Tow Professional Quarterly - Quarter 1, 2023

PUBLISHER

Darian Weaver

President & Publisher

darian@towprofessional.com

PRODUCTION

Shirley Ogburn

Editor

Clint Cabiness

Creative Director

clint@dialedinmediagroup.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

David Cotsmire – Will-Burt

Barbara Fausnight – Custer LED Kendall Smith – Towbook

Matt Wesley – Towbook

Executive and Advertising Offices

1005 Mountain Trace

Birmingham, AL 35242

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., 1005 Mountain Trace, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, 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.

For a new free subscription, address changes or corrections, please visit www.towprofessional.com and click on the “subscribe” tab.

Increase Productivity and Deliver an Engaging Experience with Towbook

By Kendall Smith and Matt Wesley

As the use of technology continues to rise in the towing and roadside industry, so do consumer expectations. With the ability to use advanced technology at your fingertips, your customer expects to be informed and cared for every step of the way. Using Towbook creates this experience by doing the work for you!

Towbook not only promotes continuous communication with your customers, but also with your motor clubs, body shops, dealerships, police departments, and private property managers too!

 Got a call from the motor club? Accept it with the click of a button!

 Does your body shop or dealership want to send you a job? Our Web Request Portal can help them do exactly that with just a few clicks!

 Impress your police departments with “Vehicle Lookup” technology that allows them to quickly see if a certain vehicle is on your lot!

 Give private property managers a login to their account, so they can view all vehicles that were towed and sign for them as well!

All of the above actions and more, allow you and your staff to reduce time on the phone and maximize your performance and efficiency.

So, what does Towbook do? And why do you need it?

Improved Communication. Managers and dispatchers can communicate with drivers easily. Drivers can accept calls with all the details needed in order to do their job efficiently and update the status of the job from start to finish. You will also be able to chat with your drivers via their mobile applications or send them a text message to make them aware of last-minute changes (chat logs are always saved to the call for future reference).

Roadside.io Towbook’s Roadside.io solution, paired with our Customer Survey feature, delivers the latest customer experience capabilities to your fingertips, allowing you to provide an “Uber-like” experience for your customers.

With Roadside.io, you have the option of sharing information with customers while the service is in progress; helping customers understand what’s happening with their service without having to call you for an update. You also have the option of sending the customer a satisfaction survey once the job is complete. You can choose to push these surveys to your website and you can also direct them to your social media outlets where they can complete a review about the service they received.

Minimize Risk of Damage Claims. Drivers can upload photos of the vehicle to a call in real-time; we timestamp and geocode these photos for you along with categorizing them according to what job status the driver was in at the time. An additional precaution can be taken by creating a “Vehicle Damage Form” if there is extensive damage to the vehicle prior to servicing it. The driver can create a report on scene, take photos of the vehicle, indicate anywhere there is damage, and have the customer sign off on the damage form. This report will be saved for future reference and can even be emailed or sent via text to the customer with their receipt.

Built-in Navigation and GPS Tracking. You’ll be able to get turn-by-turn directions to your destination right in the application with just a tap!

If you aren’t currently using a GPS solution, Towbook is equipped with built-in GPS tracking which will automatically update the drivers’ location according to their app settings.

Towbook is also integrated with leading GPS companies like AT&T Fleet Complete, Azuga, DriverLocate, Samsara, US Fleet Tracking, Verizon Connect, and Webfleet Solutions; 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. Your Towbook app can also use the GPS location from your trucks and display that on the map in Towbook. There are many other fantastic features of GPS units that help you manage and maintain your fleet.

Pre-Trip Inspection Management and User Check-In. If you want your team to inspect their trucks and other equipment before (or after) every shift, they can do that easily using the Towbook mobile apps and our Equipment Inspection tool. Each inspection report is time stamped, and managers will receive an email alert any time there is an Equipment Inspection failure.

Completed inspections are also available to open/view on mobile apps, so if drivers need to present a completed pre-trip inspection to a law enforcement officer they can do so right from their phone!

Our “User Check-In” feature allows drivers to check-in

and out for work directly from their mobile application. This allows managers and dispatchers to know who is currently on-shift to accept jobs. You are also able to run a report to review check in/check out times for drivers.

Plate-to-VIN Technology. No VIN – no problem! Towbook’s plate-to-VIN feature saves time and eliminates mistakes. Simply enter the plate number and the state in which the vehicle is licensed, and Towbook will return the full VIN with the make, model, and year of the vehicle. You’ll also have the option of using our VIN scanner, which will populate the VIN in the call just by scanning the vehicle’s barcode.

Private Property Features. Alongside tagging accounts, two of our most notable private property features for the mobile applications include “On Scene Call Creation” and “Stickering”:

 On Scene Call Creation: This allows your drivers to do their job as quickly as possible by allowing them the option to create a call by simply snapping a picture of the vehicle; the call will automatically populate the address they’re located at and will allow them to update any additional details later.

 Stickering: One of Towbook’s fastest-growing features is our Stickering app. With Stickering, you can create a virtual sticker in Towbook and “tag” those vehicles that you might be able to tow after a few hours or a few days. When the sticker expires, you receive a notification that the vehicle can be towed.

Impound/Storage Lot Management and Vehicle Lookup.

You’ll be able to track and release your current impounded/ stored vehicles on your lot right from the mobile application. You’ll even be able to send the impound invoice via text or e-mail.

In using our “Vehicle Lookup” technology, your customers, police departments, and private property accounts will thank you! It makes it simple for them to look and see if you have a certain vehicle on your lot without calling.

Digital Dispatching. Whether you are a dispatcher or manager sending out calls or an owner/operator working in the field, you’ll be able to accept motor club calls while out of the office or on the road using Towbook’s mobile apps. Towbook is integrated with all the major motor clubs for your convenience! A couple of taps to accept the call and you’ll be on your way!

Paperless Invoicing. Save time by texting or emailing your customer an invoice right on-scene! If paper invoices are a must, we integrate with Zebra mobile printers to print your

customers’ receipt on the spot.

Additional Information. On top of the many features we’ve already mentioned, your drivers will be able to add additional information to the call via their app according to the preferences setup by management, this includes:

 Additional line items/charges.

 Record payments received in the field.

 Collect customer signatures for archiving and appearing on receipts.

 Any additional notes regarding the service or customer.

 Record vehicle odometer.

 Add any company expenses, such as fuel along with a picture of the receipt for manager review.

Technology is causing a world-wide

evolution and it’s important to find resources that can be of benefit to us. First it was computers, now it’s a little device in our pocket that we all rely on daily - whether for business or our personal lives.

Using software to manage your business increases efficiency and profitability but it’s also a great tool to woo potential clients; demonstrating that you are a forward-thinking towing/road service company and are interested in adapting to the everchanging technological environment.

About Towbook

Towbook has become the unquestioned leader in cloud-based towing software, headquartered in Michigan, and has provided service for over 16 years. Integrating the industry’s most advanced and flexible software, Towbook supports all sizes and types of towing, recovery and roadside service operations.

We provide tools made possible by the latest technology, and we help companies to raise their level of service while lowering their operating costs.

Plus, our commitment to you will be never-ending! We take great pride in having the industry’s best customer support. Support is free and available 24/7/365—even on holidays.

Tow Professional Offer

Free Trial, Free Setup, Free Support.

Towbook offers a 90-day free trial for all Tow Professional subscribers, simply scan the QR code or visit: www. towbook.com/signup/towprofessional to use this offer!

Website: www.towbook.com

Inquiries: sales@towbook.com

24/7/365 Support Line: (810) 320-5063

How Traxero’s Towing Management Software Keeps You Moving

Traxero’s team is dedicated to solving problems and driving revenue for all professionals across the towing and roadside services industry with its comprehensive suite of solutions.

Traxero brings the towing industry’s most essential solutions together to empower towing and roadside assistance professionals to drive higher profitability and be more efficient

Our solutions include advanced digital dispatching, leading impound yard software - including an online impound auctions platform, fully embedded credit card processing, GPS fleet tracking, and much more, to ensure your success.

Traxero’s goal is to provide its customers with a comprehensive suite of solutions focused on Towing Revenue Optimization (TRO), which delivers everything towers need, when they need it, to effectively run their business and grow profits, setting them up for success today, tomorrow, and for the road ahead.

Why We’re Different

Traxero understands how hectic running a towing business can be with all its moving parts. That’s where Traxero is different. We know there is no one-size-fits-all for Towing Management Software (TMS). That is why we built dedicated products with all the features you need,

no matter where you are in your business lifecycle or the types of towing and roadside assistance you do.

As the towing industry continues to rapidly evolve, it’s important that our customers know they can trust our solutions will evolve right along with them.

We are aware of the uniqueness that comprises each towing company. That’s why our solutions help

dispatchers, managers, operators, accounting and more create highly customized reports and integrate with any number of motor clubs and other products, such as QuickBooks.

Towers today need to focus on Towing Revenue Optimization (TRO), not just managing jobs. That is not good enough anymore; TRO is about understanding which jobs are the most profitable and how to maximize the value of those jobs.

And what’s the best way to do that? By choosing a company that offers the best towing software on the market.

Towing Management Solutions Fit For Your Business

Leave the heavy lifting for your tow trucks! Traxero’s software makes running your business efficient and profitable. Our software helps towers and roadside assistance professionals be more streamlined so they can generate more revenue and bring more efficiency to their business.

Our solutions deliver best-in-class features and functionality including:

Better Dispatching - As your business continues to grow and your needs become more complex, our dispatching software will keep you on the right track so you can be confident in knowing you are dispatching the right job to the right operator.

Maximize Operations - We help larger towing companies and municipalities configure their businesses when it comes to more complex customized reporting, so they can know what’s going on at all times.

Easy Payment Processing - Built specifically for the towing industry, TowPay is our simple, embedded payment processing functionality that enables towers to easily process payments safely and securely and seamlessly sync that data with their TMS software, whether they’re in the office or out on the roadways.

Private Property and Impound - As the marketleading private property and impound (PPI) solutions provider, we combine dispatching capabilities along with PPI-specific functions including parking, impound management, and account-based property management.

Fleet Tracking - Our GPS and camera systems allow you to get a real-time view of your fleet, as well as provide speed violation alerts, traffic patterns, and driver behavior reports.

Free Mobile App - Towers just getting started in the industry shouldn’t have to pay for software, so we’ve created a free lightweight app to help you get going.

With TraxeroGO you can receive motor club jobs from your network, manage cash calls, process payments, and more right in the palm of your hand while on the go.

But our software doesn’t stop there.

Impound Yard Software

In addition to all of that, if you have an impound lot, Traxero has the best impound yard software out there. We empower you to monetize your impound yard by giving you full visibility and control over the auction, lien, and mail side of your business.

Running impound lots can be time consuming, especially while working with multiple systems and trying to connect the dots to follow all the processes. We give you the right software to get the most revenue out of your impound yard.

Lien and Mail

Our hassle-free, automatic vehicle owner and lienholder search and notification system enables you to search records and send reminders electronically. We will also help you shorten the time it takes to obtain paperwork and titles for abandoned vehicles with our digital impound processing software.

Impound Auction Software

Our easy-to-use auction software is designed to help towers increase pro fits and save time with a fully digital auction management platform. From inspection to checkout, our software makes running an auction easier than ever to keep accurate records and increase your reach of bidders.

With our advanced capabilities, towers are able to take control and run the type of auction that works best

for your business. We offer a range of different auction styles, making it convenient for any and all bidders to participate including:

1. Online Only Auction

2. Live Auction with Simulcast

3. Traditional Live Auction

In Closing

At the end of the day, our solutions are designed to be products that are made for the heroes of the road. The towing business is a 24/7 commitment to helping drivers in need and clearing our roads to keep everyone safe. So that is why we brought all the best tools together to drive growth, maximize profits, and streamline operations.

Our customer service support and set up is unmatched, as our software team is available every step of the way and always on standby should any issues arise.

For more information about our software, please visit our website www.traxero.com or call us at 1-800-4284715 if you’d like to talk to our team or receive a product tour.

Hot PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR SOFTWARE IN 20 23

Say “Hello” to your newest employee, Towbook!

Based in the cloud, and utilizing the latest tools and technologies available, Towbook has become the industry’s unquestioned leader in towing management software solutions. Our goal is to provide software solutions that impact the performance, productivity and revenue potential for your roadside assistance, towing, and recovery operations.

Towbook is here to create a seamless experience for each job from beginning to end. You’ll be able to create quotes, receive jobs digitally from all major motor clubs, dispatch jobs to drivers, communicate with staff throughout the entire call, track calls on our mapping system, manage impounds, billing, receive customer feedback via surveys, and so much more!

With Towbook, we believe in transparency, so there are never any hidden fees! Training and setup assistance are provided at no additional charge for companies of every size and each Towbook subscription includes unlimited user accounts.

We’re known industry-wide for our coveted 24/7/365 Ultimate Support. This support includes live phone support and our “in-app” chat system that enables customers to interact with our team without having to pick up the phone and call.

See for yourself and try it free for 30-Days at: www.towbook.com

These products and /or services has become one of the top in the towing market for 2023.

Hot PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR SOFTWARE IN 20 23

These products and /or services has become one of the top in the towing market for 2023.

Traxero is the leading provider of innovative solutions within the towing and roadside industry. By bringing together the most trusted software providers in the market, Traxero delivers a comprehensive suite of solutions that help you run your business more efficiently and profitably.

At Traxero we understand not every towing operation is the same. Whether you perform work for motor clubs, municipalities, light, medium & heavy duty, private property, or all of the above, our software supports the jobs you need to run smoothly.

To learn more visit www.Traxero.com

Towing Management Software:

o TOPS – Our premium software solution provides all-inone dispatch, fleet, and inventory management. This is ideal for larger towing operations and municipalities that require more horsepower and configurability.

o Dispatch Anywhere – Designed for a wide range of towing operators small and large looking for the most versatile features and functionality, especially those particularly focused on motor club calls.

o TraxeroGo – A fast, lightweight solution for the towing operator on the go. TraxeroGO is the only towing app on the market with no monthly fees. You can manage your business on the go by receiving motor club jobs, managing cash calls, and processing payments, all in one easy-to-use mobile platform.

o Omadi – Market-leading Private Property and Impound

solution combining dispatching capabilities with PPI-specific functionality including parking, impound management, and account-based property manager portal.

Fleet Tracking Management:

o BudgetGPS – Explore GPS software and hardware with all the tools to help your business succeed for a single low price. Powerful reporting and an easy-to-use digital dashboard provide a complete view of your fleet. Best of all: No contracts and no activation fees!

Impound Yard Solutions

o TowLien – Streamline and simplify getting titles to abandoned vehicles with our fully digital impound processing software. You can search in real-time for DMV records, process and send required notifications to interested parties and stay on top of the process with automated reminders.

o Auction Simplified – Our easy-to-use auction software is built to help towers like you, save time and maximize profits by increasing efficiency and reach with online buyers. Our software has the most robust selling and buying features typically found at dealer-oriented auction solutions.

Integrated Payments

o TowPay – TowPay is the first payments platform built specifically for the Towing Industry. Easy to use, secure, and integrated directly with your towing management software.

TOW OPERATOR WORKPLACE SAFETY (T.O.W.S)

orkplace safety. When most people hear the term they think of large warehouses with forklifts in constant motion, manufacturing machines with major forces at play, construction, or whatever may apply directly to them. I’d say that few really consider that one of the most dynamic and ever-changing work environments is that of a tow operator, along with EMS, fire, police, etc. There are seemingly limitless variables that converge to create what becomes the ‘workplace’ on any given day or night. Topographical features such as steep grades and sharp turns can make for a treacherous stretch of highway. Toss in traffic density and adverse weather, and you never really know what you will be pulling up to. Not to mention night, day, dawn, and dusk with varying degrees of each of the above in the mix. And finally, how is the casualty situated within it all. Surely, no two calls

If you are a long-time subscriber, you may have read my articles in the past addressing everything from developing a routine centered on safe practices, to a multi-layered approach when it comes to lighting the scene to optimize motorist awareness of your presence. Consider this a brief commentary on those things in a more generalized manner. An up-to-date reminder for some, and perhaps an impetus for new ideas for the uninitiated.

Before diving into the safety-enhancing gear available today, let’s talk workplace practices. I suppose they are referred to as

practices because, for the true aspiring pro, there is always room for improvement and refinement of method and form. “There is an art to everything,” they say. This could be anything from the initial sequence of actions from the moment the truck is shifted into park to the storage of the tools of the trade once the job is done. As with most things in life, there are many opinions, some critical safety standards enforced by law, but certainly no broad consensus on an authoritative approach to the matter. Be it one that is primarily focused on minimizing the time spent on site, the hook-and-go, or that which is more geared towards establishing your worksite boundaries with a prominent perimeter of cones and triangles, or even another truck in the fleet running interference; there are indeed many ways to skin that cat. Clearly, T.O.W.S is completely situational and lands somewhere between calculated risk and seasoned know-how.

Perhaps there is a happy medium to be found. One that provides a significant benefit, similar to a well-defined perimeter of cones/triangles/lights, but perhaps more effective in several ways, not the least of which being the time required to deploy. A veritable risk-reward “sweet spot,” if you will. A funny way to say it, but if you are one who takes to task with a get-in-get-out approach, have

you taken a moment to assess how exposed you might be leaving yourself once that bed is tilted and blocking the light from the overhead bar and tailboard at once? Or before that box truck with its incandescent hazards flashing is ready to roll? Remember, nobody thinks it will happen to them, but it only takes an instant. In addition to reviewing your routine and identifying when you are most venerable while in action, I would also encourage you to explore some of the quick deploy options that have recently become available and have been shown to have a significant impact when it comes to risk reduction on the roadside.

In the 10 or so articles I’ve contributed to trade publications over the years, I’m not sure I’ve ever really stated my background or, more importantly, what inspires me to stick around and find enrichment and satisfaction in my career. I have been around the industry nearly all of my 37 years, as my father started TowMate in 1985 when he invented wireless tow lights. He demonstrated the merits of a relentless work ethic and helped me see just how incredible it can be to be part of a company that has several high level

manufacturing capabilities such as in house engineering and electronics manufacturing, relative to its size. This translates to a unique ability to be nimble and take a concept and convert it into a physical product for the market in relatively short order. But above all, he believed in himself and toughed it out when most would have abandoned ship. Truly, he is a shining example of what an innovator and entrepreneur can achieve with a can-do attitude and a healthy dose of perseverance and gumption. I believe they call it, “The American Dream.” I have since spent my professional career with the company being fully immersed in the towing world over the past 15 years.

Meeting you all at tow shows, hearing stories, testimonials, and even complaints while there, or simply over the phone, that is where the every day issues you all face come to light. In turn, as a manufacturer whose goal it is to increase safety, reduce harm, and produce a positive effect on others at every turn possible, it is our responsibility to not sit idly and turn out the same thing that has always been but with a different tag. Rather, to the contrary, we have gradually and organically branched out with our product development as a direct result of listening to and identifying our customers’ needs.

Our forward-thinking approach to engineering new products has resulted in the development of a myriad of products that fit the real world needs of the individual.

One example is our Power-Link 2-wire install Class I LED light bars and

the complementing array of versatile auxiliary warning lights that bring greater functionality with more ease.

You can view a video where I discuss how it all works and some of the useful functions that were previously

unattainable by clicking here or searching YouTube for TowMate TV. We have taken our efforts a step further by creating systems off of the truck as well, mounted on traffic cones or otherwise (The Life Saver : p/n TM-LS-STND and the Move Over Pro : p/n MO-PRO), and even perimeter warning devices that alert you when someone breaches your work zone (See also: Safety Alert System : p/n TM-SAS-RC).

We are an Arkansas based manufacturer who takes an earnest approach to business. Our goal is to make a difference for the heroes who put themselves at risk to serve the public at large, day in and day out. We strive to utilize our resources to put the pieces together and unify emerging technologies with new and innovative ways to address such issues in a more effective manner. In other words, it is a two way street that involves listening to those in the field on a daily basis, being receptive to critique, all the while being in tune with what emerging technologies may be able to improve upon what is available in the present.

In summary, the main idea is to keep everyone thinking about safety. The more heads on the case, the higher the likelihood for further progress in bringing the number of fatalities on the roadways down. As with our products, we will be doing our part by putting our best and brightest on the “case.” We have some very exciting projects and collaborations to come in 2023, so be sure to keep in touch and come see us at the trade shows in support of our quality dealer network. To find a dealer near you, visit www.TowMate.com/ dealer.

LIGHTING PRODUCTS

By: Barbara Fausnight

Tow truck drivers risk life and limb to help those in need on roads and highways. They are, after all, part of the first responder team at car accident scenes, responding to distress calls and driving to service destinations to promote road safety. Safety is the number one concern for tow operators and drivers on the roads everywhere. At Custer Products, our team

is focused to ensure your vehicles are equipped with the latest technology. We will efficiently get you the brightest lighting options available.

We have been extremely pleased with the increased exposure that our “Lite It Wireless” tow bars have received recently. Our wireless bars have been featured in several magazine ads; you can meet our team and see

LIW-36STR-7R

our products during key tow shows around the country. Our individualized frequencies allow unique serial numbers to be assigned to each bar, preventing crosstalk between drivers of the same or different fleets. This feature has also helped recover “missing” light bars by helping identify the owners and getting the bars back to them.

In addition to our wireless light bar line, we also manufacture a corded tow bar line. We have both the PVC material with incandescent lights and the polycarbonate case material with LED lights. Our heavyduty extensions are made right here and can be 30 to 60 feet long. We make them for all kinds of sockets, 4-pin, 6-pin, 7-pin and 7-blade.

If you are not interested in the wireless bar option or even a corded full-sized bar, the individual tow lights will be sufficient for your towing purpose. These LED tow lights are also manufactured by our production team in the Massillon, Ohio facility. They also have the option on the 4 plugs mentioned above.

Our Service

Our production team takes pride in all the manufacturing products they make and have a saying “If you aren’t proud of it, don’t ship it!” Our production

team, at Custer Products, is busy making products for our distributors and customers every day and is a vital part of our company.

Good customer service can be taught at a school or online, but exceptional customer service comes from the heart of servanthood. Everyone who works at Custer Products understands the importance of customer service in regards to both the internal and external customers. There are several key reasons why we have the best customer service in the industry. Our hearts are in it!

First, we answer the phone. We always answer the phone! You will not hear automated answering, prompting you to press a button to be connected. You won’t have to guess the answer to your questions. We want to talk with you, answer your questions, make sure you are ordering the right items, and help you get your order in a timely manner at the best shipping rates possible.

Second, we believe that because the customer has a need, we have a job to do. Meet that need. Because the customer has many choices now, we have to be the “best choice.”

We understand that because the customer has sensibilities, we have to be considerate. When they

36” Wireless Tow Light Bar with 7-round transmitter and amber / white strobes. • Choose the color of strobes added

48” Wireless Tow Light Bar with 7-round transmitter with 4” amber flashers.

have urgency, we have to be quick, and when the customer is unique, we must be flexible.

Finally, because the customer has high expectations, we must excel. And because the customer has influence, we have the hope of more customers! Because of the customer, we exist!

It has been a few years since the 2020 Covid 19 Virus hit and crippled so many businesses. We were happy and blessed to be able to serve so many manufacturers and distributors during such uncertain times. We want to thank all of our existing distributors for continuing to choose Custer Products! To all those who joined Custer Products when they couldn’t find their regular supplies anymore, we welcomed the challenge to get you the large quantities you needed. It was a pleasure for our company to be able to serve some of the “big” guys.

Custer Products launched a new website last fall and we welcome you to take a look. There is something for everyone! Custer Products is your online source for Flashing LED strobes, rooftop light bars, bright LED beacons, mounting boxes, adapters, and so much more!

We look forward to meeting all your lighting needs!

Lighting Tech for the TOW PROFESSIONAL

By David Cotsmire

Full disclosure, just so you know where I am coming from here. I remember the days of corded rotary phones and party lines where you would have to ask your neighbor to hang up so you could place a call. I also remember walking to a co-worker’s office to converse with them, or calling them on the phone. Handheld searchlights that required those huge rectangular six-volt batteries seemed to last only minutes and didn’t provide much more light than a candle. I was two years old when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon! The bottom line is that I love technology and the benefits it has delivered – a safer, cleaner world in which to work and play. Let’s explore how lighting and power technology has improved to allow the tow

professional to work in a safer environment at night and be more efficient at the same time.

Will-Burt’s Night Scan on-vehicle folding light tower was introduced in the late 1980’s and significantly improved the safety of nighttime road rescue operations for towmen, police, and fire fighters. Night Scan then, as it does today, focuses the illumination power of several lights on the working scene. A remote-controlled positioner allows a user to point the lights exactly where they are needed regardless of the position of the vehicle to which the system is mounted. Needless to say, the manner in which this was accomplished in 1989 was significantly different than it is done today.

Today, the power management system, controls, and lights are much more advanced than 30+ years ago. Will-Burt has employed the latest technologies to make the system more powerful, more dependable, and more

LIGHTING

effective for the same price (adjusted for inflation). We will review beginning at the top of the mast where the action is – LED lights.

LED lights have become more powerful, rugged, and affordable over the past several years. Beyond these benefits, LED lights consume much less power than the lights on that 1989 Night Scan, in fact, that 1989 model consumed 9,000 watts to generate the same amount of light as today’s model that operates using 1,200 watts. What this means is that today’s system can be run from vehicle power, no need for a costly generator. Another important benefit of LED’s is that many of the lights offered by Will-Burt come with a limited lifetime warranty; you will not find that with the old halogen lights. The positioner to which the lights are attached was once filled with relay switches that simply controlled the up / down, left / right movement of the lights. Today, potentiometers provide digital positional feedback to the Night Scan IQ allowing the position of the lights to be displayed on a LED monitor.

Looking “under the hood,” you will see the “brains” have transitioned from relays and switches in the 80’s

and 90’s to circuit boards with built-in relays in the 2000’s to solid state power management and controls using CAN-Bus communications in the Night Scan IQ of 2023. Finicky switches and relays are things of the past; again, delivering a more reliable and safer system.

What would a state-of-the-art light tower be without a user-friendly interface controlling it? Back in the day, controllers were a series of toggle switches, straight forward but a bit archaic. The transition was then made to push button controls with a small LED screen for limited system feedback. Today’s Night Scan IQ employs a multi-function, programmable display that visually shows you the position of the light tower. You can store a number of preset deployment options for the tower so that you can arrive on scene, hit a couple of buttons, and get on to other tasks as the light tower deploys automatically. That completes our review of the evolution of on-vehicle light tower technology. Next, we will cover the improvements that have been made in portable, rechargeable lighting.

Thankfully, the days of low-power, short-lived, rechargeable lighting products are a thing of the past.

BE

BE

Powerful, Compact Light Towers

Heights up to 15 ft.

Up to 220,000 Lumens

360° of light in 15 seconds

Flashlights, Search Lights, Hazard Lights, and more

Sequential Smart Flares

20+ hour runtime

Orange, blue, and red flares

Available in 6 and 10 packs

The promise of a lighting device, always at the ready, was very appealing – just unplug it and go, but they did not live up to the hype. The devices still used halogen bulbs which were power hungry and, frankly, not so bright with batteries based on Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) developing a memory over time and providing power for shorter and shorter periods of time, eventually making the device practically useless. Today’s rechargeable lighting products are much better!

LED’s and lithium-ion (Li-ion) are a match made in heaven. The low-power draw of LED’s while providing high lumen output coupled with Li-ion power storage can deliver dependable and safe lighting for hours. Li-ion batteries do not have a “memory” and typically perform identically for hundreds of charge cycles. Li-ion technology is changing rapidly and is being driven by the auto industry. Costs continue to decline while energy density per weight continues to increase. Night Searcher along with Tesla are starting to use lithium iron phosphate batteries (LiFePO4) which offer a lower cost, high safety, low toxicity, long cycle life compared to

lithium-ion – the tradeoff being slightly larger size. Make sure to investigate what type of batteries are being used before purchasing a rechargeable product, price typically correlates to battery type and quality of battery build.

The lighting available today is technically advanced and affordable. It is safe and designed to handle the heavy and rugged use of the tow professional. Dispose of those outdated fixtures (along with those rotary phones) and experience all that the future of lighting can do for you!

TP Q1

Hot PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR LIGHTING IN 20 23

These

TM36XR+

An upgrade to the TM36XR, the TM36XR+ 36” heavy-duty wireless light bar features an internal 12000mAh lithium battery pack that will operate the light bar for up to 60 hours on a charge! The unit charges the same as the TM36 and TM36XR, through the 7-way receptacle, so there is no need to create a new charging setup. Best of all, the unit features a charge status indicator panel on the top of the light bar. Boasting 1,000’+ signal range, solid harnessing, and a lifetime warranty on electronics and LED’s, it’s no wonder this has become a new favorite since it’s release.

TM-LS-STND

The ‘Life Saver’ cone-mounted warning light system continues to live up to its name, providing another layer of safety to wrecker operators and other roadside workers in 2022. Quickly deploy the light by placing a cone at the beginning of your work zone, sliding the light over the top of it with its universal traffic cone mount, and pressing the power button. The standard mode is to flash red & blue alternating. The unit is not considered vehicle lighting and is not to be used in motion, and that is how one can gain the “red/blue advantage.” There are other modes that allow for the red/blue to become amber/ white, red/amber, or white/blue as well as multiple flash patterns for any color combination. With the increase in use of these systems, TowMate has pledged a portion of the proceeds from each unit sold to The Survivor Fund through the International Towing Museum.

“In 2005, the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum established its Survivor Fund to provide immediate financial support to families of towing operators who lose their lives in the line of service in our industry.” To find out more about how you can support the Survivor Fund, visit www.TowingMuseum.com

SS470

These are among the most versatile low-profile surface mount LED lights on the market. With 12 ultra-high-output LED’s, two trigger wires, sync functionality, and a world of flash patterns, TowMate hit the mark with the SS470 ‘Slim Strobe’ series. Simply wave a magnet over the light upon installation to cycle between marker mode (steady on LOW), work light mode (steady on HIGH), strobe LED set-1, strobe LED set-2, and strobe both LED sets (together or alternating). These are ideal as a marker light/strobe combination or work light/strobe combination, or simply as LED strobes. Being made in the USA, carrying a lifetime warranty, and being priced competitively, these lights are a great value!

products and /or services has become one of the top in the towing market for 2023.

TP Q1

Hot PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR LIGHTING IN 20 23

One of Custer’s highest selling items has been the 23” wireless light-duty tow light (LIW-LDTL). The steel handle on top and the 105 lb. pull rubber-coated magnets on the bottom make for easy on-and-off installation. The LIW-LDTL is individually serialized which eliminates cross-talk and protects the owner against theft. This bar meets all DOT requirements, comes with a 3-year warranty and is proudly manufactured in the USA. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com.

The LED Amber/White rooftop light bar which is available in 29”, 56” and 72” lengths to fit several different sizes of service trucks. This strobe light bar comes with thirty flash patterns all controlled from a multi-function control box. This bar comes with arrow stick/traffic control built in with seven different flash patterns for each function. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com

One of Custer’s newest products is the 54-Watt work light/amber strobe combo light (WL54AW). Similar to Custer’s WL19F in size and shape, the WL54AW includes a 27-watt white work light in the bottom row of diodes and a 27-watt amber strobe light on the top. This light includes a 3-wire hook-up which allows the driver to operate the strobe and work light features independently. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com

The LED Class I Surface mount strobe (STR-XL1) which is available in Amber (not pictured) and Amber/White. With very low-profile dimensions of 4.85”

L x 1” W x 0.3” D, the STR-XL1 series is small in size but powerful in its brightness. This strobe light comes with 24 different flash patterns and can be synchronized with up to twelve other modules of its kind. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com.

These products and /or services has become one of the top in the towing market for 2023.

Hot PRODUCTS & SERVICES FOR LIGHTING IN 20 23

Will-Burt’s Night Scan HDT Light Tower

The Night Scan HDT is designed for the Recovery and Towing industry, meeting unique requirements and demands. Heavy wreckers and rotators benefit from the height and light output of the Night Scan HDT Powerlite, now available with new LED light fixtures that are more affordable than ever before. Available as a surfacemounted folding version or vertically mounted model adding flexibility for the space available for installation. www.nightscan.com | www.willburt.com

• Extends to heights of 15’

• Dual tilt light fixtures

NightSearcher WorkStar Connect

The WorkStar Connect from Will-Burt has 3 light modes to choose from reaching 2,500 lumens. Perfect for smaller areas as it folds flat and can be mounted in a variety of ways including the magnetic base, tripod, or hanging hook. Choose your battery with 4 power tool adapters that work with popular brands - Black & Decker, Bosch, Makita, Stanley, DeWalt, Porter, and Milwaukee. www.willburt.com

• Rechargeable

• 82 ft. beam distance

• 16 hour run time

NightSearcher Tower Pro 5k

The Tower Pro 5k from Will-Burt is a multi-angle rotational light that is portable, collapsible, and rechargeable. Choose between warm white and cool white light modes with low, medium, and high light output. The tripod folds down to 2.2 ft and extends to 4.9 ft. www.willburt.com

• Quick set-up

• 5 hour run time

• 5,000 lumens

• Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

Will-Burt Pi-Lit Smart Flares

Will-Burt Pi-Lit Smart Flares sequential road flares not only warn oncoming drivers, but they guide them around the danger. The rapid deployment system automatically turns on and synchronizes the flares for safe, quick, and easy use. Built, designed, and supported in the USA - the Will-Burt Pi-Lit Smart flares withstand up to 30,000 lbs of pressure and are IP66 water and dust proof. www.willburt.com

• Rechargeable • No programming required / auto synchronization

• Available in 6 or 10 pack

These products and /or services has become one of the top in the towing market for 2023.

LIGHTING

Will-Burt: Night Scann HDT

The Night Scan HDT as been developed to meet the unique needs of the Recovery and Towing industry. Heavy wreckers and rotators benefit from the maximum height and light output of the Night Scan HDT Powerlite. The Powerlite version is available as a surface-mount folding version when there is sufficient space or a vertically-mounted model that requires only a 12” x 12” space for installation. Both are 15’ tall when extended, have dual-tilt light heads that cast 120,000 lumens of LED light in all directions to insure you don’t miss a thing. The height of the six Night Scan XL200 LED lights turns night into day and will not blind your crew.

Oncoming traffic will be alerted to the scene from a safe distance. Night Scan HDT comes with everything needed for installation. The major truck manufacturers can install the light tower during a new build or the light tower can be installed by dealer or upfitter. They can even be installed on older equipment by your own shop. Best of all, no generator is needed to power the light tower – the efficient Night Scan XL200 LED lamps operate from your truck’s

power system. Night Scan HDT is available in smaller sizes for rollbacks and tow trucks, and we also offer a full range of specialized LED lighting for every vehicle. www. nightscan.com.

Towmate

TM36XR

This 36” wireless truck bar system provides stop, tail, and turn w/ side marker lights on each end and three DOT lights in the center of the bar. Powered with our new internal 6000mah Lithium power supply, this is the most convenient heavy duty light bar on the market! This system comes complete with your choice of transmitter and standard 12v charge cord.

TM-FLUX

With the fastest charge of any wireless tow light, no batteries to replace EVER, and a life span of millions of charges, this light bar will make all your other tow lights pale in comparison. Made in the USA, and includes the TowMate lifetime warranty.

PCX61U w/Touchscreen

Our new PCX overhead light bars are the new industry standard for emergency and industrial lighting. Made from a solid aluminum extrusion, multi-color strobe function, wireless STT that controls your TowMate tow lights, and controllable via our touchscreen controller; this is the future of vehicle lighting. For more information, visit www.towmate.com

Custer Products

One of Custer’s highest selling items has been the 23” wireless light-duty tow light (LIW-LDTL). The steel handle on top and the 105 lb. pull rubber-coated magnets on the bottom make for easy onand-off installation. The LIW-LDTL is individually serialized which eliminates cross-talk and protects the owner against theft. This bar meets all DOT requirements, comes with a 3-year warranty and is proudly manufactured in the USA. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com

The LED Amber/White rooftop light bar which is available in 29”, 56” and 72” lengths to fit several different sizes of service trucks. This strobe light bar comes with thirty flash patterns all controlled from a multi-function control box. This bar comes with arrow stick/traffic control built in with seven different flash patterns for each function. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com

The LED Class I Surface mount strobe (STR-XL1) which is available in Amber (not pictured) and Amber/White. With very low-profile dimensions of 4.85” L x 1” W x 0.3” D, the STR-XL1 series is small in size but powerful in its brightness. This strobe light comes with 24 different flash patterns and can be synchronized with up to twelve other modules of its kind. To learn more, please visit www. custerproducts.com

One of Custer’s newest products is the 54-Watt work light/amber strobe combo light (WL54AW). Similar to Custer’s WL19F in size and shape, the WL54AW includes a 27-watt white work light in the bottom row of diodes and a 27-watt amber strobe light on the top. This light includes a 3-wire hook-up which allows the driver to operate the strobe and work light features independently. To learn more, please visit www. custerproducts.com.

Towbook

Say “Hello” to your newest employee, Towbook! Based in the cloud, and utilizing the latest tools and technologies available, Towbook has become the industry’s unquestioned leader in towing management software solutions. Our goal is to provide software solutions that impact the performance, productivity and revenue potential for your roadside assistance, towing, and recovery operations.

Towbook is here to create a seamless experience for each job from beginning to end. You’ll be able to create quotes, receive jobs digitally from all major motor clubs, dispatch jobs to drivers, communicate with staff throughout the entire call, track calls on our mapping system, manage impounds, billing, receive customer feedback via surveys, and so much more!

With Towbook, we believe in transparency, so there are never any hidden fees! Training and setup assistance are provided at no additional charge for companies of every size and each Towbook subscription includes unlimited user accounts.

We’re known industry-wide for our coveted 24/7/365 Ultimate Support. This support includes live phone support and our “in-app” chat system that enables customers to interact with our team without having to pick up the phone and call.

See for yourself and try it free for 30-Days at: www.towbook.com

TOWING SOFTWARE CONTINUED:

and processing payments, all in one easy-to-use mobile platform.

o Omadi – Market-leading Private Property and Impound solution combining dispatching capabilities with PPI-specific functionality including parking, impound management, and account-based property manager portal.

Fleet Tracking Management:

o BudgetGPS – Explore GPS software and hardware with all the tools to help your business succeed for a single low price. Powerful reporting and an easy-to-use digital dashboard provide a complete view of your fleet. Best of all: No contracts and no activation fees!

Impound Yard Solutions

o TowLien – Streamline and simplify getting titles to abandoned vehicles with our fully digital impound processing software. You can search in real-time for DMV records, process and send required notifications to interested parties and stay on top of the process with automated reminders.

o Auction Simplified – Our easy-to-use auction software is built to help towers like you, save time and maximize profits by increasing efficiency and reach with online buyers. Our software has the most robust selling and buying features typically found at dealer-oriented auction solutions.

Traxero is the leading provider of innovative solutions within the towing and roadside industry. By bringing together the most trusted software providers in the market, Traxero delivers a comprehensive suite of solutions that help you run your business more efficiently and profitably.

At Traxero we understand not every towing operation is the same. Whether you perform work for motor clubs, municipalities, light, medium & heavy duty, private property, or all of the above, our software supports the jobs you need to run smoothly.

To learn more visit www.Traxero.com

Towing Management Software:

o TOPS – Our premium software solution provides all-inone dispatch, fleet, and inventory management. This is ideal for larger towing operations and municipalities that require more horsepower and configurability.

o Dispatch Anywhere – Designed for a wide range of towing operators small and large looking for the most versatile features and functionality, especially those particularly focused on motor club calls.

o TraxeroGo – A fast, lightweight solution for the towing operator on the go. TraxeroGO is the only towing app on the market with no monthly fees. You can manage your business on the go by receiving motor club jobs, managing cash calls,

Integrated Payments

o TowPay – TowPay is the first payments platform built specifically for the Towing Industry. Easy to use, secure, and integrated directly with your towing management software.

WEBFLEET

Webfleet Solutions, the Complete Fleet Management Solution for Towers, launched three new products this year to integrate with their LINK 740 tracking device and their award-winning fleet management system WEBFLEET.

Click here to learn more https://www.webfleet.com/ en_us/webfleet/lp/towing/ www.webfleet.com

WEBFLEET Video - Cam50 Dashcam

WEBFLEET Video uses AI technology to automatically identify risky behavior. When it does so, it notifies the driver, helping them avoid dangerous situations. Road facing and optional cabin facing HD dashcam event footage is displayed in WEBFLEET alongside driving data to give users the full context of road incidents. Users can request video from a specific time and position of a previous trip or instantly LIVE stream from the road, to act immediately when an incident occurs. Learn more at webfleet.com

WEBFLEET PRO 8475 Driver Terminal

In combination with WEBFLEET, the PRO 8475 Driver terminal better connects drivers and businesses. It combines essential features in one device, including twoway communication between drivers and fleet managers, order management, automatic recording of working time, and mileage registration, which helps fleets to comply with legislation and policy. It also connects to the Google Play store so you can download your preferred towing app. Learn more at webfleet.com

WEBFLEET Asset Tracker LINK 340

Manage your trucks and assets all in one place! The LINK 340 allows fleet operators to be alerted when an asset is being used, when it leaves a designated area or when any motion is detected. It also alerts the user when maintenance is required, which helps to preserve the value of the asset and trucks. This can make a tangible impact in the reduction of unnecessary costs and optimize processes for better business results. Learn more at webfleet.com

FEATURED PRODUCTS

OTHER FEATURED:

Jerr-Dan’s

The Jerr-Dan 50/60 Ton Rotator boasts an empowering combination of heavy-duty capabilities, superior stabilizing technology, commanding rotation, unsurpassed pulling capacity and unstoppable power. And now it’s available with the more impressive JFB Body Series. Its extra-rugged, non-corrosive exterior is made of weather-tight, impact-resistant polypropylene—making it more durable and longer lasting. It features rollup aluminum doors for swifter access to equipment, strategically placed LED lighting for improved visibility and specialty storage solutions to ensure every tool has its place. The JFB Body Series is available for standard and twin steer chassis.

• Independently Rubber Shock Mounted

• Aluminum Roll-Up Doors with Painted or Brushed Finish

• LED Interior Compartment & DOT Lighting

• 26 Additional LED Side Marker Lights

• 4 Additional Amber Side Strobes

• Anti-Slip Top Surfaces with LED Lighted Steps and Grab Handles

• Wide Variety of Tool Management Systems

• Incident Management Equipment Kits and Storage Solutions

• 267 in. C.T. 4 Axle Single Steer

• 255 in. C.T. 4 Axle Single Steer

• 255 in. C.T. 4 Axle Twin Steer

• 274 in. C.T. 4 Axle Twin Steer

• 255 in. C.T. 5 Axle Twin Steer

• 274 in C.T. 5 Axle Twin Steer

• Custom C.T. Upon Request

Jerr-Dan Dual Position Fork Receivers allow for a wider variety of fork positioning than standard receivers. Utilizing these receivers adds four inches of width to the fork positions, allowing you to hook up to a broader range of vehicles that require wider attachment points.

Jerr-Dan’s Fork Receivers offer two fork holes per receiver, giving the operator more width adjustment options compared to standard single hole receivers, and can be installed in either the high or low position. These versatile receivers are especially useful in towing applications that require non-standard fork placement - like some fire apparatus, coach buses, off-road equipment and more - and will fit any 5”x 5” heavy duty crossbar.

For more information on Jerr-Dan’s Dual Position Wide Reach Fork Receivers, contact your nearest distributor or visit: https://www.jerrdan. com/distributor-search

Custom Built Manufacturing

Be Sure to check out our website!

Custom Built Mfg. LLC came to be after 30 years in the Towing industry and 35 in the Auto Body Industry as Dangelo’s Auto Body and Repairs.

At Custom Built Mfg. LLC., it has always been about three things:

1)The Customer, 2) The Customer, 3) The Customer

That has carried over into the heavy-duty towing vehicles manufactured in Kane, Pennsylvania with the care and pride that only the small town attitude brings to the table. That being true, team work and the very BEST our trucks can be all of the time. Quality is number One at Custom Built

Mfg. LLC. using quality American made; steel, aluminum, fasteners, hydraulics, cables, winches, lights, rings and pinions for our rotators, and as many accessories whenever possible. Custom Built means just that, hand-crafted and hand-fit for precise long life operation. From metal forming, welding to assembly our technicians have eyes on every step of the maufacturing process as well as Derek Dangelo’s (Owner) personal supervision occurs at every step of the manufacturing processes. You will even see Derek involved in hands-on when issues arise. For more information, visit www.custombuiltmfg.com

FEATURED PRODUCTS

OTHER FEATURED:

FlowStop’s Hazmat Products

FlowStop’s Hazmat Products, “ Equipment & Supplies,” are designed by a veteran of the towing, recovery and spill response service for a quick and easy solution to minimize exposure when dealing with roadside mishaps.

FlowStop has a proven track record for dependability for the task at hand. Check out the FlowStop Product line at www.flowstop.net or call us at 877-356-9767 for details and pricing.

• Yamada 1” Dual Diaphragm

Pump Aluminum

Housing Excellent for Hydrocarbons & Light Chemicals

• 1 Year Warranty

• Air Regulator

• 2 Aluminum VAC Stingers: 1, 48“ and 1, 30”

• Aluminum VAC Wand 30“ 4, 25’ x 1” VAC & Discharge Hoses

• 50‘ x 3/8“ Air Hose w/ Quick Couplers Mounted Plastic Tool Caddy for 90 Degree ELL & 2” Plugs

AIR DRILL KIT

Reversible Air Drill

Infrared Temp Gun

Lennox 2’’ Hole Saw

Lennox 4’’ Hole Saw

2) Oatey 2’’ Plugs

2) Oatey 4’’ Plugs

50’ X 3/8’’ Air Hose

Storage/Carry Case

• Mounted on 600 lb. Handtruck

• Pneumatic or Hard Tires (option)

• Ideal for quick evacuation of damaged saddle tanks, IBC’s and drums.

CARGO TANKER VAC STINGER

3’ x 2” Aluminum Vac Stinger

Achieve 3 Separate Lengths with 2 Vac Stingers!

3’ x 5” Aluminum Vac Stinger

8’ x 2” With Both Stingers

Connected!

3” Sight Glass to 2” Vac Pipe

Aluminum Strainer

Fits Through 4” Opening with Easy Lock Couplers

Grounding Tabs on Stingers

Aluminum Dust Caps for Male Couplers

Pelican Case for Storage & Transport

FlowStop Football, a spill containment repair plug - The FLOWSTOP Football-shaped, polyurethane impregnated, water activated foam plug is used to temporarily STOP the flow from a leak in anything from a pipe, to a tanker, to a rail car, even a boat hull! From an initially pliable plug ready to insert into a void, it quickly expands and hardens to fill the void - it can even be applied below the water line!

VAC PUMP CADDY

Jerr-Dan’s

MPL-NGS WHEN VALUE AND PERFORMANCE MATTER

When value and performance matter, look no further than the steel body MPL-NGS by Jerr-Dan. Our Negative Tilt Feature on the wheel lift is perfect for repossessing vehicles in parking ramps, and its 4-1/2″ high hydraulic crossbar, with 4,000 lb. capacity, assures clearance for even the lowest profile vehicles. Jerr-Dan’s patented Underlift Level Stop Assist System gets you set up quicker so you can get in and get out fast, while our patented LOCKLINK® mechanism locks wheelretaining arms in the full tire engaged position. The body has a clear deck top and offers more space for storage, and the headboard provides great visibility. You’ll find the hydraulic valve on the MPL-NGS is positioned for easier servicing, to get you on to your next job quicker.

MPL-NGS FEATURES

• Tow Sling Option

• Ball Hitch Attachment

• Tow Dolly with Storage Bracket Option

• Recovery Sheave Option

• Fifth Wheel Attachment Option

• Gooseneck Attachment Option

• Wireless Remote Control Option

• Membrane Remote Control

• Hydraulic Self-Loader Option

• Manual L-Arm Option

• Pivoting Manual L-Arm Option

• Motorcycle Attachment Option

Download Brochure

FEATURED PRODUCTS

OTHER FEATURED:

Steck MFG.

BigEasy 32955DLX

BigEasy 32955DLX “Glo” Lockout Kit with EasyWedge and Carrying Case is the preferred tool to unlock cars in seconds without damaging the vehicle.

4th Wheel Loader

• 4th Wheel Loader is a tough 24” x 14” hardened aluminum fabricated platform with two 4” x 10” Polypropylene roller wheels and 1” axles to easily hold and secure up to 5 tons while loading a vehicle with broken ball joints and/or a damaged wheel/tire on a roll back.

Collins Manufacturing

Collins Hi-Speed®Dolly

6th Generation Self-Loading Dolly

SAFEST

Safety First! Safety

RatchetSystem — forTower Safety

— Prevents accidents and provides more options in difficult environments, (like snow, ice, gravel, slopes, tight spaces), when loading.

MOST SERVICEABLE

No expensive replacements or repairs — no cutting, welding or downtime. Replace damaged parts on the spot with common hand tools in just minutes.

LIGHTEST

Heavy-duty. Light-weight. Industry’s lightest weight dolly. Weighing only 54 lb. with static load capacity at nearly 80x its own weight (4,280 lb. with 5.70x8 tires).

I-Bolt

I-Bolt is a 2” x 1 ½” loop connected to a 7” long steel shaft with unique gripping teeth that lock into the threaded holes having diameters of ½” up to 1 ¼” on the front or rear of the vehicle provides a universal hook up solution for the 200+ vehicles identified in the Towing and Service Manual from AAA.Visit www.steckmfg.com.

Collins Carrier Dolly System

An innovation borrowed from Collins’ early designs — the Damage-Free solution to loading Carriers: Rolling instead of dragging up the bed.

CLEARANCE

High-Ends and Low Profiles. Carrier Dolly lifts vehicles higher off the ground to easily clear carrier bed with low load angles.

DAMAGE FREE

Damage Free Loading. No hooks, chains or cables ever touch the vehicle. Vehicles simply ride the dollies up and down the bed.

WIDE RANGE

Load hybrids, high end, electric, all wheel or fourwheel drive vehicles with no hook points. The Carrier Dolly System also doubles as a motorcycle dolly.

For more information, visit www.collinsdollies.com

HAAS Alert Safety Cloud®

Safety Cloud delivers real-time digital alerts to approaching motorists and vehicles when tow operators are actively assisting motorists on and around the road. Safety Cloud alerts activate automatically with the lightbar and are received by drivers through navigation apps and connected vehicle services. Drivers receive “Slow Down, Move Over” alerts inside their vehicles and have more time to move over when approaching active tow scenes.

HA-5 Transponder

- Equip on any make and model vehicle

- Connects to emergency flashing lights

- Easy installation requires no vehicle down-time

- Automatically delivers alerts with lightbar activation

- No additional data plan or fees

HA-D Integration

- Activate Safety Cloud on existing GPS or dispatch system

Jerr-Dan Financial Solutions

TOW TRUCK FINANCING

Customized financing options that go the extra mile

We’re not your typical financing team. Jerr-Dan Financial Solutions is made up of tow truck operators, sales and finance professionals who know the towing and recovery industry inside and out. With over 60 years of collective experience, we speak your language and understand the challenges tow truck drivers face every day. That’s why you can count on our flexible and fast process to help you identify and finance the tow trucks you need.

100% financing

We make it easy to grow your business with competitive interest rates and no down payment for qualified buyers.

- Hardware-free protection requires no additional equipment or installation

- No platform migrations necessary

Flexible options

Get the lease or loan package that’s right for your business, with terms from 24 to 84 months.

Fast, efficient turn-around

Get a decision fast with 24-hour turnaround on all credit applications.

Financing for every situation

JDFS is your one-stop shop for leases and loans on both new and used Jerr-Dan equipment.

For more information call (800) 926-9666 or visit at www.jerrdan.com

DYNAMIC “PYTHON”

4-YEAR WARRANTY

5000LB FULLY EXTEND WHEEL LIFT

8000LB TOW RATING

82 INCHES OF REACH

25 DEGREES OF POWER AND NEG TILT

OPTIONS

PLASTIC POLY FENDER WHICH ARE LIGHTER, YET STRONGER AND WILL NEVER RUST

8000LB RAMSEY WINCH STAINLESS STEEL PYLON

OUR Customers have been asking for a unit that would:

• Lift faster & higher

• Provide better weight transfer

• Have the sleek appearance of the Lightning Body design

• Have large tool boxes and easy access to hydraulics.

THE TRUCK IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

HINO Medium Duty Conventional Models

Tmedium duty trucks for years. It started with great aerodynamics, functionality, and durability, and has continued with leading edge connectivity. The great just got better. The Hino XL Series sports an all-new automotive grade interior, a host of new advanced safety equipment, and larger cab con than ever before. Available in day, extended and crew cab con in the industry’s leading support of HinoWatch

growing medium duty truck brand

available

Tow Professional Quarterly Digital Edition

• Comes out 4 times a year

• Mobile and accessible for readers to use and for towers on the go.

• Editorial and Ads are interactive with the use of Links and Videos to show more information and direct readers to your website.

• Emailed to our 11,000 registered owners

• Promoted on Social Media: Facebook, Linked-In, as well as in our print publication.

• Easily Promoted on your Social Media platforms through sharing...

• Cost effective Full Page and Half Page sizes.

SUPPLIER’S DIRECTORY

SUPPLIERS

LIGHTING

Custer Products

Custer Products manufactures and distributes LED lights, tow lights, and other related lighting products to the trucking, towing, agricultural, off-road, and safety industries through a network of distributors. (800) 490-3158

www.custerproducts.com

TowMate

The worlds first wireless emergency, transport, recovery and recreational lighting manufacture since 1985. TowMate began with just one product and has since grown to offer more than 50 wireless and emergency lighting systems.

(800) 680-4455

info@towmate.com | www.towmate.com

Will-Burt

Will-Burt Company is the world’s premier manufacturer of mobile telescoping masts, towers, trailer systems, and pan and tilt positioners. We offer virtually every mobile payload elevation solution and full integration services for first responders.

(330) 682-7015

www.willburt.com

TOWING SOFTWARE

BUDGET GPS

GPS software with all of the tools to help your business succeed for a single low price. BudgetGPS is always secure and reliable and our experts are here to support you. (833) 934-2275

support@budgetgps.com | www.budgetgps.com

TOPS towXchange a division of TXI Systems, Inc.

As the most full featured and flexible towing management software available, TOPS provides powerful tools to help you manage your business. (866) 800-8677

www.topsdispatch.com

Towbook

Towbook is the unquestioned leader for cloud-based towing software. Our towing, roadside and impound software is your allencompassing solution for Private Property, Police Calls, Transport, Local Calls, Motor Clubs, and more! (810) 320-5063

support@towbook.com | www.towbook.com

TRAXERO

Traxero is the leading provider of innovative solutions within the towing and roadside industry. By bringing together the most trusted software providers in the market, Traxero delivers a comprehensive suite of solutions that help you run your business more efficiently and profitably.

(800) 428-4715

www.traxero.com

WEBFLEET

Track your company vehicles and save like a Pro . WEBFLEET is a leading company for vehicle tracking & fleet management software in the cloud.

(866) 224-9451

www.webfleet.com

OTHER FEATURED SUPPLIERS

ASCENTIUM CAPITAL

Ascentium Capital is an award-winning commercial lender providing equipment and technology financing solutions. Our unique finance platform, combined with exceptional customer service, paves the way for fast, flexible financing for virtually any business need.

(866) 722-8500

www.ascentiumcapital.com

Alliance Funding

Alliance Funding Group (AFG), was founded in 1998 and has grown to become oneof the largest privately held equipment finance companies in the U.S. Having funded over $2 billion in equipment, we can offer complete credit and asset flexibility.

(603) 422-6608

JT@afg.com

Austin Insurance

Austin Insurance is a family-owned, independent insurance agency that keeps your best interests in mind. They know how important it is to provide clients with the best possible insurance coverage at the most competitive rates available.

(270) 444-6818

www.wreckerins.com

Azuga

From our offices around the world, the Azuga team is dedicated to giving our customers whatever they need to track and manage their fleets. Azuga takes a hands-on team approach and is always available to provide our customers with assistance.

(866) 429-1255

info@azuga.com | www.azuga.com

Collins Hi-Speed Dolly brought to you by been the industry leader for more than 45 years. Because we go where you go, rain, snow, gravel, or highways, you don’t get to choose the job location and neither do we.

(800) 332-9220

www.collinsdollies.com | sales@collinsdollies.com

Custom Built

Custom Built Manufacturing was founded by Derek Dangelo, owner of Dangelo’s Auto Body and Repairs.. Custom Built opened with a focus on manufacturing the highest quality, custom heavy duty wreckers for the towing industry.

(800) 540-5151

info@custombuiltmfg.com | www.custombuiltmfg.com

Dynamic created the Original Self-Loading Wheel-Lift that has become the most sought after technology in the towing industry. (757) 624-1360 anthonydynamic@mac.com |

OTHER FEATURED SUPPLIERS

FlowStop

FlowStop, a revolutionary new system engineered to handle both emergency truck spills and routine maintenance of storm drain and sewer line pipes.

(877)356-9767

www.flowstop.net

HAAS Alert

HAAS Alert’s digital alerting solution

Safety Cloud is a breakthrough evolution in emergency alerting, bringing critical real-time connectivity to roads and transforming emergency alerting for a new century.

(833) 433-HAAS

www.haasalert.com | info@haasalert.com

Hal Kresser Agency

Are you in the towing services business? They have over 30 years of experience in the towing insurance industry so they understand how tricky towing services can be. 877-412-3434, www.kresseragency.com.

Hazmat Responder Network

Our 40 hour hazardous materials technician course was developed to provide the tow professional with the specific knowledge and skills needed to participate in the mitigation and clean-up of incidents involving hazardous materials.

(877) 356-9767

www.hazmatrn.com

HINO TRUCKS

Our corporate mission is “to make the world a better place to live by helping people and goods get where they need to go—safely and economically—while focusing on sustainable development”.

( 248) 699-9300

www.hino.com

INA Towing Network

To meet the growing need for elevated incident management, INA Towing Network (“INA”) has developed a comprehensive towing and recovery program for truck fleets.

(866) 853-2125

www.inatowing.com

JERR-DAN

Headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland, we proudly manufacture our vehicles in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. Jerr-Dan believes there are few professions that can match the heart and soul of a tow owner/operator.

(800) 926-9666

info@jerrdan.com | www.jerrdan.com

JERR-DAN Financial Solutions

Whether you own one truck or a fleet, you can count on JDFS for the same innovative approach and customer service you expect form Jerr-Dan.

(800) 926-9666

info@jerrdan.com | www.jerrdan.com

McMahon Truck Centers of Columbus

Is your full-service headquarters for commercial truck solutions. We offer an extensive inventory for commercial truck sales, leasing and rentals, as well as comprehensive parts, maintenance solutions, and financing options to ensure the best selection, repair and service experience. info@mcmahontrucks.com I www.mcmahontrucks.com

OnlineImpoundAuctions.com

Maxmimize the revenue, while avoiding all the event-specific headahces of onpremisis, when you are forced to dispose of abandoned, unclaimed, or derelict vehicles.

(888) 903-4678

www.onlineimpoundauctions.com

OTHER FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Progressive Commercial

A tow truck business earns income by towing disabled vehicles. If that’s what you do, you should carry customized tow truck insurance. With so much riding on your tow truck, it’s vital that you have coverage adjusted specifically for your needs. (888) 806-9598

www.progressivecommercial.com

Robert Young’s Trucks

Robert Young’s Auto & Truck, Inc. is a family owned & operated business based out of Roanoke, VA. Robert R. Young of Robert Young’s started the company in 1982. He began his vision with basically one man and his tow truck!. (540) 982-3809

www.robertyoungtrucks.com

Steck Manufacturing

Steck Manufacturing Company was started as Steck’s Paint & Body Shop by George Steck in 1946. George went into manufacturing in the late forties when he and a partner developed a fastener used to install rear fenders.

(800) 227-8325

Sales@steckmfg.com | www.steckmfg.com

Directory

LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES

all-Grip (800) 748-2651Authorized Dealers Only

www.all-grip.com

American Truck Technology (800) 985-0168

www.americantrucktechnology.com

Atlas Flasher & Supply Co. (856) 423-3333

www.atlasflasher.com

Atomic Led, Inc. (888) 305-1112

www.atomicled.com

Tru-Hitch

Introduced in 1990, the Tru-Hitch™ System was developed to solve the weight distribution problem in the heavy towing industry. The Tru Hitch™ is by far the safest heavy duty towing devicein the transportation industry (860) 379-7772

tru.hitch@snet.net | www.truhitch.com

THE UNDERLIFT THAT HANDLES LIKE A SEMI-TRAILER

Weiss Insurance

• Attaches in minutes

• No Permanent Connections

• 32K Lift Capability

• Safely Tows Up To 140K GCWR

• Distributes Weight Properly

• Scales When Others Can’t

• Economical To Operate

At Weiss Insurance Agency, we’re committed to keeping your business protected – so you can focus on your day-to-day operations. And with the right insurance plan, your business will be covered from top to bottom. (636) 534-7226

cindyhorn@weiss-ins.com

Tru-Hitch Inc.

16 W. West Hill Road Barkhamsted, Ct. 06063 Toll Free 1-800-450-8659

www.truhitch.com

WRECKER RENTALS

Rent a wrecker from Wrecker Rentals and keep your business in business while your asset is down. Wrecker Rentals can deliver a wrecker or carrier to your location in a matter of hours so that you have limited service interruption. (770) 898-1200

www.rentawrecker.com

Austin Hinds Motors, Inc. (256) 550-0042

www.austinhindsmotors.com

AW Direct (608) 662-3333

www.awdirect.com

BA Products (800) 327-3301

www.baprod.com

Bailey’s Towing (919) 562-2984

www.baileystowinginc.com/srg.htm

Buyers Products Company (440) 974-8888

www.buyersproducts.com

Code 3 / PSE Amber (314) 426-2700, Ext. 1251

www.code3pse.com

Custer Products, Ltd. 4101 Shuffel Drive N.W. North Canton, OH 44720 (800) 490-3158

www.custerproducts.com

FEATURED SUPPLIERS

Detroit Wrecker Sales (313) 835-8700

www.detroitwrecker.com

Dynamic Mfg. 1120 E. Brambleton Avenue Norfolk, VA 23504 (757) 624-1360

www.dynamicmfg.com

East Penn Truck Equipment (610) 694-9234

www.eastpenntrucks.com

Federal Signal (800) 824-0254

www.fedsig.com

Flash Equipment (800) 570-8866

www.flashequipment.com

Fleet Sales West (503) 982-5095

www.fleetsaleswest.com

General Mfg. (Saftlite) (260) 824-3440

www.saftlite.com

Golden West (800) 724-8766

www.goldenwesttoweq.com

Go-Light Inc. (308) 278-3131

www.golight.com

HG2 (866) 468-4569

www.hg2lighting.com

Jeff Ingram Wrecker Sales, Inc. (866) 280-6761

www.wrecker-sales.com

Kinequip, Inc. (704) 392-5052

www.kinequip.com

Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales (410) 247-5700

www.mdcarrierwrecker.com

Minute Man Mfg. (877) 593-6959

www.minuteman1.com

New England Truckmaster (203) 772-1217

www.netruckmaster.com

Phoenix USA, Inc. (931) 526-6128, Ext. 2226

www.phoenixusa.com

Power Arc (314) 968-1115

www.powerarc.net

Pro-Vision (616) 583-1520

www.provsnusa.com

PSE Amber (314) 426-2700, Ext. 1251

www.code3pse.com

Regional International of WNY (800) 836-0409

www.regionalinternational.com

Rick’s Truck & Equipment (800) 639-4537

www.ricksrollbacks.com

Roadside Safety (909) 468-1393

www.roadsidesafety.net

Robert Young’s Trucks (540) 982-3809

www.robertyoungtrucks.com

R-O-M Corp (800) 827-3692

www.romcorp.com

Rontan Signals (305) 599-2974

www.rontan.com

Ruggedtow.com (724) 586-2900

www.ruggedtow.com

Santiam Enterprises, Inc. (503) 859-2793

www.santiam.info

SoundOff Signal (800)-338-7337

www.soundoffsignal.com

Star (585) 226-9787

www.star1889.com

Starlight Lighting Systems (855) 335-8333

https://starlightlighting.ca/?sscid= 61k3_m4cff

Strobes-R-Us (954) 946-9955

www.strobes-r-us.com/index.asp

TecNiq LED Lighting (815) 476-9255

www.tecniqinc.com

The Tool People (407) 674-8775

Tomar (480) 497-4400

www.tomar.com

Tow Mart (877) 343 5648

https://towmart.com

TowMate 15704 E. Hwy. 12 Rogers, AR 72756 (800) 680-4455

www.towmate.com

Whelen Engineering Co. (860) 526-9504, Ext. 2229

www.whelen.com

FEATURED SUPPLIERS & DIRECTORY

Will-Burt Company

169 S. Main St. Orrville, OH 44667 (330) 684-4024

www.nightscan.com

Worldwide Equipment Sales (815) 725-4400

www.newtowtrucks.com

TOW SOFTWARE

Auto Data Direct, Inc. (850) 877-8804

www.add123.com

Batchout (610) 296-3264

www.batchout.com

Beacon Software 10091 Brecksville Rd., Ste. F Brecksville, OH 44141 (866) 437-6653

www.dispatchanywhere.com

BMS Brother Mobile Solutions (908) 704-1700

www.brothermobilesolutions.com

Insight USA (301) 866-1990, Ext. 203

www.mds-inc.com

Marr Software, LLC (307) 363-AUTO 2886

www.protow.com

Mobile Create USA (408) 933-9588

www.mcusainc.com

OnScene Solutions

(330) 220-8111

www.onscenesolutions.com

Progressive Platforms (877) 304-4347

www.progressiveplatforms.com

Pro-Vision (616) 583-1520

www.provsnusa.com

Ranger SST (440) 498-1495

www.rangersst.com

Service Station Computer Systems/SSCS (800) 972-7727, Ext 4721

www.sscsinc.com

sureFleet (877) 401-2345

www.surefleet.com

Teletrac (817) 261-5756, Ext. 1448

www.teletrac.net

TOPS by towXchange P.O. Box 5695 Chattanooga, TN 37406 (866) 800-8677

www.towexchange.net

Tow Dawg Software (888) 486-9329

www.towdawg.com

Towbook Management Software

1161 S. Carney Drive St. Clair, MI 48079 (888) 884-9598

www.towbook.com

Track What Matters (817) 430-9201

www.trackwhatmatters.com

Tracker Management Systems (800) 445-2438

www.trackermanagement.com

Transportation Information Systems (818) 563-2839

www.tisfleet.com

Traxxis GPS Solutions (888) 447-7059, Ext. 102

www.traxxisgps.com

USFleet Tracking (405) 749-1105

www.usft.com

Verizon Network Fleet (866) 869-1353

www.networkfleet.com

VTS Systems (281) 373-3072

www.vts-systems.com

Wireless Links (201) 531-5906

www.wlius.com

THE TRUCK IS JUST THE BEGINNING.

When you POWER ON your new Hino truck, our journey with you is just beginning. That’s because every MY24 Hino Trucks comes standard with an industry exclusive Allison 5-Year Transmission Warranty, 24/7 HinoWatch, and Hino Edge Connected Vehicle Solution. Why? Because taking care of you and your truck is what we call the ULTIMATE OWNERSHIP EXPERIENCE.