AT SHOWPLACE LAS VEGAS - SEPTEMBER 21-23, 2022
The Road Calls 2022 AMERICAN TOWMAN DIRECTORY Advertising & Marketing American Towman Magazine Anchor Graphics OMG Tow Marketing Photo Card Specialists Tow Industry Week Air Cushions MatJack Jumbo Safelift Apparel GSS Safety Auctions Online Impound Auctions Business Consultants Business Broker George Cables, Chains, Hooks & Slings B/A Products RimSling Call Providers / Motor Clubs AAA Allstate Roadside Copart Transportation GEICO ServiCase Urgently Car Carriers & Wreckers Mfg. Dual-Tech Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg. Jerr-Dan Miller Industries Car Carriers & Wreckers Dist. All American Jerr-Dan Akins Ford Atlanta Wrecker Sales Chevron Commercial Crouch’s Wrecker & Equip. Sales * Participating Advertisers
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Featuring Towing’s Top Suppliers*
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Beware of Cat Burglars!
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JUNE 2022 AmericanTowman.com
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Contents
Cover Feature
Volume 46 Issue 6
June 2022 Ju 40
When it Snows Pine Tree Towing can handle heavy weather. by Steve Temple
Plenty of tow equipment dominated the recovery of a rolled over tractor trailer in a snowstorm.
Photo courtesy of Ron Meyers, Pine Tree Towing & Recovery
Features
Departments 8
The Walkaround
10
News Share
12
Letter to the Editor
13
Zoom In
14
Tow Manager
22
Workhorse
28
Tow Boss
34
Ad Index
36
An American Towman
84
Towman’s Toy
90
Safety
22
Handle With Care
102
Case Closed
High-Dollar Exotic Cars
110
Towman’s Market
by Randall C. Resch
112
My Baby
114
Lowdown
121
Adventures of A.T.
28
$how Me the Money Four Tips for Internet Marketing by Kevin McMillan
49
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory The most comprehensive listing of towing and recovery suppliers
6 • June 2022 | Towman.com
First on the scene since 1977
The Walkaround
Handy Reference
Yes, it’s that time of year again. Which time you ask? The time for the Annual Supplier Directory, of course! Back in the day, the local telephone company would distribute phonebooks each year, inclusive of the Yellow Pages, and everyone kept them handy Dennie Ortiz until the next one was delivered. This June issue is Publisher no different – a valuable resource, to use for the next 12 months, helps you find the industry’s top suppliers and the latest in their products and service offerings. Jam-packed with intel to keep your company ahead of the game, this edition covers so much that I’ll highlight just a few pieces for you. Trending in local and national news is the hot topic of catalytic converter theft that has implications not just for the public but for your business as well. Brian Riker provides the historical context of the advent of catalytic converters and the reasoning for the uptick of this thievery. Riker recommends how to best protect your equipment, your storage yards, while even delving into how you may be positioned to profit from the current demand. Always with his eye on the prize, Randall Resch in his article “Handle With Care” offers suggestions to increasing your revenue by servicing the niche market of exotic cars. Resch interestingly provides some “psychological tactics” to employ for earning and keeping these high-end customers. Need some ideas to help market your business? Look no further than the magazine in your hands by reading “Show Me the Money” authored by Kevin McMillan. Kevin makes the case that by following a few basic steps your company can increase its cash calls through online marketing. Snow in June? No thank you, although we do return to this past winter to showcase a challenging recovery, in challenging weather by Pine Tree Towing & Recovery out of Ohio. Be sure to take a look and meander through the obstacles faced by Pine Tree on this job. Closing out the issue is our Case Closed department. Attorney Josh Brown weighs the problems and potential solutions for regulating certain aspects of this industry. Read on and see if you agree with his assessment. Hope you find this issue informative and resourceful and as always stay safe out there!
Looking Ahead…
Steve Temple Editor
As a sneak preview, we have some exciting features in the works for upcoming issues. Recently I visited a couple of tow vehicle museums with fascinating candidates for our popular “Classic Wrecker” series. We have a few feature shoots on file, but we can always use more for a “fond look back” at the early days of towing, so feel free to email us with some sample shots and a brief description. On a more serious note, we realize towers are struggling with higher fuel prices and interest rates, along with other expenses, so we’ll be providing some ways to keep your overhead down. Hope to see you there!
8 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri Steve Temple Randall Resch Terry Abejuela David Kolman John Borowski Mark Lacek Brian Riker George Nitti Henri “Doc” Calitri
President / Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor Operations Editor Field Editor, West Chassis Editor Safety Editor Repo Run Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor
Editorial Board Tommy Anderson Roy Carlson Debbie Collins Belinda Harris Bill Johnson Kurt Wilson
Dallas, Texas Saint Paul, Minn. Las Vegas, Nev. Greensboro, N.C. South Hadley, Mass. Creve Coeur, Ill.
American Towman Staff Gina Johnson Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Henri Calitri Patrice Gesner Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Emily Oz Steve Calitri
Art Director Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec. Customer Service Subscription Manager Regional Advertising Sales iMarketing Manager ATTV Producer President
American Towman Media Headquarters 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546
E-Mail: President / Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor
dortiz@towman.com scalitri@towman.com stemple@towman.com
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News Share Cracking Down on Reckless Driving
The city of Milwaukee is getting tough on reckless driving, instituting a policy in which drivers caught doing one of the following will be towed: driving recklessly, speeding in excess of 25 mph, fleeing an officer, or drag racing. The Fire and Police Commission approved the policy in a 5-1 vote in February and it took effect on May 1. Commissioner Ed Fallone voted in favor of the policy. “There are serious consequences to reckless driving on Milwaukee streets,” he said. “So, in order to make an impact...I think there will be a fair number of tows that will happen in the coming weeks.” Fred Royal, NAACP Milwaukee First Vice President, feels that towing is a good first step. “You don’t have a right to recklessly endanger people’s lives by disregarding traffic laws, because you feel it’s a game,” he said. “Automobiles are lethal weapons when you drive recklessly.” Source: tmj4.com/news
Change of Tow Policy in Montana
Business owners in Billings, Montana, have the power to contact towing services immediately to remove vehicles instead of having to wait five days. “If the wrecker company chooses not to tow it, and they can’t find a wrecker company to tow it, then they can report it to the Billings Police Department as an abandoned vehicle, and then we will come out and place a five-day sticker on it,” stated Billings Assistant Police Chief Neil Lawrence in a release from the City of Billings. “After the five days are up, then they can call us back and we will come out and we will tow the vehicle for them.” The release from the City of Billings said if the Billings Police Department tows the vehicle off the property, the city will collect the expenses. However, a business owner contacting a towing company that can tow the vehicle will become a civil matter among the business owner, the tow company and the vehicle owner. Source: kulr8.com
10 • June 2022 | Towman.com
City Officials to Speak to
Masters of Chaos
On Thursday, June 16, the “Masters of Chaos” Dinner at TowXpo Ft. Worth will honor the tow companies and first responders who were on scene February 11, 2021, during the deadly pileup on I-35 in Fort Worth, Texas. On that day, icy road conditions led to six deaths and involved over 100 cars and trucks in what was billed “The Great Texas Pile-up.” The situation required Herculean efforts by towers and other first responders to clear vehicles and debris, while helping save many lives. Highlights of the dinner will include guest speakers who will share and recount their efforts in coordinating the recovery. Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis,
A commemorative pin will be given to honor towers and first responders who were on scene at “The Great Texas Pileup.”
Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn, and Beards Towing’s James Bennett Jr. are expected to speak. American Towman Magazine will present participants of “The Great Texas Pile-up” with a commemorative American Towman “Master of Chaos” pin in recognition of their service. The dinner will be held at the Hilton Hotel, Crystal D ballroom, and begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. Tickets to the dinner are $75 per adult, $40 per child. To register, go to www.towxpo.com.
Key Findings on Effects of Emergency Lighting A recent research study titled, “Effects of Emergency Vehicle Lighting Characteristics on Driver Perception and Behavior: Study Report” conducted by the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI), has provided data about lighting and tower safety. The study looked at lighting color, intensity, modulation, flash rate and the impact of retro-reflective chevron markings on motorists’ behavior while approaching and passing a scene in low-light conditions. While none of the variables tested had a statistically significant effect, there were some interesting findings: 1. Higher intensity lights were considered to be more glaring and yet marginally more visible than low intensity lights. Lower intensity light remained highly visible. 2. Blue and white lights were rated as most glaring. Yellow and red lights were least glaring. Red lights for stationary blocking operations may offer the best combination of better visibility with less glare.
A study on the effects of various lighting scenarios drew some key results. 3. High-intensity lights with no markings produced the longest detection distance, meaning drivers could see the firefighter silhouette from the furthest away. High-intensity lights, combined with high-visibility markings, yielded the shortest detection distance. This study raises the possibility that combining high-intensity lights with high-visibility markings might make it more difficult for drivers to see responders on foot at night, even when the responders wear high-visibility vests. ResponderSafety.com
News Share
Tower Thanks Officer
for Saving his Life
Matt Roberts presented Indiana Police Officer Jake Smith with a LifeSaver Award. Tower Matt Roberts, who was shot multiple times after trying to help a stranded motorist, thanked Indiana Police Officer Jake Smith and presented him with a LifeSaver Award at a Town Council meeting in Plainfield, Indiana. “I know each and every one of you would say, ‘We’re just doing our job,’ but to me and my family, you doing your job to the best of your ability is the reason
I stand here tonight,” Roberts said. “I consider you as brothers and I can’t wait to get back out there with you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Stay safe. Stay strong.” According to Indiana State Police, when Roberts arrived to help Joseph Jackson, Jackson shot Roberts, grabbed his daughter out of the car, then jumped into the tow truck and drove off. After Smith responded to the scene and found Roberts shot several times, he put a tourniquet on Roberts’ arm to prevent blood loss from one wound. He packed another wound in Roberts’ chest with gauze and held it with his finger to prevent further blood loss from that wound. Roberts was in critical condition when medics took him to the hospital, and he is expected to make a full recovery. Source: wthr.com/article/news
Congressman Introduces Move Over Law Day Supported by TRAA and AAA
incident management Congressman Jim organizations to promote McGovern (D-Ma) existence of and adherence to introduced a National Move State Move Over laws. This Over Law Day Resolution is an expanded version of a (H.Res.1052) in the U.S. similar resolution introduced House of Representatives on by Congressman Biggs (AZApril 11. 05) in previous congresses, “Roadside emergency responders—from law but not enacted. enforcement, fire service TRAA credits its personnel, and EMTs, to tow advocacy and its efforts truck operators and other with AAA to help push Congressman Jim transportation workers— McGovern spearheaded through the resolution. know all too well the dangers Move Over Day Resolu- AAA President & CEO of roadside response,” said tion advocated by TRAA Marshall Doney said, “AAA Congressman McGovern. and AAA. is honored to partner with “They keep us safe every day, the Towing and Recovery and we have a responsibility Association of America to to do our part to keep them safe in push forward a National Move Over return. Move Over laws save lives, and Law Day resolution. We are grateful I am proud to introduce this resolution to Representative Jim McGovern for to raise public awareness about their introducing this important awarenessraising resolution and look forward importance.” to working with TRAA and others to According to TRAA, the resolution supports the goals and ideals of a make it a reality.” National Move Over Law Day and Sources:traaonline.com urges the national, state, and regional and newsroom.aaa.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Strong Growth for Aftermarket
According to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the aftermarket industry continues to experience increasing demand as the U.S. puts COVID-19 in the rearview mirror. Their Spring report states that 75 percent of manufacturers, 68 percent of distributors, and 53 percent of retailers/installers are reporting sales that are currently above where they were prior to the pandemic. Consumer demand continues to remain robust for most companies. However, concerns remain due to ongoing supply-chain issues, inflation, economic uncertainty, and the war in Ukraine. Other key findings include: 1. More than half of companies expect sales to increase in the coming year. 2. Supply-chain issues remain a challenge for over 90 percent of the industry, at least until 2023. 3. The current inflation rate of 8.5 percent is the highest it has been in 40 years. 4. Despite gas prices being up over 40 percent on average from where they were last year, 80 percent of Americans still plan to take a road trip this summer. 5. Amid record consumer demand, 70 percent of manufacturers, 56 percent of distributors, and 45 percent of retail installers have had difficulty filling open positions. Source: sema.org
Winter Parking Ban Boon for Towers
An enforced parking ban during the winter months in Worcester, Massachusetts has kept towers working, pulling nearly 2,500 vehicles off the road, while the city has brought in $187,000 from more than 4,000 parking violations. During a declared winter parking ban, there is no parking on either side of main arteries, bus routes, and streets in the downtown area. When a permanent ban is in place, there’s no parking on emergency arteries, WRTA bus routes and streets that are critical to the flow of traffic. Source: spectrumnews1.com
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 11
Letter to the Editor
Tink’s coffin is secured on Aerojet’s flatbed for one last ride.
Tink and Carole went on a tour at Miller Industries since all their tow trucks came from there, and it was the highlight of their vacation.
Farewell to Tink Humphrey On November 11, 2021, Veteran’s Day, I lost the most important person and love of my life. My husband Tink Humphrey and I own and operate South Main Astrojet in Lexington, North Carolina. Tink passed away at the age of 62 from complications of pneumonia. We had been together 50 years and married 41 years. He was a pillar in the towing community and was respected by all of his peers. Tink and I started with a Datsun wrecker called “Lil Hustler.” He was the most experienced wrecker operator I had ever seen and he never ceased to amaze with his towing and recovery abilities. We were a team and I was with him every step of the way. His final ride to his resting place was taken on the bed of our rollback with me driving and his Mom riding shotgun. Tink had a love of his family, wreckers and classic cars. The happiest moment of his life came when our son Thomas was born. Thomas was the light of his blue eyes and we always bragged about his boy being the best wrecker driver in the world. His funeral procession was led by the Lexington Police Department down Main Street to Forest Hill Memorial Park. Downtown Lexington came to a standstill while we made our way with my passenger, Tink and all of his hot rods being driven behind us. Several other wrecker services joined in on his funeral procession and I knew in my heart Tink was a happy man. Rest in peace, my dear husband, and I will see you on the “Brighter Side of Gray.”
Carole Humphrey
South Main Astrojet Lexington, North Carolina 12 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Tink leaves behind a nice collection of red rods and other cool rides.
Jerr-Dan Debuts
Zoom In
JD60 Heavy-Duty Wrecker
Jerrdan.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Jerr-Dan has released a new three-stage, 60-ton, heavyduty wrecker to the company’s products. It has an SAE boom rating of 120,000 lbs. when fully retracted, and 25,000 lbs. fully extended. The three-stage boom provides a maximum reach past the tailboard of 294 inches, and a maximum hook height of 432 inches. Dual 50,000lb. winches are standard, and there is an option for an additional 35,000lb. underlift drag winch. Also standard on this unit are boomangle indicators and load charts for increased operational awareness. A fully proportional wireless remote with a 330-foot range allows effortless operation of the recovery boom from multiple locations with precision. This device makes precision lifting and winching much easier. The proven and tested three-stage, independent, knee boom underlifts offer either 142 inches or 181 inches of reach past the tailboard. An optional four-stage underlift is also available with 179 inches of reach. Continuing in the Jerr-Dan tradition, the new JD60 IND has the custom JFB body available in multiple wheelbase configurations. The body is made of a polypropylene copolymer material that is both high-impact and corrosion resistant. When compared to most other body types, these features can substantially reduce the cost of ownership.
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 13
Tow Manager
Thieves target tow trucks because they are high off the ground, making it easy for them to slip underneath and cut off the catalytic converters. Photo courtesy of Dave Abelson at Worldwide
Beware of Cat Burglars Precious Metals are the Catalyst to Increased Theft By Brian J Riker
Brian J. Riker is a third-generation towman, with 26 years of experience in the ditch as a tow operator, and president of Fleet Compliance Solutions. He specializes in helping navigate the complex world of federal and state transportation regulatory compliance. He can be reached at brian.riker@fleetcompliancesolutions.net
C
atalytic converters are nothing new to the North American automotive industry. They were first introduced in the early 1950s for use on factory smokestacks and gasoline-powered forklifts, and then later for use on automobiles due to the Clean Air Act of 1970, which required the use of catalytic converters on all automobiles manufactured after 1975. After nearly 50 years of use on motor vehicles why all the hype surrounding them lately? Clean air is a hot topic, and a very important one, for the safety and survival of life as we know it. While there is a strong push towards alternative energy sources for motor vehicle transportation, the cold reality is these technologies are not ready for prime time yet, so we must continue to use internal combustion engines as a primary source of transportation power for the foreseeable future. To mitigate the environmental damage from these engines, engineers are turning
14 • June 2022 | Towman.com
to more complex downstream exhaust after-treatment systems that rely heavily on selective catalyst reduction technologies. At the heart of these systems are precisely controlled chemical reactions created when exhaust gases pass over special materials that act as catalysts for the conversion of polluting and harmful substances into plain oxygen and water emissions at the tailpipe.
RARE AND COSTLY METALS
As with nearly everything else we consume or manufacture today, natural resources play a huge role in cost, availability and efficiency. Catalytic converters are no different. Composed of different precious metals such as rhodium, platinum and palladium, these seemingly innocuous pieces of motor vehicle exhaust systems can be quite costly to manufacture or replace, as other industries often compete with the automotive parts industry for these rare precious metals.
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It’s wise to keep detailed records of the vehicles you remove the catalytic converters from, and marking them as well, in order to prevent potential claims of theft or misconduct. Also, showing what make and model the cat came from can maximize the sales price, since each one has a different metal content and value to a recycler.
T h i s exclusivity creates a strong demand for recycling these components to save production costs, extend the availability of these scarce natural resources, and reduce the impact on our environment. With the increased demand for recycling comes increased opportunities for profit. And as we all know when there is money to be made, there are also criminal opportunities! You might be asking how such a small part can drive folks to risk jail time, injury or even death to illegally remove these components from motor vehicles? With recyclers offering purchase prices ranging from just under $100 per piece to upwards of $700 (or even more), it is no surprise that some folks resort to crime. As of this writing, platinum was trading for $939 per ounce, palladium was at $2,226 per ounce, and rhodium was trading at $16,800 per ounce. Those figures are significantly higher than other “investment” metals such as gold ($1,910) and silver ($23). No wonder these simple exhaust components have led to so much larceny. What else contributes to this problem? According to Don Belisle of Recore Trading in Hudson, NH: “Catalytic converters are not individually serial numbered (yet), so tracing their origin is difficult at best. With little regulation 16 • June 2022 | Towman.com
currently in place, only a handful of States have laws requiring proof of origin for recycled cats. Police count on honest recyclers with integrity to refuse to do business with questionable sources, self-report potential stolen converters being offered for sale, and to engage in detailed purchase record-keeping when they do purchase converters from individuals over the counter.” Trade Associations such as the United Recyclers Group, Automotive Recyclers Association and various state level associations play a huge role in theft mitigation by offering voluntary compliance standards for the purchase of converters which their members adhere to, as well as providing education to law enforcement agencies nationwide.
TOWERS ARE TARGETS
You might be wondering, where do towers fit into all of these issues? Great question! As towers we often handle large volumes of vehicles, storing many of them for extended periods of time, and as such we are prime targets for thieves. Catalytic converter theft goes beyond a local crime of opportunity, though. It is now organized on a large scale with highly skilled field operatives scouting for targets, and then executing large-scale theft operations. In my personal experience, several vehicle storage facilities for both new and used
vehicles have been hit hard. One such facility had over 60 brand-new cats cut off trucks in one night! That’s over $100,000 in damages—hard to fathom but it is happening daily. As towers, it is not only the vehicles in our care, custody and control which we need to worry about. Thieves are also targeting our tow trucks because they are high off the ground, making it easy for them to slip underneath and cut off the catalytic converters quickly without fear of detection or a vehicle falling off a jack. Unfortunately, some of the less-educated thieves are doing a lot of damage, or stealing exhaust components from our trucks with little to no recycling value such as diesel particulate filters. With supply-chain shortages and repair facilities facing huge backlogs of work, this vandalism could put a truck out of service for an extended period of time—or even put a smaller company out of business. Sadly, some potential catalytic converter thieves have been seriously injured or even killed while attempting to steal from vehicles. This has happened when vehicles have fallen from jacks or the operator has driven away, unaware someone was under their vehicle. While I have little sympathy for a thief, as business owners we still need to be aware of this potential for injury and take all reasonable precautions to prevent it, especially in the litigious society of today.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
What can a tower do to reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft? While nothing will stop
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Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 17
a determined, professional thief, mitigation efforts do reduce crimes of opportunity. These measures include having well lit, securely fenced yards with highly visible
plus placing warning decals on or underneath vehicles to let potential thieves know to look elsewhere. This issue is not going away anytime soon, however, with a huge spike
One vehicle storage facility had over 60 brand-new cats cut off trucks in one night! cameras for parking and storing vehicles. It has also been suggested by Tom Buechel of Rockaway Recycling Inc. in Rockaway, NJ that placing signs along your fence and on individual vehicles, stating that all catalytic converters have been removed, can help deter some thieves. Don Belisle of Recore Trading in Hudson, NH recommends engraving unique identification numbers on catalytic converters as a deterrent to theft. There are pilot programs with several law enforcement agencies to engrave and record these ID numbers,
18 • June 2022 | Towman.com
reported by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, rising 325 percent nationwide between 2019 and 2020 and preliminary estimates of over a 400 percent increase for 2021. In addition, there are also several physical deterrent products on the market such as shields and cages that impede access to the converter, so that the thief looks for an easier target. If your trucks are often left parked on public streets or outside of secured facilities, consider investing in some of these theftprevention devices or fabricating your own. With replacement of catalytic converters costing well
over $1,000 (some over $3,000), excluding any other damage to the exhaust system from the theft, and the downtime waiting for parts/ repairs, the effort to deter theft is well worth it. Certain models of vehicles are hit more often, due to their ease of access, the number of catalytic converters on the vehicle (some have up to four individual cats), or the extremely high recycling value of a specific converter based on its precious metal content. For instance, Toyota’s Prius and Tacoma are favorite targets of thieves because of the ease of access and high value of the converter. If you operate or store these highly desirable vehicles, evaluate how and where they are parked or stored. Out of sight is out of mind.
MONEY MAKERS
Since these catalytic converters are so highly desired, how can a tower make money reclaiming the converters on abandoned vehicles in their yard heading to scrap? Depending on state or local laws related to vehicle dismantling, a tower may be legally allowed to
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remove and offer to recyclers the catalytic converters from vehicles in their possession that they have authority to dispose of. Not all locations allow a towing yard or vehicle storage facility to partially dismantle a vehicle, so make sure you are not violating any local or state regulations before beginning to remove any parts. A few things to keep in mind (and this is not legal advice) include if your local regulations or contracts require you to auction off the whole vehicle or preserve the value of the vehicle and return to the previous owner any money made above your claim. Removing converters prior to an auction sale will reduce the perceived value of the vehicle, since the bidders often are buying these vehicle to recycle themselves and, without key components, their return is lower, so their bid will also be lower. You might also need or want to disclose to your regular salvage buyer/recycler that you are removing these components, otherwise they may stop doing business with you. When they price a vehicle they expect to recover these components themselves. If you can legally dismantle, and it makes business sense to do so, you should keep detailed records of the vehicles you remove the catalytic converters from in order to prevent potential claims of theft or misconduct. It also helps you maximize your sale price if you can show what make and model the cat came from, as each one has a different metal content and therefore value to the recycler. Although cats do not have individual serial numbers, they do have casing markings and other numbers. These can identify the vehicle family they come from, which in turn helps identify their metal content for valuation. They also verify they came from the vehicles the seller claims they did for a secure chain of custody and proof of ownership, in order to reduce claims of theft. Bottom line, prices are up for precious metals, with no end in sight for demand, and theft is up to 400 percent year over year. Also, word is spreading about the issue, which is both good and bad. Good in that potential victims can take precautions to reduce their exposure. Bad in that the number of thieves will increase as they take full advantage of the lack of traceability, and shady recyclers purchase converters “off the books.” All told, this leaves you, the tower, in a precarious position of needing to protect your business from theft, while also capitalizing on every opportunity to maximize the value of your abandoned vehicles—and still being a good member of your community. 20 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Workhorse
Take particular care when securing the tires, avoiding any contact with the surface of the rims.
Handle With Care
Exotic Cars Can be Lucrative, But Require Extra Precautions By Randall C. Resch
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.
I
f your tow business operates a flatbed carrier, tapping into the specialty niche is a good direction to go. After all, choosing your company’s service niche is a matter of preference. While operational challenges must be met, the upside to specialty services is creating a broader customer base and a better reputation, plus enhancing your bottom line. One specialty niche is the high-end vehicle market: exotic cars, muscle cars, antiques, collectible vehicles and car clubs. For tow companies hoping to successfully serve these genres, tow companies need to incorporate the following traits and practices: • Professional and competent • Send the company’s varsity operator • Employ correct “specialty equipment” • Carry appropriate insurance • “Wow” the customer • Provide exemplary service
22 • June 2022 | Towman.com
RAISE THE BAR
The biggest downside to working the exotic car niche is high insurance costs. A single damage is extremely costly. And, because of increased risk, your rates for professional services should offset that risk. Be meticulous about damage-free transport, treating each vehicle like it’s your own. Specialty owners have high expectations (and fears) about having their cars transported. You can be sure that owners of pristine, historical and collectible cars demand competence and carefulness. A tow-hacker in a beat-up carrier won’t cut it.
MIND YOUR MANNERS
Begin your process by easing an owner’s apprehension. Greet them with a friendly smile and solid handshake as you initiate to ensure a “Wow Factor” by employing
a little psychology. Know your customer’s name and give them a formal salutation, respectfully referring to them as, “Mister, Miss, or Ma’am.” (Note: Where I come from, addressing females as “Ma’am” is a term of good manners and respect. But some women might prefer the politically correct “Ms.” instead.) Calling a stranger by their first name might be overly familiar and deemed less than professional if you’ve not yet been introduced. The same runs true calling a doctor, “Mister.” Strive to get the customer’s name and professional title if possible when accepting call details. If your customer owner has a “snooty” personality, provide a positive and impressive experience. Wear a clean uniform and be freshly showered and groomed. And make sure your rig looks good, too, with no clutter in the cab or toolboxes. Because owners like to brag about their vehicles, let them share their story as you’re preparing to load. Also, a little bit of praise and admiration for their specialty ride goes a long way. While some exotic car owners might seem “uppity” about their vehicles, don’t take it personally. Instead look at it as an opportunity to exceed their expectations. Gaining a customer’s trust comes down to the psychology of the total experience. While some towers might be annoyed by over-protective owners getting irritatingly close to the loading and off-load process, as long as it’s safe, let them watch while you explain about loading their vehicle.
LOAD ‘EM UP TIPS
Loading begins with a thorough walk-around inspection. Since virtually all towers now carry cellphone cameras, take photos of prior damages, especially the undersides, suspension, tire conditions, glass and paint. With customers on-scene, focus first on pre-load damages and have them sign your pre-inventory invoice. Note: While protecting your company’s best interests, this practice is a great way to gather pictures for your company’s photo binder. When it’s time to begin actual loading, whip out a clean pair of white, cloth gloves—and make sure they see you do it. With purpose, work at a slow confident pace taking a bit more time than needed. It might seem like overkill, but there’s a method to the madness, and leaves a lasting impression. In addition, even though flatbed carriers are deemed the “right truck for the job,” an experienced tower might determine that a wheel-lift and dollies are better suited to a specific situation. Your ultimate goal: damage-free towing.
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 23
For a lowered suspension, make sure your rig is equipped with extra ramps, preferably carpeted or wrapped to indicate a conscientious approach to handling an expensive vehicle.
In a nutshell, here are several practices to help gain that “Wow Factor.” Especially true to purist collectors and “concours fanatics”, J-Hook marks are sure to lower a vehicle’s score. While no two towers employ the same technique, specialty-car techniques should consist of: • Soft-Straps that won’t leave “chink marks” in control arms—no J-Hooks, no chains • Soft, eight-point tie-down, always • Avoid (bumper-pull) screw-in eyelets • Preventive ramping averts front/rear scrapes • For rollaway prevention, chock tires • Where needed, insert 48-inch or 60-inch 2x4s (preferably carpeted) to avoid rub, scratches or chain slap • When loading, turn the cable’s hook point down in order to avoid rubbing holes in the engine’s oil pan. (But be wary of snagging the end of the carrier’s deck.) • When in transport position, loosen the winch-line slightly to ease horizontal stretch to the vehicle • A kid’s pool-noodle or black foam pipe insulation, hung on the winch-line, prevents cable slap • Insert 4x4 rolled carpet squares 24 • June 2022 | Towman.com
where needed • Pad under the carrier’s tailboard to prevent pavement surface damages When moving about a vehicle’s exterior, don’t put hands on the paint. When closing doors; use a single, “pointed-finger” in the corner of the door glass. Wipe with a (clean) microfiber cloth as you go. Even if a car is some beat-up jalopy, go out of your way to keep surfaces spotless—especially when owners are watching. These tiny gestures create psychological reassurance and goodwill to stroke your customer’s ego. Work methodically, letting customers see how careful and fastidious you are. In doing so, you provide the visual experience dubbed the “the three Cs”: Competent, Calculated, and Caring.
CAUTIONS ABOUND
Since you don’t know a vehicle’s mechanical history, never try to start it. By not knowing past or present mechanical problems, starting a specialty vehicle may result in a carburetor backfire or electrical fire which could lead to total destruction. You’re there to transport it—not fix it! The calltaker should have pre-determined the reason for transport; that is, mechanical, load for show, sale transfers, etc.
While it’s not recommended to drive or coast specialty vehicles to accessible locations, use caution when driving flatbed carriers on ornamental concrete for fear of dripping oil, scratching pavement surfaces, or breaking through concrete. Be sure to position padding under the carrier’s tailboard to prevent surface scratches setting the carrier’s deck. Here are some examples that illustrate the points made above: Scenario One: An operator prepared to transport a vintage, ’47 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith. But it was a barn-find that hadn’t been driven for decades. The vehicle’s owner passed away and the son was on-scene. The owner’s son and the tower didn’t know that without its engine running, the brakes wouldn’t work. As the tower coasted the Rolls some 300 feet, it couldn’t be stopped, and crashed into the compound’s brick wall. Some $20,000 later, the operator was fired and the company lost a huge specialty account. Especially true with a “barn find” like this Rolls, when transporting a vehicle that is in some stage of restoration or lengthy storage, remove the car cover, and be sure engine-bay components, disconnected parts, bell-housings, transmissions, driveshafts and body-parts are all secured or removed.
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IN A TIGHT SPOT? EasTract’s TowTract robotic machine can handle all sorts of exotic and low-profile vehicles in close quarters by reaching under the vehicle to get to the tires. Then this unit “walks” itself underneath the vehicle while it’s being loaded, either at the front or rear. When the machine picks up the vehicle in this manner, there’s little risk of damage to the undercarriage or carbon fiber ground effects, which can be very costly. The TowTract can also remove a vehicle out of a tight area or on soft ground where a traditional flatbed might not be able to access.
26 • June 2022 | Towman.com
The same holds true for louvered windows, spoilers, fender skirts, sunroofs, convertible tops, hoods, trunk lids and doors. If these components are loose, wrap them in a soft blanket and use duct tape to keep the blanket securely in place. Scenario Two: A vintage Bentley was destined to a Concours de Elegance event at the renowned Pebble Beach, CA. To keep the vehicle’s convertible top from flapping, the tower used oneinch ratchet straps with the intent to secure it. When the 125-mile delivery arrived, though, the ratchet strap hand “sanded through” the Bentley’s pristine paint. This scenario resulted in a lost account and a costly repair as well.
FINDING NEW CUSTOMERS As a vintage Porsche owner myself, belonging to a specialty club was a way of promoting my
tow business. So, how does joining a car club help market business? More personal than viewing on-line webpages, attending club events in my carrier proved popular with club members. With the many relationships built from club participation, I subsequently transported members’ cars and projects that turned into repeat business. Membership also introduced me to specialty shops that I met while transporting member’s cars. You should also attend meetings, events and rallies where you strategically place a photo binder showcasing the vehicles you have transported. At my town’s weekend fairs, I brought along my vintage Porsche 914-6 and participated in holiday parades, while displaying my company’s trucks and services. Even though tow owners typically don’t have time for car-
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clubbing, face time is a necessary requirement in building a solid customer base. Handing out business cards and “dollars-off coupons” for first-time customers are easy, cost-effective ways of promoting your specialty niche while having fun along the way. Because specialty vehicles take additional time to load and off-load properly, be sure to send a wellequipped carrier or wheel-lift, and your best veteran operator. Sending an inexperienced operator can lead to disastrous misfortune. The specialty niche has its challenges, but once you’ve learned the psychology behind the work, employing respectful manners and well-intentioned “smoke and mirrors,” will surely help build loyal customers and repeat business. And when taking on a high-dollar ride, relax—it’s just a car.
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 27
Tow Boss
Me the Money $Fourhow Ways to Get More Cash Calls By Kevin McMillan
Kevin McMillan is the Client Director for Lift Marketing Group. Dedicated to the towing industry, Lift Marketing Group provides towing companies large and small with online marketing plans to elevate their company in search results.
“
The Tortoise and the Hare” tells the story of a critter race. At the start, the hare has a commanding lead, so it stops to take a nap. The tortoise, meanwhile, continues to move slowly without stopping, and as we know, it wins the race. A similar tale can be told when it comes to winning the company race for online cash calls. As soon as you sit still and get comfortable, your competitors will pass you up. On the other hand, you can look at Aesop’s fable from the reverse standpoint, too. A marketing guru once quipped, “May all my competitors stay the same.” So some good advice here, whether you’re just getting into digital marketing, or you’ve been doing it for years. The following are four action points to help you rank higher in online searches, such as “towing near me”, and win the cash-call contest.
Your company’s organic positions should factor in fundamental elements, such as your website, directory listings, and other key components.
28 • June 2022 | Towman.com
ORGANIC FREEBIES
At its most basic, “organic” results are the free clicks and calls you get from being in the top Google Page Results (A) and Maps/Local Pack (B) positions. Combined, these areas influence the biggest piece of the very complicated puzzle that is Search Engine Results Positions (SERP). As much as 60 percent of clicks happen here, so it’s vital to invest in organic. If you’re just starting out, focus on these areas: Claim and maintain your company’s Google Business Profile listing (formerly called “Google My Business” or GMB). This free listing lets Google know you exist and is your gateway into the Local Pack of Google searches Have consistent company information, with a NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) signature in the key free directories, (e.g., Google, Yelp). This
Posting a steady flow of 4- and 5-star reviews is a great way to distance yourself from your competitors.
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need for consistency might seem small, but in the eyes of Google, “Bobs Towing and Recovery” is not the same as “Bob’s Towing & Recovery, Inc.” They are the same—but different. Consistency is essential when it comes to building online trust. Have a mobile-friendly website with content for all of your services. For instance, are you mostly towing motorcycles and classic cars, or using your flatbed to move equipment? Include detailed content around each of these services to let Google know what you’re doing. You could have a bullet point or sentence on your site that mentions you provide “rotator service.” Or you could explain your “75-ton rotator has 360 degrees of rotation and a lift capacity greater than 20,000 pounds at full extension.” Being more specific and detailed is way better!
30 • June 2022 | Towman.com
MAKE SURE YOU’RE GETTING PAID
There is profit to be made when it comes to running paid ads for your towing company. As with any investment, though, it’s important to monitor the progress and results. “Set it and forget it” is a surefire way to blow through your budget with little to show for it. There are several platforms willing to take your money and run ads, yet none are as effective as Google Ads (C). With over 90 percent of consumer searching for local services happening there, there’s no better ROI is available for most tow companies. Unfortunately, many towing companies have tried and failed with Google Ads. If that’s you, don’t let a negative experience have you writing off this tool as a total waste. If you set it up properly, it can be a
successful part of driving cash calls. When starting your campaigns, it’s important to focus on: Search terms—especially “near me” phrases (towing near me, tow truck near me, etc.) Ad location (radius around the shop, zip codes, etc.)—the last thing you want is for your ads to show up a few states away. Ad schedule—you don’t want your ads to show only from midnight to 6:00 a.m. Set a schedule so they only run when you can take a call. Negative keywords—create a running list of unwanted search terms from which you don’t want your ad to show up PRO TIP: Start small. You don’t have to begin with a massive budget. Pick a daily or monthly amount to spend, then monitor your ads’ performance for 30 days. At the end of one month, do an
analysis of your ad campaigns and make budget, bid, keyword tweaks as needed.
RAVE REVIEWS
Google Ads are the first things people see and are a strategic way to drive cash calls.
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How did you pick a plumber the last time you needed one? Or how did you select which pizza place to go to while visiting family? Most likely, you read reviews. Well, the same principal applies to towing, because reviews are noticeable from the top to bottom of results. Whether we like it or not, more and more people are turning to reviews—most notably Google reviews (B)—when deciding on who will tow their car or semi. In fact, 86 percent of consumers read reviews when making decisions. So, you must focus on driving positive reviews to Google, your website, and other directories. So how do you get more reviews? Ask, ask, ask again: For
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 31
your review count. Respond to positive and negative: Keep in mind people don’t expect you to be perfect, but they do expect you to be professional.
SOCIAL MEDIA OR GOOGLE?
Use social media to build your company brand and promote newsworthy content.
every 20 people you ask, one will leave you a review. Low-tech process: Put a plan in place to make sure you are asking every happy customer to leave you a review.
For example, set a weekly time to contact your cash-call customers and ask them for a review. It’s a great way to learn how people view your business and to grow
When it comes to active vs. passive ways to drive cash calls, social media certainly falls in the passive category. Yes, Facebook, Twitter, and the like can be productive places to build and engage with an audience. When people need a tow truck, though, they’re first going to Google, not Facebook. We recommend having a company Facebook page, but not prioritizing it over organic, paid, or reviews. If you do have social media accounts, use them to your benefit by the following: • Highlighting great reviews • Promoting newsworthy content, like hiring for your company or creating awareness around Move Over laws (D) • Using humor, human-interest stories, or consistent themes to create your own “voice”
IN CLOSING…
We understand that in the busy world of towing, time is money. And while the four tactics described do take time, it’s important not to neglect them. A slow and steady online marketing investment will result in ranking high on Google, in outsmarting your competition, and in driving more cash calls to your tow business.
Find us on Facebook Functional, informational, and mobile-friendly websites with clear navigation will likely rank higher in online searches.
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AD INDEX 5Star Specialty Programs...........................17 AAA...........................................................35 Akins Body & Carrier Sales .......................79 All American Jerr-Dan.......... N, S 115, M 117 Allstate Roadside.......................................26 Amell Insurance Agency.......................W 119 AmeriDeck™...........................................108 Anchor Graphics........................................63 Ascentium Capital....................................107 Atlanta Wrecker Sales................................88 AT Expos....................... N 119, S 117, M 120 AT Showplace Las Vegas.................... 99-101 Austin Insurance..................... M 119, W 118 AutoReturn.................................................69 B/A Products .............................................47 Captain Recovery................. N 117, S, M 119 Chevron Commercial ...............................104 Copart..........................................................3 CrashFilm by Boxes 4 U.............................41 Crouch’s Wrecker & Equipment Sales ........53 Custer Products.........................................39 DP Winch...................................................19 Dri-Dek......................................................39 Dual-Tech Wreckers & Carriers.................105 Durabilt by Durbin....................................106 Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg.............83 East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales...........W 115 EasTract North America..............................98 Edgetec.....................................................97 Elizabeth Truck Center..............................107 Environmental Chemical Solutions..............92 FCar Tech USA...........................................91 G.Stone Commercial............................ N 117
34 • June 2022 | Towman.com
June 2022
GEICO......................................................123 GM Consultants..........................................88 GSS Safety.................................................57 Guniwheel .................................................92 Hino Trucks..............................................124 Integrated Vehicle Leasing..........................46 Intek Truck & Equip.Leasing/Financing.......42 ITI..............................................................45 Jerr-Dan......................................................2 Kalyn Siebert.............................................27 Landoll Corp...............................................48 Len Zermenos............................................21 Lodar USA..................................................46 Lynch Truck Group.....................................87 Matjack ....................................................89 McMahon Truck Center........................M 115 Metrocom..................................................27 MIDCO SALES............................................93 Midwestern................................................89 MIller Industries...........................................9 Mobile Control Systems..............................96 Mobile Create USA.....................................20 Mobile Video Computing Solutions..............43 North American Bancard..........................103 OMG Tow Marketing...................................98 online impound auctions............................42 Pacific General Insurance Agency.........M 116 Peak Wrecker.......................................W 119 PeakPTT....................................................41 Phoenix USA............................................105 Photo Card Specialists...............................23 Quick Draw Tarpaulin System...................109 Recovery Billing Unlimited..........................94
RimSling....................................................42 RP Recovery..............................................34 SafeAll Products.........................................23 Santander Bank.........................................29 Sea Crest Insurance Agency.................W 120 ServiCase..................................................15 Smyrna Truck & Cargo.............................109 Speak Easy Communication.......................46 Specialty Vehicle Equip. Funding................75 Steck Mfg. Co............................................44 Talbert Manufacturing..............................104 TEC Equipment..........................................18 Tow Brokers Insurance.........................W 118 Tow Industries.....................................W 116 Towbook Management Software.................25 TowMate....................................................17 TowToolz....................................................20 TowXpo Dallas Fort Worth...........................95 Trail King Industries....................................96 Traxero North America..............................4, 5 Twin Cities Wrecker Sales..........................31 Urgently.....................................................63 US Fleet Tracking.......................................30 Utility Trailer Sales Southeast Texas......W 120 Warn Industries............................................7 West End Service.......................................94 Will-Burt Company...................................108 Winches Inc...............................................97 Wrecker Warehouse.............................W 117 XINSURANCE Powered By EIB...............W 116 Zacklift International..................................86 Zip’s AW Direct....................................33, 38
An American Towman
Survival of the Fittest
Still Evolving Some 60-Plus Years Later By Charles Duke
Sandra “Sandy” Saponari is the Chief Financial Officer of Rich’s Towing, but has handson experience in towing, too.
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American Towman Magazine Senior Editor Charles Duke has written and served as editor for trade, music and nonprofit publications. He also serves as the editor for AT’s online sister publications Tow Industry Week and Tow Industry Today.
n talking with Sandra “Sandy” Saponari of Rich’s Towing Service in Cleveland, Ohio, one is taken instantly by her strength, assuredness and confidence. She’s been around the business for much of its lifespan, having tooled around with her father, company founder Richard E. Smith, since its early days. Today, Sandy serves as the company’s chief financial officer and works out of its main office in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. They’ve been there since the late 1970s, with an additional location in Oakwood Village that opened approximately 15 years ago. Recalling a bit of Rich’s Towing history, Sandy said the towing business originally ran out of the gas station. In the mid-1970s, the company built its first brick-and-mortar building where it could service their own trucks. That’s when the company got into hauling refuelers for BP, which evolved in the early 1980s to hauling equipment. “That’s when the business began to grow by leaps and bounds,” Sandy recalled. “We always had the Turnpike as a contract; we’ve always done the recovery
36 • June 2022 | Towman.com
SANDRA “SANDY” SAPONARI Rich’s Towing, Cleveland, Ohio work on the Turnpike. But the hauling aspect has grown to where other towing companies in the past 10 to 15 years are now hauling equipment.” That’s not the case with Rich’s, however. “Our business is about 50/50 between towing and hauling. The accountants have always been amazed that the hauling part of our company and the towing company have been (even).” Police towing is the major part of the towing business, Sandy added. The company has a big impound lot for a lot of confiscated cars due to roadside arrests and accidents. She also noted that Rich’s Towing does a lot of recovery work and has contracts with a major courier company and several waste-management companies. Sandy also serves on the board of the Association of Professional Towers– Ohio (APTO). APTO is starting to work with insurance agencies and the trucking companies in trying to stop price gouging. “Working with the insurance companies and the trucking companies is very important,” Sandy pointed out. “I think we need to get some common ground with them. I don’t want to be put in a position where PUCO’s (Public Utilities Commission of Ohio) is going to come in, and the government is going to come in and set our rates and tell what we can charge. “I think different companies have valuable information and quality employees,” she continued, “and just the knowledge and the talent that employees have, that we can go out and do a job properly and safely—we should be paid for it. We just don’t want to be regulated.” The business is still evolving: its newest business segment is water recovery. Sandy’s son R.J. is a master diver and every year conducts cross-training with the U.S. Coast Guard’s SERT (Salvage Engineering
Response Team). R.J. recalled a job from two years ago that called on his expertise. The recovery took place in the Metroparks–Rocky River location, part of the Rocky River Reservation. “The vehicle lost control and launched over the rocks and into the fjord,” R.J. related. “It was a little icy that morning, and while everything was melting the current and the fjord had pushed it all the way up to the bridge.” Which cut down on recovery angles. “The problem was to get the rigging past it,” he explained. “We used a spreader bar so not to cause any more damage to the vehicle and went through the rims to do the rigging. So we had the diver go down and rig everything and feed it down through next to the truck.” It took the diver 25 minutes to do the rigging and their Century 1060 rotator to get it out. The job took two hours overall. “That’s probably the 20th one we’ve done. We train every year with the SERT team,” R.J. noted.
“I put on a class where we’ll put dummies in a vehicle we have for training purposes. We sink it every single year. The engine’s out of it, the brake lines, the fuel—it’s all stripped.” Then they practice and simulate what the SERT team and divers have to do, in order to train them to get vehicles out of the water.” Sandy said that she is very much a fixture in the office these days; but don’t let her good looks fool you. As alluded to earlier, she used to go out there with her father Rich in an era where towing was largely “a man’s game,” and though she’s put the chains away for now, she can get out there with the big boys and run a flatbed if needed. “When I was a kid, I used to run around with my dad all the time,” she said. “Maybe go out on a wreck and flag.” On a personal note, in her younger days, Sandy also used to ride horses. “When I was younger, we had four horses. And then I had racehorses. I used to enjoy the
The business is still evolving: its newest business segment is water recovery. Here, Rich’s Towing pulled out a truck that launched over the rocks and into a fjord in Cleveland’s Metroparks– Rocky River. The job took two hours overall.
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horses. We still have two horses at my mom’s farm. No more riding; but that was a big part of my life, even after the kids. That was a big part of my life growing up. I did some barrel racing and I really enjoyed that.” Sandy says today she doesn’t have many hobbies, but she plans on taking up golf. “That will be my retirement hobby.”
ABOUT RICH’S TOWING SERVICE Rich’s Towing Service has a rather storied history in 61 years of its existence. Founded by Towing Hall of Famer, the late Richard E. Smith, this Greater Cleveland, Ohio, company started out of his Sunoco gas station with one truck. Today, Rich’s Towing Service’s fleet has grown to more than 80 units, including three rotators, 12 heavy-duty units, and 25 tractors and trailers ranging from 53’ flatbeds to 11-axle super-load beams. Now located in Middleburg Heights and Oakwood Village, the company’s president is Michael Tomasko. Sandy’s son, R.J. Saponari, is the vice president and heads up heavy-duty and water recovery. Jay Merrick runs the Oakwood Village location. Sandy is the company’s chief financial officer. She took over that position when her mother retired about 20 years ago. Daughter Ashley, who has a teaching degree, dispatches and does general paperwork.
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 37
Supplier Scoop
Chevy’s Silverado has potential for some types of towing duties.
Minimizing Range Anxiety
While most of the EVs we checked out at Work Truck Week had fairly limited range, Chevy’s 2024 Silverado EV has an expected 400-mile range on a full charge. While the truck is not quite suitable for light-duty commercial tow operators, with that mileage figure it might work as a roadside service rig for jumping batteries (even for other EVs) or tire changes. Two versions will be available, the RST First Edition and the fleet-oriented WT model. With 510 hp and 615 lb/ft of torque, the WT will offer 8,000 pounds of towing and 1,200 pounds of payload. After the initial launch of this commercial pickup, Chevrolet will later introduce a fleet model with up to 20,000 pounds max trailering with the max tow package. So stay tuned for a possible commercial towing application. Both the RST and WT feature public DC fast-charging capabilities of up to 350kW, enabling approximately 100 miles of range to be added in 10 minutes based on GM estimates. For roadside service, the Silverado EV is also capable of charging another EV using an optional accessory charge cord. WT customers also have access to Ultium Charge 360 Fleet Service, which offers comprehensive charging solutions for businesses, whether drivers take their vehicles home or return to a central depot. Customizable first-row storage on both RST and WT models makes the most of the interior space, provid38 • June 2022 | Towman.com
ing functional solutions for a variety of needs. The eTrunk—a lockable, weatherproof compartment in the front of the vehicle—is big enough to fit a large toolbox, along with a multitude of accessory options for both fleet customers to organize gear and safety equipment. Starting MSRP of the WT in 2023 is $39,900 (plus dealer freight charge).
LITE-IT UP WITH
CUSTER PRODUCTS
Peterbilt’s EV Models
Peterbilt Motors Company showcased its entire lineup of production battery electric commercial vehicles during ACT Expo in Long Beach, CA from May 9 to 12. The Model 579EV, Model 520EV and Model 220EV are optimized for their respective local pickup and delivery, drayage, short regional haul and refuse applications. (No word yet on a towing application, though.) Peterbilt customers looking to add Peterbilt EVs to their fleets using incentive programs in the U.S. and Canada should contact Peterbilt’s dedicated EV grant writer at Peterbilt. Grants@paccar.com for more information and assistance. In addition, Peterbilt provides a list of incentives currently available for zero-emission vehicles on its website at https:// www.peterbilt.com/trucks/electric-vehicles/incentives. PACCAR Parts electric vehicle (EV) charging stations maximize coverage over the full range of Peterbilt electric vehicles, with output power from 20 kilowatts (kW) to 350 kW. PACCAR Parts and its infrastructure partners can tailor EV charger solutions to fit the needs of any size fleet. EV chargers can be purchased from 400-plus Peterbilt dealers in North America A range of diesel, natural gas and electric vehicles are available from Peterbilt.
www.custerproducts.com • 800-490-3158
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 39
When it
SNOWS By Steve Temple
Pine Tree Towing Handles a Heavy Load in Heavy Weather
40 • June 2022 | Towman.com
I
t would have been a fairly typical uprighting of a tractor trailer turned on its side, except for a couple of wild cards—the weather, plus many bags of dog food. Pine Tree Towing & Recovery (PT) had received a call to respond to a commercial vehicle rolled on its side on I-70, near Cambridge, Ohio. (Fortunately the driver was unhurt in the accident.)
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Pine Tree’s dispatch activated its SOP for the event as described by the authorities. After the first unit arrived, they contacted the Incident Commander for more information. PT’s on-scene coordinator Chris Myers was advised that the severe weather (with about 10 inches of wet, heavy snow), resulted in a large volume of emergency calls. So both the fire and police departments had to leave the accident. Complicating matters further, the Ohio DOT could not provide a lane closer, as all resources were being utilized for snow removal.
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We try to respond with every piece of equipment,
mobilize every truck, in order to have a quick clearance.” Wisely, Chris immediately requested more resources from dispatch. All told, PT employed three Miller heavy wreckers, and a crash-response truck (a beverage truck loaded with airbags, tools and traffic control signage), plus a rollback, road tractor, tractor with detach trailer, and service truck
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42 • June 2022 | Towman.com
to complete the recovery. “Our strategy is to dominate the scene,” noted his father Ron Myers, PT’s head honcho. “We try to respond with every piece of equipment, mobilize every truck, in order to have a quick clearance.” Chris also found out that the truck was heavily loaded with dog food, weighing approximately 42,000 pounds. Even so, PT was able to avoid “fingerprinting” the load (putting hands on every piece in the trailer) by using Matjack Hurricane lifting bags and Sava Landing Bags, which also facilitated a quick clearance in a hazardous situation. Ron points out that the Hurricane bags inflate so rapidly, that they are better handled by experienced operators.
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RESPONDING EQUIPMENT Miller 1150, 1135, and 50-ton 5130 heavy-duty wreckers Freightliner 122SD for towing a transport trailer 6 Matjack Hurricane lifting bags Sava Landing Bags (from Zip’s)
44 • June 2022 | Towman.com
ABOUT PINE TREE TOWING & RECOVERY Located in southeast Ohio, with facilities in Cambridge, Caldwell and Marietta, Pine Tree Towing & Recovery provides a wide range of services: heavy truck towing, recovery, roadside service and on-site repair. The company maintains an extensive fleet of 25 vehicles, including rotators, wreckers and service vehicles, all prepared for handling just about any situation. This firm is headed up by Ron Myers, and it has over 100 years of combined experience on staff. The company partners with some of the nation’s largest auto and truck fleet managers, along with many local and federal law-enforcement departments. The latter includes the agency that patrols the Ohio State Highways, Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Caldwell Ohio Police Department and the Cambridge Ohio Police Department. Pine Tree Towing & Recovery has earned the trust of these departments and fleet companies by providing many years of quality, 24-hour towing and recovery services. Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 45
TOW OPERATORS Danny Meadows Chris Myers Garrett Huck Jamie Myers Andrew Myers Andrew “Tex” Bryan Kirk Bryan Lacking assistance from ODOT, PT’s crew first set up its own lane closer per the MUTCD, and also used pink advanced-warning signs as recommended in the national TIM training. (In Ohio it is called OTIM responder training.) After establishing the work zone, PT then uprighted the loaded trailer utilizing air cushions, rotators and catch bags. After getting back on its wheels, the truck and trailer had to be separated for towing. The tractor had suffered heavy suspension damage, with every axle torn loose, so a Freightliner 122SD was needed for towing a transport trailer. During this recovery PT operators battled ten inches of wet, heavy snow accumulation, below-freezing temperatures and gusting winds. Even with the extreme conditions, the crew was able to clear the scene in just under four hours. Since PT’s operators had to walk in a large spill of diesel fuel during the recovery, about a week later they returned for cleanup and remediation of the accident scene.
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46 • June 2022 | Towman.com
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory The Most Comprehensive Listing of Towing & Recovery Suppliers Alphabetical Listings | Classification: products & services by category | Portfolio: display advertisers product info *Manufacturer
—A—
1-800 EveryRim-OEM Wheels CA, USA, 562-692-0109, sales@1800everyrim.com 1-800-Rescue-911 FL, 800-500-6008, dmarshlack@gmail.com 3M Scotchlite MN, 800-328-7098, ext. 2 4 State Trucks MO, 888-875-7787, bharrison@4statetrucks.com
5Star Specialty Programs (See Ad 17)
FL, USA, 321-421-6777, bob.alkire@5starsp.com A.T.I.G Insurance CO, 407-472-9600, paul@atiginc.com *A1 Infrared Technologies NY, 631-325-5555
AAA (See Ad 35)
FL, 800-592-5198, aaaserviceproviderbenefits@aaanational.com AAA Club Alliance DE, 443-309-1911 AAA Commercial Insurance AZ, 520-490-8602, jgiuffre@arizona.aaa.com AASP/PA PA, 717-564-8400 x109 *Able Weldbuilt Industries NY, 631-643-9700 Access Commercial Capital NY, 516-444-3621 Access Roadside Assistance BC, 866-224-9861 *Access Tools FL, 800-323-8324, Sales@accesstoolsusa.com Agero MA, 866-219-8136, Jbooton@agero.com *Air Tow Trailers CA, 800-479-7975, sales@airtow.com AIS: Automotive & Industrial Solutions GA, 770-760-8779, ais411@outlook.com
Akins Ford (See Ad 79)
GA, 770-867-9136 Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels OH, 216-641-4643
All American Jerr-Dan (See Ad N,S115, M117) NJ, 732-591-1111, randy@aafordnj.com All Colorado Semi Trailers CO, 303-494-6472, info@acstrailers.com all-Grip Vehicle Recovery System CO, 800-748-2651 Alliance Funding Group CA, 603-422-6608, IT@alliancefunding.com Alliance of Automotive Service Providers PA, 717-564-8400 Allison Transmission IN, 800-252-5283
Allstate Roadside (See Ad 26)
469-971-3643, jeremy.klein@allstate.com Alpha Innovations NV, 702-576-2371, adam@alphatrucks.ca Aluminium Wheels Mfg. CA, 855-833-8899
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
ALPHABETICAL LISTINGS Amdor Ontario, Canada, 514-554-1084 American Alliance Drug Testing CA, 800-820-9314 American Eagle Accessories Group IA, 800-392-3015 *American Legacy Firearms CO, 877-887-4867, butchcassidy@americanlegacyfirearms.com *American Safety & Supply MA, 800-472-3892, amsafe1@aol.com
Auto Shop Solutions NC, 919-342-6024 ext.102 Automobile Club of Southern California CA, 714-885-1333 Automotive Equipment Co. OH, 440-327-3131 Automotive Industrial Solutions (A.I.S.) GA, 770-760-8779 Automotive Training Institue (ATI) MD, 301-575-9102
NY, 800-732-3869, info@towman.com American Towman Magazine NY, 800-READ TOW, dortiz@towman.com American Wrecker Sales NY, 800-433-4210
CA, 888-501-5385, info@autoreturn.com
American Towman Expos (See Ad N119, S117, M120 )
*B & B Industries MN, 877-80-TATOR, parts@bbtowsupply.com B & Z Sales MS, 800-530-7941, mike@bzsalesinc.com
PA, 866-890-2311, info@amerideck.com AMSOIL PA, 215-834-8720 Amur Finance NE, 630-332-9515, zburghardt@goamur.com
B/A Products (See Ad 47)
*Anchor Graphics (See Ad 63)
TX, 972-422-4300, marketing@anchorgraphics.com *Ari-Herta OH, 800-562-3250 Arizona Prof. Towing & Recovery Association AZ, 602-863-3373 *Arkon Mounts CA, 626-400-6767, ben@arkon.com Arrowhead Automotive Insurance KS, 913-312-2815
Ascentium Capital (See Ad 107)
TX, 281-883-0162, ToddChase@AscentiumCaptial.com Associated Equipment Corp. MO, 800-949-1472 Association of Professional Towers - Ohio OH, 330-519-9224 AssuredPartners of GA dba Fleet Risk Mgmt. GA, 912-484-7011, amugford@fleetriskmgt.com Astralease Assoc. NY, 800-390-5251 SC, 888-432-0097, wreckersales@gmail.com Atlantic Emergency Solutions VA, 800-442-9700, mmessier@atlanticemergency.com *Atomic LED RI, 401-232-9900 Auction Simplified by Traxero NY, 877-877-4511, info@dealersimplified.com Aumsville Equipment Sales OR, 866-994 3473, skip@truckdecks.pro Austin Hinds Motors AL, 256-586-8161
*Austin Insurance (See Ad M 119, W 118)
KY, 270-444-6818, austin_ins@wreckerins.com Auto Data Direct FL, 850-877-8804 Auto Equipment NC, 800-737-4116 Auto Salvage & Parts Co. MD, 301-733-6696
AutoReturn (See Ad 69)
—B—
*AmeriDeck™(See Ad 108)
Atlanta Wrecker Sales (See Ad 88)
A-C
MD, 800-327-3301, sales@baprod.com *Bad Dog Tools RI, 800-252-1330, topdog@baddogtools.com *Bailey’s Towing Accessories NC, 919-562-2984 Baremotion NY, 914-792-8360, Sales@baremption.com Base Engineering Canada, 800-924-1010 Battelini Wrecker Sales NJ, 856-697-9595 Beacon Funding Corp. IL, 800-866-6396 *Beacon Software OH, 866-437-6653, talthouse@beaconsoftco.com *Best Tools AR, 479-427-9370, todd@besttoolsusa.com Blue Tiger USA TX, USA, solare@bluetigerusa.com Blust Sales and Service OH, 513-385-6050 *Boniface Engineering England, 011-44-1842-754232 Bressler’s PA, 610-286-6013 Brute Technologies MI, 906-786-0585 BudgetGPS by Traxero TN, 833-934-2275, support@budgetgps.com *Bulldog Towing Products Co. IL, 630-301-0553 *Burgess Ent. NC, 704-795-9839
Business Broker George (See Ad 88)
UT, 801-440-3176, georgemetos@aol.com
—C—
C3LS FL, 56-995-9004 Caino Associates MA, 781-337-5575
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 49
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory California Tow Truck Association (CTTA) CA, 916-617-2882 *Calvin Berkey Enterprises OH, 614-928-3814 Canadian Towing Equipment Ontario, Canada, 519-622-5522 Capital One Services VA, 804-284-1000 CapX Funding CA, 925-837-2279 Car-Part.com KY, 859-344-1295 Casanova Towing Equipment CA, 800-476-8802, info@casanovatowequipment.com Centerpointe Insurance Services CA, 800-451-8766 ext.107 Central California Truck & Trailer CA, 909-810-3210, emarx@centralcatrucks.com  Channel Islands Leasing & Loan CA, 800-879-9987 Chase Insurance Agency FL, 800-940-4301, info@chaseinsurance.net *Chelsea Products Div. of Parker MS, 662-895-1011, chelseamarketing@parker.com Chergey Insurance CA, 805-497-1290, info@chergeyinsurance.com Chesapeake Automotive Equipment MO, 800-604-9653 Chester Point Insurance NJ, 732-320-7032, sodonnell@chesterpoint.com Chevrolet MI, 800-TO-CHEVY *Chevron PA, 800-886-6400
Chevron Commercial (See Ad 104)
IL, 800-443-5778, sales@chevroncommercial.com Chevron West CA, 800-869-8757 Christopher’s Emergency Equipment MA, 978-452-7433 *Chrysler Group Fleet MI, 800-999-Fleet *Cirrus Response CA, 818-821-0399, darren.prine@cirrusresponse.com Clean Diesel Specialists CA, 714-461-9834 Clean Seal IN, 574-299-1888 *Clore Automotive KS, 913-310-1050, sales@cloreautomotive.com Cohen Business Services CA, 800-656-9491, sheldon@cohenbusinessllc.com *Collins Dollies OR, 800-332-9220, sales@collinsdollies.com Collision Management USA TX, 281-373-3072 ComeUp USA OR, 503-783-6142 Commercial Best Insurance Services CA, 818-841-4111 *Computer & Comm. Science NJ, 800-379-1865, bill@ccsconsultants.com Concorde Communications CA, 310-854-4411 *Condor Products IL, 800-461-1344, keng@condor-lift.com
Copart Transportation (See Ad 3) TX, 214-551-1022
50 • June 2022 | Towman.com
CRASHFILM (See Ad 41)
TX, 972-516-0002, Richard@Boxes4U.com Crawford Truck Sales MA, 800-427-7404 Crouch’s Wrecker & Equip. Sales of FL FL, 407-628-4160, david@crouchtowtrucks.com
Crouch’s Wrecker & Equip.Sales (See Ad 53)
TN, 800-628-5212, sales@crouchtowtrucks.com *CTech Mfg. WI, 315-355-8842 Cummins IN, 800-DIESELS Cummins Power Systems PA, 215-785-6005
Custer Products (See Ad 39)
OH, 800-490-3158, barb@custerproducts.com Custom Radio Corp. IN, 800-659-8093 CW Mill Equipment Co. KS, 785-284-3454
—D—
*Dakota Mfg./Trail-Eze SD, 800-232-5682 *Dalton Bearing & Hydraulic TN, 888-898-5031 *Danco Products PA, 800-453-2626, info@dancoproducts.com *Dangelo’s Custom Built PA, 800-540-515 Daniel’s Wrecker Sales NY, 631-361-3542 Danzi Bros. DE, 302-436-2000 *Datow Software CA, 800-866-8086 DerManouel Insur. Grp. A Hub Company CA, 559-447-4600 ext. 326 *Detroit Wrecker Sales MI., 313-835-8700 *DewEze Mfg. Co. KS, 800-835-1042 DFW Truck TX, 972-278-0066 *Dicke Safety Products IL, 630-969-0050 *Dieselsite FL, 888-414-3457, cs@dieselsite.com Digital Ally Safety & Video Systems KS, 913-814-7774 Dirt Cheap Wrecker MO, 636-255-3001 Discovery Bay Insurance CA, 925-516-4700 Dispatch Anywhere by Traxero OH, 866-437-6653, info@beaconsoftco.com *Diversified Products Mfg. FL, 800-874-4172 DK2 Warrior Winches Ontario, Canada, 905-335-2152 Ext.702 *Dodge Truck MI, 248-576-1731 Dom’s Protective Film NJ, 908-313-8630 DomTex Marketing Ontario, Canada, 416-821-1521 Don Jackson Commercial & Fleet Sales GA, 678-961-2940
DOT Tie Down SC, 800-459-4798
*DP Winch (See Ad 19)
OK, 918-298-8300, salesinfo@dovertwg.com
Dri-Dek (See Ad 39)
FL, 800-348-2398, info@Dri-Kek.com Driver Locate AZ, 888-801-9529, victor@agps1.com
*Dual-Tech (See Ad 105)
TN, 800-852-0345, info@dual-techinc.com
Durabilt by Durbin (See Ad 106)
IL, 708-223-0258, info@durabiltusa.com
*Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. (See Ad 83) VA, 800-831-9299, anthonydynamic@mac.com
—E—
Eakins Equipment Co. PA, 800-869-2857 *Eartec Co. RI, 800-399-5994, info@eartech.com
East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales (See Ad W115)
VA, 757-465-2200, Info@ECTTS.com *East Penn Truck Equip. PA, 610-694-9234 or 724-342-1800, sales@eastpenntrucks.com Eastern Wrecker Sales NC, 919-553-4038
EasTract North America (See Ad 98)
GA, 833-Tow-Trac, info@EasTractNA.com *Eaton Transmissions MI, 269-342-3533 EC Marketing CA, 619-417-7379, scottwebster619@gmail.com *ECCO ID, 800-635-5900 ECM Performance FL, 954-748-1840 eComply TX, 512-244-3631
ECS Enviro. Chem. Solutions (See Ad 92)
WA, 253-853-8039, sbockhorm@ecschem.com
EdgeTec (See Ad 97)
TX, 214-742-5221, rolson@EdgeTecTX.com Edinburg Truck Sales VA, 540-984-9418 Effective Web Solutions WA, 888-400-4002 eimpound.com NV, 678-230-2796, info@locatortechnologies.com
Elizabeth Truck Center (See Ad 107)
NJ, 908-355-8800, jpowers@elizabethtruckcenter.com Empire State Towing & Recovery Association NY, 518-320-8440 Employer’s Guardian CA, 916-635-2543 Energy Security Agency OH, 614-321-5135, info@energysecurityagency.com Epplers Truck Sales GA, 800-800-7997 Equipment Gateway Ontario, Canada, 866-588-7599, sales@equipmentgateway.com Equipment Sales & Service NJ, 973-743-7516 *Erkin World Power Aydin, Turkey, +90 541 371 2932, erkan@worldpower.com.tr ERSCA CTTA CA, 916-617-2882 ext.114
ALPHABETICAL LISTINGS
C-I
*Manufacturer Evolution Insurance Brokers IL, 877-678-7342 *Excel Sportswear PA, 800-697-8882 *EZ Spare Wheel GA, 404-277-8160, sales@EZSpareWheel.com
—F—
Fallsway Equipment Co. OH, 800-458-7941 Farmers Insurance / Khasim Insurance CA, 760-781-1555 Fayetteville Ford GA, 404-569-4723, chitwood72@gmail.com FCA Fleet / RAM Trucks MI, 248-288-9700
FCAR Tech USA (See Ad 91)
MD, USA, 443-380-0088, elbert.chen@fcarusa.com Federal Signal IL, 800-824-0254, amberorders@fedsig.com *Felling Trailers MN, 800-245-2809 Ferguson Corp. MD, 410-467-8980 Find Truck Service IL, 847-586-9110 Finex Group CA, 877-443-4639 *Firestone Ind. Products Co. IN, 317-818-8600 Firmhorn TX, 77380, 805-874-2242, support@firmhorn.com Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales TN, 888-589-9773, info@fitzgeraldwrecker.com Five Star Registration CA, 661-255-0264 Fleet Complete GA, 615-457-0020 Fleet Sales West OR, 800-724-8766 FleetDown.Net AL, 256-241-9280 FleetNet America NC, 800-438-8961 x532 Flitz International WI, 262-534-5898, info@flitz.com Florida Independent Towing & Recovery Assoc. FL, 239-693-4872 Florida State Title Search FL, 305-279-9110, Bruce.Manning@ATT.NET Florida Wrecker Sales FL, 813-626-2144, vanessa@gottowtruck.com *FlowStop NC, 877-356-9767 Force America MN, 864-895-2965 *Ford Commercial Vehicles MI, 313-322-3000 *Ford Motor Company MI, 800-343-5338 Fred Beans Ford of West Chester PA, 610-696-4700 *Freightliner Trucks SC, 803-578-3263 Fullbay AZ, USA, 385-399-0922, marketing@fullbay.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Futura Trailers New Zealand, 432-258-6940 Future Wrecker Sales NY, 518-842-2988
—G—
G & K Services MN, 800-GK-CARES
G. Stone Commercial (See Ad N 117)
VT, 802-388-9599, andy@gstonecommercial.com *Gaither Tool Co. IL, 217-245-0545 Gantt Insurance Agency VA, 934-392-7200 *Garmat USA CO, 303-781-6802, sales@garmat.com *Garwood/Feller GA, 912-882-4151 GE Capital Fleet Services MN, 800-933-8473
GEICO (See Ad 123)
GA, 800-522-7775, ERSPS@geico.com *General Motors Corp. MI, 800-353-3867 Ginn Carrier & Wrecker Sales GA, 678-625-4000, joea@getginn.com Globe Trailers FL, 941-753-2199 *GM Consultants UT, 801-440-3176 Golden West Tow Equipment CA, 310-764-0900 *Goodall Mfg. MN, 952-941-6666 *Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company OH, 330-796-2121 *Goodyear Wrecker Sales AL, 334-347-3297 Got Tow Truck Parts.com AZ, 602-431-2227 *Got Towing Uniforms CA, 323-357-0133, gottowinguniforms@gmail.com GPS Pro NV, 888-404-5910 Gray’s Vehicle Clinic PA, 800-355-7102 *Grote Industries IN, 812-273-1296 GSI Tow Insurance WI, 262-501-7244, teambarg@hotmail.com
GSS Safety (See Ad 57)
PA, 800-877-3359, sales@GSSsafety.com Gulf Atlantic Supply AL, 888-662-1716
Guniwheel (See Ad 92)
GA, 888-554-6464, sales@guniwheel.com *Gunnebo Industries OK, 800-331-5460
—H—
H.A.R / West Valley Wrecker Sales CA, 818-705-5625 HAAS Alert IL, 815-994-7244, tom@haasalert.com Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel NJ, 888-501-5984, jfrankenfield@haletrailer.com
Hamman Engineering TN, 731-627-2231 Hanks Insurance Group TX, 903-872-6661 Hawkeye Truck & Wrecker Sales AR, 870-336-3900, hawkeye_72112@yahoo.com Health Insurance Specialist TX, 214-348-8016 Heartland Payment Solutions CA, 209-743-0451, don.smaith@e-hps.com Hella GA, 770-601-7500 *Hide-A-Lift IA, 800-634-9340 Hino of Central Texas TX, 979-778-0700
*Hino Trucks (See Ad 124)
MI, 284-699-9300, oginsky@hino.com Holly’s Towing Dispatch CT, 800-730-3909 *Holmes TN, 800-292-0330 Honk Technologies CA, (800) 979-3162, partners@honkforhelp.com Hot Shot’s Secret OH, 800-341-6516 House of Wreckers CA, 800-594-0005 *Howes RI, 800-438-4639, sales@howeslube.com Hub International TX, 800-369-9010, towinfo@hubinternational.com *Hy-Tech Recovery Equipment TX, 800-969-8246
—I—
ICW Grp. Ins. Co./Autocomp Ins. CA, 800-877-1111 Idaho Wrecker Sales ID, 208-587-2888 iFleet GPS CA, 888-767-8471 Illusions Wraps VA, 540-710-9727, Sales@illusionswraps.com *In The Ditch Towing Products ID, 208-587-7960, sales@intheditch.com INA Towing Network KY, 704-873-4338 Indiana Towing & Wrecker Association, Inc. IN, 765-288-6041 Indiana Truck Sales & Service IN, 317-787-0200 Insta-Chain UT, 801-489-9000 Insurance Auto Auctions IL, 262-325-1701 Int’l Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame TN, 432-267-3132
Integrated Vehicle Equip. Leasing (See Ad 46) NY, 631-439-1266 ext.20, doreen@integratedleasing.com
Intek Truck & Equipment Leasing (See Ad 42) NJ, 973-403-7788, sales@intekleasing.com *InterMotive Vehicle Controls CA, 530-823-1248 *International Truck & Engine Corp. IL, 800-448-7825
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 51
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory InTow by Traxero Ontario, Canada, 866-706-2366, info@intowmanager.com Iowa Motor Truck Association IA, 515-244-5193 ISC Coverage FL, 888-457-5618 IST Solution CA, 661-857-0254 *Isuzu Commercial Trucks of America CA, 714-935-9300, brian.tabel@icta-us.com
ALPHABETICAL LISTINGS
*Manufacturer
Lockmasters KY, 800-654-0637
Lodar USA (See Ad 46)
IA, info@skatesiti.com
TX, 888-685-6327, sales@lodarusa.com *Lube-A-Boom IN, 317-578-3961, sales@lubeaboom.com Lubnau Gonzalez Insurance Agency CA, 714-263-2573 Lucky’s Peterbilt of Vermont VT, 800-877-5854, tmills@luckystrailers.com *Lujan USA NY, 315-468-4140
*Jerr-Dan (See Ad 2)
IL, 708-233-1112, mmariner@lynchchicago.com Lynch Chicago WI, 262-514-4000
ITI Sales (See Ad 45)
—J—
MD, 800-926-9666, marketing@jerrdan.com *Jiffy Jump NY, 631-325-5555 Johnson Truck Center MO, 301-832-9100 Joyride CA, 800-405-2199, wahidmalek@joyrideautos.com
—K— Kalyn-Siebert (See Ad 27)
TX, 254-865-7235, jgoulart@kalyntx.com *Kanister Industries NY, 716-671-8340, joe@rusiniaks.com *Kaper II WA, 800-336-2011 ext.206 KBK Insurance Group LA, 800-229-5927 *Keen Utility WI, 866-676-KEEN (5336) Kenworth of South Florida FL, 321-652-6710, shoskins@kenworthsf.com *Kenworth Truck Co. WA, 425-828-5000 Keris Industries NY, 516-931-3535 *Kilar Manufacturing OH, 330-534-8961
—L—
L & T Services IL, 815-397-6260 *Lanair Waste Oil Heaters WI, 855-577-7342, sales_incoming@lanair.com
Landoll Corporation (See Ad 48)
KS, 800-428-5655, trailersales@landoll.com LED Lights FL, 321-690-2462
Len Zermenos (See Ad 21)
OH, 330-696-3988, lenzermenos@gmail.com Lien Enforcement CA, 877-757-229 *Lift and Tow PA, 866-494-6500 Lift Marketing Group NC, 888-834-1123 Localis NV, 702-530-3644
52 • June 2022 | Towman.com
I-N
Lynch Chicago (See Ad 87)
—M—
*Mach 1 TX, 844-511-0002, provider@mach1services.com *Magna Tech KS, 620-431-3490 Magnolia Wrecker Sales MS, 601-825-6400 *Manufacturer Express (ME) NJ, 201-754-1010, danthony@mfrexpress.com MarkingPenDepot CA, 888-396-3848 *Marlow Ropes MA, 508- 830 0444 Martens Johnson InsuranceTechnology MD, 301-231-5447 x230 Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales MD, 800-TOW-GEAR Matheny Towing Equipment VA, 855-494-4353, ccindrich@mathenymotors.com
*Matjack Jumbo SafeLift (See Ad 89)
IN, 800-827-3755, sales@matjack.com Matthews Garage GA, 770-382-0900 Mayflower Publishing RI, 401-275-0254 McCandless International Trucks NV, 702-633-7181 McKamie Insurance TX, 817-251-0541, lbatlle@mckamieinsurance.com
McMahon Truck Centers (See Ad M 115)
OH, 614-252-3111, pblackston@McmahonTrucks. com dlong@McmahonTrucks.com *Menzel Technologies WI, 608-422-4844, support@menzeltech.com MercurySend.com DE, 800-442-2721, support@team.mercurysend.com *Metro Tow Trucks Ontario, Canada, 866-924-1675
Metrocom (See Ad 27)
NY, 212-532-7400, sales@metrocomradio.com Meyer Truck Center KS, 913-764-2000 *Microtronics KS, 620-365-8264
Midco Sales LLC (See Ad 93)
AZ, 480-999-0607, Pete@midcosales.com Midwest Keyless IL, 815-675-3744 Midwest Wrecker OH, 740-739-6034, tyler@midwestwrecker.net
Midwestern Manufacturing (See Ad 89)
OK, USA, 918-858-4201, jcg@sidebooms.com *Mile Marker FL, 954-782-0604
*Miller Industries (See Ad 9)
TN, 800-292-0330, sales@millerind.com Millner-Haufen Tool Co. TN, 888-365-3301 Minnesota Professional Towing Assoc. MN, 651-487-1983 *Minute Man Wheel Lifts. MI, 877-593-6959 Mission Valley Truck Center CA, 408-933-2395 Mississippi Towing and Recovery Professionals MS, 662-456-0199 Mitsubishi Fuso NJ, 877-829-3876
Mobile Control Systems (See Ad 96)
AR, 800-680-4455, joemcs@towmate.com
Mobile Create USA, Inc. (See Ad 20)
CA, 408-933-9588, contact@mcusainc.com Mobile Relay Associates CA, 800-822-3500
Mobile Video Computing Solutions (See Ad 43) MI, 248-817-6720, info@mvcsol.com *Mohawk Lifts NY, 800-833-2006 Montana Tow Truck Association MT, 406-587-3831 Montgomery Sales MO, 573-564-2489 Motor Guardian Cam IL, 855-410-4400, sales@motorgc.com Motorcycle Towing Services IA, 800-999-7064, info@mts-towing.com MPH Industries KY, 270-685-6302 Mr. Key Tags Canada, 902-222-7322 *Muncie Power Products IN, 800-367-7867, info@munciepower.com Murphy Bank CA, 559-225-0318 Mytee Product OH, 888-705-8277
—N—
NAPA-AAA FL, 800-LET NAPA Nation Safe Drivers FL, 888-362-7805, afreire@nationsafedrivers.com National Automobile Club CA, 650-294-7015 National Towing & Recovery Assoc. MA, 413-467-2006 National Traffic Signs FL, 727-446-7983 NationWide Towing & Recovery Group MO, 417-380-4088 New England Truckmaster CT, 800-481-0501, lambiaset@aol.com New England Wrecker Sales NH, 603-658-7171, ceoadmin@aprrinc.com *Next Generation Tool Co. FL, 800-874-5625
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory *Nissan Diesel America TX, 972-756-5548 Nite Beam MI, 248-705-8784 Nitro Motor Sports PA, 855-278-0469
*North American BanCard (See Ad 103)
866-481-4604, broth@nabancard.com North Dakota Towing Association ND, 701-663-6491 North East Enterprises MD, 410-287-5277 *Northeast Custom Flatbed & Trailer NY, 518-623-0073 Northeast Wrecker Sales NY, 518-573-8232, northeastwrecker@hotmail.com Northern Truck Equipment, Corp. SD, 605-543-5206 Nottingham Insurance PA, 610-283-2614, ameinster@nottins.com *NRC Industries QE, Canada, 450-379-5796 Null’s Sales & Service PA, 610-235-6657 *Nunzi’s Advertising PA, 570-504-5757 Nussbaum Equipment PA, 717-684-0189, Sales@Nussbaumequipment.com
—O—
O’Hare Truck Service IL, 847-455-7750 Oklahoma Wreckers Owner’s Association OK, 405-319-1724 *Olson and Company MD, 4107847029, info@axlecap.net Omadi by Traxero UT, 801-800-8250, sales@towlien.com Omega Comp HR CA, 888-540-0752
OMG Tow Marketing (See Ad 98)
FL, 800-789-4619, info@omgtowmarketing.com *One Form Certified Mailers FL, 305-279-9110, Bruce.Manning@ATT.net
Online Impound Auctions (See Ad 42)
GA, USA, 888-903-3678, holly@onlineimpoundauctions.com OnlineParkingPass.com MD, 301-685-6200 *Onspot of North America CT, 203-377-0777 OPS OH, 419-396-4041 Orange County Freeway Service Patrol CA, 714-560-5425, motoristservices@octa.net Orange County Transportation Authority CA, 714-560-5425 Oregon Tow Truck Association OR, 541-342-3344 *OTC/SPX MN, 800-533-6127
—P—
Pacific General Insurance (See Ad M 116) IL, 800-888-0545, pgia13@aol.com Palfinger North America Ontario, Canada, 800-567-1554
54 • June 2022 | Towman.com
*Paratech IL, 800-435-9358 Pardo’s Sales & Service IN, 765-966-2669 Patriot Sales & Service MA, 508-643-9201, Sales@patriotne.com Paylock NJ, 908-595-6900, info@paylock.com Payroc/NXGEN IL, 866-863-9977, partner@payroc.com PDQ Performance Warehouse FL, 407-321-5644 PDSI, Professional Dispatch Services OR, 503-849-9385 PDV Wireless NJ, 973-337-1995 Peak Auto Auctions CO, 720-232-2304, info@peakautoauctions.com
Peak Wrecker Sales (See Ad W 119) TX, 817-372-9767, jeremy.morgan@peakwrecker.com
PeakPTT (See Ad 41)
CA, 855-600-6161, info@peakptt.com Peddle TX, 855-997-4556, carrier@peddle.com Pennsylvania Towing Association PA, 877-736-6869 *Penny Pockets MA, 508-679-5536 Penske Truck Leasing Service PA, 844-780-9996 *Performance Advantage Company NY, 888-514-0083, tom@pactoolmounts.com Permco Hydraulics OH, 330-626-2801 *Peterbilt TX, 817-591-4000 *Peterson Mfg. Co. MO, 816-765-2000 PGM Recovery Systems CA, 619-427-8540, richp@pgmrecoverysystems.com
*Phoenix USA (See Ad 105)
TN, 931-526-6128, CS2@phoenixusa.com
Photo Card Specialists (See Ad 23)
WI, 800-727-4488, lashawn@photocardspec.com *Pierce Sales TX, 940-538-5643 Pillow Protection Corp. Alberta, Canada, 780-908-6560 Pinnacle/Coach-Net TX, 800-285-4977 #3 Planet Halo CA, 650-832-1057 Police Towers of America 234-254-0076, policetowers@gmail.com Pop - A - Lock LA, 337-233-6211 x 230 *PowerBilt Wreckers MO, 636-629-7311 *Powerhouse Industries NY, 631-325-5555 *PowerUp Products NV, 800-769-3749 Precise Financial Solutions MD, 443-352-3652 Prime Industries VA, 757-631-8899 Pro Tools WI, 920-486-2746, kbanks@protools.biz
*PRO-LOK® CA, 757-631-8899 *Pro-Vision Video Systems MI, 800-576-1126, marketing@provisionusa.com Professional Exchange Service CA, 559-228-6140, mbourdase@pesc.com Professional Towers Association of Nebraska NE, 402-362-4145 Prof. Towing & Recovery Operators of Illinois IL, 800-423-3249 Professional Wrecker Oper. of Fl. FL, 407-296-3316 Professional Wrecker Operators of Florida FL, 407-296-3316 Progressive Comm. Auto Insur. OH, 888-806-9598 Public Vehicle Safety Equipment KY, 270-685-6302 Purpose Wrecker Sales MO, 636-639-9700, tyler@purposewrecker.com
—Q—
Q&A Insurance Marketing CA, 925-743-4008 QuakeLED CO, 714-981-4000 Quest Towing Services MI, 888-295-2584, QTSNetwork@QuestSoftware.com
*Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems (See Ad 109)
MI, 877-945-8277, Cory.Valire@quickdrawtarps.com Quick Tricks Auto FL, 305-328-8778 QuiKleen NC, 800-650-2067
—R—
R & A Insurance MD, 401-833-7666, info@rarisk.com *R-O-M, a Safe Fleet Brand MO, 800-827-3692 R. A. Storelee Insurance Agency CA, 707-745-3321
R.P. Recovery Consulting (See Ad 34)
NY, 315-730-6566, RPRecoveryConsulting@Gmail.com R.P.M Equipment Co. TX, 281-590-1494 *Race Ramps MI, 800-213-5883 Ram Trucks MI, 248-576-1731 Ramos Oil Company CA, 888-347-1729, sales@ramosoil.com *Ramsey Winch OK, 800-777-2760, rwsales@ramsey.com Randall Resch Training CA, 619-807-3177, rreschran@gmail.com Ranger Rescue & Recovery Systems RI, 401-569-2095, tt@rangerrrs.com Ranger SST OH, 440-498-1495, sales-service@rangersst.com *Ratler.com Ontario, Canada, 416-285-1876 *RC Industries IN, 574-295-6641 x103 *RealWheels Corp. IL, 847-662-7722
ALPHABETICAL LISTINGS
N-T
*Manufacturer *Rear View Safety NY, 800-764-1028
*Sagness Tow Truck Builder Ontario, Canada, 905-856-1200
MA, 508-763-5474, info@recoverybillingunlimited.com Recovery Specialist Insur. Gp. VA, 703-365-0199 Red Peak Camera Systems NY, 702-332-2509 *Reelcraft Industries IN, 260-248-8188, reelcraft@reelcraft.com Regional International NY, 585-202-8210 *Renew Truck Body NH, 844-736-3982, rmcginty@renewtruckbody.com RepoTimes.com NY, 800-732-3869 Rick’s Truck & Equipment OH, 419-673-1717, Rick@ricksautosales.com Ricky’s Sales & Service MA, 978-534-0120
NY, 800-238-4009, cevf@santander.us Santiam Enterprises OR, 800-282-2793
Recovery Billing Unlimited (See Ad 94)
RimSling (See Ad 42)
IA, sales@rimsling.com Roadside Protect IL, 888-929-2918, towprovider@roadsideprotect.com Robert Bell Insurance Brokers CA, 760-451-8556 Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Service VA, 800-246-4785, partsmanry@yahoo.com Robertson Ryan & Associate / RRA NV, 725-206-2990, swservice@RobertsonRyan.com Rochester Truck NH, 603-335-2084 Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales UT, 801-268-8850 ROI Protective Tape PA, 610-564-7135 *Rose Ledge Co. MA, 413-423-3563, roseledge@msn.com Rotary Lift IN, 800-445-5438 Royal Truck Body CA, 800-834-7692 RRL Insurance Agency FL, 800-407-4077, Info@rrl.ins.com Rush Towing Systems TX, 877-578-7486, towingsales@rushenterprises.com Russ Automotive MO, 573-592-0208 RV Cams LA, 225-261-7812 RVWheel.com CA, 800-215-8007 *Rydin IL, 800-448-1991, Sales@rydin.com
—S—
Sabil & Son VT, 802-295-4325 *Safe Reflections MN, 800-773-8199
SafeAll Products (See Ad 23) IA, info@safeallproducts.com *Safety Track MI, 734-699-7633 *Safety Vision TX, 800-544-6714
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
*Star Headlight NY, 585-226-9500 Statewide Towing Association MA, 508-303-6699
Santander Bank (See Ad 29)
*Steck Manufacturing (See Ad 44)
Sea Crest Insurance Agency (See Ad W 120) CA, 800-337-5900, mark@seacrestins.com Select Truck & Equipment MO, 800-896-2120, Karl@towtrucksmo.com *Sepson USA PA, 412-444-5409, info@sepson-usa.com
ServiCase (See Ad 15)
TX, USA, 877-401-2345, support@sureecosystem.com Services & Materials MO, 800-428-8185 Setcom Corporation TX, 650-965-8020, sales@setcomcorp.com Shannon Bryant’s Wrecker AZ, 334-222-6100, bryantswrecker@gmail.com Shield Solutions WI, 920-474-7502, BradK@shieldsl.com Sierra Pacific Insurance Services CA, 800-520-1641, ops@sierrapacificagency.com *Signal Vehicle Products NY, 315-656-5222 Sirens & Emergency Beacons PA, 800-837-4736 SLEC MD, 800-826-3486 *Slide Lock Tool Co. LA, 865-577-8470
—T—
T & L Lift Equipment AL, 251-490-5693 T.R.A.O. (Towing & Rec. Assoc. of OH) OH, 877-341-3400
Talbert Manufacturing, Inc. (See Ad 104) IN, 800-348-5232, tgeisler@talbertmfg.com TCF Equipment Finance MN, 844-656-1405
Smyrna Truck & Cargo (See Ad 109)
GA, 844-444-1905, ngriffin@smyrnatruck.com Sonetics Corp. OR, 800-833-4558 *Sound Off Signal MI, 800-338-7337 South Dakota Towing Association SD, 605-332-2173 South West Tow Operators TX, 972-247-9454 Southern California Tow Equipment CA, 800-400-8085, komda@tow equipment.com Southwest Communications OH, 740-277-1751, Sales@swcommunications
TEC Equipment (See Ad 18)
Speak Easy Communication Sol. (See Ad 46) OH, 216-598-8733, alex@speakeasycommunication.solutions
Specialty Vehicle Equip. & Funding Group (See Ad 75)
NY, 631-753-6611, marketing@specialtyvehiclefunding.com Spectrum Truck Painting TX, 469-337-3253 *Speed Binders OH, 330-495-2409, Steven@speedbinders.com *SpeedTech Lights TX, 800-757-2581 *Spill Tackle MS, 228-206-1449, jacob.steinle@spilltackle.com Spirit Ride NY, 800-732-3869 ext.219 SSCS CA, 800-972-7727 *Stamp Works TX, 800-758-2743
OH, 937-222-0062, Sales@steckmfg.com Stephens Truck Center OK, 405-602-3200 *Sterling Truck Corp. MI, 313-592-4200 *Stertil-Koni/Omer USA MD, 410-643-9001 *Stratosphere Studio MD, 41-459-7022 *Sun Country Trailers AZ, 866-887-2453 Sunshine State Towing Association FL, 888-575-4145 *Superior Signals KS, 913-780-1440 *Superwinch OK, 800-323-2031 Synergy Truck Equipment AZ, 602-431-2227
OR, 877-832-8789, tow@tecequipment.com *Tech International OH, 740-967-9015 *Teletrac CA, 800-500-6009 Tennessee Tow Truck Association TN, 423-300-2095 Terrco Wrecker Sales PA, 215-288-0334 Tesla Roadside CA, RoadsideAdminNA@Tesla.com Texas Towing & Storage Association TX, 866-924-2088
The Amell Agency (See Ad W 119)
TX, 346-224-8427, lamell@amellagency.com *The Crosby Group OK, 918-834-4611 The Exchange CA, 559-228-6148, info@pesc.com The Wireless Experience / AT&T Retailer NJ, 732-552-0050 *Tiger Tool International WA, 800-661-4661 Tim Halpin Equipment Corp. FL, 800-842-5746 Timo International TX, 210-224-8930 Tipton Sales & Parts KY, 859-689-4888 Tire Auditor MN, 952-934-8427, walshtire@tireauditor.com Tire Hotline (Dacotah-Walsh Tire) MN, 800-783-8473
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 55
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory *TJR Equipment & Controls IL, 630-241-9595, tom@tjrec.com TLC Truck & Equipment FL, 954-961-4276, howard@trileasing.com Todd Equipment AZ, 480-557-8633 Ext 11 Tom Luciano (Trainer) NY, 518-584-1444 Tomar Electronics AZ, 800-338-3133, sales@tomar.com TOPS by Traxero TN, 866-800-8677, support@txisystems.com
Tow Brokers Insurance (See Ad W 118)
TX, 817-251-0541, lbattle@mckamieinsurance.com Tow Club CA, 800-611-1390, info@tow.club Tow Dispatch Service TX, 972-567-7299, info@towdispatchservice.com
Tow Industries (See Ad W 116)
CA, 323-660-4866, jessica@towindustries.com Tow Life FL, 727-224-3245 *Tow Program IL, 888-834-1123 Tow Recruiter PA, 717-668-3033 Tow Truck Country IA, 563-542-9149 Tow Truck Printing C0-Op CA, 1-800-583-3515 Tow World CA, 310-263-1200 Tow-Buddy AL, 251-714-0096
Towbook Management Software (See Ad 25) MI, 810-320-5063, support@towbook.com TowIndustryWeek.com NY, 800-732-3869, dortiz@towman.com Towing & Recovery Assoc. of America DC, 888.392.9300 Towing & Recovery Association of Georgia GA, 866-456-8449 Towing & Recovery Association of Kentucky KY, 502-348-5722 Towing & Recovery Association of Ohio OH, 513-791-3555 Towing & Recovery Association of South Carolina SC, 803-640-6682 Towing & Recovery Professionals of Colorado CO, 303-789-2593 Towing & Recovery Professionals of Connecticut CT, 860-677-9074 Towing & Recovery Professionals of Maryland MD, 410-414-5406 Towing & Recovery Prof. of North Carolina NC, 919-876-0687 Towing Dispatch Services OR, 888-399-7069 Towing Operators Protector Plan FL, 800-338-1935 Towing Payment Solutions MA, 413-575-3104 Towing.com OH, 877-444-6339 TowingWebsites.com FL, 855-385-3338, sam@towingwebsites.com TowLien by Traxero OH, 4402376653, sales@towlien.com
56 • June 2022 | Towman.com
TowLot.com KS, 913-262-3300
TowMate (See Ad 17)
AR, 800-680-4455, info@towmate.com TowPartners TX, 877-401-2345 TowPartsNow OR, 866-869-9680
*TowToolz (See Ad 20)
WA, 206-799-7880, sales@towtoolz.com TowTrack FL, 772-223-5351 TowTrax TX, 469-774-0340, dan@towtrax.net *TowTruckads.com TX, 832-429-7727, info@towtruckads.com TowTruckLocator.com NV, 702-205-2411, linda@towtrucklocator.com TowXchange TN, 866-800-8677 Tracker Management Systems by Traxero OH, 216-573-0700, info@trackermanagement.com *Trade of AMTA / Boxer Tools CA, 562-946-6568
Trail King Industries (See Ad 96)
SD, 800-843-3324, sales@trailking.com *Trail-Eze / Dakota Mfg SD, 800-232-5682 *TrailMax Trailers/Gem State Mfg. ID *Transfer Flow CA, 530-893-5209, wjohnson@transferflow.com Transit Pros MO, 816-220-7100 Transportation Info. Systems (TIS) CA, 818-563-2839 Travis Barlow Insurance GA, 912-748-6046
Traxero (See Ad 4, 5)
800-428-4715, sales@traxero.com Traxxis GPS Solutions FL, 888-447-7059 TreadWright SD, 877-439-0759 Tri-State Towing Equipment NY, 516-338-9333 Tri-State Trailer Sales PA, 412-747-777, Sales@tristatepgh.com *Triple K Industries SD, 800-624-2892 *Tru-Hitch CT, 800-450-8659 Truck Body Sales CA, 916-395-8641, Sales@truckbodysalesinc.com *Truck Covers USA CA, 858-622-9135, ktremelling@truckcoversusa.com Truck Crane International MD, 443-392-5927, paulf@truckcrane Truck Source OK, 580-307-7600, eldon@trucksourceok.com *TruckMax FL, 305-777-9000, jalvarez@truckmax.com *Trux Accessories QC, 450-622-1475 TTN Fleet Solutions TX, 817-993-6002 *TW Products MD, 410-674-3913, gloria@twprod.com
Twin Cities Wrecker Sales (See Ad 31)
MN, 800-287-4210, sales@tcwreckersales.com
—U—
UIS Agency NY, 914-347-6660 UIS Insurance Services CA, 916-589-8000 UltraTech International, Inc. FL, 904-292-1611, info@ultratechbrands.com UniFirst Corp. MA, 978-527-4320 *United Plastic Fabricating MA, 800-638-8265 ext. 272 *Unity Manufacturing Co. IL, 312-943-5200 Universal Underwriters Ins. KS, 800-821-7803 *UR International TX, 291-989-4411, upenddra.sahu
Urgently Roadside Assistance (See Ad 63)
VA, 888-461-4621, towsupport@geturgently.com US Bank, Corp. CA, 510-691-2215
*US Fleet Tracking (See Ad 30)
OK, 405-726-9900, sales@usft.com US Rider Equestrian Motor Plan KY, 859-543-8585 *USA Flap IN, 888-872-3527 USA Towing & Equipment FL, 813-443-4511 USAC/MD TX, 888-300-8722 Utility Pro High-Visibility NY, 212-221-9800
Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX (See Ad W 120)
TX, 713-821-6300, unlimited@utilitytrailers.com
—V—
Verdant Commercial Capital OH, 513-394-7717 Verizon Connect GA, 844-690-5100 Vermont Towing Association VT, 802-885-5400 Versatran WI, 920-262-1800 VF Workwear TN, 800-733-5271 *VIAIR Corp. CA, 949-585-0011 VieVu WA, 406-880-8293 Virginia Assoc. of Towing & Recovery Operators VA, 800-541-2432 Virgo Fleet Supplies NY, 800-270-6003, virgo@virgofleet.com *Volvo Heavy Truck NC, 910-393-2960 *VTS Systems Software TX, 877-374-7225 ext. 2, sales@vts-systems.com *Vulcan Equipment Co. TN, 800-489-2401
ALPHABETICAL LISTINGS
T-Z
*Manufacturer
—W—
*W Star USA CA, 302-444-6688, lhuang@wstarusa.com
*Warn Industries (See Ad 7)
OR, 800-543-9276, brassd@warn.com Wasatch Truck Equipment UT, 801-571-8761 We Buy Key Fobs NE, 402-671-5100 ext. 405 Webfleet Solutions MA, 866-224-9451 *Weego Portable Power NJ, 609-265-9200, brianb@myweego.com *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers NY, 631-643-9700 West Coast Towing Equipment CA, 916-731-8233
*WreckMaster NY, 800-267-2266
*Xtreme Air Wedge FL, 904-731-8100
XINSURANCE (See Ad W 116)
*Zacklift International (See Ad 86)
—X—
UT, 877-585-2853, info@xinsurance.com *XL Specialized Trailers LA, 563-927-4900 Xpress Pay NY, 607-753-6156
—Z—
WA, 844-ZACKLIFT, mfreeborn@zacklift.com *Zendex Tool Corporation CT, 800-446-5257, bls@standishassoc.com
Zip’s AW Direct (See Ads 33, 38) IA, 800-222-6047, zips@zips.com
West End Service (See Ad 94)
MD, 800-425-4455, kbloom@westendservice.com West Virginia Towing & Recovery Association WV, 304-984-1869 *Western Sling and Supply CO, 800-748-2651 *Western Star Trucks OR, 503-745-9055 Western Truck Insurance CA, 310-215-2920 *Wheel Collision Center PA, 800-292-7467 *Whelen Engineering Co. CT, 860-526-9504 Whiterail Reviews OR, 503-997-4422 Wichert Insurance OH, 888-455-5131, mindy@wichert.com Wilkes Barre Truck Center PA, 570-823-0144
Will-Burt (See Ad 108)
OH, 330-684-4000, info@willburt.com Willamette Financial OR, 503-639-6171 *Wilson Electronics UT, 435-673-5021, support@wilsonelectronics.com
*Winches Inc. (See Ad 97)
OK, 877-361-8543, sales@winchesinc.com Winn Street Sales MA, 617-273-1180 *Wired Rite Systems CA, 707-545-7474 Wisconsin Towing Association WI, 608-833-8200 *Witzco Trailers FL, 941-922-5301, Josh@witzco.com *Woody’s Accessories WA, 800-336-2011 WorldClass Insurance Services CA, 877-789-1523, steve@worldclassins.com Worldwide Equipment Sales IL, 815-725-4400, pwiner@newtowtrucks.com Wrecker Rentals GA, 770-898-1200
Wrecker Warehouse of TX (See Ad W 117) TX, 972-303-0055, Brent@WW1TX.com *WreckerWear.com FL, 877-599-7257
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 57
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory Accident Clean-Up/Haz Mat
Advertising / Marketing
S
S
Pa ee A ge d 92
*ECS Environmental Chemical Solutions Gig Harbor, WA • 253-853-8039 sbockhorm@ecschem.com
ecschem.com
ECS is the premier supplier for pollution cleanup products. We manufacture EPA-NCP listed Surface Washing Agents, vapor suppression agents, bioremediation agents, and more. We also supply absorbent mops, pads, booms, granular, and peat. We carry acid neutralizers to duck ponds. Ask about our Pollution Billing Services.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
S
Pa ee A ge d 63
Anchor Graphics
Pilot Point, TX • 972-422-4300 marketing@anchorgraphics.com
anchorgraphics.com
Pa ee A ge d 98
OMG Tow Marketing
Plantation, FL • 800-789-4619 info@omgtowmarketing.com
omgtowmarketing.com
High quality parking permits (no paper) with your laser printer! Program included for printing and tracking. Hang tags. Signs: towing & custom. Violation stickers.
OMG Tow Marketing is the industry-leading digital marketing company with over 1,400 active tow clients. From Google Ads, to websites and SEO, we have the tools to help you grow your towing company with more cash calls. Let us hook you up!
SEE US IN TEXAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Advertising / Marketing
Air Cushions P S S 1 ages ee A 20 N d , M 12 11 0, 8,
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Pa ee A ge d 23
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Pa ee A ge d 89
Photo Card Specialists Eau Claire, WI
800-727-4488
TowIndustryWeek.com
lashawn@photocardspec.com
PhotoCardSpecialist.com
Warwick, NY • 800-732-3869
Your Top Source for Promotional Products Since 1986! Business Cards, Post Cards, Calendars, Mouse Pads, Clocks, Blankets, & much more...using YOUR photo!
towindustryweek.com
dortiz@towman.com
*Matjack Jumbo SafeLift
Indianapolis, IN • 800-827-3755 sales@matjack.com
matjack.com
Serving the Tow Industry since 2011. An effective and affordable internet medium for advertisers seeking to reach towing business owners. Direct link to advertiser’s website, Mobile friendly.
The only manufacturer and major innovator in the U.S. since 1981, available 24/7/365 without fail to fill your airbag and jumbo cushion needs. Matjack Hurricane System uprights trailers in as little as 5 minutes.
SEE US IN TEXAS & BALTIMORE
Apparel
Auctions S
Pa ee A ge d 57
Business Consultation S
*GSS Safety sales@GSSsafety.com
GSSsafety.com
GSS is specialized in all types of reflective apparel including safety vests, jackets, rain jackets etc. We print logo for you.
Online Impound Auctions Atlanta, GA • 888-903-3678
holly@onlineimpoundauctions.com
onlineimpoundauctions.com
OnlineImpoundAuctions.com provides the easier way to maximize return on your abandoned vehicles. At no cost to the seller, and the lowest bidder cost in the industry($30), our live auction platform streamlines and optimizes your auction, reducing your expense and effort while increasing your revenue. Register as a seller today!
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
58 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Pa ee A ge d 88
Business Broker George
Carlisle, PA
800-877-3359
S
Pa ee A ge d 42
Salt Lake City, UT
801-440-3176
georgemetos@aol.com
businessbrokergeorge.com George can determine the value of your towing operation and find a buyer.
DIRECTORY HIGHLIGHTS *Manufacturer
Cables, Chains, Hooks, Slings
Call Providers / Motor Clubs
S
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Pa ee A ge d 47
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Pa ee A ge d 42
*B/A Products
Pa ee A ge d 35
AAA
Columbia, MD
Heathrow, FL
800-327-3301
800-592-5198
sales@baprod.com
baprod.com
*RimSling
aaaserviceproviderbenefits@aaanational.com
sales@rimsling.com
AAA has assembled a network of industry-leading organizations, offering exclusive benefits for products and services, to the best roadside assistance network in North America.
networkofsavings.aaa.biz
New Hampton, IA
With over 40+ years in the industry, B/A Products manufactures the most complete line of chain, wire rope & web sling products. We have everything you need to get the job done right.
rimsling.com
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Lightweight, compact and flexible, RimSling synthetic slings have proven themselves superior to traditional lifting and rigging methods. Their high-quality synthetic fibers ensure strength and durability, and a special braided guard and cordura sleeve add extra layers of protection. Container slings and soft shackles also available. Learn more at RimSling.com.
SEE US IN BALTIMORE
Call Providers / Motor Clubs S
S
Pa ee A ge d 26
Pa See A ge d 12 3
Pa ee A ge d 3
GEICO
Allstate Roadside 469-971-3643
Macon, GA
800-522-7775
jeremy.klein@allstate.com
ERSPS@geico.com
Copart Transportation Dallas, TX • 214-551-1022
tow-providers.Allstate.com Allstate Roadside is fueling your business with industry-leading tools, resources and award-winning technology. Join the network that supports you.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
geico.com
Towing for Copart is easy and profitable. Towing for Copart gives you access to steady work, weekly pay, and a business you manage from your phone. If you want to work with one of the best in the industry, join us today.
Second largest automobile insurance carrier in the U.S. providing outstanding emergency road service for over 17 million GEICO customers with the best providers across the nation.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Call Providers / Motor Clubs S
ServiCase
Pa See A ge d 10 5
S
Pa ee A ge d 15
Keller, TX • 877-401-2345
Car Carriers (manufacturer) Pa ee A ge d 63
*Dual-Tech
Urgently Roadside Assistance Vienna, VA • 888-461-4621
Bean Station, TN • 800-852-0345
towsupport@geturgently.com
info@dual-techinc.com
When your company is listed on servicase.com, you become part of one of the most sophisticated networks available for roadside breakdowns. ServiCase is a truck breakdown management system allowing carriers and fleets to locate service providers with the ability to digitally dispatch and receive electronic updates.
Urgently’s Global Mobility and Roadside Assistance Platform sits at the center of expanding transportation options and is trusted by leading automotive, insurance, and telematics brands. Urgently connects you with more nearby jobs to grow your business efficiently.
10k, 12k, 16k & 20k capacities w/ lengths 19’6 to 28’. Standard features: low load angle, low deck height, solid deck sheet, quad rail sub-frame, 1,152 sq. inches nylatron wear pads & planetary winch, 2 yr. warranty on lo-pro series. Family owned & operated, building a quality product & providing personalized customer service.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
support@sureecosystem.com
servicase.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
dual-techinc.com
geturgently.com/towman
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 59
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory Car Carriers (manufacturer) Se
S
*Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. Norfolk, VA • 800-831-9299
*Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. Norfolk, VA • 800-831-9299
dynamictow.com
dynamictow.com
anthonydynamic@mac.com
S
Pa ee A ge d 83
Pa e A ge d 83
anthonydynamic@mac.com
Pa ee A ge d 2
*Jerr-Dan
Hagerstown, MD • 717-597-7111 marketing@jerrdan.com
jerrdan.com
Steel deck-1 piece 3/16 deck plate, 5,000 lb. wheel lift, 8,000 lb. planetary winch, 3 x 2 channel cross members with 9” spacing, lock valves on tilting cylinders, tool box, 4 year warranty. 19’ & 21’ steel body width 96 O.D., 10,000 lb. body rating, 5,000 lb. wheel lift rating (extended). Optional -102” wide deck, wireless remote, removable side rails, frame mounted pylon.
The Dynamic Radius 240° Rotation Flatbed: rollback & recovery vehicle in one. Able to go over guard rails. Great loading from tight spaces. Standard features: side rails w/ stake type pockets, Lodar Wireless Remote System, hardwired backup system for remote, 2 rear lighting control systems, roller guide, winch release, safety chains, steps & ratchets. 4 yr. warranty.
For 50 years, Jerr-Dan has re-defined the towing industry by setting new standards for performance, quality, innovative technology, and service. Every product, from light, medium, and heavy duty carriers and wreckers to our heavy duty rotators & side recovery systems, is backed with service & support through our nationwide distributor network.
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
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Car Carriers (distributor)
Car Carriers (manufacturer)
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*Miller Industries
All American Jerr-Dan
Ooltewah, TN • 800-292-0330
Old Bridge, NJ • 732-591-1111
news.millerind.com; facebook.com/
aajerrdan.com
sales@millerind.com
randy@aafordnj.com
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Len Zermenos
Dalton, OH • 330-696-3988 lenzermenos@gmail.com
At the forefront of the towing and recovery industry are Century, Vulcan, and Chevron car carriers. Each brand offers a variety of products ranging from 10,000 - 40,000 lbs. Patented low center-of-gravity (LCG) option is also available. Steel or aluminum deck material is available on most conventional and LCG carrier products.
All American Jerr-Dan is the largest Jerr-Dan distributor in the Northeast. We carry all makes and models offering the largest selection and an award-winning experience. There’s a reason so many happy customers fly in from around country for our carriers and wreckers. Don’t settle for less, shop the best.
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lenzermenos.com
Len Zermeno’s is a tow industry only family run business. We love what we do and it shows. We believe in quality not quantity. That’s why we only use Kilar beds modified to our specifications, providing strength and great looks. New Ford & Chevy Rollbacks in stock!
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Twin Cities Wrecker Sales
877-832-8789
800-287-4210
Peak Wrecker Sales
tow@tecequipment.com
jeremy.morgan@peakwrecker.com
We carry & finance Jerr-Dan, BWS, Sun Country, Kentucky, Cottrell. The West’s largest full-service dealership for trucks, trailers, tow & recovery, parts, service & collision.
peakwrecker.com
Peak Wrecker is your one stop shop for all your towing and recovery needs in the southwest. For current inventory go to www.peakwrecker.com or follow Peak Wrecker on Facebook for specials. We stock Century, Vulcan Holmes Wreckers and carriers along with Trail-Eze Sliding Axle and bus trailers and side pullers (new chassis sold by franchise dealer).
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TEC Equipment Portland, OR
San Antonio, TX • 817-372-9767
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tecequipment.com
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St. Paul, MN
sales@tcwreckersales.com
tcwreckersales.com
Miller Industries distributor offering new and pre-owned tow trucks, wreckers, industrial and car carriers, plus other related equipment. Let us custom build your next truck.
DIRECTORY HIGHLIGHTS *Manufacturer
Car Carriers (distributor)
Collision Film
Pa See ge Ad s
Zip’s AW Direct zips@zips.com
zips.com
Zip’s latest offering of 2022 Chevrolet 6500 Century 10 Series car carriers earns all A’s this year for their Aluminum decks, Air-ride suspensions, and Availability. Production will begin later this summer, and the first deliveries are expected this fall. As with all of our truck builds, customization is a phone call away. Reserve your new rollback today!
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New Hampton, IA • 800-222-6047
Communication
Metrocom
CRASHFILM Plano, TX • 972-516-0002
New York, NY • 212-532-7400
Richard@Boxes4U.com
sales@metrocomradio.com
CRASHFILM is a blue, self-adhesive, clean release film with UV inhibitors. Easily applied by one person. Free Freight in the lower 48 states. One 200 foot roll covers approx. 50 windows. Made in the USA. STICK WITH CRASHFILM.
Metrocom has been in business for over forty years. We are an authorized Motorola Solutions partner and Kenwood dealer. Combining the broad coverage of a nationwide cellular network with the ease of two-way radio communications, the WAVE two-way radio gets your team connected fast.
metrocomradio.com
CRASHFILM.net
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Communications S
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Laguna Hilla, CA • 408-933-9588
Valencia, CA • 855-600-6161
Baldwinsville, NY • 315-730-6566
mcusainc.com
PeakPTT.com
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*Mobile Create USA contact@mcusainc.com
Our product is a modern, 2-way Radio that uses the 4G cellular network to provide nationwide communication for our customers. Our radios have built-in GPS which allows dispatchers and managers to see the real time location of their fleet. We offer affordable rental prices and great customer support for our services.
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R.P. Recovery Consulting
*PeakPTT
info@peakptt.com
RPRecoveryConsulting@Gmail.com
PeakPTT provides Nationwide Always on 2-way radio service. Stay in touch 24/7 with your crew. Includes 60-second GPS tracking on all radios. PC dispatch is also available, no need for a base-station radio. Service is month to month, No contracts. The M6 LTE Communicator is carrier certified.
Committed to providing the best available towing and recovery products and training for our industry. Ron Pullen,owner of RP Recovery, a WreckMaster lead instructor, has owned and operated light, medium, and heavy duty service stations. Ron uses his experience and training to upgrade the knowledge and skills of other workers in the field.
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SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Communications
RPRecovery.com
Computer Software Se
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*Speak Easy Communication Solutions Cleveland, OH • 216-598-8733
Towbook Management Software St. Clair, MI • 810-320-5063
speakeasycommunication.solutions
Speak Easy’s wireless radios are designed for heavy-industry jobsites. Unlike walkie-talkies, our radios maintain an open line, like a phone call. Featuring noise-canceling technology, background engine noise is eliminated. No push-totalk. No base station necessary. Reasonable cost. Up to 6 people can communicate simultaneously.
Towbook has quickly become the most trusted leader in towing management software solutions. With over 3 million jobs processed monthly, we’re revolutionizing the way towing and roadside assistance professionals run their business by allowing companies to manage service requests from multiple channels with a single toolset. Try it for 30-days!
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alex@speakeasycommunication.solutions
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
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support@towbook.com
towbook.com
Traxero 800-428-4715 sales@traxero.com
traxero.com
Traxero is the leader of innovative towing and roadside software. We’ve integrated the most trusted industry solutions to empower our clients to operate more profitably.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 61
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory
DIRECTORY HIGHLIGHTS *Manufacturer
Credit Card Processing
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*North American BanCard 866-481-4604
Henrietta, TX • 888-685-6327
Rogers, AR • 800-680-4455
nynab.com
lodar.com
mobilecontrolsystems.com
Lodar USA prioritizes the safety of your team and equipment. Our product is tailored for the tow industry enabling wireless operation from 150 to 1000 ft away (up to 40 functions). We remain the benchmark of excellence in wireless solutions and invite you to “Take Control.”
Our wireless hydraulic control systems bolt-on with ease, requiring no welding or custom fabrication. Control up to 18 channels wirelessly up to 1000ft away. Standard remote and proportional control available. Made in the USA and lifetime warranty on electronics.
broth@nabancard.com
Towing Industry Exclusive: Wholesale rates starting at .05%. Free terminals (wireless, iPhone / Android swipe, wired). 0 setup/annual fee.
*Lodar USA
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sales@lodarusa.com
*Mobile Control Systems joemcs@towmate.com
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Electronics
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Ascentium Capital Kingwood, TX
281-883-0162
*SafeAll Products
ToddChase@AscentiumCaptial.com
AscentiumCaptial.com
New Hampton, IA
info@safeallproducts.com
safeallproducts.com
With a twist of the wrist, SafeAll’s Proportional Remote Control system delivers precise and feathered action for your car carrier controls. No more herky-jerky motion like the competition. SafeAll’s revolutionary technology provides smooth and safe carrier operation to prevent unnecessary damage and unwanted injury.
Integrated Vehicle Equip. Leasing
Melville, NY • 631-439-1266 ext.20 doreen@integratedleasing.com
Ascentium Capital specializes in flexible financing solutions up to $2.5 MM for the tow industry. Request preapproval today at Ascentium.info/AMTow22.
integratedleasing.com
A direct lender in the tow truck industry we offer leasing & finance programs for new, used, light, medium & heavy-duty. We are here to help you help others.
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Equipment Financing / Leasing S
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Intek Truck & Equipment Leasing Roseland, NJ • 973-403-7788
Santander Bank Melville, NY • 800-238-4009
intekleasing.com
santanderbank.com/cevf
INTEK is a family business and a leading source of financing since 1986 for light, medium, and heavy-duty tow trucks and equipment. We will custom tailor a finance solution for your business and fund quickly. Experience our personal approach and let us help you grow your fleet!
Secure, flexible vehicle and equipment finance programs. Knowledgeable representatives you can trust. Simple, customized payment schedules. Low fee credit card acceptance programs.
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SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
sales@intekleasing.com
62 • June 2022 | Towman.com
cevf@santander.us
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Specialty Vehicle Equip. & Funding Group Melville, NY • 631-753-6611
marketing@specialtyvehiclefunding.com
specialtyvehiclefunding.com
We finance new and used tow trucks, trailers, shop equipment and more. For over 10 years we have provided specialized financing solutions to tow and recovery businesses like yours. Get started on financing for your next equipment purchase.
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Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 63
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory EV Robot
Forklift Attachment S
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Atlanta, GA • 833-Tow-Trac
*Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. Norfolk, VA • 800-831-9299
Edmond, OK • 405-726-9900
EasTractNA.com
dynamictow.com
usfleettracking.com
EasTract North America
US Fleet Tracking
info@EasTractNA.com
anthonydynamic@mac.com
The most advanced solutions for Vehicle Towing, Handling and Recovery, Low Clearance, Electric Vehicles and Exotics.
The Dynamic Forklift Attachment gives your company the ability to relocate automobiles at your auto auction, dealership, repair shop, salvage yard, & impound yard. This Forklift Attachment offers greater visibility & mobility for relocating vehicles into tight areas. Capacity of 5,500 lb., strong, stable, & built to last.
GPS tracking manufacturer providing internet based access and integration to live vehicle tracking and asset management helping thousands of customers save time and money by keeping track of their mobile work force. Knowing vehicle and asset locations at all times allows you to have a rapid time and money saving process.
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SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN TEXAS
Heavy Duty Rigging
sales@usft.com
Insurance S
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5Star Specialty Programs Melbourne, FL
321-421-6777
*TowToolz
Austin Insurance
Fountain Valley, WA • 206-799-7880
bob.alkire@5starsp.com
towtoolz.com
Exclusive Insurance Program for Independent Contractors who provide roadside assistance services to AAA members.
sales@towtoolz.com
World Class Heavy-Duty Rigging. TowToolz offers worldwide development and manufacturing solutions, including OEM quality equipment to the recovery and roadside service markets through highly developed, independent distribution channels. We use quality material and the latest technology. TowToolz products will help you and your company to do more business safely.
SEE US IN TEXAS & LAS VEGAS
Paducah, KY • 270-444-6818
5starsp.com
SEE US IN TEXAS
austin_ins@wreckerins.com
wreckerins.com
Here at Austin Insurance “we’ll come see you” isn’t just a catch phrase. We want to provide you with not only insurance but a full understanding of your coverages and we will do all that we can to make that happen including coming to see you!
SEE US IN TEXAS & BALTIMORE
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Pacific General Insurance
Sea Crest Insurance Agency
Westmont, IL • 800-888-0545
Laguna Hills, CA • 800-337-5900
towtruckinsuranceusa.com
seacrestinsurance.com
Since 1977, providing insurance coverages to professional tow operators; auto repossession; auto transporters; salvage yards; repair shops in the midwest.
A leader in the towing and recovery field with over 30 years of experience. We offer several A-rated programs that exceed Automobile Club of Southern California Highway Patrol, & other municipalities.
pgia13@aol.com
mark@seacrestins.com
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64 • June 2022 | Towman.com
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The Amell Agency
The Woodlands, TX • 346-224-8427 lamell@amellagency.com
amellagency.com
The Amell Agency is a full service, bilingual, independent agency that serves the state of Texas. We have access to tow markets most agents don’t have, we help get your loss runs, have a fast quote turn around, and can issue same day certificates! Call today for your quote!
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DIRECTORY HIGHLIGHTS *Manufacturer
Lifts & Hoists
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*AmeriDeck™ Saegertown, PA
866-890-2311
Tow Brokers Insurance Southlake, TX • 817-251-0541 lbattle@mckamieinsurance.com
towbrokers.com
info@amerideck.com
XINSURANCE Sandy, UT • 877-585-2853
amerideckproducts.com The AmeriDeck™ In-Bed Lift System is the smart, bolt-on solution to increase the versatility and utilization of your fullsize pickup truck for towing and recovery.
info@xinsurance.com
XINSURANCE.com
TowBrokers offers great customer service, great rates, and always being there for you when you need it the most. We look forward to working with you. Coverage’s offered: Auto Liability, Cargo Coverage, Garage Keepers’ Liability, Workers Compensation, Commercial Umbrella Coverage, Stand Alone Pollution Coverage, Dealer’s Coverage, Flexible Financing.
XINSURANCE provides custom insurance solutions for towing and repo companies. The XINSURANCE team has decades of experience in underwriting, risk management and claims management. XINSURANCE is a dba of Evolution Insurance Brokers, LLC, an excess and surplus lines brokerage.
Lifts & Hoists
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Lights & Lightbars S
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*Zacklift International
*Custer Products, LTD
Cle Elum, WA • 844-ZACKLIFT
Massillon, OH • 800-490-3158
ZACKLIFT.com
custerproducts.com
mfreeborn@zacklift.com
Zacklift, the industry leader in heavy duty detachable towing since 1981. Zacklift International introduces the world’s first 30k detachable integrated boom.
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Lockout Tools
Pa See A ge d 10 8
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*Will-Burt
Orrville, OH • 330-684-4000
BARB@CUSTERPRODUCTS.COM
info@willburt.com
willburt.com
Made in the USA, Custer Products wireless tow light bars have auto grade circuitry, LED bright lights, and individual serial numbers to prevent crosstalk. Register your new light bar with us by filling out registration form included with your bar or you can download the form on our website.
WillBurt offers a variety of lighting products to make your job safer and more efficient. From light towers that can light up an entire football field and make more money for you to portable, rechargeable, LED lighting that is compact and powerful.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Motorcycle Recovery Products
Municipal Towing Management
S
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*Steck Manufacturing Dayton, OH • 937-222-0062 Sales@steckmfg.com
steckmfg.com
The “BigEasy” unlocks cars fast without damaging car doors & provides quick access for all your lockout needs. Also available is our BigEasy Night light. Check web site for information on other towing tools like 4th wheel loader.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Pa ee A ge d 69
Aumsville Equipment Sales AmeriDeck™ 866-994 3473 skip@truckdecks.pro
truckdecks.pro
Fast, safe loading, low cost of operation, 2500 lbs. load capacity on a HD-pick up, the largest AmeriDeck™ dealer, AES stocks AmeriDecks™ at all our locations.
AutoReturn
San Franciso, CA
888-501-5385
info@autoreturn.com
autoreturn.com
The leading towing municipal management company worldwide is delivering the dispatch for the future. See the future happening here every day.
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 65
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory Safety Products
Rolling Tarpaulin System
S
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*Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems Dearborn, MI • 877-945-8277
*Mobile Video Computing Solutions Troy, MI • 248-817-6720
quickdrawtarps.com
MVCSOL.com
Cory.Valire@quickdrawtarps.com
The industry leader in retractable tarp covers. Requiring only a few minutes to open and close, from small platforms to the largest trailers. You can equip your unit to protect and conceal your customer’s vehicles from the elements and prying eyes. Custom graphics set you apart.
Service Truck
info@mvcsol.com
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*TowMate
Rogers, AR • 800-680-4455 info@towmate.com
towmate.com
MVCS provides video recording systems capable of live streaming, telematics, forward collision avoidance with daily Monitoring Hub. Integrates video, telematics and information systems to create fleet solutions for the towing industry.
Stay safe while working roadside with the new LIFESAVER Safety Cone Mounted Strobe light system. TowMate quality with a Lifetime Warranty on Electronics.
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Slide-In
Tools / Toolboxes
S
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*Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. Norfolk, VA • 800-831-9299
*Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. Norfolk, VA • 800-831-9299
dynamictow.com
dynamictow.com
anthonydynamic@mac.com
S
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anthonydynamic@mac.com
SV100 offers 4 year warranty. Specs:4 large rollup door compartments w/ shelving, 2 more side compartments, extra large top compartment, open deck space for: Go-Jacks, dollies, fuel & water tanks, emergency cones, etc. All steel, 1 piece construction. Optional poly fenders, available w/ an under reach. Or wheel lift w/ or w/o extendable recovery boom.
Slide-In 4000, 5000, & 7500 lb. tow rating. Electric over hydraulic pump (engine mounted clutch pump kit optional), in cab controls, 74” reach, 36” tow height. Class 3 Receiver Tow Hitch, built in saddle & chain boxes. 73” long subframe, bronze bushings, straps & ratchets, safety chains, 200 amp inline fuse system, complete mounting kit, or tire spacer blocks, trailer hitch. 2 year warranty.
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Tools / Toolboxes
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*Dri-Dek
Naples, FL • 800-348-2398 info@Dri-Kek.com
Dri-Dek.com
Dri-Dek Compartment Liner protects your equipment and your truck body. The self-draining surface allows air to circulate to help prevent rust. The 1’ x1’ Tiles just snap together and trim to fit any area.
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*FCAR Tech USA Rosedale, MD • 443-380-0088
*Durabilt by Durbin Broadview, IL • 708-223-0258
fcarusa.com
durabiltusa.com
elbert.chen@fcarusa.com
Truck diagnostic scanners & quality shop equipment and auto HVAC recovery recharge recycle AC service machines.
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66 • June 2022 | Towman.com
S
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*Guniwheel
Atlanta, GA • 888-554-6464
info@durabiltusa.com
sales@guniwheel.com
The Durbin name delivers qualified tow and recovery accessories: J-Hooks, V-Chains, Straight Chains, Snatch Blocks, Transport Tie-Downs, Rig & Winch Hooks, Tow Straps, Slings, and Load Securement Chain and Binders.
Our original and patented universal lug pattern shop wheels and road spares provide safe and damage-free towing solutions for vehicles with flat, heavily damaged, or stolen tires and wheels. Easily load vehicles on to flat beds or wreckers. No special beds or wreckers. No special fitting adapters needed. Just mount and move. Made of steel.
guniwheel.com
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
DIRECTORY HIGHLIGHTS *Manufacturer
Trailers
Towing Accessories S
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*Kalyn-Siebert Gatesville, TX
254-865-7235
*ITI Sales
jgoulart@kalyntx.com
info@skatesiti.com
Heavy Haul, Detachable Goosenecks, Lowboy, Step Decks, Tow and Recovery, Versa Maxx, Slide Axles, Extendables, Bus Transport, Texas Built
*Landoll Corporation
kalynsiebert.com
New Hampton, IA skatesiti.com
ITI has done the shopping for you. We’ve put together five different options of skate kits for your car carrier. These variety packs begin with the basics and expand to include several different types of skates to cover just about any scenario out there.
Marysville, KS • 800-428-5655 trailersales@landoll.com
landoll.com/trailers
World leader in design and manufacturing specialized equipment transport trailers. High quality trailers from 5 to 60-ton capacity. Paver ramp option: 8.5 degree load angle to easily load scissorlifts, boomlifts, forklifts, pavers, rollers and brooms on lower deck. Operator-friendly design with 2 button operation, chain drive motor and battery.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
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*Talbert Manufacturing
*Trail King Industries
Rensselaer, IN • 800-348-5232
Mitchell, SD • 800-843-3324
talbertmfg.com
trailking.com
tgeisler@talbertmfg.com
Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX
Houston, TX • 713-821-6300
sales@trailking.com
Talbert has been building world-class heavyhaul and specialized trailers to rigorous customer specifications since 1938. The company offers complete lines of heavy haul trailers and specialized transportation equipment for the commercial, towing, industrial, military and government sectors throughout North America.
unlimited@utilitytrailers.com
utilitytrailers.com
The NEW Trail King Sliding Axle trailer offers the FASTEST slide pan in the industry! Low load angle, corrosion protection and a smoother, more precise operation. Time is money and this trailer will save you both! Find your nearest rep at: trailking.com/find-a-rep
Utility Trailers is your 1 stop shop for all your truck, trailer & tanker needs. We have new & used trailer sales, finance & lease are available. Parts showroom at all ten locations. We have a full service department, & paint & body shop.
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*Hino Trucks Novi, MI
284-699-9300 American Towman Expositions Warwick, NY • 800-732-3869 info@towman.com
towshow.com
Largest and most comprehensive education and training programs, attended by tens of thousands of Tow bosses/operators for over 33 years. Produced by American Towman magazine. Three premier shows in three locations.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Recovery Billing Unlimited East Freetown, MA • 508-763-5474 info@recoverybillingunlimited.com
recoverybillingunlimited.com
Course teaching fellow towers how to get paid what is rightfully owed to them. Teaching remediation of accident scene, proper writing of recovery invoices, billing on property damage liability insurance, obtaining payment from insurance companies, guest speakers, and much more!
oginsky@hino.com
hino.com
Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, manufactures, sells and services a lineup of Class 4-8 commercial trucks in the United States.
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 67
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory
DIRECTORY HIGHLIGHTS *Manufacturer
Wheel Simulators
Winches S
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*Phoenix USA
*DP Winch
931-526-6128
918-298-8300
Cookeville, TN
Pa ee A ge d 89
Jenks, OK
CS2@phoenixusa.com
salesinfo@dovertwg.com
Largest provider of durable chrome and stainless steel wheel simulators, hub and lugnut covers, wheel accessories & parts in a variety of mounting options.
For nearly 50 years dp Winch has been proven in heavy-duty recovery. Now we have packed the same technology into our new light-duty recovery winches.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN BALTIMORE
phoenixusa.com
*Midwestern Manufacturing Tulsa, OK • 918-858-4201
dovertwg.com
jcg@sidebooms.com
sidebooms.com
Midwestern designs and manufactures high-performance recovery winches with line pull from 30,000 to 100,000 lb, hoist winch attachments with line pull from 12,000 to 24,000 lb, hydraulic sidebooms, hydraulic conversion kits for mechanical pipelayers, and hydrostatic fill and test units from 350 to 1000 ft of head pressure.
Winches
Wrecker Bodies (manufacturer)
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*Warn Industries Clackamas, OR • 800-543-9276 brassd@warn.com
Warn Industries makes a host of winches and accessories ideal for the towing industry. The rugged hydraulic winches and ultra-efficient electric winches and hoists are rigorously and relentlessly tested to meet and exceed the highest quality and safety standards. Warn’s products help you do your job safely, quickly, and efficiently.
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
Winches Inc. Broken Arrow, OK • 877-361-8543 One of the largest distributors of winches and winch related components in the world. 3 facilities located in Odessa, and Houston, Texas; and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Winch brands: BRADEN, TULSA, DP, WARN, Ramsey, Pullmaster, Gearmatic and Superwinch. Featured is the DP recovery planetary winch. We employ highly trained and experienced professionals.
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Manufacturing highest quality, easiest to use equipment. Nearly 3 decades producing best autoloader. Python unit a must to get job done quicker & safer. Standard equipment: aluminum rock guards, tire spacer blocks & inside controls. Many options. Lightning or Classic body. Robust 5000-lbs. wheellift. Full 90° hook up. Best inclass autoloader. 3-year warranty.
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
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*Miller Industries
Hagerstown, MD • 800-926-9666
Ooltewah, TN • 800-292-0330
jerrdan.com
news.millerind.com
sales@millerind.com
For 50 years, Jerr-Dan has re-defined the towing industry by setting new standards for performance, quality, innovative technology, and service. Every product, from light, medium, and heavy duty carriers and wreckers to our heavy duty rotators & side recovery systems, is backed with service & support through our nationwide distributor network.
The iconic brands of Century, Vulcan, and Chevron bring the most diverse range of wreckers in the industry. These brands lead the industry with a diverse light-duty lineup of products while Century and Vulcan are global leaders in heavy-duty integrated units and rotators. All backed by the industry’s best network of top-level distributors.
SEE US IN BALTIMORE
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
68 • June 2022 | Towman.com
anthonydynamic@mac.com
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*Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg. Norfolk, VA • 800-831-9299 dynamictow.com
winchesinc.com
Wrecker Bodies (manufacturer)
*Jerr-Dan
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sales@winchesinc.com
warn.com
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Akins Ford
Winder, GA • 770-867-9136 akinsford.com We are a full line Miller Industries distributor. We offer Chevron, Century, Vulcan, and Hilmes wreckers and carriers. Akins offers sales, installation, parts, and service for all of your towing equipment needs.
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Atlanta Wrecker Sales
Chevron Commercial
Chesnee, SC • 888-432-0097
Highland, IL • 800-443-5778
atlantawrecker.com
chevroncommercial.com
wreckersales@gmail.com
#1 Jerr-Dan sales distributor in the country for over 15 consecutive years. We sell tow trucks at affordable prices. We carry a large selection of inventory: Peterbilt, Kenworth, International, Freightliner, Hino, Ford, Dodge, Chevrolet. We have them in-stock, ready to work.
Crouch’s Wrecker & Equip. Sales
Kingston Springs, TN • 800-628-5212
sales@chevroncommercial.com
sales@crouchtowtrucks.com
We offer new & used wreckers & carriers - the best eye candy in the industry. Also contact us for all your towing accessory needs.
Crouch’s is a family owned full line Miller distributor specializing in towing and recovery equipment sales with numerous facilities in both Tennessee and Florida. Always offering a vast revolving inventory of Miller equipment, we are here to serve all your towing equipment needs from top to bottom. Contact us today!
crouchtowtrucks.com
SEE US IN BALTIMORE
SEE US IN BALTIMORE
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East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales Portsmouth, VA • 757-465-2200 Info@ECTTS.com
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EdgeTec
Elizabeth Truck Center
Dallas, TX • 214-742-5221
Elizabeth, NJ • 908-355-8800
EdgeTecTX.com
elizabethtruckcenter.com/tow-sales
rolson@EdgeTecTX.com
ECTTS.com
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jpowers@elizabethtruckcenter.com
Serving Towing, Auto Transport and Waste Collection professionals from two locations. We offer a large selection of standard to heavy wreckers, financing, insurance, wrecker leasing and rental, a parts and equipment storefront, 18 service bays, custom vehicle wraps, wash detail, and the friendliest staff.
EdgeTec provides a One-Stop source for all your Towing & Recovery needs. Offering and extensive parts and accessory inventory, in-house installation, fabrication and repair facility and an authorized distributor for Miller Industries popular brands including Century, Chevron and Holmes wreckers and carriers.
SEE US IN TEXAS, LAS VEGAS & BALTIMORE
SEE US IN TEXAS
New Jersey’s only authorized Miller Industries distributor carrying all lines. We also carry B/A Products, Maxxima, ECCO, Federal Signal, InThe-Ditch & more! Find us on FB, IG, TikTok & LinkedIn! Build the truck of your dreams and get the latest inventory. No one will work harder for you than Jim. Call today!
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Lynch Chicago Alsip, IL
G. Stone Commercial Middlebury, VT • 802-388-9599 andy@gstonecommercial.com
gstonecommercial.com
Specializing in all types of trucks, trailers & equipment. From racing to recovery we have been here for 43 years taking care of our customers every step of the way. We take anything in trade!
708-233-1112
mmariner@lynchchicago.com
lynchchicago.com
Lynch Chicago is your one stop for tow trucks, flat bed carriers and heavy duty wreckers. Lynch offers sales, service, body-shop and parts.
SEE US IN BALTIMORE
70 • June 2022 | Towman.com
McMahon Truck Centers
Columbus, OH • 614-252-3111 pblackston@McmahonTrucks.com dlong@McmahonTrucks.com
McMahonTrucks.com/Towing
Operates heavy-duty & medium-duty commercial truck businesses at 8 locations throughout 5 states. We pair leading edge support solutions together with strong, premium vehicles from Mack, Volvo & Hino including product offerings of premium truck bodies & attachments from Jerr-Dan.
DIRECTORY HIGHLIGHTS *Manufacturer
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Midco Sales LLC
Chandler, AZ • 480-999-0607 Pete@midcosales.com
Tow Industries
Smyrna Truck & Cargo
West Covina, CA • 323-660-4866
Milledgeville, GA • 844-444-1905
jessica@towindustries.com
ngriffin@smyrnatruck.com
midcosales.com
Jerr-Dan dealer in AZ with full inventory of rotators, wreckers, rollbacks and car carriers. Full 20,000 sq. foot service facility to perform all types of repairs including warranty servicing. Our parts and accessories store offer all JerrDan replacement parts and the latest accessories for your tow vehicle.
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towindustries.com
smyrnatruck.com
Southern California’s largest Miller distributor of Vulcan, Century, Eagle, Champion and Holmes wreckers and carriers from light to heavy duty. We carry parts and service Miller lines. Visit our website for new and used inventory.
Smyrna Truck & Cargo is a proud distributor of Miller Industries products. We are a family owned business located in Smyrna, GA and have been serving our community with quality truck equipment since 1952. We offer new and used towing equipment, parts, & service.
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS
SEE US IN LAS VEGAS
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SEE US IN: TEXAS = TOWXPO DALLAS FORT WORTH LAS VEGAS = AT SHOWPLACE LAS VEGAS BALTIMORE = AT EXPOSITION
Ellicott City, MD • 800-425-4455
Wrecker Warehouse of Texas Garland, TX • 972-303-0055
westendservice.com
WW1TX.com
West End Service
kbloom@westendservice.com
An authorized distributor for Miller Industries offering Century, Challenger, Champion, Chevron, Holmes & Vulcan carrier & wrecker bodies. Authorized dealer for International, offering medium-duty truck chassis in sales, parts & service.
SEE US IN BALTIMORE
Read American Towman Magazine Online at
Brent@WW1TX.com
New and used truck sales, bed installation, repairs, parts and accessories sales. New location right off I-30 in Garland Texas. New online home at ww1TX.com. Call Brent today at 972-303-0055 to get your new or used wrecker today! We also purchase trucks! You can email Wrecker Warehouse at Brent@ww1tx.com
itowman.com *Manufacturer
BY CATEGORY Accident Clean-Up / Haz Mat AAA Club Alliance; DE Access Commercial Capital; NY *B/A Products; MD *Burgess Ent.; NC Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN eComply; TX Firmhorn; TX *FlowStop; NC *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario New England Wrecker Sales; NH Ranger Rescue & Recovery Syst.; RI *Shield Solutions; WI UltraTech International, Inc.; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX
Advertising / Marketing 1-800-Rescue-911; FL American Towman Magazine; NY
*Anchor Graphics; TX Auto Shop Solutions; NC Caino Associates; MA DomTex Marketing; Ontario *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA FleetDown.Net; AL Fullbay; AZ Lift Marketing Group; NC Localis; NV Mr. Key Tags; *Nunzi’s Advertising; PA *OMG Tow Marketing; FL Peak Auto Auctions; CO *Photo Card Specialists; WI Q&A Insurance Marketing; CA RepoTimes.com; NY *Stamp Works; TX *Stratosphere Studio; MD *Tow Program; IL TowIndustryWeek.com; NY
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Towing.com; OH TowingWebsites.com; FL *TowTruckads.com; TX TowTruckLocator.com; NV Whiterail Reviews; OR
Air Cushions Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Equipment Sales & Service; NJ *Firestone Ind. Products Co.; IN Fleet Sales West; OR Future Wrecker Sales; NY Hamman Engineering; TN *Matjack Jumbo SafeLift; IN Matthews Garage; GA New England Wrecker Sales; NH *Paratech; IL
R.P. Recovery Consulting; NY Ranger Rescue & Recovery Syst.; RI *TowToolz; WA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL
Apparel 4 State Trucks; MO AASP/PA; PA *American Safety & Supply; MA *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Clean Diesel Specialists; CA *Dicke Safety Products; IL DomTex Marketing; Ontario East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA *Excel Sportswear; PA
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 71
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory ◀ Fleet Sales West; OR
G & K Services; MN Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ *Got Towing Uniforms; CA *GSS Safety LLC; PA Gulf Atlantic Supply; AL Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID *In The Ditch Towing Products; ID *Keen Utility; WI Keris Industries; NY Mytee Product; OH Nitro Motor Sports; PA *Penny Pockets; MA Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT *Safe Reflections; MN Tow Life; FL UniFirst Corp.; MA Utility Pro High-Visibility; NY Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX VF Workwear; TN Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL *WreckerWear.com; FL *WreckMaster; NY Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Auctions *A1 Infrared Technologies; NY Auction Simplified by Traxero NY Car-Part.com; KY Copart Transportation; TX eimpound.com; NV *Florida State Title Search; FL Insurance Auto Auctions; IL Joyride; CA Online Impound Auctions, LLC; GA Peak Auto Auctions; CO TowLot.com; KS Traxero
Axle Covers 4 State Trucks; MO *A1 Infrared Technologies; NY Automotive Equipment Co.; OH *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Ferguson Corp.; MD *Goodall Mfg.; MN House of Wreckers; CA *Kaper II; WA *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA New England Wrecker Sales; NH O’Hare Truck Service; IL *Olson and Company; MD *OTC/SPX; MN Prime Industries; VA *RealWheels Corp.; IL Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL TowPartsNow; OR Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY *TruckMax; FL *Trux Accessories; QC Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX
Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY West End Service; MD *Woody’s Accessories; WA Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL
Cables, Chains, Hooks, Slings AAA Club Alliance; DE *Access Tools; FL all-Grip Vehicle Recovery System; CO American Wrecker Sales; NY Austin Hinds Motors; AL Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH Automotive Industrial Sol. (A.I.S.); GA B & Z Sales; MS *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Baremotion; NY Battelini Wrecker Sales; NJ *Best Tools; AR Bressler’s; PA Casanova Towing Equipment; CA *Chevron; PA Chevron Commercial; IL Chevron West; CA Crawford Truck Sales; MA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY *Diversified Products Mfg.; FL *Dual-Tech; TN *Durabilt by Durbin; IL *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA Eakins Equipment Co.; PA East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC EdgeTec; TX Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Ferguson Corp.; MD Fleet Sales West; OR Future Wrecker Sales; NY G. Stone Commercial; VT Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ *Gunnebo Industries; OK Hamman Engineering; TN House of Wreckers; CA Insta-Chain; UT *Jerr-Dan; MD Lynch Chicago; IL *Lynch Chicago; WI *Magna Tech; KS *Manufacturer Express (ME); NJ *Marlow Ropes; MA Matheny Towing Equipment; VA *Matjack Jumbo SafeLift; IN McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Meyer Truck Center; KS Midco Sales LLC; AZ Midwest Wrecker; OH *Mile Marker; FL New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD Null’s Sales & Service; PA
72 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Nussbaum Equipment; PA O’Hare Truck Service; IL *Onspot of North America; CT Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Pierce Sales; TX Prime Industries; VA *R-O-M, a Safe Fleet Brand; MO R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY Rick’s Truck & Equipment; OH *RimSling; IA Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Srvc.; VA Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT Sabil & Son; VT Select Truck & Equipment; MO Shannon Bryant’s Wrecker; AZ Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA *Speed Binders; OH Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL Timo International; TX TLC Truck & Equipment; FL TowPartsNow; OR *TowToolz; WA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA *TruckMax; FL *TW Products; MD Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West Coast Towing Equipment; CA West End Service; MD *Western Sling and Supply; CO Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL Wrecker Warehouse of Texas; TX *WreckMaster; NY Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Call Providers / Motor Clubs 1-800-Rescue-911; FL AAA; FL AAA Club Alliance; DE Access Roadside Assistance; BC Agero; MA Alliance of Automotive Service Providers; PA Allstate Roadside Automobile Club of So. California; CA Copart Transportation; TX FleetNet America; NC GEICO; GA GPS Pro; NV Honk Technologies; CA *Mach 1; TX Motorcycle Towing Services; IA Nation Safe Drivers; FL National Automobile Club; CA Peddle; TX Penske Truck Leasing Service; PA
Pinnacle/Coach-Net; TX Quest Towing Services; MI Roadside Protect; IL ServiCase; TX Tesla Roadside; CA The Exchange; CA Tow Recruiter; PA Traxero TTN Fleet Solutions; TX Urgently Roadside Assistance; VA US Rider Equestrian Motor Plan; KY USAC/MD; TX
Cameras BudgetGPS by Traxero TN Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN *Mobile Create USA, Inc.; CA *Mobile Video Computing Solutions; MI Motor Guardian Cam; IL Traxero *Will-Burt; OH
Car Carriers (Mfg.) *Danco Products; PA *Detroit Wrecker Sales; MI. *Dual-Tech; TN *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA *Jerr-Dan; MD *Kilar Manufacturing; OH *Miller Industries; TN *NRC Industries; QE *Rose Ledge Co.; MA *Vulcan Equipment Co.; TN *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY
Car Carriers (Dist.) Akins Ford; GA All American Jerr-Dan; NJ American Wrecker Sales; NY Atlantic Emergency Solutions; VA Austin Hinds Motors; AL Auto Equipment; NC Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Battelini Wrecker Sales; NJ Bressler’s; PA Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron West; CA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY Danzi Bros.; DE *Detroit Wrecker Sales; MI. DFW Truck; TX Don Jackson Comm.& Fleet Sls; GA Driver Locate; AZ East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC EdgeTec; TX Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN Fleet Sales West; OR Future Wrecker Sales; NY
BY CATEGORY *Manufacturer G. Stone Commercial; VT Ginn Carrier & Wrecker Sales; GA Hamman Engineering; TN House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID Kenworth of South Florida; FL Len Zermenos; OH Lynch Chicago; IL *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA Matthews Garage; GA McMahon Truck Centers; OH Meyer Truck Center; KS Midco Sales LLC; AZ Mission Valley Truck Center; CA *New England Truckmaster; CT New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD Null’s Sales & Service; PA Nussbaum Equipment; PA Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems; MI R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY Rick’s Truck & Equipment; OH Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Srvc.; VA Rochester Truck; NH Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT *Rose Ledge Co.; MA Royal Truck Body; CA Rush Towing Systems; TX Sabil & Son; VT Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Southern California Tow Equip.; CA Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ TEC Equipment; OR Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA Timo International; TX TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Todd Equipment; AZ Tow Industries; CA Tow Truck Country; IA Tow World; CA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN USA Towing & Equipment; FL Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Chrome Accessories 4 State Trucks; MO *Access Tools; FL Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC
Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron West; CA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY DFW Truck; TX *Dual-Tech; TN Eakins Equipment Co.; PA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA *ECCO; ID Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN Future Wrecker Sales; NY G. Stone Commercial; VT Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ *Grote Industries; IN Hamman Engineering; TN House of Wreckers; CA *Jerr-Dan; MD *Kaper II; WA *Kenworth Truck Co.; WA L & T Services; IL *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Midwest Wrecker; OH *New England Truckmaster; CT New England Wrecker Sales; NH Nussbaum Equipment; PA O’Hare Truck Service; IL Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN *Phoenix USA; TN *Pierce Sales; TX Prime Industries; VA R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX *RealWheels Corp.; IL Regional International; NY Rick’s Truck & Equipment; OH Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Srvc.; VA Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT Rush Towing Systems; TX Sabil & Son; VT Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO Sirens & Emergency Beacons; PA Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL TLC Truck & Equipment; FL TowPartsNow; OR Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA *Trux Accessories; QC USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD *Whelen Engineering Co.; CT *Woody’s Accessories; WA
Collection Agency Cohen Business Services; CA Finex Group; CA *Florida State Title Search; FL Lien Enforcement; CA
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Collision Film CRASHFILM; TX Dom’s Protective Film; NJ ROI Protective Tape; PA TLC Truck & Equipment; FL
Computer Software AAA Club Alliance; DE Auction Simplified by Traxero NY *Beacon Software; OH BudgetGPS by Traxero TN C3LS; FL Car-Part.com; KY Collision Management USA; TX *Computer & Comm. Science; NJ *Datow Software; CA Digital Ally Safety & Video Systems; KS Dispatch Anywhere by Traxero OH eimpound.com; NV *FCAR Tech USA; MD *Florida State Title Search; FL Fullbay; AZ GPS Pro; NV *HAAS Alert; IL InTow by Traxero Ontario *Mach 1; TX *Menzel Technologies; WI MercurySend.com; DE *Mobile Create USA, Inc.; CA *Mobile Video Computing Solutions; MI NationWide Towing & Rec. Group; MO Omadi by Traxero UT *OMG Tow Marketing; FL *One Form Certified Mailers; FL Online Impound Auctions, LLC; GA Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN PDV Wireless; NJ *PeakPTT; CA *Ranger SST; OH *SSCS; CA TOPS by Traxero TN *Tow Club; CA Towbook Management Software; MI TowLien by Traxero OH TowTrack; FL TowXchange; TN Tracker Mgt. Systems by Traxero; OH Transportation Info. Systems (TIS); CA Traxero *UR International; TX *VTS Systems Software; TX
Communication *Blue Tiger USA; TX *Cirrus Response; CA Custom Radio Corp.; IN Driver Locate; AZ *Eartec Co.; RI Effective Web Solutions; WA MercurySend.com; DE Metrocom; NY *Mobile Create USA, Inc.; CA *PeakPTT; CA R.P. Recovery Consulting; NY
*Setcom Corporation; TX Southwest Communications; OH *Speak Easy Comm. Solutions; OH *TowToolz; WA *Wilson Electronics; UT
Credit Card Processing AAA Club Alliance; DE Heartland Payment Solutions; CA *North American BanCard; Nussbaum Equipment; PA Payroc/NXGEN; IL Towing Payment Solutions; MA Traxero Xpress Pay; NY
Dispatch Services AAA Club Alliance; DE C3LS; FL Concorde Communications; CA Dispatch Anywhere by Traxero OH ECM Performance; FL Find Truck Service; IL Five Star Registration; CA GPS Pro; NV Holly’s Towing Dispatch; CT MercurySend.com; DE *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario *Mobile Create USA, Inc.; CA Mobile Relay Associates; CA New England Wrecker Sales; NH Omadi by Traxero UT PDSI, Prof. Dispatch Services; OR PDV Wireless; NJ *PeakPTT; CA Pop - A - Lock; LA Professional Exchange Service; Roadside Protect; IL ServiCase; TX The Exchange; CA TOPS by Traxero TN Tow Dispatch Service; TX Towing Dispatch Services; OR Transit Pros; MO Transportation Info. Systems (TIS); CA Traxero *TruckMax; FL *UR International; TX
Electronics AAA Club Alliance; DE Automotive Equipment Co.; OH *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Base Engineering; *Blue Tiger USA; TX Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY Digital Ally Safety & Video Systems; KS *ECCO; ID ECM Performance; FL eimpound.com; NV Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ *HAAS Alert; IL *Lodar USA; TX *Lujan USA; NY
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 73
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory ◀ *Menzel Technologies; WI
*Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario *Microtronics; KS *Mobile Control Systems; AR *Mobile Video Computing Solutions; MI Motor Guardian Cam; IL Mytee Product; OH New England Wrecker Sales; NH OPS; OH PDQ Performance Warehouse; FL PDV Wireless; NJ *Peterson Mfg. Co.; MO Planet Halo; CA *PowerUp Products; NV Prime Industries; VA Quick Tricks Auto; FL *Rear View Safety; NY RV Cams; LA *SafeAll Products; IA *Sound Off Signal; MI The Wireless Experience / AT&T Retailer; NJ Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL *TJR Equipment & Controls; IL *TowMate; AR TowPartsNow; OR Transportation Info. Systems (TIS); CA Truck Body Sales; CA *TruckMax; FL USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX VieVu; WA *Wilson Electronics; UT *Wired Rite Systems; CA Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL
Equipment Financing / Leasing AAA Club Alliance; DE Access Commercial Capital; NY AIS: Automotive & Industrial Sol.; GA Alliance Funding Group; CA Amur Finance; NE Ascentium Capital; TX Astralease Assoc.; NY Automotive Equipment Co.; OH Automotive Industrial Sol. (A.I.S.); GA *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Beacon Funding Corp.; IL Capital One Services; VA CapX Funding; CA Channel Islands Leasing & Loan; CA Chevron West; CA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY Fayetteville Ford; GA Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN GE Capital Fleet Services; MN Ginn Carrier & Wrecker Sales; GA Integrated Vehicle Equip. Leasing; NY Intek Truck & Equipment Leasing; NJ *Kenworth Truck Co.; WA *Lynch Chicago; WI McMahon Truck Centers; OH Murphy Bank; CA Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Nussbaum Equipment; PA
Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN *Powerhouse Industries; NY Precise Financial Solutions; MD R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Rick’s Truck & Equipment; OH *Sagness Tow Truck Builder; Ontario Santander Bank; NY Select Truck & Equipment; MO Specialty Vehicle Equip. & Funding Group; NY TCF Equipment Finance; MN TEC Equipment; OR Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA TLC Truck & Equipment; FL *Trail King Industries; SD Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY *TruckMax; FL US Bank, Corp.; CA Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Verdant Commercial Capital; OH Willamette Financial; OR Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL
GPS AAA Club Alliance; DE BudgetGPS by Traxero TN C3LS; FL Digital Ally Safety & Video Systems; KS Driver Locate; AZ Fleet Complete; GA GPS Pro; NV iFleet GPS; CA *Lynch Chicago; WI *Menzel Technologies; WI *Mobile Create USA, Inc.; CA Mobile Relay Associates; CA New England Wrecker Sales; NH PDV Wireless; NJ *PeakPTT; CA *Pro-Vision Video Systems; MI *Ranger SST; OH *Safety Track; MI *Teletrac; CA TowTrax; TX Transportation Info. Systems (TIS); CA Traxero Traxxis GPS Solutions; FL *TruckMax; FL *US Fleet Tracking; OK Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Verizon Connect; GA *VTS Systems Software; TX *Webfleet Solutions; MA
Insurance 5Star Specialty Programs; FL A.T.I.G Insurance; CO AAA Commercial Insurance; AZ Arrowhead Automotive Insurance; KS AssuredPartners of GA dba Fleet Risk Management; GA *Austin Insurance; KY Centerpointe Insurance Services; CA Chase Insurance Agency; FL Chergey Insurance; CA
74 • June 2022 | Towman.com
BY CATEGORY *Manufacturer Chester Point Insurance; NJ Commercial Best Ins. Services; CA DerManouel Insur. Grp. ; CA Discovery Bay Insurance; CA EC Marketing; CA Evolution Insurance Brokers; IL Farmers Insurance / Khasim Ins.; CA Gantt Insurance Agency; VA GSI Tow Insurance; WI Hanks Insurance Group; TX Health Insurance Specialist; TX Hub International; TX ICW Grp. Ins. Co./Autocomp Ins.; CA ISC Coverage; FL KBK Insurance Group; LA Lubnau Gonzalez Ins. Agency; CA Martens Johnson Ins. Technology; MD Nottingham Insurance; PA Pacific General Insurance; IL Progressive Comm. Auto Insur.; OH R & A Insurance; MD R. A. Storelee Insurance Agency; CA Recovery Specialist Insur. Gp.; VA Robert Bell Insurance Brokers; CA Robertson Ryan & Associate / RRA; NV RRL Insurance Agency; FL Sea Crest Insurance Agency; CA *Sierra Pacific Insurance Services; CA TEC Equipment; OR The Amell Agency; TX Tow Brokers Insurance; TX Towing Operators Protector Plan; FL Travis Barlow Insurance; GA UIS Agency; NY UIS Insurance Services; CA Universal Underwriters Ins.; KS Western Truck Insurance; CA Wichert Insurance; OH WorldClass Insurance Services; CA XINSURANCE; UT
Jump Start / Emergency Starters AAA Club Alliance; DE Associated Equipment Corp.; MO B & Z Sales; MS *B/A Products; MD Chevron Commercial; IL *Clore Automotive; KS Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Fayetteville Ford; GA *Goodall Mfg.; MN *Jiffy Jump; NY Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario New England Wrecker Sales; NH Nussbaum Equipment; PA Patriot Sales & Service; MA *Peterson Mfg. Co.; MO *Phoenix USA; TN Quick Tricks Auto; FL Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA *Sound Off Signal; MI TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Industries; CA
Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY *Weego Portable Power; NJ West End Service; MD
Lifts & Hoists AIS: Automotive & Industrial Sol.; GA *AmeriDeck™; PA *Ari-Herta; OH Automotive Equipment Co.; OH Automotive Industrial Sol. (A.I.S.); GA *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC *Best Tools; AR Chesapeake Automotive Equip.; MO Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY *Durabilt by Durbin; IL East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Ferguson Corp.; MD Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ *Hide-A-Lift; IA House of Wreckers; CA *Lynch Chicago; WI *Magna Tech; KS *Midwestern Manufacturing; OK *Mohawk Lifts; NY New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD O’Hare Truck Service; IL Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN *Pierce Sales; TX Rotary Lift; IN Sabil & Son; VT SLEC; MD *Stertil-Koni/Omer USA; MD Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ T & L Lift Equipment; AL Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL Tow Truck Country; IA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY *TruckMax; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX *Warn Industries; OR *Zacklift International; WA *Zendex Tool Corporation; CT
Lights & Lightbars *Access Tools; FL American Wrecker Sales; NY Atlanta Wrecker Sales; SC *Atomic LED; RI Austin Hinds Motors; AL Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS *B/A Products; MD *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Baremotion; NY Battelini Wrecker Sales; NJ *Best Tools; AR Bressler’s; PA
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2022 American Towman Supplier Directory ◀ *Calvin Berkey Enterprises; OH
Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron Commercial; IL Chevron West; CA Christopher’ Emergency Equip.; MA *Clore Automotive; KS Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL *Custer Products, LTD; OH Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY DFW Truck; TX *Dual-Tech; TN Eakins Equipment Co.; PA East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC *ECCO; ID EdgeTec; TX Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA *Federal Signal; IL Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN Fleet Sales West; OR Future Wrecker Sales; NY *Grote Industries; IN Hamman Engineering; TN Hella; GA House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID *Jerr-Dan; MD *Kaper II; WA L & T Services; IL LED Lights; FL Lynch Chicago; IL *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario *Mobile Control Systems; AR MPH Industries; KY Mytee Product; OH New England Wrecker Sales; NH Nite Beam; MI Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD Null’s Sales & Service; PA Nussbaum Equipment; PA O’Hare Truck Service; IL Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Phoenix USA; TN *Pierce Sales; TX Prime Industries; VA Public Vehicle Safety Equipment; KY QuakeLED; CO *R-O-M, a Safe Fleet Brand; MO R.P. Recovery Consulting; NY R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Srvc.; VA Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT Rush Towing Systems; TX Sabil & Son; VT Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO
*Signal Vehicle Products; NY Sirens & Emergency Beacons; PA Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA *Sound Off Signal; MI *SpeedTech Lights; TX *Star Headlight; NY Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ *Tech International; OH Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA TLC Truck & Equipment; FL *Tomar Electronics; AZ Tow Truck Country; IA *TowMate; AR TowPartsNow; OR Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL *Trux Accessories; QC Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN *Unity Manufacturing Co.; IL USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY *W Star USA; CA Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *Weego Portable Power; NJ *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West Coast Towing Equipment; CA West End Service; MD *Whelen Engineering Co.; CT *Will-Burt; OH *Woody’s Accessories; WA Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL Wrecker Warehouse of Texas, LLC; TX Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Lockout Tools AAA Club Alliance; DE *Access Tools; FL Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS *B/A Products; MD *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC *Best Tools; AR Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron Commercial; IL Chevron West; CA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY DFW Truck; TX *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA EdgeTec; TX Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Ferguson Corp.; MD Fleet Sales West; OR G. Stone Commercial; VT Gray’s Vehicle Clinic; PA Hamman Engineering; TN Hawkeye Truck & Wrecker Sales; AR House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID Lockmasters; KY Matheny Towing Equipment; VA
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Mayflower Publishing; RI *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Midwest Keyless; IL New England Wrecker Sales; NH *Next Generation Tool Co.; FL Nussbaum Equipment; PA O’Hare Truck Service; IL Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA PDV Wireless; NJ Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Pierce Sales; TX Prime Industries; VA R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Srvc.; VA Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT Russ Automotive; MO Sabil & Son; VT Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO *Signal Vehicle Products; NY *Slide Lock Tool Co.; LA Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Southern California Tow Equip.; CA *Steck Manufacturing; OH Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Timo International; TX TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Industries; CA TowPartsNow; OR Transportation Info. Systems (TIS); CA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT West End Service; MD *Western Sling and Supply; CO Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL *WreckMaster; NY *Xtreme Air Wedge; FL Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Motorcycle Recovery Products AAA Club Alliance; DE *AmeriDeck™; PA Aumsville Equipment Sales; OR Austin Hinds Motors; AL Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS *B/A Products; MD *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Bressler’s; PA *Bulldog Towing Products Co.; IL Casanova Towing Equipment; CA *Collins Dollies; OR *Condor Products; IL Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL G. Stone Commercial; VT House of Wreckers; CA *In The Ditch Towing Products; ID
McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario New England Wrecker Sales; NH Patriot Sales & Service; MA Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Sabil & Son; VT Santiam Enterprises; OR Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Timo International; TX TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *Weego Portable Power; NJ *Western Sling and Supply; CO
Municipal Towing Management *AmeriDeck™; PA AutoReturn; CA New England Wrecker Sales; NH PDV Wireless; NJ *Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems; MI Randall Resch Training; CA Roadside Protect; IL TOPS by Traxero TN Traxero
PTOs / Clutch Pumps Atlanta Wrecker Sales; SC Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Bressler’s; PA Casanova Towing Equipment; CA *Chelsea Products Div. of Parker; MS Chevron Commercial; IL Chevron West; CA Crawford Truck Sales; MA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL CW Mill Equipment Co.; KS Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY *DewEze Mfg. Co.; KS DFW Truck; TX *Dual-Tech; TN *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA Eakins Equipment Co.; PA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN Fleet Sales West; OR Force America; MN G. Stone Commercial; VT Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ Hamman Engineering; TN House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID *Jerr-Dan; MD Johnson Truck Center; MO Lynch Chicago; IL *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH
BY CATEGORY *Manufacturer *Menzel Technologies; WI *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Midco Sales LLC; AZ *Muncie Power Products; IN New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD O’Hare Truck Service; IL Orange County Transportation Authority; CA Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX Permco Hydraulics; OH *Pierce Sales; TX R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Rick’s Truck & Equipment; OH Rochester Truck; NH Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT Rush Towing Systems; TX *Sagness Tow Truck Builder; Ontario Select Truck & Equipment; MO Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Southern California Tow Equip.; CA Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL Timo International; TX TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Industries; CA Tow Truck Country; IA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA *TruckMax; FL USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX *Vulcan Equipment Co.; TN Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY *Winches Inc.; OK Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Safety Products 3M Scotchlite; MN AAA Club Alliance; DE AASP/PA; PA Atlanta Wrecker Sales; SC Automotive Equipment Co.; OH Automotive Industrial Sol. (A.I.S.); GA *B/A Products; MD *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Battelini Wrecker Sales; NJ *Blue Tiger USA; TX Bressler’s; PA *Calvin Berkey Enterprises; OH Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron Commercial; IL Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN *Custer Products, LTD; OH Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY *Dicke Safety Products; IL Digital Ally Safety & Video Systems; KS DomTex Marketing; Ontario *Dri-Dek; FL
*Durabilt by Durbin; IL *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA *ECCO; ID *ECS Enviro. Chem. Solutions; WA Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Ferguson Corp.; MD Fleet Sales West; OR G. Stone Commercial; VT Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ *GSS Safety LLC; PA Gulf Atlantic Supply; AL *Guniwheel, LLC; GA *HAAS Alert; IL Hamman Engineering; TN House of Wreckers; CA Insta-Chain; UT *InterMotive Vehicle Controls; CA LED Lights; FL *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA *Menzel Technologies; WI *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario *Mobile Video Computing Solutions; MI Mytee Product; OH New England Wrecker Sales; NH Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA PDV Wireless; NJ *Penny Pockets; MA *Peterson Mfg. Co.; MO Prime Industries; VA *Pro-Vision Video Systems; MI *R-O-M, a Safe Fleet Brand; MO R.P. Recovery Consulting; NY Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Srvc.; VA Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT *Safety Track; MI *Safety Vision; TX Select Truck & Equipment; MO Services & Materials; MO *Setcom Corporation; TX Sonetics Corp.; OR *Spill Tackle; MS Spirit Ride; NY *Superior Signals; KS Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Timo International; TX *TowMate; AR TowPartsNow; OR *TowToolz; WA *Trade of AMTA / Boxer Tools; CA Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL UltraTech International, Inc.; FL *USA Flap; IN USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *Weego Portable Power; NJ *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD *Western Sling and Supply; CO *Whelen Engineering Co.; CT
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
*Will-Burt; OH *Wilson Electronics; UT Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL Wrecker Warehouse of Texas, LLC; TX *WreckMaster; NY
Snatch Blocks Atlanta Wrecker Sales; SC *B/A Products; MD *Durabilt by Durbin; IL East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA Lynch Chicago; IL Shannon Bryant’s Wrecker; AZ Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Service Equipment *FCAR Tech USA; MD *Guniwheel, LLC; GA Ranger Rescue & Recovery Syst.; RI *SafeAll Products; IA *VIAIR Corp.; CA
Signs & Promo *Anchor Graphics; TX *Excel Sportswear; PA MarkingPenDepot; CA National Traffic Signs; FL Tow Truck Printing C0-Op; CA TowIndustryWeek.com; NY
Tool Mounting Automotive Industrial Sol. (A.I.S.); GA *Dri-Dek; FL *EZ Spare Wheel; GA *In The Ditch Towing Products; ID Matheny Towing Equipment; VA *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario New England Wrecker Sales; NH *Performance Advantage Co.; NY Purpose Wrecker Sales; MO Truck Body Sales; CA *TruckMax; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX
Tools / Toolboxes 4 State Trucks; MO *Access Tools; FL American Eagle Accessories Group; IA Atlanta Wrecker Sales; SC Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS *B/A Products; MD *Bad Dog Tools; RI *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chesapeake Automotive Equip.; MO Chevron Commercial; IL Chevron West; CA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL *CTech Mfg.; WI DFW Truck; TX *Diversified Products Mfg.; FL *Dri-Dek; FL Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ
Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Ferguson Corp.; MD G. Stone Commercial; VT *Gaither Tool Co.; IL *Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co; OH Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ Hawkeye Truck & Wrecker Sales; AR House of Wreckers; CA *In The Ditch Towing Products; ID *Jerr-Dan; MD Lucky’s Peterbilt of Vermont; VT *Lujan USA; NY Lynch Chicago; IL *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Midco Sales LLC; AZ Midwest Wrecker; OH Millner-Haufen Tool Co.; TN Mytee Product; OH New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY *OTC/SPX; MN Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA *Phoenix USA; TN *Powerhouse Industries; NY Prime Industries; VA Pro Tools; WI *PRO-LOK¬Æ; CA Purpose Wrecker Sales; MO *RC Industries; IN Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Rochester Truck; NH Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT Select Truck & Equipment; MO *Slide Lock Tool Co.; LA Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Southern California Tow Equip.; CA *Tiger Tool International; WA TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Industries; CA *Transfer Flow; CA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA *Truck Covers USA; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT West End Service; MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL Wrecker Warehouse of Texas, LLC; TX *WreckMaster; NY *Zendex Tool Corporation; CT Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Tow Dollies AAA Club Alliance; DE *Access Tools; FL
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 77
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory ◀ Atlanta Wrecker Sales; SC
Austin Hinds Motors; AL Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS *B/A Products; MD *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron Commercial; IL Chevron West; CA *Collins Dollies; OR Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY DFW Truck; TX *Diversified Products Mfg.; FL *Dual-Tech; TN *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA Eakins Equipment Co.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC EdgeTec; TX Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fayetteville Ford; GA Fleet Sales West; OR G. Stone Commercial; VT *Guniwheel, LLC; GA Hamman Engineering; TN *Hide-A-Lift; IA House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID *In The Ditch Towing Products; ID *Jerr-Dan; MD *Lynch Chicago; WI *Magna Tech; KS Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Midco Sales LLC; AZ *Minute Man Wheel Lifts.; MI New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Nussbaum Equipment; PA O’Hare Truck Service; IL Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Pierce Sales; TX Prime Industries; VA Purpose Wrecker Sales; MO R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT Sabil & Son; VT *Sagness Tow Truck Builder; Ontario Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Southern California Tow Equip.; CA Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL Timo International; TX TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Industries; CA Tow Truck Country; IA TowPartsNow; OR Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY
Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY *Vulcan Equipment Co.; TN Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT West End Service; MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL *Zendex Tool Corporation; CT
Towing Accessories Akins Ford; GA All American Jerr-Dan; NJ American Wrecker Sales; NY *AmeriDeck™; PA Associated Equipment Corp.; MO Atlanta Wrecker Sales; SC Austin Hinds Motors; AL B & Z Sales; MS *B/A Products; MD *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Baremotion; NY Battelini Wrecker Sales; NJ *Best Tools; AR Brute Technologies; MI *Calvin Berkey Enterprises; OH Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron Commercial; IL *Collins Dollies; OR CRASHFILM; TX Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL *Custer Products, LTD; OH Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY Danzi Bros.; DE *Detroit Wrecker Sales; MI. DFW Truck; TX DomTex Marketing; Ontario DOT Tie Down; SC *Durabilt by Durbin; IL *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC EdgeTec; TX Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ *EZ Spare Wheel; GA Fayetteville Ford; GA Ferguson Corp.; MD Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN G. Stone Commercial; VT Ginn Carrier & Wrecker Sales; GA *Guniwheel, LLC; GA *In The Ditch Towing Products; ID *ITI Sales; IA *Jerr-Dan; MD Kenworth of South Florida; FL Len Zermenos; OH Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario *Microtronics; KS Midwest Wrecker; OH *Minute Man Wheel Lifts.; MI Mytee Product; OH NAPA-AAA; FL New England Wrecker Sales; NH
78 • June 2022 | Towman.com
BY CATEGORY *Manufacturer Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Null’s Sales & Service; PA Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Phoenix USA; TN Pillow Protection Corp.; Alberta Prime Industries; VA Purpose Wrecker Sales; MO R.P. Recovery Consulting; NY *Race Ramps; MI Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT *Rose Ledge Co.; MA *Rydin; IL Sabil & Son; VT *SafeAll Products; IA Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO *Setcom Corporation; TX Shannon Bryant’s Wrecker; AZ Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Southern California Tow Equip.; CA *Speed Binders; OH *Steck Manufacturing; OH Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ *The Crosby Group; OK TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Industries; CA Tow-Buddy; AL TowPartners; TX *TowToolz; WA *Trade of AMTA / Boxer Tools; CA Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL *TW Products; MD Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY *W Star USA; CA *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD *Will-Burt; OH Wrecker Warehouse of Texas, LLC; TX *Zendex Tool Corporation; CT Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Trailers *Able Weldbuilt Industries; NY *Air Tow Trailers; CA All Colorado Semi Trailers; CO *AmeriDeck™; PA Auto Equipment; NC Automotive Equipment Co.; OH Central California Truck & Trailer; CA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL *Custer Products, LTD; OH *Dakota Mfg./Trail-Eze; SD Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC Equipment Sales & Service; NJ *Felling Trailers; MN Futura Trailers;
G. Stone Commercial; VT Globe Trailers; FL Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel; NJ *Kalyn-Siebert; TX *Landoll Corporation; KS Lucky’s Peterbilt of Vermont; VT Lynch Chicago; IL *Lynch Chicago; WI *Magna Tech; KS Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH Meyer Truck Center; KS Midco Sales LLC; AZ New England Wrecker Sales; NH North East Enterprises; MD *NE Custom Flatbed & Trailer; NY Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Pierce Sales; TX *Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems; MI *Race Ramps; MI Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Rochester Truck; NH Southern California Tow Equip.; CA *Speed Binders; OH *Sun Country Trailers; AZ Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ *Talbert Manufacturing, Inc.; IN TEC Equipment; OR *Trail King Industries; SD *Trail-Eze / Dakota Mfg; SD *TrailMax Trailers/Gem State Mfg.; ID Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Tri-State Trailer Sales; PA *TruckMax; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Versatran; WI *Vulcan Equipment Co.; TN *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY *Witzco Trailers; FL Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL *XL Specialized Trailers; LA
Training AAA Club Alliance; DE AASP/PA; PA American Towman Expositions; NY Automotive Training Institue (ATI); MD *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC *Blue Tiger USA; TX *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA *ECS Enviro. Chem. Solutions; WA Equipment Sales & Service; NJ ERSCA CTTA; CA *Matjack Jumbo SafeLift; IN Professional Wrecker Oper. of Fl.; FL R.P. Recovery Consulting; NY Randall Resch Training; CA Recovery Billing Unlimited; MA Robertson Ryan & Associate / RRA; NV *Slide Lock Tool Co.; LA Tom Luciano (Trainer); NY USA Towing & Equipment; FL *WreckMaster; NY
2022 American Towman Supplier Directory Truck Chassis All American Jerr-Dan; NJ Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS Chevrolet; MI *Chevron; PA *Chrysler Group Fleet; MI Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL Danzi Bros.; DE *Dodge Truck; MI *Dual-Tech; TN *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA FCA Fleet / RAM Trucks; MI Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN Fleet Sales West; OR *Ford Commercial Vehicles; MI *Ford Motor Company; MI Fred Beans Ford of West Chester; PA *Freightliner Trucks; SC G. Stone Commercial; VT *General Motors Corp.; MI Hawkeye Truck & Wrecker Sales; AR *Hino of Central Texas; TX *Hino Trucks; MI House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID *International Truck & Engine Corp.; IL *Isuzu Comm. Trucks of America; CA Johnson Truck Center; MO Kenworth of South Florida; FL *Kenworth Truck Co.; WA Lucky’s Peterbilt of Vermont; VT *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Midco Sales LLC; AZ Midwest Wrecker; OH *Mitsubishi Fuso; NJ Montgomery Sales; MO New England Wrecker Sales; NH *Nissan Diesel America; TX *NE Custom Flatbed & Trailer; NY Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Palfinger North America; Ontario Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA *Peterbilt; TX *Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems; MI Ram Trucks; MI Regional International; NY *Renew Truck Body; NH Rochester Truck; NH Rush Towing Systems; TX Sabil & Son; VT Select Truck & Equipment; MO *Sterling Truck Corp.; MI TEC Equipment; OR Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA Tow Truck Country; IA
Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX *Volvo Heavy Truck; NC *Vulcan Equipment Co.; TN Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT West End Service; MD *Western Star Trucks; OR Wilkes Barre Truck Center; PA Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL Wrecker Warehouse of Texas, LLC; TX
Wheel Lift Attachments *Access Tools; FL Austin Hinds Motors; AL Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH Automotive Industrial Sol. (A.I.S.); GA B & Z Sales; MS *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Battelini Wrecker Sales; NJ *Best Tools; AR Bressler’s; PA Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron West; CA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; FL Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA Eakins Equipment Co.; PA East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Ferguson Corp.; MD Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN Fleet Sales West; OR G. Stone Commercial; VT *Garwood/Feller; GA Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ Hamman Engineering; TN *Hide-A-Lift; IA House of Wreckers; CA Len Zermenos; OH *Lift and Tow; PA *Lynch Chicago; WI *Magna Tech; KS Matheny Towing Equipment; VA Matthews Garage; GA McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Midwest Wrecker; OH *Minute Man Wheel Lifts.; MI *New England Truckmaster; CT New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY *NRC Industries; QE Null’s Sales & Service; PA Nussbaum Equipment; PA O’Hare Truck Service; IL
80 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Pierce Sales; TX Prime Industries; VA Purpose Wrecker Sales; MO Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Srvc.; VA Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT Sabil & Son; VT Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Industries; CA Tow Truck Country; IA Tow-Buddy; AL TowPartsNow; OR Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY *Triple K Industries; SD *Tru-Hitch; CT Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY *Vulcan Equipment Co.; TN Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL *Zacklift International; WA
Wheel Lifts AAA Club Alliance; DE Austin Hinds Motors; AL Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH Automotive Industrial Sol. (A.I.S.); GA B & Z Sales; MS *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Battelini Wrecker Sales; NJ *Best Tools; AR *Boniface Engineering; England Bressler’s; PA Canadian Towing Equipment; Ontario Casanova Towing Equipment; CA *Chevron; PA Chevron Commercial; IL Chevron West; CA *Condor Products; IL Crawford Truck Sales; MA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY *Diversified Products Mfg.; FL *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC EdgeTec; TX Edinburg Truck Sales; VA Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ
Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Ferguson Corp.; MD Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN Fleet Sales West; OR Fred Beans Ford of West Chester; PA Future Wrecker Sales; NY G. Stone Commercial; VT Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ *Guniwheel, LLC; GA Hamman Engineering; TN *Hide-A-Lift; IA *Holmes; TN House of Wreckers; CA *Hy-Tech Recovery Equipment; TX Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID *Jerr-Dan; MD Len Zermenos; OH *Lift and Tow; PA *Lynch Chicago; WI *Magna Tech; KS Matheny Towing Equipment; VA Matthews Garage; GA *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Meyer Truck Center; KS Midco Sales LLC; AZ Midwest Wrecker; OH *Minute Man Wheel Lifts.; MI *New England Truckmaster; CT New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD *NRC Industries; QE Nussbaum Equipment; PA O’Hare Truck Service; IL Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Pierce Sales; TX Prime Industries; VA Purpose Wrecker Sales; MO R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT *Rose Ledge Co.; MA Sabil & Son; VT *Sagness Tow Truck Builder; Ontario Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ T & L Lift Equipment; AL Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Industries; CA Tow Truck Country; IA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY *Triple K Industries; SD *Tru-Hitch; CT Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL USA Towing & Equipment; FL
BY CATEGORY *Manufacturer Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY *Vulcan Equipment Co.; TN Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD Wilkes Barre Truck Center; PA Winn Street Sales; MA Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL *Zacklift International; WA
Wheels 1-800 EveryRim-OEM Wheels; CA Alcoa Forged Specialty Wheels; OH Aluminium Wheels Mfg.; CA RVWheel.com; CA *Wheel Collision Center; PA
Winches AAA Club Alliance; DE *Access Tools; FL Atlanta Wrecker Sales; SC Austin Hinds Motors; AL Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH Automotive Industrial Sol. (A.I.S.); GA B & Z Sales; MS *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC *Best Tools; AR Bressler’s; PA Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron Commercial; IL Chevron West; CA ComeUp USA; OR Crawford Truck Sales; MA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY DK2 Warrior Winches; Ontario *DP Winch; OK *Dual-Tech; TN *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA Eakins Equipment Co.; PA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC EdgeTec; TX Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Ferguson Corp.; MD Fleet Sales West; OR G. Stone Commercial; VT Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ Hamman Engineering; TN House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID *In The Ditch Towing Products; ID *Kenworth Truck Co.; WA Lynch Chicago; IL *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Meyer Truck Center; KS Midwest Wrecker; OH *Midwestern Manufacturing; OK
*Mile Marker; FL Mytee Product; OH *New England Truckmaster; CT New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD Nussbaum Equipment; PA Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Pierce Sales; TX Prime Industries; VA R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX *Ramsey Winch; OK Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY Rick’s Truck & Equipment; OH Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT *Rose Ledge Co.; MA Sabil & Son; VT Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO *Sepson USA; PA Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA *Speed Binders; OH *Superwinch; OK Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL Timo International; TX TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Truck Country; IA TowPartsNow; OR *Trade of AMTA / Boxer Tools; CA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL *Tulsa Winch; OK USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Virgo Fleet Supplies; NY *Warn Industries; OR Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD *Winches Inc.; OK Wrecker Warehouse of Texas, TX
Winch Repair Austin Hinds Motors; AL Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS Bressler’s; PA Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron West; CA Crawford Truck Sales; MA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY Eakins Equipment Co.; PA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH G. Stone Commercial; VT Got Tow Truck Parts.com; AZ Hamman Engineering; TN
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House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA Midwest Wrecker; OH New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD Nussbaum Equipment; PA Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Pierce Sales; TX Purpose Wrecker Sales; MO R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Srvc.; VA Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT *Rose Ledge Co.; MA Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Southern California Tow Equip.; CA Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL Timo International; TX Tow Truck Country; IA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY *TruckMax; FL USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX *Warn Industries; OR Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD *Winches Inc.; OK Winn Street Sales; MA Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL
Wrecker Bodies (Mfg.) Automotive Industrial Sol. (A.I.S.); GA *B & B Industries; MN *Boniface Engineering; England *Chevron; PA *Danco Products; PA *Dangelo’s Custom Built; PA *Detroit Wrecker Sales; MI. *Dual-Tech; TN *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA EdgeTec; TX *Holmes; TN *Jerr-Dan; MD McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Miller Industries; TN *Miller Industries; TN *Minute Man Wheel Lifts.; MI *NRC Industries; QE *PowerBilt Wreckers; MO *Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems; MI *Ratler.com; Ontario *Renew Truck Body; NH *Rose Ledge Co.; MA *TruckMax; FL *United Plastic Fabricating; MA
*WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY
Wrecker Bodies (Dist.) Akins Ford; GA All American Jerr-Dan; NJ Alpha Innovations; NV American Wrecker Sales; NY Atlanta Wrecker Sales; SC Atlantic Emergency Solutions; VA Auto Equipment; NC Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH B & Z Sales; MS *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Battelini Wrecker Sales; NJ Blust Sales and Service; OH Bressler’s; PA Canadian Towing Equipment; Ontario Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron Commercial; IL Crawford Truck Sales; MA Danzi Bros.; DE *Detroit Wrecker Sales; MI. DFW Truck; TX Dirt Cheap Wrecker; MO East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales; VA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA Eastern Wrecker Sales; NC EdgeTec; TX Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Epplers Truck Sales; GA Equipment Sales & Service; NJ Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Fitzgerald Wrecker Sales; TN Fleet Sales West; OR Florida Wrecker Sales; FL Fred Beans Ford of West Chester; PA G. Stone Commercial; VT Ginn Carrier & Wrecker Sales; GA Golden West Tow Equipment; CA *Goodyear Wrecker Sales; AL H.A.R / West Valley Wrecker Sales; CA Hawkeye Truck & Wrecker Sales; AR House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID Indiana Truck Sales & Service; IN Len Zermenos; OH Lucky’s Peterbilt of Vermont; VT Lynch Chicago; IL Magnolia Wrecker Sales; MS Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales; MD Matheny Towing Equipment; VA Matthews Garage; GA McCandless International Trucks; NV McMahon Truck Centers; OH *Metro Tow Trucks; Ontario Midco Sales LLC; AZ Midwest Wrecker; OH Mission Valley Truck Center; CA *New England Truckmaster; CT New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD Null’s Sales & Service; PA Nussbaum Equipment; PA
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2022 American Towman Supplier Directory ◀ Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN
Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX Purpose Wrecker Sales; MO *Quick Draw Tarpaulin Systems; MI R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY *Renew Truck Body; NH Rick’s Truck & Equipment; OH Ricky’s Sales & Service; MA Rochester Truck; NH Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT *Rose Ledge Co.; MA Rush Towing Systems; TX Sabil & Son; VT Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Southern California Tow Equip.; CA Stephens Truck Center; OK TEC Equipment; OR Tipton Sales & Parts; KY TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Todd Equipment; AZ Tow Industries; CA Tow Truck Country; IA Tow World; CA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Crane International; MD Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD Wrecker Warehouse of Texas, LLC; TX Zip’s AW Direct; IA
Wrecker Repair *Access Tools; FL All American Jerr-Dan; NJ American Wrecker Sales; NY Austin Hinds Motors; AL Auto Equipment; NC Auto Salvage & Parts Co.; MD Automotive Equipment Co.; OH *B & B Industries; MN B & Z Sales; MS *Bailey’s Towing Accessories; NC Bressler’s; PA Canadian Towing Equipment; Ontario Casanova Towing Equipment; CA Chevron West; CA Clean Seal; IN Crawford Truck Sales; MA Crouch’s Wrkr. & Equip. Sales of FL; TN Daniel’s Wrecker Sales; NY *Detroit Wrecker Sales; MI. DFW Truck; TX *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA *East Penn Truck Equip.; PA EdgeTec; TX Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Equipment Sales & Service; NJ
Fallsway Equipment Co.; OH Fayetteville Ford; GA Fleet Sales West; OR G. Stone Commercial; VT Hamman Engineering; TN House of Wreckers; CA Idaho Wrecker Sales; ID Len Zermenos; OH Lynch Chicago; IL *Lynch Chicago; WI Matheny Towing Equipment; VA McMahon Truck Centers; OH Meyer Truck Center; KS Midco Sales LLC; AZ Midwest Wrecker; OH Mission Valley Truck Center; CA *New England Truckmaster; CT New England Wrecker Sales; NH Northeast Wrecker Sales; NY Northern Truck Equipment, Corp.; SD Null’s Sales & Service; PA Nussbaum Equipment; PA O’Hare Truck Service; IL Pardo’s Sales & Service; IN Patriot Sales & Service; MA Peak Wrecker Sales; TX *Pierce Sales; TX Purpose Wrecker Sales; MO R.P.M Equipment Co.; TX Red Peak Camera Systems; NY Regional International; NY Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Srvc.; VA Rocky Mountain Wrecker Sales; UT *Rose Ledge Co.; MA Royal Truck Body; CA Sabil & Son; VT Santiam Enterprises; OR Select Truck & Equipment; MO Smyrna Truck & Cargo; GA Southern California Tow Equip.; CA Spectrum Truck Painting; TX Synergy Truck Equipment; AZ Terrco Wrecker Sales; PA Tim Halpin Equipment Corp.; FL TLC Truck & Equipment; FL Tow Truck Country; IA Tri-State Towing Equipment; NY Truck Body Sales; CA Truck Source; OK *TruckMax; FL Twin Cities Wrecker Sales; MN USA Towing & Equipment; FL Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX; TX Wasatch Truck Equipment; UT *WeldBuilt Wreckers & Carriers; NY West End Service; MD Winn Street Sales; MA Worldwide Equipment Sales; IL Wrecker Warehouse of Texas, LLC; TX
Other 2-Way Radio *Mobile Create USA, Inc.; CA All Towing Equipment *Manufacturer Express (ME); NJ
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BY CATEGORY *Manufacturer Business Consultant *GM Consultants; UT INA Towing Network; KY *Business Broker George; UT Catalytic Converter Recycling PGM Recovery Systems; CA Certified Mailers *One Form Certified Mailers; FL Cleaners & Polishes *Flitz International; WI Cleaning Supplies *Shield Solutions; WI Collision / Body Shop Equipment Gateway; Ontario Cranes *Erkin World Power; Aydin Custom Uniforms *Got Towing Uniforms; CA Dash Cameras *Pro-Vision Video Systems; MI Digital Alerts for SDMO *HAAS Alert; IL Drug Testing American Alliance Drug Testing; CA Employee Services Employer’s Guardian; CA IST Solution; CA Omega Comp HR; CA Engines / Sales & Service Cummins; IN Cummins Power Systems; PA *Dieselsite; FL Engraved firearms *American Legacy Firearms; CO EV Robot EasTract North America; GA Financing Specialty Vehicle Equip. & Funding Group; NY Forklift Attachments *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA Freeway Service Patrol Orange County Freeway Service Patrol; CA Fuel Ramos Oil Company; CA Fuel Tank System *Transfer Flow; CA Heavy Duty Collision Elizabeth Truck Center; NJ Heavy Duty Rigging *TowToolz; WA Hose Reels *Reelcraft Industries; IN HVFV Compliance/Safety Energy Security Agency; OH Key Fobs We Buy Key Fobs; NE Lien Processing TowLien by Traxero OH Traxero Light Towers *Will-Burt; OH Load Cells, Scene Lighting R.P. Recovery Consulting; NY Mobile surveillance system (MVSS) *Menzel Technologies; WI
Oils & Lubricants AMSOIL; PA Hot Shot’s Secret; OH *Howes; RI *Lube-A-Boom; IN QuiKleen; NC Online Auction Platform Online Impound Auctions, LLC; GA Paint Boths & Refinish Equipment *Garmat USA; CO Pollution Billing Services *ECS Enviro. Chem. Solutions; WA Ratchet Binders *Speed Binders; OH Recovery Winch *Kanister Industries; NY Reflective Apparel *GSS Safety LLC; PA Risk Management XINSURANCE; UT Roll Up Doors Amdor; Ontario Self-Release Tow Lock *Paylock; NJ Service Equipment *Dalton Bearing & Hydraulic; TN Service Trucks *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA Shop Heaters *Lanair Waste Oil Heaters; WI Slide-In *Dynamic Towing Equip. & Mfg.; VA Storage App *UR International; TX Tablet/Phone Mounting Solutions *Arkon Mounts; CA Technology Auto Data Direct; FL OnlineParkingPass.com; MD Tires Tire Auditor; MN Tire Hotline (Dacotah-Walsh Tire); MN TreadWright; SD Toll Free Vanity Phone Number 1-800-Rescue-911; FL Tonneau Covers *Truck Covers USA; CA Tow Signs *Rydin; IL Trade Shows American Towman Expositions; NY Trailer Repair Tri-State Trailer Sales; PA Transmissions Allison Transmission; IN *Eaton Transmissions; MI Truck Sales Wrecker Warehouse of Texas, LLC; TX Vehicle Wraps Illusions Wraps; VA Video Systems, Fleet Monitoring *Mobile Video Computing Solutions; MI Website Design *TowTruckads.com; TX Wheels / Wheel Simulator *Phoenix USA; TN Wrecker Rental Wrecker Rentals; GA
Towman’s Toy
High Country’s Cobra
Getting the green flag for Randy’s run up Pikes Peak.
Randy Schranz Races for the Clouds at Pike’s Peak By Jim Youngs
W
hy would any towman in his right mind run a high-powered muscle car in a hill-climb race to the top of Pike’s Peak? Because it’s there, of course. Also known as America’s Mountain, in its shadow lies Randy’s High Country Towing, founded in 1974 by Randy Schranz, He’s a veteran of this “Race for the Clouds,” having competed every year since 1972. The Peak is known for hosting the second oldest motorsports event in the country, first staged in 1916. This June 26, 2022 will mark the 100th running of this invitation-only event. To get an idea of how challenging it is, Pikes Peak is one of Colorado’s 54 peaks that tower over 14,000 feet above sea level. The event consists of a grueling 12.42-mile, 156-turn timed event with elevation gains of 4,725 feet. A course that top competitors complete in under 10 minutes—with not a single guardrail in sight! As if the course itself isn’t difficult enough, competitors
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are also at the mercy of very fickle weather patterns that can range from bright sunshine to snow (in the Summer), and everything in between. While racers compete in numerous classes and represent a wide variety of motorcycles and cars, Randy’s latest Cobra race car is rather unusual among the entire field. His Colorado racing career began in 1967 competing in ice racing and drag racing before being drawn to Pikes Peak, first as a 4x4 Production Class driver, later as a crew chief, and then a competitor in the largest and most competitive Stock Car division, where he became a consistent top five finisher for over 25 years. In 1999 he broke Roger Mears’ longstanding record for a propane-powered car, driving a Chevy Lumina Stock Car. Propane as a higher energy race fuel has figured prominently in Randy’s Pikes Peak participation. In 2000 he and his team built a Shell Valley Shelby Cobra roadster replica into a formidable Exhibition Class
hill-climb competitor. The Schranz Snake is powered by a built 388ci small-block Chevy engine fed by a pair of propane tanks in the trunk. He regularly has to humor fellow competitors when they ask, “What time will the barbecue will be ready?” The Cobra replica, sporting several color changes over the years (green, yellow and orange liveries), still owns the Peak’s propane record. Randy’s fastest time is an impressive 10:35.225 (for comparison, the 1916 course record was 20:55.6; and the current course record set in 2018 is 7:57.148). Overall, as a competitor Schranz piled up 10 class wins in five different classes, and 17 additional top 10 finishes during his 40-year career of challenging the Peak. He was inducted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2018, an honor that followed closely on his induction into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Museum Hall of Fame. Randy has retired from the dayto-day of operation of his successful towing and recovery business. This firm employs more than 30 employees and operates over 45 pieces of equipment ranging from conventional wreckers and rotators to off-road rigs and extreme recovery vehicles. Instead, he supports his son Layne’s racing
A wide array of rigs and wreckers at Randy’s High Country Towing are ready for all sorts of recoveries.
career these days, who is also a successful Pikes Peak competitor competing in the Stock Car ranks at the Peak. Randy’s High Country Towing is equipped to provide all sorts of roadside services such as delivering a battery boost on a cold winter morning and any conventional towing jobs. More difficult jobs include pulling a Boeing 737 back onto a runway, recovering vehicles careening off steep embankments throughout the Rocky
Mountains, and lots of other heavy-duty towing. They have also provided towing and race-car recovery for the Pikes Peak Hill Climb for 15 years. Not only known as the boss of a towing enterprise, Randy was one of the founding members and Presidents for the Pikes Peak Towing Association, later consolidated with the Towing and Professionals of Colorado. After the merger of the two associations Randy was elected and served as Chapter President. In addition he also served as the State Director for the Towing and Recovery Association
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A pair of propane tanks are mounted in the trunk, supplying higher energy race fuel.
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It’s equal parts adrenalin, insanity, mechanical aptitude, fraternity, mental acuity, exhaustion, weather, lack of oxygen and whole lot of other factors that the mountain can throw out like rain, hail snow and A veteran of the “Race for the Clouds,” Randy Schranz has competed every year since 1972.
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generally snotty road conditions.
of America. The Schranz assault of “The Mountain” is always a family affair as well with wife, Pati, son Layne and a hoard of kids, grandkids, employees and friends gather in the pits and starting line to cheer on Randy. He describes the event as something akin to International Rally racing. What’s it like to drift by dropoffs of 6,000 feet without any guardrails, at speeds over 100 mph? One driver described the experience this way: “It’s equal parts adrenalin, insanity, mechanical aptitude, fraternity, mental acuity, exhaustion, weather, lack of oxygen and whole lot of other factors that the mountain can throw out— like rain, hail snow and generally snotty road conditions. I’ll tell you though, after my inaugural Hill Climb experience and some jaw-
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Powering the Schranz snake is a built 388ci small-block Chevy, modified to burn propane fuel.
dropping DVD research from last year’s event, here’s what these guys have in common—iron cojones!” If you can’t make it to the actual event, spend a couple minutes
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viewing some of the in-car videos at ppihc.org to get a glimpse into what these drivers face and the kind of skills necessary to race for the clouds.
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Safety
Risk Reduction Strategies Minimizing a Towman’s Work Hazards By Chase Clough
Regular exercise can help to avoid back pain issues.
E Chase Clough of Drive has a wide range of marketing experience, with writing, editing and content creation across all social media platforms. Her recent marketing positions include Florida State’s Career Center, and she is now a master’s candidate at Florida State University. Chase uses these skills in her position at Drive based in Monrovia, CA.
very experienced tower knows their job can be like going into battle. You’re the soldiers of America’s highways, always on duty, ready to rescue the next civilian stranded on the side of the road. It’s a 24/7 commitment with no “off” hours. You never know for sure when your next shower, meal, or sleep cycle will be. Adding to this stress is that fact that towing is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. In this industry, there are 42.9 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers, which is much higher compared to firefighters at 8.9, and police officers at 12.9 each year. One estimate indicates that a tow operator dies from a road-side strike once every six days. Aside from these tragic statistics, towers also deal with a number of other physical and mental challenges. All of which means how important it is to be at your best when heading out to a recovery. If you’re healthy and strong, you’re better able to assist motorists, and
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handle dangerous situations. So we’d like to share some practical tips from experienced towers that can be incorporated into your daily routine to make your job both easier and safer for you.
PRIORITIZE YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH
1. Start with a stretch Hours of sitting or standing, repetitive tasks, intense bursts of physical activity, moving heavy loads, and external stressors such as extreme weather and production deadlines all contribute to the risk of injuries. Warm-up motions to start your day can be simple, such as placing your hands on the steering wheel or the edge of your desk, and then pushing your hands until your feel a stretch. Take three deep breaths and repeat three to five times. Also, try twisting your shoulders and rotating your neck. Leaning side to side and touching toes can
loosen you up for the day. Even better, do frequent little stretching sessions throughout the day to keep you from pulling a muscle and feeling better overall. For towers that respond to crashes it can often be zero to 100 in an instant, being tasked with cleaning up heavy debris or picking up stiff in awkward positions. Being loose and limber will help you maintain your body for the years to come, along with a variety of other health benefits as well. In general, keep your body active, working out for at least 30 minutes every other day. It doesn’t have to be anything intense. Maybe a stroll around your neighborhood with your spouse, or walking your dog. Sitting in a driver’s seat for long hours can also cause health issues such as back pain, poor sleep, and weight gain. So take proactive measures to minimize them.
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
One of the most effective way to relieve depression is through exercise.
2. Download A Health Tracking App Consider having an easily accessible app on your phone dedicated to tracking your health. Apps such as MyFitnessPal allow you to keep a record of what you ate, how much water you drank, and how much you’ve exercised each day. Then it will analyze the food you’ve eaten and track how much you’ve had of vitamins,
protein, fat, sugar, and carbs. This info can help you know what you need to focus on to keep you at your best. 3. Don’t Drive Drowsy According to the National Safety Council (NSC), each year drowsy driving accounts for about 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,550 fatalities. This practice
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is especially dangerous for tow truck drivers as they often work long hours and varying shifts. While towers can’t control when the phone will ring with the next call for service, they can make the most of their time available to sleep. Have a dark, quiet room with no external light (especially important if you work nights and sleep days). Teach your family not to disturb you while resting is important since the body sleeps in cycles, and when we are woken midcycle it throws us off and we can be disoriented and groggy. If you feel yourself falling asleep at the wheel, pull over immediately. If possible, take a 20-minute nap and then drink a caffeinated beverage to get you through the rest of your shift. 4. Decrease Back Pain Because tow truck drivers are regularly seated for long periods of time, they are at increased risk for chronic back pain. To combat this problem, be aware of your posture while driving. Make sure you’re not slouching or leaning forward toward the wheel. Try to stretch regularly, and invest in an ergonomic seat cushion to keep you in the best position. Another tip is to remember to lift with your legs, not your back. Too much stress on your lower back can cause muscle strain which often results in pain and difficulty moving the effected area. 5. Choose The Right Food When you’re working long shifts, going to a fast-food drive-through might seem practical when every minute counts. Unfortunately, fast food is a way of life for towers, and can have multiple negative effects on your physical health. For example, it can raise your blood pressure, drive up your cholesterol, lead to weight gain, and cause digestive issues. Luckily, there are many healthier options that are just as quick. Choose restaurants that offer balanced
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Drowsy driving poses a serious risk for tow operators in particular.
meals, with salads and grilled options. Or that give you the choice to pick and choose what goes in your dish. If there aren’t a lot of healthy options in your area, consider packing your own meals. Before bed, make a sandwich and add a few fruits or vegetables to a lunch box that’s ready to go. Stock your tow truck with healthy, non-perishable and easy to eat foods like beef jerky, vegetable crisps and bottled water to help you get through the long days when you can’t get a good meal.This way you can make sure you have nothing
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but healthy snacks available during your shift—and you’ll save money, too. 6. Relaxation Techniques Before going to bed, turn any electronics off and take time to depressurize from stress. Find a place to sit that’s calm and quiet. While in this relaxed state, clear your head of the day’s work. Calming your body before bed will also help you make the most out of your upcoming sleep cycles. 7. Seek Out Your Support System Turn to your family and trusted friends when you need someone to lend an ear. When you’ve had a rough day at work, or feeling overwhelmed by your schedule, send a quick message to someone you’re close to and ask if they have a moment to talk. After working a particularly bad crash or other traumatic event, don’t be reluctant to seek the help of a qualified counselor. There is no shame in asking to talk it through with a professional. Firefighters and police officers often are required to undergo posttraumatic event briefings and counseling sessions and that towers should seek the same. These conversations don’t have to be long
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either. Even if you don’t think you could talk about the events you just experienced, being distracted from it can help keep you level-headed and minimize stress. If possible, separate your work and home life. Let your home life be exactly that and no more. When towers set clear boundaries between their work life and home life, they’re less likely to experience conflict between the two fronts. 8. Defensive Driving While driving seems routine, almost mundane, never let your guard down. As professional drivers we must always be thinking about what the folks around us are doing and stay one step ahead of them. The best way to accomplish this is to always maintain situational awareness by looking far ahead to spot potential problems early, scanning your mirrors often to know what is alongside you so you can quickly change lanes or escape when a hazard is detected. Keep extra following distance, especially when loaded, so you have time to react and stop if an emergency arises. Ultimately, it’s all about reducing your risks.
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Case Closed
Pros and Cons of Administrative Regulation By Josh Brown, Esq.
Josh Brown is an attorney at Cassone Law Offices, LLC. where he represents dozens of small businesses throughout Ohio as business counsel and litigator.
I
n my home state of Ohio, the tow and recovery industry has long sought administrative regulation to weed out bad actors and establish standards of operation. Although these goals are desirable, there are drawbacks to regulation as well. Most administrative agencies are made up of the Governor’s appointments. The legislatures often try to limit the Governor’s authority by placing requirements on the appointees. For example, Ohio’s Elections Commission requires the appointment of a certain number of Democrats and Republicans. This requirement is inevitably the result of the political process. Regardless, appointments to regulatory agencies are a strong tool for political candidates. Often the appointments go to favored donors or people who are popular with the public for some reason. The consequence is that the panels tend to represent the interests of particular special interests. If you are not aligned with the same special interest as the agency, you might find yourself suspicious of the agency’s activity.
MORE LICENSING?
Next, these agencies usually act as a tribunal for some sort of licensing or activity. In other words, you can expect further licensing requirements in towing and recovery. A new legal and administrative code will be imposed on your industry. Most likely, it will be incomprehensible. Thus, people who do not like you can find a way to register a complaint against you based on some code section that makes no sense or is highly ambiguous. The members of the agency will likely have a lawyer assigned to guide them. In my experience, the members of these 102 • June 2022 | Towman.com
agencies almost blindly follow these lawyers. Often these lawyers lose touch with actual practice of law. They can be difficult to work with. However, often they are very easy to work with. It’s a case-bycase basis. But if your industry gets stuck with a bad one, well, you might be stuck. Do you really want your whole industry to take the chance on this? Often state agencies, following the advice of these government lawyers, fail to follow proper procedures. Lawyers can argue until they are blue in the face, but sometimes, you end up in a very unfair situation. Since the question is whether you actually violated the code, and proceedings are initiated by anyone who complains—the agency is unlikely to care if everyone else also violates that code section, or if the code section is senseless. Plus, actually finding a lawyer to argue until he is blue in the face is hard. Typically, you think you want a lawyer with experience in that agency, right? Maybe. There is a high likelihood that any lawyer who consistently practices before a particular agency will not want to upset that agency too much on any one case. His entire practice is more valuable than your single case. You lawyer is unlikely to be willing to upset the agency to simply give you a chance at a small victory. To get that, you will want a lawyer who knows agency law, does not care what this agency thinks about him/her, and who has not upset the members of the agency in the past. That is not always easy to find. Lastly, there is rarely any accountability for the agency’s members. They can ignore the law and the worst that can happen is that they get overruled in court, probably years later. They probably won’t even
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be on the agency board any more by the time the court overrules them.
NO MICROMANAGING OF RATES
So those are the problems. Here are the solutions. The tow and recovery industry definitely needs regulation. All of the honest players agree on that. But the devil is in the details. The regulatory structure must be extremely limited and comprehensible. Tow and recovery operators cannot be micromanaged by the governor’s chosen appointees. They must know and understand what the rules are. Much of the regulation should address what is not being regulated. This will prevent control by industry oligarchs and foster innovation. For example, no regulation should set specific monetary rates for tow and recovery work. This approach would be arbitrary and inflexible. It would invite wasteful complaints from competitors. Further, tow and recovery rates should be considered proprietary information. Rather, the regulation should require something like consistency with “industry standards” and include room for adjustment when justifiable. A formula may be promulgated to help towers know what goes into
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industry standards. This would provide towers with the tools to justify their rates in the agency or in court. At the same time, large departures from the industry standards will help identify bad players. One tool I really like about administrative agencies is that they are often permitted to offer “advisory opinions.” If you have a question about something, you can send them a request for an opinion on the topic. This can be very helpful and reduce legal costs.
POLICE AND AGENCY POLICIES
Any regulation that agencies promulgate should also include rules for customers and the police. Police departments should not be allowed to treat tow and recovery companies arbitrarily and in a subservient manner. There should be clear standards for tow rotations. These standards should be merit-based and include conflicts of
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Police departments should not be allowed to treat tow and recovery companies arbitrarily and in a subservient manner.
interest policies. Next, we get to the procedures of the agency. The agency must be required to conduct its investigations and hearings in a fair manner. This is a challenge, because these agencies are not courts. In
fact, working with some of these agencies made me appreciate courts even more. The members of the agency should have some skin in the game. If a court finds that the agency deprived someone of a constitutional
right, under color of law, the members should be personally liable. Theoretically, this requirement is already in federal law. Complainants cannot be allowed to conduct any sort of investigation or examine witnesses. In fact, the Complainants should be required to be witnesses to the proceeding (precluding them from being parties to the proceeding). Only the state’s professional prosecutors and law enforcement should be allowed to these things. Once the prosecutors and law enforcement identify genuine bad actors, they should then have the authority to shut them down. A slap on the wrist is not sufficient. Unprofessional tow and recovery operators are a risk to public safety. The ones who rip people off are taking money from the good operators. In conclusion, these are just a few recommendations based on my experience. Regulation is needed, but it must be good regulation.
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106 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 107
Supplier Scoop
Ford Pro has introduced a wide range of charging hardware.
All Charged Up
At the Work Truck Week trade show held in Indianapolis, Indiana, we noted an abundance of electric trucks and vans, but only a few non-electric tow vehicles. Not surprising, considering that the mileage ranges, charging times, and PTO setups are all significant challenges that still need to be overcome. Even so, there might be some limited applications for roadside service vans or trucks, assuming an operator’s driving radius is generally limited. Mileage ranges will likely increase as battery technology advances, and charging stations are more available. On the latter aspect, Ford Pro is aiming to create a smooth transition for commercial customers into an electric future by providing a one-stop shop for fleet operations and investing in key areas of the business. The latest is the launch of six new home and depot chargers to its end-to-end portfolio of charging solutions. Ford notes in a press release that the EV market is crowded with fragmented and consumer-grade products, while commercial customers are demanding complete solutions designed to meet the needs of fleet operations. To that end, Ford Pro has introduced a wide range of charging hardware, from home chargers to large-scale depot charging systems. These units range from the 11.5-kilowatt Ford Pro AC Charging Station to the 180-kilowatt modular DC fast charging systems. They are all backed with integrated installation, software, service and Ford Pro FinSimple financing for commercial trucks and vans.
Mack Trucks With Allison 3000 RDS Transmission
Mack Trucks has expanded its offerings to commercial medium-duty customers with the Allison 3000 RDS transmission, now available on Mack MD Series models. “Mack is pleased to now offer the Allison 3000 transmission as an option,” said Dayle Wetherell, Mack vice president of medium-duty sales. “The
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108 • June 2022 | Towman.com
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 109
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transmission enables customers to haul more payload and utilize a live power PTO, both of which are critical for our customers desiring a medium-duty vehicle that can handle demanding applications.” Mack previously only offered the Allison 2500 RDS for its MD Series models. The Allison 3000RDS transmission offers greater versatility for customers in a variety of applications. The MD Series equipped with an Allison 3000 RDS transmission is approved at a 33,000lb. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), allowing the Mack MD to haul more. The Allison 3000 also allows for a live power Power Takeoff (PTO) for MD Series. “The ability to have a direct-drive PTO is extremely important for some of Mack’s medium-duty customers…” said Tim Wrinkle, Mack construction product manager. The Allison 3000 RDS also offers a higher Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR), allowing customers to drive the Mack MD Series model and pull utility trailers with small excavators. The Mack MD Series equipped with an Allison 3000RDS will have a GCWR of 45,000 lbs. The Mack MD Series can be spec’d to be a Class 6 with a GVWR of 25,995 pounds and a Class 7, with a GVWR of 33,000 pounds. With the MD Series, Mack now offers a complete lineup up vehicles from Class 6 to 8. Both MD Series models are exempt from the 12 percent Federal Excise Tax (FET). www.macktrucks.com
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roiprotectivetape.com Windshield Wrap 36” x 200’ roll, No Minimum, $54 per roll Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Find us on Facebook Read more towing news at towman.com
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 111
My Baby
Tribute Truck Like Father, Like Son By Steve Temple
I
nheriting something special from a parent is a constant reminder, and a son or daughter typically takes good care of it. Just ask Joshua Dorr, who now drives his father Charles’ 2003 International with a 21-foot Chevron 10-series rollback, and went to great lengths in upgrading it in his memory. “This was my dad’s truck, and he gave it to me before he passed away,” Joshua related. How did his father react when Joshua began fixing it up? “He never had a nice truck, so I started working on the truck. My dad had seen the truck before he died, and he cried.” As a tribute, Joshua envisioned this inheritance rig becoming the baddest International around. “I just wanted to do something special for my dad’s truck,” Joshua shared with a tear in his eye. His towing history tells why. “I started doing this when I 112 • June 2022 | Towman.com
was five years old with my Dad, everyday riding with him, until school started. Then I started going with him on the weekends during the school year. Summer time hit, I’m with him every day.” When he got into his teens, though, Joshua became distracted for a time. “I stopped riding with my Dad because I wanted to street race— then life hit. My wife got pregnant, so I jumped in a wrecker and that’s what I been doing since.” He bought my own truck in 2011, a 2001 Chevy 3500. “I had the cleanest Chevy in
the area,” he noted. “I like having nice stuff.” He sold that one, and replaced it with a 2008 Ford F-350 King Ranch, the cabin interior finished in acres of cowhide with custom door panels. Even though he was making a lot of money by subcontracting to another company (since he didn’t have to pay for insurance and tow tags), he realized that he was also paying extra without the tax advantages of having his own business. So he went out on his own until 2017. Now he has two rigs in his fleet, a 2015 Ford F350 with Century 301
Midnight Express, and his father Charles’ flatbed, which he uses only when he really needs it. This way he doesn’t worry about other drivers tearing it up on the rough streets of Dallas. That’s an important aspect, as he really tricked it out. Joshua jazzed it up with some fresh paint, airbrushing, and tribal flames, along with pin-striping on the Talladega full fenders and custom three-piece steel floor, handled by Manuel Rodriguez. Joshua was closely involved with all the modifications, helping to fabricate the floor and side panels, and planning the body graphics. “I always liked vehicles with a design,” he explained. “It gives it a different kind of look, like a warrior look.” His Dad also had wanted his truck to light up like a Christmas tree, but since he was always working, there was no time to do what he wanted. So Joshua added illumination and strobes from Trux Accessory Lights, Dual Revolution units that can alternate between
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
purple and amber. Virgo Fleet Accessories supplied the bottom bumper lights, and side panel lights, plus a drop visor. Keeping the body color scheme in mind, Joshua uses matching orange synthetic winch cable. It’s not only visually appealing, but also has reduced weight for easier handling. He changes out the cable every year, a safety tip he learned from his dad. For extra comfort inside the cabin, Joshua applied three layers of Dynomat sound and temperature insulation. Plus a high-quality audio system with 10-inch, lighted subwoofers in the door panels. One tune in particular he plays is the George Strait song “Love Without End Amen”, with the title also written on his sun visors. It has a fitting father-andson theme that lives on in Joshua’s tribute to his father. “I wanted to dedicate this truck to him,” Joshua explained. “It’s not my truck, it’s my dad’s truck.”
TECH HIGHLIGHTS Chassis: 2003 International 4300 Extended Cab Wrecker Body: Chevron 21-foot 10-series with Ramsey 8000-pound winch Engine: DT466 diesel with Allison automatic transmission Custom Painted by: Manuel Rodriguez and Performance Collision Custom steel-plate floors: Ober & Sons Welding
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • 113
Lowdown
Achieving the Unachievable By Steve Calitri
Steve Calitri Editor-in-Chief scalitri@towman.com
I
n Wichita, Kansas, towers have so far been denied a requested 4% increase in tow fees. This has been par for the course since I’ve been involved with the industry, going back to 1982. Local politicians are always grandstanding their concern for the public’s wallet. The overriding concern in their oversight of nonconsensual towing should be public safety: clearing the roads in a timely manner, maintaining safe-operating trucks, putting sober, capable operators behind the wheels, etc. This should be the focus and this would mean seeing to it that towers are paid a fair fee that allows them to operate safe trucks, employ competent operators, and turn a profit. One would think, that with so much at stake for towing companies, tow bosses in each town would be organized for the sole purpose of dealing with the town board and police department. Yet, this is the last thing that towers in most towns do: work together for their common good. Instead, they look upon each other as common enemies, not to be trusted. The greatest transformation our industry could see would be for towers in all towns, no matter how small, to organize and present their strength in numbers with one unified voice on the issues they face with local authorities. Were this to happen, the issues they would influence would expand beyond tow rates and rotation requirements, even stretching to matters of survival, like roadside safety. If I were the grand advisor that people would seek when considering to enter the towing business, I would tell them: you have to be politically involved with the town and with the towers you will be competing with. I would tell them, if that seems too distasteful to you, find another industry. Tow business owners prove themselves each day as responsible company leaders by running a professional and competitive operation. They must take a step beyond the
114 • June 2022 | Towman.com
The greatest transformation our industry could see would be for towers in all towns, no matter how small, to organize and present their strength in numbers. boundaries of everyday business and reach out to the others like themselves. There will always be issues cropping up. The current inflation and the rising gas prices are just cases in point. Ideally, a clause is included in city towing contracts that allow for gas surcharges, or automatic rate increases to keep up with inflation. But these things don’t happen by magic. It takes a united front of towers to force the issue. Tow bosses should consider the side benefits to organizing the towers in town. Besides being in a better position to achieve fair rate hikes, towers will achieve a higher level of trust with competitors and the potential degree of cooperation among them can help everyone: subcontracting jobs, pooling drivers and equipment, pooling dispatch, pooling training sessions, learning from one’s peers on how best to deal with operational issues, etc. I know you may be one of the many reading this, thinking: organizing towers is a futile exercise. From my years in this industry I know as much as anybody how unrealistic this idea can seem. Yet, there are towns, large and small that have successfully organized. It’s a very small fraction of towns and cities that have done so. I am writing this to spur others onto this task.
News Flash dreds of Jamie King’s colleagues showed their support by driving by the hospital. “Over the last few years, this job has been increasingly more dangerous due to a lot of things,” pointed out Jeremy Cross, president of International Recovery Systems. “A lot of desperation out there. No car is worth this nonsense, to be so callous to attempt to take the life of a father and husband.” Source: 6abc.com
New rules in Maryland may govern nonconsensual tows of commercial vehicles on highways.
Maryland to Enact Predatory Tow Bill
Maryland is set to end predatory tow practices involving commercial vehicles on highways under the jurisdiction of state police, should House Bill 487 be enacted. The bill is before Gov. Larry Hogan after passing a unanimous House and Senate vote in March. The governor has 30 days from the April 11 ending date of the General Assembly to let the bill become law without his action, veto, or sign it into law. If it becomes law, some provisions will take effect October 1, 2022 and others on October 1, 2023. Currently in Maryland, if a medium- or heavy-duty truck must be towed on a highway under the state police, the police have a tow list as required by state law, and rotate the company called to tow. The trucking company has no role in selecting the company, and there are no consumer protections to address use of charges, excessive rates and inflated invoices. While a new law would not set tow fees, Louis Campion, president and CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, said it would require tow companies on the state police rotation to submit a rate sheet with maximum charges that cannot be exceeded. Trucking companies could choose a tow company un-
less there were urgent timing or safety needs.The legislation would ban per-pound billing, which has drastically increased prices on tow invoices. Joanne Blyton of the Towing and Recovery Association of America spoke against the bill on behalf of 35,000 towing companies nationwide. She cited concerns about how both the law and rates would be implemented, noting that per-pound billing methods are acceptable and used by the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles to determine weight for its registration fees. Source: ttnews.com/articles
Tower Critically Wounded from Ambush
In Chester, Pennsylvania, on May 3, tower Jamie King was shot several times and critically wounded when he was locking the gate at International Recovery Systems, an automotive repossession company. Surveillance video reveals that a person got out of an orange vehicle. After a few words were exchanged, that person opened fire. Jamie King’s wife, Nicole, says he was shot multiple times in the stomach, chest and head. “There is a bullet in his brain,” she stated. “It caused a lot of swelling and they had to remove most of his skull on the right side of his head.” Hun-
North 116 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Tower Jamie King was ambushed while locking a gate at the repo company where he worked.
Maui Cleaning Up Abandoned Cars
Approximately 175 abandoned cars and trucks were removed from a remote area of Maui, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Crews used a front-end loader to both crush the cars and to load them onto flatbeds. According to a DLNR press release, “It’s the same trip the tow operators will make dozens of times until all of the vehicles are removed and transported to a salvage yard.” The cleanup effort was done in coordination with the County of Maui, the Maui Police Depart-
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AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • North 117
News Flash
Maui is promoting a campaign to clean up over 175 abandoned cars in a remote area that has been used as a dumping ground.
ment, a tow company, and personnel from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Once the vehicles are removed, the plan is to restore the area and enforce violations of those who are dumping their vehicles. Source: mauinow.com
Blue Lights Legislation Passed in Saskatchewan
More emergency vehicles in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan will now have blue flashing lights added to their existing lights. The legislation, under the Vehicle Equipment Regulations, came about due to roadside tragedies involving a tower in 2017 and other
first responders who lost their lives. “It had been on the go for a while,” said Jackie Klotz, the secretary of the Roadside Responders Association of Saskatchewan, and who is also with Brad’s Towing. This company has been fighting for years to have them installed, and considers the new legislation a win and hopes that people will take the blue lights more seriously. Source: globalnews.ca/news
At Parkland College, where Booker was enrolled in a Diesel Power Equipment Technician program, trustees will grant him a posthumous honorary degree. While towing for Tatman’s Towing, Booker was studying and planning to serve an internship as a diesel mechanic at Ryder Truck Rentals. Tatman’s owner Jim Hampton observed that Ross Booker had crammed more in his life than many people three times his age can do. “I don’t know of anybody who has done as much as he had in 20 years,” Hampton commented of his former employee. His mother Marita said an endowment has also been set up in his name at Parkland. She said Prairieview-Ogden Junior High, which Mr. Booker attended, is also set to hand out an award on May 9 in his honor. Source: news-gazette.com
Fallen Tower Bestowed Honors
Tower Ross Booker, who was killed on March 6 while loading a vehicle in Champaign, Illinois, continues to receive honors in his memory.
Jackie Klotz of Brad’s Towing favors the new blue lights legislation passed in Saskatchewan.
North 118 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Ross Booker’s impact on his community continues to reverberate.
North 120 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Episode 14
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
News Flash dreds of Jamie King’s colleagues showed their support by driving by the hospital. “Over the last few years, this job has been increasingly more dangerous due to a lot of things,” pointed out Jeremy Cross, president of International Recovery Systems. “A lot of desperation out there. No car is worth this nonsense, to be so callous to attempt to take the life of a father and husband.” Source: 6abc.com
New rules in Maryland may govern nonconsensual tows of commercial vehicles on highways.
Maryland to Enact Predatory Tow Bill
Maryland is set to end predatory tow practices involving commercial vehicles on highways under the jurisdiction of state police, should House Bill 487 be enacted. The bill is before Gov. Larry Hogan after passing a unanimous House and Senate vote in March. The governor has 30 days from the April 11 ending date of the General Assembly to let the bill become law without his action, veto, or sign it into law. If it becomes law, some provisions will take effect October 1, 2022 and others on October 1, 2023. Currently in Maryland, if a medium- or heavy-duty truck must be towed on a highway under the state police, the police have a tow list as required by state law, and rotate the company called to tow. The trucking company has no role in selecting the company, and there are no consumer protections to address use of charges, excessive rates and inflated invoices. While a new law would not set tow fees, Louis Campion, president and CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, said it would require tow companies on the state police rotation to submit a rate sheet with maximum charges that cannot be exceeded. Trucking companies could choose a tow company un-
less there were urgent timing or safety needs.The legislation would ban per-pound billing, which has drastically increased prices on tow invoices. Joanne Blyton of the Towing and Recovery Association of America spoke against the bill on behalf of 35,000 towing companies nationwide. She cited concerns about how both the law and rates would be implemented, noting that per-pound billing methods are acceptable and used by the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles to determine weight for its registration fees. Source: ttnews.com/articles
Tower Critically Wounded from Ambush
In Chester, Pennsylvania, on May 3, tower Jamie King was shot several times and critically wounded when he was locking the gate at International Recovery Systems, an automotive repossession company. Surveillance video reveals that a person got out of an orange vehicle. After a few words were exchanged, that person opened fire. Jamie King’s wife, Nicole, says he was shot multiple times in the stomach, chest and head. “There is a bullet in his brain,” she stated. “It caused a lot of swelling and they had to remove most of his skull on the right side of his head.” Hun-
South 116 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Tower Jamie King was ambushed while locking a gate at the repo company where he worked.
Maui Cleaning Up Abandoned Cars
Approximately 175 abandoned cars and trucks were removed from a remote area of Maui, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Crews used a front-end loader to both crush the cars and to load them onto flatbeds. According to a DLNR press release, “It’s the same trip the tow operators will make dozens of times until all of the vehicles are removed and transported to a salvage yard.” The cleanup effort was done in coordination with the County of Maui, the Maui Police Depart-
◀
News Flash
Maui is promoting a campaign to clean up over 175 abandoned cars in a remote area that has been used as a dumping ground.
ment, a tow company, and personnel from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Once the vehicles are removed, the plan is to restore the area and enforce violations of those who are dumping their vehicles. Source: mauinow.com
Blue Lights Legislation Passed in Saskatchewan
More emergency vehicles in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan will now have blue flashing lights added to their existing lights. The legislation, under the Vehicle Equipment Regulations, came about due to roadside tragedies involving a tower in 2017 and other
first responders who lost their lives. “It had been on the go for a while,” said Jackie Klotz, the secretary of the Roadside Responders Association of Saskatchewan, and who is also with Brad’s Towing. This company has been fighting for years to have them installed, and considers the new legislation a win and hopes that people will take the blue lights more seriously. Source: globalnews.ca/news
At Parkland College, where Booker was enrolled in a Diesel Power Equipment Technician program, trustees will grant him a posthumous honorary degree. While towing for Tatman’s Towing, Booker was studying and planning to serve an internship as a diesel mechanic at Ryder Truck Rentals. Tatman’s owner Jim Hampton observed that Ross Booker had crammed more in his life than many people three times his age can do. “I don’t know of anybody who has done as much as he had in 20 years,” Hampton commented of his former employee. His mother Marita said an endowment has also been set up in his name at Parkland. She said Prairieview-Ogden Junior High, which Mr. Booker attended, is also set to hand out an award on May 9 in his honor. Source: news-gazette.com
Fallen Tower Bestowed Honors
Tower Ross Booker, who was killed on March 6 while loading a vehicle in Champaign, Illinois, continues to receive honors in his memory.
Jackie Klotz of Brad’s Towing favors the new blue lights legislation passed in Saskatchewan.
South 118 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Ross Booker’s impact on his community continues to reverberate.
Supplier Scoop International EV Driving Experience
One intriguing aspect of Work Truck Week was the opportunity to drive a number of new commercial-grade EVs. We were able to get behind the wheel of a medium-duty International and took it for a brief spin on the streets of Indianapolis. A quick orientation of the dash layout is first needed, as the power gauges provide a graphic display of the battery status and other technical details. When pulling out in traffic, typical of most EVs, the instant torque of the electric motor enables quick acceleration, with minimal noise, vibration and harshness. From that standpoint, an EV has clear benefits for reducing driver fatigue. Another aspect that’s different about the truck is the regenerative braking system. It provides a fair amount of rolling resistance when you lift off the “go-pedal” (since
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Driving a medium-duty EV is a whole new reality.
there’s no throttle per se). So the truck will nearly come to a halt all on its own, rather than having to apply any braking pressure. So it requires a different driving technique in stopand-go traffic, but also makes for a safer descent on steep hills. With the regen mechanism, range is increased to about 135 miles, so there’s clearly still some room for improvement if this medium-duty EV chassis is ever to make sense
for the towing market. To accomplish that goal, International is helping commercial customers transition to zero-emission vehicles with the company’s NEXT eMobility solutions group. NEXT’s 5Cs approach goes beyond the vehicle, and consults with the customer on infrastructure, charging, grant funding, and vehicle end of life to maximize the ROI on an EV investment.
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • South 119
South 120 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Episode 14
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
News Flash Maryland to Enact Predatory Tow Bill
Maryland is set to end predatory tow practices involving commercial vehicles on highways under the jurisdiction of state police, should House Bill 487 be enacted. The bill is before Gov. Larry Hogan after passing a unanimous House and Senate vote in March. The governor has 30 days from the April 11 ending date of the General Assembly to let the bill become law without his action, veto, or sign it into law. If it becomes law, some provisions will take effect October 1, 2022 and others on October 1, 2023. Currently in Maryland, if a medium- or heavy-duty truck must be towed on a highway under the state police, the police have a tow list as required by state law, and rotate the company called to tow. The trucking company has no role in selecting the company, and
there are no consumer protections to address use of charges, excessive rates and inflated invoices. While a new law would not set tow fees, Louis Campion, president and CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, said it would require tow companies on the state police rotation to submit a rate sheet with maximum charges that cannot be exceeded. Trucking companies could choose a tow company unless there were urgent timing or safety needs.The legislation would ban per-pound billing, which has drastically increased prices on tow invoices. Joanne Blyton of the Towing and Recovery Association of America spoke against the bill on behalf of 35,000 towing companies nationwide. She cited concerns about how both the law and rates would be implemented, noting that per-pound billing methods are acceptable and used by
Midwest 116 • June 2022 | Towman.com
the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles to determine weight for its registration fees. Source: ttnews.com/articles
Tower Jamie King was ambushed while locking a gate at the repo company where he worked.
Tower Critically Wounded from Ambush
In Chester, Pennsylvania, on May 3, tower Jamie King was shot several times and critically wounded when he was locking the gate at International Recovery Systems, an automotive repossession company. Surveillance video reveals that a person got out of an orange vehicle. After a few words were exchanged, that person opened fire. Jamie King’s wife, Nicole, says he was shot multiple times in the stomach, chest and head. “There is a bullet in his brain,” she stated. “It caused a lot of swelling and they had to remove most of his skull on the right side of his head.” Hundreds of Jamie King’s colleagues showed their support by driving by the hospital. “Over the last few years, this job has been increasingly more dangerous due to a lot of things,” pointed out Jeremy Cross, president of International Recovery Systems. “A lot of desperation out there. No car is worth this nonsense, to be so callous to attempt to take the life of a father and husband.” Source: 6abc.com
News Flash
Ross Booker’s impact on his community continues to reverberate.
Fallen Tower Bestowed Honors
Tower Ross Booker, who was killed on March 6 while loading a vehicle in Champaign, Illinois, continues to receive honors in his memory. At Parkland College, where Booker was enrolled in a Diesel Power Equipment Technician program, trustees will grant him a posthumous honorary degree. While towing for Tatman’s Towing, Booker was studying and planning to serve an internship as a diesel mechanic at Ryder Truck Rentals. Tatman’s owner Jim Hampton observed that Ross Booker had crammed more in his life than many people three times his age can do. “I don’t know of anybody who has done as much as he had in 20 years,” Hampton commented of his former employee. His mother Marita said an endowment has also been set up in his name at Parkland. She said
Midwest 118 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Prairieview-Ogden Junior High, which Mr. Booker attended, is also set to hand out an award on May 9 in his honor. Source: news-gazette.com
Maui Cleaning Up Abandoned Cars
Approximately 175 abandoned cars and trucks were removed from a remote area of Maui, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Crews used a front-end loader to both crush the cars and to load them onto flatbeds. According to a DLNR press release, “It’s the same trip the tow operators will make dozens of times until all of the vehicles are removed and transported to a salvage yard.” The cleanup effort was done in coordination with the County of Maui, the Maui Police Department, a tow company, and personnel from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
Once the vehicles are removed, the plan is to restore the area and enforce violations of those who are dumping their vehicles. Source: mauinow.com
Blue Lights Legislation Passed in Saskatchewan
More emergency vehicles in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan will now have blue flashing lights added to their existing lights. The legislation, under the Vehicle Equipment Regulations, came about due to roadside tragedies involving a tower in 2017 and other first responders who lost their lives. “It had been on the go for a while,” said Jackie Klotz, the secretary of the Roadside Responders Association of Saskatchewan, and who is also with Brad’s Towing. This company has been fighting for years to have them installed, and considers the new legislation a win and hopes that people will take the blue lights more seriously. Source: globalnews.ca/news
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • Midwest 119
Episode 14
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
News Flash Maryland to Enact Predatory Tow Bill
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West 116 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Maryland is set to end predatory tow practices involving commercial vehicles on highways under the jurisdiction of state police, should House Bill 487 be enacted. The bill is before Gov. Larry Hogan after passing a unanimous House and Senate vote in March. The governor has 30 days from the April 11 ending date of the General Assembly to let the bill become law without his action, veto, or sign it into law. If it becomes law, some provisions will take effect October 1, 2022 and others on October 1, 2023. Currently in Maryland, if a mediumor heavy-duty truck must be towed on a highway under the state police, the police have a tow list as required by state law, and rotate the company called to tow. The trucking company has no role in selecting the company, and there are no consumer protections to address use of charges, excessive rates and inflated invoices. While a new law would not set tow fees, Louis Campion, president and CEO of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, said it would require tow companies on the state police rotation to submit a rate sheet with maximum charges that cannot be exceeded. Trucking companies could choose a tow company unless there were urgent timing or safety needs.The legislation would ban per-pound billing, which has drastically increased prices on tow invoices. Joanne Blyton of the Towing and Recovery Association of America spoke against the bill on behalf of 35,000 towing companies nationwide. She cited concerns about how both the law and rates would be implemented, noting that per-pound billing methods are acceptable and used by the Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles to determine weight for its registration fees. Source: ttnews.com/articles
Tower Critically Wounded from Ambush
In Chester, Pennsylvania, on May 3, tower Jamie King was shot several times and critically wounded when
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News Flash he was locking the gate at International Recovery Systems, an automotive repossession company. Surveillance video reveals that a person got out of an orange vehicle. After a few words were exchanged, that person opened fire. Jamie King’s wife, Nicole, says he was shot multiple times in the stomach, chest and head. “There is a bullet in his brain,” she stated. “It caused a lot of swelling and they had to remove most of his skull on the right side of his head.” Hundreds of Jamie King’s colleagues showed their support by driving by the hospital. “Over the last few years, this job has been increasingly more dangerous due to a lot of things,” pointed out Jeremy Cross, president of International Recovery Systems. “A lot of desperation out there. No car is worth this nonsense, to be so callous to attempt to take the life of a father and husband.” Source: 6abc.com
Fallen Tower Bestowed Honors
Tower Ross Booker, who was killed on March 6 while loading a vehicle in Champaign, Illinois, continues to receive honors in his memory. At Parkland College, where Booker was enrolled in a Diesel Power Equipment Technician program, trustees will grant him a posthumous honorary degree. While towing for Tatman’s Towing, Booker was studying and planning to serve an internship as a diesel mechanic at Ryder Truck Rentals. Tatman’s owner Jim Hampton observed that Ross Booker had crammed more in his life than many people three times his age can do. “I don’t know of anybody who has done as much as he had in 20 years,” Hampton commented of his former employee. His mother Marita said an endowment has also been set up in his name at Parkland. She said Prairieview-Ogden Junior High, which Mr. Booker attended, is also set to hand out an award on May 9 in his honor. Source: news-gazette.com West 118 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Maui Cleaning Up Abandoned Cars
Approximately 175 abandoned cars and trucks were removed from a remote area of Maui, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR). Crews used a front-end loader to both crush the cars and to load them onto flatbeds. According to a DLNR press release, “It’s the same trip the tow operators will make dozens of times until all of the vehicles are removed and transported to a salvage yard.” The cleanup effort was done in coordination with the County of Maui, the Maui Police Department, a tow company, and personnel from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Once the vehicles are removed, the plan is to restore the area and enforce violations of those who are dumping their vehicles. Source: mauinow.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | June 2022 • West 119
West 120 • June 2022 | Towman.com
Episode 14
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990