Tow Professional - Volume: 11 Issue: 6 by Over the Mountain Media, Inc

Volume 11 • Issue 6 • www.towprofessional.com2022 PIONEER OF THE INDUSTURY: WILL-BURT WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT OUTFITTING YOUR FACILITY & SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 2022Wall of the Barr, Kelvin Alonzo Bullard, Steven Hilton Creel, James Milton Lichtwald, Henry Alan Meyer, Mitchell,DavidRaymond Lewis Moore, Christopher S. Naftal, Dwain Monette Sanford, Patrick Ralph Tirado, Jose A. Rodriguez, Kevin Carlos Gerbrandt, Ryan Alexander Masterson, Joesph Smith, Phillip J.R. Seth William Newton Ireal M. Martinez Ross David Booker Serafino “Finn” Savaglio Garry Dean McGee Christopher M. Russell Joseph Meyer Donald E. Thyng Jonathan R. Neesmith Robert A. Thorton Corey A. Reynolds Jak Gloria Pereira Emory G. Loggins III Spencer M. Hughes Plus:

WB Worker with a finished Coal StokerWill-Burt’s first large plant built in the 1920s

Bill Baer 2nd row far right and Bill Baerback row tallest young man in the center Ed Baer operatingLittle

Burt

2 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com TOW PROFESSIONAL CONTENTS Volume 11 • Issue 6 WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM 8 | Jerr-Dan 10 | Dynamic 10 | National Tow List 12 | Davis Towing 12 | HAAS Alert TOWING & RECOVERY INDUSTRY NEWS AN EXPERT WITNESS BY JAMES E. LEWIS 20 | It was only for a minute… IN EVERY ISSUE 14 | 4 | Editor’s Letter 59 | Dealers Place 63 | Market Place 64 | Ad Index 24 | Selling Your Business INSIGHTFUL TALK BY DAN MESSINA Wheel Lifts & Repo Equipment FUEL 4 THOUGHT BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP 28 | I’m Proud of Our Podcast Women of Towing 34 | PIONEER OF THE INDUSTRY: WILL-BURT Outfitting Your Facility/Service & Maintenance Laura Acosta 3534 First Shop in the 1890s T he history of The Will-Burt Company, today, known at the world’s leading producer of mobile elevation products, can be traced back to 1894. It all began when two brothers, Burton, and John Cope, sought a better way to make a living by opening a general repair shop for farm machinery. By 1900, the business had grown by adding the Cyclone Drilling machine (water and oil drilling rig) to their offerings along with new partner in William Tschantz. It was this year that the business moved to Orrville, Ohio, bustling railroad town in the farming heartland, where the business remains today. Will-Burt went through many changes in the first two decades of the 1900s. John Cope passed away leaving Will and Burt (yes, that is where the name came from, but it did not happen until 1915) to manage the business. The entrepreneurs were prolific inventors. Burt patented device that moved car chassis from train box cars to auto dealerships for final assembly (in the days before the assembly line). Will earned several patents related to mechanical farm machines and later in life he developed patented meat grinders for use in grocery stores some of these designs are still used today! Unbelievably, the meat grinders came full circle and Will-Burt’s manufacturing services division makes parts that are used in these meat grinders for the company that holds these patents. One other interesting product that was launched in the era was carpenter’s vise, later marketed as the Versa-Vise. This was a unique vise that allowed user to mount at different angles for any job. Will-Burt manufactured this into the 1980s then sold to a former employee that still offers them for sale today. Collectors seek the original models.TheWill-Burt Company was incorporated in 1918. Will Tschantz had departed and Bill Baer, Burt Cope’s nephew had joined the business. In 1920, Burt Cope cut a deal with The Will-Burt Company

By David Cotsmire Cope Car Chassis Carrier OF THE INDUSTRY Burt Cope with Carpenter Vise Will-Burt built Combustion Control Panelon the SS Bluejacket WB Coal Stoker on furnace John Cope with Cyclone Drilling Machine

PIONEERS

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T his summer has been a hot one, but the current economy is a scorcher! As this publication hits your hands, we slide into September praying for cooler weather and a healthier economy. In our current day there is a lot of things that are currently out of our hands. We must focus on being intentional with our hard-earned money, so it may serve us well done the road. In this issue we look at “Wheel Lifts & Repo Equipment.” Information from some of the top manufactures in industry, to help in your decision in choosing the correct equipment for your business! DJ Harrington, Fuel for Thought, we talk about the podcast its blessing to us, and the blessing of the largest audience in the Towing Podcast industry. Dan Messina hits us with some “Insightful Talk, “giving you the information needed to consider when selling your business. Jim Lewis our “Expert Witness,’ addresses the consequences of not paying attention and being observant while doing your job. In this ongoing series of “Women of Towing, ”we highlight Laura Acosta of Foglesong Towing. In each issue we hope to provide you with information on the latest products and services. We appreciate our advertisers and readers, and pray for your continued health, safety, and prosperity!

Darian PresidentWeaver&Publisher, Tow Professional

PUBLISHER’S LETTER Volume 11 • Issue 6 WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery TM PUBLISHER Darian Weaver President & Publisher darian@towprofessional.com PRODUCTION Shirley CreativeClintEditorOgburnCabinessDirector clint@dialedinmediagroup.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Cotsmire - Will-Burt D. J. Harrington CSP James E . Lewis Dan DarianMessinaWeaver 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.

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS rates, insurance coverage, contact numbers, hours of operation, and more. Service providers are not charged for jobs they receive through ServiCase and there is no bidding for higher positions in the results listings. ServiCase does not charge variable fees for large markets and does not dictate rates. Nothing is marked up by ServiCase because payment is made directly to the service provider by the carrier user. Dispatching calls directly to these software providers Roadside Repair Tire Replacement &RepairServiceTowing & Recovery Does your company perform any of these services? ServiCase is a new product powered by the sureEcosystem digital dispatch platform used by FleetNet America and others. ServiCase allows ﬂeets and event providers the ability to locate your company and dispatch jobs electronically. GET LISTED ON SERVICASE Register your company today at servicase.comFollow ServiCase

While this is our 50th year in business, we haven’t seen anything like this in our first 50 years. As always, we are committed to our customers and to doing what we can to mitigate cost impacts. This is how we have led the way since 1972 and how we will remain a market leader for the next 50 years.

Open Letter to the Towing and Recovery Industry from Bob Nelson, Jerr-Dan

Truck OEMs are unable to deliver the chassis needed to meet the demand of tow equipment manufacturers and have moved to “allocating” available inventory in 2022. They anticipate that supply will fall short of demand through 2023 and perhaps into early 2024. These shortages limit Jerr-Dan’s manufacturing volumes. And we are not alone. Competitive manufacturers are equally experiencing these market conditions and unfortunately, there is no quick fix on the horizon.That said, and as difficult as it may be to see today, every business challenge presents an opportunity for improvement.Firstandforemost,

In terms of communication, we are being transparent with customers so that they can work through fleet planning and make business decisions with the most upto-date information. A customer is the first to know if a part or chassis is delayed which will impact their delivery.

To keep driving our business, your business and the industry forward, we have allocated resources to three key areas: proactive customer communications, product development and operator training.

And finally, we strongly support operator training. One tower is killed in the line of duty every 6 days. This is an unacceptable statistic we take to heart at Jerr-Dan. We are upgrading our training facilities, capabilities, and programs to get more operators trained to change this statistic going forward.

In today’s marketplace, if you aren’t changing, you are dying. Gone are the days, at least for now, when customers can arrive at a trade show with the expectation of buying a tow truck. Those on display are in most instances already sold. Customers who want to minimize business disruptions should embrace fleet planning, forecast purchases, and secure financing well in advance.

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Jerr-Dan remains focused on building trucks to satisfy customer demand. To do so we are working diligently and getting creative to secure the parts and chassis needed to build product.

In 2022, Jerr-Dan is celebrating its 50th year in business. While preparing for this milestone anniversary, we paused to take a look back at the long and winding road that has brought us to where we are today. As the single brand leader in the towing and recovery industry, it is not often that we stop to look in the rearview mirror. We generally operate with an eye on the road in front of us. Today, that road looks a bit daunting. With inflation rates at a four-decade high, widespread supply chain disruptions, a tight labor market, logistics challenges, increasing fuel and insurance costs and the threat of increasing interest rates, it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A major chassis shortage further complicates the situation.

As an industry, we need to pull together during these tough times. We can’t bury our heads and ignore inflation. We must practice pricing discipline to remain healthy. That means as costs increase, pricing must be adjusted and/or surcharges instituted to keep businesses healthy and tow trucks in service.

The Jerr-Dan product specialist and engineering teams are heavily focused on working to develop products from customer feedback. This rich level of customer input is helping us define our future products.

Keep Driving Forward, Bob Jerr-DanGeneralNelsonManager To learn more about Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com.

Dynamic®

BRAMPTON, Ont. — As part of its expansion into the U.S. market, the Canada-based Dynamic® tool brand has released a catalog for U.S. customers. It features over 2,000 tools under the Dynamic name and its parent company, Gray Tools, a well-respected manufacturer and distributor of premium hand tools since 1912. The catalog offers a wide selection of professional-quality, budget-friendly tools, most of which are backed by a worry-free lifetime warranty with North American support from Gray Dynamic-brandedTools.tools include tool storage products, sockets, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, insulated tools and other specialty tools designed for a variety of uses for many industries, such as automotive, commercial construction, mining, MRO, public transit, military and agriculture.

Gray-branded tools are being used extensively by some of the toughest industries in North America, including natural resources, MRO, telecommunication, as well as military. Many of the tools, including a full insulated assortment, are made in the USA.

The National Tow List, or NTL has been around since March of 2008, and on social media since March of 2010. The actual NTL website is the largest 100% free to list, and free to use towing phone book anywhere, so the motoring public has an easier time finding a tow, or roadside assistance. Simply go to the site, and use the Help Me Get Home tab. Every yellow pin is a shop, and the customer calls the shop directly- no call centers, and it’s not a paid referral service. To add a shop, use the Get Listed tab (US, or international for outside the United States). The social media page (through FB) is a daily, fresh post only, towing news page, bringing news articles from all over the globe, and done every morning. What started as a hobby turned into a passion, and it’s an honor to know so many people who find the page useful beyond what I originally started with, and has an average reach of 20-30,000 weekly. I make nothing off the site, and most of the time, it’s paid for by myself (there have been a few very generous donors over these last few years, and without them, the site would have folded). Should anyone wish to donate, you can find the link on the home page of the NTL website. And yes, every little bit helps.Please, check out the page, and website, and if you like what you see, get your company listed, and follow the FB page to stay up to date on the happenings of the Towing, Roadside, and Repo industry.Bestwishes to all!

The National Tow List

Launches Tool Catalog for U.S. Customers

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The products can be purchased on the company’s website, ShopDynamicTools.com, although some products are noted in the catalog as being available exclusively on partner websites like Amazon.com or Zoro.com.

Those interested can request a printed copy of the catalog online at tool-catalog.https://shopdynamictools.com/pages/the-dynamic-Adigitalcopyofthecatalogisalsoavailableto download on the same page. Introduced in 2009, the Dynamic® tool brand was created by Gray Tools, a renowned North American manufacturer and distributor of premium hand tools founded in 1912, to meet the need for high quality tools at a budget-friendly price. Today, the Dynamic line consists of more than 2,500 products, including sockets, wrenches, pliers, hammers, chisels, locking tools and clamps, which are fully serviced and warrantied by Gray Tools. For more information, visit ShopDynamicTools.com

Moe NationalFounder/OwnerTimcoeTowList

HAAS Alert and the International Tow Museum are once again teaming up to put #NoMoreNamesOnTheWall. The campaign to prevent struck-by collisions is back this year after an enormously successful premier in 2021 which helped to raise over $5,000 to help families of fallen tow operators.

#NoMoreNamesOnTheWall Bruce Davis of Rushville, IN, will be inducted into the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame at a special ceremony here scheduled for October 2022.Davis was singled out, along with nine other outstanding towing and recovery leaders in Australia, France, Japan and the United States, for recognition due to his leadership and innovation in the towing industry.

The #NoMoreNamesOnTheWall campaign was launched last year in partnership with the International Towing Museum and the Survivor Fund. In order to help towers and families of towers, HAAS Alert is committed to donating to the Survivor Fund for every demo of Safety Cloud and activation of Safety Cloud, ensuring that families affected by line-of-duty deaths benefit just from towers learning about the power of digital alerting protection in the field.With this campaign, HAAS Alert aims to raise awareness of Move Over laws and encourage adoption of life-saving digital alerting technology. Combined with the public’s help, we can begin to make tower struck-by incidents a thing of the past, and work towards to ultimate goal of adding #NoMoreNamesOnTheWall. If you would like to be a part of this life-saving campaign for towers, you can visit haasalert.com/ nomorenames. From there, you can read more about the campaign and schedule your custom demo.

• American Towman ShowPlace - Las Vegas (Las Vegas, September 21-23)

• Tennessee Tow Show (Chattanooga, October 7-8)

Upcoming Shows HAAS Alert will be on-site at major tow events throughout the fall. Come visit us to learn more about Safety Cloud for tow fleets!

The owner of Davis Towing & Recovery Inc. has built his company to be one of the most prestigious towing and recovery companies in the state of Indiana. Davis bought the company from his dad, Bob Davis, also a towing expert, and has invested 35 years in the industry. He is respected by his peers, competitors and community. He is considered an asset to the towing community in central and southeast Indiana.

Davis’ accomplishments include building towing equipment for himself and other towing companies, and using his wreckers in the Indianapolis 500. He has invented equipment used for water recoveries and also to tow large charter buses, a device that is now standard in the towing field. He has recovered every type of vehicle, from boats, helicopter and plane to train, car, truck andDespitemore.

Bruce Davis of Davis Towing & Recovery, Rushville, IN, will be honored by the Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame in Chattanooga, TN.

• Provincial Towing Association of Ontario Tow Show and Sale (Ontario, September 16-17)

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competition among towing companies, Davis has been a mentor to many, offering professional advice and hosting classes to help other towing operators gain knowledge and experience.Davisalso is a volunteer in the Rushville community, working with fire, police, sheriff’s, and highway departments, as well as local schools. He was chosen Citizen of the Year by the Rush County Chamber of Commerce. He will be honored by the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the Westin Chattanooga during the organization’s annual Museum Weekend.

The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum was founded over 20 years ago by dedicated towing professionals. It is based in Chattanooga, TN, considered the birthplace of the towing and recovery industry. The Hall of Fame has grown to include over 300 distinguished towing professionals from around the world. For details visit towingmuseum.com

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 13 Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affiliates. Specialized coverages may not be available in all states or situations. In Texas and Virginia, Garagekeepers Legal Liability coverage is called Storage Location insurance. In these two states only, On-Hook Towing insurance is then called Garagekeepers Legal Liability coverage. No matter what you’re towing, we’re always behind you. Stay protected with insurance from Progressive. With policies customized for tow truck drivers, we offer Primary Liability limits up to $2 million and specialized coverages like On-Hook and Garagekeepers Liability. Call your local agent or visit ProgressiveCommercial.com • Evoke the public conscious to understand they are the most powerful source to define life and death on our Nation’s highways. • To educate and make them aware they need to make a life change so first responders can live theirs! • To unite all common industry first responders to train, educate and motivate the public we serve to just overone.orgOurmissionisto:OVER ONE – LOSE NONE!

PerseveranceisKEY! Women of Towing

Laura Acosta

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B ecoming a business owner was never in my plans, especially not as the owner of a tow company. I graduated from California State University at Fullerton with a bachelor’s degree in communications and psychology. The weekend of graduation my father offered me a job at his towing company, and I accepted the offer since I did not have a job at the time. My plan was to stay there for only a year and then go back for graduate school. Well, here I am seven years later operating my own tow company.Inthose seven years, I learned how to be effective in handling all the challenges that come with owning a towing company especially from the perceptive of being a woman in this industry. If someone were to have told me seven years ago that I would run my own shop, I would never have wanted that challenge or even have had the confidence in myself that I could be capable of doing so.

As my father says, “You have to have tough skin and a stomach made of leather to be able to handle this industry.” As a woman, that behavior does not come naturally, and there’s a lot more that must go into developing that type of character.

The Hurricane System will blow you away with it’s power and quick inflation system to make the ultimate in Quick Clear technology. Available in Five to Eight Jumbo Cushion Sets. All MATJACK Recovery Systems including our Landing Bag Sets provide operators MATJACK Heavy Duty High Pressure Air Bags MATJACK Two & Three Bag Landing Bags Sets MATJACKRecoveryUnderwater PROVIDING HEARING PROTECTION AND A CONVENIENT WAY FOR YOUR TEAM TO COMMUNICATE IN NOISY ENVIRONMENTS. VOICE ACTIVATED BOTH FULL DUPLEX OR BASIC WITH NO BASE UNIT OR ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED. New Full Duplex Headsets No base Unit Required.

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Women of Towing

I come from a family that has an extensive history in the industry. My grandfather migrated from Mexico back in the sixties with my grandmother and their children. Then he started his tow company in 1978 with one truck. Forty years later, because of the ambition of his sons and key business partners, that company is one of the biggest tow companies in southern California. Thus, the pressure to live up to that name can be overwhelming at times. I must say without my core group of best friends, the support of family, and my faith in God there is no way I could have gotten through it.

Women in this industry are not uncommon, and I have been inspired by them including one of my female drivers who operates a tow truck; but I feel that there is still much more to be done to find acceptance and to be integrated into this male-

Don’t Miss a Great Time at a Great Location For Show and Hotel Information, Contact Bruce Bender 513-831-7469 • bruce@trao.org midwesttowshow.org • Live Demos • Seminars • Light Show • Beauty Contest • Over 100 Exhibitors • Safety Fashion Show 44th22SEPTEMBERND-25TH,2022GREATWOLFLODGE MASON, OHIO CELEBRATING 44 YEARS BECAUSE OF YOU! JOIN US Hosted By • Thursday — Golf Outing • Thursday — Live Auction • Friday Night — A Party to Remember with Zack Attack • Friday Night — Candle Light Vigil • Saturday Night — Miller Industries Customer Appreciation

Working in this industry takes a lot of hard work and time. It is the nature of towing that it is very demanding in time and dedication, and one must be willing to make the requisite sacrifices. This took some time for me to accept, but as I have

18 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com dominated field. This journey has not been easy; there was so much work I had to put into my own personal growth before I could feel confident in making decisions and introducing ideas into the business that would not have been considered before. I had to gain confidence in my decisions. It was vital for me to master my emotional intelligence to be successful and to learn not to take anything personal. I also knew that I really had to learn the nature of the industry that meant understanding the basic functions of a tow truck, geographical locations, equipment, logistics of towing, etc. I became certified by the California Tow Truck Association (CTTA). This certification included a three-day course of physical and educational instruction. Here I learned how to roll over a vehicle with proper chains and moving the correct cables. It was intimidating but I knew that for me to gain some credibility I had to know what I was talking about. This is a very instrumental point that we may not have to get into a tow truck and tow but at least be knowledgeable in the area. It has gone such a long way for me, I am able to understand what drivers are talking about, even with mechanics. Getting involved in the industry as much as possible is key. I have also joined the Women of the Towing & Recovery Association of America plus local business groups such as city chambers, etc.

Women of Towing

Region - New Jersey 001 - Tow Truck 1 VEHICLES (4/21) 004 - Wrecker 4 006 – Wrecker 6 005 – Tow Truck 5 09:53, 52 Zasplant St., Clifton, NJ, 1317 US 09:52, 5 Dolphin Av., Newark, NJ, 1978 US 09:53, 52 Zagisplant Street, Almere, NJ, 1317 US 02/29, 10:16, 2 Frederik Hermans, Princeton, NJ, 1011 US Search Stay compliant with all-in-one solution  State mileage reporting  Webfleet eLogs (HOS)  Webfleet Vehicle Check & preventive maintenance notifications Find out more on webfleet.com | 1-866-224-9451 Let’s drive business. Further.

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learned more about the business, I’ve grown to love it and have become so invested that at this point it doesn’t even feel like I’m working. With the grace of God, I have been blessed to have an abundant number of resources. My family and key managers at their business have given me support and guidance, and they have never viewed my gender as an issue in working in this industry. I continue to learn all aspects of the business from purchasing of equipment, applying for city contracts, managing human resources, and most importantly establishing a respected name for the company and myself. There are certain points of advice that have stuck with me and have helped when making decisions. For example, my uncle has imbedded in me to always abide by my word, i.e., if I commit to a deal—no matter if I hear of a better one, since I have already given my word, I must stick to the original plan. Another adage from my father is that “in life it is not about what you have but who you are.” I’ve kept this advice in mind in how I treat my employees or people with whom I do business.Yes,Ido not fit the description of a typical tow owner, but that is okay. I bring my own distinctive way of doing business. I may not always be right or make the best decision, but that is part of the journey in growing to become the best possible employer and recognizing that my people are my most important resource. I make it known to my employees that without their hard work and sacrifices, the business is nothing. Employees are such an essential part of the success of the company. I try my best to make them feel that they are part of the team. Taking time to speak with them, asking about their families, working with them when unexpected issues arise, etc. are all key factors in developing a healthy professional work relationship, but the true test of caring is being there during their more challenging times. That is where trust, loyalty and respect are gained.Asan innovative, progressive leader my purpose in continuing with a perseverance mindset in this industry is to show my younger sisters and any other interested women that with hard work, faith, a core support system, and most importantly, the dedicated passion to succeed, it is possible to make a place for yourself in this or any related career. I hope my story inspires women just as I have been inspired by all the other women in this industry.

AN EXPERT WITNESS BY JAMES

LEWIS /// Itwasonlyforaminute…

A trend I’m seeing involves drivers - usually of a commercial vehicleeither miss a turn or hit the shoulder for some other reason. It may be to take a phone call, read and answer a text, or check directions. It’s better to pull over and answer that text or look at your maps program, yes, but it can also wait until you can pull off into a parking lot or take an exit ramp. I applaud people for not texting while driving or interacting with their E.

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I realize that in my job, I see a lot of doom and gloom and negativity – and that makes more jaded than most about truck and automobile crashes, industrial or workplace in cidents, or personal injury scenarios – but I’m really seeing a strong trend here and I’d like to help prevent more of the same. First – please note that I didn’t use the term “accident.” These aren’t accidents. They’re crashes, wrecks, incidents, and even catastrophes, but they’re not “accidents.” The only “accident” I can fathom is where lightning strikes a tree and it falls on your house or car. There’s no way to prevent something like that, and we just have to deal with it. In every single one of these crashes, wrecks, or incidents, they occurred because someone made a mistake and injured themselves or others.

ALSO AVAILABLE48''IN: LIW-48RFS-7R 60'' LIW-60RFS-7R 36'' 23''

This highly durable wireless tow light bar was designed for light and medium tows. Our newest 23” unit has a nearly indestructible polyethylene case and a steel handle for ease of use during tows. It also has separate turn signal lights which are required in several states. The LIW-LDTL includes all of the same features of our larger, heavy-duty wireless light bars!

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LIW-36STR-7R This 36'' wireless tow light features two amber/white strobes (with a separate switch) for additional driver safety. It’s easy to use, just plug the 7 pin transmitter into your vehicle’s connector; strap the bar on the disabled vehicle; hit the ‘on’ switch, and you’re ready to tow. To save battery life, the taillights do not light when the bar is initially turned on—they work in concert with your vehicles taillights (left and right turn, stop, and taillights).This light bar features DOT LED lights, automotive grade circuitry, and quality construction unmatched in the industry.

BUILDING

Proudly Made in the USA

LIW-LDTL

phone while looking up directions. It seems to be what happens next that causes the most problems – the driver then backs up on the shoulder, or backs out into the road, in order to take that turn they missed or to turn around…and WHAM. They hit some one or someone hits them. We think, it seems, that because we’re only doing something for a minute or a few seconds, that it won’t cause any issues. We also don’t realize that no one ever plans to have a crash or wreck. Who would? You’re making a to-do list, and you drop in, go to the store, go by the dry cleaners, stop at the post office, and at exactly 10:13 am, a kid will kick a ball into the street and then go running after it, and I’ll swerve and run my truck into a pole. Nope – not one of us has ever planned to have a wreck. There are two very high-profile groups of people that are being involved in the crashes I’m talking

THE BEST WIRELESS TOW LIGHTS IN THE BUSINESS!

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There are many steps that go into collecting a check for your hard work. We teach you how to go about the process from start to finish. Guest speakers Lawyer and Insurance Executive Teach You I personally want to say that it is well worth the time and money. I made the money back for the class from a job that we did before the class for a stolen recovery in someone’s back yard that I was not sure how to get paid and this class gave me the knowledge to get paid for this job. Long story short, it is a great investment to our business. Capeway Towing

DEDICATED TO TEACHING FELLOW TOWERS HOW TO GET PAID Register at RecoveryBillingSeminar.com Some restrictions apply, must be accepted by Recovery Billing Unlimited Instructors: Bob & Eric Fouquette 1,000s of companies attended! Proven process to increase your bottom line! Hundreds of positive testimonials! Upcoming Seminars For more info on classes 508-763-5474 Visit Us Facebookon September 22 & 23 Las Vegas Tow Show November 18 & 19 Baltimore Tow Show You Do the Work You Deserve to Get Paid

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Laws that are on your side Overview of federal and state laws to help you get paid! Obtaining payment for proper billing

Proper way of writing invoices Are you still writing your RECOVERY invoice on a TOW slip? That’s a thing of the past. Accident scene clean up Are you leaving car debris and oil behind at the accident scene? You can be liable for this even YEARS later. We show you how to make site remediation profitable not an expense. Keeping the paper trail Learn how to properly document the scene from start to finish so you will have all the info you need back at the office. Billing on property damage insuranceliabilityonly Have you heard that your customer is not covered? We show you different avenues to get paid. privatewithCommunicatinginsurance/companies show you how to work WITH them.companiesinsurance/privateNOTAGAINST

22 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com AN EXPERT WITNESS BY JAMES E. LEWIS /// about, and it’s because both groups deliver or pick up things and follow written or GPS-derived directions: Tow operators and truck drivers. Tow drivers, especially, have a job that centers around getting directions and following directions, and going to a place you haven’t driven to before happens several times each day. You miss your turn, whip off the road and grab the shoulder, check your phone – and what happens next will make or break you. People jump back into traffic without looking, start backing up and hit someone or some thing, or stay in place too long and get hit. I can give you a list of at least 20 scenarios that I’ve seen recently that would drive home my point on all of this, but I think you get it by now. If you miss a turn, don’t slam on your brakes and pull over, and then back up to catch the turn. Keep going, find a good, safe, and legal place to turn around, and then take the turn you missed. If you get a text, it can wait. It can wait until you’re in a parking lot or other safe area to pull into. Following these simple guidelines, I feel can reduce these horrific crashes by One95%.last thing – most people I know have never been sued. It’s a devas tating situation to be in, and one I wouldn’t wish on anyone. Individual employees get sued during crashes like these because you have abso lutely ZERO, NADA, NO protection under the law through your employer if you’re negligent. You don’t have protection under your employer’s umbrella (insurance, management, pay, benefits) for anything that you do, actually. Ask someone who has been in a crash like I’m describing, especially in a commercial vehicle. Everyone is named in the suit. Everyone. You, your company, your company’s insurance company, the manufacturer of your truck, the dis patch service that sent you to where you were going – everyone. And guess what? Everyone on that list, except you, is covered by insurance and legal precedence. Everyone except you. You’re on your own. I can’t imagine having to explain to my wife that we’re going to lose our house and her new car because I did something stupid in my truck at work and caused a crash that hurt or killed someone. I promise you, though –that’s a conversation you’ll have to have. Run that one by the wife or husband, just for reaction.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 23 XINSURANCE is powered by Evolution Insurance Brokers, LC (“EIB”), an excess and surplus lines insurance brokerage. XINSURANCE is a DBA of EIB, which is domiciled in and has its principal place of business in Sandy, Utah. This insurance product is offered by an unlicensed surplus lines insurer. The NPN for EIB is 5464658 and CA license number is 0H93938. Ask aboutus the new coverage option –LiabilityDiseaseCommunicable Scan the QR code to get a free quote or www.xinsurance.cominfo@xinsurance.com877.585.2853contact Custom Insurance Solutions for the Towing & Repossession Industry > All-in-one approach > Limits up to $10MM, excess available > Available in most states > Flexible underwriting > Risk management expertise > 24/7 claims hotline > Agent friendly

24 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com INSIGHTFUL TALK BY DAN MESSINA /// I f you have been following my business over the past few articles, you can see that I have had a lot of exposure in the towing industry. Over the past 25 years in towing, I have met thousands of towers and worked with more owners than I can count. Its an industry that I knew someday I would leave but I was not looking forward to it because I really enjoyed working with the Whentowers.Italked to owners, I would tell them if you are getting out of the business you have to prepare for it. Not only who will take over the business, but what will you do once you retire. In today’s world it is getting harder and harder to retire and get out of the business. In a lot of cases, you became a tower because a family member left the business to you. Over the years the business provided a good lifestyle, and you were able to provide a good life for the family. Not so easy today, you face things like: 1. Price of gas going up 2. Can’t find trucks to buy 3. Can’t find drivers to drive the trucks 4. Customers are too demanding 5. Can’t raise prices and compete 6. What is my exit strategy SellingYourBusiness

6. Short of people

He grew a great business, but it will be hard to sell. If you are in mul tiple cities, you must know their rules and regulations. If you have multiple locations, you must fight the compet itors. If you are lucky enough to win the contracts, then you worry about them for the next 5 years. I remember when I first got in the business 25 years ago. It was fun. Things were not as expensive as they are today. You went to tow shows and partied with other towers, and employees were easier to find. City rates were fair, but so was the price of equipment you needed to run the business.AsImentioned earlier, I would help tow companies prepare for re tirement by helping them set up their company to sale and to prepare them for retirement. I’ll tell you right now - do not retire until you know what to do with Whenyourself.Isoldmy company, I was not ready. I was working with a friend of mine who owned a large tow company in a suburb of Dallas. He needed a location in Dallas, and we were about to form a partnership so he could have a location there when out of the blue a stranger walked into my office and told me he wanted to buy my company. I did not know who he was, but he knew everything about me. He even

INGENUITYCRAFTSMANSHIPAMERICAN custombuiltmfg.com

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 TOW PROFESSIONAL 25 7. Good employees are hard to find As I mentioned your children have other interests and towing does not excite them. Outside investors don’t know enough about the business to take a chance on it. If you are one of the few that made it big that is, in itself, a problem. People who know the industry don’t want more head aches and are looking for ways to get out of towing themselves.I have a good friend who called me up just last week and asked me if I know of any buyers; he was ready to sell. I said I would ask around and I needed some info on his business. He said here is what he has: 1. 32 trucks 2. In debt on half the trucks 3. 4 locations all over Texas 4. Multiple locations 5. Multiple rotations

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26 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com INSIGHTFUL TALK BY DAN MESSINA ///

knew what kind of sprinkles I liked on my ice cream. I was impressed. I went back to my friend and told him I could not be his partner because someone just offered to buy my company.Myfriend, knowing the kind of company I had said he would buy my company. What a great position to be in. My friend told me if I sell to him it must be closed within 30 days. I said I would sell to him, but it left me no time to prepare. Things I taught tow companies to do before selling I did not do.

Things like: 1. Notifying my good customers 2. Getting the books to look good by selling off equipment 3. Preparing my employees for the sale. These people were my family and now I was leaving them

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 TOW PROFESSIONAL 27 Por table, Rechargeable, Li-ion Powered LED Lighting Turn Night Into Day Hazard Lights and more! Work LightsSearch Lights Flashlights• • • Safety Revenue Speed• • INTRODUCING willburt.com/nightsearcher 330-684-4003

Everyone thinks they are ready, but they are not. Be cause my sale was quick, I was not prepared to not go to work. Things I left unfinished would remain unfinished, and the people I would see every day were no longer in my life. Not to mention, I now had a bunch of money that I did not know what to do with, or how to spend it. I know you think these are nice things to be faced with, but I assure you they are not. My wife and I ran the business so we were use to working together. The first three weeks running the house together was a disaster. You can only watch so many reruns of Gilligan’s Island to realize retirement was not for me. I was happy to be going to work because it would get me back into the towing industry. I tried consulting with tow companies, but that did not excite me. Then I remember when I was doing seminars at tow shows, I identified a problem in the industry that I could fix. I wanted it to help the tow companies, motor clubs, and the consumer. I wanted it to be priced right so that ev eryone would benefit. In next month’s article I’ll tell ya all about it.

4. Wrapping up some loose ends that I was working on 5. Preparing myself for retirement

I’mProudofOurPodcast

By the time we had completed the Florida Tow Show, ToBy the time we had completed the Florida Tow Show, Towbook was our guest. Tom Bacon and Dan Smith did a wonderful job explaining that their company supported companies of all sizes. Personally, I liked having no contract or set up fee requirements as well as the 24/7 FREE SUPPORT. No matter where you get your podcasts, all our episodes are available on archive. So, at your convenience, you can listen “live” or “later”. On the episode with Tom and Dan, the tail-end of that episode introduced our dear friend, Tim Smith, from Azuga who shared a warning to drivers which explained the importance of having a camera inside the truck to prevent being

28 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com FUEL 4 THOUGHT BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP ///

t’s my pleasure to be a small part of the fastest growing podcast produced by a Media Company which represents the Tow Professional Magazine and the fine folks of the towing and recovery industry. Back in 2021 Darian Weaver, the President and Publisher of Tow Professional and I started a discussion about doing a podcast in which all members of your team could benefit, no matter the age of the listener. We didn’t want anyone to worry about off-color language just in case your 9-year-old son was riding in the truck while the podcast was running. For the first few months, Chuck Camp, the Producer of the podcast, Darian, and I funded the project ourselves.

Chris Anderson, the Vice President of Tow Mate, and James Lewis, of course, were guests as well. It would be tragic if you missed hearing those episodes. And, then there’s Linda Unrue, the Tow Woman of the Year, was also a guest. We also had an episode about “Celebrating Women of Towing”. What a wonderful celebration it was too! Wait until you hear those women answer question after question, from ladies such as: Michelle Sukow, Gay Rochester, Geri Roskopf, and Linda Unrue as they talk passionately about this great industry. Another episode that you need to listen to is the most “family-friendly” tow show, the Midwest Regional Tow Show being held in Mason, Ohio. All the details and opportunities are listed so you can plan to attend. It’s our pleasure to announce that we have a new podcast sponsor. They’re from Recovery Billing UnLimited. The head man, Bob Foakette and his granddaughter, Jade, were on one of the episodes. Check out their episode. Next month, I will announce our newest sponsor who came to us because they saw what we, as an industry are doing, and wanted to lift

There are some other episodes that you need to Don’thear.miss our most educational episode on Hybrid Electric Vehicles training by Dalan Zartman from Energy Security Agency. Whether you drive a Jerr-Dan or not, I guarantee you will find Bob Nelson, the Vice President of Jerr-Dan from this 50-year-old company to be very informative and down-to-earth. One day, I hope to meet Bob in person. I know you’ve heard of the next two podcast guests, Brian Riker, Your DOT Guy and Dan Messina. If you’ve read their stuff or heard them at all, you know they were wonderful. So, you don’t want to miss their episodes.

One of my all-time, favorite episodes showcased Ron Pullen from R & P Recovery Consulting Service. Ron is a knowledgeable guy as well as a man of faith. All three of us: Ron, Darian, and I have something in common, because we, “Stand for the Flag and Kneel for the Cross.”

wrongfully accused of a dig or dent that could have already been there.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 29

30 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com FUEL 4 THOUGHT BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP /// the spirits of all towing and recovery people, no matter their faith, creed, nationality, or political viewpoint. Bill Johnson from Hampshire Towing and T& T Towing who is running for State Senate in the great state of Massachusetts graced us with an episode. Beloved by many, it’s a consensus that soon all of us, including Bill’s 70 employees, will be calling him, Senator Johnson. I could go on and on talking about every episode that we’ve done since 2021 because there’s been a bunch of them. I’m fortunate and proud every week to be a small part of this great industry with some of the kindest and most generous people that help others in theirAscommunity.Dariancloses every podcast, “Thanks to the readers and clients.” I’m proud of the magazine that brings the latest in technology, products, and services to grow your business and make your family more profitable. Remember to listen to our Tow Professional podcasts wherever you get your podcasts. Don’t forget that we are available on ALL platforms. See you on the next podcast. PODCAST

Connect Connect Your YBusiness our Business The direction Traxero is moving by adding additional products to support its customer base is outstanding! We recently added online auctions and had a very positive experience. Thanks to the TOPS and Traxero Team for the support! ~ Brad A Z Towing

Bene ting for the families of our fallen

If each company in the industry gave just $5 when a tragedy occurs, we could generously support the families of our fallen in so many new ways. Can you give $5 when a tower dies?

Help us support those left behind by the dangers of our profession.

www.thesurvivorfund.com/pledge

As a Continuing Support Partner, you will receive an e-mail from the Survivor Fund when a tragedy occurs and meets the governing guidelines of the Survivor Fund for disbursement. As always, the ITRHFM Survivor Fund will handle direct payment to the families. We will simply solicit your contribution in the pledged amount to replenish and build our fund after each approved payout. The e-mail you receive will provide information on the current tragedy as well as information on how to remit the payment to honor your pledge.

Make your pledge today to support our industry. To ensure the longevity of these bene ts as we work to build a perpetual fund, we are asking each person, company and organization in the industry to participate in supporting the Survivor Fund and these families when a tragedy occurs. Your pledge to become a Survivor Fund Continuing Support Partner represents a commitment to our industry.

Fourteen years of service to the towing and recovery industry

Managedworldwidebyindustry professionals

The “Survivor Fund” was created in 2006 to complement the International Towing and Recovery Museum’s Wall of the Fallen. This fund was established to help those families who have lost a loved one in the line of service.

A Survivor Fund committee was formed of people from all over the United States from the towing industry. The committee is given the information regarding the fallen and the application is processed within 24 hours of receipt. Once the decision is made, a check is sent right away to the family to assist with immediate nancial issues during this tragic time in their lives.

Pledges replenish funds and allow payout growth

$7,500 bene t, $9,500 for museum members

Immediate funds to help at the time of tragedy

Company owners, family members, or friends can submit the application for bene ts on behalf of the family of the deceased. The application can be found on the website at www.thesurvivorfund.com and can be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail.

Survivor Fund Continuing Support The Survivor Fund

Funded by donations only Hundreds of families supported Tiered system allows payout increases based on reserves Hundreds of thousands of dollars paid out to date

34 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com

Will-Burt built Combustion Control Panelon the SS Bluejacket

The Will-Burt Company

PIONEERS OF

John Cope with Cyclone Drilling Machine

T he history of The Will-Burt Company, today, known at the world’s leading producer of mobile elevation products, can be traced back to 1894. It all began when two brothers, Burton, and John Cope, sought a better way to make a living by opening a general repair shop for farm machinery. By 1900, the business had grown by adding the Cyclone Drilling machine (water and oil drilling rig) to their offerings along with a new partner in William Tschantz. It was this year that the business moved to Orrville, Ohio, a bustling railroad town in the farming heartland, where the business remains today. Will-Burt went through many changes in the first two decades of the 1900s. John Cope passed away leaving Will and Burt (yes, that is where the name came from, but it did not happen until 1915) to manage the business. The entrepreneurs were prolific inventors. Burt patented a device that moved car chassis from train box cars to

By David Cotsmire Burt Cope Car Chassis Carrier THE INDUSTRY Burt Cope with Carpenter Vise

First Shop in the 1890s

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 35

auto dealerships for final assembly (in the days before the assembly line). Will earned several patents related to mechanical farm machines and later in life he developed patented meat grinders for use in grocery stores – some of these designs are still used today! Unbelievably, the meat grinders came full circle and Will-Burt’s manufacturing services division makes parts that are used in these meat grinders for the company that holds these patents. One other interesting product that was launched in the era was a carpenter’s vise, later marketed as the Versa-Vise. This was a unique vise that allowed a user to mount it at different angles for any job. Will-Burt manufactured this into the 1980s then sold it to a former employee that still offers them for sale today. Collectors seek the original models.TheWill-Burt Company was incorporated in 1918. Will Tschantz had departed and Bill Baer, Burt Cope’s nephew had joined the business. In 1920, Burt Cope cut a deal with WB Coal Stoker on furnace WB Worker with a finished Coal StokerWill-Burt’s first large plant built in the 1920s

Bill Baer 2nd row far right and Bill Baerback row tallest young man in the center Ed Baer operatingLittle Farmer

36 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com a company in Pittsburgh to make automatic combustion regulating equipment used in coal burning power plants and on steam ships as a contract manufacturer. Will-Burt went from a company of less than twenty people to over two hundred in a brand-new factory on Main Street in just a year. Even though the country was struggling through the Great Depression, Will-Burt expanded into making coal stokers that were used in businesses and homes – you might remember seeing one of these noisy and scary contraptions in your grandparent’s basement, especially if you grew up near coal country. The product line was expanded into furnaces and even water heaters. As natural gas and fuel oil replaced coal for heating in homes, sales of these products shrank to the point where the company closed the line down in 1995. Going back to the middle of the 20th century, WillBurt like so many other companies in the USA, supplied products and components for the WWII war effort. The top-quality metal working and painting skills and equipment that Will-Burt possessed earned the company the prestigious Army / Navy “E-Award” for production excellence.Shortlyafter the conclusion of the war, Burt Cope passed away. Ed Baer was now CEO. Along with his son Bill Baer, they continued to look for new opportunities to expand the business. The post WWII housing boom helped drive coal stoker sales. Consumerism was taking off and Will-Burt created several products to tap into this. In 1949, Will-Burt’s Little Farmer cultivator was released. A clever walk behind tiller type product that was designed to accept many different implements such as a plow, blade, and even a seed planter. The carpenter’s vise was reworked and branded the Versa-Vise in the 1950s and was sold via mail order and through hardware stores for $12.95 ($140 in today’s dollars). PIONEERS OF THE INDUSTRY One of WillBurt’s first light towers WB 7-42 Pneumatic Masts used by News Vans 1980s WB Mast Positioner and Electric Field Detector on NewsvanWB Masts used by the US Army in 1980s WB Acquires MAD Positioner Company in the UK WB Acquires GEROH of Germany WB masts used byTokyo Disney Will-Burt First Night foldingScanlighttower

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 37 Will-Burt looked to expand its contract manufacturing business that continued to focus on metalworking in the 1960s. Will-Burt produced parts and components for AMF Bowling, Flo-Tork and many local businesses. We continue to produce parts and assemblies to this day for the construction equipment and defense sectors.Adecision was made in 1970 to acquire a small local business for its production machinery. This decision would change the future course of Will-Burt (even though no one realized it at the time). The tool and die shop that was acquired also Alliance Funding Group (AFG), was founded in 1998 and has grown to become one of the largest privately held equipment finance companies in the U.S. Having funded over $2 billion in equipment, we 4.49% for Dealer Referred Rates New and used No blanket liens Not on personal credit 100% tax write-off No age 603-422-6608restrictions Jeremy Taskiris | JT@afg.com THE NEXT GENERATION IS HERE! UNIVERSAL LUG PATTERN WHEEL SOLID STEEL CONSTRUCTION HOLDS 3,500 lbs PER WHEEL DRIVABLE IN SHOPS AND LOTS NO SPACERS OR WASHERS REQUIRED EASY MOUNT AND MOVE SOLUTION COMPLETE LINE OF FITMETS FOR MOST VEHICLE TYPES STOLEN WHEELS BLOWOUTS SEPARATIONS BENT WHEELS CRACKED WHEELS GET 10% OFF Use Code: TOWPRO on GUNIWHEEL COM Scene Lighting for Every Tow ProfessionalRotators / Heavy Wreckers / Rollbacks / Tow TrucksMore Revenue Up to $250 / Hour Increased SafetyLight the Entire Scene Faster RecoveryLight is Always with You• Tower heights from 3 to 15 feetFolding and vertical light tower options are easy to installon new builds or retrofits.New Scout light positioner can be mounted almost anywhere.• New XL200 high output light for booms, roofs and more.Everything is included – no extra equipment to buy. 330-684-4000 www.nightscan.com You are the boss.Do not depend on someone else for light! Compact fold-down orvertical tower designfits nearly any wrecker

WBworldPositionIt

1985 was the year the good times came to a screeching halt. Bill Baer, who had been CEO for more than 20 years and had worked for the company since 1936 died unexpectedly. Mr. Baer was the last Cope family member to run the company. Also at this time, the company was defending itself against a frivolous lawsuit that drained resources and caused the Board to resign. Bankruptcy looked imminent; however, the new president who had been with the company for 10 years had a plan to save the company. All outstanding shares were purchased by the company by mortgaging everything available and ownership was turned over to the employees as an ESOP. The next few years were difficult – changes had to be made, modern equipment needed to be purchased to compete and employees were retrained to succeed. By 1990 a new culture of employee WB Integrated Elevation System used for Defense Surveillance One of WillBurt’s first light

Composite Masts

The 1980s was the most turbulent decade in WillBurt’s history. The decade starts off with Will-Burt winning a contract to supply a telescopic pneumatic mast for the US Army PATRIOT program. The masts elevate radar and communications equipment for the missile defense system. The PATRIOT system has gone through several updates over the years, but Will-Burt still provides the masts for the system. It was during this time that the commercial need for a 42-foot telescopic mast for use in the burgeoning live broadcast news industry developed. Will-Burt had just the system in the ultra-reliable and now iconic 7-42 non-locking pneumatic mast. This mast was used by nearly every news van in the US to elevate a microwave dish that would transmit a live video feed back to the news station. Most news stations have now transitioned to cellular video transmission technology, so the Will-Burt 7-42 mast is no longer needed in the live news field – but it was a great 35-year run!

PIONEERS OF THE INDUSTRY WB has over 300,000 sq ft of manufacturing space WB Masts used by China Telecom for EmergencyCell Towers

38 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com made pneumatic telescopic masts that could elevate radio antennas and lights. Sales of the telescopic masts were minimal throughout the seventies and the business was a drag on profits, but technology was changing rapidly and would lead Will-Burt in a new direction.

WBtowersStiletto used Defense around the Pan and Tilt Positioner

Later, a company that makes pan and tilt positioners, often used on top of masts to move antennas, was purchased in the UK. All the while, sales were expanding in Asia and the MiddleWill-Burt’sEast.

ownership and continuous education had taken root that is flourishing today.

The 1990s is when modern Will-Burt starts to take shape. The newly trained and empowered employeeowners start to look for ways to expand the business. It is time to cut loose products from the past that no longer add value such as the coal stoker line. New products are developed such as mobile light towers and more powerful pneumatic masts. Money is invested in sales and marketing and light towers become Night Scan and military masts become Saber then Stiletto. The welding, machining, metalworking, and painting skills of the workforce are used to make GSA registered file cabinets and storage containers for the US government and their contractors. Will-Burt achieves ISO 9001 certification for its Quality Management System. By the end of the decade, Will-Burt starts to focus on exporting products into European and Asian markets.

The dawn of the new millennium saw Will-Burt expand even further under a new CEO. New elevation product lines are added by an expanded engineering department, plant expansions with the doubling of Orrville’s footprint, and continued investments in modern machines and employee training. To help accelerate the growth of the company, acquisitions are made to expand the company’s reach and product offerings.

A company was purchased in Tulsa, Oklahoma that added telescopic lattice towers and elevation trailer integration capabilities to the portfolio. A company was purchased in Waischenfeld, Germany, GEROH, that added cable driven masts, perfect for harsh environments, and spindle driven telescopic masts that are the most precise in the world – exactly what you would expect from a German company. This acquisition gave Will-Burt an excellent launching point for further expansion in Europe.

rich heritage of manufacturing quality products, re-invention, and investment in our employees has led as to where we are today, a company of three hundred employee-owners that are guided by our 7th CEO, Richard Lewin, whose strategic vision focuses on integration, intercompany and internationalism. WillBurt operates as one company that’s vision is to Elevate Innovation and we look forward to our next one hundred years.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 39

For those of you who are Azuga or Towbook users it is time to let this service work for you.

Outfitting Your Facility/ SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 40 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com

1) Dispatching the correct vehicle to the scene:a.

As you know, sometimes the closest vehicle is not the best one to send depending on the traffic and can actually take longer and burn more fuel than one that

ith current fuel prices and the price of your other vehicle maintenance products continuing to climb without the motor clubs raising their pay... It is more important than ever to be as efficient as possible. There are several things that affect your fuel and maintenance cost and several things that can help you.

SAVING MONEY ON FUEL BY USING TECHNOLOGYYOUR

Unfortunately, we cannot do anything about the people who are driving these prices up (you know where they reside) but we can help you limit your expenses related to these areas using a system that you hopefully already have. If not find out more at https://offer.azuga.com/towbook/ 888-903-4678

a. The maintenance report when properly set up will allow you to be notified every time before the oil needs to be changed, tires rotated, or brake inspected so you do not miss it and make the problem more expensive

b. You will have a constant knowledge of driving events including speeding, harsh braking, idling and know every time your PTO is engaged. This helps you watch that the drivers are not burning fuel, wearing out tires and breaks or using your equipment for side work on your dollar.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 41

3) Getting maintenance done on time to reduce wear, tear, and more expensive repairs:

2) Safe driving and idling:

a. Using Azuga and Towbook allows you to quickly see and be notified of driving behavior issues. Inside Towbook, you will be able to see on your map the speed of every vehicle, ignition on/off as well as how long each vehicle has been idling

c. This system will also let you upload parts lists, receipts, and warranties directly under each truck so you can easily see if there is warranty or money you can redeem with a maintenance issue.

Free to Sellers! Your Lot, Your Vehicles, Your Auction! You collect all the Money! Launching Nationwide! Special offers for Towing and Recovery Association members – ask us! White Glove services available – we will set up your showroom for you! Lowest cost to bidders in the industry! Free to sellers – lowest bidder costs in the industry! More proﬁt per auction! Larger bidder base = higher selling price per car! Cars stay on your lot – no movement required! Eliminates on premise auction costs like security, stafﬁng and food! Easy online showroom setup immediatelypaperworkStreamlinesOnlineImpoundAuctions.com!onafterauction–invoicesavailableaftercarsells! Seller Benefits: www.onlineimpoundauctions.com Nationwide platform! info@onlineimpoudauctions.com The Easier Way To Sell Your Abandoned Vehicles! REGISTERTODAY! azuga

might be further away. With Azuga and Towbook, not only can you see which vehicle closest but accurate arrival times is taking traffic into effect which allows you to pick the correct vehicle every time.

b. Our system instantly notifies you when a check engine light comes on and sends you the code along with the diagnosed issue so you can get your truck back on the road faster.

Outfitting Your Facility/ SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 42 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com

There are a few key areas to focus on when inspecting fleet vehicles:

aking a checklist for your tow trucks is a great way to ensure that all your bases are covered during routine inspections. Not only will it help you stay organized, but it can also help you spot potential problems before they become bigger issues. By taking the time to create a vehicle inspection checklist, you’ll be able to rest assured that your fleet is in good shape. Here’s a look at how to get started.

• Tire condition and tread depth: Tires are a critical component of any vehicle, and you should check their condition regularly. Look for signs of wear and tear, such as uneven tread wear or excessive tread depth.

Note the Current Condition of the Tow Trucks

• Fluids: All fluids should be at the proper levels and free of leaks. Check the engine oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid.

• Brake pads and rotors: Worn brake pads can cause reduced stopping power and increased wear on the rotors. Inspect the pads for thickness and look for any signs of damage.

Step by step: How to make a DVIR vehicle inspection checklist for your tow truck?

• Battery: A weak battery can cause starting and charging problems. Inspect the battery terminals

Noting the current condition of tow trucks is an important part of a regular vehicle checklist. By conducting a thorough inspection, fleet managers can identify potential issues early and make necessary repairs or replacements before they cause major problems.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 43 for corrosion and clean them if necessary. • Lights: All lights should be in working order, including the headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights. • Mirrors: Mirrors should be intact and free of cracks or other damage. They should also be properly adjusted so that the driver can see the road clearly. • Windshield wipers: Worn windshield wipers can impede visibility, so it’s important to check them regularly. Look for cracks or other damage and replace them if necessary. Set Out Regular Inspection Intervals for Tow Trucks As a busy fleet manager, you know that maintaining your vehicles is vital to running your operation smoothly. Part of that maintenance is conducting regular inspections to identify and address any potential issues before they become major problems. But with so many other demands WEBFLEET

• Transmission: Fluid level and condition, shifting

• Cab/interior: Seat belts, horn, wipers, mirrors

Third, make sure that the checklist is tailored to your specific fleet. This means taking into account the types of vehicles you have, the conditions they operate in, and the mileage they typically accumulate.

One way to stay on top of things is to establish regular inspection intervals for all your vehicles as part of a comprehensive vehicle checklist. By setting aside time each month or week to inspect your vehicles, you can catch small problems before they turn into big ones and keep your fleet running like clockwork.

• Wheels and tires: Tread depth, tire pressure, wheel alignment

ChecklistInspection

checklist,

• Engine: Oil level and condition, coolant level and condition, hoses, and belts

damage.When

• Brakes: Pads, rotors, fluid level

Outfitting Your Facility/ SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 44 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com on your time, it can be difficult to track when each vehicle in your fleet is due for an inspection.

Some examples of headings and subheadings to include on a vehicle inspection checklist are:

• Other inspection points: Battery, fluids (suspensions system, power steering fluid, etc.), exhaust, electrical systems Make sure to go over the entire vehicle from top

• Exterior: Glass and windshield, washer fluid, bodywork, lights

Implement a Tow Truck A fleet maintenancevehiclechecklist is a tool that can help you ensure that your vehicles are safe and roadworthy. can also help you spot potential problems so that they can be fixed before they cause more creating a fleet vehicle inspection there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the checklist is comprehensive. It should cover all of the major systems in a vehicle, including the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires. Second, the vehicle checklist should be easy to use. It should be clearly laid out and easy to understand.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 45

Once you’ve completed the inspection, go over your findings with a mechanic or other qualified individual. They will be able to tell you whether any repairs or maintenance is needed. If so, they can also help you create a plan to get the work done.

to bottom when conducting an inspection. Pay close attention to any areas that look worn or damaged. If anything looks out of place or doesn’t seem to be working properly, make a note of it. Newer technologies like mobile apps can make this a much easier and streamlined process.

Fleets(DVIR).face many dangers on the road, from accidents to mechanical failures. By having a regular inspection schedule and using an inspection checklist, you can help mitigate some of these risks. Our team at Webfleet has put together this guide to walk you through setting up your own inspection program for your fleet. We’ve also got a handy mobile app that digitizes your vehicle checklist, making it faster and easier to complete.

The driver’s inspection should include a visual check of the exterior and interior of the vehicle, as well as a check of the tires, fluid levels, and lights. They should also test all the controls to make sure they are working properly.Thedriver’s inspection should be done daily, preferably at the beginning or end of the day when the vehicle is not being used. This will allow the driver to take their time, do a thorough job without feeling rushed, and complete their Driver Vehicle Inspection Report

It is important to have a reoccurring inspection by the driver as part of a vehicle maintenance checklist for a fleet because the drivers are the ones who are operating the vehicles on a daily basis. They will be able to notice anything that doesn’t feel right or has changed since the last time they drove the vehicles. This can help catch potential problems early on before they cause any major damage or become expensive repairs.

Contact us today at 886-224-9451 to learn more about how Webfleet a Bridgestone company can help make your vehicular inspections smarter, safer, and easier than ever before.

WEBFLEET

Reoccurring Driver Inspections

A typical heavy duty wrecker weighs in excess of 50,000 pounds. In comparison, a fifth wheel tractor used to haul a semi-trailer is less than half that weight. Proportionately the tractor is less expensive to buy, will burn less fuel, and won’t eat up tires and brakes. What if you could tow any heavy truck down the road with an efficient fifth wheel tractor like every other commodity of freight is hauled?

•

The transportation industry

WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT 46 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com • Fuel prices have doubled • Insurance costs are rising • Purchase price of new trucks has increased significantly • Maintenance costs and tires are up over 30%

experiencing UNPRECEDENTED CO$T INCREA$E$

•

The Tru-Hitch™ Fifth Wheel Towing Device is the solution to the compromises that other heavy towing equipment struggle with No need to be a long wheel base No need to be front-end heavy Coupled and pivoting on a standard fifth wheel eliminates any pinch points while turning Able to lift 32,000 pounds and not be overweight on your rear axles Never taking weight off your front axle while towing is

The rule of thumb is that the cost of owning and operating a truck is proportional to the size of the truck.

•

The Heavy Towing Industry has seen some of the highest cost increases due to the size of heavy tow trucks in comparison to standard freight hauling tractors.

•

Since axles are evenly loaded, tire and brake life are extended

Any fifth wheel tractor can couple to a Tru-Hitch™ in a similar way as coupling to any trailer. When the TruHitch™ is attached to the truck being towed, it becomes the front section of a safe and legal semi-trailer. With the connecting of proper lighting and brakes, you are now towing a truck that meets all federal motor carrier safety standards as a legal semi-trailer.

Because the truck in tow is being lifted by the axle or chassis by the Tru-Hitch’s™ twin booms, it is very stable and has a low center of gravity. The booms are positioned under the truck to be towed or the truck being towed is winched onto the booms. The boom extensions are then attached to the truck to be towed making a rigid extension to support the truck/ TruHitch™ combination as a semi-trailer.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 47 •

THE UNDERLIFT THAT HANDLES LIKE A SEMI-TRAILER • 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 Tru-HitchOperateInc. 16 W. West Hill Road Barkhamsted, Ct. 06063 Toll Free www.truhitch.com1-800-450-8659 Tru-Hitch

• Cost to purchase, operate and maintain is a fraction of that of a heavy wrecker Operation is simple and safe

For more information, visit www.truhitch.com or call us at 1-800-450-8659

Calvin Russ, the company’s founder, started Dynamic Manufacturing by sketching out an idea to design a wheel-lift system that would be easier, faster, and safer to operate than what was available at the time. His creation, the Original Self-Loading Wheel-Lift, was born and Dynamic Manufacturing consistently worked to perfect the Self-Loading Wheel-Lift. Today, the SelfLoading Wheel-Lift is the most sought-after technology in theTheindustry.Original Self-Loading WheelLift from Dynamic was introduced in 1983. The Self-Loading Wheel-Lift was repossessing vehicles with its 90 degree hook up in 10 seconds and the driver never had to leave the security of the cab of the truck. The word of how well the new SelfLoading Wheel-Lift worked spread like wildfire through the industry. The Virginia Department of Transportation commissioned Dynamic to build a unit for towing and recovery on the Start up Company or Industry Leader, HAS

DYNAMIC

SOLUTION!YOUR

WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT 48 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com

stablished in 1982, Dynamic Manufacturing began its operations in an 8,000 square foot building in Norfolk, Virginia. TODAY THIS BUILDING IS NOW MORE THEN 60,000 SQ FT!!

The creators and executive team at Dynamic Manufacturing were the innovators in the repossession and towing industry.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 49 bridges and tunnels in Norfolk, Virginia.

The present owners of Dynamic have over 40 years’ experience in the towing business. AND NOW OVER 10 years in manufacturing, engineering, and bringing new products to the industry. They understand what the towers need and want. Safety is an especially important

The company’s mainstay was the 601 series with a 4,000-pound wheel-lift. This unit has now been bypassed with the 701 with its 5000lb wheel-lift fully extended, and optional Neg-Power tilt. With the 701’s impressive array of standard equipment, it is available in four different configurations: the B, which is the basic unit with the 5,000 pound wheel-lift; the BDW, a bed with a deck winch; the BSW, a bed with a recovery boom and a single winch; and the BTW, a bed with a recovery boom and two winches and numerous optional equipment is available to qualify for city and state towing contracts.

DYNAMIC

The Dynamic 601 BTW twin line, with a hydraulic extend-able recovery boom was put into service and is still the equipment of choice today. Soon after, major cities like Chicago and New York added the SelfLoading Wheel-Lift to their fleets as well. Dynamic grew as the industry grew and the demands for stronger, improved, and more diversified Self-Loading Wheel-Lift equipment was needed.

Dynamic Manufacturing is continuing to broaden its product line. Dynamic was the first to manufacture rollbacks with a SelfLoading, Independent, Wheel-Lift. The traditional “L” arm wheel-lift is offered as standard equipment. As time progressed, methods of towing vehicles and trucks also required more diligence when towing. Dynamic saw the need to manufacture equipment that would help the tower be able to not only perform his job safely, but also with the delicate care needed to tow the present and future vehicles and trucks. The latest products introduced and now manufactured by Dynamic are the RADIUS Rotator Carrier, Slide-in Units, and the Stealth WheelLifts. Dynamic offers a full line of products that can transform your pick-up into a wrecker at a low cost, and it makes for the perfect setup for low clearance garages! The latest addition to the lineup is the Dynamic Service vehicle. Make sure you visit www.dynamicmfg.com and check them out for yourselves. Dynamic has distributors located throughout the United States, England, Australia, Ukraine, Russia, Scandinavia, Sweden & Baltic States. They are always looking for additional equipment distributors, parts distributors, and repair facilities. Please contact Dynamic Manufacturing for more information.

issue. Dynamic offers the in-cab wheel-lift controls for added safety during highway tows and the everdangerous repossession. Not one tow vehicle is the same, Dynamic is a small, customer care company where you can reach the owner as well as all the departments to solve a problem with your Dynamic equipment. Their parts department is always stocked with a vast amount and a variety of parts. A call to the parts department and quick ship out procedure ensures your downtime to an absolute minimum. Dynamic listens and is always open to suggestions and changes needed by the end user.

The 701 light duty and light/ medium duty truck series and the 801 medium duty truck series are also available in the four different configurations. The 701 series offers a 5,000-pound wheel-lift and is also available with optional winch or negative tilt. The 801 series is the truck that Dynamic designed for the Virginia Department of Transportation and is available with an 8,000 pound wheel-lift. Dynamic Manufacturing totally reengineered the 801 series with an 8500LB wheel-lift and 16-ton recovery boom to meet their needs!

FUSION DYNAMIC CARRIER

WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT 50 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com

WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT 52 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com T he new Autogrid option for Jerr-Dan’s XLP Carrier allows an operator to hook to a car quickly and easily without manually installing L-Arms. Engineered with the operator in mind, the grid design offers a 3,500 lb. rating and a crossbar that can rotate 90 degrees either side of center. The center detent helps to prevent unintended crossbar swing during hook-up. The grid center drop area is designed to provide better support for tires as well as less sidewall push. The long-term cost of ownership and product longevity are addressed with replaceable wear items that include wear pads, L-arm tips, and gridInends.addition to these standard elements, Autogrid customers may choose from several add-on options including wireless remote control, a dual-camera system, and a Reese HitchAnattachment.animateddemonstration of this product is available to view at https://bit.ly/3N2bsI0 See your Jerr-Dan distributor for more details or visit www.jerrdan.com AUTOGRID OPTION FOR XLP CARRIER

The 8.5 Ton XLP is versatile enough to handle the work of a light duty carrier but designed and engineered to handle the toughest jobs of a medium duty carrier. With a 17,000 lb. structural capacity available in steel or aluminum, this medium duty carrier is available with deck lengths of 22 ft. to 30 ft., 96 in. or 102 in. wide, and dock stabilizer or wheel lift options of 3,000 lb., 3,500 lb., 4,000 lb., or 5,000 lb.

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 53

8.5 TON XLP MEDIUM DUTY CARRIER

About Jerr-Dan JerrDan, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is a leading manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment and offers an extensive range of light, medium and heavy duty carriers, wreckers and rotators. The company is headquartered in Hagerstown, MD., and its products are backed by industry leading warranties and a strong service network dedicated to the towing professional. To learn more about Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, missioncritical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs approximately 15,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common cause: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™, Oshkosh® Airport Products, London™ and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit oshkoshcorp.com.

J err-Dan’s carrier line includes standard, medium, heavy-duty, multi-car, and industrial models.

WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT 54 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com Hide-A-Lift was established in 1998 in a small town in the Northwest corner of Iowa. Needing a way to tow cars from place to place, then owner and now salesman, Lee Bomgaars, came up with an idea for the first underlift and things took off from there. Hide-A-Lift, located in Doon, IA., is owned by Roy Van Engen and his four sons. They are not only the owners but also do the welding, testing, assembly, installation, and everything involved in the manufacturing process. Take a look at our lifts, and you will see, no matter what your needs are, we have a solution for you! COBRA WHEEL LIFT Looking for a tow unit with a little more power?Check out our COBRA pick-up repo wheel lift for wrecker trucks: • Heavy-duty lifting 6”x 6” main •beam4,000-lb.+ lift capacity • Suggested minimum 10,000 GVW ••chassis72”reachFull90-degree loading (great for parallel parked cars) • In-cab 8-function control • Quick connect for easy removal • Double pump for speed and power • Twin 3-½” lift cylinders for more speed and power • Hydraulic claws (no springs to malfunction causing damage) • Self-centering head • Brass bushings on king pin • 12,000-lb. winch available • Built-in frame stiffener • Extra frame Morerecommendedstiffeninginfo:https://hidealift.com/cobra/ VIPER WHEEL LIFT Need a quick and easy unit to tow most consumer vehicles? Viper costs less, quicker than most competitive selfloaders, is easy to mount, and can be working for you in no time. • Fully hydraulic underlift (in/out and •up/down)Twin3-½” lift cylinders • 4,000-lb.+ lift capacity • Suggested minimum 10,000 GVW •chassisHydraulic claws (no springs to malfunction causing damage) • Self-centering head • Brass bushings on king pin • In-cab 6-function control • Double pump for speed and power • Extra frame For•recommendedstiffeningUniqueunder-bodyconstructionmoreinformation: https://hidealift.com/viper/ HIDE-A-LIFT

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 55 RAPTOR WHEEL LIFT RAPTOR — A lift that extends with a button instead of manually: • 12-volt power pack with 20-ft. remote control • Power up/down, in/out • All parts made in USA • Wheel receivers use cam locks that adjust to towed vehicle’s width • No lost pins with the cam •locksEasy •installationunder-bodyLiftingpointisnear rear axle not bumper • T-bar turns and hinges for safe and easy towing • One person operation For more information: BOAhttps://hidealift.com/raptor/WHEELLIFT BOA — A quick-and-easy unit to tow in tighter spaces with easy to use functions: • 12-volt hydraulic power pack with 10-ft. remote control • Double acting power up – power down hydraulic cylinder • All parts made in USA • Wheel receivers use cam locks that adjust to fit towed vehicle’s •widthCam locks provide fast and easy adjustment – no lost pins • Easy under-body installation, completely retractable to hide under the truck • T-bar turns and hinges for safe and easy turning • Lifting point is near the rear axle, not the rear bumper • Can be re-installed in another pick-up truck • One person operation For more information: https://hidealift.com/boa/ All Hide-A-Lift units are made, sold, installed, or shipped from our 12,000 sq.-ft. facility. As a familyowned business, we take pride in the workmanship and service that goes into every unit that leaves our doors. Give us a call today! 800-634-9340

WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT 56 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com

STECK

4th Wheel Loader Calls for quickly moving vehicles with broken ball joints continue to grow. While many use skates or Go-Jacks, many tow-ers find that due to their inability to safely load and secure a vehicle, especially on the aluminum bed roll back wreckers, they find the need for a sturdier device.

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.

4th Wheel Loader with its two Polypropylene wheels works well in gravel and dirt to move the vehicle directly into the repair bays and frame racks. 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.

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. For more informations on the Big Easy visit www.steckmfg.com.

NEXT DIGITAL QUARTERLY 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. 43 Tow Professional Q2 21 www.towprofessional.com FEATURED SUPPLIERS & DIRECTORY 2021FEATURED SUPPLIER’S DIRECTORY your full-service headquarters for 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. Custom Built Custom Built Manufacturing was founded by Derek Dangelo, owner of Dangelo’s Auto Body and Repairs.. Custom Built opened with focus on manufacturing the highest quality, custom heavy duty wreckers for the towing industry. (800) info@custombuiltmfg.com540-5151 www.custombuiltmfg.com QTP2 ROTATORS, HEAVY EQUIPMENT, WHEEL LIFT & REPO EQUIPMENT Rick’s Truck & Equipment Rick’sTruck and Equipment professional staff help you ﬁnd what you’re looking for. (800) www.ricksrollbacks.com639-4537AustinHindsMotors, Inc. Let Austin Hinds Motors show you how easy is to buy a quality new prices, superior service, and treating customers right leads to satis ed repeat buyers. (256) 586-8161 PREMIUM SUPPLIERS JERR-DAN Headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland, we proudly manufacture our vehicles in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. Jerr-Dan believes there are (800) info@jerrdan.com926-9666 www.jerrdan.com Dynamic ManufacturingEquipmentTowing Dynamic created the Original Self-Loading Wheel-Lift that has become the most sought after technology in the towing industry. (757) anthonydynamic@mac.com624-1360 www.dynamicmfg.com Q2 Tow Professional Quarterly Digital Edition Featured Supplier Directory • 25-30 Word Company Description • Company Logo • Phone Number • Contact Email Link • Website Link Tow QuarterlyProfessionalDigital Edition Featured Products • 60-65 Word Product Description • Product or Service Image • Contact Email Link • Website Link 38 Tow Professional Q2 21 www.towprofessional.com FEATURED PRODUCTS 2PRODUCTSFEATURED2021 WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT QTP2 8000LBTOW RATING OPTIONS PLASTIC POLY FENDER WHICH ARE LIGHTER,YET 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 Havedesignlarge tool boxes and easy access to hydraulics. anthonydynamic@mac.com DYNAMIC “PYTHON” WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM Tow Professional is proud to announce our new Digital Interactive Quarterly! Now your Editorial and Advertising can become interactive with links & videos combined with the convenience of mobility! EditorialQUARTERCoverage1 Towing Software and Lighting QUARTER 2 Rotators, Heavy Equipment, 5th Wheel Attachments, Wheel-Lifts and Repo QUARTEREquipment3 Insurance and Financing QUARTER 4 Hazmat, Spill Control, Lock-out Equipment, GPS and Telematics Cost For Full Year FULL PAGE Price:Specs:$ 3,000 HALF PAGE Price:Specs:$ 2,000 All ads and editorial must have links to websites and this includes videos. Be sure to ask about how to become a part of our Suppliers Directory and Feature Product Editorial. Call 205-223-4548 or email, Darian Weaver at darian@towprofessional.com Q3 Quar t erly Quarter 3 www.towprofessional.com2021 INDUSTRY NEWS: TEC Equipment Expands Representation of Jerr-Dan into Nevada. Wreaths Across America Announces the Mobile Education Exhibit’s 2022 National Tour. Q3 Quarterly Celebrating YEARS TOWERS INSURANCE PLUS: FEATURED PRODUCTS SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY

WIDE-RANGE Load hybrids, high-end, electric, all-wheel or fourwheel drive vehicles with nohook points. The Carrier Dolly System also doubles as a motorcycle dolly. For more information, visit www.collinsdollies.com

WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT 58 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com Collins Hi-Speed® Dolly 6th Generation Self-Loading Dolly SAFEST Safety First! Safety Ratchet System — for Tower 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.

SystemCollinsCarrierDolly

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).

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

Easier and safer loading in ALL-WEATHER and ALL-TERRAIN

LIGHTEST

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.

60 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com DEALERS PLACE Stock # F0120 - 2022 F600, 6.7L Powerstroke, Automatic, SwapLoader SL-105, US Tarp System Stock # D4168 - 2021 Dodge 5500 4x4 Crew Cab, 6.7L Cummins, Auto, Jerr-Dan MPL40 Twin Line Stock # F3564 - 2022 Ford F450, 4x4, 6.7L Powerstroke, Automatic, Jerr-Dan MPL-NGS Self Loader Stock # L3001 - 2022 Landoll 440B-50 Traveling Axle Trailer Stock # F8882 - 2021 Ford F650 Ext Cab, 22ft Jerr-Dan SRR6T-WLP Carrier Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc is the oldest active Jerr-Dan Corp distributor in the nation and we also proudly offer the Landoll line of transportation products, trailers tough enough to move the world. Since 1969. We have one of the largest inventories of new and used tow trucks, carriers, and trailers in the nation and a full parts and service facility. Financing is available, and the process is easy. 13401 US 70 Business Hwy West Clayton, NC 27520 www.easternwrecker.com • 919-553-4038 INVENTORY PICTURED SUBJECT TO CHANGE NEW AND USED TRUCKS ARRIVING DAILY PROUD LANDOLL, JERR-DAN AND SWAPLOADER DISTRIBUTOR PARTS AND SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS!

800-288-0839 COLUMBUS | 800-288-0849 MARIETTA 2022 Ram 5500 CC SLT 4x4 360 HP ISB 6.7 Cummins Aisin Auto equipped w/Jerr-Dan HPL-60 2023 Kenworth T880 20K FA 40K RA 450 HP X15 Allison Auto equipped 15 ton Jerr-Dan 28’ x 96”2022 Ford F750 Ext 300 HP 6.7 Ford TorqShift 10 Speed Auto equipped 6 ton Jerr-Dan 22’ x 102” 2022 Kenworth W990 450 HP X15 Allison Auto equipped 15 ton Jerr-Dan 28’ x 96” 2023 Ford F600 4x4 Gas 7.3 Ford TorqShift 10 Speed equipped 6 ton Jerr-Dan 20’ x102” 2022 Ford F550 Ext 4x4 6.7 Ford TorqShift 10 Speed equipped Jerr-Dan MPL-40 2023 Volvo VNX6400 X15 Cummins Eaton-Fuller 18 Speed equipped Jerr-Dan 50 ton (4th Quarter) 2020 Kalyn Siebert KHSA, Traveling Axle, Air Ride, Body Material STEEL, Stock#: K001 2020 Kalyn Siebert KSHRG Lite, Lowboy, Air Ride, Tonnage 50, Stock#: K003 Paul Blackston, Equipment Sales pblackston@mcmahontrucks.com (740) 215-9012 David Long, Outside Parts Sales - Columbus dlong@mcmahontrucks.com (614) 907-6206 Ryan Secoy, Parts Sales - Marietta rsecoy@mcmahontrucks.com M: 614-252-3111 C: 740-215-90122 Be Sure to Check Out our Complete Inventory Online www.McMahonTrucks.com Visit our 2nd Columbus location 1305 US 42, London, OH 43140

62 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com DEALERS PLACE LIVE FROM THE TOW PROFESSIONAL STUDIO “Pro’s that need to know and are on the go!” Your voice for the Towing Industry Find us everywhere podcasts are available. Find us on Bringingwww.towprofessional.comorthelatestintechnology,productsandservices.GivingyoutheinformationneededtogrowyourBusiness!! New episodes weekly! SPONSORED BY: PODCAST

www.towprofessional.com | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL 63 IF YOU HAD TAKEN THIS SPACE, YOUR AD WOULD NOW BE BEING LOOKED AT BY OVER 37,000 OWNERS AND WOULD ALSO BE AVAILABLE TO MILLIONS MORE ONLINE. DowntimeClaims.com Transportation Lawyers • Business Interruption Claims • Wrecker Accidents • Insurance Claims • Loss of Use/Lost Income 1-800-DOWNTIME info@downtimeclaims.com NATIONWIDE DOWNTIME & PROPERTYRECOVERYDAMAGE Market PLACE

64 TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 11 • Issue 6 | www.towprofessional.com OLD ADVERTISER INDEX Alliance Funding 37 Austin Hinds 59 Austin Insurance 45 AZUGA IFC BalanceMasters 30 Budget GPS 47 Collins Dollies IBC Custer Products 21 Custom Built 25 CW Mill Equipment 41 Dynamic ............................................... 23 Eastern Wrecker Sales 60 Eckert & Associates .......................... 63 Eemerg 39 ESA .......................................................... 9 Flow Stop 64 Go Light ................................................ 29 Gunni Wheel 37 HAAS Alert 43 Hal Kresser 63 Hide-a-Lift 63 Hino BC Holly’s Towing Dispatch 39 I.T.R.M 11 INA Towing Network 13 Jerr-Dan 4-5 Lodar 16 Marking Pen Depot 63 Matjack ................................................ 15 McMahon 61 Mike Keith Insurance ....................... 49 OnlineImpoundAuctions 41 ParkingPass.com................................ 45 Prime Insurance 23 Progressive Insurance ...................... 13 Recovery Billing 22 Robert Young 62 RP Consulting 43 RV Wheel 63 Servicase 7 Steck Mfg 31 The Willl-Burt Company 27 Towbook 3 Towing Museum 32-33 Towmate 1 TowTrax 49 TRAO ..................................................... 17 Traxero 31 Tru-Hitch............................................... 47 Webfleet 19 Weiss Ins.............................................. 63 Wrecker Rentals 60 ZackLift ................................................ `26 COMPANY PG COMPANY PG COMPANY PG EARN MORE PER ACCIDENT AND TAKE COMPLETE CHARE OF THE SCENE ONE CALL PUT YOU ON THE SCENE AUTHORITIES APPRECIATES ONE ENTITY TO HANDLE ALL PHASES OF CLEAN UP AND VEHICLE RECOVERY BE EQUIPPED TO HANDLE FUEL SPILLS THROUGH HAZWOPPER CERTIFICATION FOR MORE INFO CONTACT US AT PERRY@HAZMATRN.COM877-356-9767WWW.HAZMATRN.COM

(541) collinsmfgcorp.com774-9220 Increased serviceability SAVES repair costs Go the EXTRA mile LIGHTEST in weight, yet GREATEST towing capacity - relief for both you and your customers Easier and safer loading in ALL-WEATHER and ALL-TERRAIN The perfect sidekick for our everyday heroes! Thank you for choosing We’re here for you. .

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THE IS THE BEGINNING. you start up your new Hino truck, our journey with you is just beginning. That’s because every Hino comes standard with an HinoWatch, and Vehicle Why? Because taking care of you and your truck is what we call the ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE.

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Tow Professional - Volume: 11 Issue: 6

Articles inside

Azuga 42 | Webfleet

Tru-Hitch 48 | Dynamic 52 | Jerr-Dan