American Towman Magazine - August 2018

Hop Hop on on aa Plane Plane to to Dallas Dallas and and the the Gaylord Gaylord Texan Texan Resort Resort for for TowExpo, TowExpo, Aug. Aug. 16-18 16-18

Cold Turkey Recovery Is a Donnie

30th Anniversary

AT Expo Brochure inside

Outfitting a Rollback Large Animal Rescue Lane Blocking Legalities AmericanTowman.com

TowIndustryWeek.com

On the cover: This Donnie Award-winning recovery comes from Tegeler Wrecker in Dyersville, Iowa.

FEATURE CONTENTS Organizing and outfitting your flatbed’s toolboxes properly is essential to efficiency.

28

Got the Right Stuff?

A well-supplied rollback can save tons of time on the side of the road.

by Paul Stephens

35

30th Annual AT Expo Departments The Walkaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Beacons On! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Tow Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Tow Illustrated . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Time to get psyched up for the 2018 American Towman Exposition in Baltimore Maryland.

Prep for all the events here!

66

Cold Turkey Recovery Recovering a rolled semi loaded with 1,200 live turkeys on a freezing February day.

by Jake Schroeder

Tow Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 Repo Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82

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Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Staging the Spirit Ride

My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88 Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . . . .97 4 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Regardless of location, the Spirit casket draws media professionals to the scene.

How Do You Learn?

by Dennie Ortiz

It’s been said that people typically retain approximately 10 percent of what they see, up to 40 percent of what they see and hear and 90 percent of what they see, hear and do.

While we have the capability to learn through all three options, usually one is dominant.

In which category are you? American Towman does its best to keep important information fresh in your mind through all the methods mentioned.

This magazine that you hold in your hands is delivered monthly to your doorstep and is filled with important towing trade topics, equipment profiles, management strategies, safety articles and exciting recovery articles.

If you like to watch and hear infor-

mation, take a look at American TowmanTV on towindustryweek.com, where you can watch video that is refreshed each week alongside the most current industry news.

Now you may be someone who, like me, prefers seeing, hearing and doing. If that’s the case, attending our upcoming trade shows, the Tow Expo-Dallas/Fort Worth in August and the AT Exposition this November in Baltimore, are a must!

In both Texas and Baltimore, you will find hundreds of exhibiting suppliers, seminar conferences and great networking events that can help you gain an edge in your business.

Whichever way you learn best, the important takeaway is that you are learning. Acquiring skills and gaining knowledge will only help you to better yourself, your business and keep this industry moving forward!

Dennie Ortiz Steve Calitri Brendan Dooley Charles Duke Randall Resch Terry Abejuela Jim “Buck” Sorrenti David Kolman Bill Simmons Emily Oz Mark Lacek

Publisher Editor-In-Chief Editor Senior Editor Operations Editor Field Editor, West Field Editor, Northeast Chassis Editor Safety Editor On Screen Editor Repo Run Editor

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

Dallas, Texas Saint Paul, Minn.

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

Warren, N.J. Creve Coeur, Ill.

American Towman Staff Ann Marie Nitti Dennie Ortiz Ellen Rosengart Norma Calitri Jimmy Santos Toni Vanderhorst Henri Calitri Patrice Gesner William Burwell Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Emily Oz Steve Calitri

Page Layout Artist Advertising Sales Mgr. Senior Account Exec.

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

American Towman Media Headquarters 7 West Street, Warwick, NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546

How Much Is Too Much?

by Brendan Dooley

When space is limited, editing is key. Whether you’re talking about words on the printed page or available room in a truck’s toolbox, working lean and mean shouldn’t entail leaving the important stuff out.

Starting this month, American Towman is pleased to add a series on outfitting your trucks from longtime veteran tower/trainer/consultant Paul Stephens (p 28).

This issue, he’s tackling the tools of the trade to consider for your flatbeds.

Next month, look for his tips and ideas for tooling in your light-duty wrecker.

Don’t worry; we’re not going to leave out the heavies and rotators, scheduled for shortly thereafter.

If you have some ideas from your trucks you’d like to share, please send in some pics and tips that I’d love to share with readers.

6 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

E-mail: Publisher: dortiz@towman.com Editor-In-Chief: scalitri@towman.com Editor: bdooley@towman.com AT’S Digital Edition: itowman.com AT’S Website: americantowman.com AT’S Weekly: towindustryweek.com ATTV: americantowmantv.com Copyright ©2018 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Media, Inc. Subscription: Single Copy: $10 1 yr: $60 – 2 yrs: $110 International: $75 & $135 All material published through American Towman Media (AT), to include American Towman Magazine, iTowman.com and TowIndustryWeek.com, including advertisements, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. However, AT accepts no liability for any errors or omissions, and does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear. AT does not test or review products submitted for inclusion in its publications. AT does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of content, warranties or claims made or implied by its advertisers. The views expressed are the authors’ alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of AT. The act of mailing or delivering a letter, email or article to AT shall constitute permission to publish that letter or article or any portion thereof. AT reserves the right to edit any and all material submitted. No part of the magazine or websites may be reproduced without prior written consent of AT.

Gator Found in Towed Car Things went from bad to worse to only-in-Florida for a burglary suspect in Orange County recently, when deputies discovered a baby alligator in the back seat of his getaway car, an arrest affidavit said.

When deputies searched a Chevy Impala prior to towing it, they found a garbage can in the back seat. Inside the can was a baby alligator with its mouth taped shut, deputies said. The suspect claimed he had gotten the alligator from a friend and had planned to “release it in water,” according to the affidavit.

In addition to charges of burglary and trespassing, records show the man also faces a charge of alligator poaching.

Source: orlandosentinel.com.

Los Angeles Chargers, AAA Team Up

The Automobile Club of Southern California recently revealed its newly reimagined flatbed that the club will be using to support activation events with their partners, The Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League. The Chargers helmet theme is atop a 2003 International 4300 DT466/2003 Century 21’ Right Approach deck. Image courtesy of American Towman Field Editor Terry Abejuela.

$750K Lawsuit Following Auction

A Wichita Falls, Texas, towing company is being sued for more than $750,000. A man alleges he was struck by a vehicle driven by an employee of the company.

Ronald Burdick claims he attended an auction in April at Jody Wade Enterprises, and that an employee backed over and struck him with a motor vehicle.

According to the suit, Burdick was speaking to an employee at the auction about the process needed to attain a vehicle he had purchased.

While speaking to that employee, the suit alleges that another Wade employee “failed to keep a proper look out, failed to keep a safe distance,” and backed over and struck Burdick with a motor vehicle.

The suit was filed on the claims of negligence—by the employee for not taking reasonably careful actions and by the management for “hiring, retaining and supervising” the employee and “negligently entrusting the vehicle to” them.

Source: timesrecordnews.com.

8 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Tow Calls Spike

During Recent Flooding in Iowa During recent flooding, it was common to see motorists in Clive, Iowa, stuck in the water.

“In a two-day span, we ran over 250 calls for service.

Most of them were flood related, whether they had driven in or were Recent flooding kept Iowa towers busy. whotv.com image. already in the water and needed assis“People did have priority service, tance getting out,” said Joe Jerkins, GM at West Side Auto Pros. He said if they were stranded in distress and towers were working through the it wasn't just their car in water then night towing as many people as pos- they were given priority,” he said.

Source: whotv.com. sible.

… I just started ripping the dash off ... $10K Reward in Towman’s Slaying Robert Garcia, a young father of two, finished his last shift as a towman shortly before midnight June 28, 2012. He was walking to the office to turn in his keys when two youths and a boy came after him with a gun outside Vernola’s Towing Service in Norwalk, California.

Recently, the Los Angeles County Sheriff announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Garcia’s killers.

In surveillance video, one of the attackers looks no more than 9 or 10 years old, said Det. Ralph Hernandez.

Investigators hope this detail will help solve the case, that “someone will remember a guy who used to roll with his little brother, or a little kid tagging along in the car,” Hernandez said.

Source: homicide.latimes.com.

More Boots, Tows in NYC

In New York City, residents are at odds over the removal of hundreds of public parking spaces given to companies that rent out cars by the hour.

The city recently began repurposing 230 curbside spaces for the exclusive use of Enterprise CarShare and Zipcar.

Street signs warn interlopers against parking in them; violators are ticketed and towed.

“It was really quite abusive in a way. People felt very violated the way that it was done,” said Amy Breedlove, president of the Cobble Hill Association. “They came in, jackhammered and put up a sign, and then the next thing traffic enforcement is in and they're booting and towing.”

Source: kob.com.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

Hero Towman Saves Trapped Semi Driver Towman Blaine Carter is credited with saving the life of a trapped truck driver recently in North Augusta, South Carolina.

Around 3 a.m., while driving across the river into South Carolina on I20, Blaine saw a red semi crash through the median and then another semi slammed straight into that truck.

Hero towman Blaine Carter. wrdw.com image.

Using his flashlight, Blaine said he was warning other drivers of the mess ahead when he heard a noise and ran to it. Blaine said he instantly climbed up into the cab, saw the driver’s legs were pushed by the dash, and the steering wheel had him by the chest.

“I just started ripping the dash off piece by piece and eventually ripped the seat out and got him out of there,” Blaine said.

Source: wrdw.com.

BMW Forces Tow Truck into Ditch in California Police in Chula Vista, California, were looking for a hit-andrun driver recently who hit a tow truck, forcing it off the road and then rear-ended another vehicle.

Robert Davis works for Tony’s Auto Center. After the crash, his truck hung Police were looking for the BMW driver who precariously off the forced a tow truck off the road recently in Chula Vista, California. fox5sandiego.com image. edge of a Chula Vista ditch.

Davis said a white BMW sideswiped him on H Street in Chula Vista and forced him off the road. Davis wasn’t seriously injured.

The BMW went on to rear-end another vehicle after sideswiping Davis’ tow truck. Chula Vista police were looking for the driver responsible.

Source: fox5sandiego.com.

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 9

Check Out What’s NEW and HOT! Polymatrix Ultra Clean Polymatrix Ultra Clean is a tri-molecular titanium bonding spray-on coating that puts a protective barrier around the surface of your vehicle while dramatically enhancing the shine. This barrier protects your surfaces from brake dust, road film, salt and more. Shine and protects for up to 14 months, according to the company. Contains no volatile organic compounds or silicone oils.

protectivecoatingsystems.com

Campbell’s New Sling Hooks Campbell, a brand of chain and fittings from Apex Tool Group, recently announced its improved Grade 100 Alloy Sling Hooks. The green-painted hooks are available in clevis and eye styles for use with Grade 80 and Grade 100 chain slings. Latched models feature a new heavy-gauge, high-strength steel latch with reinforcing rib. The double-strength spring ensures the latch is held against the hook to securely retain slings and other components. For added durability, the hooks are designed with dual-forged support bosses, providing lateral support for precise latch/hook alignment and engagement.

The working load limit ranges from 5,700 lbs. to 35,300 lbs.

campbellchainandfittings.com

Casanova Forklift Attachment Casanova Towing Equipment introduced its Forklift Attachment to move vehicles around impound yards, body shops, auto dealerships and auction yards. It has 3,500-lbs. capacity, internal springs and round tips to prevent puncturing tires, and 3” overall height for moving low cars. Every recessed pin has a bushing and grease fitting for durability. The complete kit comes with the lift attachment, spring kit, 6’ chain with grab hook and small tire adjusters. Requires a forklift with at least 5,500 lbs. capacity.

casanovatowingequipment.com

10 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Quicker Uprights with MatJack ‘Hurricane’

A

fter hearing about the need for less time to inflate cushions during a recovery, MatJack recently introduced its new Hurricane System. The Hurricane System can lift a fully loaded tractor-trailer from laying on its side to standing in as little as … four minutes, according to a MatJack release.

“The Hurricane system incorporates a new blower/engine combination which throws air at about 34 times the current rate,” said John Sweezy Jr., MatJack CEO. “We had to change the control stand too in order to deal with the increased flow with a muffler system and moving the enlarged relief valves back to the blower so now all the ‘noise’ normally associated with the equipment is back at the engine and blower area. Creating another advantage, you can talk to each other at the controls without having to yell to get up over the bypass baffles blowing off all the time.”

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

The company said its Hurricane System allows you to include cushions as part of your Rapid Incident Scene Clearance program’s equipment.

No matter whether you are using five Jumbo cushions, even up to eight Jumbo cushions, MatJack said its Hurricane System stands up casualties “right now.”

“The hosing also was upgraded so the increased airflow would not create situations where it wouldn’t perform as needed,” Sweezy said. “All this adds up to a system capable of inflating quicker than ever before and equipment built and tested to handle it.”

If time has been your issue for using cushions in the recent past, the company said its Hurricane System solves it.

Matjack.com

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 11

Lane Blocking Expanded

by Brian J. Riker

T

wenty-three. At the time of this writing, 23 tow operators have been killed roadside in the United States this year. As an industry, our goal is to reduce that number to zero which has resulted in the recent uptick of lane blocking.

Although admirable, lane blocking may not always be legal. There are three questions that must be answered regarding lane blocking: • Is it the moral thing to do? As an industry our goal is to reduce struck-by injuries to zero, so from a strictly moral perspective … yes, it is.

• Is it legal? That depends on how you choose to provide traffic management support and the state or municipality you are in.

• What is your liability? This is the toughest of all to answer since the concept of lane blocking has yet to be fully tested in court.

Temporary traffic control is a vital part of maintaining traffic flow while maintaining our highway system and is an equally vital part of providing some measure of safety for highway workers and incident responders. TTC that is not implemented properly, or by unauthorized personnel, can cause more harm than good as well as expose the person performing it (and their employer) to great liability.

In the U.S., all traffic control, permanent or temporary, is governed by standards established in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

This is a publication of the Federal Highway Administration that is required to be adopted by state transportation agencies. Although states have the right to make modifications, they must substantially comply with

Continued on p. 14 ...

12 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices includes Temporary Traffic Control guidelines set by the Federal Highway Administration. This diagram shows the “typical application” recommended for “short-duration/mobile operations on a shoulder.”

... continued from p. 12 the guidelines in this publication.

According to the MUTCD: “The primary functions of TTC at a traffic incident management area are to inform road users of the incident and to provide guidance information on the path to follow through the incident area. Alerting road users and establishing a well-defined path to guide road users through the incident area will serve to protect the incident responders and those involved in working at the incident scene and will aid in moving road users expeditiously past or around the traffic incident, will reduce the likelihood of secondary traffic crashes, and will preclude unnecessary use of the surrounding local road system. Examples include a stalled vehicle blocking a lane, a traffic crash blocking the traveled way, a hazardous material spill along a highway, and natural disasters such as floods and severe storm damage.”

Every state splits responsibility for traffic control among several agencies including law enforcement, fire/EMS agencies and highway maintenance departments. I have not found one state that expressly grants direct or blanket traffic control authority to towing companies or other non-governmental entities, although most do not expressly forbid it either.

As often is the case with towing industry regulations, TTC is a grey area and discretion is left up to local agencies. This means that you may have authority in one part of town but not another. The one common among most states is the requirement to have trained and certified personnel conduct traffic control operations. Check with the agencies you tow for to determine their policy. (Please forward any information you have to me. I like to learn and gather as much data as possible.)

As for the actual practice of blocking, it may be acceptable provided you keep your vehicle completely out of the travel lane, use appropriate warning lights/devices to inform the public of your intent and have your employers’ express permission to do so. (This is not professional legal advice.)

14 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Technically what you are doing is providing a shadow vehicle, which is an acceptable method of TTC per the MUTCD. This means you may be required to be certified and trained in your state to provide TTC, and special vehicle markings or lighting requirements may need to be met. These vary by state. Typically a shadow vehicle will have some sort of crash attenuating device at the rear, an arrow board or other directional warning device and a sign warning about the danger ahead.

Every state splits responsibility for traffic control among several agencies.

I strongly caution against using a typical tow vehicle as a shadow vehicle, again while well-intentioned, if your chosen method does not meet the MUTCD standards you may be at fault for any secondary crashes and resulting injuries.

While providing protection for your fellow tower, or even your own incident scene keep in mind the following steps extracted from the MUTCD: • Drivers will only reduce their speed if they clearly perceive a need to do so, meaning they need to be able to identify the emergency.

• Emergency vehicle lighting does not provide traffic control and is not considered a traffic control device.

• For minor traffic incidents (less than 30 minute expected duration), it is still required to provide as much advance warning as possible in the form of lighting, cones or flares (conditions permitting).

• You cannot encroach upon or otherwise impede any travel lane without the authorization of the agency having jurisdiction.

• Advance warning devices must comply with MUTCD standards.

• When it comes to emergency lighting … LESS is MORE; excess lighting can easily confuse or distract motorists.

Should you decide to pursue providing traffic control or continue to support lane blocking, the MUTCD provides some basic guidance for flaggers. Because flaggers are responsible for public safety and make the greatest number of contacts with the public of all highway workers, they should be trained in safe traffic control practices and public contact techniques. Flaggers should be able to satisfactorily demonstrate the following abilities: • Ability to receive and communicate specific instructions clearly, firmly, and courteously.

• Ability to move and maneuver quickly in order to avoid danger from errant vehicles.

• Ability to control signaling devices (such as paddles and flags) in order to provide clear and positive guidance to drivers approaching a TTC zone in frequently changing situations.

• Ability to understand and apply safe traffic control practices, sometimes in stressful or emergency situations.

• Ability to recognize dangerous traffic situations and warn workers in sufficient time to avoid injury.

There has been great progress regarding improving traffic incident management on our nation’s highways, especially in the areas of training and coordination across many different agencies—including towing companies.

Tennessee has been a pioneer in this movement and was the first state to build a dedicated traffic incident management training facility in 2014.

The brainchild of Tennessee Highway Patrol Cpl. Tracy Trott, the facility is open to all agencies and highway responders, including towers, to practice the craft of traffic incident management and regularly hosts classes for all disciplines.

Continued on p. 16 ...

... continued from p. 14 I urge all of you to take the time to find a TIM class in your area and attend. Not only will it help you personally to be safer while working on the highway, it will go a long way to building the trust and mutual respect needed among all the responding agencies to ensure a safe and orderly response to all highway events.

So what do we do next to help protect towers while working roadside? It may be as simple as having our industry included as authorized to provide TTC in the next revision of the MUTCD. Likely that will take a Herculean effort by lobbyists and towing associations. In the meantime, keep plugging away at your local and state levels, educating and informing legislators, law enforcement and Department of Transportation agencies of your concerns and potential solutions. I would love to see a day where towers not only are expressly permitted, but encouraged to provide TTC for most, if not all, roadside activities.

All other highway maintenance work from cutting the grass to picking

up debris requires TTC protections, yet towing has been overlooked simply because of the emergency and unplanned nature of our operations.

Sure, TTC is usually available on crash scenes and even impounds, but what about the thousands of routine disabled vehicle calls daily? They are every bit as dangerous, if not more so, due to the lack of other recognized emergency vehicles (remember, the public will not slow down unless they clearly perceive a reason to do so).

Will this drive up costs of towing?

Yes, but what value do you place on providing a safer working environment? With regulations on our side, the insurance companies and dispatch services will have no choice but to compensate us for the additional costs associated with providing adequate traffic management around our work areas. We may even see insurance companies offering incentives for towers to provide TTC, or at least reasonably priced insurance policies that cover the extra liabilities of providing TTC. To be blunt, we will only see these measures enacted if the industry as a whole will educate legislators that we

are responsible and professional.

There have been recent pushes for blue or red lights on tow trucks across the country as many states currently only permit amber lights. Most of these have failed because the lawmakers didn’t think we needed them or that we aren’t responsible enough to use them properly.

I believe it is time for a revised national standard on the use of emergency vehicle lighting, standardized colors nationwide and required training to drive vehicles equipped with any type of emergency warning lights.

Many states have emergency light rules that include amber lights, even require permits, but these are rarely enforced which leads to the public ignoring them.

I also am calling for legislation that would require the use of shadow vehicles and other TTC measures on high-volume and limited-visibility highways as a measure to provide a safer work zone for towers.

These two changes would require every tower that responds to highway calls, emergency scenes or routine service to be properly trained in using emergency lighting and TTC. Yes, there is a cost associated, but it is worth it if it saves someone’s life.

The ambulance industry (which is still largely private for-profit companies) started just like we did, yet they managed to become highly respected and accepted as professionals. How? Through tough training, tight regulatory controls and high entry standards. It is time for the same in the towing industry. If we cannot police ourselves and better our industry soon, we won’t have an industry left.

We will be replaced with government agency towing services and the days of the independent tower responding to any incident on the highway will be over.

Brian J. Riker is a third-generation towman, with 25 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 16 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Large Animal Rescue

Molly, a 1,200-lbs. cow, is hoisted from a 30’ mineshaft in 2015 in the foothills of California. Joe Proudman/UC-Davis image.

by Randy Resch

L

arge animals are easily stressed and can become panicked, making their rescue a dangerous process. With the onset and advancement of towing and recovery equipment, tow professionals can work alongside local fire departments and others specially trained in large animal rescue. It’s another service niche towers can perform if they’re acquainted and trained in large animal emergency services.

The Internet is full of news stories where large, wild and farm-raised animals have experienced bizarre emergencies. Because towers typically deal with vehicle-related scenarios, very few have skills for conducting technical rescues when large animals wander and fall into wells/shafts, swimming pools, septic tanks, shallow mines, off or over steep terrain, or

18 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

If your tow company is rural, it makes good sense to be trained in what techniques are utilized to help save large animals in danger.

sink into desert pots/sand pits.

I responded to a police request where an injured horse was firmly wedged into the front end of a totaled Ford truck. The cop on-scene asked me if I could lift the horse without ripping it open (to not make the scene any messier than it was). The horse was heavily injured, however and was ultimately euthanized on-scene.

At 19, I had no specialty training in animal rescue, but I did have a Holmes 600 twin-line wrecker outfitted with lengths of 4” fire hose, lots of chain and a big imagination. I figured that with a little creativity, I could thread chain through the fire hose, gather a bunch of padding and lift the horse’s body high enough to where

Continued on p. 20...

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 19

... continued from p. 18 the owner could position a trailer underneath it.

Because that good old Holmes wrecker could split the booms, it was just the mechanical advantage I needed. I positioned the wrecker alongside the wrecked pickup and attached one cable from the driver’s side boom to the pickup, and attached the passenger’s side cable to a figureeight chain around the horse. The process was slow and steady as the horse’s owner watched my every move. With one cable stabilizing the lift, the horse’s weight was easily managed. Standing by was another neighbor with a flatbed trailer ready to transport the horse. I was really nervous, as this certainly was a first-ever event for me … far from the norm.

Years later I worked a crash involving an overturned cattle truck that dumped 50-plus cattle onto a rural highway. Most of the cattle were dead, but a few were still alive, though injured. County Animal Regulations was on-scene and euthanized those deemed overly injured and directed corralling activities to get the others into a waiting stock trailer.

In either event, when animals are considered savable, extreme care is necessary in helping to lift or extract them. Handling dead animals is a recovery all the same, yet it takes

20 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

careful handling to keep from pulling the animal apart or splitting the carcass. If you’re the tower responding to the rescue and you’ve got plenty of training in towing and recovery, what can you offer if you have no experience or training specific to large animal rescues? Is this a job you should accept or pass to someone else better prepared?

Like many rural locations across America, California’s Riverside County is full of farms, ranches and rustic areas where horse and large animal incidents are common. The Riverside Fire Department developed the Horse Animal Rescue Team in 2015, made available for responding to calls involving horses and large animal rescues. Together with recovery sources and veterinary professionals from within the county, the team is on-call for rescues. (For more information on Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, visit TLAER.org.)

Big city towing companies most likely will never get a request for an injured or dead animal, but for rural companies it’s more when than if that a moose makes its way into a swimming pool, a single cow becomes mired in a mud pit, a horse falls into a rural well, etc. Working to rescue large animals takes patience, finesse and the ability to work with others responding to the rescue scene.

When it comes to requesting a tow truck’s assistance, wreckers do no

good if they can’t get in tight proximity to where the animal is stuck.

Accordingly, the first risk towers must be aware of is making sure that the ground they drive and work on will bear the weight of the wrecker. To determine if access is possible, enlist GOAL: Get Out and Look.

Don’t simply rely on the word of a panicked animal owner that driving your wrecker to the animal’s location is safe. If set up and extraction requires working from the side, outriggers require solid terra firma to help keep a heavy-wrecker stable. For big-rig wreckers with extended two- and three-stage booms, a clear path rearward to the animal’s location is mandatory. When backing to the extraction location, be sure to enlist a spotter to ensure safety while backing.

Solid Strategies As in all recoveries, a precise strategy is essential to the rescue’s success.

Setting up your wrecker is the first step in helping to rescue large animals while another is helping to soothe and reduce the animal’s fear and stresses. While horses and domesticated large animals may be approached with caution, a wild moose or other large wild animal requires extreme caution and calculated approach. When animals can’t feel the bottom beneath them, their sense of panic is real.

As time allows, a pre-rescue briefing should be held to identify what techniques will be employed what roles individual responders will take. In any case, a veterinarian may be the lead rescuer with responsibility to medicate the animal that makes an approach possible. Vets are knowledgeable in the physical functions and build of an animal’s structure. When considering that adult horses can weigh more than 2,000 lbs. … large animal rescues generally require lift. Lifting straps and careful positioning become necessary so as not to inflict further injuries on the animal.

A veterinarian should also take lead in direct placement of lifting straps and padding. If the animal is suffering, the vet may have to euthanize the animal. Recovery of a deceased animal doesn’t require the same level of caution, however, be professional and sensitive to the animal’s owner.

According to animal rescue web-

Continued on p. 22...

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 21

... continued from p. 21 sites, the following points are important: 1. In all cases, remember, large animals react to scare and fright by kicking back with hind legs and/or may bite. Use extreme caution and stay out of kick and bite zones. Additionally, a stuck or mired animal may seem calm only to suddenly thrash about.

A panicked 2,000-lbs. animal can inflict great bodily injury or death.

2. A soft towel or small blanket, laid across the animal’s eyes, may help calm the animal.

3. If unfamiliar with large animals, attempt to locate locals who have skills or are knowledgeable of animal behaviors. Especially valuable to large animal rescues is having the animal’s owner or handler present.

4. A halter or looped rope around the animal’s head is helpful in controlling the animal and leading it to safety.

5. Trying to swim or tread water

22 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

with an injured or trapped large animal is dangerous and risky.

Try to coax the animal to a pool’s shallow end to where the animal can hopefully reach to bottom of the pool and stand on its own. If necessary, request that the local fire department respond to pump water out of the pool.

No Horsing Around Tow trucks can be equipped with animal rescue equipment, albeit not knowingly identified as such: shovels, lumber, 8”- and 12”-wide lifting straps, air cushions, etc. All animal rescues require plenty of padding.

Send the animal’s owner, handler, neighbor, whomever to gather plenty of blankets.

No matter what the situation, dead or alive, keep in mind that domestic animals are someone’s pet or farm animal. Animal owners and handlers tend to be jittery, jumpy and over-bearing when seeking a miracle to save their animals. Use tact when dealing with

them while remembering they may be helpful to the overall rescue.

If your tow company is rural, it makes good sense to be trained in what techniques are utilized to help save large animals in danger. Make it part of your marketing strategy to get trained in large animal rescue and tell your community that you’re ready, willing and trained to help when large animal rescue scenarios occur. Make a flyer, send an email, post word on your rural community’s notice boards, and make your fire department and veterinary offices aware of your skills.

While large animal rescues typically aren’t part of most tower’s everyday routine, specialty skills demand specialty rates, and, no doubt, large animal rescue makes for great exposure on the local news.

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.

Miller Donates to Children’s Hospital Miller Industries (millerind.com) recently donated more than $20,000 to two charities as a result of its 2017 WeTow campaign. The company donated more than $10,000 each to the Wall of the Fallen Survivor Fund and to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The Survivor Fund donates to the families who’ve lost a loved one in the line of service. Shriners Hospitals for Children provides specialized treatment for children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, and other special healthcare needs.

The WeTow campaign aimed to raise awareness of the towing community’s support for charities nationally, as well as the good deeds towers provide within the communities they serve.

Through the sale of custom tow hook bracelets, Miller chose to pro-

24 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

mote the awareness of Susan G. Komen, DAV-Disabled American Veterans, The Miracle League, Shriners Hospitals for Children, International Towing Recovery Museum & Hall of Fame, and Wall of the Fallen Survivor Fund.

Miller Industries executives present a check to Shriners Hospitals for Children reps in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Front row (from left) are Jeremy Tomlinson, Shriners; Jeff Badgley and Joseph Keene, Miller. Back row (from left) are Kipp Felice, Miller; Drew Deluna, Shriners; Todd Harless, Miller.

Jerr-Dan Donates Truck to ITRHFM Auction Jerr-Dan Corp. donated a carrier to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum for its annual auction fundraiser. The truck is scheduled to be auctioned on Sept. 14 during the annual Museum Weekend fundraising event, with proceeds benefiting the museum’s Survivor Fund.

The 2019 Freightliner M2/Jerr-Dan 22’ XLP flatbed has a retail price above $95,000, according to a press release.

The tow truck is expected to be white with a blue body and a vinyl Survivor Fund logo. Options will include rail lights, approach tip rollers and 48” toolboxes with storage trays and marker lights.

“We are extremely appreciative of the generous donation from Jerr-Dan in providing this truck for our auction,” said Jeffrey Godwin, co-chair of the museum’s Survivor Fund/Wall of the Fallen Committee. “The proceeds will be used to support the families of those killed in the line of service to the motoring public.”

Last year, Jerr-Dan donated an MPL standard-duty wrecker mounted on a 2017 Ford F-450 truck; the winning bidder was Joe Gagne of Abrams Towing in Ontario, Canada.

26 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Joe Gagne (center), owner of Abrams Towing in Ontario, Canada, receives the keys to his 2017 Ford F-450/Jerr-Dan MPL wrecker from Jerr-Dan's Jeff Irr (left), senior director of sales and marketing, and Mike VanAken, director of aftermarket support.

Gagne was the winning bidder on the tow truck at the 2017 auction fundraiser for the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum's Survivor Fund. For the 2018 auction this September, Jerr-Dan again donated a truck—a 2019 Freightliner M2/Jerr-Dan 22' XLP flatbed.

The museum is accepting donations for the auction until Aug. 19. For more information on the museum auction or to make an auction donation, contact Jeffrey Godwin at JeffreyG@fleetnetamerica.com.

Got the Right

Stuff?

Outfitting a flatbed tow truck

by Paul Stephens

T

he towing and transport industry changes rapidly, so equipment manufacturers must stay in line with vehicle manufacturers to ensure operators can safely transport their products. Technology changes as do vehicle attachments, so we operators need to be capable of

28 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

keeping up with those changes. This could comprise a different attachment bridle or new location or altered tiedown procedures.

What comes with a truck is a good place to start. Depending on the dealership or company where your flatbed originated dictates what equipment

comes standard with that purchase.

Most operators do not have much say in the unit purchased or the equipment supplied, so the unit likely will come standard with the basics to handle the job. The standard equipment can consist of a J-hook, V-bridle with grab hooks, two J-hooks with clusters,

safety chains and straps. (There are some distributors that supply almost everything you need to do an average daily tow.)

There are an abundance of tools available to outfit a truck, but there are some specific items that can make life easier across the board. I learned early in my towing career that a wellsupplied and organized unit could save an enormous amount of time on the side of the road.

Organization is key to removing items with ease, as well as knowing when an item is missing. There are a lot of items that can assist you with organization that are truly inexpensive, such as plastic trays, mini totes and tool dividers. The items you choose to place in your toolboxes should be the most commonly used items if you have limited space.

Common Items First, let’s start with some more common items such as a 24” or 36” Vstrap bridle with mini J-, T- and Rhooks. There are several versions and lengths—finding the right fit can simply be an operator’s preference—but the strap portion should be a minimum 24”. Newer versions of these straps are lower profile that move the hook lower and reduce the hook tip from damaging the vehicle. This can produce damage-free transport for about 80 percent of the vehicles on the road equipped with plastic front fascia on either end.

Keeping skates in the same spot in your box will help with locating when you’re in a rush.

The next item is a four- or eightpoint strap tie-down package to secure the wheels without attaching to the vehicle chassis. This becomes an operator preference, but the eight-point tie-down brings two things into play: the location of the bed’s attachment points, and the bed’s width. Narrow beds can have an adverse effect by making the eight-point legs tight against the vehicle’s body panels.

Other common items that usually are located in a flatbed are a recovery chain or strap, usually 8’-10’ long, for attaching to vehicles that need to be pulled from the side of the road, shoulder, ditch or a snow bank.

Snatch blocks can be a vital tool

for many reasons, but having the right one depends on the size of wire rope and the attachment point area. Towers with flatbeds tend to migrate towards the snatch block with a shackle also with a 1’-2’ piece of chain vs. the usual standard type with a hook on the block. The type of connection you choose varies on the available truck attachment areas.

Cribbing such as wood planks, blocks or tow ramps work very nice to adjust the bed angle to load lower profile vehicles and gain important clearance when loading. The amount that needs to be carried daily can be a tricky due to storage limitations, however having a sufficient amount is critical to prevent damages—especially when loading with a flat or altered suspension. I often see operators with one small piece or having to wait for another truck just to deliver some cribbing. Finding enough room for a few 24” pieces is not impossible.

Beyond Basics

There are a lot of items that can assist you with organization that are truly inexpensive.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

Once past the common items, there are more unique items to consider that can assist with loading or unloading complex vehicles. (When we order a new truck, we have a 30-item base checklist for toolbox equipment. This list is for standard trucks; however, when the unit is purchased for a specific operator, they also have input into the equipment.)

Some non-standard items in the AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 29

A small tool kit with basic tools to use on the side of the road is almost a must for every truck.

box may include a soft strap V-bridle with soft loops that can be used for lower control arms on exotic vehicles that won’t leave any metal marks.

There are numerous vehicle manufacturers that utilize a tow-pin

30 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

attachment that can cause a problem with the new safety hooks attached to wire rope. The newer-style hooks cannot fit into the tow pin due to the diameter of the opening. This can cause a tower to switch back to the V-

bridle, which can produce a substantial damage claim due to ABS sensors and tie rods. Keeping a small 2’-3’ continuous-loop strap can eliminate this problem by placing the strap into the tow pin and the hook onto the

Several sizes of ratchet straps for motorcycles and toolboxes are a good idea (above). Some non-standard items in the box may include a soft strap V-bridle with soft loop (left).

strap. A newer strap design features a continuous loop and a catch strap all in one piece to expedite the loading process.

Skates are among the best innovations in many years, especially when

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

you have a vehicle that will not roll and needs to be loaded onto a flatbed truck. There are many versions of skates so choose wisely; some slide better than others and, more importantly, some create a much improved

transition onto the bed. There are starter ramps that work well to help transition a pair of skates onto a deck.

One pair of skates can work nice, but four can help when a vehicle is completely immobile. Keeping those

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 31

There are many items that may not be needed on every job, but save so much time and energy when you do need them.

skates in the same spot in your box will help with locating when you’re in a rush and cannot get the vehicle into neutral. Container/ball joint skates can assist with broken ball joints, missing wheels, etc.

Simple items can also be a huge help when confronted with an abnormal problem. A tie-rod coupler can be a great item when stuck in the middle of the roadway for a quick temporary fix and takes only inches of box space.

Having an old blanket or furniture pad is nice when needing to lie down on the ground … and they store easily.

There are many items that may not be needed on every job, but save so much time and energy when you do need them: • Portable impact wrenches for tire changes or removing a wheel for a broken control arm.

• Dead-blow hammer for hammering in skates or tapping on hub caps.

• Several sizes of ratchet straps for motorcycles and toolboxes.

A small tool kit with basic tools to use on the side of the road is almost a must for every truck. I have been to many accidents where another operator did not even have a tool, snatch block, or skates on his truck to solve simple problems. Many localities now mandate such items on a vehicle just to respond to an accident.

We are in an industry that works hard around the clock; a well-equipped truck can save time on the side of the road.

About the author Paul Stephens is a towing industry trainer with more than 33 years of towing experience.

He has served as a consultant for many automobile manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and companies for service provider education, towability and road service procedures.

32 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

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Florida Wrecker Sales S 91 G. Stone Commercial N 95 Ginn Carrier & Wrecker Sales 19 Heartland Payment Systems W 94 HUB International W 92 In the Ditch 15 Intek Truck Eq. Finance & Lease 84 Int’l Towing Hall of Fame & Recovery 3 Jerr-Dan Corp. back cover 4 JP Rivard Trailer Sales N 93 Kenworth of South Florida 55 Len Zermenos 22 Lynch Chicago 57 Manufacturer Express 31 Matheny Motors 25 Matjack Jumbo Safelift 23 McMahon Truck Center M 91 Midwest Regional Tow Show 71 Miller Industries 5 Nation Safe Drivers (NSD) 58 New England Truckmaster N 94 New England Wrecker Sales N 96 North American BanCard 7 Northeast Wrecker Sales N 92, S 95 Nussbaum Equipment N 93 OMG National N 95, S M 94, W 104 Pacific General Insurance Agency M 95 Ranger SST 32 Recovery Billing 85

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Renew Truck Body N 94 Rick's Truck & Equipment M 94 Rush Towing Systems W 93 Sanderson Truck Equipment 21 Santander Bank inside back cover Sea Crest Insurance Agency W 103 Select Truck & Equipment M 92 Smyrna Truck Center S 95 Specialty Vehicle & Eq. Funding 27 Spill Tackle W 92 Steck Mfg. 85 Swoop 75 Tow Expo-Dallas W 101-102 Transfer Flow 72 TJR Equipment 69 Towbook Management 13 Tow Industries W 95 TowMate 16, 84 TowToolz 20 Truck Body Sales W 94 Utility Trailer Sales S.E.TX W 103 VTS Systems W 91 Warn Industries 24 Weego 21 WorldClass Insurance M 93, W 97 Worldwide Equipment 33 Worldwide Equipment Sales W 97 XINSURANCE Powered by EIB W 99

Wrap It Up

by George L. Nitti

W

hen it comes to wrapping, Mark Long of Razor Wraps and Graphics makes his living working with towers who comprise about 95 percent of his business.

Long’s unique style has captivated those in the towing community who like what they see from him.

Based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Long got his start as a designer in the late 1970s, first learning to paint by hand.

“In 1977, I was pinstriping,” Long said. “Then I saw a couple of guys painting by hand and decided I wanted to do that. I set my mind to it and practiced. I did my first vehicle for a friend of mine. One thing led to the next and I have been doing it ever since.”

By 1982, Long had started Razor Paint and Graphics. In 2014, however, he changed the name to Razor Wraps and Graphics marking the complete transition from paint to wraps.

“The paint business slowed down and wraps were becoming popular,” he said. “I did my first wrap in 2012.

That’s when I realized that’s where I needed to go. Both time and money

factored into my transition out of paint.

“If I had to custom-paint heavyduty wreckers, the cost could run as high as $25,000 to $30,000 and take me a month to two months to do it. These same trucks can be wrapped for [$6,000] and take three days. Tow owners don’t want their new trucks sitting that long to get custom-painted.”

Not everyone is into the wild side, whereas some customers can’t get enough colors.

Today, Razor has a steady stream of repeat customers that include some big towing companies like Morton’s Towing and Recovery, Siggi’s Towing Service, Dawson’s Body Shop and Towing, Brinkley’s Wrecker Service, Bill’s Towing Service, Garners Towing, Aaron’s Towing, Trans Tech Towing,

Dennis Towing and Recovery and A&M Truck Repair and Towing.

Signature Style Since starting out in the business, Long has developed and honed a characteristic style that sets him apart.

“My designs come from my head,” he said. “I build all of my graphics from the ground up. It’s just my style and being creative. I guess it’s a mix of old school with new school.”

A typical design includes one of his recent wraps, a 2017 Peterbilt 389/Century 5130, owned by A&M Truck Repair and Towing of Locust Grove, Virginia.

The blue flames found on the front and side of the chassis would fall into a category that he calls “Old School,” as he has been doing flames for many years.

“Every custom painter learns to do flames. For some reason they are always in style, so you have to learn them,” Long said.

At the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, Maryland, several of the units that he has designed and wrapped have been regulars in the American Wrecker Pageant including trucks by Morton’s, Garners, Siggi’s and Bill’s, and often win top awards.

“I get work from being at the Expo, which also expands my horizons,” Long said (who had his own booth on the show floor in 2017).

“There are a lot of people who do printing and installing and so it gives me the opportunity to sell my designs.

One shop can only do so many installs.

But I can design all over the country.

People who are a couple hundred miles away are not going to have it done with me. Most of the tow companies have a sign guy but need a designer.”

Continued on p. 58 ...

56 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

... continued from p. 56 Complementary colors and large lettering are hallmarks of his work.

“You have a large wrecker you need large lettering. I do like the

names bigger,” Long said. “There is nothing worse than a big truck with a small name on it. It should be in proportion to the vehicle.”

Drawing on a host of shapes is one of his predominant motifs, including

swooping lines and swishes, which he considers to be more “New School,” creating a look that is on the wild side. A 2016 Kenworth T800/single-axle Century 5130 owned by Siggi’s in Hampton, Virginia, is a good example.

“I try to get an idea of what the customer is looking for,” Long said.

“Not everyone is into the wild side, whereas some customers can’t get enough colors.”

The colors include various shades of purple, green and black, blending in with the unit’s green accents and white background.

The lines, swooshes and particularly the purple triangle stand out.

The company name is large with goldleaf letters.

“The gold leaf is not really gold leaf,” Long said. “I took a photo of 24karat gold that you would find on a firetruck and superimposed it on the lettering, added shades and gave it depth, building on the existing lettering that was brought to me.”

The result is that tow owners love his work, giving him free reign.

“People love all of our trucks,” said A&M owner Jeremy Beveridge.

Bill’s Towing Service, which has its own in-house autobody shop where they do custom paint including to their own tow trucks, outsources their wraps to Razor Wraps and

Continued on p. 60 ...

58 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Graphics. Their patriotic-themed 2018 Ford F-550/Danco 21’ steel bed was recently wrapped.

“We save a lot of time having them wrapped,” said Billy Parker III, co-owner. “Within a week you are finished and there is no cleanup in the shop.

“It sucks to try to sell a painted truck,” he added. “It is easier to get rid of them when you wrap them.

You can just peel the wrap off. When it gets scratched, you can just rewrap part of it.”

“Wraps are a whole lot cleaner.

It’s a win-win for everybody,” Long said. “The towers get their truck in a couple of days at a third of the cost and then can easily resell them. And when they trade them in, they don’t have to be repainted.”

George L. Nitti has written for American Towman since 2009.

He started out as a news writer and now writes a weekly feature on TowIndustryWeek.com, Tow Illustrated, which spotlights the tow truck graphics.

60 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Prepping for Accident Response

Even though the accident has caused damage to the vehicle, tow operators should take reasonable precautions to avoid causing additional damage, even if the vehicle appears to be a total loss or of low value. New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority image.

by Terry Abejuela

R

esponding to accident scenes is an exciting and often challenging part of a tower’s job.

The adrenaline is flowing and the need to clear the scene quickly and safely is imperative.

Law enforcement on scene is expecting the tow operator to clear the roadway quickly and safely so traffic flow will return to normal as quickly as possible. Sometimes this creates issues that tow operators must handle quickly, safely and professionally.

Being prepared in advance will reduce the stress and anxiety as well as create a safer work environment.

Upon arrival at an accident scene, the tow operator must decide where

62 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Even though the accident has caused damage to the vehicle, tow operators should take reasonable precautions to avoid causing additional damage. to park the tow truck. When making this decision, avoid parking the truck where it may impede the accident investigation or arrival of additional first responders. At most accident scenes with law enforcement already on scene, the tow truck should be parked ahead of the scene and out of traffic.

Minimize the use of emergency lighting to avoid becoming a distrac-

tion to motorists. If authorized emergency vehicles are on-site with their emergency lighting and/or temporary traffic control devices deployed, the tow operator would not be required to provide traffic control.

Check in with the incident commander before surveying the scene. If

Continued on p. 64 ...

... continued from p. 62 you are requested to stand by while the investigation is completed, ask permission to begin your scene survey.

If granted permission, inspect the vehicle and conduct a scene survey to determine if you have all the necessary equipment to safely, efficiently and effectively perform the work.

If additional equipment or assistance is required, notify the incident commander that you would like to request the additional equipment/ assistance to be en-route. Incorporate in your plan to avoid any obstruction to traffic, and if obstructing traffic is required, minimize the duration. Perform as much work as possible before obstructing the traffic. Formulate your plan and be prepared to discuss your plan with the incident commander when they are ready.

The tow operator may be required to perform cleanup at the scene of an accident. This would normally be restricted to picking up parts from

64 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

vehicles, sweeping up broken glass, and spreading absorbent on any spilled fluids. In California (and probably other states), this is required by law.

Small amounts of debris and small parts may be stored in a trashcan on the tow truck. To avoid damage to the interior of the casualty vehicle, place larger amounts of debris or larger parts picked up at the scene in heavyduty trash bags instead of just shoveling it into the interior of the vehicle.

To handle accident tows effectively and efficiently, any or all of the following equipment may be required: • Broom.

• Shovel.

• Heavy-duty trash bags.

• Fire extinguisher.

• Fuel stop-leak.

• Latex gloves.

• Cones.

• Flares.

• Absorbent.

• Heavy-duty pry bar.

• Hand tools.

Make sure you are also carrying any equipment that is not on this list that may be required by law in your state or by any tow service agreements you service.

Vehicles that have been in an accident may be more susceptible to fire due to damage incurred during the accident. If the damage from the accident is near any wiring or the battery, you may want to take the precautionary measure of disconnecting the battery to avoid a fire caused by an electrical short.

Even though the accident has caused (possibly severe) damage to the vehicle, tow operators should take reasonable precautions to avoid causing additional damage, even if the vehicle appears to be a total loss or of low value.

Reasonable precautions would include proper towing and transport procedures, safe and secure storage, ensuring the doors and trunk are locked, closing windows and sun-

roofs, securing truck bed covers and closing a convertible roof.

If you are not able to close the windows, sunroof and or convertible roof the vehicle should be placed in an indoor storage facility or protected with crash wrap or some other effective cover to protect it from weather.

Make sure to secure damaged parts on the vehicle to ensure no parts fall off during the tow or transport With the increasing number of hybrid and electric vehicles on the road, tow operators should be trained in handling these types of vehicles at accident scenes. Damage to high-voltage electrical components may pose a hazard to first responders. If you are not familiar with these vehicles, request the assistance of a qualified person. Some first responders at the scene may have training on these vehicles and may be able to assist.

High-voltage wiring and components are normally identified by the color orange. If you see damaged wiring or components that are in an

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

orange wiring loom or are orange in color, there may be an electrocution hazard and may require the use of high-voltage gloves or the disconnection of the high-voltage battery pack.

Hydrogen-powered vehicles are another potential casualty that tow operators may encounter at an accident. Currently, hydrogen-powered vehicles would primarily be limited to California because the infrastructure for fueling stations is concentrated in California.

Tow truck operators should be prepared in advance by knowing your company policy on issues that will inevitably come up at an accident scene. A common issue that will come up is when a law enforcement officer asks a tow operator to perform work that is not safe or industry recommended. When operating a car carrier, two common scenarios are requests to load an overturned vehicle upsidedown on a car carrier or perform recovery work with a car carrier in order to clear the roadway quicker.

The policy at some tow companies is to upright the overturned vehicle prior to loading it on the car carrier and not to perform recovery work with a car carrier. (In my opinion, this is the correct policy to perform the job.) However, if the law enforcement officer insists on doing the job this way, what should the tow operator do?

These two scenarios should be covered by a written company policy.

If there isn’t a written policy, this should be discussed in advance so employees know how they are expected to handle them.

Accident tows are an exciting part of the job and should be part of training to ensure that they are handled safely, effectively and efficiently.

Field Editor Terry Abejuela has 40-plus years of light-duty towing and recovery experience. He is also a light-duty Level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association.

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 65

Cold Turkey

The casualty was a loaded tractortrailer carrying approximately 1,200 live turkeys that weighed about 71,340 lbs.

66 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Recovery 2017 Donnie Cruse Recovery Award

by Jake Schroeder Tegeler Wrecker & Crane; Dyersville, Iowa

O

n Feb. 8, 2017, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Iowa State Patrol requested a response team to the scene of a semitrailer rollover in Brandon.

Weather conditions were clear with a 15 degrees F wind chill factor. The casualty was a loaded tractor-trailer carrying approximately 1,200 live turkeys that weighed about 71,340 lbs.

The Donnie Awards are co-sponsored B/A Products and AW Direct.

*The Donnie Cruse Recovery Award is presented by American Towman Magazine and WreckMaster.

The cab of the truck was not connected to the frame and needed to be secured before uprighting the casualty.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM -August 2018 • 67

Overhead power lines were directly above the casualty and it was deemed necessary to move the casualty before the recovery work began (above, bottom). Weather conditions were clear with a 15 degrees F wind chill factor (right).

We dispatched two heavy-duty rotators (2016 Peterbilt 388/Century 1150 50-ton, 2006 Peterbilt 379/Jerr-Dan 85ton), a 2016 Western Star 4900EX with 2014 Jet side-dump trailer, a 2015 Freightliner M2/Chevron carrier with a skid-loader and our emergency-response vehicle (2014 Chevy 3500 service truck with 20’ enclosed trailer carrying MatJack air cushions, absorbents, saws and other tools).

Once the scene coordinator arrived, a site survey of the casualty and surrounding area was completed. The cab of the truck was not connected to the frame and needed to be secured before uprighting the casualty. The fuel tank also was compromised and needed to be drilled and all fuel

Continued on p. 70 ...

68 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 69

... continued from p. 68 removed prior to the upright in order to prevent an environmental hazard.

It was determined that the trailer had to be uprighted to extract the turkeys, due to the position of the loading doors. Overhead power lines were directly above the casualty and it was deemed necessary to move the casualty before the recovery work began.

The truck and trailer were secured prior to winching; both rotators were used to winch the casualty up the steep embankment and onto the roadway where it could be uprighted.

Both rotators were moved into position at the front and rear of the truck and trailer. We decided to perform a single-lane upright due to the narrow two-lane road. We used twopart lines to the front and rear of the trailer and a single line to the front axle to overcome the 35,670 lbs. of resistance We installed the recovery straps

70 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

and rigging for the uprighting process. Since the unit was loaded, extra care was used installing the recovery straps across the side of the trailer to support the load.

vehicle as it came to the ground.

After the unit was upright, the trailer was rigged for a vertical lift to extract the landing cushions and all rigging was put away. The last step

Overhead power lines were directly above the casualty and it was deemed necessary to move the casualty before the recovery work began.

The lead truck started the upright by first engaging the low line to lead the front axle ahead of the upright.

Once the lead truck began with the front axle, both the front and rear trucks winched in on both high lines to continue the uprighting process.

The recovery crew installed MatJack landing cushions to control the

was to tow the vehicle back to the storage facility and dispose of the load at the landfill.

WreckMaster said this recovery was selected to receive the Donnie Cruse Memorial Recovery Award because of its difficult nature, extreme circumstances and precision required to successfully complete the job.

TRAA Petition on ELDs Denied After seven months, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has denied the Towing and Recovery Association of America petition requesting an exemption from electronic logging device requirements for the towing industry.

TRAA said in a release that “while we did not achieve our desired goal, our voice was heard. … For years our industry has been plagued with ill-fitting regulations that have negatively impacted us. It is imperative that we lobby legislation to reclassify the towing industry as first or primary responders, therefore, removing ourselves from under the trucking class. … TRAA and the TRAA LAN will continue to work diligently on behalf of the towing industry towards this effort.”

According to a white paper by Brian Riker of Fleet Compliance Solutions: “Depending on the nature of your

72 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

operation and the state(s) you conduct business in, you may have to comply with the ELD mandate. Several states already require ELDs for intrastate use due to their automatic adoption of federal regulations and most others are planning on requiring them soon.

No state currently requires the use of an ELD if your operations qualify for either the federal or state level shorthaul exceptions.

“Fully utilizing the available shorthaul exceptions as well as proper understanding of interstate vs. intrastate commerce operations is your best option for hours of service and electronic logging device compliance today.

“Working with state associations as well as the Towing and Recovery Association of America for legislative relief is the best long-term option for a workable solution and sensible regulations.”

Sources: traaonline.com; fleetcompliancesolutions.net.

Jerr-Dan Salutes Waters Jerr-Dan Corp. recently celebrated Waters Truck and Tractor for its 80th anniversary. The family business is led by fourth-generation family members and recently expanded to distribute Jerr-Dan towing and recovery equipment.

“As Waters celebrates this major milestone, we are very proud of partnering with them and look forward to continuing to support their business initiatives,” said Jeff Irr, senior director of sales for Jerr-Dan. Waters Truck and Tractor was founded in 1938 by Ray M. Waters Sr. in Columbus, Mississippi. The company employs approximately 275 people.

“We are proud to offer Jerr-Dan towing equipment including standard-, medium-, and heavy-duty wreckers, designed and engineered to handle any job,” said Mike Waters, president.

Source: jerrdan.com.

EPA Postpones Glider Kit Rules The Environmental Protection Agency said it will not enforce for 2018 and 2019 a 300-unit production cap on the manufacture of glider kits that do not comply with Phase 2 greenhouse gas emission rules.

This is a substantial win for gliderkit builders like Fitzgerald Glider Kits, who petitioned the EPA in July 2017 to revisit the Phase 2 glider kit provisions. The EPA said the action is being taken because it is working to finalize a proposed rule on glider kits.

Through 2019, a manufacturer may produce as many gliders as it did during its biggest production year between 2010 and 2014.

Fitzgerald Glider Kits, the country’s largest builder of gliders, and others have fought the regulations since they were proposed in 2015, arguing they would kill the glider kit industry.

Demand for glider trucks, which

74 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

are new truck bodies equipped with older, remanufactured engines and transmissions, has soared over the past decade, since they’re equipped with engines that do not use exhaust gas recirculation and do not require exhaust after-treatment. They’re also cheaper than new trucks.

Source: truckinginfo.com.

Harper Names Engineering VP Harper Industries (harperindustries.com), parent company of DewEze, recently named Joe Biggerstaff as its VP of Engineering following Mark Kiner’s retirement.

Biggerstaff joins Harper after serving on the board of directors for more than two years. Mark Kiner retires from his position as Vice President of Engineering.

“Joe will bring new perspective on product processes as we continue to provide solutions to the markets we serve,” said Tim Penner, president.

Museum Weekend Adds 5K The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund was launched in 2007 to provide limited financial support to families who’ve lost a loved one in the line of service (internationaltowingmuseum.org).

This year ’s Museum Weekend events will include an inaugural Run for the Fund 5K on Sept. 16 at 8 a.m. for athletes of all abilities to support the Survivor Fund. Running or walking enthusiasts are invited to participate or attend the event to raise funds and awareness of the dangers facing the towing industry.

The 3.1-mile course starts and ends at the towing museum following the nearby Tennessee Riverwalk. Winners in each age group will be recognized as part of an awards ceremony at the end of the race, along with top fundraising teams.Visit runforthefund.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id= 10730 for more information

Utah State Capitol Building, Spirit Ride hosted by Adams Towing. Mike Corbin sings Spirit Ride Anthem, Booms in the Sky.

76 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Staging the Spirit Ride Grand Capitol Buildings or Simple Fields, the Cameras Show

T

he Spirit Ride has staged ceremonies before several state Capitol buildings; the Utah Capitol building in Salt Lake City was the backdrop on July 11. Ceremonies have also been held in shopping malls (both inside some malls and in the parking lots of others), or in lots outside big box stores. Oftentimes a municipal park is the chosen site. Occasionally a firehouse hosted the ceremony. Often, it’s the tow yard of the host tower (official relay station). Sometimes it’s just an open field. Regardless of where it is staged the Spirit Ride ceremony draws media professionals from newspapers or TV news and occasionally radio.

The Ride so far in 2018 has seen a big increase in TV cameras showing up.

“2017 was a great success for a new campaign that had never been tried before,” said the Ride’s Steve Calitri. “The Ride scored some 60 TV

news stories and several hundred written stories in print and online.

This year is on pace to score well over 100 TV news stories.”

Calitri credits the character of the Ride, its mission and sponsor support it for its success in bringing the Move Over message to the public.

“Getting the media to show takes a concerted effort involving print and video press releases,” Calitri said.

“The Spirit Ride engages in a media outreach campaign on a daily basis.

Most of the time there are two Rides and ceremonies a day. That means reaching out to as many as a dozen outlets by phone and email.

“Many of the host towers also pitch in with contacting the local media. But our success wouldn’t be what it has been without the sponsors and donations given at the ceremonies themselves that support Command Team’s outreach.”

Recently, Towbook became the

first industry supplier to join as a Diamond sponsor with a $10,000 contribution. Towbook joined South Point Hotel & Casino and Linda Unruh (who recently sold All-Rite Towing) in the Diamond sponsorship club.

More than 100 tow industry companies have become proud sponsors of the Spirit Ride.

Two years ago, the Ride’s founding co-sponsors, American Towman and B/A Products, put up seed money that helped create the custom ceremonial casket. Since it launched in June of 2017, the Ride has relied on contributions from tow companies and industry suppliers.

“The Spirit Ride is truly a grassroots campaign with everyone pitching in,” said Calitri.

By November, the Ride will have relayed the casket in 300 cities, large and small, involving some 10,000 tow trucks, fire trucks, EMS and police vehicles.

Several camera crews showed at the Utah State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City to cover the Spirit Ride on July11th. Many of the Rides, like this one organized by Adams Towing, have scored multiple TV news stories.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 77

Police escort "Spirit" onto Adams Towing's carrier bed in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Linda Unruh, Double Diamond Contribute to the Spirit Ride at www.ATSpiritRide.com

Founding Sponsors

78 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

NBC affiliate KOAA 5 has the camera's eye on "Spirit." Here, Randy's High Country Towing of Colorado Springs carries "Spirit."

A common picture from all the Spirit Rides, Ilce Corbin hugs a young Spirit Rider. Ilce takes all, or, most all, of the photos that appear in American Towman's coverage of the Ride and on the Spirit Ride Facebook page.

AMERICAN TOWMAN

Anonymous

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 79

Police presence was big for the Spirit Ride in Colorado Springs.

AMERICAN TOWMAN

80 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

AMERICAN TOWMAN

GPS Tracking provided by:

Spirit Ride Schedule through September 12, 2018

Join the Spirit Ride processions. For the exact site of the ceremony and procession start-point contact the Relay Station.

Relay Stations

08/02/18 08/02/18 08/03/18 08/03/18 08/04/18 08/07/18 08/08/18 08/09/18 08/10/18 08/11/18 08/11/18 08/14/18 08/14/18 08/15/18 08/15/18 08/16/18 08/16/18 08/17/18 08/17/18 08/21/18 08/21/18

10:00 am 02:00 pm 10:00 am 02:00 pm 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 10:00 am 02:00 pm 10:00 am 02:00 pm 10:00 am 12:00 pm 10:00 am 12:00 pm 10:00 am 02:00 pm 10:00 am 02:00 pm

Longview Vancoyver Portland Salem Roseburg Winston Anderson Williams Sacramento W. Sacramento Woodland Fairfield Napa Santa Rosa Novato San Rafael Richmond Vallejo Antioch Concord Livermore

WA WA OR OR OR OR CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA CA

Gerald Marston Butch Stone David Reichert Mike Akers Richard Chitwood Gary Provencal Sean Perry Joel Sanders Joseph Krause Dayna Devencenzi Andie/Javier Altamiro Jeff Ramirez Gordy Hanner Alex Berg Marvin Alvarez Claudia Bagshaw Randy Wilcox Rene Shusta Craig Baker Charles Scharff Joe Eldam

The Spirit Ride continues through the Western States, the Northwest and California.

Go to ATSpiritRide.com for complete schedule.

Christian Brother's Pacific Towing Speed's Towing Mike's Towing Joe's Towing and Recovery Kokua Towing All Car and Truck Towing Sanders Heavy Towing Eagle Towing Mama's Towing Citizens Towing & Impound Jeff Ramirez Towing A & T Towing Cloverdale Tow A&C Towing & Transportation Red Hill Towing Olivers Tow Arrowhead Towing Cupertino Towing All Bay Cities Towing Save Tow

08/22/18 08/22/18 08/23/18 08/23/18 08/24/18 08/24/18 08/25/18 08/25/18 08/28/18 08/28/18 08/29/18 08/30/18 08/31/18 08/31/18 09/05/18 09/06/18 09/06/18 09/07/18 09/08/18 09/11/18 09/12/18

10:00 am 1:00 pm 10:00 am 02:00 pm 10:00 am 02:00 pm 10:00 am 02:00 pm 09:30 am 02:00 pm 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 02:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 02:00 pm 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am 10:00 am

Modesto CA Gilroy CA Salinas CA Soledad CA Simi Valley CA Torrance CA Santa Ana CA OceanSide CA Indio CA Twentynine Palms CA Hesperia CA North Las Vegas NV Saint George UT Cedar City UT Blythe CA Phoenix AZ Florence AZ Gallup NM Durango CO Espanola NM Santa Fe NM

Billy Myers Elizabeth Bracco Dorothy Perez Elaine Garcia Kevin Koch Robert Van Lingen Mayra Ruiz Rick Johnson Anthony Polston Jaime Zwicker Chris Kelley Jose Norena Sterling Norton Wayne Hall Brandon Johnson Dennis Archer GP Prendergast Freddie Gonzales Elizabeth Krueger Anthony Vander Vossen Robert Anaya

Myers Towing Bracco's Towing & Transport P & R Towing Pette's Towing Dave's Towing Service Van Lingen Towing Knight Towing S & R Towing Towmedic Transport David Bailey's Auto Repair Kelley's Towing Big Valley Towing Freedom Towing Mountain Towing & Recovery Ramsey Towing Archers Towing & Recovery Prendergast Towing All Star Towing Basin Towing & Repair Holmes Wrecker Service Anaya's Roadrunner Wrecker

Donate to the Spirit Ride at www.ATSpiritRide.com

Carnaghi Towing & Repair Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 81

Taking Back ‘Big Eli’

by Mark Lacek

P

It turned out our con man hone rings, guy on had a reputation within the the other end of the carny circuit as a cheat; let’s line asks, “Have you call him “Barney.” It seems ever repossessed a Barney was well known to Ferris wheel?” everyone in the carnival busiWith more than 30 years ness … as quite wealthy, yet in the repo business, I’ve had short arms when it came received many phone calls to paying his bills. like this. Once it was 125 Gibsonton is just south of portable toilets, on another Tampa on U.S. 41. Locating day it was a sub sandwich the yard where most carnies franchise and, on one really store their equipment was weird call, the repossession easy; I had been there a couassignment was for a bloodple months prior repossessanalyzing machine. ing some Volvo trucks.

Yes, it sometimes gets As I approached the storweird, but you have to underage yard, it was easy to spot stand the full scope of the Big Eli. It was unfolded and lending machine and the high in the air, with a couple mortgaged-collateral game. If guys welding something. it can be financed, most of There was a guy sitting on an the time there will be a lender old wood bench next to a litwaiting in line to loan you tle trailer near the gate, smokthe money. ing a cigarette and drinking a Back to the Ferris wheel: I beer (it was about 9:30 a.m.) I told “Bill” I could help him figured this guy could be my out. snitch. I reached in my pocket “I sell amusement park for a wad of cash to show in and carnival equipment and my hand.

I met a real humdinger of a Not all repossession assignments are for cars and trucks.

Passing up the storage con man who took off with a $400,000 2001 Eli Bridge Gondola have to travel far. I told my new client yard, I parked in the 7-Eleven across the street. Using my binoculars, I was I’d need a couple weeks.

Wheel,” Bill said.

Gibsonton, Florida, is a town where able to see the license plate on the back “What’s a Gondola wheel?” I most carnival and circus people spend of Big Eli; I ran the license plate with asked.

“It’s a Ferris wheel!” Bill said winter. On any given day you could my DMV app and found it matched.

Acting like I was lost, I pulled my loudly, “They’re also called Gondola drive through the main area of town and see some of the strangest people. I pickup truck into the yard and up wheels. … Aren’t you listening?” once spotted a bearded lady walking a next to the gate. I asked the guy for “Yes, sir … tell me more,” I said.

Bill went on to describe the Ferris goat. On another trip I spotted a group directions to Tampa, as I was “kind of wheel as a trailer-mounted type that of really short people riding little lost.” As he walked towards the driver horses. Gibsonton is a town where the side window, I could smell quite an folds down for transport.

“They call it ‘Big Eli’ … the gypsy car next to you could be loaded with odor coming from his clothes.

“You ain’t lost—who ya huntin’ carny is somewhere in Florida and clowns. (I’m not kidding.)

Gibsonton also is a tight-knit com- for?” he asked. hasn’t paid me in six months. I want “Do you want to make a couple munity. You can’t just walk around my equipment back,” Bill said.

After a short negotiation on the town asking questions and expect to hundred bucks,” I asked, looking him repossession fee, transport and stor- get answers … not without a couple right in the eye.

“I’m your man.” age, I accepted the assignment. Being hundred bucks in your hand anyway. early November, I knew I would not I just needed to find a near-by snitch.

Continued on p. 84 ...

82 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 83

... continued from p. 82 I peeled off a $50 and told him I needed to take the Ferris wheel out.

I told him to call when Big Eli was folded up and ready to roll to get the rest. I handed him a card with my cell number.

‘Ya better get here tonight … and don’t forget my $300!’

“That Ferris don’t work anymore; the motor’s shot,” the man said “I don’t care,” I explained, “just call me when it’s ready for me to hook and book!”

It took two days to hear from the snitch.

“They’re moving Big Eli out tomorrow morning,” he said. “Ya better get here tonight … and don’t forget my $300!”

I told him I had $150 for him.

“The price went up,” he said.

“Be here at eight.”

I swung around the day cab Mack I use for moving trailers and pulled into the yard; Big Eli was sitting there nice and pretty (though not so pretty as my snitch standing there with his hand out, a beer in the other hand).

After double-checking the VIN on Big Eli, I handed over the $300. I backed up the Mack and heard the fifth wheel lock. As I pulled out of the yard and onto U.S. 41 to head north, the snitch jumped up on the side of the truck to shake my hand.

“Call me if you ever need any more help,” he said.

I thanked him and asked his name.

“Just ask for Barney,” he said.

“Everyone knows me!

Repo Editor Mark Lacek authored the Certified Commercial Recovery Agent certification program and has more than 30 years of recovery experience. He is the former editor of “Professional Repossessor” magazine. Email him at Mark@commercialassetsolutions.com.

84 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Primeritus Acquires CRG Primeritus Financial Services— provider of recovery management, skip tracing and remarketing services to the auto finance industry in the U.S.—recently acquired Capital Recovery Group.

Based in Tucson, Arizona, CRG is the only recovery solution company dedicated solely to the powersports community. CRG is the seventh acquisition by Primeritus since 2012.

“CRG has an excellent reputation within the powersports industry. We look forward to working with their team to enhance their service offerings,” said Chris McGinness, SVP of Operations for Primeritus. “While Primeritus has a presence in the powersports market, this acquisition allows us to grow our footprint significantly.”

Primeritus reports that CRG will undergo a name change to be known as Find Track Locate.

Source: primeritus.com.

TowShow.com

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 85

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

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To Advertise In Towman’s Market Call 800-732-3869 Ellen Rosengart x 203 erosengart@towman.com 86 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Best Prices in the Industry Maximize your Return On Investment with protective tapes & films Contact Tom Hrynda tom@roiprotectivetape.com

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robertyoungtrucks.com Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 87

Cancer Crusader: Pulling for the Cure

Ron Lamont of Accel Towing & Transport dedicated this truck to his wife, Cherri (inset), who died in 2014 after her battle with cancer.

by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

R

on Lamont is the fleet manager and heavy towing and recovery operator for Accel Towing & Transport in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. He has more than 25 years of towing and recovery experience, 15 of which are in specialized heavy towing and recovery. Ron has heavy hauled for several years.

Accel Towing & Transport is a locally owned and operated family business established in 2005 by company owner Angela Thompson and her late husband, Jason Schafer. Accel handles automotive towing, auto-

88 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

The Century EB-4’s boom includes a cancer-awareness ribbon and “Pulling for the Cure."

This truck will be able to do a few more things. motive roadside assistance, heavy truck towing, heavy truck road service and is capable of hauling and transporting any vehicle, truck, tractor or other heavy equipment to any point throughout Manitoba and the neighboring provinces.

Within the company’s fleet of 18 vehicles is this “Cancer Crusader,” a 2007 Century EB-4 mounted on a 2018 Dodge 5500 Crew Cab 4x4. Ron and the crew built it as a memorial to Ron’s wife, Cherri Maria Lamont, who lost her battle with cancer in 2014. Cherri was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother and very committed to her family and community.

“The Century EB-4 wrecker was off of one of our old trucks. We purchased a new chassis and transferred the wrecker to it,” Ron said. “This truck will be able to do a few more things as it is a little heavier than other mediumduty, and a heavier chassis than we had under the wrecker before, relieving some of the stress that the heavy division faces on occasion.

A 6.7L Cummins diesel engine with a six-speed AISIN HD auto transmission moves it down the road and two Ramsey 12,000-lbs. winches handle the pulling duties.

Tech Highlights Name: Cancer Crusader.

Chassis: 2018 Dodge 5500 Crew Cab 4x4.

Wrecker: 2007 Century EB-4.

Engine: 6.7L Cummins diesel.

Trans: Six-speed AISIN HD auto.

Winches: Two Ramsey 12,000-lbs.

Wrap: Accent Striping and Lettering Co.

Cherri’s headstone includes a design Ron conceived of a stallion and unicorn running together.

The black boom is lettered “Pulling for the Cure” in gold with a purple cancer ribbon. The standout ribbon graphic on the body is a wrap done by Accent Striping and Lettering Co. “The inspiration for the graphic was the loss of an employee/family member to cancer, and the large number of people who are affected by this disease every day,” Ron said. “Angela came up with the design, showing her and the company’s respect to employees and their families and the community. The wrap took about a week to complete.

“It … shows the commitment that the company holds for the community and it’s concerns.”

The other monument is the head stone Ron had engraved to his special lady, Cherri.

“It took me a while to design it … to find what I wanted, to express us,” he said. “Why a stallion and a unicorn? She collected unicorns, I collect stallions. Like a stallion and a unicorn, you have reality and fancy. Somewhere between reality and fancy we made it work for 25 years of the greatest years of my life.”

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

Accent Striping and Lettering helped design and wrap the Dodge 5500/Century EB-4

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • 89

Remembering Blanche Duke

by Steve Calitri

B

lanche Duke, wife of American Towman Senior Editor Charles Duke, passed on July 12, 2018.

There are many veteran attendees of the American Towman Exposition who experienced its birth in 1989 who remember Blanche’s good cheer and charm.

Blanche had volunteered to help work the Exposition for American Towman in a show of support for her husband. She worked AT trade events for a decade, never asking for compensation, as well as other tow shows where AT would exhibit. In short, she was there at the beginning and she helped our trajectory to where we are now. I am forever grateful that Charles picked this woman for his bride.

Blanche was a rock and the loss to Charles cannot be measured. For my wife, Norma, myself, and my sons Henri and Steve, she was a part of the development years for the show and my family. She made working these shows much more fun by her presence alone.

I recall the breakfasts and dinners we shared with the both of them.

They were a couple easily defined by the term “class,” and rightly by the word “heart.” Blanche had a tone of voice that resonated with feeling, intelligence and humor.

Since Charles rejoined us four years ago, she again was with us at the Exposition in Baltimore, carrying around a breathing machine to the couple of events she could manage to attend. Last October, she gave of herself again, this time to the Spirit Ride, pushing Charles out the door for a week to substitute for Mike Corbin in conducting the ceremonies and singing the songs. She wouldn’t have

90 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Blanche Duke,1948 -2018

Having a great wife in life’s journey makes it all easier than it would be otherwise.

it any other way, and seeing her husband perform on the live Facebook feed must have given her great pride, as well as sadness that she could not accompany him. Family members stayed with her when Charles did the Ride.

Having a great wife in life’s journey makes it all easier than it would be otherwise. Men are able to go about the hard business of a demanding job with the sense that back home there is a queen always ready to cuddle up to her king. Men are like boys playing games outside all day, pretending to be adults, knowing in the back of their minds that their mother will have dinner ready for them. Once a man, it’s much easier in the demanding role of an adult when there’s a strong woman partner.

Blanche was a career professional in the field of family planning and social services and was raising two children on her own when she met Charles. You could say they both immediately had eyes for each other.

They built a marriage based on mutual respect and responsibility, and a lot of good humor.

Blanche was a woman of faith.

When she said she would say a prayer on behalf of someone, you knew she would. Her own greatest trial and heartache came when her adult daughter passed away from an illness some 10 years ago. I believe in her heart there was sadness at having to go from Charles and her son, Mark, and a joy at the prospect of finding her daughter again.

Where Blanche has gone to will be graced with a bit more class, if that’s possible.

Towman Delivers Pizzas to Immigrants After one Texas towman saw the news recently that more than 50 undocumented immigrants found in the back of a semitrailer were left waiting without food, he decided to help by bringing them a hot meal.

San Antonio towman Armando Colunga said that he didn’t know all the details of their situation; he didn’t need to. He simply saw hungry people.

“The first thing that popped into my head: How long have they been stuck in that trailer with no food?

How long before they got into the trailer before they had anything to eat?” Colunga said.

Officials say the truck was air conditioned and the 55 people inside had water, but were hungry.

Colunga saw news coverage of the incident, drove to a nearby Little Caesars after work and bought several

NORTH 92 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

pizzas to bring to the scene. He thanked the law enforcement officers who took the pizza and helped deliver it to the immigrants.

Source: cbsnews.com.

Tow-Woman Looks to Re-Establish Business Roanny Colon, 31, drove 18wheeler trucks and then started her own towing company in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Things were going well until disaster struck last September in the form of Hurricane Maria. Colon and her family survived, but her business did not. A wall collapsed on her tow truck and destroyed it.

Now relocated to Lawrence, Massachusetts, she found a job as a driver for NRT … but she yearned to reestablish herself in towing.

Recently, Colon was selected for a 14-week Accelerator course with EforAll (the E stands for entrepreneurship) which will guide Colon in

obtaining whatever licenses she needs, applying for financing and taking care of the paperwork required of a business owner. Colon said she is “very grateful” for the help she will be receiving from EparaTodos, the Spanish translation for EforAll. “She wants to learn as much as possible,” said Andres Silva, program manager for EparaTodos in Lawrence and Lowell. Colon has already purchased a large ramp truck. Both she and Silva emphasized that she hasn’t actually started the business yet – but it’s going to happen, they added.

Source: eagletribune.com.

Suspect Drives off Truck, Punches Tower In Brooklyn, New York, police arrested a man who they say assaulted a towman in late June.

The report claims the man attempted to drive his own car off a tow truck bed near Huntington Street

at 3:40 p.m., damaging the truck.

When one of the towers confronted him about it, the suspect struck him in the face with a key, the report said.

Police cuffed the suspect and charged him with assault, criminal mischief and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Source: brooklynpaper.com.

Two Injured Loading Pickup Police in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were investigating a crash that left three people injured recently.

Police said a female driver turned onto Pennypack Street and hit three people who were trying to secure a pickup truck to a tow truck.

Two of the victims were taken to a hospital. A 48-year-old male was in critical condition after suffering head trauma and multiple abrasions. A 52year-old man was in stable condition after suffering a broken arm and leg.

Charges were pending at press time.

Source: 6abc.com.

No Plans to Retire Owner Dick Berg of Dick’s Auto Repair & Towing in New Ulm, Minnesota, sold his business equipment at auction recently, but he has no plans to retire any time soon.

Berg, 72, has been in the repair and towing business for 52 years. He said he plans to continue towing vehicles to local law enforcement impound lots after being escorted by officers to the vehicles.

“Back in the ’60s and ‘70s, I could go out on a service call at night and not worry about anything,” Berg said. “Now, you have to be careful about who’s in the vehicle. Cars now are very fragile too. They’re full of plastic. I won’t go out unless I’m with law enforcement. Years ago, if someone was drinking too much, I could tow their car to their residence.

Not anymore.”

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • NORTH 93

... continued from p. N 93 Berg said decades ago, when he was on a highway service call, truckers would stop and offer to help.

“Now, they spin your cap around and shave you as they go by,” Berg said.

Source: nujournal.com.

Lincoln Towing May Keep License An Illinois Commerce Commission judge recommended Lincoln Towing Service keep its state license despite hundreds of alleged violations.

A state investigation began in February 2016 after Lincoln received numerous citations for allegedly hauling away cars illegally; 154 during the period under investigation.

Lincoln was found guilty on 21 citations.

The judge noted Lincoln towed 9,470 vehicles during that period,

Continued on p. N 96...

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • NORTH 95

... continued from p. N 94 meaning the company was found guilty of a violation on fewer than 1 percent of tows.

Source: chicagotribune.com.

Woman Spits at Officers A woman in Washington, Missouri, is accused of attempting to spit on police officers while she refused to leave her car as it was being repossessed.

Victoria Woodard, 32, was charged on multiple counts of assault and resisting arrest.

Woodard got inside the car during the repo, started it and attempted to reverse from the tow dolly attached to the tow truck.

She spit at officers and threw broken glass at them.

Police tasered her and she exited the vehicle and was immediately arrested.

Source: kmov.com.

NORTH 96 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Towman Delivers Pizzas to Immigrants After one Texas towman saw the news recently that more than 50 undocumented immigrants found in the back of a semitrailer were left waiting without food, he decided to help by bringing them a hot meal.

San Antonio towman Armando Colunga said that he didn’t know all the details of their situation; he didn’t need to. He simply saw hungry people.

“The first thing that popped into my head: How long have they been stuck in that trailer with no food?

How long before they got into the trailer before they had anything to eat?” Colunga said.

Officials say the truck was air conditioned and the 55 people inside had water, but were hungry.

Colunga saw news coverage of the incident, drove to a nearby Little Caesars after work and bought several pizzas to bring to the scene. He thanked the law enforcement officers who took the pizza and helped deliver it to the immigrants.

Source: cbsnews.com.

Towman Lauded for Helping Woman The selfless efforts of several Pflugerville, Texas, police officers and a towing company owner caught the eye of Pflugerville Police Chief Jessica Robledo, who commended the group during a special presentation at police headquarters recently.

Reid Courtney, owner of Finger Towing, received a Chief’s Coin and praise from Robledo for helping a woman and an infant who were stranded with a stalled vehicle on Texas 130 this spring. Courtney said having Ludna Yacoub’s husband deployed overseas by the military played a part in his decision to help.

“He’s taking care of us, so … I just believe in giving back,” he said.

Sgt. Kevin Rowley and officers Tonya Reed and Glenn Hodgson were also praised for helping Yacoub.

Source: statesman.com.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • SOUTH 91

Other Types of High Visibility

by Brian J. Riker

W

hen a tower hears “high visibility,” they often think of reflective garments or emergency lighting. What about high visibility in the financial and operational health of your company? As we are at the halfway point of 2018, now is a great time to take a deep dive into our reports.

Cash-flow management is very important to the health and success of any business; from one to 1,000 trucks, the principle is still the same.

We need to take in more than we pay out and save some for the times we don’t. You can’t accomplish this process if you don’t know where your money is coming from, when it is going to arrive and, equally as important, when it is going to leave.

Mid-year review is a great time to project overall profit or loss for the year, allowing you to plan for your tax liability. It may be beneficial to purchase some new equipment rather than waiting until the last week of December and buying whatever is available. Plan now and order exactly what you need.

Now is also the time to make course corrections should your projections not be what you hoped for.

Identify trends indicating increased operational costs or reduced income from formerly reliable sources. Once you have identified these trends, find out what is happening.

Did a formerly good client change providers, or are they having a difficult time themselves? This can also help you decide if it is time to tighten up credit lines, no need to extend credit to a distressed client unless you are sure they will pull through and be able to pay for your services as agreed.

SOUTH 92 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Mid-year is a great time to look at all your account receivables and reevaluate your credit terms. Look for accounts that routinely pay late or have open balances beyond what is normal for your company.

Are you seeing an increase in operational expenses over last year? What has changed? Maybe your trucks are due for replacement or it’s time to shop for a new parts vendor. Are you getting the membership discounts you are signed up for?

Identify trends indicating increased operational costs or reduced income from formerly reliable sources.

Check payroll. Is your team on track to improve their income over last year? To retain good team members it is imperative that they can still afford to live. We lose more good tow operators to trucking due to pay and benefits than any other reason.

We can’t always afford to give raises, but a good employee should be able to increase their annual earnings simply by become more productive and increasing their skill set. That increases their value to your company.

This needs to be measured, recognized and reflected by annual increases in their earnings.

Is your marketing strategy working? Your marketing campaign should have tracking mechanisms built in, such as coupons or discount codes unique to the source of the ad or other measures that allow your call takers to know where the referral came from.

Don’t waste money on advertising that is not working.

Lastly, how about your overall business plan? It is always a good idea to step back and see where your revenue is coming from, and more importantly where it is going. Can break out what each of your calls cost to run vs. what they generate in income?

Of your high-volume clients, what is their overall percentage of gross revenue vs. their percentage of operating costs? You will be surprised at the numbers for many of your highvolume clients. It may be time to scale back, or maybe even ramp up, work with a few particular clients. High volume does not always equal high profit!

Only your individual reports can answer these questions. The details matter and are easily obtained with today’s digital dispatch systems and computerized bookkeeping. There is no better time to start than right now in using your dispatch system to its fullest potential. The money you could save by analyzing the data will more than cover purchasing or upgrading software.

Editor’s note This article initially appeared on American Towman Magazine’s sister site, TowIndustryWeek.com. Be sure to check it out every week for news, features, products and more. Miss a week—miss a lot!

Tow-Woman Looks to Re-Establish Business

Murder Charges in Towman Death

Roanny Colon, 31, drove 18wheeler trucks and then started her own towing company in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Things were going well until disaster struck last September in the form of Hurricane Maria. Colon and her family survived, but her business did not. A wall collapsed on her tow truck and destroyed it.

Now relocated to Lawrence, Massachusetts, she found a job as a driver for NRT … but she yearned to reestablish herself in towing.

Recently, Colon was selected for a 14-week Accelerator course with EforAll (the E stands for entrepreneurship) which will guide Colon in obtaining whatever licenses she needs, applying for financing and taking care of the paperwork required of a business owner. Colon said she is “very grateful” for the help she will be receiving from EparaTodos, the Spanish translation for EforAll. “She wants to learn as much as possible,” said Andres Silva, program manager for EparaTodos in Lawrence and Lowell. Colon has already purchased a large ramp truck. Both she and Silva emphasized that she hasn’t actually started the business yet – but it’s going to happen, they added.

Source: eagletribune.com.

In Sugar Land, Texas, a man was charged with capital murder for allegedly striking a tower with his own vehicle recently.

Jonathan Nguyen, 27, stole 53year-old Curtis Martin’s tow truck at a shop. Martin left the truck running while he talked to his coworker.

Police say Martin tried to stop the suspect, but Nguyen fatally rammed into Martin, putting him in between the stolen tow truck and a car that was repossessed.

Another witness followed the stolen tow truck, and got police involved.

Source: khou.com.

Lincoln Towing May Keep License An Illinois Commerce Commission judge recommended Lincoln Towing Service keep its state license despite

hundreds of alleged violations.

A state investigation began in February 2016 after Lincoln received numerous citations for allegedly hauling away cars illegally; 154 during the period under investigation. Lincoln was found guilty on 21 citations.

The judge noted Lincoln towed 9,470 vehicles during that period, meaning the company was found guilty of a violation on fewer than 1 percent of tows.

Source: chicagotribune.com.

Tow Manager Steals $30K A woman has been found guilty of bilking more than $30,000 from a Fremont, Ohio, towing company.

Janet Sanderson was scheduled to be sentenced as of press time on three misdemeanor counts of theft from Triple J Towing & Recovery. She worked there as an office manager from 2013 to 2015.

Owner Ernie Howard estimated

Continued on p. S 94..

Suspect Drives off Truck, Punches Tower In Brooklyn, New York, police arrested a man who they say assaulted a towman in late June.

The report claims the man attempted to drive his own car off a tow truck bed near Huntington Street at 3:40 p.m., damaging the truck.

When one of the towers confronted him about it, the suspect struck him in the face with a key, the report said.

Police cuffed the suspect and charged him with assault, criminal mischief and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Source: brooklynpaper.com.

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - August 2018 • SOUTH 93

... continued from p. S 93 that Sanderson actually stole close to $100,000.

He said he was aware she had been found guilty of bilking H&R Block out of $128,000 in July 2009 when he hired her.

“She convinced me she didn’t do it, and we hired her for work release so she could avoid jail time,” Howard said. “That’s what is really killing me. … After I confronted her, she filed three years of sales taxes in three days. She was trying to bankrupt me.”

Source: thenews-messenger.com.

No Plans to Retire Owner Dick Berg of Dick’s Auto Repair & Towing in New Ulm, Minnesota, sold his business equipment at auction recently, but he has no plans to retire any time soon.

Berg, 72, has been in the repair and towing business for 52 years. He said he plans to continue towing vehicles to local law enforcement impound lots after being escorted by officers to the vehicles.

SOUTH 94 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

“Back in the ’60s and ‘70s, I could go out on a service call at night and not worry about anything,” Berg said.

“Now, you have to be careful about who’s in the vehicle. Cars now are very fragile too. They’re full of plastic. I won’t go out unless I’m with law enforcement. Years ago, if someone was drinking too much, I could tow their car to their residence. Not anymore.”

Berg said decades ago, when he was on a highway service call, truckers would stop and offer to help.

“Now, they spin your cap around and shave you as they go by,” Berg said.

Source: nujournal.com.

Two Injured Loading Pickup Police in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were investigating a crash that left three people injured recently.

Police said a female driver turned onto Pennypack Street and hit three people who were trying to secure a pickup truck to a tow truck.

Two of the victims were taken to a

hospital. A 48-year-old male was in critical condition after suffering head trauma and multiple abrasions. A 52year-old man was in stable condition after suffering a broken arm and leg.

Charges were pending at press time.

Source: 6abc.com.

Woman Spits at Officers A woman in Washington, Missouri, is accused of attempting to spit on police officers while she refused to leave her car as it was being repossessed.

Victoria Woodard, 32, was charged on multiple counts of assault and resisting arrest.

Woodard got inside the car during the repo, started it and attempted to reverse from the tow dolly attached to the tow truck.

She spit at officers and threw broken glass at them.

Police tasered her and she exited the vehicle and was immediately arrested.

Source: kmov.com.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

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New Members Join WTA Board Six individuals were chosen to serve on the Wisconsin Towing Association’s Board of Directors for the next three years. The announcement was made at the 2018 WTA Tow Show and Convention, June 15-17.

Joining the board are: Junior Merten, Chase Leonard, Jean Rogers-Wedel, Craig Goldbeck, Sean Zacher, and Kyle Gessler. Additionally, Danny Matthews of Zip’s Truck Equipment will serve on the board for a one-year term.

The WTA Show was held in Wisconsin Dells at the Chula Vista Resort.

Source: towing.witruck.org.

Towman Delivers Pizzas to Immigrants After one Texas towman saw the news recently that more than 50 undocumented immigrants found in the back of a semitrailer were left waiting without food, he decided to help by bringing them a hot meal.

San Antonio towman Armando Colunga said that he didn’t know all the details of their situation; he didn’t need to. He simply saw hungry people.

“The first thing that popped into my head: How long have they been stuck in that trailer with no food?

How long before they got into the trailer before they had anything to eat?” Colunga said.

Officials say the truck was air conditioned and the 55 people inside had water, but were hungry.

Colunga saw news coverage of the incident, drove to a nearby Little Caesars after work and bought several pizzas to bring to the scene. He thanked the law enforcement officers who took the pizza and helped deliver it to the immigrants.

Source: cbsnews.com.

vacant seat on the board immediately.

“Brad’s years of service in the towing and recovery industry will be a tremendous asset to APTO and help shape the future direction of the association. We are very excited and pleased to announce his appointment today,” a release said.

“Brad has a wide and strong range of experience in the towing industry,” said Dave Clark, United Towing and APTO chairman. “He understands what owning a towing company is like, he has worked in operations, has experience consulting in the industry and working in national emergencies and disasters. He will be a great addition to the APTO TEAM and another strong leader helping move the industry forward in Ohio.”

Source: APTO.

McIntosh Named to APTO Board

Eau Claire Big Rig Show

Brad McIntosh, of Hollis Towing, was selected unanimously to the APTO Board of Directors and will fill the

The ninth annual Eau Claire Big Rig Truck Show will be returning to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, Aug. 1719. Admission is free to the public.

The show will feature some of the country’s top show trucks with customized interiors, unique light displays, murals, brilliant chrome work and unique modifications. In addition, tractors of all sizes, SWAT, law enforcement and military vehicles be will in attendance.

The Monster Truck Throwdown has a new mix of gravity-defying, busjumping, car-smashing machines that will be sure to thrill crowds of all ages and a motorcross stunt team will be performing for crowds in the grandstands on Friday and Saturday.

Tickets available online at ECTruckShow.com.

No Plans to Retire Owner Dick Berg of Dick’s Auto Repair & Towing in New Ulm, Minnesota, sold his business equipment at auction recently, but he has no plans to retire any time soon.

Berg, 72, has been in the repair and towing business for 52 years. He said

Continued on p. M 95 ...

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... continued from p. M 92 he plans to continue towing vehicles to local law enforcement impound lots after being escorted by officers to the vehicles.

“Back in the ’60s and ‘70s, I could go out on a service call at night and not worry about anything,” Berg said.

“Now, you have to be careful about who’s in the vehicle. Cars now are very fragile too. They’re full of plastic. I won’t go out unless I’m with law enforcement. Years ago, if someone was drinking too much, I could tow their car to their residence. Not anymore.”

Berg said decades ago, when he was on a highway service call, truckers would stop and offer to help. “Now, they spin your cap around and shave you as they go by,” Berg said.

Source: nujournal.com.

Lincoln Towing May Keep License An Illinois Commerce Commission judge recommended Lincoln Towing Service keep its state license despite hundreds of alleged violations.

A state investigation began in February 2016 after Lincoln received numerous citations for allegedly hauling away cars illegally; 154 during the period under investigation. Lincoln was found guilty on 21 citations.

The judge noted Lincoln towed 9,470 vehicles during that period, meaning the company was found guilty of a violation on fewer than 1 percent of tows.

Source: chicagotribune.com.

Woman Spits at Officers A woman in Washington, Missouri, is accused of attempting to spit on police officers while she refused to leave her car as it was being repossessed.

Victoria Woodard, 32, got inside the car during the repo, started it and attempted to reverse from the tow dolly attached to the tow truck.

She spit at officers and threw broken glass at them. Police tasered her and she exited the vehicle and was immediately arrested.

Source: kmov.com.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

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Towman Delivers Pizzas to Immigrants

Visit us in booth # 1206 DALLAS/FORT WORTH

After one Texas towman saw the news recently that more than 50 undocumented immigrants found in the back of a semitrailer were left waiting without food, he decided to help by bringing them a hot meal.

San Antonio towman Armando Colunga said that he didn’t know all the details of their situation; he didn’t need to. He simply saw hungry people.

“The first thing that popped into my head: How long have they been stuck in that trailer with no food?

How long before they got into the trailer before they had anything to eat?” Colunga said.

Officials say the truck was air conditioned and the 55 people inside had water, but were hungry.

Colunga saw news coverage of the incident, drove to a nearby Little Caesars after work and bought several pizzas to bring to the scene. He thanked the law enforcement officers who took the pizza and helped deliver it to the immigrants.

Source: cbsnews.com.

Towman Lauded for Helping Woman The selfless efforts of several Pflugerville, Texas, police officers and a towing company owner caught the eye of Pflugerville Police Chief Jessica Robledo, who commended the group during a special presentation at police headquarters recently.

Reid Courtney, owner of Finger Towing, received a Chief’s Coin and praise from Robledo for helping a woman and an infant who were stranded with a stalled vehicle on Texas 130 this spring. Courtney said having Ludna Yacoub’s husband deployed overseas by the military played a part in his decision to help.

“He’s taking care of us, so … I just believe in giving back,” he said.

Sgt. Kevin Rowley and officers Tonya Reed and Glenn Hodgson were also praised for helping Yacoub.

Source: statesman.com.

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No Plans to Retire Owner Dick Berg of Dick’s Auto Repair & Towing in New Ulm, Minnesota, sold his business equipment at auction recently, but he has no plans to retire any time soon.

Berg, 72, has been in the repair and towing business for 52 years. He said he plans to continue towing vehicles to local law enforcement impound lots after being escorted by officers to the vehicles.

“Back in the ’60s and ‘70s, I could go out on a service call at night and not worry about anything,” Berg said.

“Now, you have to be careful about who’s in the vehicle. Cars now are very fragile too. They’re full of plastic. I won’t go out unless I’m with law enforcement. Years ago, if someone was drinking too much, I could tow their car to their residence. Not anymore.”

Berg said decades ago, when he was on a highway service call, truckers would stop and offer to help.

“Now, they spin your cap around and shave you as they go by,” Berg said.

Source: nujournal.com.

Tow Manager Steals $30K A woman has been found guilty of bilking more than $30,000 from a Fremont, Ohio, towing company.

Janet Sanderson was scheduled to be sentenced as of press time on three misdemeanor counts of theft from Triple J Towing & Recovery. She worked there as an office manager from 2013 to 2015.

Owner Ernie Howard estimated that Sanderson actually stole close to $100,000.

He said he was aware she had been found guilty of bilking H&R Block out of $128,000 in July 2009 when he hired her.

“She convinced me she didn’t do it, and we hired her for work release so she could avoid jail time,” Howard said. “That’s what is really killing me. … After I confronted her, she filed three years of sales taxes in three days. She was trying to bankrupt me.”

Source: thenews-messenger.com.

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Tow-Woman Looks to Re-Establish Business Roanny Colon, 31, drove 18wheeler trucks and then started her own towing company in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Things were going well until disaster struck last September in the form of Hurricane Maria.

Colon and her family survived, but her business did not. A wall collapsed on her tow truck and destroyed it.

Now relocated to Lawrence, Massachusetts, she found a job as a driver for NRT … but she yearned to re-establish herself in towing.

Recently, Colon was selected for a 14-week Accelerator course with EforAll (the E stands for entrepreneurship) which will guide Colon in obtaining whatever licenses she needs, applying for financing and taking care of the paperwork required of a business owner. Colon said she is “very grateful” for the help she will be receiving from EparaTodos, the Spanish translation for EforAll. “She wants to learn as much as possible,” said Andres Silva, program manager for EparaTodos in Lawrence and Lowell. Colon has already purchased a large ramp truck. Both she and Silva emphasized that she hasn’t actually started the business yet – but it’s going to happen, they added.

Source: eagletribune.com.

Lincoln Towing May Keep License An Illinois Commerce Commission judge recommended Lincoln Towing Service keep its state license despite hundreds of alleged violations.

A state investigation began in February 2016 after Lincoln received numerous citations for allegedly hauling away cars illegally; 154 during the period under investigation. Lincoln was found guilty on 21 citations.

The judge noted Lincoln towed 9,470 vehicles during that period, meaning the company was found guilty of a violation on fewer than 1 percent of tows.

Source: chicagotribune.com.

Continued on p. W 96...

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... continued from p. W 95 Murder Charges in Towman Death In Sugar Land, Texas, a man was charged with capital murder for allegedly striking a tower with his own vehicle recently.

Jonathan Nguyen, 27, stole 53year-old Curtis Martin’s tow truck at a shop. Martin left the truck running while he talked to his coworker.

Police say Martin tried to stop the suspect, but Nguyen fatally rammed into Martin, putting him in between the stolen tow truck and a car that was repossessed. Another witness followed the stolen tow truck, and got police involved.

Source: khou.com.

Suspect Drives off Truck, Punches Tower In Brooklyn, New York, police arrested a man who they say assaulted a towman in late June.

The report claims the man attempted to drive his own car off a tow truck bed near Huntington Street at 3:40 p.m., damaging the truck.

When one of the towers confronted him about it, the suspect struck him in the face with a key, the report said.

Police cuffed the suspect and charged him with assault, criminal mischief and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Source: brooklynpaper.com.

Woman Spits at Officers A woman in Washington, Missouri, is accused of attempting to spit on police officers while she refused to leave her car as it was being repossessed.

Victoria Woodard, 32, got inside the car during the repo, started it and attempted to reverse from the tow dolly attached to the tow truck.

She spit at officers and threw broken glass at them. Police tasered her and she exited the vehicle and was immediately arrested.

Source: kmov.com.

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Place Is Everything Explore Dallas/Fort Worth and Grapevine during TowExpo

by George L. Nitti

A

s the towing community prepares to descend upon Grapevine, Texas, Aug. 16-19 for American Towman’s extravaganza Tow Expo-Dallas/Fort Worth, a great summer break awaits.

The main attraction, The Tow Expo, is the reason why you’re coming for the many activities at this year’s tow show. What we have planned is what American Towman has always excelled at: a packed exhibition hall brimming with vendors, first-rate conference seminars and educational workshops, an unparalleled recovery show that will have you “oohing” and “ahhing,” the USA Wrecker Pageant that may inspire your next wrap or custom paint job, and lots of other fun stuff that has been a hallmark of any AT event, like the Big Smoke, Casino Games and more.

Perhaps, too, there will be a bit of serendipity and comradery, as there was last year, when towers came out to Grapevine’s Euless B&B Wrecker Service, family owned and operated since 1954, for a Spirit Ride event that included 75 to 100 tow trucks.

“We had pizza and they all parked out in our lot. It was really fun and seeing all the different companies working together for the most important cause of all, for the Towing Industry, the Slow Down-Move Over Law,” said B&B’s Andy Chesney. “It was great.”

Gaylord Texan Resort Many coming to Grapevine will stay at The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. A fun and popular destination, the hotel offers a unique retreat with luxurious accommodations, first-class restaurants, eclectic shops and 4.5 acres of lush indoor gardens and winding waterways.

Within the resort complex, you won’t miss The Riverwalk Market District, where “Old World Mexico meets modern Tex-Mex for a delicious dining experience.” Riverwalk Cantina captures the charm of the San Antonio Riverwalk in an openair café setting featuring a koi-stocked waterway, festive architecture, and colorful vegetation.

“Gaylord is a waterpark-themed resort. You think you are standing outside, but are actually covered by a dome, which is climate controlled,” said Tommy Anderson, president of the Southwest Tow Operators. “Once you come to the show, you may realize that you don’t have to experience anything else. It’s all right here for you.”

In the heat of Texas’ summer weather, which may well rise above 100 degrees F in August, many take advantage of the waterparks, especially the kids, who will insist upon it.

At the Gaylord, Paradise Springs Aquatic Park is a WEST 98 • August 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

The Atrium inside the Gaylord Texan houses a concourse filled with shops and restaurants.

major attraction. A western-themed, 10-acre resort pool and lazy river complex, it includes three winding waterslides, 6,000-sq./ft family lagoon with a 27’ waterslide, and a state-of-the-art water play structure.

Across the highway, five minutes away, is Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park, which offers many more options for water activities, family fun and entertainment.

But there is so much more beyond the resort and convention center that Grapevine offers.

“Everything is compact and nothing is really far. It’s easy to get to any of these places by shuttle,” Chesney said.

Historic Downtown In fact, less than 10 minutes from the Gaylord Convention Center and Resort is historic downtown Grapevine, with attractions that include quaint little shops, plenty of restaurants, and local history.

“In downtown there are a lot of nice restaurants,” Anderson said. “You are not shopping at Macy’s. It’s very mom and pop, and the wives like that. They even have a couple of local craft breweries.”

While in town, you may consider taking a winery tour, as you discover the name “Grapevine” springs from the dozen or so wineries that are in the area. A four-hour tour will take you to three wineries and include lunch or dinner options.

For local history, Grapevine’s railroad legacy is on display with a 1,000-sq./ft. working model railroad that

Continued on p. W 102...

Two Injured Loading Pickup Police in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were investigating a crash that left three people injured recently.

Police said a female driver turned onto Pennypack Street and hit three people who were trying to secure a pickup truck to a tow truck.

Two of the victims were taken to a hospital. A 48-year-old male was in critical condition after suffering head trauma and multiple abrasions. A 52-year-old man was in stable condition after suffering a broken arm and leg.

Charges were pending at press time.

Source: 6abc.com.

TowShow.com

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... continued from p. W 98

The Waterpark at the Gaylord Texan.

showcases the impact the railroad has had on the development of the city while giving kids hands-on activities.

The city of Grapevine has fireworks every Friday night and from the Gaylord Resort you can go onto their upper deck parking lot to watch them. Other favorite downtown attractions include the farmer’s market, botanical gardens and just further out, the Sea Life Aquarium at Great Mills Mall.

Beyond Grapevine If you decide to go further out, there is so much more to explore, including the towns of South Lake and Roanoke.

“You can go 15 minutes and be in the growing but little historic town of Roanoke, where they are building a Piedmont Hotel. It’s a small town with boutique shopping, bakeries and many restaurants,” Chesney said.

Grapevine is centered between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, which are 15 miles in either direction. At this point in your travels, if you are without a car, you might consider using a rideshare service to whisk you around.

“It’s fast and cheap, plus they know their way around,” Chesney said. “There is a lot of road construction and tollways you would have to otherwise navigate.”

Going to Fort Worth, one highly regarded destination is the Stockyards Historic District, which is approximately a 35-minute car ride from the Gaylord Resort. Better yet, take the

Grapevine Vintage Railroad, which travels along the historic Cotton Belt Route from Grapevine to the Stockyards.

“At the Stockyards, every day they run the bulls, rounding them up around 3 o’clock,” Anderson said.

“There’s steak houses, museums and dancing,” Chesney said. “It’s a real country experience.”

Whether you wear your country boots and cowboy hat or come in plain clothes to the Lone Star State, whatever you decide to do during your summer break at Tow Expo-Dallas/Fort Worth, know that there are many options for all of your tastes.

Places to Consider Grapevine: Gaylord Texan Resort, host to the Tow Expo, has shopping, restaurants, spas and a shuttle to Paradise Springs Aquatic Park.

Grapevine: The Vineyards Campground and RV Park, right by the Gaylord. (4 minutes from Expo)

Downtown Grapevine and The Tap Inn host “The Big Smoke”

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Grapevine: Great Wolf Lodge & Water Park across from the Gaylord Texan Hotel. (5 minutes from Expo) Grapevine: Gaylord shuttle to downtown historic shopping, wineries, restaurants, etc. (7 minutes from Expo) Grapevine: Grapevine Mills Malls, featuring Sea Life Aquarium and LEGOLAND. (8 minutes from Expo) Southlake: Southlake Town Square for upscale shopping, restaurants, movie theater. (12 minutes from Expo) Euless: Glade Parks shopping center with Dave & Busters, movie theater, nail salons. (15 minutes from Expo) Roanoke: Historic downtown shopping and restaurants. (16 minutes from Expo) The Colony: Top Golf entertainment complex. (19 minutes from Expo) Hurst or Frisco: iFLY indoor skydiving. (23 minutes from Expo) Dallas: The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. (24 minutes from Expo) Arlington: AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. (29 minutes from Expo) Arlington: Six Flags over Texas amusement park. (30 minutes from Expo) Arlington: Globe Life Park, home of the Texas Rangers. (32 minutes from Expo) Fort Worth: Stockyards National Historic District. (38 minutes from Expo) Thackerville, Oklahoma: WinStar World Casino & Resort hotel, RV park, golf, etc. (70 minutes from Expo)

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CopyrightŠ2018 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, 7 West St, Warwick NY 10990