions. Originally started by three men, John Sweezy Sr, William Spencer and Neil Hinkle, with Dick Clark coming on in the second year, Matjack became a small, thriving business and began to spread out across the U.S. as word spread about the superior quality of the Matjack airbags. In 1986, John Sweezy Jr. joined the team to help with technical and management challenges, taking over the spot of CEO in 1989. Soon after the worldwide expansion and acquisition was on and why today Matjack is known as “ Simply the best airbags and cushions available in the world.”
with the touch of a button. Primarily used in low insertion situations with heavy weights needing to be lifted such as, building lifting, rescue, load shifts, heavy recovery and machinery moving to name a few. Matjacks unique construction of four full layers of Aramid Fiber per side used primarily in low duty cycle applications such as rescue or three full layers of woven steel per side,used in rugged, demanding, high duty cycle applications such as building lifting and recovery, both provide for a lifting bag.
Matjack Low Pressure Air Lifting Cushions Matjack low pressure lifting cushions require only 1-3 inches clearance and can lift several tons at the push of a button. Matjack low pressure lifting cushions work best in cantilever or "hinged" style lifts, but can also be used for vertical lifting if rigged correctly so lateral movement of the weight being lifted is restricted. Matjack low pressure cushions work on volume rather that pressure to create the lift, working from 8-10 psi depending on the model.
Jumbo Safelift Aircushion Matjack High Pressure Air Lifting Bags Matjack high pressure air lifting bag require only 1" clearance and can lift several tons 20
Slope top cushion leans into the load, comes with 3 foot extensions hose and industrial twist lock coupling also, has grip surfaces on
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
top and bottom to eliminate sliding. Today, Matjack is still manufacturing and located in Indiana, with distribution to over 80 other countries worldwide and more than 250 dealers. To see a full line of lifting equipment log on to www.matjack.com or call 1-800827-3755 or 1 -800-495-8626 U.S. and Canada. TOW
www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
21
TOW Equipment
Now You See It. . . Now You Don’t. . . By Cal & Br an don Vazqu e z
L
ift and Tow is an American manufactured product serving thousands of towing companies across the world. These units are so versatile and affordable that even the smallest corner gas station can own one and install it in no time. Each unit is American built and tested before it leaves the plant. All units are powder coated for longevity to withstand the elements. With the correct suspension upgrades, these units can be installed on a 3/4 ton truck, although a one ton is recommended. One of the best features of these units is that they are installed under the truck with nothing bolted in the bed. This allows you to use your truck for hauling loads or even going to church on Sunday mornings with your family. Lift and Tow has been manufacturing wheel lifts for 14 years using the latest technology and materials available. Presently there are three models available:
22
1) 3-Series- a complete inexpensive unit for the shop that needs to tow that occasional vehicle back to the shop for repairs. This unit has the Power Up/Down boom with manual sliding In/out with “L” arms and shoe stops. Mounting hardware and straps included. 2) 5- Series- developed for the towing company or shop that retrieves vehicles daily or the Used Car Dealer who purchases several vehicles a week. This unit features Power Up/Down boom with the Power sliding In/Out feature with “L” arms and shoe stops. Mounting hardware and straps included. 3) Z-Series- A complete state of the art design featuring the ability to retrieve a vehicle without ever stepping out of the truck! This unit is fitted with hydraulic arms which open inside of the wheels for unobstructed retrieval every time. No problems with curbs or how close the vehicle is to a building. This unit also features a wireless remote control
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
with a distance of approx 300 feet. This is the “Repo Mans” dream. The hidden wheel lift package. Our company is consistently thriving for perfection, affordability, sustainability, and profitable products to be the best in the field. We at Lift and Tow are continuously developing new products that cut operational time, increase quality, and decrease cost for our customers who have made our company what it is today. “We've come a long way” says the owner, Cal, “but we never stop researching better ways to improve our line of products.” Keep your eyes open for new state of the art products with the latest design features and style. TOW
www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
23
TOW Equipment
How Low Can
YOU Go? By Mike Far r ell
etroit Wrecker Sales on 19630 Fitzpatrick St. in Detroit is expanding when lots of other business are closing. With over 20 years of experience in all areas of towing, from D.O.T. inspections to repairs Detroit Wrecker has gained a reputation for having a the largest selection of parts and qualified experienced technicians to install them. Everyone in our building has years of experience working in the towing industry and they have a full understanding of your needs.
D
The Detroit Wrecker Low Loader comes standard with: • Installation while Painted Black • 19' L 96" W - Steel Deck Ramsey 8000lb Worm Gear Winch with 75' Cable • Dual Lighted Controls Stations • 3.5 Degree Load Angle & 40 degree Dump Angle • 8" on Center for Cross Members on Deck • 3/16" Smooth Steel Deck w/ 3/8" Tail Plate • LED Whelen Justice Light Bar • LED Light Package on Equipment • Tow Lights w/ Cord • PTO w/ Pump for Manual Transmission (Automatic & Clutch • Pump are optional) • V-Chain • J-Hooks 6' Grade 70 - Pair • Ratchets & Straps for Wheel Lift • 1 Tool Box 36" - Stainless Steel Door • One Piece Control Handles - 1 Rod for each Function, eliminating excessive Linkage & Hardware • Superior Bed Wear Pad System - Wear Pads are re-usable (They only wear on one side, they can be flipped over & used again)
• Winch Hose Pulley System - LL uses the same hose system that a Hi-lo has used for hydraulic hoses for years. Tried and true. • Stationary Header Rack w/ Internal Oil Tank Detroit Wrecker Sales is large enough to make a quality product, and still small enough to give personal attention to each customer!
24
Detroit Wrecker builds their Low Loader
cles. The ease of pad changing will make it
Flat Bed with knowledge gained from repair-
less likely that you’ll skip this important step
ing all kinds of other loaders in their 10,000
and ruin your rails. All pump winch hoses are
square foot dedicated repair center. Repair-
designed to be easily accessed when it
ing other systems helped Detroit Wrecker
comes time to replace them. The Light Bar
sales identify the the major issues that arise
Pylon is stationary and contains the hydraulic
when operating your tow truck on a daily
tank. You can always add oil to the tank no
basis. One of the first problem areas they
matter where the bed is positioned. There’s
identified is the control system. Detroit
also more room on the bed without the light
Wrecker’s Low Loader Flat Bed features a
bar on there. Another feature of the Detroit
well thought out control system with the one
Wrecker Low Loader is that the bed doesn’t
rod for each control so that they have the
need Bed Locks, the bed is always locked
least amount of moving parts possible to
with the Detroit Wrecker design. With a com-
limit maintenance issues. There are opera-
plete list of standard features, and the well
tors that have running our original controls
thoughout bed design. The bed comes in 17,
without problems for 20 years. The second
18 and 19 foot sizes. The Detroit Wrecker
area of maintenance are the bed pads. De-
low loader bed will serve you well and make
troit Wrecker’s Low Loader Flat Bed features
you money. Go to www.detroitwrecker.com
pads that can be changed without removing
to see over 140 videos on all the products
the bed. The pads are on the side of the rails
and inventory Detroit Wrecker Sales has
and will last for about 10,000 cycles and can
ready to keep your trucks on the road or call
be flipped over to get another 10,000 cy-
them at 877-869-0030.
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
TOW
www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
25
TOW Equipment
By Ch r is An de r s on
It is no secret that continual advances in the field of electronics have permeated every industry from space exploration to agriculture over the past few decades reshaping the
Going
Wireless
way we live in and interact with the world on a broad basis. The
On a cold dreary night in 1985, Bryan An-
towing industry is no exception to
derson, founder of TowMate, was out on a call
this phenomenon. In fact, modern
and decided that there had to be a better way
day trucks are built more and
to run tail lights to the rear of his vehicle in tow
more as a balance between brute
than hassling with the cold and stiff cord of his
force and electrical elegance. The
current lights. After performing his research,
same concept extends to a tow-
engineering, and prototyping, he developed
ers’ toolbox where there is more
and released the worlds’ first wireless tow
to be found than iron and steel
light assembly to the market. This marked the
cept behind them remains the same today.
these days. So, what has
dawn of the wireless age within the towing in-
Less hassle, along with less time on the job,
dustry and has inspired everything from spin-
equals greater profitability. Additionally, there
offs to other wireless devices such as wireless
is reduced liability due to the fact that there
remote controls for wheel lifts, truck beds, and
are no wires to scratch up a clients’ vehicle.
winches.
The greatest concern when weighing the op-
changed and why you ask?
Wireless tow lights have come a long way
26
tion of wireless lighting does not seem to be
in terms of aesthetic design, functionality, and
the original purchase price of the units as
usefulness in this ever changing work environ-
much as it is the cost of replacing them when
ment that is towing. However, the driving con-
they are left behind. Fear not, however, there
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
are now systems available to remind you if you leave the wireless tow light behind. One version even features a screen that shows how much battery remains in the light and that the unit is working properly. Talk about advanced! You can now monitor the status of your tow light more closely than you can monitor what your teenager is doing out past 10 o’clock on a Saturday night. There are several new features of wireless tow lights that increase safety on the job as well. For instance, some manufacturers have gone so far as to integrate high intensity LED’s into many of their products, or add functions like a quick “strobe burst” when the brakes are applied in order to increase visibility, at no additional cost. It is steps like these that demonstrate a genuine concern for the safety of wrecker operators and the general population alike. A number of wireless tow lights even feature traffic arrow and strobe functions, allowing a driver to utilize the light to direct traffic aside while safely hooking up the vehicle to be towed. With distributors of wireless tow lights located in most metropolitan areas, and some rural, they are more widely available than ever before. A number of online and catalog retailers carry them as well. Naturally, there is a wealth of information to be found online regarding what light system is best for you and what other towers have to say about them too. Due to numerous factors relating to safety, advanced new features, and lower pricing than ever before on entry level units, now is the time to buy a wireless tow light system and live to be completely satisfied with it.
TOW
www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
27
TM
Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
HOOKEDUP
Tiger Tool 10102 – Heavy Duty U Joint Puller
Engineered for use with up to a 1-inch impact wrench, this tool provides the ultimate “brute strength” to disassemble the most severely seized driveshaft yokes. When it’s time to disassemble one that’s seized, it requires up to 25,000 lbs of force. You don’t want to be without this heavy-duty one-piece tool! For further information contact Tiger Tool, 1-800661-4661 or visit www.tigertool.com.
BigEasy Lock Out Kit for Professionals • Security Access to Unlock Cars for Emergencies in seconds without damaging cars. Tow Drivers unlock cars in seconds without damaging car doors by using Steck Manufacturing’s BigEasy Lockout Tool. Over the last 10 years this one tool has become the tool of choice for tow truck drivers. It is simple to use by first inserting the Easy Wedge into the top of the door to allow enough room to then insert the BigEasy tool to press or hook the door lock from inside the window rather than using the door panel. The ease of the BigEasy to open doors from the inside the window reduces liability issues with traditional lockout tools which have the potential to disable wiring systems inside the door panel. Kits are available at most truck and parts supply dealers as well as from local tool supply jobbers. Further information check our website for a complete listing of all our products www.steckmfg.com and videos or by contacting Steck Manufacturing at Sales@steckmfg.com or calling 1-800227-8325.
Synthetic Rope … a safer and better way to recover a vehicle
Traveling Speed Chock helps prevent roll-off disasters!
No recoil, no frayed wires
Safety during loading and unloading
Synthetic rope weighs less than steel rope but still has excellent strength for the toughest recovery jobs. This smooth rope reduces the chance of cuts or injuries to your hands and won’t get damaged from “birds nesting.” No-memory construction means no kinks or flat spots. Each brightly colored rope floats and can be seen easily during water recoveries. USA made. For more information www.awdirect.com or call 800-243-3194
Not only does this speed chock keep vehicles from rolling off your car carrier’s deck during loading and unloading jobs, but it potentially saves lives in the event of a winch or wire failure. It adjusts to fit most passenger vehicles and has a siped rubber chock for a better hold. Lightweight design makes it easy to set up from either the passenger or driver side. USA made. For more information www.awdirect.com or call 800243-3194 28
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
PRODU CT SPO TLIGHT STECK 4th Wheel Loader Steck Manufacturing Company has released another winning tool: Ability for Tow Truck drivers to safely load and secure a vehicle with broken ball joints, lost wheels, locked wheels or brakes, collision damage and control arm failures on their roll back wreckers. Also will allow mechanics and body technicians to steer the vehicle into the shop and guide it to lifts or frame racks for repair. 4th Wheel Loader is a tough 24” x 14” hardened aluminum fabricated platform with two 4” x 10” Polypropylene roller wheels, six 5/8” holes for mini-J hooks for loading assistance and 1” axles which provides a safe platform to easily hold and secure up to 5 tons while loading a vehicle with broken ball joints and/or a damaged wheel/tire on a roll back. For wheel failures like locked brakes or broken wheels simply lift the damaged vehicle and place the wheel in the large 10” x10” recessed pocket of the 4th Wheel Loader and chain the wheel assembly with our Load Binder with a t end to the locking slots on the Loader platform. Each 4th Wheel Loader comes with a 6’ x 3/16” chain, hand adjustable screw type Load Binder and 3/8” extension nut that will easily connect to the chain and Loader base unit by hand or wrench to secure the load and
pull the car up on the roll back or allow the technician to steer the damaged vehicle into the shop. The Loader is 4” high (without shim blocks) with a built in 6” X 1 ¼” handle which will allow you to store the 25 lb. Loader behind your seat or tool box. 4th Wheel Loader comes one 10” x 10” x 3” and one 10” x 10” x 1 1/2” Polypropylene interlocking shim blocks, which fit into the recessed Loader pocket. The shims allow the driver to raise the vehicle with busted ball joints, lost wheels and severely bent axles and place it at a desired height for secure loading on the roll back. Simply insert the desired shim(s) in the pocket then lift the damaged vehicle and place the rotor, solid axle or control arm to the desired level on the shim block(s) placed in the 4th Wheel Loader pocket and chain to the locking slots on the Loader platform. Note: Shim design also has a 3” slot cutout to allow the lower control arm to nestle securely on the shim. This timesaver sells for a mere $395.00. Check out the "4th Wheel Loader" on Steck's web page at www.steckmfg.com Check it out with smart phones and computers on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SteckMfg#p/u.
www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
29
TM
Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
HOOKEDUP
B/A Synthetic Winch Lines
• Lightweight • Durable • Safer to Handle than Wire Rope • Color Coded by Size B/A - Always Bringing You The “Best Available” Products. For more information www.baprod.com or call (800) 327-3301
30
B/A Twist Lock™ Latch Hooks
B/A Products has introduced a new line of grab hooks with a heavy duty Twist Lock™ latch. Once locked into place they won’t budge until you are ready to move them! This patented locking hook is a must have for anyone looking for a safer and more economical alternative to the standard offerings. For more information www.baprod.com or call (800) 3273301
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com
B/A Snatch Blocks From Yoke B/A Products has introduced a new line of Snatch Blocks from Yoke. • Made from High Quality Tensile Steel • 100% Magnaflux Tested • Come Standard with Safety Latch and Pin • Have Bronze Bushings and Grease Fittings for Ease of Use and Extended Sheave Life Truly a Superior Item For more information www.baprod.com or call (800) 3273301
PRODU CT SPO TLIGHT Bailey’s Scotch & Snatch The Bailey’s Scotch & Snatch is designed to improve stability of light duty trucks during recovery on any surface type. It is a compact design for easy storage; folds to 14.5" x 12.75" x 4.5" with 1 pin making it very easy to use. The Scotch & Snatch has corrosion resistant zinc plating and made in the USA. It allows you to use your truck to its fullest potential, doing more with less. baileystowinginc.com
Bailey’s Snatch Block
Atomic LED Running Light System
The Bailey’s Snatch Block is an all-purpose block that is affordable and made in the USA. The 4” steel sheave is machined to a smooth finish for use with synthetic winch lines and cable up to 7/16”. A self-lubricating bronze bushing is pressed into the sheave for maintenance free use. The design of the laser cut side plates allows a variety of rigging options. All steel parts have corrosion resistant zinc plating. • WWL 4.5 Tons, Breaking Strength 41,000 lbs. baileystowinginc.com
Introducing the Atomic LED Running Light System. The first factory running light led replacement that not only looks great, but also doubles as a set of strobe lights. Atomic Led Lights where designed from the ground up to replace your dull factory lights (using the same factory plug and holes) and to draw less power from your electrical systemwhile creating a brighter, more visible light. Who wants to drill holes in an expensive truck just to add a strobe bar? Atomic LED running lights take care of this problem by incorporating a custom built led flasher. The result is a clean, factory look with the added safety of a strobelight system. check out our website at atomicled.com for more information about our latest products. (888) 305-1112
www.towprofessional.com | January/February 2012 | Tow Professional
31
TM
Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
ADVERTISER INDEX
Company
pG
Company
pG
Company
pG
800 Rescue 911
23
Collins Dollies
11
NA Bancard
21
Detroit Wrecker
11
Professional Dispatch Services Inc 25
American Safety & Supply
5
Anchor Graphics
32
Dynamic MFG
Atomic Led
27
AW Direct
16
BA Products Baileys Towing Beacon Software
7, 32 31 9
1, IBC
ROI Protective Tape
32
Envirotabs
29
Steck Manufacturing
27
Goodyear Wrecker Sales
25
Tiger Tool
25
Isuzu Commercial Truck
IFC
TOPS
10
Tow Museum
30
Lift and Tow
3
Mat Jack
21
Towmate Western Star
Clean Planet
17
Metro Lifts & Equipment
23
Coker Equipment
31
MFR Express
30
5 BC
............................................................
32
Tow Professional | January/February 2012 | www.towprofessional.com