American Towman Magazine - January 2018

Towman Towman Year of ofthe theYear New Mexican Tow Boss, Linda Unruh

Towers and PTSD Get More Done Each Day Customers with Disabilities A Dress In the Towman’s Closet

Cover: Linda Unruh at her business, All-Rite Towing, in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

Departments The Walkaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Zoom In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Tow Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Tow Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Tow Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

FEATURE CONTENTS

18

Twin Beech Aircraft Recovery Dewey’s Towing utilized its Century 1075S rotator to get a Beechcraft Model 18 back on its landing gear.

by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

Beacons On! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Repo Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

30

Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Towman of the Year

My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

After Linda Unruh’s son, Bobby, died working the white line, she was inspired to increase safety measures for all.

by Brendan Dooley

Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . . . .65

52

Spirit Riders Talk What the Spirit Ride Meant for the Spirit Riders.

by Steve Calitri

Dewey’s Towing & Recovery in Beloit, Wisconsin, was called out last February for a small plane whose landing gear had collapsed.

4 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Linda Unruh: A Limitless Spirit

First On The Scene!

Dennie Ortiz

by Dennie Ortiz

Steve Calitri Brendan Dooley Charles Duke

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor Senior Editor

Randall Resch

Operations Editor

Terry Abejuela

Field Editor, West

Jim “Buck” Sorrenti David Kolman Bill Simmons Emily Oz Mark Lacek

Field Editor, Northeast Chassis Editor Safety Editor On Screen Editor Repo Run Editor

Editorial Board Tommy Anderson Roy Carlson Debbie Collins Belinda Harris Bill Johnson Ron Mislan Kurt Wilson

Dallas, Texas Saint Paul, Minn.

Las Vegas, Nev. Greensboro, N.C. South Hadley, Mass.

Warren, N.J. Creve Coeur, Ill.

American Towman Staff

Linda Unruh talks about Bobby’s Law and the importance of the Spirit Ride after the 2017 concluding ceremony at the Baltimore Convention Center during the American Towman Expo in November. Evelyn Diaz photo.

A

s we begin a new year, it’s hard not to reflect on the last one. The cycle of life continues as we welcomed new lives and mourn the souls we’ve lost.

Towing is a tough, dangerous job; thankfully, or luckily, towers have a resilient distinctive spirit.

Our Towman of the Year, Linda Unruh, embodies this spirit with a seemingly limitless drive to bring about change and betterment to this industry. A look at the powerful story of “Bobby’s Law” is to glimpse a mother’s pain and loss, which manifests into a tangible accomplishment that will protect lives in the future.

I’ve known and respected Linda for many years. She is a smart, strong and successful tow woman. Linda’s drive for a united coalition in towing to bring about positive change in this industry has a momentum that will carry on for years to come.

As we remember the passing of 6 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

those this last year, I want to share a poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye that has provided me with consolation throughout my life when someone leaves this world and moves on to the next one: Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.

No words can bring back a loved one lost, but I hope they will provide you with some comfort as we enter this New Year and look to the future.

Stay safe out there.

Ann Marie Nitti Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Norma Calitri Jimmy Santos Miriam Ortiz Henri Calitri Toni Vanderhorst William Burwell Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Helen Gutfreund Emily Oz Steve Calitri

Page Layout Artist Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec.

VP of Accounts General Manager Subscription Manager Customer Service Publisher’s Assistant TIW Media Director Regional Advertising Sales iMarketing Manager Communications Mgr. ATTV Producer President

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New Tow Rules in Gary The Gary (Indiana) Common Council voted 8-1 recently for a new tow ordinance that took effect Jan. 1.

Councilman Herb Smith Jr. said the city will reduce the $50 fee the police charge for a release document allowing a towing company to return a car for $25.

On top of that is a $125 fee an automobile owner must pay to the towing company that has the vehicle, and those companies still will be able to charge $30 per day for a storage fee for the length of time the company has possession of a vehicle.

The ordinance also eliminates a scale of fees for vehicles that were towed by a truck, a flatbed vehicle, or for a motorcycle that had to be towed.

Source: chicagotribune.com.

Company Waives Fee for Veteran

One Spokane, Washington, man knows all too well that thieves will target anyone, as his car has been stolen three times from his retirement community parking lot.

The last time, his car was impounded and he was responsible for the big bill to get it out. With the first two thefts, the victim said he got relatively lucky. He was notified his car was recovered with enough time to pick it up before impound.

“My bill is, last I heard, about $300,” he said. “That’s what I live on every month.”

A family friend reached out to a local television station for some help.

Hayley Guenthner of KHQ-TV went with the victim to APB Auto Parts in Airway Heights to see what could be done.

Within minutes, staff said they were waiving all fees after learning he was a military veteran. Even Jon Hook, the driver who works on commission, didn’t want the victim to pay a dime, as he too was a veteran.

Source: khq.com.

8 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Chao: DOT ‘Strongly Supports Move Over' as of November, 300,000 first U.S. Transportation Secretary responders nationwide have comElaine Chao said that the U.S. pleted Traffic Incident Management Department of Transportation Responder Training. “strongly supports Move Over “In addition to Laws in every this training,” she state, as well as said, “the Move D.C. and Puerto Over laws help Rico,” in her protect first remarks at the responders while recent National on duty. … As you Traffic Incident know too well, R e s p o n s e your work can be A w a r e n e s s With Spirit Ride Motor Coach as the backdrop,U.S. Dept. of Transportation dangerous.

Week ceremony Secretary Elaine Chao addressed “One of the in Washington, towmen and other first responders at the leading causes of D.C. National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week ceremony in death and injury The Nov. 16 Washington, D.C. transportation. for emergency ceremony was gov image. responders is the keynote being struck by vehicles while event during a week that recogworking alongside highways. That nized the importance of the nation’s is also unacceptable.” first responders and their work.

Source: transportation.gov.

In her address, Chao cited that,

ESTRA, T&T

Conduct Cross-Training Multiple public safety agencies recently gathered in Cohoes, New York, for an on-site cross-training session. The Cohoes fire and police departments hosted the fifth annual event, with the continued support of Cohoes-based T&T Towing and the Empire State Towing & Recovery Association.

State police, New York State Department of Transportation, New Brian France, of T&T Towing, speaks York State Thruway Authority, and at the fifth annual training session with other first responder agencies took multiple public safety agencies in Cohoes, New York. troyrecord.com image. part in the training, which included multiple vehicle extrications including heavy vehicles donated by several extrication and utilizing special equipbusinesses. ment for entrapment and oversized The session focused on New vehicle removal during entrapment.

York’s Move Over law, accident victim Source: troyrecord.com.

… Move Over laws help protect first responders …

Tow Company at Odds with Police

A towing company is accusing police in Norwalk, Connecticut, of going too far by forcibly removing a car it towed.

Phone videos showed police using bolt cutters to open a gate at Fedor Auto Body in South Norwalk on the night of Nov. 25 to retrieve the towed car for its owner.

In the video, police accuse Fedor of price gouging in charging the car’s owners an extra $150 on top of the $88 base fee. The company says the car owner paid none of it.

State DMV regulations allow for extra frees in specific circumstances, which the tow company says it met.

A DMV spokesman says local police have the same authority as the DMV for enforcing statutes and regulations regarding towing.

Source: connecticut.news12.com.

Survivor Fund Receives Nearly $50,000 The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum announced that its Survivor Fund received nearly $50,000 in donations during the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Maryland, in November.

The Survivor Fund provides immediate financial assistance to towing families affected by tragedy The Wisconsin Towing Association gave in the line of service; various com- $7,500 to the The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and panies, organizations and groups Museum’s Survivor Fund during the stepped up to support the longAmerican Towman Expo in November. term efforts of the Fund.

The Fund received nearly $50,000 Donations included: AAA Autoduring the Expo. motive, $10,000; Nation Safe Drivers, $5,000; Omadi, $8,178.47; Santander, $15,000; The Maryland Towers, $5,000; and Wisconsin Towing Association: $7,500 “These gifts go a long way in helping the families of our fallen and we are grateful for such an impressive amount of giving to the cause,” said Jeffrey Godwin, ITRHFM first VP and Survivor Fund committee co-chairman. “We are closing in on our goal of becoming a perpetual fund.”

Source: internationaltowingmuseum.org.

Racer, Towman Killed on Track

Towman and racer Jackie Ward, owner of Grand Strand Towing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was killed after crashing into a wall on a turn following a collision during a race, according to a racetrack official.

Ward was competing in the SELLM Challenger Feature Event at Myrtle Beach Speedway. Nearly 200 people gathered in chilly weather in November at Myrtle Beach Speedway the following morning.

“We lost a fellow racer and a great friend of ours at Myrtle Beach Speedway,” a racetrack representative wrote on Facebook. “Jackie Ward was a part of the racing community and our family at the speedway, he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, pit crew, friends, fans and fellow racers.”

Source: myrtlebeachonline.com.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

Illinois ‘Distance’ Initiative Targets ‘Move Over’ Awareness Motorists who Illinois Gov. don’t comply face a Bruce Rauner fine up to $10,000, a recently joined two-year suspenstate officials to sion of driving privannounce a new ileges and possible roadway safety jail time. campaign aimed The initiative at raising awareness of the Illi- Illinois troopers investigate an accident comes in the wake that took the life of towman Ronald of a fatal crash on Inois Move Over Chaney. sj-r.com image.

72 in Springfield law. that took the life of Last month, Rauner and officials from the Illinois Ronald E. Chaney, 56, of A&M TowTollway, Illinois State Police, Illinois ing. Chaney was working to load a Department of Transportation and disabled vehicle onto his truck other groups announced the new when a motorist driving a Jeep “Give Them Distance” safe-driving struck and killed him.

Source: sj-r.com. initiative highlighting the law.

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 9

XL Recovery: Miller Launches Longer Recovery Boom

M

iller Industries Towing Equipment recently introduced the Century 9055XL, a longer version of its heavy-duty 9055 integrated wrecker.

This longer version provides 60” more length to the recovery boom, for a maximum length of 276”, with a 359” hook height. The company said the 9055XL gains the stretch while still maintaining its 18,000-lbs. boom rating (when fully extended and at a 39-degree boom angle).

Though the extended capacity is lower than the Century 1075S rotator, the 9055XL’s length is the longest three-section boom Miller manufactures.

The longer boom also enhances forward center of gravity of the wrecker with more weight on the front axle when driving, improving vehicle balance during the towing process with a casualty on the rear underlift.

10 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

The 9055XL has a significant increase in underlift tilt power, primarily due to a much larger hydraulic cylinder.

The extra muscle provides towers with upgraded power and maneuverability when towing an especially heavy casualty or towing on a second steer axle (like a pump truck or concrete mixer).

Other features include: • Enlarged safety chain storage compartments (to accommodate longer safety chains).

• Retractable pneumatic service air lines for quick access.

• Quick-disconnect air supply port for pneumatic tools on the tailboard.

• Seven-way plug for a wireless tow light located inside the control station.

millerind.com

Assisting Customers with Disabilities

A wheelchair-accessible tow truck ready to go.

by Terry Abejuela

A

ccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 9 percent of the U.S. population from 5 years old and up is disabled. As the population grows older, this percentage may climb. Technologies have allowed disabled persons to maintain the freedom of being able to drive through modifications to their vehicles.

Tow truck operators can feel uncomfortable when providing service to a disabled person simply because they have had no training or there are no company policies or guidelines in place to assist them. Professional towing companies should try to anticipate customer needs and be proactive in meeting those needs.

When it comes to providing assistance to disabled customers, well12 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

planned company policies, procedures, preparation and employee training will allow tow truck operators to safely be of assistance customers with disabilities. I believe that a tow company can be more prepared to provide service for customers with disabilities that require towing services. To provide quality service to all of your customers you must be prepared to make reasonable accommodations for customers with disabilities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on a disability. A tow company should seek the advice of a qualified person to ensure you are in compliance with any federal, state and local requirements in your business as well as any that may apply to the tow truck in the field.

Preparation Training is one of the keys to quality service. Seek the assistance of a qualified person to assist in providing training to all of your employees including office, yard and driver employees on effectively and efficiently assisting customers with disabilities.

Sensitivity training should be part of this guidance. Drivers should know what to ask and what not to ask, understand that not all disabilities are physically visible, what to do with service animals, how to assist with certain tasks they may need to attend to and when and how to request qualified assistance. There should be written policies and guidelines in place in the company employee manual for employees to reference.

Before developing your company

Continued on p.14...

... continued from p.12 policies and guidelines, do your research and request advice from a qualified person. Research businesses that manufacture, sell or repair equipment to modify vehicles for operation by a disabled person. Be prepared to provide roadside assistance to place these types of vehicles in a safe operating condition or safely tow or transport them. Some vehicle modifications may affect safe towing of the vehicle.

Do research on businesses that provide special accessible transportation service in your area that will respond to a roadside incident when needed and what hours they are available.

Research modifications to your towing equipment that can be accomplished with minimal expense such as handrails, OSHA-approved stepstools, etc.

Make sure all of your employees know how to quickly access this information.

Limited Mobility One of the most common ADA issues towers will face is customers with limited mobility that may require assistance to enter or exit the cab of the tow truck. (The height of the cab and multiple steps can be hazardous, even for those who have full mobility.)

Additional steps, handrails and an OSHA-approved stepstool make it much easier and safer. Tow operators can offer assistance, but should not attempt to make physical contact unless requested specifically by the customer … and the tow operator feels confident in their ability to safely accomplish the request. At minimum the tow operator should provide verbal instructions on how to use the handrails and steps and should remain at the passenger door until the customers is safely in or out of the truck.

Once you have arrived at the tow destination, the operator should request that the customer stay in the tow truck with the passenger door closed until they are able to be at the passenger door in the event assistance is required. Another option may be to send a second smaller vehicle for transport that the customer is able to 14 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

enter and exit without assistance.

Customers with limited mobility that are not able to enter or exit the cab of the tow truck even with the minor assistance of the tow truck operator may require special assistance beyond a reasonable accommodation. Those that require a wheelchair or scooter for mobility may not be able to enter or exit the cab of the truck at all.

Special Equipment Wheelchair- and/or scooterequipped towing equipment is available. Of course there are additional costs and potentially special insurance considerations that must be evaluated to determine if it is feasible to maintain this type of equipment in your fleet.

You may encounter additional maintenance costs to keep the equipment in safe operating condition.

Make sure that towers who will be operating this specialized equipment are properly trained to inspect, maintain and operate the equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It may provide you with exclusivity in your area if your competitors are not able to provide this service.

If wheelchair/scooter-accessible towing equipment is not feasible, the towing company should be prepared to assist the customer in obtaining special accessible transportation from the scene of the breakdown. A list can be maintained in each tow truck or available through a dispatcher to provide the customer with options.

When requesting transportation assistance, make sure you are very specific with the customer’s needs to ensure the proper equipment is sent to the scene the first time. If the disablement occurs in an unsafe location, the assistance of the local law enforcement should be requested. I recommend that the tow operator remain at the scene until the customer is safely transported off of the highway before leaving the scene.

After fully evaluating the situation and options, if no special accessible transportation is available and no other viable options exist … as a last resort the tower may consider allowing the customer to ride in the towed

Do research on businesses that provide special accessible transportation service in your area that will respond to a roadside incident when needed and what hours they are available. vehicle (with manager approval). This issue has been argued in the towing industry for many years; many tow companies have a policy of never allowing anyone to ride in the towed vehicle due to safety, liability and insurance concerns. This option may also be illegal. Yet, in some circumstances, it may be the safest option.

In the case of a disabled person who experiences a vehicle disablement in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle that is modified for them to be able to drive or ride in the vehicle safely, I believe the safest and quickest option may be to tow the vehicle off of the highway to a safe location with the person safely strapped in the wheelchair and properly secured in the vehicle. Your truck and towing equipment must be in safe operating condition to consider this option.

Being proactive and prepared to provide service to customers with disabilities through planning, training and company policies, guidelines and procedures will help ensure your operators are properly equipped to handle these situations effectively, efficiently and, most of all, safely.

Field Editor Terry Abejuela has 30plus years of light-duty towing-andrecovery experience. He is also a light-duty Level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association.

Stuck in PARK?

by Paul Stephens

W

hen a vehicle you are about to load on a flatbed is locked in PARK, even the most experienced operators can find themselves struggling to overcome the challenge. This could throw off your schedule, affect your next assigned call or delay the time you need to expedite getting off the side of the roadway.

With the right information, an operator can efficiently troubleshoot and resolve this challenge. Here are four helpful tips to get your vehicle loaded and transported with minimal delay when stuck in PARK.

If your vehicle does not have an override, apply power to the remote jump points or the battery; this may provide enough power to the electronic shifter to shift into neutral.

All operators should do their research to determine which vehicles have builtin overrides and how to accurately perform the procedures.

Tip 1: Override Look for a built-in shift lock override to solve the problem quickly. All operators should do their research to determine which vehicles have builtin overrides and how to accurately perform the procedures.

Creating your own reference library that you can access when on scene can save time and be a big help.

Operators can confirm their resource is manufacturer-approved by validating through services, such as Allstate Roadside Services’ Vehicle Reference section or manufacturer-approved owner’s manuals or tech data sheets.

16 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Tip 2: Secure It Always attach/hook the vehicle to your truck, or chock the wheels, prior to performing any shift lock override.

This prevents the vehicle from rolling while you are attempting a shift lock release procedure.

Tip 3: Add Power

If your vehicle does not have an override, apply power to the remote jump points or the battery. This may provide enough power to the electronic shifter to shift into neutral.

This procedure could take longer than your average jump-start procedure; it averages from five to 15 minutes to wake up the module and gain enough power to move the shifter. This procedure, when done properly, will work roughly 75 percent of the time.

Tip 4: Skate It If you are unable to shift the vehicle into neutral to load onto the

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

If you are unable to shift the vehicle into neutral to load onto the flatbed, attempt to skate the vehicle.

flatbed, attempt to skate the vehicle.

To ensure a smooth skate procedure: • Be sure to install the skates fully under the tire so the head of the skate is firmly up against the tire.

• Utilize a snatch block when you attach to the tow pin to keep the vehicle from tracking while loading.

• When attempting to get skates to transition onto the rollback, be conscious of the rollback lip; utilize a skate ramp or speed ramp to assure smooth transition.

• When unloading, turn the skate around to the rear side of the tires to allow the skate to operate properly.

As with any procedure, performing a shift lock override or using a skate requires practice. Over time, you will improve your technique and efficiency, and your customer will appreciate your professionalism.

About the author Paul Stephens is the National Educational Leader for Allstate Roadside Services.

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 17

Aircraft

Recovery Twin Beech

The landing gear failed to engage on a Beechcraft Model 18 “Twin Beech.”

by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

O

n Feb. 25, 2017, Dewey’s Towing & Recovery in Beloit, Wisconsin, was called to recover a plane at Rock County Airport; specifically, a request was made for the company’s Century 1075S 75-ton rotator to respond.

The Beechcraft Model 18, a “Twin Beech,” had an issue with its landing gear not locking in upon landing.

The Twin Beech is a 6- to 11-seat, twin-engine, low-wing, conventional-gear, tail-wheel light aircraft.

It is considered the most modified U.S.-certified aircraft design. The aircraft’s uses have included aerial spraying, cloud seeding, firefighting,

18 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Dewey’s attached 12-ton shackles to the 5-ton shackles they’d used at the pins in the wings.

mail delivery, ambulance service, movie production, skydiving, smuggling, skywriting and more.

“We were called by the owner of the plane and one of the mechanics at the airport, which just happens to specialize in restoring and maintaining Twin Beech aircraft,” said Josh Wedel. “It was 10 p.m. on Saturday night, so we decided to go out at 9 a.m. the next morning to lift the plane so we had better lighting.”

The next morning Gary Wedel, Josh and Matt Alland went out to do the lift. They responded with their 2009 Kenworth T800/Century 1075S 75-ton rotator (as requested).

When Dewey’s recovery crew arrived at the airport, the mechanic had installed lifting eyes into each wing to aid them with the rigging of the aircraft.

“We attached 5-ton shackles into the lifting eyes that the airport mechanic had installed, and then 12ton shackles into the 5-ton shackles so we had room to place blue round

slings to do the lift,” Josh said. “The plane weighed less than 6,000 pounds.

The airport closed the landing strip while we were doing the lift; it’s not a very large airport.”

As the 1075S began lifting the aircraft up, the crew noticed that the plane was unbalanced and the tail was staying on the ground.

The rotator gently set the plane back down and the crew placed an aircraft jack on the tail section to keep it from hitting as the plane was lifted.

With the aircraft jack in place, the rotator lifted the plane high enough so the landing gear could be manually cranked down and locked into position.

Once the plane was safely back on its wheels, the airport personnel used an aircraft tug to move the plane across the airport and into the repair hangar.

About Dewey’s Towing Duane “Dewey” Rogers started Dewey’s Towing & Recovery as a service station garage in 1955. For more

than 50 years, Dewey’s has been servicing the region as a family owned and operated business that is still going strong with the third generation and working into the fourth generation as well.

Dewey passed away in 2007, but his legacy lives on. On any given day you will find Dewey’s children, sonin-law, grandchildren and beloved family employees working in all aspects of the business.

Jean Rogers Wedel, Dewey’s daughter and second-generation owner, along with her husband Gary, their son Josh and daughter Johanna, Jean’s brothers Duane and Dan, and Dan’s kids Jackie and Jamison, all work at the business carrying on the family legacy. Dewey’s great-grandchildren can be found following in the footsteps of those who came before them.

Dewey’s legacy lives on not only at Dewey’s, but also in the towing

Continued on p. 20 ...

The crew attaches shackles at the wings.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 19

... continued from p.19 industry at large. He supported numerous committees, including time as chairman for the Wisconsin Towing Association of which Dewey’s is a charter member. Dewey worked with Wisconsin legislation to get the Move Over law passed in the state. In 1994, Dewey was inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame in recognition of his efforts to improve the industry.

What started as a one-truck, oneman show has become a large family business complete with two flatbeds, one light-duty, one medium-duty, and three heavy-duty tow trucks.

A legacy is a gift received from an ancestor. Thanks to Dewey’s family, his gift will live on for many more generations.

The tail wasn’t lifting, so a jack was used to keep it steady with the body during the lift.

Jim “Buck” Sorrenti, a longtime editor of American Towman, has been our field editor for the past few years. He is a freelance writer and photographer with more than 40 years of experience covering motorcycle, hot rod, truck and towing culture. He writes weekly for TowIndustryWeek.com.

The plane is steadied back on its wheels.

20 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

The initial lift showed the tail was dragging.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 21

AT Expo in Baltimore Sets Attendance Record The 2017 American Towman Exposition in Baltimore last November broke its year-old mark with an increase of more than 5.6 percent in total attendees.

That concluded a year of increased attendance at all the AT expos where new standards were set at the American Towman ShowPlace-Las Vegas in May and the Tow Expo Dallas in August.

“AT Expo Baltimore saw the three-day show format continue to be popular for exhibitors and attendees as each day saw a strong turnout of unique buyers,” said Henri “Doc” Calitri, AT Expo Corp. president, “Both large vehicle exhibitors and the smaller supplier booths overall reported brisk selling throughout the show.”

Total attendance figures were just shy of 14,800 tow bosses. More than eight out of 10 attendees were the key decision-makers of their companies. There were 241 industry suppliers on the exhibit floor offering tow trucks— from light to heavy duty—trailers, accessories, call centers, motor clubs and financial services.

“This year also saw a large contingent from 19 countries—from all points of the world globe—attend the show,” Calitri said. “This has made the American Towman

22 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Attendance figures for the 2017 American Towman Exposition in Baltimore increased more than 5.6 percent in total attendees, to just shy of 14,800 tow bosses. Evelyn Diaz photo.

Exposition the largest international show in the world. We are very proud of that achievement. … The strength and quality of the audience is a direct reflection of the American Towman Magazine readership.”

Calitri released the show dates for 2018 for all three cities: • American Towman ShowPlace-Las Vegas, May 9-11.

• Tow Expo Dallas/Fort Worth, Aug. 16-18.

• American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Nov. 15-18.

Next year’s AT Expo Baltimore will celebrate the 30th edition of the show.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 23

Want to Accomplish More Each Day?

by David A. Kolman

M

anaging any business is difficult and for those involved in towing and recovery, because of the nature of this business, it is even more challenging. There never seems to be enough time in the day to get everything done.

Being overcommitted and pushing oneself—putting in ever-longer hours—inevitably leads to feeling overwhelmed and fatigued. That slows a manager down, creates extra stress, jumbles thinking and drains energy.

By developing good time-management skills, managers can “master” their work environment and handle anything that comes at them. That pays dividends in job performance.

Non-Renewable Resource Time is a finite resource. It cannot be saved. To master time, you must first know how you spend your day.

A good starting point for this is to keep a log of what you actually do in a typical week.

As you go through each day, write down the percentage of time you spend on each activity. Then, as you review the percentages, ask yourself: If I were the kind of manager I’d like to be, what would be the ideal percentages for each activity?

The reality of managing any towing and recovery operation is that frequently you are not in control of your time.

When you are not in control of most of your time, it is particularly important to control what little time is left.

Following are four ways to improve your management of time.

No. 1: Clean Up Get a blank piece of full-size paper to use as a master to-do list. (Alternately, you might use a computerized task management program.)

24 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Put all of your papers from your desk, and elsewhere in your office, in a pile. Go through every piece of paper in that pile and throw out as much as possible. A disorganized workplace leads to loss of productivity because time is wasted looking for things. Kris Krug photo.

Put all of your papers from your desk, and elsewhere in your office, in a pile. Go through every piece of paper in that pile and throw out as much as possible. Separate into a new pile the papers you need to keep or act upon.

Start with the top paper and for each ask yourself: Is there any work that must be done for this? If so, add that assignment to your master to-do list. Then, ask yourself: Should I keep the piece of paper? If the paper needs

to be kept, and no file already exists, prepare a manila folder.

Continue with this routine until you reach the bottom of the pile.

Next, clean up and organize your desk and entire office. A disorganized workplace leads to loss of productivity because time is wasted looking for things. Moreover, clutter and untidiness can let one’s mind get distracted more easily because it is constantly trying to make sense of the disorder.

Keeping your workspace free of

10 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time Some ways to be more productive: 1. Learn when to say “no.”

2. Delegate duties and tasks.

3. Organize your workspace.

4. Prioritize tasks.

5. Do the appropriate level of quality for each task.

6. Complete what you start because going back always costs time.

7. Minimize interruptions.

8. Do not procrastinate.

9. Manage email use.

10. Politely end conversations that aren’t going anywhere.

clutter will enable you to focus on what you are doing and get things done more quickly.

No. 2: Double Up Look at areas where you could do two things at once without sacrificing quality of either. Take a twice-daily commute, by way of example. An hour-long commute could translate into some 200 hours a year of learning time using audiobooks.

Get an app for your smartphone or carry a voice recorder and record ideas, memos, letters and instructions.

Have a staff member transcribe your notes, using a separate page for each idea or project.

No. 3: Rule of 80/20 Are you familiar with the “80/20 Rule.” It was originally known as the “Pareto Principle,” after 19th Century Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto. He observed that in Italy, 80 percent of the country’s land belonged to only 20 percent of the population.

Investigating different industries, he found that 80 percent of the production comes from 20 percent of the companies. The generalization became that 80 percent of results will come from just 20 percent of the actions.

Therefore, if you identify these critical few activities and increase your time commitment to them, you can increase your daily results.

Go through your master to-do list and examine each item. Divide the items into two categories: • 20 percent: Highly important activity.

• 80 percent: Less important activity.

List the 20-percent activities by order of importance, from most to least. Schedule these first during your high-energy intervals throughout the day. Fill in the lower-importance activities around your 20 percent tasks.

A best practice is to assign practical priorities to each task. For example: • Urgent: Due by end of day.

• High: Due tomorrow.

• Moderate: Due this week.

• Low: Due next week.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

No. 4 Energy Level

When you are not

Effective time management is key to staying productive. By having your day organized to handle all the tasks and activities you need to do, you can make the most of your time each day.

An aid to further your productivity is to determine your periods of higher mental energy or focus.

Our most productive hours in a day will be when our energy level is high. That is when to take on your most challenging work. With high energy, we are better at concentrating, analysis and problem solving. With low energy, such tasks become more difficult and take us more time to complete, often with poor results.

One way to determine your patterns of energy and productivity is to use a spreadsheet to “map” them. Set the spreadsheet up with days across the columns—Sunday to Saturday— and time along the left side rows broken into hour, half hour or 15-minute increments. Write in what you are doing during the time frames.

Every hour or so, evaluate your energy level from one to 10 (with 10 being the most productive) and add this score to the spreadsheet After doing this consistently for several weeks, you will see your dis-

in control of most of your time, it is particularly important to control what little time is left. tinct patterns of high energy (high productivity) and low energy times.

Knowing this, you can plan your highimportance (20-percent activities) during your high-energy times.

When it comes to managing any towing and recovery operation, the effort applied to mastering time management is worth the effort. Without doing so, you get to the end of your work day exhausted—with plenty of unfinished work—wondering where the time went.

AT Chassis Editor David Kolman is a multi-faceted trucking trade journalist with experience in print, online and broadcasting.

He has hosted trucker television and radio programs and helped write trucking industry documentaries and video programs.

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 25

Jerr-Dan Introduces ‘Gator’ Jerr-Dan Corp. (jerrdan.com) recently unveiled its new character, “Gator the Rotator,” at the 29th annual American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Maryland.

The company said Gator was designed to continue to engage with the next generation of drivers to the family-oriented towing business by helping them gain an understanding of the industry at an early age. Gator is a miniature Jerr-Dan JFB rotator that joins Jerr-Dan Junior (JD) as both friends continue to connect with children.

“Gator the Rotator is the result of our ongoing effort and commitment to continue engaging with our brand advocates by allowing them to pass down their love of the industry to the next generation of towers: their kids,” said Jeff Irr, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing for JerrDan. “Jerr-Dan Junior was launched at last year’s Baltimore Tow Show and this year, JD Junior is joined by his new friend Gator the Rotator as both embark on road adventures and continue their long tradition of Jerr-Dan’s family-first culture.”

Gator was introduced via an interactive children’s webpage at jerrdan.com/jerr-dan-junior, showing children the challenges real-life industry heroes face, and illustrate the hard work and commitment they bring to the job every day.

Worldwide Offers ‘Count’s Kustoms’ Packages Worldwide Equipment Sales (newtowtrucks.com) is offering exclusive Count’s Kustoms Packages on its towing equipment.

The Las Vegas, Nevada, car and chopper custom-build shop Count’s Kustoms, known from its popular reality TV show “Counting Cars” on the History Channel, entered into an exclusive agreement to offer a limited number of customization packages on several models of Jerr-Dan carriers and self-loaders supplied by Worldwide Equipment.

The first unit, a 2017 Ram 5500 with a Jerr-Dan 20’ steel carrier, was recently delivered to their Vegas garage to begin its customization.

The finished unit will be on display at both the 2018 American Towman ShowPlace-Las Vegas (May 9-11) and be available for sale at the 2018 American Towman Exposition in Baltimore (Nov. 16-18).

26 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Beacon Funding, Quest Partner Beacon Funding (beaconfunding.com) announced a new partnership with Quest TowNetwork and the launch of Quest Roadside Rewards, a program the company says provides enhanced financing options to providers in the Quest TowNetwork.

“Quest has a strong reputation in the roadside assistance marketplace and continues to build a very highquality network of towing providers,” said Toby McDonough, Beacon Funding president. “Beacon Funding is eager to help Quest’s towing provider network grow its truck fleet through our competitive, flexible, and convenient truck financing programs. Our goal is to make it easier for Quest providers to acquire more trucks, take more calls, and grow their revenue.”

By partnering with Beacon, Quest TowNetwork said they will be able to encourage providers to grow with additional trucks and communicate the benefits of being a provider to Beacon’s existing towing clients.

International HX Adds Options International Truck recently unveiled its expanded Class 8 premium vocational trucks, with the HXSeries (InternationalTrucks. com/HXSeries) now available in a 51” sleeper cab for the HX520 and HX620 models. Its A26 engine is now available in both the HX Series and the all new HV Series (see more about the HV, page 16).

Premium HX Series features include an all-metal grille, available dual external chromed air cleaners and halogen headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The HX Series models were engineered to withstand the most punishing job sites and include a 40-degree wheel cut with 425 series tires for improved maneuverability and standard cab air suspension for a comfortable ride.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 27

2018

Towman of the Year Linda Unruh memorializes her son in leading fight for all towers Linda Unruh stands in place of her son, Bobby, as he was posthumously awarded the American Towman Medal for Bravery in November.

by Brendan Dooley

I

n 2017, in the wake of the tragic accident that took her towman son while working the white line, Linda Unruh lobbied her state to add tow operators to its Move Over law. She spearheaded and guided Bobby’s Law from initial concept to governor’s signature in just over six weeks’ time.

Don’t underestimate the diminutive tow woman with the pink tow trucks; she’s been scrapping since she opened for business in the man’s world of towing. Linda knows from experience how to fight an uphill battle, starting with gaining acceptance as a tow boss in Tucumcari, New Mexico.

It was a loss that didn’t have to happen.

Linda Unruh opened All-Rite Towing 30-plus years ago; she already had commercial experience through the trucking company she’d started earlier. She began her fight in towing with the government working four years to get a state-required license to operate a tow truck.

“I was more than just a pretty woman,” she told American Towman in 2015, referring to her modeling days before she entered the tow business. “I was determined to succeed from the start.”

30 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

It took time, dedication and perseverance for her to succeed just in towing, which by all accounts she has.

Unruh was inducted into the International Towing Hall of Fame in 2003, and named the 2001 GEICO Woman of the Year in Towing among many other career distinctions.

She knows a thing or two about battling and coming out on top. So when her son Bobby was tragically struck down working a recovery in February 2017 and she learned that towers weren’t considered part of her state’s Move Over law, she was determined to change that.

“I’ve been in the business and didn’t know tow operators weren’t covered by Move Over. … It was too late to do anything about Bobby,” she said, “but I wanted to get this done to protect our people. Not just towers, but all vehicles with their hazard lights flashing on the side of the road.”

Not only was she up against the raw emotions and heartbreak of losing her son, but the need for speed before the end of the state’s legislative session. (The legislature in New Mexico is part time. In 2017, the regular legislative session ran from January 17 to March 18.)

In the end, Linda did get the state’s Move Over law to acknowledge towers in its scope, and following in an amazingly rapid response (for legislative issues), highway signs about the updated law are already going up around the state.

For her ability to lead this effort— on an extremely tight deadline—to gain tow operators wider acceptance as first responders and change a law in their favor, American Towman proudly names Linda Unruh its 2018 Towman of the Year.

to Johnny Johnson, managing director of the New Mexico Trucking Association (which includes tow companies in its purview.)

“Johnny has done a lot for towers in New Mexico,” Linda said. Though trucking companies are the majority of NMTA members, she said he’s been emphasizing Move Over regarding

Bobby’s Law

towers working the white line to the state’s transporters for years.

“He started calling people and there was a domino effect,” Linda said. Her cause began to grow because the people they called would call others in to the fight.

“I went to social media to increase output, including my personal Face-

Continued on p. 32 ...

Gov. Susana Martinez signed New Mexico Senate Bill 76, known as “Bobby’s Law,” into effect on April 6, 2017.

The bill, named after towman Bobby Unruh, expanded the requirement of the state’s Move Over law to apply to stopped recovery or repair vehicles that are displaying flashing hazard lights. Bobby was killed on Feb. 19 while attempting to tow a commercial vehicle.

“Every operator of a motor vehicle in the state of New Mexico is charged with the civil duty to exercise due care,” said Linda Unruh.

The governor’s office said, “With this bill, it’s now crystal clear that motorists cannot drive in a lane adjacent to a vehicle on the side of the road with its lights flashing. By doing so, we’re better protecting our emergency responders and tow truck drivers.”

New Mexico State Capitol

Not Alone Like any great leader, Linda realized immediately that she would need help against the high stakes and closing window of opportunity.

“I immediately started strategizing on these goals, because I knew there was not a lot of time,” she said. “I brought others in just the same, to give voice to the fight.”

One of her first calls, crying, was Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 31

April 6, 2017, just more than six weeks after his death.

Signs, Spirit Ride

Fellow New Mexican tow bosses Eric and Crystal Luchini, of Luchini’s Towing in Las Cruces, with Linda Unruh (center) during Festival Night at the 2017 American Towman Expo in Baltimore, Maryland, last November.

... continued from p. 31 book, tagging politicians, the governor. … It spread like wildfire,” she said. “Towers don’t like to get along. … But when you find people with the same cause, dreams and goals, sometimes you have to get along and the others will follow.”

Linda hired several women to work in the office making calls, and continued to reach out to other towers whether in New Mexico or not. She said it wasn’t long before towers from other states began calling; lawmakers heard from Colorado, Utah, Arizona and further away … even as far as Poland.

“This effort early on was referred to as ‘Bobby’s Law,’ and then I hung onto that,” Linda said. “We called the governor’s office with that [phrase].

“I took my sons pictures from the service and from his funeral and his kids and responders with their heads 32 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

bowed. ... it impacted the whole state.

It was a loss that didn’t have to happen. ‘Bobby didn’t have to die.’ That was the catch,” Linda said.

With all those people calling state lawmakers, it still took further effort to get the bill to succeed. On the tight deadline, the bill still got bogged down in different offices. Linda had to stay on top of its whereabouts to get it to its ETA. “We only had so much time. We followed up: Was [the bill] on the floor yet? Was it out of committees?”

Linda said they had to follow it from legislator to legislator and keep it moving.

“It was perseverance, just like you need in towing,” Linda said. “You have to endure. ... I may have been the leader, but it took us all.”

New Mexico Senate Bill 76, known as “Bobby’s Law,” was signed into effect by Gov. Susana Martinez on

Linda believes the American Towman Spirit Ride has helped her cause in the state too, after Bobby’s Law was passed. The highway signs already going up is an indication of that.

“I did not expect to get the signs up as quick as we did,” Linda said.

“Nobody works in a hurry when it comes to state politics. There are always excuses; money, whatever it is.

“But when you can approach politicians about your family on the white line, and ask, ‘Help me save lives that don’t need to be taken.’ That was always our approach.

“I think that during all this time, the Spirit Ride had a big impact. Before Bobby, I don’t think Spirit was intended for New Mexico, but rerouted for [this cause],” Linda said.

(The Spirit Ride went through New Mexico in August.)

“I believe the impact of the Spirit casket here, and Bobby, and surrounding states wanting to help make change made the difference,” she said.

“To get people to move, you have to be the movement. I was the movement. That casket was the movement.

“I believe all of our spirits will ride from here—will it ever be done? I hand it to Steve [Calitri] in so many different ways,” Linda said, for spearheading the huge national campaign on behalf of towers’ safety.

“The Spirit Ride expresses compassion and love for each other and in the end how all of the towers have to come together through that memorial casket.

“I earned it in a way that truly was through God’s grace and my faith to be here today and loving the people in our industry and have a purpose of safety. My whole life is about safety. I didn’t realize I’d lose my son to it, but it’s also a purpose that I couldn’t change.”

Editor Brendan Dooley joined AT in January 2011 after serving as the editor of two magazines covering the auto repair industry. His experience includes hard news on daily newspapers and editorial leadership at vintage motorcycle and car magazines.

AD INDEX January 2018

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4 State Trucks (Bawer Tool Boxes) 25 Access Tools 35 Advantage Funding 41 Akins Body & Carrier Sales 43 American Safety & Supply 27 American Wrecker Sales N 59 Atlanta Wrecker Sales S 61 Atlantic Emergency Solutions N 61 AT ShowPlace Las Vegas 51 AutoReturn 17 Austin Hinds Motors S 59 Beacon Software 23 B & Z Sales S 62 Blust Sales & Service M 60 Casanova Towing Equipment W 64 Chelsea Division of Parker 37 Chevron Commercial 50 Crouch’s Wrecker Equip. & Sales 39 CTech Manufacturing N 59, M 61 Danco 47 Deep South Wrecker Sales 37 Driveline Buddy M 61 Dual-Tech Wreckers & Carriers 45 Eartec 44 eimpound.com 26 Elizabeth Truck Center 41 34 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

To receive free information on products and services from our advertisers go to www.TowExtra.com Page#

Environmental Chemical Solutions 26 Florida Wrecker Sales S 63 FlowStop S 61 Futura Trailers 45 Ginn Carrier & Wrecker Sales 47 G. Stone Commercial N 63 Hino of Fort Pierce Florida 44 Intek Truck Eq. Finance & Lease 50 Jerr-Dan Corp.

7 Kenworth of South Florida 22 Lift & Tow 22 Len Zermenos 42 Manufacturer Express 21 Matjack Jumbo Safelift 67 Miller Industries 2, 3 McMahon Truck Center M 63 New England Truckmaster N 60 New England Wrecker Sales N 61 North American BanCard 13 Northeast Wrecker Sales N 63, S 60 NRC Industries 33 OMG National N S M W, 64 Pacific General Insurance Agency M 60 Prime Industries S 62 Progressive Commercial 15 PWOF 28, 29

Page#

Renew Truck Body N 62 Rick's Truck & Equipment M 59 Rochester Truck N 62 Sanderson Truck Equipment 21 Santander Bank 68 Sea Crest Insurance Agency W 61 Select Truck & Equipment M 62 Sheffield Towing 5 Smyrna Truck Center S 59 Spill Tackle S 63 Tipton Sales & Parts M 62 Towbook Management Software 11 Tow Industries W 60 TowMate 27, 48 Transfer Flow 34 Triple K Industries 40 Tri-State Trailer Sales N 60, M 59 Truck Body Sales W 60 Urgent.ly 38 Utility Trailer Sales S.E.TX W 59 Weego 23 West End Service N 64 WorldClass Insurance Service W 59 Worldwide Equipment 49 Worldwide Equipment Sales W 61

Tow Operators and PTSD

by Randall C. Resch

I

n September 1978, Pacific Southwest Airlines Flight 182 collided with a small Cessna aircraft above a residential area of San Diego, California; both planes plummeted into the homes below from some 3,000 ft. above.

We responded to the North Park community after a police radio crackled a report that at 9:02 a.m., jet fuel and flames were washing over the houses throughout two entire blocks of this sleepy neighborhood. Seismographs at nearby Balboa Park registered the impact of Flight 182 as it hit the pavement at more than 300 mph.

Fast forward to my unit’s arrival: I was a young police officer working as an EMT, but our medical services weren’t needed. All 135 passengers aboard the Boeing 727 were killed, as were the Cessna’s trainee pilot, his instructor, and seven more people on the ground including two toddlers at a day care. Instead of medical service, we were assigned to an inside walking team retrieving body remnants within the fuel-soaked carnage. For three days, I picked up body parts; tagging and bagging each piece destined for a makeshift morgue.

The PSA Flight 182 crash was my first experience in mass carnage. Now, 40 years later, I still remember what I saw; as I write this, I can still smell the Jet A1 fuel. Although PSA Flight 182 was a lifetime ago, it seems like it happened only yesterday.

I went on to a law enforcement career and now have responded to countless accidents, incidents and homicides. After 50 years working in first-responder careers, I oftentimes recall various images, but I’ve been able to keep those memories from getting the better of me.

36 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

On July 8, 2017, newbie tow operator Aaron Palacios crashed head on into a wrong-way driver on San Diego’s

Interstate 5. The horrific crash resulted in Aaron being burned on more than 50 percent of his body as he made a courageous attempt to pull the wrongway driver from his burning vehicle.

Aaron’s crash is a prime example of the need for immediate medical and mental intervention. His recovery is only the beginning. Recently, Aaron told me that his company owner, coworkers and an outpouring of kindness from strangers have helped him all the way. Aaron’s story is an incredible example of the need for mental healing as he goes forward in his towing career.

PTSD I’ve spent 25 years writing and teaching about industry fatalities and come to realize enough is enough.

Recognizing that you could be suffering in your own personal pain is an important step to dealing with PostTraumatic Stress Disorder.

PTSD is at the heart of towers being part of the first-responder network. It is a serious disease with potential to manifest into long-term

mental disorders disrupting your inner peace that disturbing your daily routine.

While most will relate PTSD to soldiers returning home from war zones, PTSD is far broader than that; tow operators aren’t immune to its reach. PTSD is commonly defined as a mental health condition resulting from experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event with symptoms including flashbacks, severe anxiety, nightmares and more.

According to the National Center for PTSD, “As many as seven or eight out of every one hundred people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.”

In October 2017, a command fire administrator committed suicide in Florida, allegedly having posted a Facebook message regarding his struggle with PTSD. A spokesperson for the sheriff’s department stated that a battalion chief called 911 detailing where deputies could find his body. Deputies responded to a wooded area a short distance away from the highway where the chief drove to a remote area and shot himself.

A follow-up article by the International Association of Firefighters stated, “PTSD is a serious and chronic condition that can ruin the careers of firefighters and paramedics, destroy families, and jeopardize the public and firefighters’ safety. According to the Journal of Occupational Health, approximately 20 percent of firefighters and paramedics have PTSD.1.”

(The article didn’t mention towers.)

A 2015 Florida State University study on PTSD for firefighters claimed, “Nearly half of fire fighters surveyed (46.8 percent) have thought about suicide, 19.2 percent had suicide plans and 15.5 percent had made suicide attempts. In fact, those with PTSD

Continued on p. 38 ...

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 37

... continued from p. 36 are six times more likely to attempt suicide compared to demographically matched controls.”

Towers work alongside other first responders and frequently are exposed to the injuries and dying of others. While the rigors and mental dangers aren’t typically explained to applicants, new towers may work fatality crashes in their first days of hire only to find they’re not mentally suited or prepared. To date, there’s little to no industry training regarding PTSD and towers, yet the need for training and awareness should be a regular topic for workplace safety meetings.

Feeling Vulnerable Not every traumatized person develops chronic or even short-term PTSD. For tow operators working fatal accidents, some may easily sweep their experiences under the proverbial carpet and don’t suffer symptoms of PTSD. For those that do suffer PTSD,

38 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

usually the symptoms begin early— within months of a traumatic incident—but may not manifest until years afterward. Only when symptoms are severe and last more than a month are they considered PTSDrelated; the course of the illness varies.

The condition may become chronic and develop into greater cases of depression leading to suicidal tendencies. Repeating symptoms may include: • Flashbacks of traumatic memories, including physical symptoms like increased heartbeat or sweating.

• Nightmares.

• Frightening thoughts.

Repeated symptoms may cause problems in a person’s everyday routine, beginning from the person’s own thoughts and feelings. Words, objects or situations that are reminders of the event may trigger symptoms. These re-occurring indicators are called “Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms.”

They include: • Being easily startled.

• Feeling tense or on edge.

• Difficulty sleeping.

• Outbursts of anger.

ARS are usually constant and typically make a person feel stressed or angry. ARS impact the daily routine and may interrupt sleep, appetite or even just basic focus and concentration. Other mood keys to look for include: • Trouble remembering key features of traumatic events.

• Negative thoughts about yourself or the world.

• Distorted feelings like guilt or blame.

• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities.

• Work and family don’t matter.

What to Do I’m no mental health professional, but I’ve received first-responder training and counseling that has helped me when I’m faced with distressing recovery scenarios or traffic fatalities.

I’ve learned to cope by disassociating the mechanics of traffic fatalities by

Continued on p. 40 ...

... continued from p. 38 changing the way I view accidents and scenarios. I’ve become able to totally immerse myself in the work and tasks by focusing on the incident and not that of injury, death, or onscene carnage.

PTSD is a bonifide injury and can be long term. Tow operators, and company management must recognize they have responsibilities in confronting PTSD without delay. Reading this alone and being aware of PTSD is not the solution. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with symptoms or behavioral changes in yourself, you should consider professional assistance. … If you can’t shake your depressed feelings, I urge you to seek immediate professional help.

Tow operators: Don’t think you’re too macho or too street savvy to not be affected by PTSD. Everyone needs a little help once in a while; the easiest form of de-stressing is simply talking with someone. Talk with your coworkers or supervisors. Talk about the events and what you’re feeling vs. hiding them away. If you have anxiety, depression or anything beyond your norm, let someone know you’re having issues.

Owners and managers: Be proactive. The first step in helping employees de-stress symptoms of PTSD must

be immediate—have an immediate, yet informal, conversation with employees. I’ve had towers tell me, “When you try and talk; for someone who hasn’t been there or seen the things you have, or, they haven’t experienced it … they don’t understand.”

That’s an honest, yet sad, observation.

When it’s known that they’ve worked a fatality, meet with that employee and let them share their experiences without interruption.

Offer sympathy while tuning into their behaviors. Look for outward signs or symptoms of depression, negativity or urgency. Offer your total support, even if it means lending them a shoulder to cry on or giving them a couple days away to decompress.

By making it a point to discuss what towers are feeling, owners can help prevent an employee’s long-term mental injury. PTSD in tow operators is an end product of working in a firstresponder environment.

The bottom line: If you need help, ask for it. It’s not a sign of weakness.

PTSD hurts.

Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer and veteran tow business owner, manager, consultant and trainer. He writes for TowIndustryWeek.com and American Towman, is a member of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and recipient of the Dave Jones Leadership Award. Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.

Palmer Takes Helm at Fuso Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America (mitfuso.com) recently promoted Justin Palmer to president/CEO. Palmer has spent the last two years at FUSO as its director of business operations. In that post, he was responsible for strategic business planning, and developing and managing organization improvement processes.

“We look forward to a prosperous future for FUSO under his leadership,” said Michael Kamper, senior VP/head of sales & marketing at Daimler Trucks Asia and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp.

Stertil-Koni Adds Marketing Associate Stertil-Koni (stertil-koni.com) recently announced that Nathan Wright has joined the company as a Marketing Associate.

Wright brings seven years of experience in marketing, including trade show coordination, advertising, web content, brand development, and marketing campaigns.

Lodar PWM Soft Control Lodar (lodar.com) suggests companies set to order a new truck should consider upgrading to a higher specification of radio control like its PWN Soft Control.

Unlike other PWM systems, Lodar uses its normal transmitter with a receiver that is pre-programmed that allows each function to be set as required. The few seconds at the beginning and end of each function are “softened,” removing the harsh actions of momentary systems.

The relevant software can be downloaded from the Lodar website.

The PWM software cannot alter the interlocks that are set as standard, it just controls the PWM valves.

40 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 41

Miller Industries Supports Komen Affiliate Miller Industries (millerind.com) produced a custom-built bright pink Century 3212CX wrecker on a Kenworth T440 chassis from MHC Kenworth of Chattanooga (Tennessee) to raise awareness for breast cancer during the month of October.

The truck was on display at events in the greater Chattanooga area as part of a partnership with the regional Susan G. Komen Foundation affiliate to raise awareness for their annual Komen Chattanooga Race for the Cure event and promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Believe it or not, a big, bright pink tow truck attracts a lot of attention when going down the road.” said Todd Harless, marketing manager for Miller Industries. “For this reason, we thought the truck would be a great resource to help the local Susan G.

42 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Komen affiliate promote their annual Chattanooga race and raise awareness for breast cancer.”

In addition to the pink tow truck being used to promote the race, Miller

Industries plans to contribute $10,350 to the Susan G. Komen Central Tennessee affiliate with funds raised through its WeTow charity tow-hook bracelet program launched earlier this year.

Navistar OnCommand Predicts Parts Failure Navistar International Corp. (navistar.com) recently announced a number of advancements to its OnCommand Connection platform, including OnCommand Connection Live Action Plans, a feature that is expected to predict when a part is going to fail before it actually does.

When certain adverse conditions are identified on a vehicle, OnCommand Connection would provide the customer with alerts about potential corrective actions, the potential repair, the parts needed and the training required to make the repair.

If the repair is performed as instructed and the vehicle is under warranty, Navistar would pay for the repair.

PERC Adds to Video Testimonial Series The Propane Education & Research Council (propane.com) has added to its Straight Talk video series, an online collection of videos that let viewers hear directly from the fleet owners and managers who use propane autogas vehicles.

The six new videos include testimonials from municipalities saving money for taxpayers, a transportation company reducing fuel costs and school districts solving the frustrations that come with operating older diesel buses in cold weather.

“Propane autogas is incredibly versatile as a fuel for any size or type of fleet, with both OEM and aftermarket certified fuel systems that can accommodate many of a fleet’s existing or new vehicles, from sedans, light-duty vans and pickups, to medium-duty work trucks and school buses,” said Michael Taylor, PERC director of autogas business development.

“We want these videos to allow fleet owners and managers to visualize the experiences they could have by using clean, cost-effective propane autogas.”

Ramsey Receives Equity Investment Ramsey Industries (ramseyindustries.com) received a significant capital investment from Norwest Equity Partners (nep.com) that closed in November.

Ramsey is comprised of three wholly-owned branded subsidiaries, Auto Crane, Eskridge, and Ramsey Winch.

Ramsey operates two modern facilities; one in Tulsa, Oklahoma, serving as corporate headquarters and production facility for both Auto Crane and Ramsey Winch, and one in Olathe, Kansas, where Eskridge products are manufactured.

“On behalf of the entire Ramsey team, we are thrilled to partner with NEP for the next phase of our growth,” said John Celoni, Ramsey CEO. “NEP has a long standing reputation for not only successful investments but continued advancement and implementation of strategic initiatives for its portfolio companies.”

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 45

Where Is 2018 Headed?

The U.S. economy is stronger than it has been in 10 years. Automobile sales are skyrocketing and the used car market is stronger than ever. More money flowing from the lending community means more recovery assignments.

by Mark Lacek

I

lobbied the editor to title this month’s column, “Repossession Agencies Fear the Worst!,” but he’s too serious and sober in presentation and has this thing against exclamation points … especially in headlines!

Anyway, despite whatever he decides to run, I will spice up that headline with some truths to unfold throughout 2018.

Insurance costs will continue to rise especially for those agents without sound hiring, training and risk mitigation. Lawsuits have skyrocketed; the most common litigation magnet is an agent’s failure to abide by the “breach of peace” law. Untrained, or impatient, repossessors across America are continuing to use strong-arm tactics during repossessions. The difference between a “repoman” and a “Recovery Agent” is the training you

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receive and employ. That thug you see on the TV is not a recovery agent.

Repossession asset management companies control the majority of the nation’s recovery assignments. Recovery agencies that fail to comply with federal- or client-mandate guidelines will be dropped from the RMC agent networks. Expect GPS and video tracking to monitor driver/agent behavior will become more prevalent. Training, compliance and agent monitoring are expenses many repossession agencies will not endure.

Technology will continue to improve processes and create more efficiencies for both lenders and agents. Agents who embrace technology will be the leaders in the space.

Repossession software providers offer more than just mapping. Agents in the field can receive recovery assign-

ments, send condition reports, provide updates, maximize routes and much more. If you are not signed up with a proven software provider, chances are your company will stagger.

Certification and training will become a mandatory requirement by all of the lenders. In 2017, Santander (among other lenders) mandated all agents working a recovery account be certified through the Certified Asset Recovery Specialist coursework.

Assignment forwarding companies are now requiring certification. I am a CARS-certified repossessor. With more than 80 percent of recovery assignments funneling through some type of assignment center, those who are not certified and compliant will be removed from agent networks.

Continued on p. 48...

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 47

... continued from p. 46 The battle between the recovery trade associations will continue. The big three—Time Finance Adjusters, American Recovery Association and Allied Finance Adjusters—will claim unity, although behind the scenes is a battle unlike any other. For many years, the three have chosen to compete instead of finding a way to work together. Once powerful, the groups failed to keep up with technology. They failed to create their own forwarding collective, thus opening the doors for outside RMC to control the assignments. As membership continues to decline, these once-strong trade groups will continue to cannibalize each other.

By the year’s end, one will die.

Educating staff as well as repossession agents will be a must. Staffers not familiar with consumer protection laws will risk litigation. Third-party disclosure lawsuits will rise because of non-trained office personal. Agencies who fail to train staff will go out of business.

Recovery agent certification and compliance will be the biggest issue

The oldest rule is the most true: The safest repossession is when there is no confrontation whatsoever with anyone. in 2018. Sub-standard training programs will continue to be introduced to the recovery industry (the “rubberstamp certification compliance” programs: send in your money and get your diploma in the mail). Do your homework, don’t be a sucker.

Good News For those agencies who jumped into the new year with a certified training and compliance program, business will boom. The U.S. economy

is stronger than it has been in 10 years. Most get it wrong when they believe a strong economy means fewer repossessions. The fact is, a stronger economy relates to less-stringent lending policies.

More money flowing from the lending community equates to more recovery assignments. We have seen automobile sales skyrocket. The used car market is stronger than ever. Commercial vehicle sales are on the rise, and manufacturing is finally driving unemployment levels lower. More people working means more auto sales; 2018 will be a record year for automobile repossessions.

Recovery agents are smarter, there have never been more certified repossessors on the streets. I believe there will be fewer lawsuits because of this.

A properly certified recovery agent will make better decisions with safety first.

Any way you look at it, the job of repossessing a car is dangerous. Most often the danger is in the decisions made prior to and during the repossession process by the agent. The oldest rule is the most true: The safest repossession is when there is no confrontation whatsoever with anyone.

To accomplish this, the agent must choose the correct moment to hook to the car and tow it away. Stealth is certainly your friend, but timing is just as important. Choose the right moment.

Wait until there is no one who will object to the repo is in sight of the car.

Be certain the car’s registered owner is not sitting on the front porch. Make sure there is not a child in the back seat. Be certain the neighbor will not interfere with your actions.

There are so many variables for the agent to look out for before hooking to the asset and last, but certainly not least, become a certified recovery agent ... your life may depend on it.

Be safe.

Repo Editor Mark Lacek authored the Certified Commercial Recovery Agent certification program and has more than 30 years of recovery experience.

He is the former editor of “Professional Repossessor” magazine. Email him at Mark@commercialassetsolutions.com.

48 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Open Records Outs Mayor’s Car The Sunshine Law is turning out to be very inconvenient for the mayor of Riviera Beach, Florida. The state’s open government law requires notice for all public meetings, letting anybody know where and when they will be held.

For Mayor Thomas Masters, this just means tipping off the repo man.

Masters had his 2014 Subaru repossessed during an October city council meeting. There he was, inside, presiding over the meeting, while Strong Recovery was outside putting his car on the hook and driving away with an involuntary repossession of a vehicle on behalf of a lien holder.

“One, it was a personal matter,” Masters told Tony Doris of The Palm Beach Post. “Two, it was a misunderstanding. Three, we were able to straighten it out within a few hours.”

Masters blamed the repossession on a hurricane the previous month and his trip to China.

Source: mypalmbeachpost.com.

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OVER 170 EXHIBITORS!

Spirit Ride Magic Spirit Riders Express What it All Meant

by Steve Callitri

T

he towers who organized a Spirit Ride in their hometowns got out of it what they put into it. Bob McGann pulled his competitors into the event and achieved a procession through downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, of 100 wreckers and other emergency service vehicles, with a full police escort.

“I could have had 100 police vehicles as well,” said McGann, “if I had had the space for them.” With speakers from the state police and public safety department addressing the Spirit Ride Ceremony at McGann’s tow yard—and first responders on hand from all the emergency services—the event was memorable.

“We got a good amount of publicity from it, “ said McGann, including a feature article in the Pittsburgh PostGazette. “I believe it has had an impact on the motoring public from what we’ve seen.”

Bringing together all the emergency services for the event has had an impact of its own. They all shared in the core mission: to promote public awareness of the Move Over law. But no one was keener on this mission than McGann. In 2000, one of his drivers was killed by a passing vehicle as he worked the roadside. The day before he hosted the Spirit Ride, another driver was clipped and hospitalized. The brother of another of his drivers was killed in Lancaster a few months later.

“What’s needed is a national driver’s test on safety, one that covers Slow Down and Move Over,” he said.

Will Arndt, owner of Arndt’s Recovery Solutions in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, still feels the effects of his Ride’s media coverage.

“Until this day, I still have people coming up to me saying, ‘Hey, you’re

52 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

McGann and Chester’s co-owner Bill Chester and his daughter, Kasey, along with Mike Corbin (red shirt) during the staging of the Spirit Ride Ceremony.

the guy that was on TV speaking on the Spirit Ride!’ As far as spreading awareness, it works. For us to be a part of something like that was great for us. The Spirit Ride took the concept of the Move Over laws to whole new level.”

Putting the tow business owner in the spotlight before TV cameras can have a powerful effect on both the speaker and the viewing public. Arndt and scores of others had the opportunity to speak to the cameras about the dangers towers face and the law designed to protect them. A professional spokesperson could not have been more effective.

In Las Cruces, New Mexico, Eric Luchini, owner of Luchini’s Towing & Recovery, brought together police, fire and EMS professionals for a memorable Spirit Ride, highlighted by the town fire department’s axe-wielding color guard and the playing of “Taps” following the ceremonial blessing of

the Fallen, which was broadcast on television news in the area.

“The Ride had an impact on how the police and fire departments, even EMS, look at us,” Luchini said. “As towers we have always considered ourselves First Responders. Now they too consider us as First Responders.

Since the event I have noticed this difference in how they regard us.”

The Ride also had a big impact on the people who make up his company.

According to Luchini, the event boosted their safety awareness and their pride as towing professionals.

In 2017, Spirit Riders relayed “Spirit” in 140 towns and cities, making a positive impact on how towing professionals are perceived by the public and all first responders. The Ride will engage in fundraising activities through the winter months with the goal of continuing along the 2018 route in the spring.

Founding Sponsors

Sponsors Contribute to the Spirit Ride at www.ATSpiritRide.com

Anonymous

AMERICAN TOWMAN

Carnaghi Towing & Repair

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 53

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The California Tow Truck Assn. presents INTRO TO TOWING. A new 5-part online course for towing beginners and new hires!

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Students will receive a certificate of completion, and company owners are able to track their progress!

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54 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

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To Advertise In Towman’s Market Call 800-732-3869 Ellen Rosengart x 203 erosengart@towman.com Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 55

The Green Machine

by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

O

wned and operated by John and Tracy Brinkley, Brinkley’s Wrecker Service is a towing, wrecker service and repair business located in Suffolk, Virginia. Their services include local and long-distance towing, recovery, RV and motorcycle towing, road service and more. Auto and truck repairs from light- to heavy-duty are done on site. Interstate tractor-trailer breakdowns are their specialty.

John had approximately 10 years of experience in the business before opening Brinkley’s in 2005 as a truck tire repair business. He was formerly employed at his grandfather’s automotive and wrecker service. John is certified in light- to heavy-duty towing and recovery and hybrid vehicle awareness, he is an active member of

56 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Tech Highlights N i c k n a m e : The Green Machine.

Chassis: 2018 Peterbilt 389.

Wrecker: 2018 Jerr-Dan HDR1000 60-ton rotator.

Engine: Cummins ISX15.

Trans Allison 4500 RDS. Winches: Main boom (2), auxiliary (2), drag winch.

Builder: Jerr-Dan. Graphics: Razor Wraps and Graphics.

various wrecker associations and is constantly striving to improve the towing industry.

Brinkley’s fleet of seven trucks is highlighted by “The Green Machine,” the 2018 Peterbilt 389/2018 Jerr-Dan

HDR1000 60-ton rotator pictured here that took first place in the rotator class at the 2017 American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Green Machine has a Cummins ISX15 560-hp engine mated to an Allison 4500 RDS transmission to give it the get up and go. This 60-ton rotator has a full battery of DP winches to handle the lift and pull: two main boom 50,000-lbs. winches, two auxiliary 20,000-lbs. winches and a 50,000-lbs. drag winch.

“We had it designed around our company colors of black, green and yellow,” John said. “It took four days for the unit to be wrapped.” The black body with green accents came painted from Jerr-Dan. All wraps and designs were done by Razor Wraps and Graphics out of Fredricksburg, Virgina.

The Green Machine features a sixhead Will-Burt LED night scan tower, Samson synthetic rope, MatJack highpressure air cushions and Sonetics headsets. All lights on the truck are dual revolution and can alternate between DOT compliant red/amber lights to green to match the company colors with just the flip of a switch.

“Atlantic Emergency Solutions was our dealer on this unit. There were a lot of people involved on this build. …

Richard Guttman Jr. spent many hours with us going back and forth on the unit. Andrew Stevens was in charge of the chassis and helping to customize the unit, from all the green lighting, to stainless steel accents, custom front bumper, to adding our name back-lit in the boom, and all the other little things in between,” John said.

“We also need to give credit to Jim Winslow at Custom Vehicle Solutions for installing all the lights and chrome.

Marcus Messier and all the guys at Atlantic Emergency had a lot of time involved in getting this unit ordered and delivered to us. They did a great job and were very supportive. We

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

made several trips with Danny Drewry to Pennsylvania to Jerr-Dan, making sure everything was just right.

“It hasn’t performed any memorable jobs yet, but the unit has performed flawlessly, so far,” John said.

“It has completed tractor and trailer rollovers and numerous lifting jobs.

The unit is very versatile, not only as a recovery unit, but as an everyday tow truck. It is used daily as a crane.

“It is also very eye-catching and is a valuable marketing tool for our company. It catches attention everywhere it goes and people always want to take pictures of it and with it.”

Jim “Buck” Sorrenti, a longtime editor of American Towman, has been our field editor for the past few years. He is a freelance writer and photographer with more than 40 years of experience covering motorcycle, hot rod, truck and towing culture. He writes weekly for TowIndustryWeek.com.

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • 57

A Dress in the Towman’s Closet Warning: This writing may contain unidentified satire and dry humor.

by Steve Calitri

I

n today’s politically correct (PC) world, the title of this magazine should be anything but American Towman: Tow Person, Tow Boss, Tow Bot, or anything else gender neutral.

And certainly you cannot have a woman as a “Towman of the Year.” But we did.

My answer to the PC crowd who would criticize this choice of words would center on the term “mankind,” and the acrobatic capabilities of the English language. Those using the term, humankind, and fanatically looking for alternatives to “woman” will not appreciate any argument for the employ of words with multifaceted nuance.

So let me just say I like words that are used with creative intent and the flexibility of how the listener or reader infers the meaning.

That is to say, the reader, any reader, understands that we are not calling Linda Unruh a man, or a woman, when giving her the title Towman of the Year. Neither are we choosing a sexual distinction as we would be if using the title, Tow Woman of the Year.

No, the reader understands that the title suggests the highest of honors associated with our magazine and our industry. There’s no need to get gender neutral (or gender specific). The reader understands. Just as they understand how women use the term “guys” when referring to gals. Linda Unruh achieved this high honor by her

58 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

actions and calling her Tow Woman of the Year may signal the uninitiated that the honor has a female category.

The fact is, Linda has owned and operated one of New Mexico’s finest towing companies for some 30 years.

She has succeeded through hard work, grit, determination and intelligence.

That she lobbied her state’s legislature and got “Bobby’s Law” passed in 19 days’ time—19 days after her son was killed on the roadside—is a herculean achievement by any measure. Forgive me that Hercules was a man.

Now I don’t know if Linda would

prefer we used the term Tow Woman of the Year to the traditional title we use.

You’ll probably find out the answer to that in next month’s Lowdown. Nor do I know if Linda identifies herself as a tow woman or a towman, or perhaps both.

These days there’s a lot of gender confusion being reported. Fact is, regardless of appearances, there’s some male and female in all of us.

I am sure, however, Linda identifies herself as a tow boss, and as simply Linda, a tour de force that would be hard for any Sigmund Freud to analyze.

And in some way she identifies herself as a towman, a term understood by all of us as gender neutral. God granted her her sex so we see no need to spell it out.

We don’t talk about sex here, this is a trade magazine! To ply this trade successfully one operates not as a man or woman, but as a 24/7 human hybrid.

If the PC reader sees all these arguments failing miserably then maybe he or she will accept the argument of tradition, or branding, or tooold-to-change, and that it just makes plain sense to play to our loyal readers, who love the title of this magazine.

Editors Note: Send your comments to: scalitri@towman.com

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • NORTH 59

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • NORTH 61

Rotation, Parking Changes for Towers The Southaven (Mississippi) Board recently voted to make amendments to the city’s policies regarding towing services doing work for the city.

Services that are part of the rotation used when towing is requested by the city can now apply to add another service to that rotation, as long as they are separate companies with separate addresses, even if they are owned by the same person.

In the past, some services have found loopholes to “work the system” and get more towing calls, Mayor Darren Musselwhite said.

“There were some that attempted to get more spots in the rotation, so they would put up a temporary sign and get two hats into the rotation, but they were not two companies,” Musselwhite said. “This is for someone owning two legitimate companies with two different locations.”

In a related matter, aldermen approved another amendment that would allow for trucks to be parked in front of the driver’s residence when they were on call for the city under the rotation. The trucks would have to have a sticker to indicate that they were home in case they were called up, since trucks in the rotation are required to be at an accident scene within 20 minutes of being called.

The trucks cannot be parked in one location for more than 24 hours, however, or could be considered a nuisance if neighbors call to complain.

Commercial trucks are otherwise not allowed to park in residential neighborhoods in Southaven.

“This was a situation that demanded a compromise,” said Musselwhite about the ordinance amendment. “Commercial vehicles are not attractive in neighborhoods, however our city is not big enough to have a wrecker service open 24 hours. That’s what leads to a need for them to have access to a wrecker to meet the time requirements.”

Source: desototimes.com.

NORTH 62 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • SOUTH 61

Rotation, Parking Changes for Towers The Southaven (Mississippi) Board recently voted to make amendments to the city’s policies regarding towing services doing work for the city.

Services that are part of the rotation used when towing is requested by the city can now apply to add another service to that rotation, as long as they are separate companies with separate addresses, even if they are owned by the same person.

In the past, some services have found loopholes to “work the system” and get more towing calls, Mayor Darren Musselwhite said.

“There were some that attempted to get more spots in the rotation, so they would put up a temporary sign and get two hats into the rotation, but they were not two companies,” Musselwhite said. “This is for someone owning two legitimate companies with two different locations.”

In a related matter, aldermen approved another amendment that would allow for trucks to be parked in front of the driver’s residence when they were on call for the city under the rotation. The trucks would have to have a sticker to indicate that they were home in case they were called up, since trucks in the rotation are required to be at an accident scene within 20 minutes of being called.

The trucks cannot be parked in one location for more than 24 hours, however, or could be considered a nuisance if neighbors call to complain.

Commercial trucks are otherwise not allowed to park in residential neighborhoods in Southaven.

“This was a situation that demanded a compromise,” said Musselwhite about the ordinance amendment. “Commercial vehicles are not attractive in neighborhoods, however our city is not big enough to have a wrecker service open 24 hours. That’s what leads to a need for them to have access to a wrecker to meet the time requirements.”

Source: desototimes.com.

SOUTH 62 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Truckers Protest ELD Mandate A new rule aimed at protecting drivers on the highway could do exactly the opposite. Truck drivers recently gathered across the nation to protest the new “ELD Mandate” scheduled to take effect Dec. 18. The mandate requires truckers to install an electronic logging device in their trucks to monitor driving time.

However, truckers say that the mandate actually gives them less time to sleep, and requires drivers to “beat the clock” to meet time restrictions.

“We are over 100,000 drivers strong on this and we are willing to stand up, take time out of our day and say, ‘No, we’re not going to do this,’ ” said Cindy Marshall, a truck driver. “Enough is enough. We believe this strongly that we will stop our trucks if that’s what we have to do.”

According to a newscast in Boca Raton, Florida, a report on an accident showed just how dangerous a tired driver is behind the wheel. A semi smashed through a retaining wall of an overpass, killing a responding tower. The driver of the semi was cited for driving beyond the allowed hour limits, and driving while fatigued.

Source: cbs12.com.

Happy New Year!

Hundreds Honor Murdered Towman Hundreds of people poured into Steven Combs’ funeral in St. Louis, Missouri; he was shot and killed while washing a friend’s car in late November. Police released surveillance video of the moments leading up to his death.

He left behind 14 children, many who will now grow up with little to no memories of who their father was.

The tow trucking community came out in full force to pay homage and support to Combs’ family.

“One big family, we all tried to stick together, help each other when-

Continued on p. S 64 ...

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • SOUTH 63

... continued from p. S 63 ever we can,” said Jeffrey Schultz of Asset Towing.

Combs’ love for the business gave his son the idea to let him take one last ride.

Combs’ nephew Jeffrey was driving the tow truck that was carrying the tow truck Steven Combs drove for years.

“Kind of got emotional loading it,” he said.

Investigators said Combs was washing a car when the suspect walked up to him and shot him at point blank range, in broad daylight.

Police are hoping the surveillance video can lead to an arrest.

Source: ksdk.com.

Fallen Towman Remembered An event was held on Dec. 10 to remember an Alabama tow operator killed last December, and create awareness of the Move Over law.

Family, friends and the towing community gathered to remember

John Hubbard, who was killed helping a motorist change a tire.

“My best friend, big brother … one person you could always go to,” said Hubbard’s brother, Jason.

“He was an awesome person who always wanted to help people … he never judged the book by the cover he didn’t care where you came from he was the guy that just helped,” said another brother, Jared.

Hubbard worked for Wesley Passmore for five years as a tow truck operator.

“We miss him we love him we wish we had him back; we know he’s looking down and smiling right now,” said Passmore.

Passmore also asked motorists to be cautious.

“We need people to understand how dangerous it is on the side of the road [and] how dangerous our jobs are between not only the wrecker drivers, but police and first responders, the police officers,” said Passmore.

Source: wiat.com.

SOUTH 64 •January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Smart Recognized

by Who's Who Judy M. Smart, owner and president of Roadrunner Towing and Recovery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Transportation.

Smart’s late husband, James, founded Roadrunner Towing and Recovery in 1969; she took over the business after his death in 2001. Having grown substantially under her leadership, Roadrunner has expanded into a successful fleet of 15 trucks and includes a newly opened second location.

Smart is a member of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association and the National Association of Professional Women, which recognized her as a member of the VIP Woman of the Year Circle. She dedicated the honor in loving memory of her husband.

Source: markets.businessinsider. com.

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • MIDWEST 59

Hundreds Honor Murdered Towman Hundreds of people poured into Steven Combs’ funeral in St. Louis, Missouri; he was shot and killed while washing a friend’s car in late November. Police released surveillance video of the moments leading up to his death.

He left behind 14 children, many who will now grow up with little to no memories of who their father was.

The tow trucking community came out in full force to pay homage and support to Combs’ family.

“One big family, we all tried to stick together, help each other whenever we can,” said Jeffrey Schultz of Asset Towing.

Combs’ love for the business gave his son the idea to let him take one last ride.

Combs’ nephew Jeffrey was driving the tow truck that was carrying the tow truck Steven Combs drove for years.

“Kind of got emotional loading it,” he said.

Investigators said Combs was washing a car when the suspect walked up to him and shot him at point blank range, in broad daylight.

Police are hoping the surveillance video can lead to an arrest.

Source: ksdk.com.

Whealon Towing Honored The Fond du Lac (Wisconsin) City Council honored Whealon Towing for its help with the Fire and Rescue Department’s Survive Alive House each year. The Department uses the house to teach fifth graders how to safely get out of a burning building.

Whealon Towing has stored and transported the home every year for free, saving the city a lot of money, according to Fire Chief Peter O’Leary.

O’Leary said that Whealon also donates cars for the department’s auto extrication training. City Council President Karyn Merkel and O’Leary presented Dave Whealon with the proclamation.

Source: kfiz.com.

MIDWEST 60 • January 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Tow Building, Lot Lost to Fire One of the oldest buildings in Arizona’s Gila Valley is gone, following a Thanksgiving morning fire.

The Nutcracker Towing in Pima, Arizona, building and almost all the contents of its storage lot were destroyed in a fire Pima Police say they are treating as a possible arson.

Pima Police and Fire were called out to the blaze at about 2:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving morning and found the building fully engulfed. The fire was contained at about 6:30 a.m.

The building and many of the vehicles were a total loss.

“It was a neat, old, old building.

This was one of the older buildings in Pima,” said Pima Police Chief Diane Cauthen. “They had antique stuff in the storage up front that was just amazing.”

Nutcracker’s tow trucks were not lost in the fire and were back at work Thanksgiving Day. Source: eacourier.com.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • MIDWEST 61

Rotation, Parking Changes for Towers The Southaven (Mississippi) Board recently voted to make amendments to the city’s policies regarding towing services doing work for the city.

Services that are part of the rotation used when towing is requested by the city can now apply to add another service to that rotation, as long as they are separate companies with separate addresses, even if they are owned by the same person.

In the past, some services have found loopholes to “work the system” and get more towing calls, Mayor Darren Musselwhite said.

“There were some that attempted to get more spots in the rotation, so they would put up a temporary sign and get two hats into the rotation, but they were not two companies,” Musselwhite said. “This is for someone owning two legitimate companies with two different locations.”

In a related matter, aldermen approved another amendment that would allow for trucks to be parked in front of the driver’s residence when they were on call for the city under the rotation. The trucks would have to have a sticker to indicate that they were home in case they were called up, since trucks in the rotation are required to be at an accident scene within 20 minutes of being called.

The trucks cannot be parked in one location for more than 24 hours, however, or could be considered a nuisance if neighbors call to complain.

Commercial trucks are otherwise not allowed to park in residential neighborhoods in Southaven.

“This was a situation that demanded a compromise,” said Musselwhite about the ordinance amendment. “Commercial vehicles are not attractive in neighborhoods, however our city is not big enough to have a wrecker service open 24 hours. That’s what leads to a need for them to have access to a wrecker to meet the time requirements.”

Source: desototimes.com.

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - January 2018 • WEST 59

Rotation, Parking Changes for Towers The Southaven (Mississippi) Board recently voted to make amendments to the city’s policies regarding towing services doing work for the city.

Services that are part of the rotation used when towing is requested by the city can now apply to add another service to that rotation, as long as they are separate companies with separate addresses, even if they are owned by the same person.

In the past, some services have found loopholes to “work the system” and get more towing calls, Mayor Darren Musselwhite said.

“There were some that attempted to get more spots in the rotation, so they would put up a temporary sign and get two hats into the rotation, but they were not two companies,” Musselwhite said. “This is for someone owning two legitimate companies with two different locations.”

In a related matter, aldermen approved another amendment that would allow for trucks to be parked in front of the driver’s residence when they were on call for the city under the rotation. The trucks would have to have a sticker to indicate that they were home in case they were called up, since trucks in the rotation are required to be at an accident scene within 20 minutes of being called.

The trucks cannot be parked in one location for more than 24 hours, however, or could be considered a nuisance if neighbors call to complain.

Commercial trucks are otherwise not allowed to park in residential neighborhoods in Southaven.

“This was a situation that demanded a compromise,” said Musselwhite about the ordinance amendment. “Commercial vehicles are not attractive in neighborhoods, however our city is not big enough to have a wrecker service open 24 hours. That’s what leads to a need for them to have access to a wrecker to meet the time requirements.”

Source: desototimes.com.

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Hundreds Honor Murdered Towman

AAA: Premium Not Always Worth Price According to new research from AAA, premium gasoline offers some benefit to select vehicles, but is becoming increasingly expensive for drivers.

In recent years, the price gap between premium and regular-grade gasoline has risen from a historically steady 10 percent per gallon to 25 percent or more per gallon.

While past AAA research has shown no benefit in using premium gasoline in a vehicle designed to operate on regular fuel, new testing indicates that some vehicles—those that recommend, but do not require premium gasoline—may see increased fuel economy and performance under certain driving conditions when using the higher-octane gasoline. Unfortunately, the high cost of premium gasoline may outweigh that advantage for many drivers.

As a result, AAA recommended drivers weigh the potential benefits against the cost of using premium gasoline, if their vehicle does not require it.

“AAA’s testing reveals that drivers could see modest gains in fuel economy and performance when opting for premium gasoline in vehicles that recommend, but do not require, the higher-octane fuel,” said Megan McKernan, manager of the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center. “Those seeking the maximum capabilities of their performance-focused or utility vehicle may see some benefit from using premium gasoline, particularly over the long haul.”

Source: newsroom.aaa.com.

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Hundreds of people poured into Steven Combs’ funeral in St. Louis, Missouri; he was shot and killed while washing a friend’s car in late November.

Police released surveillance video of the moments leading up to his death.

He left behind 14 children, many who will now grow up with little to no memories of who their father was.

The tow trucking community came out in full force to pay homage and support to Combs’ family.

“One big family, we all tried to stick together, help each other whenever we can,” said Jeffrey Schultz of Asset Towing.

Combs’ love for the business gave his son the idea to let him take one last ride.

Combs’ nephew Jeffrey was driving the tow truck that was carrying the tow truck Steven Combs drove for years.

“Kind of got emotional loading it,” he said.

Investigators said Combs was washing a car when the suspect walked up to him and shot him at point blank range, in broad daylight.

Police are hoping the surveillance video can lead to an arrest.

Source: ksdk.com.

Truckers Protest ELD Mandate A new rule aimed at protecting drivers on the highway could do exactly the opposite. Truck drivers recently gathered across the nation to protest the new “ELD Mandate” scheduled to take effect Dec. 18. The mandate requires truckers to install an electronic logging device in their trucks to monitor driving time.

However, truckers say that the mandate actually gives them less time to sleep, and requires drivers to “beat the clock” to meet time restrictions.

“We are over 100,000 drivers strong on this and we are willing to stand up, take time out of our day and say, ‘No, we’re not going to do this,’ ” said Cindy Marshall, a truck driver.

“Enough is enough. We believe this

strongly that we will stop our trucks if that’s what we have to do.”

According to a newscast in Boca Raton, Florida, a report on an accident showed just how dangerous a tired driver is behind the wheel. A semi smashed through a retaining wall of an overpass, killing a responding tower. The driver of the semi was cited for driving beyond the allowed hour limits, and driving while fatigued.

Source: cbs12.com.

Lubrication Specialties Marks 20th Anniversary Lubrication Specialties Inc. (lubricationspecialties.com) recently marked its 20th anniversary. Today, LSI offers more than 30 products and a full line of oil and fuel additives for gas and diesel engines under the brand Hot Shot’s Secret.

LSI began as an equipment chemical solutions provider for commercial and industrial accounts for major manufacturers, including Nucor Steel, American Showa, Midwest Industries, X-Tec and Navistar.

Tow Building, Lot Lost to Fire One of the oldest buildings in Arizona’s Gila Valley is gone, following a Thanksgiving morning fire.

The Nutcracker Towing in Pima, Arizona, building and almost all the contents of its storage lot were destroyed in a fire Pima Police say they are treating as a possible arson.

Pima Police and Fire were called out to the blaze at about 2:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving morning and found the building fully engulfed. The fire was contained at about 6:30 a.m.

The building and many of the vehicles were a total loss.

“It was a neat, old, old building. This was one of the older buildings in Pima,” said Pima Police Chief Diane Cauthen.

“They had antique stuff in the storage up front that was just amazing.”

Nutcracker’s tow trucks were not lost in the fire and were back at work Thanksgiving Day. Source: eacourier.com.

Smart Recognized

by Who's Who Judy M. Smart, owner and president of Roadrunner Towing and Recovery in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Transportation.

Smart’s late husband, James, founded Roadrunner Towing and Recovery in 1969; she took over the business after his death in 2001. Having grown substantially under her leadership, Roadrunner has expanded into a successful fleet of 15 trucks and includes a newly opened second location.

Smart is a member of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association and the National Association of Professional Women, which recognized her as a member of the VIP Woman of the Year Circle. She dedicated the honor in loving memory of her husband.

Source: markets.businessinsidercom.

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