Tow Professional - Volume: 6 Issue: 2

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TOW PROFESSIONAL Volume 6 • Issue 2 2017

CONTENTS I ND US T RY NEWS

www.towprofessional.com

Feature: Towing Software

6 |American Products 10 | Sunshine State Towing Association 12 | Midwest Regional Tow Show 14| Southern Tow Expo & Beach Bash

40| Beacon

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Fuel 4 thought

Insightful talk

54| Ranger SST

32| Auto Data Direct 34| Omadi 2

TIS

50| TOPS

30| Tracker

48| TIS

22| VTS

18 | Hiring New Employees

44| Towbook

16 | Are you hiring Eagles or Turkeys?

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 | Publisher’s Letter 59 |Dealers Place Tow Professional | Volume 6 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com

63 | Market Place 64 | Ad Index

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PUBLISHER’S

LETTER

TM

Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery

Volume 6 • Issue 2 www.towprofessional.com

PUBLISHER Darian Weaver President & Publisher darian@towprofessional.com

The Trade Show Season is Here Now! Each year as the winter fades, several things start happening: We start getting warmer weather and sunshine, not only starts turning things green, but it also starts turning attitudes brighter. In the south, your car turns yellow from the pine pollen as clouds of it blow through the air, but in the towing industry, a different evolution starts to happen-the trade show season starts!

Coming up this April, it will be time for the Florida Tow Show again. In my opinion, it has been the best trade show in our industry, and it being the first one of the year helps get the season started right. This year after the Florida show, make a point to get to the Southern Tow Expo and Beach Bash in Orange Beach, AL May 4-6 2017. We will be having a huge group of exhibitors, training, business improvement seminars, and several one-of-a-kind events to help everyone unwind. Also, after several hundred requests, we will be doing a beauty contest in the parking lot! There will be prizes in several different categories so bring your trucks and get them shined up and ready to show off. For more information about the show, go to www.southerntowexpo.com In this issue, we are packed with great feedback about the towing software and technology available to help you make your business more efficient and help you make more money. Of course, Dj and Dan will be giving us some insight on the industry and some more “Fuel 4 Thought” on growing your business.

If you happen to be at the Florida show this year, come by and see us at our booth; we always love to meet our readers and hear your feedback. See you soon!

Stay safe and Keep reading,

Tim Smith V.P. Sales tim@towprofessional.com __________________________

PRODUCTION Dana Scott Creative Director dana@towprofessional.com

Gene Eudy Proof Editor gene@towprofessional.com __________________________

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tom Bacon - Towbook Josh Bushnell - Omadi D.J. Harrington Ed Kasman - TIS Fleet Rod McGregor - Beacon Dan Messina John David Mathews - Tracker Jeff Pesnell - TOPS / Budget GPS Nigel Pestell, Sr - VTS Systems Jim Shellhaas - Ranger SST Beth Williams - Auto Data Direct, Inc.

Keep reading and stay safe, __________________________

Timothy A. Smith Vice President Tow Professional Magazine

Executive and Advertising Offices 2007 Old Montgomery Hwy, Suite B Birmingham, AL 35244 Toll free: 888-802-8544 Fax: 205-978-1550 www.towprofessional.com Tow Professional is published nine times a year 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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For a new free subscription, address changes or corrections, please visit www.towprofessional.com and click on the “subscribe” tab.

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I ND US T RY NEWS OW WI IN NG G& &R REEC CO OV VEER RY Y TTO

HTP Organic Oil Encapsulator On Hard Surfaces

On Water Applications • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Oil containment areas Oil storage areas Fuel islands Diesel engines Emergency spill response Field service trucks Any and all types of petroleum spills Airports Machine shops Heavy equipment• Outdoor Containment Areas In Swamps In Stormy Conditions In Canals On Highways Spills on Elevated Surfaces Skim oil on water Lathes Machinery Leaky pumps and motors Leaky compressors Hydraulic equipment Vehicle repair shops

Benefits • • • • • • • • •

This unbelievable new product is all natural, 100% organic, non-toxic, nonabrasive, non-carcinogen and is water repellent. It will transform any petroleum spill into a fluffy dry substance on contact. You will eliminate messy and costly clean up quickly and easily and ... all you need is a broom, that's it!

People friendly ... "HTP" does not contain any toxics which are harmful to humans.

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Reduce Disposal Cost up to 75% 100% Organic Economical Super Absorbent Non-Toxic Non Leaching Non Abrasive Eliminates Waste No Messy Clean-Up

Because of HTP's powerful encapsulation ability, you will also eliminate the fear of a spill spreading or leaching.

"HTP" doesn't stop there. "HTP" will even absorb an oil spill on water!

"HTP" will absorb any type of petroleum spill on waterways, soils, grassy & swampy areas. Keep "HTP" on hand for your contingency planning of smaller and larger spills of petroleum products.

ECONOMICAL: "HTP" has the highest

Tow Professional | Volume 6 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com

absorption rate over conventional absorbents. Just one 2 cubic ft. bag will absorb and encapsulate up to 5 gallons of oil or petroleum based chemicals.

"HTP" is land fillable, can be incinerated and has a high BTU value, leaving only a 3% ash residual.

Doesn't your Operation Deserve to use HTP®? . www.americanproducts1.com

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Sunshine State Towing Association Ultra Heavy Duty Class a Huge Success

With an ongoing commitment to providing quality educational programs for both their members and the entire industry, The Sunshine State Towing Association recently concluded their 4th Ultra Heavy Duty Class in Orlando, Florida. Close to fifty students traveling from 10 different states successfully completed the three-day program conducted by well recognized training instructor Tom Luciano with classroom sessions held at Crouch’s Wrecker Sales and hands-on experience conducted at Johnson’s Wrecker Service. Sean Loscalzo, SSTA President

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remarked “I would like to thank Miller Industries, Crouch’s Wrecker Sales, Santander and MatJack along with all the other sponsors who helped make this program a success. I would also like to recognize all the outstanding dedicated operators who attended to improve their skills and education to help further elevate the safety and professionalism in the towing and recovery industry”. To learn more about future classes or to become a member, visit sstassociation.com. www.sstassociation.com

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2017 Midwest Regional Tow Show

By Donna Brock September 28, 29, 30 & October 1 Get ready!--and help us celebrate our 39th annual trade show! If you’ve never visited our event, then on behalf of the Towing & Recovery Association of Ohio (TRAO), the Towing & Recovery Association of Kentucky (TRAK), and the West Virginia Towing Association (WVTRA), we invite you to attend the #1 show in the Midwest. Make plans now to attend and bring your family to the “Family Towing Affair.” Our show, the 2017 Midwest Regional Tow Show, will be held at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio where we are celebrating our 10th year.

On Thursday evening, we will host an auction to benefit the Injured Driver’s Fund. Come on in, register for a paddle, and sit back and enjoy a good time for a great cause. On Thursday, plan to play golf in our 3rd Annual Golf Outing. You can play a round of golf with fellow towers and exhibitors; take home some prizes and maybe bragging rights.

On Friday Night, we have a candlelight memorial honoring the “Fallen Towers,” as well as a night of music by the #1 band in Cincinnati, the Rusty Griswolds, playing 80’s music. (Remember to dress the part.)

Saturday Night enjoy an evening of funfilled action in the Miller Industries booth with food, door prizes, and demos. Plan to spend the evening in the Miller Industries booth checking out the equipment.

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We have Demos, Seminars, Training, Beauty Contest, Light Show, Little Tower’s Rodeo, Children Activities, Women’s Luncheon featuring the latest safety wear, and of course, the Great Wolf Lodge water park. There’s something for everyone to do. So if you’re in the towing industry and in the market for additional equipment, towing accessories or seeking training or knowledge---this event is for you! And it’s free!

Remember to support those who support us! Our show sponsors are important to us. They support us, and in turn, we ask that you support them. So when you see

Tow Professional | Volume 6 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com

a banner with a logo, stop and say, ”Thank you,” to the sponsor for the food you are eating, for entertaining you on Friday’s 80’s night or for the free caricature artist drawing.

Check our tow show website at “midwesttowshow.org” for the latest show information, training and seminar schedule. Plan to attend, conduct business, enjoy time with family and friends, and say, “Hello,” when you meet your fellow towers! www.TRAO.org www.MidwestTowShow.org

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I ND US T RY NEWS OW WI IN NG G& &R REEC CO OV VEER RY Y TTO

Come to the Beach, Enjoy the Show and Stay for the Party

You are invited to come to Orange Beach, AL and join us for Southern Tow Expo and Beach Bash May 4-6, 2017, and we can’t wait to see you! There will be all kinds of things going on, and the fun will actually start on May 3rd for those who are feeling a little adventurous, love the ocean or who just might love to fish. At around 9 a.m., we will pull out in several beautiful boats and head out in the sunshine to the beautiful Gulf waters and see how many big fish we can catch. It is the Southern Tow Expo Fishing Tournament brought to you by Jerr-Dan and Jerr-Dan Financial.

We will be having prizes for the biggest fish, smallest fish, and most sea sick!

On the 4th, the real show begins with a trade show full of the greatest products and services available for you to grow your business in revenues, improve your business in effectiveness, and look into the latest preventative technology to keep your employees safe and you competitive.

Also, we will have business seminars avail14

able to look at the latest cutting-edge technology, understand financing and insurance options, and learn from the top experts in the world how to more successfully market your business to get the most out of your money. Also, after much request, we are now doing a beauty contest this year. There will be prizes given for winners across several categories so get ‘em shined up and bring them to the beach to show them off to the masses.

There will be world-class training available on-site too. Dave Lambert will be doing a light- and medium- duty certification class that is filling up fast. Wreck master will be doing the heavy-duty training by offering a 4/5 Class. Training is the key to operating safely and efficiently while giving you and your employees the tools needed to make more money.

Now for the fun--at Tom Tom’s Beach Bash, we will be having a bonfire and full out beach party on Thursday night with live music, several kegs of beer, and a full

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bar out on the sand. Friday night we will be having the Flora-Bama night brought to you by Tracker Software. The Flora-Bama is a world famous honky-tonk that literally straddles the Alabama-Florida line. We will be having a live band and finger food, and there will be refreshments a plenty while you enjoy the entertainment and the scenery.

This show will be a great chance to bring your family to the beach, look at the newest technology in the industry, improve your business, get world class training, party on the beach with your friends, and write the whole thing off as a business expense! By all accounts this looks to be one of the largest first year shows ever in this market, and we don’t want you to miss it.

Come see us in Orange beach May 4-6 or go to www.southerntowexpo.com to find out more! www.SouthernTowExpo.com

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Fuel 4 thought

By D.J. Harrington, CSP

It’s really okay to answer that question. It’s just you and me talking. That question certainly has befitted me and my family at some point. My daughter runs a company with 26 vehicles; and there are lots of employees in her office as well as working in the field. Hardly a week goes by without a discussion from her with questions like, “Dad, what do you think?”

Hiring employees is an extremely important topic to discuss. So, this brings us to our primary question: “Are you hiring EAGLES or TURKEYS?” FOREMOST HIRING TIP –If you hire the wrong person, having all the fancy management techniques in the world won’t bail you out.”

Not too long ago, I was speaking to a group. During my seminar, I couldn’t help but notice one gentleman sitting in the front row, taking lots of notes. His eyes were buried in his notes, and it seemed he was writing more than having eye contact. Nosey to a point, during a break, I approached him and discovered he had been involved in lots of startups and was simultaneously overseeing several businesses. He explained, “I only have one job…” and then finalized his responsibility to these businesses with, “and that is to hire the right people.” As I listened, he revealed his plan, “If I hire the right people, I don’t have to do anything else! The 16

most important decisions I make are hiring decisions.”

Your most important takeaway from reading this article should be “Believe your people make the difference!”

These days, the only difference between you and your competition is the people you’ve hired. I tell people in my classes, “Hire the RIGHT people with GOOD people skills; we can teach them what they need to know.” The success of every business hinges on its ability to recruit, select, hire, and retain winners.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, about 50% of the hourly employees hired are gone within six months.

That’s 100% turnover per year! And, the total spent on hiring hourly employees is over $30 billion per year. Depressing results, don’t you think? Next month in Texas, I am doing a talk for URG (United Recyclers Group). Here are some tips so all of us can hire better. If you attend this class, you should be equipped to identify the EAGLES from the TURKEYS. Listen to this tip. Check all references of every applicant. When you don’t check, you end-up hiring problem employees. The ones you spend all your time managing, eventually firing, replacing, and retraining. Here’s what I saw in a warehouse ad in Georgia, “NO Drug Testing.” Can you guess who usually

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shows up for those jobs? Desperate to hire is not a good advertisement. That brings up another issue. When you don’t fire someone for stealing, ever wonder why the other 20 employees started to steal too? Consequently, some managers will then overwork their best employees to the point of burnout. So by not checking references, you not only get problem employees, you also risk losing your good ones from exhaustion.

Here is another tip: Hire a good attitude. Hiring an employee with the wrong attitude can significantly impact customer loyalty. At the Colorado Auto Recyclers group that I spoke to last week in Colorado, I reminded them that 68% of customers who stop associating with our businesses do so because of an employee’s indifference toward the customer.

I must admit to you in times past, I thought I had hired people who were definitely EAGLES. They acted like and talked like EAGLES. Unfortunately, somehow between the time I interviewed them and the time they showed up for work, they had turned into TURKEYS. I asked one guy, “Do you have a twin brother?” Not understanding my question, he replied, “No, why?” I could swear the guy I interviewed was extremely different from the one that showed up at work. Was he an EAGLE or a TURKEY? Watch out for people that sound too good!! How-to-interview books that help applicants become experts at getting jobs are available everywhere. Unfortunately, some applicants studying those books aren’t experts at staying in the job.

When EAGLES turn out to be TURKEYS, we figure it’s a training problem. When training doesn’t work, we think it’s a motivation problem.

Additionally after lots of time and effort re-evaluating the circumstances and results, things aren’t much improved. As I told my daughter, we just end up with a trained, motivated TURKEY. If I can help you with your hiring process better through personal conversation, please call me. Remember the

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main reason employees fail isn’t because they can’t do the job but rather because they won’t. They’re really TURKEYS masquerading as EAGLES! Now along the lines of really important things to note for your business, please do yourself a favor and mark your calendar for May 4th – 6th, 2017 to be at the Southern Tow Expo being held in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Gulf Shores is one of the most beautiful spots with sandy, white shores. This is where you come to go fishing, receive lots of great training, see exhibitors that will help you improve your bottom lie, and spend time with your family on a much-needed vacation while Uncle Sam helps you pay for all of it.

I asked my accountant for advice. Here are his words, “Expenses that are taxdeductible, AS LONG AS you are actually conducting business in a city other than the one you live in, the following business expenses generally qualify as tax-

deductible: Whether you fly, take a train, or bus or rental car to get to your business meetings or conference, you can deduct the expenses.” “Additionally, you can deduct transportation--all tolls and parking fees. If you take your car or pickup, it is 57 and 1/2 cents per mile. Also, you can write off meals allowing 50% tax right-off of all food and 100% off all lodging. You can also deduct the hotel bill, but not your mini bar purchases or movie rentals. Conference fees can be deducted and even dry cleaning your clothes is a write-off.”

I’m a doctor, not a tax consultant, so ask your own financial advisor. I just want you to be there. If you want 2017 to be your best year ever, come and network with the winners in this towing industry.

See what is new in technology and find out what is working and what is not working. The smart operators are always learning better ways to do this business.

For some of you, this is a perfect place and time to thank your family for all the hours they help in running a family business. I will be in the Car-Part.com booth so come by and see me. I have free drink tickets and special passes for key people.

Come see the Doctor and get a “Check-up from the Neck-Up.” See you there. u

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Insightful talk

By Dan Messina 4. What are you going to pay for this person? -Once again, different positions require different pays. Make sure you don’t pay anyone more than a current employee doing the same job unless you have a good reason.

5. Don’t pay them more than the position -You want to allow them to have room to grow.

Everyone at some point in time had to fill a position with their company.

Whether it was a dispatcher, a driver, office personnel, a bookkeeper, a sales person, ok you understand what I am trying to say. Here are a few of the standard ways for finding employees: 1. Craigslist (you have to create an ad) 2. Newspaper ads ( Does anyone even read the newspaper anymore, everything is online, once again this cost money) 3. Local newspapers like Green Sheet or the Penny Saver (Doesn’t reach enough people) 4. A friend’s recommendation (If you are a owner your friends are already in the business) 5. Employee’s recommendation (This is the best , but if you have a bad employee you could end up with a second bad employee) 6. Local networking groups (Not many tow truck drivers in this bunch) 7. Facebook (Once again your friends on face book are usually looking for the same type of people you are looking for) 8. A drive-by sign (Doesn’t reach enough people) 9. Your vendor’s recommendation (You may feel obligated to hire them) 10. Call your competition (steal from 18

your competitor, but remember they will start stealing from you) 11. A staffing Company (Not many staffing companies provide this type of employee) Don’t take me wrong, all the items listed above are ways to find employees. I used a few of them myself, depending on the position I was trying to fill. You will find different people in different places based on your needs. When you are trying to fill a position there are a few questions you must answer. Things like: 1. Can the position be filled from within -This is how you promote your staff. It builds moral and creates a positive work place.

2. Define the position you need - Are you sure that is the position you need to fill or can you change responsibilities within the company and meet your needs.

3. What are the requirements of that position? -You have to be able to judge that person on the job they are doing. If they are not clear on what they should be doing then it will be hard to judge them. Allow them to add input once they start.

It will be new ideas from a new face, and they have hands on the job and may come up with ways to improve your company.

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I had a sales person that I was constantly reviewing his job, I wasn’t so much concerned about his pay, but I wanted to make sure I was using his talents properly. This person also represented my company at tow hearings. Once I figured out that his real position was my lawyer who handled sales I realized I was definitely getting my money’s worth.

I was recently talking to a small business owner in Pennsylvania whose company was growing fast and he needed help. He followed the steps in this article and was able to hire some good people and grow the company at the same time.

There is no magic to building a great staff.

If you have a good company and you are a good owner everyone will want to work for you. When I built my company from one truck and no accounts to 16 trucks, over 1,200 accounts and 36 full time employees it was not luck, every step was calculated based on a good business plan. Over the 8 years I owned my company only one employee ever quit. Here is what I did to build a great staff.

It all starts with the owner. When I started my company I knew nothing about the industry, but I knew who I was and how I would operate. Growing up I played a lot of team sports. I never realized how that would play a role later in business. I was very competitive and always wanted to win. In order to win you need several things to happen: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Know the rules of the game Know your objective Look intimidating Surround yourself with good players

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5. Don’t worry about your reputation 6. Define your character These were the winning ingredients for my company.

(Rules of the game) When I opened my business I learned all the laws pertaining to my business both state, and federal. I knew all the city ordinances of the cities that I operated in and how they pertain to my business. I even got so involved in the industry I helped write the laws that affected my business, but that’s a story for another day.

(Your objective) When I opened my doors I knew exactly how I wanted my company to look, and how I wanted it to function. We hit the road running and tweaked it as necessary going forward.

(Look intimidating) Any sports team I played on I made sure we had matching uniforms, all the colors matched, added

bling, and had the latest and greatest equipment. All my employees wore uniforms, the colors of the trucks and uniforms matched, we had state-of-the -art equipment, and we decorated our trucks to add a little flair. All of my competitors talked about me and knew who I was. So did their customers.

(Good players) I tried to hire the best employees for each position. We were a team and each position complemented each other. Your competition gets discouraged when they see that you have a winning team. When you have a great team your success rate is much higher and everyone wants to work for you and you turnover will be minimal.

(Your reputation) When you are the best company your competition will try to ruin your reputation. Remember this is not who you are this is other people’s opinion. They can paint any picture they

want and make you look how they want you to look.

(Your character) Your customer will know who you are by your character, the team you built, and the way you conduct business.

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Insightful talk It is difficult being a small business owner because you wear all the hats even if they don’t fit. Make no mistake your company will become what you are.

Be honest, moral, and ethical and your business will succeed. As all employers quickly learn, there's a world of difference between a worker who's correctly

matched to their job and their organization, and one who is not.

If you want your business to attract and retain good clients, your comprehensive people strategy must include a recruiting and selection strategy that attracts and retains quality employees.

Following a well-thought-out, structured

process will help you best match the right people to the right jobs in your company.

Your evaluation process should also be able to predict the answers to three specific questions: Is the applicant able to do the job? Is the applicant willing to do the job? And, is the applicant manageable if hired? There should be a good match between the company's needs and the applicant's expectations.

Here is what I would do when I was hiring. I would go to a grocery store or a Sam’s or a Wal-Mart and look for the candidate that fit my profile. I was not concerned about experience; I wanted the person that fit my company. I could always teach them the towing side. I was in computers for 35 years before I got into towing and I built a successful company. Here are the steps I followed: 1. I would find a potential candidate 2. I’d ask them if they were interested in changing careers 3. I knew I could probably offer more money than they were making 4. I’d sell them on me the owner 5. I’d sell them on the excitement of the company and how no 2 days are the same 6. I did not have to do criminal background checks because their current employer already did that. The same with drug testing.

7. No money spent on ads 8. In most cases the clerical positions already had the skill sets I needed.

9. The drivers I hired did not know about other companies 10. You’d be surprised how many guys would love to be at the scene of all the wrecks on the highway.

11. I’d let new employees talk to other employees, so they could get the feel for a fun environment.

As I mentioned before, there is no sure way to hire, but it can be easy if you do it right, and it all starts with you the owner. u

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ROLLING WITH THE PUNCHES and How Software Might Soften the Blow

By Nigel Pestell, Sr. Partner, VTS Systems It has been a harrowing few years for those of you who own or manage a towing and vehicle storage facility (VSF).

Profits are generally stagnant or in decline and costs continue to escalate and many in our respective communities risk the loss of their business. To remain profitable, you have to think strategically, “Roll with the Punches” and always manage your costs. Only a few years ago, high-priced fuel clouded our bottom-line profitability. For many, a gallon of diesel fuel cost four dollars or more and there is not a tow operator today that is not grateful for the lower price of fuel and relief this has given our industry. Sadly, the cost of tow vehicle insurance has taken the place of high fuel costs. Many are seeing insurance premium rates, if still available 22

from your traditional insurance carrier, double or triple in cost. Many insurers are no longer offering policies to tow companies as their losses over the last several years have continued to escalate forcing insurance companies to make hard decisions. Several carriers that are offering to renew policies are insisting on GPS telematics to monitor mileage, driver compliance on speed limits, and other operating restrictions. As an industry, insurers claim that for every $100 they collect in revenue, they are paying $160 in auto claims and many say they cannot sustain the loss.

Only the foolhardy would think of operating a business without vehicle or business insurance. It’s simply too risky, not to mention being illegal and putting

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your entire future and that of your family at risk. If you are operating a successful business that demands your attention 24/7, and if you are the sole decision maker and have not set up Standard Operating Policies (SOP) or procedures to reduce the number of daily employee questions, you may be the bottleneck that reduces efficiency and slows the growth of your business. There has to be a better way with more time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and more time for family, friends, and relaxation.

There are, however, a few positive aspects in our industry: the cost of management software continues to decline in real monetary terms. Efficient management software has been around for a generation or more. Indeed VTS Systems,

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Towing Software Technology Beacon Software, and Tracker have licensed their software to towing and storage lot companies for more than 20 years. Longevity does not guarantee a software product as perfect, but experience, industry knowledge, and a history of customer support and satisfaction are excellent benchmarks.

I will not waste your limited time trying to impress you with how a VTS Systems whizzbang is better than the other company’s whizzbang because any technology that improves your bottom line is worthy of a review. If you are still operating your business using paper tickets and ledger book accounting, then you most definitely need help. There is a technology freight train thundering through our industry as there is through every North American business. It mandates change, productivity, and efficiency. As a businessperson, you have a choice--jump on the train or be left behind!

If after reading this article, the information gathered can help you develop a plan

that makes you a more knowledgeable and superior decision maker, which often translates into better margins, improved long-term profits and the security of your business, then it is time well spent.

Gathering Information However, before you jump in with both feet, you owe it to yourself to learn more about your business and what makes you different from your competition. Make yourself a simple spreadsheet to record the answers. If you know how to use Microsoft Excel, go ahead. If not, a sheet of paper, a ruler, a calculator, and pencil works just as well. Maybe you should look upon this plan/strategy as a never-ending journey from A to infinity with multiple competitive challenges along the highway. For example, set competitive goals, however, goals that are realistic. Do not immediately go after the big dog in town, it maybe more than you can chew. Pick a competitor that appears

to be doing better than you and ask questions as to why. What does Acme Towing (not a real company) do that you do not?

Why does Acme Towing appear to have more tows than your company--is it pricing, service or both? Maybe it is something not connected with either. Analyze the makeup of Acme’s business, what type of towing does Acme concentrate on, and its profitability. Do not fall into the “perception trap.” Shiny new trucks and the appearance of busy do not necessarily make Acme profitable. If they tow for less, lower tow prices usually mean less gross margin. If after paying the fuel bill, the driver commission, insurance, and truck maintenance, you may estimate Acme is only making $10.00 a tow, it is not enough. Whereas volume sometimes helps, it is often deceiving. Simply put, if Acme tows 10 vehicles per day, that generates $100 a day, $700 a week, which will not cover the cost of the yard, the office administration, and an owner’s salary, especially if he/she does not drive.

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Towing Software Technology Not to mention truck replacement, local taxes, a rainy day fund, and so on. Gather your information carefully and analyze it cautiously; the numbers will often confirm the opinion that you may have already formed. Remember “the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence,” but it is those hidden elephant turds fertilizing that luscious, long, green

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grass that should have you exercising caution. Once you have analyzed your business and the business model of Acme towing and figured out what you can do to improve your competitive advantage, develop a plan of action, and follow it to completion. While executing your business plan, take time to review your progress and check your P&L (profit and loss statement). If you are not making

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the progress you think you should, reevaluate and fine-tune the plan. Nothing ever remains the same; we live in a world of constant change. Acme may adapt its business plan in reaction to your encroaching strategy or the market in which you operate may change. Again, gather the information, analyze the data, and “Roll with the Punches.” Once you successfully complete the Acme strategy, it is time to move on to the next challenge in the journey.

It is important that you are honest with yourself; ask the same tough questions about your business as you would about the competition. Below are some basic questions that may help you better grasp an understanding of your business, the reason it exists, and its place in your community: • Pride aside, what do you do better than Acme and why?

• Pride aside, what does Acme do better than you do and why? How much will it cost to overcome any shortcomings, and how long will it take to accomplish?

• How many employees does Acme have, and how many are office staff?

Does Acme use automated software that reduces administrative labor costs?

• How many employees do you have, and how many are office staff? The answer will help you manage overhead and operational margins. Fact! No matter what you are paying for towing and storage lot software, (if you currently have software) it will be many times less than the salary and burden of office personnel.

Software does not call-in sick, it does not take vacations, and it works 24/7 without complaint. Moreover, if you select the right software company, there is always a software doctor and a nursing tech on call.

• Do you have an “Employment Manual,” which identifies the values of the owner, the company’s code of conduct, drug testing, and “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOP)? If not, start one! Google the following: “How do I write a standard business procedures manual?” There is a lot of information

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available and help is out there!

• Over the past 36 months, how many incidents or accidents has your company had and were the same drivers involved? Insurance companies are targeting bad drivers. Identify your most efficient drivers, not the fastest, but the most consistent--the ones that show up for work on time, clean, and neat in appearance. (Image and company branding matter!) If you have a driver that insists your vehicle is his/her personal NASCAR chariot, they are costing you money. If they will not change their ways (even if they are family), say goodbye! Managing a business is about identifying and assessing risk. Emotions aside, you cannot afford the risk. A GPS tracking system will help identify the drivers vying for this year’s NASCAR Cup. To maintain insurance coverage, your insurance carrier may insist on the GPS telematics option.

• Pride aside, is the competitor’s fleet newer? Give yourself a sanity check! A mature fleet that is clean and well maintained is often a cash flow asset. Plan and budget new truck acquisition. When in the market, and to save money, look for low mileage used trucks whose previous owners overextended their ability to pay. Shiny new trucks are an ego booster, but often mean a bigger bank note each month. When money is tight, cut your budgets accordingly. Ask yourself the tough questions, do I really need that extra truck or can I make do working fewer assets more efficiently. One less truck may mean one less driver, and we all know which one of our employees is closest to the exit door.

• How do you market your company brand? “See and be seen”: Are your trucks all the same color? Do you have a recognizable logo? Do you have a web page, a Facebook page, and do you actively market your product to businesses in your geographic area? Do not forget LinkedIn; it can be a good source of identifying prospective employees and vendors.

Evaluating What is Available To remain successful in today’s ever-changing business world, you need to adapt to a constant “look and see” approach. Even if you are not in the market to acquire anything, set aside time each week to gather information and read the trade magazines.

This will keep you informed of changing trends, product offerings, and pricing.

Let us examine what you know about business management software, especially as it relates to the towing and storage facility industry. Today, there are two basic types of towing and VSF management software available: (a) Those installed as resident programs on a PC or server. (b) Those connected by a web browser (Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox, etc.) via the Internet to an application (App) located on a web server farm, often called the “Cloud.”

Both offer features and benefits; some can be tailored to the needs of the individual company or user, while others are WYSIWYG (“What you see, is what you get”). When discussing “CLOUD” there are questions to ask about internet reliability, bandwidth, and vendor costs. Unlike PC based programs, which continue to operate in most part without the internet, a “CLOUD” system will cease to operate if the Internet goes down.

As a cautionary note, it is not a question of IF, but a question of WHEN your internet goes down. A well-designed “CLOUD” system should have a wireless cellular data pipe or an alternate internet access option. Smartphones and Tablets work by connecting the device wirelessly to the nearest cellular tower and from there via the fiber optic network to the CLOUD server farm. If the nearest cell tower goes off line, another within range will most likely pick up the data signal and maintain the connection. Your local computer support technicians should be able to provide advice and answer these questions. Designing anything competently will increase the reliability of that particular piece of equipment. However, any technology going back to the Roman horse chariot is only as good as its weakest link. There definitely is a big future in your business for 26

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advanced software. Moreover, software of the future definitely belongs to the “CLOUD.” (VTS Systems confidently offers both PC- and “CLOUD”- based technology solutions.)

Evaluate the information gained from the questions above. When looking to license software, do your research and ask questions. Beyond basic towing and VSF features, does it offer expansion modules? Not all software is created equal, moreover, not all towing and VSF companies have the same needs. For example, a 3-truck, family-owned towing and VSF company located in a rural county would not have the same needs as a 20-truck company operating in a major metroplex. In addition, there are tow companies that do not need impoundment processing, hence, license only what you need; it will save you money.

As the towing and VSF industry continues to evolve, so does software efficiency. Given the demands on your company’s cash flow, it is time to ask those hard questions: • Will improved software reduce my payroll and save me money? In a family business, that may not be an option. To balance the books, ask other questions.

• Do I have too much debt?

• Are all of my trucks and other assets paying their way?

• Do I have too many people, and what are my options?

If operating a family business, the last question of “Do I have too many people?” is often difficult to answer and more frequently difficult to resolve. However, “lean and mean” often frees up time to explore new opportunities and expand into other areas of revenue generation.

Investing in or even replacing your existing management software will reduce the workload and often free up a person to support other areas of your business.

Talking Software or Any Other Tech Product It is a reasonable assumption that you are not a software guru, so describing the features of the software and how it will benefit your business should be in plain

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English. Software people are experts in “Geek Speak.” If you feel overwhelmed with the information provided, push the “Geek Speak” hold button and ask to speak with someone who is fluent in “Tow Speak” or just plain English.

Moreover, it is almost certain that the “Geek Speak” expert knows nothing about GVW, axle weight restrictions, winch and wire rope loading, and the pull reduction multiplier of a block and tackle.

When buying or licensing anything, remember to exercise “Buyer Beware.” In a paragraph above, I wrote, “Not all software is created equal.” In an advertisement which appeared in a recent edition of Tow Professional, Danny Daneshgari of EMotorWorks stated that he changed to a low-cost software product. Danny went

on to say, “It was a big mistake; I thought I was saving money, but you only get what you pay for.” His efforts to save money with stripped down software ended up costing him money. Ultimately, recognizing his error, he returned to his previous software provider. When you have broken the “Geek Speak” barrier, ask how the software features will benefit your business. Moreover, make a list of the questions you need answered. If the software salesperson is not asking in depth questions about your business, its location, size, number of employees, and, above all, your needs and what you think-ask to speak with someone else or move on.

The following are basic questions: • Is the software compliant with my

state statute and regulatory authorities (i.e. Regulatory Department or State Police)?

• Is the software limited to tow management only or is it a full-service package providing towing and vehicle storage facility (VSF) management?

• Does the software allow for the use of multiple entry devices, PC’s Laptops, Tablets, and Smartphones? Smartphones may appear to offer the ultimate in mobility, however, the keyboards and screens are small, and without doubt, small keyboards will increase the data error factor.

Tablets have larger screens and bigger keyboards, which offer a high level of visual awareness and will reduce both data entry time and errors by as much as 80%. In addition, a company provided

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Towing Software Technology Tablet will increase security and eliminate any potential legal issues with using an employee’s cellphone for company business. Generally, drivers tasked with data ticket entry are not “touch typists” and touching the right key on a small smartphone screen with large fingers is time consuming. Ask if the App has a typing spell checker similar to SMS texting. A better solution is built-in drop-down and lookup tables; these eliminate typos and, more importantly, financial entry errors and other foo-bars. Drop-down tables are an alternate software methodology and a preferred operator choice.

• Does the software limit the number of entry devices connected at any one time?

• Does the software limit the number of tows or impoundments?

• Does the software limit the amount of data storage?

• Will the software reduce my response time to a customer request for service?

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• Will the software provide me with more information/custom reports, allowing me to make better management decisions while reducing my cost per tow?

• Does the software generate driver commissions by the tow or pay period and include accounts receivable, invoices, and statements?

• Will the software allow me to streamline the VSF impoundment process, including law enforcement and lien letter(s) notification, and auction process reducing office administrative and personnel needs? How does this happen?

• Does the software fully automate the lien letter process by notifying the operator when letters are required, creating the letter, and then auto pushing it to the USPS? • Does it offer multiple state DMV’s info on line?

• Does the software offer automated USPS electronic certified mail and return receipt requested?

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• Will the software include the forms required by your state to process the impounded vehicle through to auction or private lien sale? u

THE AUTHOR Nigel Pestell, has held senior management positions in Fortune 100 and 500 companies and humble start-ups.

In addition, he has owned and operated companies in the UK, Canada, and the USA. Since 2002, he has held the position of Managing Partner and now Senior Partner at VTS Systems.

Obviously, there are more questions to ask, and the author is always happy to help tow companies succeed by sharing knowledge.

You can reach him via the VTS Systems web site www.vts-systems.com

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By John David Mathews

Management Systems Tracker Management Systems, was founded in 1986 by James M. Weaver, Chairman of the Board. The company provides innovative business management software specifically designed for towing operations. Tracker is more than just a business, we are a family. We all work our hardest to make you a part of our family by delivering the best products possible and helping you run your business to its maximum potential using today’s latest technology.

Have you ever asked or heard these

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questions at your tow operation: “Where does all the profit go at the end of the month?”, “Do you know where this car is?” Or “Can you help me read this tow ticket?”

How to Select the Right Towing Software Partner We hear these questions all too often and we’re here to help.

Selecting the right software to run your towing operation can be a daunting task. And selecting the right software is only part of the equation. But you don’t

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have to do it alone. You need a trusted partner that can help you successfully implement and provide support after the sale. If you are looking to implement software or change your current software provider, here’s some things to consider.

• Experience counts – focus on finding a company that can leverage its know how and agility to help you hit the ground running. You’ll want to work with a staff that can help you with your process.

Don’t be afraid to ask your partner about the experience of their team. You’re not just choosing a software, you’re making a decision to invest in your company and theirs. Spend the time upfront to plan and find a partner that fits your needs.

• Industry Knowledge – in a specialized industry like towing, you don’t want just any software. But finding a software solution that can fit your needs can be tricky. Look for a company with industry knowledge. Do they speak the same industry language as you and your employees? Do they know your industry’s best practices? Are they familiar with your business processes? Leverage your partner’s industry knowledge to bring useful perspective and insight to your towing organization.

• Check References – Don’t just take their word for it, ask for them. Successful, established partners can provide you with references. And don’t just ask for them, actually contact them. Current users can offer perspective and lend credibility to things like implementation, experience, ease of use, functionality and customer support.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level - check out our wide array of products and see what fits your needs, then contact us. We’d love the opportunity to work with you and your team. We’ll

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Towing Software Technology “Let Tracker take you along into the next technology surge. Our industry is NOT always receptive to change, but Tracker has put some serious thought into their methods and products, and trust me...it works! Trust the product and the support, and spend more of your energy on non-technology issues in your business.” Consolidated Towing, OR

even take the first step for you… here’s a few references: “We have used Tracker for [28] years now and it really does a great job of helping us run our company…This is one of the smartest decisions that we have ever made.” Sandy’s Towing, OH “Tracker is efficient and effective, yet takes a creative approach to solving a fundamental problem in the towing industry – Tracker eliminates mistakes, confusion and guessing at the time of dispatch. Tracker has given us the power and flexibility to truly customize the system to meet our unique needs.”

Van Lingen Towing, CA

“Tracker is always on top of updates and keeps us running as smooth as possible. And I can't say enough about Mercedes and how awesome she has been. She makes us feel like we are her only customer. Tracker has definitely changed how a professional towing operation should be run efficiently!”

Pitts & Sons, AL We have had Tracker for 7 years now and it has helped with book keeping, letter sending and all types of administration needs of a towing company. We have been blown away by the easy userfriendly systems and how much it has advanced our game with police departments and accounts. We still haven't even reached Tracker's full potential yet either! The best part is the owners & staff who make you feel like a friend, rather than just a client. No matter the size of your fleet, Tracker is the answer!”

Chariot Automotive, IL “Tracker Management is a full--service hands on customized dispatch software company. At Redman Fleet Services, Inc. we have over 100 pieces of equipment dispatched daily and Tracker gives us the ability to dispatch, organize and transition from one call to the next in a quick and seamless manner.”

Redman Fleet Services, VA Have general questions about tow dispatch software or want to get to know our company better? Send us a message or give us a call. u Tracker Management Systems sales@trackermanagement.com 800.445.2438 Volume 6 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com | Tow Professional

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By Beth Williams

Tow and wrecker operators across the country are always looking for ways to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and boost profits. Auto Data Direct, Inc., (ADD) offers these busy professionals three great reasons to use its unique system to achieve each of those goals.

ADD is a secure web-based system that allows account holders to access services through any internet-capable device. There’s no special equipment to purchase. The easy-to-use system is affordable and saves precious time and money when it comes to moving impounded vehicles through the required processes. With no contract or monthly fee, ADD’s business model allows its customers to pick and choose the services they need, when they need them.

DMV123: Real-time record search of 33 state DMV databases.

When ADD was founded in 1999 by Jim Taylor, a primary goal was to provide qualified businesses an efficient way to 32

obtain accurate and necessary information to complete required paperwork. For tow and wrecker operators, that meant making sure notification of claim of lien letters were sent to all interested parties – registrant(s) and lienholder(s) – in a timely manner. Getting the name and address of those parties as quickly as possible was a challenge and many times required filling out forms, mailing them to the DMV and waiting for a response. ADD created a unique solution to the problem.

Named DMV123, ADD’s most soughtafter service allows customers who qualify under the Drivers Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) to use its secure portal to search by VIN and immediately retrieve the most current record available from 33 separate state databases. No other company of its kind has access to this many state databases offering records in realtime. While other companies may have access to a state's records, many times those are from bulk downloads. That

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means that, depending on when the provider originally received the bulk records from the state, the information could be a day, a week or even a month old. DMV123 provides the records that are absolutely current in that state database at the moment the inquiry is made.

If there’s no way to initially ascertain the state of title on an impounded vehicle, ADD offers a National Title Pointer that can narrow down the search. As an approved provider of vehicle history reports through the National Motor Vehicle Title and Information System (NMVTIS), ADD’s customers can identify the most recent state of title, search the real-time database where available or send a good faith letter directly from their ADD account to the appropriate jurisdiction. ADD’s National Title Pointer is also enhanced with national theft data, so businesses can quickly identify vehicles that may have been reported stolen, saving themselves potential legal issues

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down the road.

DirectPost-Office (DPO): Electronic Certified Mail ADD’s DirectPost Office (DPO) is a tow operator’s best friend. This innovative tool makes creating and mailing required notifications as easy as 1-2-3! DPO allows tow operators to automatically complete state forms using data obtained through DMV123 and then send certified letters through the United States Postal Service without ever leaving their desk.

Thousands of tow operators have used this incredibly easy, accurate tool to save time, money, and the aggravation of standing in line at the post office. Statespecific notification letters and forms are available for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, and Texas.

Once a vehicle is towed, and the record is accessed through DMV123, DPO allows users to merge the owner and lienholder information into the appropriate form, saving keystrokes and ensur-

ing accuracy. Once the letter is electronically submitted to the USPS mail stream, DPO allows for tracking of each certified letter every step of the way, providing details on when a letter was received and by whom or if it was undeliverable. The DPO archive gives tow operators documented proof that notification requirements were followed if a question ever arises about whether the appropriate actions were taken to find the owner/lienholder prior to holding an auction. Best of all, every step of the process is performed without the user ever leaving their office.

Junk, Salvage, Insurance (JSI) Reporting to NMVTIS In March 2009, federal rules went into effect requiring certain businesses to report information to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) regarding salvage vehicles.

Businesses that own, control, handle, acquire or sell five or more junk or sal-

vage vehicles a year (including vehicles declared a total loss) are affected by the regulation. ADD was the first consolidator of JSI data to contract with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to provide affected towing operators and vehicle storage facilities with the ability to electronically upload the vehicle information to NMVTIS. According to the rules, tow companies need to report all junk and salvage vehicles that they purchase from a private party, take possession of in lieu of towing or storage costs or sell at auction.

NMVTIS reporting also applies to any vehicle a company parts out or crushes or any vehicle for which a salvage certificate, a certificate of destruction or similar document is obtained. If a business has the right to sell or re-title, rebuild, restore or crush the vehicle, and it is a junk or salvage vehicle under the federal definition, it must be reported to NMVTIS. ADD's NMVTIS upload tools are designed to help businesses fulfill the reporting requirement quickly and easily.

Two account types are available to suit any size business or upload volume. Full Service accounts include individual vehicle entry, batch vehicle entry using a spreadsheet, and business-to-business processing which can be arranged with the customer's IT staff--all for a low perreport fee. Basic Service accounts include no-cost individual entry and emailed confirmation receipts.

Three Business Challenges – One Solution Accurate data, efficient paperwork, effective compliance are all available in one cost-effective, easy-to-use tool through Auto Data Direct--all provided with the friendliest, most knowledgeable customer service in the business. For more information on all of ADD’s services for tow and wrecker operators, visit its website or call and speak to a representative. u Auto Data Direct www.add123.com 866-923-3123

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By Josh Bushnell

Times, They Are A-Changin’ The one constant in the towing industry is change. We’ve seen it with tow trucks, technology, dispatching, tow tickets, and more. We think Bob Dylan said it best, “If your time to you is worth savin', then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone. For the times, they are achangin’.”

One of the most important things to realize in the ever-changing towing industry is that your customers expect you to adapt and improve. To stay competitive, you need to stay current; you need to have the best tools to provide the best 34

service.

As we’ve spoken to companies, we’ve noticed that they often long for the brotherhood of the old days. The days when everyone had each other's backs and when everyone was trying to make the industry better. “Just wish it was like the old days when everyone got along, and it was a brotherhood of towers,” said Todd Stepp, CEO of Stepp’s Towing. “Everyone got along with everybody. Owners could call up other owners, and you didn’t have to worry about them stealing your accounts.”

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At Omadi, the industry-leading towing software, they believe that a rising tide raises all ships. “We are committed to taking the towing industry to greater heights,” said Charles Lukens, CEO of Omadi. “Whether you're our friend or foe, we will continue to strive every day to raise the tide of the towing industry.”

The team at Capital Towing & Recovery feels the same way. “We should always work towards improving the industry as it benefits everyone; consumers and towers," said Brandon Harris, President of Capital Towing & Recovery.

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Towing Software Technology “Help educate your brothers and sisters on how to be compliant with laws and regulation. Train your employees to be professional and have a safety- first mentality. Let’s raise the bar together.”

In the spirit of the old days and to promote more brotherhood and success in the industry, we are going to share some invaluable insights from two of the top companies in the Industry: Stepp’s Towing Services out of West Central Florida and Capital Towing & Recovery out of Columbus Ohio.

How are they thriving, and what are they doing to keep pace with all of the changes?

They use technology to their advantage.

Stepp's Towing Service is a familyowned business and has been serving West Central Florida for over 50 years.

They are one of the largest towing operations in the country, and in the old days, they used 3x5 cards to keep track of everything. Now they use Omadi’s towing software platform. “The old way with 3x5 cards was harder to manage. When it’s

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on the computer you can be on the road visiting with clients and still keep up with your day-to-day business,” said Stepp.

Stepp talked about the many ways that technology helps his business. Technology allows you to know where your trucks are so you can give better ETAs to motor clubs and customers. You can save on fuel, time, and insurance since you’re not traveling as much. Dispatch can look at the screen and see what driver is closer to the next call, and the driver can email the customer the receipt.

Capital Towing & Recovery is a familyowned business that has been serving Central Ohio and surrounding areas since 2007. They have been on the forefront of technology in the industry since they began. “Technology has allowed us to process transactions quickly, create electronic invoices in the field, store records in a convenient way, and adapt to everchanging laws and regulation to name a few,” said Chad Harris, Vice President of Capital Towing & Recovery.

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They know their KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) and use data to improve.

Chad Harris said that they use data for job costing by breaking down revenue, maintenance, fuel usage, and payroll costs. He said that depending on the software’s ability to be flexible of what needs to be tracked; the possibilities are endless.

“Often tow owners assume they know the actual cost of doing business. Towing companies that dominate their regions know exactly how much each job costs them to do. An average tow company focuses on number of calls when they should be looking at how much they profit from each call,” said Mike Porenta, Director of Product Innovation at Omadi.

Stepp’s CFO uses it to crunch the numbers, and Stepp can look at it in realtime to see what’s going on. “It used to take a month and a half to see if there was a problem. Now, I know what trucks are being efficient, and I can see what revenue a truck is making per day and per

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hour,” said Todd Stepp. “All of the managers use the data. There are so many different reports you can pull day-to-day instead of taking a month and a half like in the old days.”

They stay compliant with legal requirements and protect their business.

Stepp said that their HR department uses Omadi so they can stay compliant with the law and keep track of licenses.

Before implementing software in their business, drivers used to have to fill out a report on every call, and it was quite timeconsuming. Now it takes seconds, and the info to protect them is already archived in the call.

“Now we have drivers take pictures before they touch the car and pictures again once they drop it,” said Stepp. “First thing a dispatcher does if someone has an issue, is pull up the picture. They used to have to look through a lot of different paperwork and contact a lot of people;

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Towing Software Technology Omadi saves us a lot of time.” Capital Towing does the same thing to protect themselves and the customer. “Omadi allows us to take pictures of vehicles before they are towed as it is required by law in Ohio for PPIs,” said Chad Harris.

They use software to have better relationships with their clients.

Capital Towing said that Omadi allows them to send electronic invoices immediately after the service is completed through email. “We’ve noticed that this is becoming a more preferred way of people receiving invoices. It also helps us reduce our Account Receivable Turnover,” said Chad Harris. “For PPIs, property management loves having the ability to see which vehicles were towed from their property including date/time, pictures, and violation reasons. This helps them be more informed when communicating with their tenants/customers.”

At Stepp’s they have the slogan, “How

much down time can you afford?” Since they use Omadi, they help their customers to get back on the road sooner.

Stepp said that he likes how they can send invoices right out to the customer.

Customers like it because we can cater it to each customer and email it to them right away. “Every customer wants different things; with Omadi, we can cater to the way they want it,” said Stepp. “We can give customers access to Omadi, and they can get access to get their account info. It looks really professional.”

They train their employees and are customer-focused.

One of the biggest keys to the success of top companies is their genuine love for towing and their customers. They have a willingness to go above and beyond, and they love helping people. As Todd Stepp said, “Treat the customers like gold-how you would want to be treated if you were in their situation, and you will have a returning customer.” Similarly, Capital’s

mission statement is to “provide safe and professional towing services, while maintaining quality customer service from highly trained staff in a timely manner.”

These are more than just words to them; it’s something they live by every day.

Customer service and quality has been a big differentiator for Stepp’s Towing Services and Capital Towing & Recovery.

They train their employees and treat them with respect, and in turn, they get great results. “Anyone can beat your price, but you can really set yourself apart by the training you give your employees and how you treat them,” said Todd Stepp.

We know that these insights will serve your company well as you put them into practice. Let’s join in a brotherhood of towers to take the industry to greater heights because whether we like it or not “the times, they are a-changin.” u Omadi Mobile Management Call 855-281-9515, or visit www.Omadi.com

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By Rod McGregor

Beacon’s New Dispatch Anywhere Towing Software has Users Raving about the New Features!

Beacon Software’s Dispatch Anywhere was already considered the towing industry’s leading software by virtue of having the most users AND thousands of satisfied customers. So why change it?

“We are continually updating the program based on recommendations from our customers,” said Beacon Software President, Todd Althouse. “Dispatcher and tower feedback was largely responsible for many of the new features that you see now. It is easier to use and more importantly, we find that dispatchers are using more of the powerful features to help run their business more efficiently.”

Theresa Cook from Taneytown Towers in Taneytown, Maryland exclaimed that “she has her life back now” since implementing Dispatch Anywhere and has more free time to spend on other critical tasks. In fact, they were able to open another Maryland location based on Dispatch Anywhere’s ability to reduce paperwork and automate billing tasks.

“So far we’ve converted almost 40% of Dispatch Anywhere customers to the new version,” stated Matt Tortorici, Beacon Customer Support Manager. “Plus I’ve trained many new customers who were previously using an outdated manual and paper-based system. Most new customers are amazed at how easy it is to get up to speed even without having any previous computer experience. You definitely don’t have to be an IT expert to use it. We’re hoping that most of our customers upgrade to the new version by the end of April. Most wish they had done it sooner.”

Other towing customers had these things to say about the new DA: 40

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Marty DiMichele

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Towing Software Technology Magic Vin Decoder is a Time-Saver.

“The new Dispatch Anywhere is nightand-day better than the old one. I didn’t use a lot of the features before, but the new version is less intimidating and easier to use. The most important feature to me is NOW I know if somebody owes me money! My cash flow has improved dramatically. I really like the MAGIC VIN DECODER---Drivers can quickly scan with VIN bar code with their smartphone app and get vital vehicle information.”

ware, they simply don’t have the features that I get with Dispatch Anywhere. I don’t waste my time with them anymore.

I recently spent 1 ½ hours training with Matt on the new version, and I’m very happy with what I see. I can view all of our calls on the on-screen interactive map and get ETA’s and locations for all of my drivers. Our drivers love the new apps because they make it easy for them to get digital signatures from towing customers in the field and verify vehicle damage to help avoid headaches down the road. I know there is cheaper software. Bottom line? It just isn’t worth it.”

Marty DiMichele Red Carpet Towing Brookpark, Ohio

Vehicle Damage Reports with Customer Signature “The new Dispatch Anywhere is VERY COOL! We’ve been with Beacon since 2011. I’ve been approached by a lot of other towing software companies at the tow shows. But when I look at their soft-

Debbie Berg Cloverdale Tow/All City Tow Sonoma County, California

Your driver can verify vehicle damage with customer signature on the Dispatch Anywhere for Drivers phone app.

Lifetime Training, Support and Upgrades.

“I spoke to all of the towing software companies when choosing our software.

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Danny Daneshgari “I switched back to Beacon after trying cheaper software. I thought I was saving money. Stripped-down software costs you. You get what you pay for. Cheaper software just doesn’t have the full range of features that we need to run our business.

As an example, it didn’t offer driver commission features like changing driver percentages, time-of-day differences, etc. We especially like that BEACON offers the option of ONLY paying commissions on PAID invoices to help our cash flow.”

Danny Daneshgari, Owner, EMotorWorks Towing, Marietta, GA

I chose Beacon based on the actual demo and the time they spent with me explaining the features. Hands down---it was the best. I’ve been on the NEW Dispatch Anywhere for a year now and it is more visually appealing and more userfriendly. It just makes SENSE! As a new mother, I appreciate all the time-saving features like the auto billing feature.

We’re a family business and anything that helps my work/life balance is appreciated greatly. Beacon continually strives to make updates based on the changes that we face in the towing industry. Our drivers love the new app and appreciate the pre-trip inspection and the damage claim feature. Our drivers have always found Beacon’s TowSpec.com online towing instruction valuable. Drivers can download a phone app icon that takes them directly to the towspec.com website and enter vehicle information for towing instructions. As far as I know--it’s the only one in the industy.” u

Towing Instructions are available on TowSpec.com on a driver’s smartphone.

You can view video demos of the Dispatch Anywhere phone apps at www.dispatchanywheresoftware.com/youtube

Anna Wingard Towing West Columbia, South Carolina For more information on Dispatch Anywhere, contact Beacon Software at 866-437-6653 www.beaconsoftco.com

Interactive route information and map screen shots give you an instant pulse of what’s going on.

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Software Management for Your Towing Business

By Tom Bacon - Towbook Many towing and recovery operators count on towing software to help manage their business, and software is becoming a key tool for companies to succeed in today’s competitive world. If you do motor club jobs, police work or manage private properties, chances are software will help you run a more efficient company.

Towbook is built for the cloud, so you and your team can work from just about anywhere. With important features like digital dispatching, mobile apps for iPhone and Android, QuickBooks integration, and GPS tracking, Towbook supports companies of all shapes and size.

Plus, Towbook can be set up very quickly, often in just a few hours. Here are a few 44

highlights of the important features available in Towbook Management Software: Sticker App- One of Towbook’s most popular features is our “Sticker” app. With our “Sticker” app, you can create a virtual sticker in Towbook and “tag” vehicles you might be able to tow after a few hours or days. When the sticker expires, you receive a notice that the vehicle can be towed if it’s still in the same location.

Digital Dispatching- Towbook has digital integration with most major motor clubs, and you can even receive digital requests on your iPhone and Android device; no phone call required.

Mobile Apps- Mobile apps for iPhone and Android have become so powerful

Tow Professional | Volume 6 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com

that managers and dispatchers can do a lot of their work right from their phone.

You can receive dispatch requests, create calls and dispatch calls to drivers from your iPhone or Android phone in seconds.

GPS Integration- With integrated GPS, Towbook makes it simple to view the location and status of all your active jobs and your drivers or trucks on a map in Towbook. Towbook is integrated with leading GPS companies like TomTom, allowing you to send calls directly to the GPS unit in your truck. Drivers can use the GPS unit to navigate to the service location, and when they update the status of the call on the GPS unit, it will automatically update their status in Towbook.

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Towing Software Technology Automatic Mileage CalculationEstimated mileage can be calculated automatically using Google Maps for each call in Towbook, saving you time and preventing mistakes.

Direct Billing- The ability to submit invoices directly to many motor clubs will save you a tremendous amount of time.

Plus, Towbook makes it easy for you to track and manage all your calls with an open balance.

QuickBooks Integration- If your company uses QuickBooks to manage your finances, you can sync your towing invoices directly to QuickBooks desktop or QuickBooks online.

Letters and Forms- In Towbook, you can generate letters and forms for your impounds with the click of a button.

Pre-Trip Equipment Inspections- Your driver can complete a pre-trip equipment inspection using the Towbook mobile app. Inspections can be customized for your business to include the things you

want drivers checking each shift. Plus, inspections are available in a report, which can be printed or emailed.

Online Tow Requests- You can create a web request form for any account or your website and Facebook page with just a few clicks, making it easy for your favorite customers to send you tow requests.

Damage Forms- Using Towbook’s mobile apps, you can complete a vehicle damage report for any call, helping protect you against damage claims. Photos can be added to the damage form, and you can email them to your customer from the side of the road.

Accident Reports- To help with insurance claims, we’ve made it simple to create professional accident reports in Towbook. Accident reports can include notes, photos, and detailed charges for the job. We help you generate a great report in a few minutes so you can collect as much as possible for each job.

Plate-to-VIN Feature- No VIN, no

problem! Towbook’s plate-to-VIN feature is a great way to save time and eliminate mistakes. Simply key in a plate number and the state and Towbook will return the full VIN, plus the make model and year of the vehicle.

Customer Location Request- Today’s consumers expect that you can find them, even if they have no idea where they are. Towbook’s “ping” feature makes it easy to send a text to your customer, and if they approve, their phone will send the location back to your dispatch screen.

Driver Commissions- Tired of answering questions about what commission your driver earned on a call? Towbook can show drivers their estimated commission for each call on the mobile app.

Thousands of companies count on Towbook every day to help them run their business. Here’s what a few of Towbook’s customers have to say about the system and how the Towbook team takes care of their customers:

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Towing Software Technology Redl’s Towing We were an ‘old school towing company’ whose life has been changed since taking the leap of faith to e-dispatching with Towbook. I have more time working on my business versus being tied to the phones, writing down the request, and radioing them out to my drivers.

Towbook has helped us each step of the way with their unlimited support and training. With the implementation of the software into our business, I’m now able to be out and doing what I love, building relationships with our customers. This has been a major change in how we are managing our business, and we have even experienced an increase in calls since activating our e-dispatching.

Eric Redl, Owner, Redl’s Towing Glenn’s 24HR Towing Inc. In November 2016, with less than two weeks’ notice, we purchased another towing company. We had in the past used the old paper system to write our

calls down with little pieces of paper all over the place. We knew we needed to make a change with the increased volume. After looking into several dispatching systems online, I decided that Towbook looked like the best option for us. We made the move to go electronic and started using Towbook. I cannot say enough good things about how easy it is to use the program for our office personnel and drivers. The customer service at Towbook is outstanding; they truly understand our industry, and they’re very open to improvements as new ideas are introduced. We can use Towbook anyplace, which is very helpful in a 24 Hour business. I highly recommend Towbook to anybody that is looking for a program to grow and organize your business.

Tammy Henninger, Vice President, Glenn’s 24HR Towing, Inc. Charity Towing & Recovery Being Phoenix's preferred provider for multiple vendors means you have to be

on top of your Game!!! That being said, Towbook & Charity Towing go hand-inhand. We have a problem, they have a solution! No matter what time frame you’re working with, you will always be connected to a real, live person (no voicemail or after-hour answering service who can't answer a simple question). Trust me when I tell you; we've been around the block with different dispatch companies that have promised us the world--but in the end, we only ended up with broken dreams. Shout out to God himself for giving Towbook the great ability to assemble its very own “Dream Team” to Create Towbook for our industry!!!

Lynnette Longoria, CEO, Charity Towing & Recovery

About Towbook Towbook is the unquestioned leader in cloud-based towing software, providing tools made possible by the latest technology and helping companies to raise their level of service while lowering operating costs.

Free Trial, Free Setup, Free Support.

With Towbook, you get a 30 Day free trial, plus free setup and support, and there are no contracts. Plus, you don’t need a license for each employee, you get unlimited user accounts with your subscription.

Towbook Management Software is headquartered in Michigan and has provided cloud-based towing software for 10 years. With the industry’s most advanced and flexible software, Towbook supports all types of towing and recovery operations. At Towbook, we take great pride in having the industry’s best customer support. Support is free and available 24/7/365 – even on holidays! u www.towbook.com sales@towbook.com 810-320-5063

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By Ed Kasman

A New Generation in Tow Management

The MDT-3 from TIS

If you compile a list of the biggest challenges facing the Towing and Recovery business today, your list will probably consist of at least the following key issues: (1) labor, (2) equipment maintenance, (3) customer service, (4) fuel costs, and (5) legislated requirements.

Now this list includes just a few things a tower faces, yet there are many more that are affected by local ordinances and heavy competition. Some of these issues have been addressed in the past with the use of technology such as smart phones 48

and traditional vehicle-tracking systems-but that’s not enough! Transportation Information Systems (TIS) has what you need to stay on the cutting edge of technology to effectively address and manage the ever-growing challenges where smartphones and other tracking systems fall short.

First, we would like to introduce our company to you, and then share what we have to offer to take you to the next level of efficiency and increased revenues: Transportation Information Systems, Inc.

Tow Professional | Volume 6 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com

(TIS) was founded in 1996 as a California Corporation for the purpose of providing computer systems and support services to the ambulance industry. The founders brought with them over 25 years of experience in supporting the needs of the medical transportation industry. The vision of the company today, as it was then, is to develop leading- edge technology solutions and to provide the highest level of support services.

Currently, TIS provides fleet-management solutions for a number of diversified industries with proprietary software products as well as state-of-the-art GPS vehicle tracking and wireless internet communications. All products are designed for the highest reliability at the lowest possible cost. Numerous developments in technology over the past several years have made it possible to develop new tools using the advantages of the “Electronic Super Highway.” The Internet, when used properly, is the most powerful tool ever devised.

So having been born out of life-anddeath emergency services, TIS is well-

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Towing Software Technology equipped with instant internet access to empower the towing industry to effectively provide excellent service for a wide range of towing and recovery needs a tow operator may face daily. Now for how TIS can specifically take your business to the next level with a new generation in Tow Fleet Management. The latest tool for the Towing and Recovery business from TIS is the MDT-3 Mobile Workstation. The MDT-3 is part of the iFleetGPS Family of Products. The MDT3 uses the internet to instantly connect the driver, dispatch, and management at high speed. The key word is INSTANT. What can the MDT-3 do today?

1. Real-Time Vehicle Tracking.

(Locations are updated as the vehicle moves.)

2. Unlimited Geo-Fences in either circular or polygon shapes.

3. Driver Log-In/Out record-keeping.

4. Two-Way Digital Communications with the driver.

5. Job-Detail Driver Updates. (If

6.

7.

8.

9.

accepted, the driver gets routing to the location.)

Job Status Updates by the driver pressing a “Status” button on the MDT-3.

Job Site Picture Taking (up to 8) that are tagged with the Job ID. Accounting for lunch and break periods by driver.

Daily Vehicle Inspections by simple touch. (Photo images of faults are available. Inspection records are immediately transmitted to Dispatch.)

Other related options are available: 1. e-Logs and Hours of Service.

Although not currently mandated by the FMCSA, tracking hours and vehicle movements can have benefits.

2. Integrated Vehicle Maintenance System combines vehicle inspections, scheduled services, and tracking data to maintain an automatic “Work-in-Process” report.

3. Call Entry & Dispatch Communication. The MDT-3 can receive data from any Dispatch System using a set of API’s. An integrated Dispatch System is available at nominal cost.

Due to lower equipment costs, the MDT-3 costs little more than the traditional systems of the past. Now is the best time for the tow operator to take advantage of the newer technologies with a company that won’t just sell you a product, but will be there with you and your product in your daily service needs.

TIS customer support is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week from coast to coast. All technical support representatives are based in the US and are fully trained to address the needs of our customers. To place on order or to check on the best services we have for your most cost-effective investment, call us. u Transportation InformatIon Systems 888-767-8471 or 818-567-2839

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By Jeff Pesnell

TOPS®, Towing Operations Software, was initially deployed in the year 2000.

Over the last 17 years TOPS® customers have taken over 35 million calls in total!

Our systems process over 12,000 calls on average daily and we are proud to announce we have added a fifth customer to our Million Calls Taken Club!

With TOPS®, towing operators enjoy the stability, accountability, efficiency and transparency the TOPS® suite of products has delivered since it’s release to the market.

TOPS® manages all aspects of a tow operation from the initial tow request to the vehicle’s final disposition. TheTOPS® system provides a unified and sophisticated platform for call-taking, dispatching, inventory management, lien processing, and auction administration. Used by the most successful towing operations nationwide, TOPS® supports single and multicompany (and multi-location) operations, and provides individual company and roll50

up accounting and management reports.

The TOPS® suite of products continues to grow and evolve. We recently released updated versions of our TOPS Driver and TOPS Inventory mobile applications with upgraded features and functionality. This includes one of the most powerful features available in towing industry mobile applications – TOPS Xtra.

TOPS Xtra allows us to tie completely customizable functionality to our standard TOPS Driver and TOPS Inventory applications. An example of this is to add a customized paperless tow sheet to TOPS Driver or a customized impound inspection process to TOPS Inventory.

Base functionality for the mobile apps includes:

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With TOPS Driver, users can update call status times, navigate to pickup and drop-off locations, upload and store callrelated photos, create new calls in the field and email call receipts to customers directly from the mobile device in the field. TOPS Inventory is used by impound lot personnel to enter and update vehicle information, take photos, and scan barcodes for ease of managing lot inventory.

Taking inventory is as simple as walk and scan, upload toTOPS®, and deal with discrepancies. All mobile apps are designed for the iOS and Android mobile phones and tablets.

We have begun a makeover of our TOPS® application. In the 2nd Quarter of 2017 we will release an initial phase of this makeover by enhancing TOPS® to include browser-based call taking and dispatching functionality.

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The TOPS® family of products also includes tools for managing Municipal and Police towing.

TOPS Central Management Application (or CMA for short) is a robust tool used exclusively for managing municipal dispatch tow operations.

Municipalities and management companies use TOPS CMA to reduce time on the phone, increase data accuracy, improve tower response times, and efficiently manage tower contract compliance.

TOPS CMA offers electronic tow request distribution to your contract tow operators based on dispatching to the closest truck, zone or rotation management, and any combination of the above.

TOPS CMA manages arrival/ETAs, call rejections, call cancels, reporting, complex search and real-time call messaging between the municipality and the contract tow operators. This web-based application can accept electronic tow requests from city systems such as CAD. Tow requests are then routed to the appropriate contract tow operator based on your dispatch rules. TOPS CMA connects seamlessly to TOPS® for towing management by contracted tow operators and TOPS® for full service impound lot management.

TOPS CMA supports multi division / multi-department implementations. Not only will TOPS CMA manage your City Police Department tow requests, but is also configurable to allow the Fire

Department, City Fleets, Airport Police, Parks and Recreation and County Police Departments to use the same system to dispatch contracted tow operators. User Security within the system restricts access to the appropriate departments as required.

Features of TOPS CMA include: Call Entry  Receive direct from CAD/RMS (via web services)  Receive direct from Officer (thru CAD/RMS) (via web services)  Receive direct from Officer (via web based entry form from TOPS CMA)  Manual Entry into TOPS® CMA Dispatch  Supports Multi-Division (City, County)  Supports Multi-Department (Police, Fire, Fleet) o Each with unique dispatch rules, ETA, etc.

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 Zone Based  Full Rotation or Rotation within Zone  Closest Truck (GPS)  With unique ETA per Call Type  Manual Assignment Messaging  Electronic messaging between Agency, Tower(s) and Impound Yard(s) o Date/Time stamped o Acknowledgment tracking o Audible Alert for new message notification o General or Call related - tied to job history Impound Management  Impound using single or multiple impound lot(s)  En route to Impound Lot(s) queue  Complete call history – Dispatch to Impound to Final Disposition 52

Reporting and Search  Standard and Custom Reports o Export Results to Excel  Simple and Complex Search o Export Results to Excel Additional Features  Mobile Tools  Electronic Tow Sheet (Tow Incident Report)  Integrates with TOPS® for full towing management  Integrates withTOPS® for full Impound Lot Management  Image Storage  Document Storage  Public Search  Web based platform  Supports full 2-way integration with

Tow Professional | Volume 6 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com

CAD / RMS via web services TOPS® offers a fully integrated fleet tracking application marketed under the name BudgetGPS. BudgetGPS is a vehicle and fleet tracking solution geared for any industry but specifically tuned to support fleet management within the towing industry.

BudgetGPS integrates with TOPS® to offer a true visual dispatching tool where users view current vehicle locations as well as unassigned pickup locations and drop-off information on the same map.

Icons are color coded allowing for a visual picture of calls which are in-process and those which are about to clear. Knowing when and where drivers will clear from their current call enables dispatchers to send the best / closest resource to the next job. This saves time and money.

Additionally, users are able to monitor

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ETA’s based on mapping calculations of drive time between the truck and pickup locations.

BudgetGPS delivers a full set of features for a single low price. Features include: Live Map with 20-second updates to the map, live Google traffic and map or satellite views, Historical breadcrumb view with 6 months of history, Alerts and Monitoring for PTO, GeoFence, Ignition, and Speeding. Reports include Driver Distance, State Mileage, Stops, Speeding and more.

BudgetGPS uses industry- leading hardware which is mounted discreetly inside the cab of the vehicle. We offer several models of hardware including OBD pluggable devices (for vehicles equipped with an OBD II port) as well as asset tracking devices.

BudgetGPS recently refreshed our application offering a new user interface experience which scales seamlessly to any internet connected device from PC to tablet to phone. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android.

BudgetGPS offers a month-to-month service with low upfront and monthly cost. BudgetGPS is developed and supported in-house by BudgetGPS! u 866-800-8677 Opt 2 www.towxchange.net www.budgetgps.com

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By Jim Shellhaas and frequent response In addition, SmartDispatch™ enables visual, drag & drop dispatch from the map. Dispatchers can see all open jobs and all available trucks to make better deployment decisions -- shortening ETA' s, and lowering fuel costs.

CommLink™ has long been the leading, highest reliability driver-centric mobile solution in the industry -- and ... it From "lift-off" in 2004, Ranger has focused on helping customers to achieve and sustain a higher trajectory in Operational Productivity -- more calls per driver while using less fuel! These benefits flow straight to the bottom line for increased profitability. Ranger is more than competitive on dimensions of administrative efficiency (e.g., multiple options for linking to QuickBooks, invoices, statements, commissions, performance reporting, and going paperless -including the printing of invoices in the truck, if needed), but the savings from administrative benefits can be harder to realize financially without reductions in staffing.

Ranger differs from many other tow management solutions based on the scope of "mobile-enabled" functionality provided (breadth and depth) and the reliability of the service.

From a customer perspective, Ranger's functionality translates to a fully integrated solution that you can grow into, and never grow out of. Ranger provides distinctive capabilities in the "basics": DispatchDirect™ provides all of the information on calls pending and inprogress (by division if appropriate), and the same information is available in the dashboards on the Ranger map -MapTrack™ -- because it is all fully integrated. No separate bolt-on product for GPS is needed. The mapping provides not only truck location, but also traffic conditions The icons show truck type and status. There are two viable options for truck location information. The data can be supplied by the Ranger mobile solution for drivers (over 40% of trucks in 54

Driver Selects and Enters Quantities for Extras Ranger) or a fixed-in-vehicle GPS unit in the truck (over 50% of trucks in Ranger).

The fixed-in-vehicle GPS unit is configured with Ranger software and reports directly to Ranger's MapTrackTM servers for fast

Device Calculates Charges with Extras

Driver Pre-Authorizes Credit Card Manual Entry or CC Swipe

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Driver takes CC Payment at Clear with "Token" from Pre-Authorization

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works! Drivers get all call information and "Garmin-like" navigation to incident and destination locations. They can take pictures, collect signatures (e.g., Consent to Tow), and have the option to add Extras to the account-specific pricing sent

by Dispatch. The device does all of the pricing calculations -- drivers don't need to know the rate book, or do math.

Drivers can pre-authorize credit cards at Arrived and take payments at Clear -directly with CommLink™ -- so no separate credit card app or device is required.

Perhaps less transparent, there is a significant benefit in shifting how dispatcher's spend their time -- from talking to drivers, to talking to customers (pinpointing locations so that drivers arrive sooner, and providing updates for higher customer satisfaction).

LotMaster™ provides all of the functionality expected in a storage lot solution (including re-tows, lien letters) and much more. For example, user-defined workflow management provides a tool to track the progress of a vehicle in the lot (from Admit through Lien Letter processing steps to Release, Disposal, or Auction).

There is also a special mobile application for those attending the lot. The most common use for this app is continued picture-taking. The record of pictures that begins with the tow job, follows the vehicle to the lot and can be extended

while the vehicle is being stored -- with a final picture when discharged. In an increasingly litigious culture, the "cradleto-grave" pictures are valuable in reducing liability exposures.

The LotMasterTM mobile app is also designed to streamline the process for

taking physical inventories of vehicles.

By placing an inexpensive "QR Code" (bar code) on the vehicle at Admit, it becomes electronically tagged in Ranger. A lot attendant can survey the lot with the mobile app, recording each vehicle by scanning the QR code. At the conclusion of the survey, a report identifies variances, if any, with the data in Ranger.

Beyond the "basics", Ranger also offers functionality for other towing-related business opportunities -equipment/vehicle transport, and private parking enforcement.

TransportOps™ is aimed at three market applications: transporting construction equipment (e.g., between a rental location and a building site), moving containers (e.g., to/from multi-modal shipping points), and relocating automobiles for auction (e.g., from a towing company storage lot to a regional auction facility). The process allows dispatchers to plan/schedule their loads for the next day by truck and driver. In late afternoon,

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text messages are sent via Ranger to each driver on their personal smart phone, providing advance notice to drivers on their assignment for the coming day. The next morning when drivers log into CommLink™, the assignments are automatically dispatched to the driver's

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mobile device -- eliminating the need for manual assignments by dispatchers.

Dashboards for the Transport Manager provide information to confirm drivers have received and acknowledged the requisite information, and their progress on each call.

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The latest addition to the Ranger software suite is PatrolWorks™ for private property enforcement - whether a core business, or an opportunity for diversification and growth. The solution enables towing companies to configure specific requirements for each of their customers (e.g., apartments, hospitals), including scheduling and the rules governing each individual violation type (e.g., grace period, approval requirements). Spotters can be assigned to zones and/or individual lots.

The PatrolWorks™ mobile app navigates spotters to the assigned lot, and provides a listing of any vehicles that have already been tagged. Spotters can update pending violations and enter new violations -- including pictures. In locales where patrolling is not permitted, a willing property manager could use the mobile app for "self-service" entry and updating of parking violations.

Once entered into PatrolWorks™ , the

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rules engine manages the process including the automatic sending of approval requests to the designated Property Manager with the relevant information and pictures. When the prerequisites have been satisfied, the towing opportunity can be executed directly by the spotter, or be automatically forwarded to DispatchDirect™ for the assignment of a tow truck - with navigation to the

exact location where the violation was recorded. Impounded vehicles are processed through LotMaster™.

Ranger's scope of "mobile-enabled" functionality is one source of differentiation. However, functionality without reliability (e.g., uptime, no app "crashes") is of little value. Reliability is often an afterthought until the system is not working.

Ranger has invested heavily for relia-

bility/uptime. The solution is hosted in a commercial data center with redundant internet, power, and cooling -- with the latest in security. All data is backed up nightly. There is redundancy built into each component of the Ranger infrastructure architecture. And in a "worst case" scenario, Ranger even has a disaster recovery solution in place to fail-over to a different data center location. Ranger

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Towing Software Technology functionality comes with reliability.

We often use the tag line: advanced technology for superior performance.

Ranger is not for everyone. But if you are looking to achieve a higher level of performance, give us a call and we'll put Ranger Service Solutions Technology to work for you!

Testimonials After a review of alternatives, we selected Ranger as having the most robust solution for our needs. Ranger worked with us to hone an application for the scheduling and automatic dispatch of transport jobs -- for us, moving heavy construction equipment (about 30% of our business). This piece by itself has streamlined the planning/dispatch process and added driver accountability into the process. The dashboard provides real-time information on which drivers have acknowledged their assign-

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ments and the on-time status of each job. Ranger provided on-site training for myself and my staff multiple times, and they are always willing to help out over the phone. More importantly, their ability and willingness to customize their system to cater to my Company’s needs is exceptional. It was a great decision for us. --- Kevin Wilson, Operations Manager, Rob’s Automotive & Collision Center, Inc – Towing & Hauling Division] We have been a long-time user of the Ranger mobile solution for drivers. It is simply the most capable and the most reliable solution available. Initially we used the mobile solution with another dispatch/accounting software. However, about a year ago, we converted 100% to Ranger to take advantage of the full solution and the benefits of the tight integration with the mobile app. Ranger was on-site twice for training and implemen-

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tation assistance. We had some legacy QuickBooks issues. Ranger stepped up to help us, and in the process convinced us that the data in Ranger is correct. I recommend the Ranger tow management solution to others that are looking to make a change. --- Quinn Piening, Owner, Central Towing, Fremont RangerSST has been an integral part of our operations since 2015. What sets Ranger apart from other tow management software solutions is the company's high-level of customer service, their responsiveness to feature requests, and willingness to innovate to accommodate customer needs and industry changes. --Morgan Bressler, Bressler's, Inc. u

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Collins Dollies 541-7 74-9220 collinsdollies.com

Dealers place

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Dealers place

Volume 6 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com | Tow Professional

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Dealers market place place

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market place

IF YOU HAD TAKEN THIS SPACE, YOUR AD WOULD NOW BE BEING LOOKED AT

BY OVER 33,000 SUBSCRIBERS AND WOULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE TO MILLIONS MORE ONLINE.

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COMPANY

PG

COMPANY

PG

COMPANY

PG

Agero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Hide-a-Lift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Swoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Atlanta Wrecker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

ICOM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

TomTom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Anchor Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Holly's Message Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Austin Hinds Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

INA Towing Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Auto Data Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Interline Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Austin Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Auto Return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 AW Direct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Beacon Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Boxes 4 U . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Budget GPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Collins Dollies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Custer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Custom Built . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Industrial Netting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Jerr-Dan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover

Lift and Tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Lodar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Manufacturer Express . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover

Marking Pen Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Mike Keith Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Nussbaum Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 OMADI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 9

Deep South Wrecker Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Ranger SST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

DPF Remedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Robert Young . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

DJ Harrington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Driveline Buddy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Dynamic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover Flow Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 Hal Kresser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

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TIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 TOPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Tow Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Tow Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Tow Trax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Towing Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38, 39 TowMate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Tracker Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 TRAO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 United Plastic Fabricating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Urgent.ly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 USAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 VTS Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Recovery Billing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Waters Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

RP Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Wrecker Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

RV wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Smyrna Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Steck Manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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Weiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

WreckMaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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