Volume 12 • Issue 9 • 2023 | www.towprofessional.com
FEATURING THE LATEST PARTS, EQUIPMENT & SERVICES
INSIDE
TOWING INSURANCE | FINANCING SOLUTIONS
PLUS:
WOMEN OF TOWING: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Do You Self-Audit?
INSIGHTFUL TALK: What Does 2024 Hold For You FUEL 4 THOUGHT: Learn More in 2024
CUSTOMERS DEPEND ON YOUR BUSINESS EVERY DAY DEPEND ON OURS, SO THAT DOESN’T CHANGE. FINANCE WITH JDFS FOR THE SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW. We make growing your business simple. As your partner, we provide a quick, hassle-free financing process. Apply and receive a credit decision within 24 hours. Once approved, we’ll work with you directly to customize a financing solution that meets the specific needs of your business.
VISIT JERRDAN.COM/FINANCING TO LEARN HOW JDFS SUPPORTS YOU TODAY FOR TOMORROW.
TOW PROFESSIONAL
CONTENTS
Volume 12 • Issue 9 WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM
FEATURES:
INDUSTRY NEWS
36 | TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2023
TOWING & RECOVERY
6 | Jerr-Dan 8 | Hazmat Responder
18 | 7th Annual Slow Down Move Over Rally
20 | Will-Burt Company
Network Training
10 | Honoring Frank Ingram 14 | 2nd Annual Heavy Duty
Acquires Clark Mast Systems Limited
Recovery Training
Women OF TOWING BY
MICHELLE
SUKOW
24 | Mirror, Mirror on the Wall - Do You Self-Audit? INSURANCE
INSIGHTFUL TALK
BY
DAN
68 | Hal Kresser
69 | Austin Insurance
70 | Weiss Insurance
71 | Interline Risk Services
MESSINA
28 | What Does 2024 Hold For You?
FINANCE FUEL 4 THOUGHT
BY
D.J.
HARRINGTON
CSP
32 | Learn More in 2024
2
TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
72 | Alliance Funding Group
74 | Jerr-Dan Financing
IN EVERY ISSUE 4 | Publisher’s Letter 75 | Dealers Place
79 | Market Place 80 | Ad Index
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PUBLISHER’S
LETTER
Volume 12 • Issue 9 WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM
TM
Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
PUBLISHER
HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 2024 2024 is here and coming in hot!! Who is ready? Readers, I know it has been a whirlwind for your family and business since the onset of Covid four years ago! I champion everyone for making it to 2024, it has been a hard road for the majority the past few years. Just being here is more than a reason to pat yourself on the back, and to thank your higher power! Dan Messina in this installment of “Insightful Talk,” talks about the importance of a short end of the year getaway to review performance and goals of the company. DJ Harrington our Tow Doctor, Podcast host, and writer for “Fuel for Thought,” brings us another great story. This gives you as an owner time to regroup and relax before making decisions that will affect the company and employees for the coming year. Michele Sukow with the “Women of Towing,” ask us to take a deep dive into self with this feature on “Audit Yourself.” The key to growth as a leader is outlined in this awesome edit! In this issue we showcase our top pick of Products & Service providers in the Towing Industry. In the pages you will find advertisers that have a passion for bringing the best products to market, with a commitment to value and safety for their customers. Finance and Insurance are two key factors when building a business. In this issue we look at some of the top insurance providers in our industry. We hope this issue will be a guide when making purchasing decisions for this new year, giving you the information to make the best-informed decision for your business! Tow Professional is now celebrating 13 years in this wonderful industry! We thank every one of our loyal readers, and the advertisers that saw our passion for this industry and bought in from day one. Tow Professional still retains 97% of day one customers from 13 years ago. We appreciate your commitment to the industry, and belief in Tow Professional!
Darian Weaver President & Publisher, Tow Professional
Darian Weaver President & Publisher darian@towprofessional.com
PRODUCTION Sheila Maynard Editor Clint Cabiness Creative Director clint@dialedinmediagroup.com Bogey Cat as Office Manager
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS D. J. Harrington CSP Dan Messina Michelle Sukow Darian Weaver
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.
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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY
Jerr-Dan’s Donation to Survivor Fund Highlight of In-Booth Social Event at Baltimore Trade Show
HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Jerr-Dan, an Oshkosh Corporation company (NYSE: OSK), capped off their in-booth social event at the recent towing and recovery trade show in Baltimore by donating $20,000 to the International Towing and Recovery
Jerr-Dan is committed to supporting the families
Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund. The
of those impacted and continues to explore potential
Survivor Fund was established in 2005 to provide
features that may help mitigate future incidents.
immediate financial support to families of towing
The donation was presented by Nelson and the
operators who lose their lives in the line of service in
entire Jerr-Dan team attending the show to the
our industry.
Survivor Fund Board of Directors.
“As a company, we are honored to have the opportunity to again support the Survivors Fund with
For more information on the continuing supporter program, visit:
our donation tonight,” said Bob Nelson, vice president and general manager of Jerr-Dan. “We also want
internationaltowingmuseum.org/survivor-fund/
to urge all who can to participate in the Museum’s continuing supporter program. Anything our industry can do to lessen the financial impact a family endures following the loss of a loved one is appreciated.” 6
TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9
| www.towprofessional.com
For more information on Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com.
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INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY
Four Days of HAZWOPER
H
azmat Responder Network conducted four days of HAZWOPER and Cargo Tank Awareness training at Kilgore’s Wrecker Service in Jasper, Alabama November 30th through December 3rd, 2023. Participants from Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama enjoyed a home styled atmosphere and catered meals in Kilgore’s new 100’ X 50’ facility. Subjects covered included EPA’s rules and regulations governed by Title 29 CFR 1910.120 of OSHA. Topics included hazard classes, vessels for transport and procedures on transferring fluid contents from tank to tank, ground and bonding measures, proper PPE with respiratory protection when engaging in difficult situations. Charles Fator with Hanby Environmental instructed students on soil and water testing systems and how to confirm mitigative actions that were complete with documentation for verification. Also, a separate block of instruction was provided in evening sessions for Certification of Hanby Test Systems.
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Day 4 introduced Cargo Tank Awareness training using simulators representing DOT 406, DOT 407, and DOT 412 tankers. Valving, appurtenances, and plumbing found on liquid transporters were discussed and training gave students hands on experience in drilling or tapping tanks for transferring loads. Tow and Recovery Professionals across the country are adding emergency spill response to the business mix of their companies. Being called out for recoveries often requires leaks and spills to be addressed prior to the actual hookup. Hazmat Responder Network is your go to source for HAZWOPER training and certification. Call us today and get moving on spill cleanups. 877 / 356-9767
Perry Beaty.
INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY
Honoring Frank Ingram
April 18th, 1975 - October 19th, 2023
F
rank Ingram was born April 18th, 1975. When Frank was little, he loved to ride his little motorcycle and play with matchbox cars. He played with them in the dirt, and he played with them on the side of my car. Frank had over 200 of them. For several years, Frank also played baseball and did karaoke for a couple of years. When Frank was only six years old, he started playing football and played until he was 15. All his coaches said that he was so good at the game that they automatically started playing him at quarterback, as well as running back. According to those coaches, “Frank was the only one who could remember all the plays and call them out to the other players.” The last football game that he played in was Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the pay offs, and Frank’s team needed a touchdown to win the game. So, the coach told Frank to pass the ball to one of the other players, but he didn’t. Instead, he performed a quarterback sneak and made the touchdown himself. After the game, I asked Frank what they would have done if he hadn’t made that touchdown. His answer was simple, “that wasn’t going to happen. I was getting it in the end zone.” And he did. We weren’t surprised that Frank was awarded MVP Player of the Game. In 1989, at the age of 14, Frank started in a bomber class and won Rookie of the Year. That prompted his Father, Bill Ingram, to have a discussion with the owner, Mickey Swims of Dixie Speedway, which was in Woodstock, GA. Bill Ingram asked Mickey about moving Frank up all the way to late model vehicles. Mickey said, “If he got in anyone’s way that he would have to be moved back down.” Frank did the opposite. He won Rookie of the Year in Late Model in
10
TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9
| www.towprofessional.com
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INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY
1992. Even though he didn’t win a race that year, he came close to winning many times. Later in his racing career, he went on to win many races. However, the one that meant the most to him was won in 2009. That race was in honor of his Father, The Bill Ingram Memorial Race. Frank was quite proud that he won that race. Racing may have been a side hobby for Frank, but the family business was another area where he excelled. Also, at the age of 14, Frank worked in the family business, Ingram Towing & Impound Service. He started driving a wrecker but when his father passed, Frank, his sister Lora, and his mother, Gloria, ran the business. Ingram Towing & Impound Service is a 24-hour, 7 days a week business. They never close and are always open to help people with their cars. Chase Ingram, Frank’s son and Lora’s son, Christian Ingram came in and helped
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with the business, but Frank’s son, Chase Ingram was everything to Frank. However, on September 11th, 2020, Chase passed away. Frank grieved tremendously because Chase was Frank’s only child. Then on October 19th, 2023, Frank was struck on the side of I-575. He was trying to hook up to a dump truck that needed to be towed off the freeway. No doubt, Frank and Chase are now together, discussing “everything” towing. In his lifetime, Frank accomplished so much for himself and for others. Frank won many races and helped as many people as he could, even if he was racing against them. Talking to his fans and signing autographs made Frank’s day much better.
For those of us left behind, we will miss you, Frank Ingram.
INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY
2nd Annual Barber Motorsports Miller 3-Day Extreme Heavy Duty Recovery Training
T
he 2nd annual Extreme Heavy-Duty Training was held again this year at Barber Motorsports Park. Barber Motorsports for those that don’t know, is a 230,000 sq ft vintage motorsports museum, and the site of a world class racecourse! Greg Hinds of Austin Hinds Motors, Miller Industries, and the Alabama Towing Association put on a 3-day training event that consisted of classroom time, and hands on recovery scenarios! Tom Luciano and John Hawkins did not disappoint, showcasing decades of real-world knowledge and instruction in just 3 days. Students witnessed in depth classroom knowledge, combined with hands-on instruction of some of the best recovery techniques used in real life scenarios.
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INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY
2nd Annual Barber Motorsports Miller 3-Day Extreme Heavy Duty Recovery Training
The class this year brought in over 80 students, well surprising last year’s record capacity of over 60 attendees. Students were impressed with the facility and blown away by the attention given in all aspects of training. Make sure you get your reservations booked early for the 3rd Annual Extreme Heavy Duty Training next year!.
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| www.towprofessional.com
Are you ready to make the switch? Lite It Wireless Introduces …. External 20-volt Battery and Charger for your wireless light bar
NEW
This battery is mounted externally and there is no longer the need to change the 2 batteries from inside the case. You simply take the discharged battery off the battery plate and replace it with a fresh battery. Designed to accept both M18 and DeWalt style batteries. These new wireless lightbars have the same great warranty and customer service included with every purchase. You may purchase the external battery light bars without the battery and charger and use your own.
Custer Products 20-volt Battery and Charger
Now available in 36”, 48”, 60” wireless LED light bar. Add flashers or strobes. 7-pin transmitter, external 20-volt battery and charger included.
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INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY
7th Annual Slow Down, Move Over Rally
W
es Passmore of Classic Towing & Automotive held the annual rally for “Slow Down, Move Over on Dec 3, to honor fallen towers and raise awareness with the public. The rally, like many years before started in Hueytown, Alabama, and a parade of 120 + trucks drove to Tuscaloosa, Alabama to raise awareness with the public. The event continues to grow and brings in not only towers, but police, fire, and Ems all of which attended this event to honor and promote safety for our towers. The event was also attended by Christian Ingram, who lost his uncle Frank to a distracted driver, and Matt Spencer from Hastings, Michigan. Matt Spencer tragically lost his son Keagan Spencer to a distracted driver and wanted to drive down to assist in the efforts and share his story in hopes of saving others. This years event was Sponsored by: Towbook, Kevin Goodyear Towing, Insurance Hub, Allstate Roadside, Knox Auto Parts, Passmore Logistics, Cintas, Peak Auto Auctions, Progressive, Classic Towing & Recovery, C.P. Wrecker Service, Eastern Diesel & Auto Wrecker Service, and Tow Professional Magazine. The support is appreciated, and goes a long way towards educating the public, raising awareness, and as always this shows our tow professionals that we have their back! Thanks again for all that supported and attended the rally! We hope to see you next year!
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INDUSTRY NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY
The Will-Burt Company acquires Clark Masts Systems Limited The acquisition combines two companies renowned for innovative and high-quality mobile elevation products. ORRVILLE, OH – The Will-Burt Company, a world leader in the design, manufacture and sale of mobile telescoping mast, tower, and integrated trailer systems, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Clark Masts Systems, LTD. Clark is known globally for their fast-erecting, high-quality, and innovative field and vehicle deployed telescopic pneumatic mast systems. “We are pleased to add the highperformance Clark Mast range of mobile pneumatic telescopic mast products to the Will-Burt portfolio,” stated Richard Lewin, CEO and President of The Will-Burt Company. “The Clark Mast brand is well-known around the world for delivering high-quality products backed by exemplary service. The Will-Burt and Clark organizations have great mutual respect for one another and similar cultural beliefs that we expect will deliver increased value to our customers.” Clark Masts, first introduced in 1954 by Alec Clark, are lightweight, quickerecting field masts that are highly versatile with commercial and defense variations. Clark also offers a value range of larger telescopic pneumatic masts that can be vehicle or field mounted and will complement the existing Will-Burt range of pneumatic masts. Simon Bennett, Managing Director of Clark Masts comments, “I am delighted that we were able to bring these two great companies together. We have worked as friendly competitors for years and we have a mutual admiration for one another. It pleases me to know that the Clark brand will continue as part of the Will-Burt Company portfolio of world-class elevation products.” Clark production operations will continue to be located on the Isle of Wight, England and Simon Bennett will assume the role of General Manager of the operation to assure a smooth and successful transition. The business financial and accounting functions will be merged with Will-Burt UK located in Alton, Hampshire, England. 20
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Customers and suppliers are welcome to contact either Will-Burt or Clark personnel in their region of the world to receive prompt attention.
About The Will-Burt Company: The Will-Burt Company (www.willburt.com), headquartered in Orrville, Ohio, USA, is the world’s premier manufacturer of mobile telescoping masts, towers, trailer systems, and pan and tilt positioners. We offer virtually every mobile payload elevation solution and full integration services for defense, government, first responders, telecommunications, energy production and other markets. Will-Burt also offers contract manufacturing, metal fabrication, powdercoating, and rapid prototyping services. Will-Burt is an international company with offices and manufacturing in the USA, United Kingdom, Germany, Turkiye, and Singapore. All manufacturing locations are backed by a certified ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System. Incorporated in 1918, Will-Burt is 100% employee-owned and is classified as a small business.
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Shuttle Bus from Hilton Lake Buena Vista Hotel Sponsored by
8 am – 10 pm
Shuttle Bus from Hilton Lake Buena Vista Hotel Sponsored by
9 am
Hino Raffle Truck Tickets on Sale – Red Lot Outside Sponsored by and
8:30 am – 2 pm
Registration Open Sponsored by
10 am
2024 Survivor Fund Golf Classic
9 am – 6 pm
Exhibits Open
Noon – 5 pm
Registration Open Sponsored by
9 am
Hino Raffle Truck Tickets on Sale – Red Lot Outside Sponsored by and
7 pm
Tow Show Kickoff Party for the Family Sponsored by
9 am – 2 pm
Lil’ Towers Event Sponsored by
9 – 9:45 am
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
FRIDAY, APRIL 19 8 am – 11 pm
Shuttle Bus from Hilton Lake Buena Vista Hotel Sponsored by
8:30 am – 5 pm
Registration Open Sponsored by
9 – 9:45 am
PPI to Parking Management - Organizing for Success Presented by Jim Shellhaas, Ranger SST
9 am – 6 pm
Exhibits Open
10 – 10:45 am
9 am
Hino Raffle Truck Tickets on Sale – Red Lot Outside Sponsored by and
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
10 – 10:45 am
Under the Hood with Google Presented by Dennis Wencel, Lift Marketing
9 – 9:45 am
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
10 am – Noon
Florida Lien and Title Class
9 – 9:45 am
Private Property Parking – Reimagined Presented by Jim Shellhaas, Ranger SST
11 – 11:45 am
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
10 – 10:45 am
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
11:45 am – 1 pm
10 – 10:45 am
Under the Hood with Google Presented by Dennis Wencel, Lift Marketing
Women of the Towing Industry Luncheon Sponsored by I Am Woman – Hosted by PWOF Women’s Division
11 – 11:45 am
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
12 – 1 pm
Allstate Roadside Safety Hot Dog Lunch Presented by Allstate Roadside
1 – 1:30 pm
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
1 – 1:30 pm
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
1 – 1:30 pm
Florida Lien and Title Class
1 – 3 pm
1:30 – 2:15 pm
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
Modern Vehicle Lock Issues Presented by Steve Young, AutoLock Solutions
1:30 – 2:15 pm
2 – 3 pm
Damage-Free Vehicle Entry Presented by Steve Young, AutoLock Solutions
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
2:30 – 3:15 pm
2:30 – 3:15 pm
Allstate Roadside Education Presented by Allstate Roadside
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7 pm
Street Party Sponsored by
5 – 5:30 pm
Raffle Truck Drawing at Miller Industries Booth Sponsored by
and
Women OF TOWING BY
MICHELLE
SUKOW
///
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Do You Self-Audit?
F
or most businesses, it is that time of yearYEAR END. Let’s be real… it isn’t always fun, but it is always necessary. It is a time of auditing your books, completing year end tasks, and setting next year’s goals. You reflect on what you have accomplished or didn’t accomplish sometimes. It’s a time of making hard decisions on whether to stay the course or make some changes. We do this every year for our business to be successful. Most businesses don’t “fly by the seats of their pants” or skate through and hope for the best. It takes planning, adjusting, and auditing. If you are willing invest the time and effort into your business, you also better start looking at your biggest asset too- YOU! Here are some key items you can start your audit checklist with:
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YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES Just like your business, your personal finances will make or break you. One of the biggest stressors in life is money. Everyone’s situation is different, so a one size fit’s all approach won’t work. You need to audit your finances and make the necessary changes as needed. I like to audit this on a quarterly basis or every six months at the very least. And trust me, there have been those busy years where I didn’t do it quarterly that I regretted it. If you neglect it or ignore it, it will cost you in the long run. Planning is vital for achieving financial security, reaching your goals, managing debt and building wealth. Getting your finances in order will give you freedoms that will add to your quality of life and reduce stress.
MAKE THAT WORK-LIFE BALANCE FLOW First, you will never obtain a consistent balance. It’s a myth. Everything ebbs and flows, and you will have seasons where some things just need more of you. You will need to keep an eye on it and audit yourself to make sure that one thing isn’t taking too much of you for too long. Neglecting other areas will eventually lead to resentment, disappointment, added stress and possibly failure. Issues at home will cause you to lean too hard into the work area of your life. You will say that I need to get this taken care of now. And in the towing industry, this is prevalent. Yes, there are times when it needs to be taken care of immediately. But most of the time, you can schedule it in. By ignoring or
www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
25
Women OF TOWING BY
MICHELLE
SUKOW
///
not taking care of your life, it compounds. So, this little issue with neglect will snowball into this mountain you’re struggling with. You will carry those issues to work, and your performance will suffer, and your attitude will create issues. Same with issues at work! If you dislike your job or have issues at work, you will bring that home with you. You will be stressed or unhappy and that vibe flows into your home and family. You shouldn’t bring that home and disrupt everything. You don’t have to pretend everything is perfect. That isn’t healthy for you. However, taking work issues home for your family is not healthy for anyone. Leave work at work. This is another area where one size doesn’t fit all. Find what works best for you and go with it! Some can fit more work into their lives whereas others need to fit more home in theirs. Don’t go into it thinking the balance should be equal, just find a flow that works best for your life.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS It matters. It matters so much more than you will ever realize. Well, until you are older and have more things figured it out. But I’m here to let you in on that
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www.WarriorWinches.com 26
TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
Trusted by Professionals, Built for Everyone!
secret! Learn what we all didn’t learn until way later in life. Your mental health is directly related to your physical health. When your overall well-being is at peak levels, you become unstoppable! When you are consistent in a healthy headspace, you have a stronger ability to manage life’s stressors and overcome the challenges life throws at you. Having a clearer head allows you to be more productive, make better decisions, and have healthier relationships. When your mental health is in good shape, you tend to get sick less often as well. If you find yourself struggling, reach out. You normally regret what you don’t do, and you will have wished that you had done it sooner.
WHAT’S YOUR WHY? Discovering your WHY is crucial to achieving success in both your personal and professional life. It is the foundation of your motivation and the driving force behind what you do. Without a clear understanding of your purpose, you may find yourself feeling lost and unfulfilled. Identifying your WHY requires self-awareness. Start by asking yourself what truly inspires you and what you are passionate about. Consider your values and beliefs and how they align with your goals. Your WHY should be something that resonates deeply with you and gives you a sense of purpose. Once you have discovered your WHY, use it as a guide to make decisions and set your goals. It will provide clarity and direction as you navigate through life’s challenges. Use your purpose as a tool to create a successful life. So… what’s your WHY? These are 4 areas everyone can start with to complete your self-audit. You will find others that have a big impact on you. Add those to it and customize your audit checklist to reflect
what is most important to you. Year end is a great time to do this. It helps you set your course for the following year! So, let me ask….. Have you looked in the mirror lately? Do you like what you see?
Wishing you all a safe and prosperous 2024!
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www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
27
INSIGHTFUL TALK BY
DAN
MESSINA
///
What Does 2024 Hold For You?
W
e are about to start a new year, and I’m sure it will be full of surprises. No doubt, we’ll face some of the same problems. Yours will be harder because I don’t hire drivers, buy gas, or buy insurance. I think in 2024, insurance will be a big issue. Insurance companies are receiving more claims and paying bigger amounts for those claims, therefore making changes that will ultimately hurt the industry.Just once I would like to see things that favor the tow company. Getting rate increases from cities is always difficult, and your insurance is going through the roof. Recently, I talked with a representative from an association in Dallas. He told me that the new problem is lawyers are chasing damage claims and suing tow companies. The judges are always siding with the lawyers because they represent the consumer, which in turn, makes the tow companies lose again. Just once, I would like to see things that favor the tow companies. Getting rate increases from cities is always difficult. It makes your insurance increase too. We can work by preparing for some of these issues. We will look at things you hate to talk about. An annual budget. For the bigger companies it’s almost mandatory, and they usually have something in place that shows them what their company looks like during the year. It’s the smaller companies that need it to survive.
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When I had my tow company, my wife and I would take a mini vacation to decide what we wanted our business to look like that coming year. We would look at the following:
1. Employees – We evaluated each employee. Who was our best employee? Who was the worst? We determined which employees would get a raise and which ones had to improve to get a raise. We identified what type of training each employee
2.
3.
4.
5.
needed and what would that training consist of. We had 35 employees and ran 24/7. It was important that our employees knew their job because they ran the company when I was not there. Whenever I facilitated training seminars at trade shows, I would tell the class that you could go out the door and buy anything you need for your business. The only thing that made you different from your competitor was your employees. We had the best, and everyone wanted to work for us. Trucks – We would evaluate each truck and determine what type of repairs they would need to stay on the road. We allocated so much money per truck and spread it out over the year unless one went down. We knew when we had to replace a truck, and what kind of truck we would buy. We also knew who would get to drive it. Customers – We spent a lot of money on our customers to make them happy. We towed cars from 50 customers. We identified the top 10 that gave us the most cars, and they were the ones that got the most attention. Most of our customers were apartments. So, we would stripe their parking lot when needed, we would take the managers some lunch for their staff. Most importantly, we released 17% of the cars that we towed from certain properties at NO CHARGE. The Facility – Our company is situated on 8 acres of land. To make sure our property looked good, we did lots of continued maintenance. Technology – We identified upgrades that were needed to run our business. There is a lot
6.
of good software in the industry, and we chose the best for our business. Trade Shows – Trade shows were important for us. It showed us the changes that were taking place within the industry. Most importantly, we talked to other tow companies and garnered new ideas for our company.
7. Politics – I know it seems strange, but local politicians were always trying to make changes that affected our business. Additionally, insurance companies would complain at a federal level. So, they got involved with the industry.
INGENUITY AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP custombuiltmfg.com www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 TOW PROFESSIONAL
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INSIGHTFUL TALK BY
DAN
MESSINA
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You noticed as I listed each thing that we looked at that I used the word ‘we’. I rarely decided on my own. I would get others involved who did the work and get their opinion before a decision was made. Asking for someone’s thoughts was good for morale because the employees took part in our decision making. I discovered that you get the best results when you have a lot of input. My wife and I would go on a weeks’ vacation each year knowing that we had good employees that could run the business when we were not there. When we came back from our planning meeting, we knew everything that had to be done, and what it would cost. Everything that happened in our company was planned. Staff knew the plan, and nothing was done by accident. Everything was thought out and executed. I found most towers in the industry would rather tow a car that works on a budget. Here are some reasons why it’s important to budget.
1. Financial Planning – This allows you to plan your resources and manage your expenses effectively.
2. Cash Flow – This is important. Monitoring
3.
4. 5.
your cash flow will ensure that you have enough funds to cover your operational costs and prevent financial shortfalls. I looked at cash flow every day. In my business, I knew my expenses were X and I had to tow Y to cover the expenses. If my number was to tow 900 cars a month, a budget allowed me to monitor the tows daily and see how close I was to my 900 tows. Setting Goals – Budgeting is key for setting financial targets. If my goal was 900 cars a month, I would focus on my goal to reach 900 tows. I made a game of it. We picked teams and had a contest on who could tow the most cars. One month, we set a goal to tow 2500 cars. We had three teams, and they would help each other get tows. It brought us all together, and we had fun doing it. Measure Performance – This allows you to see who is overperforming or underperforming and allows you to make changes as necessary. Decision Making – I would meet with my
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Register Now! Join our elite network of thousands of tower owners and managers who’ve taken the course!
The change in our business finances was unbelievable and what was more amazing was the passion that I had lost for the business had returned. It was fun again to go to work because we were seeing the fruit of all our hard labor. If you haven’t been to the class, just go it will be some of the best money you have spent for your business. — Joe’s Towing & Recovery
recoverybillingseminar.com | 508-763-5474 | info@recoverybillingunlimited.com 30
TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
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6.
7.
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employees weekly and set goals, and my staff would make decisions accordingly to reach our goal. If I was going to hire someone or buy a new truck, my staff would give me their two cents which allowed me to make the right decision. Taking Risks – A good budget will help anticipate any risk or challenges and allow you to prepare and plan. Investors – Unexpectedly, I had a guy come in my office and want to buy my company. He would ask questions, and I pulled out my budget and showed him that I had a clear vision of how I wanted my company to look, and that the money would make it happen. Adapting – With the way the
Have a great 2024 and be safe!
economy is changing, a good budget allows you to shift quickly to meet your customer needs or make necessary changes in technology. 9. Control Expenses – By monitoring your budget, you can control expenses that will produce significant savings. 10. Future Growth – With a budget, you can lay the groundwork for future growth and will be reassured that the business is financially prepared for new opportunities. I know creating a good budget is painful, but it allows you to run a successful business..
Check out Dan’s book at
SuccessandWinning.com
Henry’s Wrecker Service
Dr. Hook Towing
San Diego, CA
RoadOne
McDonald’s Towing and Rescue
Sandy’s Towing and Recovery
IST Solution, Inc.
Merl’s Towing Service
Falcon Towing
Texas Towing San Antonio, TX
Classic Towing Services Ltd.
Road Runner Wrecker Service
KOLO DBS LLC
Dugger’s Services
Abrams Towing
RBEX, Inc. dba Apple Towing
Vehicle Management Solutions
Falls Church, VA
Celebrating an exclusive group of towers who are hooked on TRAXERO’s Towing Management Software. Follow along as we highlight these industry leaders who have dispatched over 1,000,000 calls through our software.
TRAXERO.com/million
Moraine, OH
Wyoming, MI
Leesburg, VA
Albuquerque, NM
Houston, TX
Winnipeg, MB
Kalamazoo, MI
North Hollywood, CA Gardena, CA
Toronto, ON
Prairieville, LA Toronto, ON
Mokena, IL
www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 TOW PROFESSIONAL
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FUEL 4 THOUGHT BY
D.J.
HARRINGTON
CSP
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Learn More in 2024
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e’ve started another New Year, and people feel obligated to make New Year resolutions. Maybe they want to lose weight, clean out the garage or put a new engine into an antique car that’s been sitting in their back yard. Here’s what I want to do for myself in 2024. I want to read more. I started with reading every page, cover-to-cover of the Tow Professional Magazine each time it is published. My purpose is to learn more about the Towing and Recovery Industry and how I can help make it better. In fact, I want to make sure that I listen to the Tow Professional’s “On-the-Go” podcast every week. I can always find it on Spotify, I-Tunes, Pandora, Google Play,
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Stitcher, I-Heart Media, Amazon or wherever anyone gets their podcasts. Tow Professional has a new episode every week which brings all the news within the towing and recovery industry. Yes, people like Jerr-Dan, Tow Book, and Recovery Billing Unlimited have been a sponsor for quite some time. For myself, I love to see new stuff from Jim Shelhass of Ranger SST. He has a brand-new program. It is called Patrol Works with LPR. It is truly private property impounding that has been “reimagined”. If you want to make money while you are sleeping, you need to look up Jim at Ranger SST. Another thing that I will be doing is going to Washington, DC for TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop
and Hill Day 2024. It runs from Tuesday, March 5th to Thursday, March 7th, 2024. During this premier event, members of TRAA meet with members of Congress and professional staff on committees of jurisdiction, such as the House and Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committees. If you want to join me, and other towers to help make a substantial change for the entire towing community, join Darian Weaver, the Publisher for this great magazine and me at this event. Yes, Darian will be there because for many years, he has supported the towing and recovery industry. He won’t miss it. For this year’s event, everyone is staying at the New Royal Sonesta. It is located close to the steps of the US Capital Building. If you are interested in attending, go online to TRAA.com and get all the details. You will work during the day but will enjoy a good time with fellow towers at night. You’ll make relationships that will last a lifetime. Yes, in 2024, I also want to do more for the “Move Over Law” for the State of Georgia because Georgia is home for me. I like what my friends at Over One – Lose None are thinking. We need to educate and make all
drivers aware of this law so first responders that are in harm’s way can live theirs. All of us need to work on teaching the public to do this. Over One, Lose None. To learn more about this law, go to overone.org. I am following the example of Darian Weaver. He works hard in Alabama for his state law. Read in this issue, “7th Annual Slow Down, Move Over Rally”. In 2024, you will see me attending more tow shows. Listen to our podcast to learn the ones coming up next. However, I also have some things that you can do for yourself in 2024. Make 2024 the year that you go to a Recovery Billing Unlimited class with Bob and Eric Fouquette and the team. Want to get paid right in this industry? Bob and Eric are dedicated to teaching fellow towers how to get paid. Also, make yourself a promise that this year you will attend a “hands-on” training class so you can teach your drivers the right way to handle trucks and come home safely to their loved ones. They kissed their family goodbye in the morning and should return home safely at night. Okay, the last thing I want for you in 2024 is
TRAIN THE TRAINER PROGRAM ESSENTIALS OF LIGHT DUTY TOWING & RECOVERY Is your company / organization in need of consistent, standardized training, contact our team at staff@ersca.org to inquire about our Trainthe-Trainer program lead by Shane Coleman, National Director of Training Safety through Training & Advocacy The Emergency Road Service Coalition of America (ERSCA) was formed in 2012, originally titled the United Coalition for Motor Club Safety (“The Coalition”), created by a group of tow company owners.
www.ersca.org | training@ersca.org Office 916.617.2882 | Fax 916.414.3708
Schedule of Programs January 23-25, 2024 Essentials of Light Duty Towing & Recovery – Virtual Class with Live Instructor. February 21-23, 2024 Essentials of Light Duty Towing & Recovery – Virtual Class with Live Instructor. March 14-18, 2024 Train-the-Trainer for Heavy Duty in Sacramento California (Limited Openings) March 15-17, 2024 Essentials of Heavy-Duty Towing & Recovery in Sacramento California (25% filled already) March 26-28, 2024 Essentials of Light Duty Towing & Recovery – Virtual Class with Live Instructor.
We have additional events pending date confirmations over the next few months so stay tuned to the training calendar at www.ersca.org.
643 West Stadium Lane, Sacramento CA 95834 www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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FUEL 4 THOUGHT BY ///
D.J.
HARRINGTON
CSP
training. So, here’s a list I compiled. Listed in alphabetical order are companies that you need to investigate for training in 2024. American Towing and Recovery Institute, Energy Security Agency (ESA), ERSCA, Dan Messina.com Dj@djsays.com, (I know that guy), Fleet Compliance Solutions, Hazmat Responder Network, J.J. Keller, Recovery Billing Unlimited, Recovery Specialist Insurance Group, Wes Wilburn Consulting, and last but certainly not least, Wreck Master. Enjoy the New Year. Michelle Sukow says, “And the challenge that comes with it.” Remember to listen to Wes Wilburn and me on the American Towing & Recovery Institute podcast (ARTI) and remember to learn more in 2024. See you on the Tow Professional, “On-the-Go” podcast.
PODCAST
Our mission is to: • 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
OVER ONE – LOSE NONE! 34
overone.org
TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2023
Every year, we give you our roundup of the hottest products and services that have come across our desks from manufacturers, dealers, and service providers in the towing market.
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his year’s list spans an impressive amount of categories, including towing software, GPS, damaged vehicle movement systems, synthetics, tools, lights, and many others. This issue should be your company’s wish list going into the new year, as you continue to evaluate and select products to help you operate your towing facility more effectively and efficiently. In every issue through the year, every single product or service we cover in the magazine is there because we think it’s something that you will find useful, so we’re excited about each and every one in all of our issues. Our sole mission is to help you make purchasing decisions, so we’re all about products, all the time. This list reflects the “best of the best.” It is a great time to be an owner of a towing or repossession company, because the market is overflowing with options for great products and services for your facility. Here are some of the products and services that stood out to us this year:
JERR-DAN JD35 Integrated Heavy Duty Wrecker
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err-Dan’s JD35 INT integrated heavy duty wrecker is ideal for towing medium and heavy duty trucks, buses and tractor trailers. The 350 underlift has a rated capacity of 35,000 lbs. retracted and 16,000 lbs. fully extended at 128”. The 350X underlift has a rated capacity of 35,000 lbs. retracted and 16,000 lbs. fully extended at 147”. The boom, rated at 70,000 lbs. fully retracted and 22,000 lbs. fully extended at a 30-degree angle, features 87” of reach off the tailboard, giving the operator the
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ability to undeck trucks, load/unload cargo, or perform vehicle recoveries and uprights with ease. The unit comes standard with two 35,000 lb. planetary 2-speed winches and an optional fully proportional wireless remote featuring 2-speed winch control and winch free-spool engagement. The tailboard comes standard with air and electrical hook ups, and rear hydraulic stabilizers with flip-down spade feet allowing the operator to maximize the truck’s performance. To learn more about Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com
JERR-DAN Autogrid Option for XLP Carrier
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he all-new XLP Carrier Autogrid allows an operator to hook to a car quickly and easily without manually installing L-Arms. The grid design offers a 3,500 lb. rating and a crossbar that can rotate 90 degrees either side of center. The grid pivot has a center detent bar that prevents excessive crossbar swing during set-up.
The grid center drop area is designed to provide better support for tires as well as less sidewall push. Product longevity is addressed with replaceable wear items that include crossbar ends, L-arm tips, and plates at strategic locations. To learn more about Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com
JERR-DAN Tow Link™ App
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nowing and understanding tow truck capacity and data is critical to safe and effective tow truck operation. Tow Link™ from Jerr-Dan recreates the tow and recovery scenario to provide informative data to advise operators on how to better use their equipment with two specific functions—a Rigging Utilization Calculator and a Tow Performance Calculator. The Tow Performance function allows the operator to input equipmentspecific and setup-specific values to determine a safe utilization level. The Rigging Utilization Calculator also provides for equipment and setup inputs and adds a unique angle calculator that works in conjunction with a smartphone’s camera to determine exact angles. Tow Link is available on Apple’s App Store as well as Google Play. To learn more about Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2023
Towbook Say “Hello” to your newest employee, Towbook!
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ased in the cloud, and utilizing the latest tools and technologies available, Towbook has become the industry’s unquestioned leader in towing management software solutions. Our goal is to provide software solutions that impact the performance, productivity and revenue potential for your roadside assistance, towing, and recovery operations. Towbook is here to create a seamless experience for each job from beginning to end. You’ll be able to create quotes, receive jobs digitally from all major motor clubs, dispatch jobs to drivers, communicate with staff throughout the entire call, track calls on our mapping
system, manage impounds, billing, receive customer feedback via surveys, and so much more! With Towbook, we believe in transparency, so there are never any hidden fees! Training and setup assistance are provided at no additional charge for companies of every size and each Towbook subscription includes unlimited user accounts. We’re known industry-wide for our coveted 24/7/365 Ultimate Support. This support includes live phone support and our “in-app” chat system that enables customers to interact with our team without having to pick up the phone and call. See for yourself and try it free for 30-Days at: www.towbook.com
DRIVEN BY PERFORMANCE
Manage your business from anywhere In the office using a computer or on-the-go using your mobile app, we’ve got you covered! Our cloud-based software was built for owners, managers, drivers, and dispatchers who live a busy lifestyle and need access from wherever they are.
FEATURE RICH Simple, Powerful Dispatching Our software was built with you in mind; save countless hours on training staff with our user-friendly interface and intuitive design. Accepting calls, assigning calls, tracking job progress, and managing vehicle inventory just got a whole lot easier!
Powerful Mobile Apps
Billing Made Easy
Comprehensive Reporting
Our billing features include the ability to invoice your motor clubs directly, automatically import payments, integrating with QuickBooks, and much more! With our intuitive workflow, your staff will save countless hours on billing. 38
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Use Towbook from any device! iPhone, Android, etc. You can use it on as many devices as you want to for no extra fee.
With hundreds of options, our flexible reports make it easy for you to review company performance. See your daily activity, generate commissions, manage receivables, view truck expenses, and much more!
TowMate TM-TBOX-MDW: “The TBOX-MDW from TowMate stands out in the ‘Best Products of 2023’ list for its innovative approach to roadside safety. Designed for towing operations, it wirelessly controls the markers, stop, tail, and turn signals on a trailer. This is especially useful when towing a disabled semi-trailer combo. Its user-friendly plug-and-play system and durable design make it dependable and easily put to use on the fly. Now compatible with both Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt MAX20V batteries, the TBOX-MDW offers greater flexibility than ever before. Proudly made in the USA, it comes with a lifetime warranty on electronics, underscoring TowMate’s commitment to quality. This product is a gamechanger for tow truck operators and is available through TowMate’s network of authorized dealers.” www.towmate.com
TM36MDW: “The TM36MDW Wireless Light Bar by TowMate® is a revolutionary addition to the 2023 automotive safety market. This 36inch light bar, compatible with both Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt MAX20V batteries, streamlines roadside operations with its advanced, user-friendly design. It features integrated stop, tail, turn signals, side marker lights, and central DOT lights, ensuring high visibility and safety. The bar’s ease of use is enhanced by an intuitive transmitter and simple bungee straps for effortless mounting. Emphasizing prolonged usage times, the TM36MDW addresses the need for reliable, long-lasting light solutions in towing and emergency scenarios. This innovative product, available through TowMate’s dealer network, represents a significant leap in wireless tow light technology, meeting the evolving demands of roadside safety professionals.” www.towmate.com
TM22XR: “The TM22XR, the latest wireless tow light from TowMate, stands out in 2023 for its exceptional battery life, offering over 50 hours on a single charge. This feature ensures uninterrupted service, making it a reliable choice for extensive towing operations. Along with its superior battery performance, it includes 100LB pull rubber-coated magnets for a strong, scratch-free hold on vehicles. The TM22XR’s lightweight design doesn’t compromise on TowMate’s signature durability. Manufactured in the USA with a lifetime warranty on electronics and LEDs, it embodies TowMate’s commitment to quality and innovation in the towing industry.” www.towmate.com www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2023
Zip’s SafeAll Traffic Commander | Item # SA-TC20 Distracted driving is a danger tow operators face everyday. Get drivers to pay attention with this incredibly effective variable message sign from SafeAll. At 62” wide, this truckmounted board meets federal regulations for roadside signage and serves as a three-in-one traffic advisor: a message board with 18” block lettering, an 18 LED light bar and an animated arrow stick. Messages are legible from 1,000 feet and visible from 3,000 feet, giving drivers traveling at highway speeds more than 30 seconds to respond. The board rises from the stowed position in less than three seconds, and in the full upright position, it can be read from a 30-degree angle in any direction. The weatherproof unit is controlled by an included operator tablet, and the LED brick panels won’t fade, fog or discolor like other sign boards on the market. Order Item # SA-TC20 at Zips.com today.
Zip’s HD Underreach Towing System | Item # ZP-2211 This versatile towing system from Zip’s provides heavy-duty tow operators the convenience and functionality to tow a variety of trailers and bobtail semi tractors with their underreach. The multi-purpose kit includes a crossbar adapter and three trailer connections: a gooseneck bracket with 2-5/16” ball, a pintle hook attachment and a fifth-wheel plate adapter. A kingpin attachment is also included for rear picks on bobtail semi tractors All mounting hardware comes with the kit. When installed properly, the attachments sit proud of any obstructions on the adapter and allow for a wide turning radius, which makes for better cornering and improved maneuvering in traffic or when exiting a scene. Welded loops on the crossbar adapter improve handling, and all powder-coated components store easily in a side storage compartment. Order Item # ZP-2211 at Zips.com today.
Trux Auxiliary Glow Strip LED Light Item #: TLED-GL Add another dimension of style, color and lighting to your wrecker or car carrier with customizable glow strips from Trux. This colorful accent lighting is available in 16 color combinations to complement your rig’s color scheme and match your company’s brand. Each strip can be ordered in three different lengths with additional options of side glow or center glow styling. Each strip is made with a polycarbonate lens and a weatherproof PVC casing, so feel free to place them anywhere on your truck. Accent body lines, add ground effects or brighten up interior storage bays with this popular trim piece. These strip lights are easy to install and include 3M double-sided tape for secure mounting. Each light offers a 30,000-hour lifespan, so your truck will be turning heads for a long time to come. Order Item # TLED-GL at Zips.com today. 40
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Hino L Series Trucks
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he all new Hino L Series trucks, replacing our conventional lineup. Now known as the L6 and L7, you’ll immediately see the new exterior design including a bolder front fascia and optional LED headlights to make sure you’re able to safely navigate the roads in style. Open the door and you’ll be greeted with a re-engineered interior with highend automotive grade finishes built with commercial use durability and an eye towards increased functionality. New steering wheel controls, a large 7” LCD multi-information display, more storage and increased leg room all make your “office” safer and more comfortable. Speaking of safety, the new Hino L Series has integrated an entire suite of new safety systems to ensure you and your cargo get where they need to be quickly and safely. Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Collision Mitigation System (CMS) Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Active Cruise Control (ACC) and a driver’s seatbelt sensor are all there to protect you mile after mile.
Last but not least, the new L series is maximizing your business’s functionality with new wheelbase options, extended cab and crew cab configurations. No matter what your business needs, there’s a Hino L Series there to help you do more. WWW.HINO.COM
HINO XL Series
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he Hino conventional models have been the fastest growing medium duty trucks for years. It started with great aerodynamics, functionality, and durability, and has continued with leading edge connectivity. The great just got better. The Hino XL Series sports an all-new automotive grade interior, a host of new advanced safety equipment, and larger cab configurations for more versatility than ever before. Available in day, extended and crew cab configurations, Hino XL Series trucks are ideal for applications ranging from 33,000 lbs. to 62,000 lbs. GVWR. Factoring in the industry’s leading support of HinoWatch and available HinoCare and it’s easy to see why Hino is the fastest growing medium duty truck brand in the U.S.A. - POWER ON. WWW.HINO.COM www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2023
WorldWide, Driving Innovation Within The Towing Industry
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n a rapidly evolving world, Worldwide is at the forefront, driving innovation within the towing industry. We are committed to collaborating closely with our suppliers to ensure that we can provide the best possible support for our customers. Today, we’re excited to introduce two groundbreaking products that will not only bolster your existing business but also open new revenue streams. Let’s dive into the latest additions to our product lineup, the Cottrell one and two car carriers. These versatile delivery vehicles are tailor-made to meet the specific needs of businesses, particularly those grappling with a shortage of available CDL drivers. These carriers have the potential to generate fresh revenue opportunities for your enterprise. Imagine, for instance, you own an auto repair shop or a body shop. With these carriers at your disposal, you can effortlessly pick up and deliver vehicles to accommodate your customers’ schedules, all while maintaining your core towing operations and minimizing the use of multiple trucks. What sets these carriers apart is their ingenious built-in ratchet system, which not only ensures the safety of your drivers but also reduces the risk of equipment loss. Their streamlined, lightweight design not only decreases the overall weight of the vehicle but also features integrated toolboxes that can be equipped with an electric vehicle (EV) charging system or a jump starter. Additionally, these carriers offer excellent branding opportunities with integrated body panels, enhancing your company’s visibility in the market. While they may not be traditional tow trucks, they have the potential to significantly enhance your customer experience and extend your service offerings. In line with our commitment to expanding your business capabilities, we present a range of versatile service vehicles designed to cater to your current customer base and take you into the realm of electric vehicle support. Whether you opt for a van, our Hackney service truck, or our roll-up
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door body, each vehicle is equipped with a standard set of features that includes Van Air’s “Epic system” EV charging system, the 12/24-volt Goodall “Super boost all,” and an Air20 compressor. These vehicles offer ample storage space for batteries, tools, and support equipment, and they can be fully customized to meet your unique requirements. Best of all, they are readily available in stock. In a rapidly changing world, Worldwide is your partner in adapting and thriving within the towing industry. Our new products are designed to empower your business, create fresh revenue streams, and enhance your service offerings. Together, we can embrace the future of towing and vehicle support.
The IM Body is 12’ Polypropylene construction with two pass-through tunnels with side tray options (Front Compartment 49” and second 47”). It also has two side stationary shelved compartments and a rear compartment, totaling 7 areas to store much needed equipment. www.wdelivers.com | 815-725-4400
Custom Built Manufacturing
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he Custom Built Manufacturing team is eager to collaborate with you to create the perfect tow truck, keeping your fleet modern and efficient. Together we will design your wrecker keeping in mind everything from rotator size and frame reinforcement, right down to accessories like chains and straps. • CUSTOM ALUMINUM BED SIDE FABRICATION • WRECKERS AND ROTATORS RANGING FROM 15 TON TO 80 TONS. • TRUCK FRAME REINFORCEMENT • TOWING ACCESSORIES Quality is number One at Custom Built Mfg. LLC using quality American made steel, aluminum, fasteners, hydraulics, cables, and as many accessories whenever possible. Custom Built means just that, hand-crafted and hand-fit for precise long-life operation. For more information, visit www.custombuiltmfg.com
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Energy Security Agency
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he problem for tow and recovery professionals is you will interact with electric vehicles more and more. There are definite hazards and risks that you must be prepared to deal with to keep you and your staff safe from the dangers of damaged electrical systems, and the real possibility of thermal runaway after the incident is over. Stored energy is a real concert when dealing with damaged electric vehicles with high voltage systems. A quick Google search will produce dozens of articles about hybrid/electric vehicles catching fire hours and days after an incident, even after the fire department has extinguished the flames. Several storage lots and buildings had catastrophic losses due to EV’s reigniting on property. Because of these risks, and the increasing frequency of tow operators interacting with electric and hybrid vehicles, new federal standards designed to protect people and property have been set forth by NTSB, NHTSA, NFPA, and SAE. They call on tow operators to seek guidance and have risk analysis conducted by third party experts. Compliance with these standards is crucial from both a safety and liability standpoint. If something goes south, you do not want to be holding the hat of non-compliance when the courts and insurance companies start their investigations into what went wrong. Fortunately, the Energy Security Agency is here to help you stay safe and in compliance at no cost to you! In fact, if you enroll in our ESA Partner Program, we will pay you for each risk
analysis we complete on the electric vehicles you tow. Our 24/7 response center is a phone call away to provide risk analysis of the vehicle and expert guidance on how to properly handle any electric vehicle you may come in contact. Risk analyses are easy to complete. Simply call the ESA at 1-855-ESA-SAFE and our trained Risk Agents will ask you questions about your vehicle, and any damage it sustained. They will then send you a link to upload photos of the vehicle right from your phone. The agent will assign a risk level of green, yellow, or red, and provide guidance on how to interact with the vehicle. To receive this free risk analysis and guidance service, tow operators need to go ESA’s website EnergySecurityAgency.com and sign up under the risk analysis section. Remember, there is no cost to you or your organization. .
Warrior Winches Built for the Military, Trusted by Professionals
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hen it comes to heavy-duty winches, you can’t beat the T1000 range of Severe Duty 12/24v Winches. The T1000 was designed as a highly advanced prototype for military application, where the ability to perform in severe climates and the harshest environments is essential. For industrial and commercial applications, the T1000 has you covered. With options of Galvanised steel or military-grade Armortek Extreme ropes, these winches promise unwavering performance, overcoming all challenges. The T1000 Series ranges from 10,000lbs right up to award-winning “The Beast” - a colossal 25,000lbs of pulling power!
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T1000 Severe Duty Winches www.warriorwinches.com
Warrior Winches Warrior’s RV Hydraulic Winches
I
ntroducing our RV Series hydraulic winches, meticulously engineered to meet the stringent SAEJ706 standard, ensuring quality and performance. With a robust Drum to Rope Ratio of 10:1, these winches deliver optimal efficiency, providing the power you need for challenging commercial and industrial applications. Safety is our priority, and as such the Wire Rope boasts a 2:1 Safety Factor, whilst the Rope Fixing feature guarantees a robust 2.5 times rated load capacity offering an additional layer of reliability in demanding scenarios. Equipped with a Hydraulic Full Load Holding Brake, these winches provide precise control, enhancing safety and operational stability during load handling. The RV Series is available in a range of capacities, spanning from 10,000lbs to 18,000lbs, ensuring that there’s a perfect fit for your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with intense industrial tasks or demanding commercial
projects, our hydraulic winches offer the reliability and strength required to get the job done efficiently. Choose the RV Series for a hydraulic winch that not only meets industry standards but exceeds expectations in durability, safety, and performance, making it the ideal solution for your toughest applications. www.warriorwinches.com
INTRODUCING Turn Night Into Day Portable, Rechargeable, Li-ion Powered LED Lighting
Safety • Revenue • Speed
Search Lights • Work Lights • Flashlights Hazard Lights • and more!
willburt.com/nightsearcher
330-684-4003
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TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2023
D
Dynamic Radius Flatbed
ynamic created the Original Self-Loading Wheel-Lift that has become the most sought-after technology in the towing industry. The idea of the self-loading wheel-lift system came from a need of faster and safer operation for recovery agents. To continue with the efforts of creating the safest recovery vehicles on the market. The Dynamic Radius is a 240º rotating car carrier, allowing for quicker and safer recovery where limited space is available to maneuver. The design of the radius allows for less equipment blocking the roadway creating a safer workspace for recovery personal. -12,000 lb. Capacity Deck - 9,500 lb. Rotation Capacity - 240º Deck Rotation - 5,000 lb. Self Loading Wheel-Lift
Standard Features - 48” Toolbox - 18 Triple Eye Tie Down Pads - 100’ 3/8” Cable w/ Roller Guide & Tensioner Winch Release - Wireless Proportional Remote - Stationary Frame Mounted Light Pylon - Grease Fittings on Bed Rails - Hydraulic Outriggers - (1) “V” Bridle, (2) “J” Hook Chains w/ Clusters, (2) Wheel Lift Straps - Tow Light Plug - Dual Luminated Control Workstations - Tie Down Systems - FMVSS 108 Lamp Group - LED Lights, Including Reverse Lights
Optional Features - 102” Wide Deck - Diamond Plate Steel Deck
- 4,000 lb. Independent Self-Loading Wheel Lift - Fold Down & Removable Rails - Lower & Deck Mounted Work Lights - Light Bar - Switch Panel - Wheel Simulators - PTO (Power Take Off) - Additional & Custom Options Available
Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing 1120 E Brambleton Ave | Norfolk, VA 23504 757-624-1360 | Dynamicmfg.com
Dynamic Forklift Attachment Standard Attachment: 4,000 lb Self Loading Wheel-Lift Heavy-Duty Attachment: 5,000 lb Self Loading Wheel-Lift Manual Wheel-Lift: 3,500 lb Capacity Standard Features - Connects to Extra Valve of Forklift - Quick & Effortless Set Up On Forklift - Hydraulic Controlled Jaws (Standard & Heavy Duty Models) www.dynamicmfg.com | 800 831 9299 46
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Dynamic 701 Slide In
The 701 slides in, is now available with neg and power tilt.The unit is based off Dynamics 701 wrecker. With the same Cyds, valves and steel parts as a regular wrecker.These units are made for the professional towers, not the weekend warrior.The unit has a 5000LB lifting capacity with 82 inches of reach, 8000LB towing capacity (depending on the truck it is installed on) 25 degrees of positive and neg tilt. It has built in chain boxes and there is no need to replace the rear bumper.
Unit comes standard with mounting kit, spacer blocks, safety chains, straps, and ratchets. Also is available with an optional 8000LB Ramsey winch. Other options are welded in dolly brackets, motorcycle attachment,5th wheel /gooseneck attachment, and counterbalance weight.
Dynamic Towing Equipment & MFG www.dynamicmfg.com | 800 831 9299
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Collins Manufacturing Collins Hi-Speed®Dolly
Collins Carrier Dolly System
6th Generation Self-Loading Dolly
An innovation borrowed from Collins’ early designs — the Damage-Free solution to loading Carriers: Rolling instead of dragging up the bed.
SAFEST Safety First! Safety RatchetSystem — forTower Safety — Prevents accidents and provides more options in difficult environments, (like snow, ice, gravel, slopes, tight spaces), when loading.
MOST SERVICEABLE No expensive replacements or repairs — no cutting, welding or downtime. Replace damaged parts on the spot with common hand tools in just minutes.
CLEARANCE High-Ends and Low Profiles. Carrier Dolly lifts vehicles higher off the ground to easily clear carrier bed with low load angles.
LIGHTEST Heavy-duty. Light-weight. Industry’s lightest-weight dolly. Weighing only 54 lb. with static load capacity at nearly 80x its own weight (4,280 lb. with 5.70x8 tires).
DAMAGE-FREE Damage-Free Loading. No hooks, chains or cables ever touch the vehicle. Vehicles simply ride the dollies up and down the bed.
WIDE-RANGE Load hybrids, high-end, electric, all-wheel or fourwheel drive vehicles with no hook points. The Carrier Dolly System also doubles as a motorcycle dolly. For more information, visit www.collinsdollies.com.
Revolutionize Towing and Lockouts with Steck Manufacturing Safely Load Foreign and Select Domestic Disabled Vehicles
Make Loading & Unloading Disabled Vehicles Faster & Easier
Save Valuable Time During Tie Rod Replacements and Repairs
•Stay in Control - engineered to empower you with unyielding control •Super Strong - certified to pull up to 1,500 lbs. • Extremely Versatile - fits threaded holes with diameters ranging from 1/2" up to 1-1/4" for various vehicles
• Save Time - temporarily fix wheel alignment for easy loading and unloading • Save Frustration - easily steer vehicles to bay • Stay Safe - provide secure grip that holds tie rod ends in place throughout your operation
• Save Time - quick and straightforward installation • Super Secure - reliable connection between inner and outer tie rod ends • Extremely Compatible - works with a wide range of tie rod sizes
I-Bolt Universal Tow Eye
Tie Rod End Pliers
Tie Rod Coupler
STC71490
STC71465
To Purchase these Tools, Contact Your Local Mobile Dealer or Call 1-800-227-8325 48
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STC71470
STECKMFG.COM
TPRNC 2024
MID ATLANTIC TOW SHOW
JOIN US FOR A 2-DAY INDOOR SHOW FEATURING: SILENT AUCTION REVERSE RAFFLE TOW TRUCK BEAUTY CONTEST TRAINING ...AND MORE!
SEPTEMBER 5TH-7TH, 2024
JIM GRAHAM BUILDING | 1025 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC
The NC Tow Truck and Trade Show is an event designed for professionals engaged in the towing and recovery business. Attendees will be able to see the latest designs of towing equipment and accessories
SAVE-- THE SAVE THE-- DATE
To be the first to get information about exhibiting at the Show, please contact:
TOWING AND RECOVERY PROFESSIONAL OF NC P.O. Box 49661 | Greensboro, NC 27419
trpnc@nctowing.org | (919) 921-8194
TOW PROFESSIONAL TOP PRODUCTS & SERVICES 2023
Tracked Machines NA
T
he TowTrack Towing Robot, is the most technology advanced towing equipment in the world. Patent applications have been filed in Europe and in the United States and pending approval. Making this the most Technology Advanced Towing Equipment in the world. It is the only towing solution currently available to resolve all the weight and movement issues associated with heavy Electric Vehicles that wont move. The machine is internationally approved and required to be used by European Law Enforcement and Tow Providers in 18 European Countries and the Untied Kingdom. The machines performance numbers speak for itself, “Over 8000 Machines In Use, Serving 53 Countries, With Over 5 million Vehicle Movements Worldwide!”
The TowTrack Operator can move any vehicle without any damage. Once the machine has the vehicle, the robotic machine carries the vehicle to the Roll-back and both machines are secured (independently) to the truck and the driver can drive off and transport the vehicle to its destination. Then with surgical precision, place the vehicle into the desired location. The entire process is without the need to enter the vehicle or touch the exterior of the vehicle. Ensuring the integrity of a vehicle crime scene processing investigation if needed. Saving law enforcement time and resources needed to clear the incident scene.
The TowTract® comes in 2 different sizes, TowTrack® and TowTrack XL®. They you can add customization if needed, ask for pricing.
Law Enforcement will benefit their resources with this technology. They have the authority to mandate this machine to be available by adding this equipment to be available through the law enforcement agency’s Traffic Incident Management Plan with their current towing vendor. This will save time, when the tow provider fails to have to correct towing equipment to complete the task and same damages to motorist vehicles. Then the safety issues because the operator can stay out of danger with using the machine remote to control the machine from a safe space, out of traffic and on-coming vehicles in the roadway. 50
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770-677-5766 TrackedMachines.us sales@trackedmachines.us
Azuga
A
zuga is recognized as the only telematics/camera system which is dedicated and focused on the Towing industry. Azuga is the preferred integration partner of Towbook. There is a deep integration tying your Towbook and Azuga together which opens several key features to help make your business more efficient. 1) With Azuga, your Towbook will track the truck instead of the App, meaning the driver cannot shut it off and the signal is much more dependable: 2) your map and updates will happen every 30 seconds in Towbook instead of the normal 2-minute updates. meaning your vehicle locations, dispatch times and who is available will be much more accurate: 3) You will now always see the speed of every vehicle, Ignition on or ignition off, including idling times for all your vehicles. Azuga’s Camera systems were designed with Towers in mind, with a rear mounted AUX camera to see the bed and records while your tower is doing their work. The camera footage is easy to access directly inside the Azuga map for true Live view in real time, for all driving events such as harsh breaking, harsh steering, jolt, tailgating or accident. You can even access non-event camera footage directly inside the
system. When your PTO is engaged, a bumper picture is automatically taken of every vehicle that you tow. That photo is saved for 1 year inside Azuga. Azuga’s hardware is also HAAS alert enabled. Meaning, if you have Azuga’s hardware you do not need HAAS’s hardware you just need the HAAS subscription to assist you protecting your team on the roadside. Azuga is proud to be a Tow Professional’s Top Product of the Year and we will continue to be focused on being a customer driven solution for the Towing industry. azuga.com/towbook/ | 205-728-9135
WHEN IT HAS TO START Towing operations that employ Jump-N-Carry jump starters know that no starting task is too daunting. They know from experience that every aspect of a Jump-N-Carry is designed to deliver extreme jump starting power, from the battery to the heavy-duty cables. Jump-N-Carry is all about power delivery.
JNC325
High performance lithium jump starter built to deliver jump after jump even in the harshest environments.
JNC770R
Extra-long 68” cable reach makes easy work of the most difficult starting tasks. Adds dual USB outlets and an LED work light.
JNC660
Trusted by professionals the world around as their go-to jump starter, the JNC660 will not disappoint. cloreautomotive.com www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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FlowStop’s Hazmat Products
F
F
lowStop’s Hazmat Products, “ Equipment & Supplies,” are designed by a veteran of the towing, recovery and spill response service for a quick and easy solution to minimize exposure when dealing with roadside mishaps. FlowStop has a proven track record for dependability for the task at hand. Check out the FlowStop Product line at www.flowstop.net or call us at 877-356-9767 for details and pricing.
lowstop’s hydrocarbon pumps are designed for quick and easy deployment for roadside spill response. Aluminum pumps transfer all class 3 fluids with rapid results. Each pump includes aluminum vac stingers of 30’’x 1’’ and 48’’ x 1’’. Flowstop’s 1’’ pump is also equipped with a vac mop and puddle wand, 2,pressure plugs if drilling a tank is necessary. Each pump has an air regulator mounted on unit and 100’ of vac hose in 4 separate sections of 25’x 1’’ an inline filter and 1’’ foot valve ensure debris free suction. FLOWSTOP’S HYDROCARBON PUMPS ARE OFFERED A
1’’ & 2’’ APPLICATIONS 1’’ PUMP ASSEMBLY IS EQUIPPED WITH ALUMINUM PUDDLE WAND, VAC MOP, 30’’ VAC STINGER AND 48’’ VA STINGER, 50’ X 3/8’’ AIR HOSE, INLINE FLUID FILTER,1’ FOOT VALVE, 100’ OF VAC HOSE,(4) 25’ X 1’’ SECTIONS lowstop’s CARRIES A 1YEAR MANUFACTURES WARRANTY chemical pump2’’ PUMP HAS 2) 2’’ ALUMINUM STINGERS OF 3’ & 5’ LENGTH, is ideal for acids and 200’ OF 2’’ VAC HOSE, 2’’ SIGHT GLASS STORE IN PELICAN CASE
F DOME LID CLAMPS Designed for MC 306 / DOT 406 Tank Trailers Quick & Easy Deployment for Rapid Results 5 Aluminum Locking Clamps
FLOWSTOP’S AIR DRILL KIT REVERSIBLE AIR DRILL INFRARED TEMP GUN LENNOX 2’’ HOLE SAW LENNOX 4’’ HOLE SAW 2) OATEY 2’’ PLUGS 2) OATEY 4’’ PLUGS 50’ X 3/8’’ AIR HOSE STORAGE/CARRY CASE
AIR DRILL KIT Reversible Air Drill Infrared Temp Gun Lennox 2’’ Hole Saw Lennox 4’’ Hole Saw 2) Oatey 2’’ Plugs 2) Oatey 4’’ Plugs 50’ X 3/8’’ Air Hose Storage/Carry Case
CARGO TANKER VAC STINGER
Achieve 3 Separate Lengths with 2 Vac Stingers! 3’ x 2” Aluminum Vac Stinger Fits Through 4” Opening with Easy 3’ x 5” Aluminum Vac Stinger Lock Couplers 8’ x 2” With Both Stingers Grounding Tabs on Stingers Connected! Aluminum Dust Caps for Male 3” Sight Glass to 2” Vac Pipe Couplers Aluminum Strainer Pelican Case for Storage & Transport 52
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harsh chemicals and both 1’’ and 2’’ models can handle up to a 93% solution of sulfuric acid. Both pumps employ schedule 80 pvc pipes and chemical hoses compatible with the pump.
The World’s Only True HazMat Pipe Plug With Or Without Flow Through Ports
FLOWSTOP CHEMICAL PUMPS OFFERED IN 1’’ & 2’’ APPLICATIONS SCHEDULE 80 PVC VAC STINGERS OF 30’’ & 48’’ FOR SCHEDULE 80 PVC 2’’ VAC STINGERS OFFERED AS 3’ & FOR 8’ OVERALL LENGTH The World’s Only True HazMat Pipe Plug With Or Without Flow Through Ports
FlowStop Football, a spill containment repair plug - The FLOWSTOP Football-shaped, polyurethane impregnated, water activated foam plug is used to temporarily STOP the flow from a leak in anything from a pipe, to a tanker, to a rail car, even a boat hull! From an initially pliable plug ready to insert into a void, it quickly expands and hardens to fill the void - it can even be applied below the water line!
Emergency Road Service Coalition Of America From the Director’s Desk: A look back and look forward … As I sit here and look back on the last training year, I am incredibly humbled, honored, and grateful. Humbled to have such an opportunity to support this incredible industry that serves the motoring public. Honored to be supported by each one of the great “Hosts” and moreover all the operators both, veteran and new, instill their confidence in the training ERSCA Trainers provide to enhance their professional skills. Grateful for the business leaders that sit on the board and committees that keep the foundation under our feet and the focus on the future to further the safety of and advocacy for some of the greatest professionals on the planet. These 3 elements of living: humility, honor, and gratitude are what I believe to be key in keeping the proper focus and the efforts fueled by the passion of this industry to serve. We see that in all our supporters, from equipment manufacturers to distributors, rigging companies, to OEM’s… it’s there. It’s the passion to provide the best possible product or service to help in making the industry safer and getting our operators home at the end of the shift. As we finish 2023, we look back to see all this hard work, and effort, yet as we look forward, realize there is still a lot to be done. We need more advanced warning efforts, more core training for incoming talent, more efforts to spread the knowledge and information that helps keep the roads open, the citizens safe, and the operators going home. So, during this holiday season, we will take those seemingly brief holiday moments to remember and honor those not with us and be grateful for who and what we have. We must be humbled enough to know that we are a select industry that regardless of time or condition, we still get to live a profession of service in which impacts are almost immeasurable. On behalf of everyone at ERSCA and myself, we extend our most sincere holiday wishes to you and your families this holiday season. Peaceful Holiday Wishes, Shane Coleman National Director of Training
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 Operate
Tru-Hitch Inc.
16 W. West Hill Road Barkhamsted, Ct. 06063
Toll Free 1-800-450-8659 www.truhitch.com
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Traxero, Leave The Heavy Lifting To Your Tow Trucks TRAXERO understands how hectic and complex running a towing business can be with all its moving parts. That is why we are committed to making it easier for business owners and roadside assistance professionals to diversify and grow their operations. From dispatching calls to managing your impound yard, we offer a fully integrated suite of the industry’s best and most essential towing software solutions that will help you get the job done profitably and get it done right. Our software caters to owners, dispatchers, managers, operators, accountants, and more, to keep up with the unpredictable, fastpaced nature of the towing industry. Our integrated suite of solutions provides all the features towers need, no matter what type of towing or roadside assistance they do, so they can provide the best service to their customers and have the capabilities and insights to diversify and grow their business. TRAXERO helps towers quickly and effectively manage their entire operation in an integrated, professional, and paperless fashion. Say goodbye to gaps and inconsistencies in your reporting. To learn more, visit our website: www.traxero.com.
Towing Management Software • TOPS: A purpose-built towing management solution for sophisticated towing operations that have a diversified mix of job types and associated management challenges. Leverage TOPS’ robust environment to solve for your specific business processes and unique customer requirements. TOPS offers the protocols and controls for an efficient and accountable environment to secure your business. You can expect an enterprise best-in-class experience throughout the entire TOPS application. • Dispatch Anywhere: A towing management system designed to provide towing operations with the clarity, efficiency, and flexibility they need to meet the ever-changing needs of a growing company. You will find a highly recommended driver experience, robust dispatching capabilities, and accurate accounting functionality that is applicable across any job type. Towing companies that have expanded into requiring an impound management function are able to fully manage a vehicle’s lifecycle from impound to auction through Dispatch Anywhere. 54
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• Omadi: A market-leading private property and impound solution combining dispatching capabilities with PPI-specific functionality including parking, impound management, and an account-based property manager portal. • TraxeroGO: The fastest and easiest way to accept digital motor club calls, all for no monthly fee. Ever. Manage your calls and process payments all on one easy-to-use mobile app.
Fleet Tracking Management • BudgetGPS: Explore GPS software and hardware with all the tools to help your business succeed for a single low price. Powerful reporting and an easy-to-use digital dashboard provide a complete view of your fleet. Best of all: No contracts and no activation fees!
Impound Yard Solutions • TowLien: Streamline and simplify getting titles to abandoned vehicles with our fully digital impound processing software. You can search in real-time for DMV records, process and send required notifications to owners, lienholders, and interested parties, and stay on top of the process with automated reminders. • Auction Simplified: This easy-to-use auction management software is built to help towers save time and maximize profits by increasing efficiency and reach with online buyers. Our software offers a robust seller and buyer experience, is integrated with our towing management platforms, and is configured for lien sale auctions.
Integrated Payments • TowPay: The first payments platform built specifically for the towing industry. TowPay is easy to use, secure, and integrated directly with your towing management software so you can accept payments in the office or out on the road.
In Closing Take a step beyond basic dispatching applications and let TRAXERO’s fully integrated suite provide you with robust back-office reporting, telematics, digital vehicle registration records and certified mail, and complete auction management including online and simulcast auctions. We are committed to designing a solution that works best for you and we will guide you every step of the way!
GoLight GOLIGHT GT
Stryker ST
The NEW Golight GT Series remote controlled spotlight by Golight Inc. features: Wireless or Hardwired Remote Control Options, Permanent or Portable Mounting, 370° Rotation x 135° Tilt, and is UV Ray and Saltwater Resistant. Upgrades from the previous Golight RadioRay models include: Updated exterior housing design, Higher torque drivetrain and more precise pan / tilt control, Increased Ingress protection from dust / water (IP56), Permanent mount models boast a robust 14 gauge stainless steel mounting bracket and Portable magnetic models have 2X magnetic grip. Golight GT Series Light Output: Halogen, 225,000 Candela, Max Beam Distance 3,113 ft., 5.5 amps at 13.8V and LED, 544,000 Candela, Max Beam Distance 4,839 ft., 3.7 Amps at 13.8V. Golight GT Series has a 3 year limited warranty.
The NEW Stryker ST Series Remote Controlled Spotlight features: Wireless Remote Control, Permanent or Portable Mounting, 370° Rotation x 135° Tilt, and is UV Ray and Saltwater Resistant. Upgrades from the previous Stryker models include: Multiple Unit Selector Function which allows for independent control of 2 units with 1 remote, Home Position Function (On-Command return to 0° home), New Wireless Technology Benefits including: Simultaneous Pan + Tilt, Multiple users can operate lights in close proximity without interference, Smart Programming Logic (Quick and simple pairing without dipswitches), and Fluorescent Remote Buttons Stryker ST Series Light Output: Halogen, 225,000 Candela, Max Beam Distance 3,113 ft., 5.5 amps at 13.8V and LED, 544,000 Candela, Max Beam Distance 4,839 ft., 3.7 Amps at 13.8V. Stryker ST Series has a 5 year warranty.
OnlineImpoundAuctions.com The Best Way to Sell Your Abandoned Vehicles! “Our sales prices have risen substantially and increased our overall auction revenue!” Donna Robards,
Register Today!
Twisted Hook LLC,Griffin, GA
WHY WE ARE THE BEST VALUE IN THE INDUSTRY: Low Bidder Fees and Free to Sellers
Easy Online Showroom Setup at OnlineImpoundAuctions.com
Easy Bidding on Any Device from Anywhere Eliminates On-Premise Auction Costs
onlineimpoundauctions.com | 888-903-4678 info@onlineimpoudauctions.com
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Tow Toolz Spectra SuperSling™ Synthetic lifting and rigging ropes are a highstrength, lightweight alternative to wire rope. While synthetic rope has been used for over 60-years in a huge number of industries, it has just recently become more widely accepted to be used in overhead lifting. TowToolz is using Honeywell Spectra fiber® high-performance synthetic materials for our Spectra SuperSling™ and Xtreme soft shackles. From 3/8”, ½” 5/8”, ¾” to 7/8” small access holes, rims vehicle, trucks or heavy container recovery, SuperSling™ does it all and making rigging and recovery situations easier and safer for all! wwwTowToolz.com
Xtreme Soft shackle™ : The Xtreme soft shackles™ by TowToolz are the perfect replacement of traditional metal shackles. It’s easy to lock and connect SuperlSing™, winch ropes and attachment together. Made from Honeywell Spectra fiber, Xtreme soft shackles™ offer strong, yet lightweight solution that will not damage a vehicle’s paint or body. Xtreme soft shackles do not corrode or rust making them outlast any metal shackle on the market and have many different applications on the rigging and recovery scene. wwwTowToolz.com
Pro Winch Rope™ TowToolz’s industrial winch rope and winch extension are designed to help you do your job safely, quickly and efficiently. Lighter, stronger and easy to handle provide the speed to get you to your next job and help you increase your profits. Pro Synthetic Winch Ropes™ all come with self-locking hook and pull tag. wwwTowToolz.com
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Hide-A-Lift VIPER WHEEL LIFT
COBRA WHEEL LIFT
Need a quick and easy unit to tow most consumer vehicles? Viper costs less, is quicker than most competitive self-loaders, is easy to mount, and can be working for you in no time. • Fully hydraulic underlift (in/out and up/down) • Twin 3-½” lift cylinders • 4,000-lb.+ lift capacity • Suggested minimum 10,000 GVW chassis • Hydraulic 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 stiffening recommended • Unique under-body construction
Looking for a tow unit with a little more power? • Heavy-duty lifting 6”x 6” main beam • 4,000-lb.+ lift capacity • Suggested minimum 10,000 GVW chassis • 72” reach • Full 90-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 stiffening recommended More info: https://hidealift.com/cobra/.
ZENDEX, GoJak® & Storage Cart
(4) G4520 GoJak® Wheel Dolly (1) G567R Rolling Storage Cart Comes standard with a 7-year limited warranty. GoJak® operates on the principle of a bi-directional ratchet. Mechanical leverage on the foot pedal progressively “squeezes” the vehicle tire between two rollers until the tire
lifts smoothly off the ground. The rollers touch only the tire – no contact with the vehicle’s frame. The low center of gravity after lifting helps make GoJak® safe and stable in use. The purely mechanical design eliminates the need for electrical power, hydraulics or compressed air. GoJak® Wheel Dolly Starter Kit is Proudly manufactured in the USA. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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Custer Products
T
Are you ready to make the switch?
his battery is mounted externally and there is no longer the need to change the 2 batteries from inside the case. You simply take the discharged battery off the battery plate and replace it with a fresh battery. Designed to accept both M18 and DeWalt style batteries. These new wireless lightbars have the same great warranty and customer service included with every purchase. You may purchase the external battery light bars without the battery and charger and use your own. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com.
Lite It Wireless Introduces …. External 20-volt Battery and Charger for your wireless light bar
NEW Wireless Tow Light Bar – with external power pack battery. Lite-It-Wireless recently introduced a new external battery for their light bars. The external battery slides into a battery plate on the bottom of the wireless light bar. The external 20-volt lithium battery is perfect for towing longer run times. No more frequent recharging. When your battery runs low, you can swap it out with a charged battery and continue with the service you are providing.
Tow Light Bar Versatility For those who already own the M18 or DeWalt style batteries, we can offer the flexibility for you to use your existing battery with our lightbar. To save money, you can order any light bar without the external battery and charger. Are you ready to switch to Lite It Wire less? Choose the NEW external battery pack light bar in 36”, 48” and 60” with or without additional strobes or flashers. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com.
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Steck MFG. 32933 BigEasy Night Light
32955DLX BigEasy GLO with Easy Wedge & Carrying Case The 32955DLX BigEasy GLO with Easy Wedge & Carrying Case is a must-have innovative automotive lockout kit. It features glow-in-the-dark powder coating that allows you to see the tool at night or through tinted windows. The kit includes a non-marring wedge, Lock Knob Lifter for flat lock knobs, and an Easy Wedge for gentle door opening. Also, it has a Paint Protector to minimize friction against the car door. The kit’s tools fit in a convenient carrying case, ensuring organization and portability. Ideal for professionals, this kit combines practicality and innovation for efficient vehicle entry without damage. www.steckmfg.com.
The 32933 BigEasy Night Light is a vital addition to the BigEasy lockout tools. With a suction cup for easy attachment to vehicle windows, it features bright LEDs to illuminate car interiors during nighttime operations. This light aids in precisely locating door locks and keys, crucial for tow drivers, lockout technicians, and first responders working in low-light conditions. The handsfree design ensures ease of use, enhancing visibility and efficiency for professional lockout situations. The BigEasy Night Light is a practical and reliable tool for unlocking vehicles safely and quickly at night. www.steckmfg.com.
®
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RP Recovery Consulting AirLight Series
T
hree sizes of inflatable LED light towers make up the AirLight series. From our ultra-portable AirLight to our incredibly powerful AirLight Pro Max, there is a light tower to meet your area lighting needs.
10ft Airlight
• Height: 9 feet 9 inches • Weight: 29 pounds • Wattage: 336 Watts • Light output: 36,000 lumens • Voltage: 120V AC • Footprint: 20” x 20” x 18” tall
AirLight Pro Max
• Height: 14 feet • Weight: 72 pounds • Wattage: 1,100 Watts • Light output: 111,000 lumens • Voltage: 120V AC • Footprint: 28” x 28” x 24” tall
AirLight Pro
• Height: 12 feet • Weight: 64 pounds • Wattage: 860 Watts • Light output: 74,400 lumens • Voltage: 120V AC • Footprint: 28” x 28” x 24” tall
Wireless Headsets FASTER RESPONSE
IMPROVED PRECISION
Operators and riggers talk to each other in real-time, hands-free. Deliver instructions clearly and answer questions directly while work caries on. No need to shout or use hand signals – clear communication helps get the job done faster.
There’s no communication breakdown between operators and riggers. On-scene precision and performance goes up as you reduce errors and avoid costly mistakes.
Advanced Technology That’s Easy to Use Full-duplex Communication Hands-free simultaneous twoway conversation. No more shouting – easily talk and work at the same time with your entire team.
VISIBILITY NOT REQUIRED Far-side operators, talk with your riggers regardless of whether you can see them or not.
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ENHANCED SAFETY Instant communication allows for timely warnings, alerts, and instructions to the crew. Avoid job hazards and mitigate the risk of injuries and mistakes.
LISTEN-THROUGH Sonetics Listen-Through Technology lets you mix in outside sound to get the right level of hearing protection and situational awareness.
SITE-COVERING RANGE 2 feet to 1,600. You can depend on the range – no matter what the incident requires For more information, rprecoveryconsulting@gmail.com or call: 315-730-6566.
Curbside SOS Curbside SOS is using technology that’s well known and people are familiar with to cut out the middleman. Curbside SOS quickly built a national presence by offering full rate jobs to roadside providers. Instead of being matched by a club, Curbside’s technology allows the motorist to choose their provider based on ETA and cost. Unlike other digital platforms, Curbside can not evolve into another roadside club because the customer always selects the provider, never the platform. This way Curbside ensures that you only accept jobs
at your prices. Just like in real life, your business will depend on the speed and price of your service. Motorists and providers both win if Curbside SOS successfully introduces a marketplace to the roadside assistance industry. It is clear to see how customers selecting their service provider based on ETA and price is a better experience for everyone. ISPs across the country are rooting for Curbside SOS so they get paid more for their work. Consumers and law enforcement are hoping that Curbside can help clear incidents faster. www.curbsidesos.com
Eckert & Associates Help your fellow truckers, and let them know they have rights! When tow trucks, semis, and trailers are hit and can’t be driven, large losses of income add up quickly. When your customer’s equipment is down due to an accident, suggest they pursue lost income from the driver that caused the accident. If your tow truck is damaged by another driver, you certainly want them to pay to repair the truck. But what about going after them to pay your lost net income while the truck is in the shop? What about pursuing your other out of pocket expenses? Eckert & Associates, PA can step in and fight to recover your true
losses. We represent truckers, collecting their downtime/ lost income. Lead attorney, Kelsea Eckert, champions small businesses in the transportation industry, so the big insurance companies and large self-insured fleets don’t take advantage of them. Owner Operator D. Faulkner said, “Eckert & Associates performed as advertised! Courteous, professional and won my case!” The initial consultation with a lawyer is free. Any attorney fees are paid at the end of the case, as a percentage of the settlement. Let us help you and your customers claim their rightful earnings. We would love to hear from you! Call 1-800-Downtime or visit www.DowntimeClaims.com. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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Tru-Hitch
S
urvival in our changing transportation industry requires towers to work smarter and more efficiently. Today’s faster pace demands light weight equipment that can safely haul heavy loads at highway speeds while still meeting the scaling requirements of the state(s) you are operating within. A TruHitch fulfills this need. A Tru-Hitch Fifth Wheel Towing Device solves many of the traditional problems with heavy duty towing. • Tows Heavy Loads and Doesn’t Overload Drive Axles- The Tru-Hitch booms are extended and then connected to the towed vehicle at a point behind the axle on the vehicle being lifted. This connection point places the axle being lifted in the middle of the effort being used to lift the truck for towing. Less effort is needed to lift heavy weight. Once lifted, the truck in tow is secured to the booms creating a rigid connection. The truck in tow simply becomes a semi-trailer. Weight transferred forward is properly imposed down onto the fifth wheel. This is how your tractor is designed to work and means no overloaded drive axles. Other fifth wheel attachments are attached in a fixed manner to the after frame of tractor they are mounted onto and use a traditional stinger to lift at the axle directly. The lifting effort is out at the end of the stinger. This means the rearmost drive axle sees most of the weight and in many cases becomes severely overloaded. • No Special Tractors or Modifications Needed – A Tru-Hitch can be connected to or disconnected from any tractor in just a few minutes. The Tru-Hitch is simply connected at the fifth wheel, and when transported uses a small set of integrated travel legs that rest on the after frame of the tractor. When disconnected, the Tru-Hitch is free standing, without the need for support arms etc., ready to back under the next time you need it. Because the Tru-Hitch properly places weight onto, and pivots at the fifth wheel when towing, there are no special mounting
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brackets, binders, or fixed mounting points needed. Also, because towing with a Tru-Hitch places weight properly onto the fifth wheel, there is no need to stretch the frame of the tractor in an effort to get weight forward off the rear axle. Nor does a Truhitch need to have additional lift axles added to safely lift tow. • No Lightened or Unsafe Steering when Towing- Because the load becomes a semi-trailer when using a Tru-Hitch, the steering axle of the towing tractor actually GAINS weight! Your tractor acts normally. This leads us to another important point. • No Uneven Braking – Because there are no overloaded drive axles and the steering axle stays properly planted to the road this means the brakes are evenly loaded. This keeps your driver, the load, and the people traveling near you safer. • There are no pinch points when towing with a Tru-Hitch – Towed loads are secured to the Tru-Hitch booms and pivots at the fifth wheel. You can make turns at up to 90 degrees without worrying about pinch points. And just like a trailer, the load follows you around corners. Other under-lifts that pivot at the stinger mean maneuverability is limited. When you turn left the load wants to go right and vice versa. This is never an issue with a Tru-Hitch. • Cost- Traditional tow trucks are heavy, long, and expensive to operate. Other fifth wheel attachments require modified wheelbase tractors and complicated bracketry to mount and use. A Tru-Hitch comes complete, ready to attach to a standard tractor, with no special mounting requirements or additional cost. It can run on its own self-contained hydraulics, or connect it to a PTO, it’s your choice. Radio remote control and rigging items are included. A Tru-Hitch can lift up to 32,000 lbs. and tow up to a gross combined weight rating of 140,000 lbs. Tru-Hitch is the safest heavy duty towing solution for the heavy-duty tower. Visit www.truhitch.com for more information, or call 860-3797772 to order your Tru-Hitch today.
Will-Burt Will-Burt’s Night Scan HDT Light Tower The Night Scan HDT is designed for the Recovery and Towing industry, meeting unique requirements and demands. Heavy wreckers and rotators benefit from the height and light output of the Night Scan HDT Powerlite, now available with new LED light fixtures that are more affordable than ever before. Available as a surface-mounted folding version or vertically mounted model adding flexibility for the space available for installation. • Extends to heights of 15’ • Dual tilt light fixtures www.nightscan.com | www.willburt.com
NightSearcher WorkStar Connect The WorkStar Connect from Will-Burt has 3 light modes to choose from reaching 2,500 lumens. Perfect for smaller areas as it folds flat and can be mounted in a variety of ways including the magnetic base, tripod, or hanging hook. Choose your battery with 4 power tool adapters that work with popular brands - Black & Decker, Bosch, Makita, Stanley, DeWalt, Porter, and Milwaukee. www.willburt.com • Rechargeable • 16 hour run time • 82 ft. beam distance
NightSearcher Tower Pro 5k The Tower Pro 5k from Will-Burt is a multi-angle rotational light that is portable, collapsible, and rechargeable. Choose between warm white and cool white light modes with low, medium, and high light output. The tripod folds down to 2.2 ft and extends to 4.9 ft. www.willburt.com • Quick set-up • 5,000 lumens • 5 hour run time • Lithium-ion rechargeable battery
Will-Burt Pi-Lit Smart Flares Will-Burt Pi-Lit Smart Flares sequential road flares not only warn oncoming drivers, but they guide them around the danger. The rapid deployment system automatically turns on and synchronizes the flares for safe, quick, and easy use. Built, designed, and supported in the USA - the Will-Burt Pi-Lit Smart flares withstand up to 30,000 lbs of pressure and are IP66 water and dust proof. www.willburt.com • Rechargeable • No programming required / auto synchronization • Available in 6 or 10 pack
W
Wrecker Rentals
recker Rentals, Inc. provides full-service tow truck rental for the lower 48 states. They provide short-term (three-day minimum) and long-term tow truck rental of late model light-duty wreckers and roll-back tow trucks. They distribute trucks from Atlanta, Georgia, & Dallas, Texas, and, in most cases, can have a truck to you within 24 hours of approval. For more information, visit www.rentawrecker.com. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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HAAS Alert Safety Cloud®
S
afety Cloud delivers real-time digital alerts to approaching motorists and vehicles when tow operators are actively assisting motorists on and around the road. Safety Cloud alerts activate automatically with the lightbar and are received by drivers through navigation apps and connected vehicle services. Drivers receive “Slow Down, Move Over” alerts inside their vehicles and have more time to move over when approaching active tow scenes.
HA-5 Transponder -
Equip on any make and model vehicle
-
Connects to emergency flashing lights
-
Easy installation requires no vehicle down-time
-
Automatically delivers alerts with lightbar activation
-
No additional data plan or fees
HA-D Integration -
Activate Safety Cloud on existing GPS or dispatch system
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Hardware-free protection requires no additional equipment or installation
-
No platform migrations necessary
Online Impound Auctions OnlineImpoundAuctions free for Sellers Maximize your per-vehicle take
Online Impound Auctions does not charge the seller a fee to hold an auction. Nor do we charge any hidden fees. Our business Mantra is Simple, Easy and Fair. With that, we offer three cornerstone Freebies to you.
No Annual Membership Fee It simply costs you nothing to sign up. And we don’t try to lock you in with a membership fee. 64
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No Auction Listing Fees
We charge a fixed per-vehicle fee that you pass to your bidders. Our overall fees are much cheaper than the competition allowing you to maximize your Per Vehicle Take.
No Charge for Un-Sold Vehicles
When a vehicle goes un-sold at your action, you simply re-list that vehicle at a future auction at no charge. www.onlineimpoundauctions.com Sales:(888) 903-4678
Lodar
“L
odar is the smartest move I ever made,” shares S&S Mobile. Our wireless actuator systems are the top performing product for 2019. Our systems wirelessly control your hand levers, so you can operate your truck from a safe distance. Choose from systems that work with air (up to 16 functions) or electric (up to six functions) levers. FIND US: www.lodar.com CALL US: 888-685-6327.
Recovery Billing
T
he average towman is excellent at what he does best, and that’s towing and recovery. Billing can be complex and when starting out in business, it can be a challenge to design the right billing and invoicing systems to take advantage of the recovery work that’s being performed. Think about it. You could be losing thousands per month for unbilled services for what is essentially a clerical oversight. Bob and Eric bring their expertise to seminars throughout the year in Massachusetts and across the continent. Groups are small with only 20 towing companies per session, which makes for a more focused, one-on-one learning experience and higher success rates. We especially take care to help other businesses overcome the red tape and wall of legal babble that prevents towing companies from being paid. We will help you to navigate the legal roadblocks and red tape, helping you to get paid for your work without fail. All it takes is a robust system which you can apply to every job that you complete. For more information, visit www.recoverybillingunlimited.com.
C
CW Mill Hydraulic Mounting Kits
W Mill Hydraulic Mounting Kits equip a vehicle with live hydraulics, meaning hydraulic pressure anytime the engine is running is achieved, regardless of engine RPM’s or gear selection, and can be used for a wide array of applications such as TOW TRUCKS, WRECKERS, salt spreaders, snowplows, hay bale beds, dump bodies, ground probes, airplane deicers, cranes, wreckers, rollbacks, hydraulic air compressors or tools… CW Mill also manufactures Compressor Kits for refrigeration truck boxes and Alternator kits which provide increased battery charging for vehicles equipped with an increased amount of DC electric powered accessories. Generator kits are available for vehicles adding AC power capability for items such as electric power tools but ultimately any AC powered device. 785-284-3454 | www.cwkits.com.
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There’s a Jump-N-Carry for Every Starting Need
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he Jump-N-Carry line of jump starters serves the professional market by offering powerful, versatile units that can stand up to the rigors of everyday service shop and roadside assistance use. Built tough, Jump-N-Carry products lead the way when it comes to exceptional cranking power, extended cranking duration, excellent cold weather performance and long unit life. .
For more information visit: cloreautomotive.com
ParkingPass
A
t ParkingPass, our parking software is perfect for property owners to better manage their lot’s security, thus resulting in numerous contracts for towing companies. Handling the day-to-day processes can become overwhelming, especially if you’re not receiving reports from lot owners which help improve the automation of your patrols. Fortunately for you, our parking software is the ideal choice for lot owners that are looking for a completely digital experience. With virtually no paperwork, you can efficiently enforce parking lot policies and receive digitally generated tow lists, both of which work toward
enhancing your parking lot support. Whether you’re looking to break into the towing industry, or you simply want to give your property lot owners/partners the added security of using a professional towing software, ParkingPass is here to support you, but we need your help too! Tell us what lot owners we should call to improve their lot management! Give our parking software a test drive and schedule a demo with us today or contact us at (800) 322-5535 to learn more. .
Roadside & Motor Clubs Services
www.curbsidesos.com 66
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1605 Settlement Way Aubrey, TX 76227 www.towtrax.net
Marking Pen Depot
M
PD-X Bold is the ideal marker for industrial marking in extreme conditions including on wet and oily surfaces and in extreme cold weather. The bold 1/4” tip leaves a bright, permanent mark on nearly any surface, and is UV resistant for up to 22 years. • Designed for the most extreme marking conditions • Writes on nearly any surface • Durable 1/4” mark • Removable from glass with a razor blade • Ideal for auto auction sites, impound yards, etc. • Available in blue, black, red, white, silver, and yellow • Pump-action paint marker with replaceable nib • Comparable to Unipaint PX 30 markers • Also available in medium and fine tip • All MPD paint pens are proudly made in USA
H
M
PD 30 Pro SP is the first marker designed specifically for the Towing and Auction Industries. This solid paint marker has been specifically designed for your Automotive needs with features including: • Excellent for permanent marks on nearly any surface including glass, metal, rubber, wood, concrete, and more • Writes through water, dirt and oil • Will not flake or fade from weather • Solid paint dries within minutes • Removes easily with a razor blade • 30% larger than the competition • Available exclusively at Markingpendepot.com • Proudly made in the USA
Holly’s Towing Dispatch
olly’s Towing Dispatch answers and dispatches solely for the towing and recovery industry, and is available to you 24/7, 365 days a year. Your company chooses when Holly’s Towing Dispatch works best for your company. Do you need help on nights and weekends? 24/7? We accommodate your needs no matter what time of day. With 20 plus years’ experience, Holly’s Towing Dispatch takes and dispatches all calls directly to drivers, an on-call manager, or inhouse dispatcher. Whatever works best for you, we can accommodate. Our goal and purpose are to get your drivers on-scene quickly by providing fast and accurate service. Give us a call today at 800-730-3909 to find out how Holly’s Towing Dispatch can help YOU. For more information, visit us at www.hollystowingdispatch.com. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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TOWERS
INSURANCE
B
ig personal insurance companies spend billions each year on TV ads convincing people that price is all that matters when shopping for insurance. In the commercial world, that is horrible advice. Instead of shopping for the cheapest insurance, you should be shopping for the right insurance agent. Just like not all insurance is the same, not all agents are the same. Towing is a niche market for us because Hal Kresser, the agency principal, is very interested in the industry. He worked for a towing service when he was young and even today he is Wreckmaster Level II certified and can operate your equipment. Can your current agent do that? Hal is also involved in the industry. He is an active, participating member of the Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio. In fact, he is so well respected that he was nominated and elected to be president of the local region and is currently serving his fifth term. Before he was an insurance agent he spent 20 years as a cop. He is certified in accident reconstruction and knows the laws and how to deal with police officers. He’s good to have as an advocate in some of the collision claims that happen when there are disputes as to fault and he can help you decide when to fight traffic tickets and violations and when not. For example, we had one two years ago where a person on a bicycle rode into the side of a rollback that was making a right turn. The police officer listed the driver at fault for violating a crosswalk. After talking to the driver, Hal learned that 68
the bike hit the truck by the back axel. That meant the truck was almost fully through the turn before being struck. That makes it the bicyclist’s fault. He contacted the traffic supervisor and discussed how the report was improperly written and explained why it was not the driver’s fault. The supervisor agreed and got the officer to re-write the report correctly. This saved the customer from having a chargeable accident on his record and saved the insurance company from paying a personal injury claim. Claim adjustors are trained to take a police report as gospel. Unfortunately, not all crash reports are written correctly. Hal has the experience to know and can help when it happens to keep our clients from being unjustly charged with accidents. When you choose the right agent, he will be able to place you with an insurance carrier that best suits your needs. As an independent agent we have the ability to add new companies that enter the market. We have seen companies come into the towing market for a few years and then get back out. When that happens, you can lose your insurance through no fault of your own. A good agent is on top of that and can make transitioning to another carrier seamless. You need to build a relationship with your agent. He can help you decide when to file a claim or when to pay out of pocket. He can advise you on ways to keep your rates down as well as help you implement plans to avoid liability claims. We recommend things like putting cameras
TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
in the trucks to document crashes. They can be invaluable in situations where fault is in dispute. Choose the right agent and build the relationship on trust and integrity. The agent should be viewed as a stakeholder in your business. In a recent Google review of our agency, Tiffany Corey of John Wayne Towing wrote “even when we were told there was no hope by everyone else, they didn’t give up and kept pushing forward. I work for John Wayne Towing and we are a small company so something as major as insurance can really make or break a company. So, if you are needing insurance, I would highly recommend giving them a chance.” You need a good, well managed insurance portfolio to help your business be successful and the agent needs your business to be successful to make his business successful. If you are contemplating any big expansion plans such as adding a new building or moving to a larger facility in another part of town, or adding more trucks you should involve your agent during the planning stage to find out in advance what the impact on the insurance will be. Many times, I get the call to add something like a building, a second location, or a 50 ton rotator to the policy after the fact. Then the insured is upset when he sees how much it costs. Now it’s too late. To learn more call Hal Kresser today! 877-412-3434 or email him hal@kresseragency.com.
A
ustin Insurance is a familyowned business, that has been specialized in providing insurance to the towing industry since 1991.We work with several different companies that allow us to give you a quality product. Austin has been providing insurance for 30 years and has insured tow companies from all 50 states no matter if they are 1 or 50 truck accounts and everything in between. For many years, Austin Insurance has specialized in providing coverage for towing operations. We have many companies to offer comprehensive packages to provide protection for all aspects of your business.
TOWING | REPOSSESSION TRUCKING |TRANSPORTERS • General Liability
• Commercial Auto Liability
As a bonus, we are more than happy to help you in complying with DOT/FMCSA & OSHA compliance audits. Make sure your coverage is on the hook! Contact us today! www.wreckerins.com
ADDITIONAL COVERAGES • Cargo • On Hook • Physical Damage • Garage Keepers • Hired & Non-Owned
• Wrongful Repossession • Drive Away • Pollution • Property • Bonds
RECYCLERS | SALVAGE YARDS USED CAR LOTS We are equipped to provide the unique coverage you need for your used car lot, recyclers, and salvage yards. We make sure your business is covered, so you can focus on running your business and serving your customers. We’ll come see you and your lot to determine what coverage best suits your business. ADDITIONAL COVERAGES • Dealers Open Lot • Dealer Tags • Transporter Tags
• Optional Inventory • Property • Umbrella
Every company is unique and is different from each other, “Well Come See You,” is not just a catchphrase! We will come see you and make sure you have the full understanding of the coverages and answer any questions that you might have. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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INSURANCE
Cindy Horn and Janice LaVitte of Weiss Insurance specialize in a variety of transportation risks. Wearing many hats as independent insurance agents we can tailor your policies to fit your business or
independent insurance needs. Together we can evaluate your business history, area of specialization, previous losses, and driver profiles, to come up with a tailored insurance budget based off how you operate. Insurance carriers also look at factors that affect overall risk and safety of your business. We will make sure you get the discounts that apply for your participation in GPS System installation, Mounted Cameras, and driver safety meetings. As industry challenges and demands change, our understanding of your business and its needs will help drive your bottom line with access to our A-rated insurance markets available in a variety of states. Cargo, Towing, Repossession, Garage and/or Repair Facilities, Auto Sales and Storage Lots are just a sampling of business categories we write. We also have competitive markets for workers compensation, Group Health, Property, General Liability, and Personal insurance. We look forward to working with you. Give us a call, Cindy Horn @ (636) – 534-7226 or E-mail: CindyHorn@weiss-ins.com
Towing Insurance Program
N E W
Interline Risk Services’ towing package is a policy that is designed for professional towing operations that are involved in auto repair, body shop, salvage yards, auto transporting, gas sales and more.
Our program is backed by an A+
Eligibility • Single and multi-state operation • 1 to 100 trucks
Coverage
rated insurance company. We offer very broad driver guidelines, along with the most flexible coverages available in the market today.
• Auto Liability - $100,000 to $1,000,000 CSL with no deductible or radius restriction • Physical Damage comprehensive and collision deductible – $500-$2,500 • Auto Medical Payments – $1,000 to $5,000 • Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (non-stacked) – Basic limits or as required by law • Personal Injury Protection – Basic limits or as required by law • General Liability – $100,000 to $4,000,000 CSL (General liability covers premises and operations - even operations away from the premises such as road side) • Hired and Non Owned Liability – Limits equal to General Liability • Garage Keeper’s Legal Liability – Maximum limit per location $500,000 CSL • On Hook/Cargo – Maximum limit per auto $300,000 with excess policies available a. Loading and unloading is included in our cargo form, and will cover the cargo while it is in the process of recovery until it is delivered or stored. b. Our cargo form is the broadest in the industry with coverage for equipment hauled as well as autos. Contents of vehicles are covered as well. c. NO DRIVE TRAIN EXCLUSION - we do not exclude drive train damage on our cargo form. d. Debris removal is included in our cargo form with a sub-limit of $2,500.
Other Available Coverage • Accidental Death and Dismemberment of $10,000 per life on the policy is included on all accounts offered
For more information:
877-578-1516 | info@interlinerisk.com 70
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I
nterline Risk Services, Inc, is a transportation focused insurance agency located in Pooler, GA. We specialize in finding the right insurance coverage for your towing business at the best rates in the market in the following states – AL, GA, SC, NC, VA, TN, FL, MS, & TX. We offer exclusive tow truck insurance products that no other insurance agent can offer. Our insurance partners offer coverages for Light, Medium, and heavy-duty towing, while incorporating the right insurance needed for your transportation needs. If you offer light duty and/or diesel mechanic services, body shop services, or used autos for sale, we can cover that to. You will have 24 hours online access to your certificates and can manage your driver and truck list online. We look forward to hearing from you and helping with your insurance needs. www.interlinerisk.com www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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$ FINANCE
FINANCING FACTS
MUST KNOW’S BEFORE FINANCING By Jeremy Tsakiris – Alliance Funding
F
inding the right financing is so crucial in the towing industry especially during these challenging times. Often it can make or break the cash flow and profitability of the business. With so many companies and dealer financing options out there, the industry can be enmeshing and mind boggling for owners. To bring clarity for good decision making, I am highlighting key factors that I have learned through my twenty-one years of truck-financing experience that can help guide your choice of a finance partner.
Support Availability, Not Distancing It appears this world is trying to operate with minimal human contact. Though this may be helpful on the spread of infection, it is not helpful from a finance service-provider standpoint. Do yourself a favor and choose a partner that will answer the phone or will promptly call you back. When you are expanding your business or replacing needed trucks which have gone down, you 72
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need a finance partner that is knowledgeable, efficient and, for sure, available. Helping you to navigate quickly through processing and titling, the right support will save you needless aggravation and help your business get where you are taking it. Combine this with a finance manager whose character and experience you can trust, and your mind will be at ease. We have received feedback from repeat customers whose have experienced this: “Jeremy is a stand-up guy and has been financing my equipment for more than seven years. I have never found anyone so willing to help the customer.” Mark Denson- Onsite Towing, Houston, Texas.
Direct Lender Over Broker Another key factor that I have experienced is to find a finance company like Alliance Funding that is a direct lender on the balance sheet as opposed to a broker. Although a broker can be important for lower-credit scenarios, direct lenders can offer
fast processing times, more competitive products by avoiding broker margins, and have the ability to structure the lowest rates, longest terms, and a balloonpayment structure. Our goal is not just a sale for you, but a lifetime of sales earned through excellent service: “Jeremy Tsakiris is the man. He hooked me up more than once and has definitely earned my business for life.” Trevor Sherrer –California
Collateral-Specific Financing Equipment finance should be specific to the collateral you want to fund. This may be a confusing statement, but what I have seen through my tenure is that many banks, credit unions, or other equipment finance and capital funding companies will file a blanket lien or incumbent on the business. Alliance Funding, along with a couple of other finance companies that focus on the towing industry, will only file a lien on the title. They do not take advantage of the customer by burying the blanket lien language in the fine print.
Early Payoff Numbers at the Beginning In same context of “buried” info, note what the real prepayment or early payoff numbers look like at the beginning of your decision making. Be specific in your questions, so you can learn what all your financing options are. A good of example of options is leasing. Most of my customers prefer to do a lease purchase for tax benefits. However, in an early buyout situation, a small penalty on the “Principle Remaining Balance” is massively more beneficial than having to pay the whole remaining schedule.
Leasing’s Tax Advantage As some of you may know, the tax advantage of a lease purchase program far exceeds that of a traditional loan. A lease purchase program is 100% tax deductible as an expense to the company. A traditional loan is
considered an asset where a standard depreciation schedule is applied. This results in a fraction of the write-off to the business. A common misconception is that a lease-purchase program is more expensive. When, in fact, after factoring in the expense deduction, the result is most beneficial to the entity. The underwriting requirements do not differ whether I structure the agreement as a lease or a loan. Most financing companies, Alliance Funding included, can do either type of agreement. The lease purchase agreement allows for a longer balloon payment (i.e. 10-30% balloon payment). By doing this type of structure, you are simply allowing yourself more options when the term is over and giving yourself a lower monthly payment through the term. This will allow the business to have a quicker cash flow helping the monthly budget:
“Jeremy from Alliance Funding, helps my customers to whom I sell trucks by structuring their agreements with a balloon payment which helps them meet their monthly budgets.” Ed Stroth, Sales, Twin City Wreckers In conclusion, financing equipment and trucks is a requirement for many businesses across this beautiful country. Finding a finance partner you can trust in challenging times or times of boom is crucial to the process. When that time comes, you need a partner who is not just knowledgeable and available, but who is also competitive and can approve the financing with your budget and needs in mind. We don’t just want you to survive during this time, we want you to thrive, so please contact us here at Alliance Financing by calling Jeremy Tsakiris at (603) 422-6608 or visiting us at our website at https://alliancefunding.com/ Stay safe, and God bless this great country!
Rates as low as ½ a point under prime! 603-422-6608 Jeremy Taskiris | JT@afg.com
New and used
100% tax write-off
No blanket liens
No age restrictions
Not on personal credit 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 $2 billion in equipment, we can offer complete credit and asset flexibility. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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$ FINANCE
J
TOWERS HELPING TOWERS
DFS, Jerr-Dan Financial Solutions, takes a unique approach to finance. Its identity goes beyond generic capital equipment finance. In fact, JDFS is made up of tow truck operators as well as sales and finance professionals who know the towing and recovery industry inside out. Todd Chase, of JDFS, often tells new clients, “We speak your language and understand the challenges tow truck drivers face every day. That’s why you can count on our flexible and fast process to help you identify and finance the tow trucks you need.” Of course, as is true when using any financial services for leasing or purchasing equipment, using Jerr-Dan Financial Solutions to finance towing and recovery equipment offers the standard advantages versus cash. The buyer improves cash flow, may protect their creditworthiness, and saves on “soft costs” like tax, shipping, and installation when financing 100% of the purchase. However, Chase points out that the power of the JDFS program results in wider credit availability, diverse and creative options to help customers that would be turned away from other entities, and an application process that is described by the company as “hassle-free.” It seems that customers agree. “The last time I bought a truck for the operation, I needed it the same day,” said Tod Coumbe, owner of White Glove Towing in Greenwood, Indiana. “I went to my Jerr-Dan distributor, picked out the truck, worked with the JDFS team to put it together, and 74
TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
drove away with it. I’m definitely going to work with them the next time I need a new truck.” JDFS has found that their clients appreciate the sense of partnership that is part of all stages of their financing program. The focus is on a simple, quick process. In fact, customers can apply online and receive a credit decision within 24 hours-- guaranteed. Once approved, the team will work with the customer directly to customize a financing solution that meets the specific needs of their business. Chase said, “We make it easy to grow our customers’ businesses with competitive interest rates and no down payment for qualified buyers. We offer flexible options, with up to 100% financing, because every customer is different. We match the right lease or loan package to each unique business, with terms from 24 to 84 months.” Mark Stockton, the owner of Stockton Towing of Sioux City, Iowa, benefited from this customized approach. As he said, “The JDFS team helped me into the heavy-duty side of the business by financing my first 50-ton wrecker and rotator. They helped me take my business from light duty to full service – I now own a sizable fleet of Jerr-Dan trucks and continue to grow.” JDFS is a one-stop shop for leases and loans on both new and used Jerr-Dan equipment. For More Info https://www.jerrdan.com/en/partssupport/Services/finance
DEALERS PLACE
OF SERVICE T U O IS CK U TR R U YO SE U O JUST BECA UR COMPANY IS TO
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Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc
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Stock # U3575 - 2022 Ford F450, Powerstroke, 4x4, Jerr-Dan MPL40 Twin Line
Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc
Stock # P7298 - 2021 Peterbilt 337, PX9, Swaploader SL240 Hook Lift, Tarp System
INVENTORY PICTURED SUBJECT TO CHANGE NEW AND USED TRUCKS ARRIVING DAILY PROUD LANDOLL, JERR-DAN AND SWAPLOADER DISTRIBUTOR Stock # L3001 - 2022 Landoll 440B-50 Traveling Axle Trailer
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Stock # D5364 - 2022 Dodge 4500, Cummins, 4x4, Jerr-Dan MPL-NGS Self Loader
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. 76
TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
800-288-0839 COLUMBUS | 800-288-0849 MARIETTA
2023 Peterbilt 567, 455 HP Paccar MX13, TX12 ATM, equipped w/15 ton Jerr-Dan 30 x 96 Low Profile Transporter
2023 Peterbilt 536, 300 HP Paccar PX7, Allison Auto 2023 Kenworth T880, 450 HP Cummins X15, Allison equipped 6 ton Jerr-Dan 22’ x 102” XLP steel carrier 4500 RDS Auto, equipped 15 ton Jerr-Dan 28’ x 96” Low Profile Transporter
2022 Ram 5500 4x4, 360 HP Cummins ISB 6.7, Aisin Auto, equipped w/loaded Jerr-Dan MPL40 Twin Line and Tunnel Box
2023 Hino L6-25,950 Ext, 260 HP Cummins ISB 6.7, Allison Auto, equipped w/6 ton Jerr-Dan 22’ x 102” XLP steel carrier
2023 Mack MD6, 300 HP Cummins ISB 6.7, Allison Auto equipped w/6 ton Jerr-Dan 22’ x 102” XLP steel carrier
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
Be Sure to Check Out our Complete Inventory Online
www.McMahonTrucks.com Visit our 2nd Columbus location 1305 US 42, London, OH 43140
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
DEALERS PLACE
“Pro’s that need to know and are on the go!” Your voice for the Towing Industry Find us everywhere podcasts are available. Bringing the latest in technology, products and services. Giving you the information needed to grow your Business!! New episodes weekly!
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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
Market PLACE
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www.towprofessional.com | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | TOW PROFESSIONAL
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ADVERTISER INDEX COMPANY
PG
COMPANY
PG
COMPANY
PG
Alliance Funding ................................. 73
Go Light................................................. 21
Robert Young........................................ 78
ATRI - Clever App................................ 71
HAAS Alert........................................... 13
RP Consulting....................................... 43
Austin Hinds......................................... 75
Hal Kresser........................................... 79
RV Wheel.............................................. 79
AZUGA..................................................... 5
Hide-a-Lift............................................. 79
SafeAll Products.................................. 27
Bimson Power...................................... 26
Hino.......................................................BC
Steck Mfg.............................................. 48
Boxes4U................................................ 79
Holly’s Towing Dispatch..................... 67
The Will-Burt Company...................... 45
Clore....................................................... 51
INA Towing Network.......................... 34
Tow Toolz............................................... 35
Collins Dollies ....................................IBC
Interline Risk Services....................... 70
Towbook.................................................. 3
Curbside SOS ..................................... 25
Jerr-Dan.............................................. IFC
Towmate.................................................. 1
Custer Products................................... 17
Lodar...................................................... 35
Towtrax ................................................. 70
Custom Built......................................... 29
Marking Pen Depot............................. 79
Tracked Machines.............................. 11
CW Mill Equipment ............................ 59
McMahon............................................. 77
Traxero................................................... 31
Dynamic................................................ 47
MCS Mobile Control Systems........... 58
TRPNC................................................... 49
Eastern Wrecker Sales...................... 76
OnlineImpoundAuction.com............. 55
Tru-Hitch............................................... 53
Eckert & Associates........................... 79
ParkingPass.com................................ 69
Weiss Ins.............................................. 79
ERSCA.................................................... 33
PhotoCard Specialists ....................... 55
Worldwide Equipment........................ 15
ESA........................................................... 9
Progressive Insurance ........................ 7
Wrecker Rentals.................................. 76
Flow Stop.............................................. 80
PWOF................................................22-23
Zendex................................................... 59
GM Consultants................................... 79
Recovery Billing................................... 30
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TOW PROFESSIONAL | Volume 12 • Issue 9 | www.towprofessional.com
THE TRUCK IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
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