American Towman Magazine - December 2018

AT EXPO XXX SHINES...SHIFTS TO ATLANTIC CITY FOR XXXI

Off the Bridge

Product Gateway Spirit Ride Mission Success Resch on Risk Management Driving Through Winter

AmericanTowman.com

TowIndustryWeek.com

FEATURE CONTENTS

On the cover: Heavy-duty Vulcan and Century rotators are staged off the Eisenhower Bridge in removing a tractor-trailer from Lake Texoma in Oklahoma.

12

Preparing Vehicles for Winter Driving

Winter preparation measures should be part of every towing organization’s maintenance operations.

by David A. Kolman

26

Off the Bridge

When a big rig hauling paint wrecked in Lake Texoma, it took a team effort of towers, divers and more to get it back.

by Randy Seright

Departments The Walkaround . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

44

Work Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Product Gateway

Beacons On! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Tow Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Beacons On! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Tow Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Tow Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Repo Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . . . .78 My Baby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 Low Down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 Adventures of A.T. . . . . . . . . . . . .89 4 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

The total damage to the big rig was discovered once it was brought ashore

by Farrington Towing of Oklahoma City.

Take a closer look at all the equipment, products and tools you need to advance your business in the coming year.

70

Spirit Ride Spirit Ride teamed with Maryland DOT for its final ceremony and procession in Baltimore.

by Steve Calitri

A Very Filling Issue

by Dennie Ortiz

For the recovery enthusiast, Hope you’re hungry Off the Bridge is a very interbecause we have plentiful of esting and unique scene food for thought in this issue. demonstrating how all first I recently had the pleasure responders can work together of speaking with towman to get the job done.

Chris Purcell from Apple ValA TRAA contribution this ley, Minnesota. We discussed the importance of having tangible, valu- month makes strong cases for the able information to read and absorb importance of being an informed citizen/business owner and the need to in the magazine.

Chris felt it was necessary to have connect with your legislators to proarticle features and editorial depart- tect your business and the industry as a whole. ments that are directed to For operators at all the operators as well as We really skill levels, Field Edithe business owners. tor Terry Abejuela pro“There’s a lot to learn appreciate vides a valuable lesson for the newer tower: tiein the physics of the down techniques, how to getting lever and how—by maintain a winch ... you understanding a few name it,” Chris said. honest basic principles—you Further in these can make the right pages, you will find a lot opinions decisions in the field. of meat and potatoes in Paul Stephens the articles to digest that and speaks to operators can help everyone in the and owners alike towing business. We also feedback about the significance have a special section in in maintaining equipwhich suppliers give a on what ment on your truck to preview into next year about what products, serwe publish, be safe at all times.

As I said to Chris vices or specials they will when we ended our be offering. it makes phone conversation, David Kolman, AT’s “We really appreciate chassis editor, has some us do a getting honest opinions great recommendations and feedback on what to prepare and keep your better job. we publish, it makes us trucks running safely do a better job.” during the coming winter Thanks again, Chis, for your months.

Turn a few pages to find out from insights … and to all towers who Brian Riker why, as a responsible keep this industry moving forward business owner, you must under- in its professionalism.

Wishing everyone a safe and stand the meaning of negligence and liability and how it can affect your happy holiday season! business.

6 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

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 Bob Aglione 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 Communications Director President

American Towman Media Headquarters 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546 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.

AT Expo XXXI Shifts to Atlantic City After great crowds attended the 30th anniversary American Towman Exposition last month, despite snows that fell on Baltimore city and the region, the world’s largest tow show announced it was returning to Atlantic City in 2019, site of the 1991-’92 shows. The show scored record crowds in those two years and is expecting a huge draw in 2019 in the city known as the playground of the Eastern Seaboard.

Located in the heart of the Northeast, Atlantic City is a unique seashore town that has gone through a renaissance in the past several years: the Tanger Outlets for shopping just a block off of AC’s famous boardwalk, the new Hard Rock Hotel and Casino right on that boardwalk, worldclass eating and shopping venues just off the boardwalk inside its casino hotels, not to mention brand new sections of the seaside promenade and the shops lining it since Hurricane Sandy struck six years ago.

Aisle traffic during AT Expo XXX in Baltimore. American Towman crowds will shift to Atlantic City in 2019.

Towman Leads Police to Suspect A possibly drunk driver who may have fatally hit a bicyclist in Van Nuys, California, was in custody recently thanks to a quick-thinking towman.

Police say the sight of a heavily damaged red sedan made towman Alex Hernandez do a double-take.

The red sedan had sustained major front-end damage and had a dented and shattered windshield.

Instincts made Hernandez follow the man for about a mile, to a parking structure where he blocked him in with his tow truck and called 911.

Police booked him on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and DUI. Source: losangeles.cbslocal.com.

8 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

America’s most remarkable boardwalk, made famous by Monopoly, Miss America, diving horses, big-name casinos and an illustrious history recently portrayed in the hit cable-TV series “Boardwalk Empire.”

Atlantic City has plenty of history, as millions of Americans learned from the recent HBO series “Boardwalk Empire.” Plus big-name history, like Bally’s, Caesars, Tropicana and, of course, Trump—his Taj Mahal was torn down and replaced by the Hard Rock. Then there’s the most famous board game in history, Monopoly, still bringing AC lore to millions.

AT Expo 2019 will be held at the state-of-the-art Atlantic City Convention Center. The Convention Center is the first landmark one passes driving into the city. It’s located two blocks from the boardwalk. The show will be held December 4-8, the same late Autumn week AT Expo once held in the past decade, when it scored its biggest attendance up to that time.

Vintage Hauler in Pennsylvania When American Towman’s layout artist, Ann Marie Nitti, saw this vintage homemade flatbed truck “in tow” earlier this year in Milford, Pennsylvania, she knew she had to get a pic to share with readers. The early 1950s-era Ford “bubble nose” cabover-engine commercial truck is hauling a Crosley Hot Shot convertible. Note the milk crate emergency brake at the rear wheels.

… new lights might go a long way …

Repeat Offender Sentenced in Death An ex-con and repeat DUI offender who was drunk when he drove on the shoulder of the freeway near Tierrasanta, California, striking and killing popular towman Fred Griffith while tending to a disabled trash truck, recently was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison plus 10 years.

Michael Gilbert Gray, 50, pleaded guilty in August to seconddegree murder and admitted two serious felony priors, including a domestic violence conviction.

Charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and leaving the scene of the Feb. 23, 2017, collision that killed the 55year-old Griffith were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Griffith’s sister, Danelle Ragsdale, said in a letter to the court that her brother—a single father to three boys—was “needlessly ripped from all of us.”

Ragsdale said Griffith and his three sons—ages 15, 18, and 21— were “inseparable.”

Griffith’s friend (and AT Operations Editor), Randall Resch, wrote in a letter that the victim was a “gentle giant” and one of the best heavy-duty tow operators in San Diego County.

“Fred touched the hearts of everyone who knew him,” Resch said. “To me, Fred died a hero’s death.”

Before he was sentenced, Gray apologized to the victim’s family and said he took full responsibility for Griffith’s death.

“He (Fred) worked hard for the boys so they would have a good life,” the victim’s sister said in the letter. “Fred was a ship in the night who would help you find your way to safety.”

Source: kusi.com.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

Towman Honored for Saving Kids Towman Alexander Gaines was recognized recently in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as being a hero.

Gaines helped save a bus full of kids back in September.

A vehicle crashed into the back of the bus, then caught fire.

Gaines saw it happen and immediately ran to help, putting out the fire with an extinguisher and helping to get the kids off the bus. Louisiana towman Alexander Gaines was recognized as a hero after saving Last month, Gaines was honored kids from a bus wreck. wafb.com image. by the Sons of the American Revolution with their Heroism Award.

“Being able to help people, yeah. It’s a good feeling. I’d do it again, man,” said Gaines.

“I just want to say this is something we respect, we honor, and we need to showcase when it happens,” said East Baton Rouge Superintendent Warren Drake.

Source: wafb.com.

Blue Lights for Tow Trucks in Alberta?

At 25 years old, towman Scott Courchesne’s life flashed before his eyes while working on the side of Alberta’s Highway 16—something that he says happens all too often in towing.

Towers like him are hoping a small regulation change can help keep them safe.

“I heard the bang and as I’m holding the dolly bar, I look up and I see Scott Courchesne is off work now as a towman after being struck by a headlights coming at me,” he said. passing car. globalnews.ca image.

The metal bar he was working with blocked him from jumping into the ditch, so he acted as quickly as he could to free it. The bar ended up wedged in the side of the oncoming SUV and Courchesne was hurt in the impact. He thinks he wouldn’t have survived if he hadn’t been able to free the dolly bar.

The Alberta Motor Association, which represents 80 percent of towers in the province, is pushing for changes to improve the safety of their drivers. They believe new lights might go a long way. Right now, trucks are equipped with amber flashing lights, similar to those also used by road construction crews.

While other emergency vehicles are equipped with blue, white or red lights, the ones on tow trucks are amber — and towers and AMA worry they aren’t doing enough to slow drivers down.

Source: globalnews.ca.

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 9

Check Out What’s NEW and HOT! Miller Releases 5” HD Forks Miller Industries worked directly with axle and chassis original equipment manufacturers to revamp the current version of the popular towing fork to meet the new wider axles found on newer over-the-road LTL truck chassis. The updated towing forks are cast with a wider base (throat) than the industry standard 4.5” towing fork. The wider 5” fork makes it so that all three versions (short, medium, tall) are no longer put in a “point-load moment” because the base of the axle now sits in the base of the fork. The 5” fork will become standard on all Miller 20-ton and above units. It will be available as an option on all smaller units or for individual orders.

millerind.com

Lockbox for 2019 GM Crew Cab Pickups Tuffy Security Products created a rear under-seat lockbox specifically designed to fit 2019 GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado Crew Cab and Double Cab pickup trucks. Featuring a formfitting design, the lockbox is concealed from view when the 60/40 split bench seats are lowered.

Tuffy’s Model 352 installs easily with the included mounting hardware which works in conjunction with the OEM hardware and does not require any drilling. The design allows for quick removal using the innovative mounting system, which can only be accessed from inside the lockbox.

tuffyproducts.com

Ford, GM Replacement Fuel Tank Systems Transfer Flow recently debuted a new 50-gal. replacement fuel tank system for Ford’s brand new 2018 F-150 Power Stroke diesel, and a new 55-gal. replacement fuel tank system for the 2017-’19 GM/Chevy 2500/3500 diesel pickups. Includes six-year, unlimited-mile warranty.

transferflow.com 10 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Dynamic Introduces Python at AT Expo XXX

T

he new Dynamic Python light-duty unit has a 5,000-lbs. wheel lift with 84” of reach. The Python boom has a vertically mounted single-deck cylinder for a quicker hookup. The boom is mounted right next to the cab and dropped below the deck, providing more visibility and reduces weight transfer to the rear wheels.

This new design keeps more weight on the front axle, which provides increased stability. The company said the Python comes with the largest toolboxes in the industry and has easy access to the hydraulics.

The Python comes standard with an all-steel onepiece body; lighter, rust-resistant poly fenders are an option. The Dynamic Python is available as a wheel lift, drag winch, or with a recovery boom with singleor dual-winch options.

dynamicmfg.com

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 11

Preparing Vehicles for Winter Driving

All too often, accidents are the result of driver error or inattention. On icy roads, the consequences can be dangerous and deadly. Wikimedia.commons image.

by David Kolman

T

he frigid temperatures and inclement weather of winter, along with the harsh driving conditions, can have a pronounced effect on any vehicle. Vehicle downtime—and the inconveniences and expenses that come along with it— can be minimized, and vehicle performance and reliability maintained, through winter preparation measures that should be part of every towing organization’s maintenance operations.

All Engines Engines need to be properly tuned and serviced. Cold, damp weather can impact engine performance. Oil takes longer to circulate and the engine takes longer to reach its operating temperature.

Because metal cylinder walls 12 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Wash and Wax Snow- and ice-management chemicals for roads, sleet, snow and moisture can damage vehicles inside and out, often in places where the damage taking place can’t be seen. Neglecting to keep a vehicle clean in the winter, over time, could cause corrosion to the undercarriage, electrical system and lighting.

When possible, pressure-wash the entire vehicle, paying particular attention to the underbody and the nooks and crannies.

Also wax a vehicle when possible.

Wax provides a layer of defense between the vehicle and the elements, and helps shield the paint and body from scratches.

become cold when the temperature drops, most vehicles are more difficult to start in cold weather. Since diesel engines require much higher temperatures to fire the fuel, they are harder to start in cold weather than gasolinepowered vehicles.

Just like hot weather, winter weather also has an adverse impact on a vehicle’s belts and hoses. The cold, snow, sleet and road chemicals used for de-icing can accelerate normal wear-and-tear and affect belt and hose longevity and operation. To help prevent a breakdown, check a vehicle’s hoses and belts for cracking, uneven wear, bulging/swelling, sponginess, etc. Such conditions call for immediate belt or hose replacement.

Continued on p. 14

... continued from p. 12 Especially in winter, it is important to be certain that the proper oil grade is being used, as this will make starting easier. Colder temperatures require lower grade oils for correct flow during starting. Higher temperatures call for higher grades for proper lubrication. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended oil viscosity for freezing temperatures.

Be sure all engine fluids are at their proper levels. Oil and air filters should be checked regularly and changed when necessary.

Gas Engines Throughout the winter months, it is best to keep the gas tank as full as possible to prevent the buildup of condensation. Over time, water vapor will settle to the bottom of the fuel tank and begin rusting it. In cold temperatures, the condensation in the fuel system causes poor running conditions or could cause the fuel lines to freeze, preventing an engine from starting.

14 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Adding antifreeze to the fuel tank can help prevent gas-line freeze-up, rust and corrosion.

Winter weather also takes its toll on spark plugs. Check them and replace if necessary. New plugs maintain peak engine performance and efficiency, improve cold starting and minimize the risk of catalytic converter failure.

Diesel Engines Maintain fuel filters and drain fuelwater separators and fuel tanks of any accumulated water and sediment to prevent freezing. Service fuel-water separators and confirm that they are working properly. Be sure the fuel filter is in good condition and replace it if necessary.

To reduce the risk of damage to the engine, monitor the water separator daily. If a large amount of water has been collected, it should be drained.

Check the fuel tanks and valves for signs of problems. Make certain

fuel lines are tight and damage-free.

Fuel caps should be tight.

Refuel at the end of a day’s operation or before leaving a vehicle standing for an extended period. The reason is that condensation forms on the inside of a warm fuel tank as it cools and moisture will condense in an empty fuel tank.

Minimize condensation buildup by keeping fuel tanks as full as possible.

That helps reduce the chances of costly downtime and expensive repairs.

Diesel Fuel All diesel fuels contain paraffin (wax) components that, in cold weather, can cause the fuel to thicken (“gel”). A buildup of wax in diesel fuel can obstruct fuel filters and stop fuel from reaching the engine.

Adding a winter anti-gel fuel chemical can help prevent the paraffin wax from gelling together and solidifying. Check the vehicle owner’s manual for specific additive guidelines.

Continued on p. 16

... continued from p. 14 Always follow them exactly … or you risk damaging the fuel system.

Another problem during winter operation is water in the fuel. All fuels contain some water in suspension.

However, unlike gasoline, diesel fuel is less refined and will hold a much larger amount of water. As the temperature drops, the water held in suspension will begin to form ice crystals and they can cause serious problems.

Fuel gelling, water and contaminants in fuel have a direct impact on the service life and performance of a vehicle’s fuel system and engine components, plus negatively impact fuel economy.

DEF, DPF Diesel exhaust fluid is a non-hazardous solution sprayed into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine through the selective catalytic reduction system. DEF breaks down dangerous nitrogen-oxide emissions into two harmless byproducts: nitrogen and water.

There is no need for concern if the DEF freezes. During vehicle operation, SCR systems provide heat to the DEF tank and lines. The system thaws DEF rapidly and keeps it flowing to the aftertreatment system, regardless of the outside temperature.

When shutting down a vehicle overnight or in temperatures where DEF can freeze, a best practice is to not fill the DEF tank completely. This allows the solution to expand when it freezes and prevents the tank from cracking.

The diesel particulate filter is part of a comprehensive emissions control system. It collects diesel particulates in the engine’s exhaust through a complex filtering process wherein the collected particulate is promptly oxidized

Don’t Get Complacent All too often, accidents are the result of driver error or inattention.

On icy roads, the consequences can be dangerous and deadly. Federal Highway Administration statistics show an average of nearly 1,900 deaths and 136,309 injuries per year due to snowy and icy roads.

16 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

to remove it from the DPF. DPFs require proper maintenance—all throughout the year—to ensure the filters adequately perform their role as a means of reducing emissions, improving fuel economy and helping trucks run quieter. Prolonged service intervals can cause several problems, including low vehicle power, engine derate, damaged filters, unscheduled downtime and breakdowns.

Lubrication Do not forget about lubrication when winterizing a vehicle. In addition to making things slippery to reduce friction, using the right lubricant also reduces the amount of wear that occurs during operation, decreases operating temperatures and minimizes corrosion of metal surfaces.

Make certain all lubricating oils— engine, transmissions, differentials, wheel bearings, etc.—are at the proper fill levels.

Lubricate the moving parts on doors, hood, winches, etc., to make sure they operate easily in freezing temperatures.

Exhaust Systems Examine vehicle exhaust systems—particularly on gasoline-engine vehicles—to assure they are in good condition and properly sealed, with no leaks or holes.

Creeping along because of inclement weather, or parking with the engine running to maintain cab temperature, can increase the risk of exhaust gases and carbon monoxide entering the truck cab. Exhaust gases and carbon monoxide are extremely dangerous and can seriously injure and even kill people who are exposed to them.

Engine Cooling System While it seems counterintuitive to be worried about the engine’s cooling system in winter weather, it needs to be prepared for the cold.

Inspect hoses for plugging, bulging, cracking, hardening or other damage. Check for damaged belts.

Tighten any loose hose clamps. Examine the condition of the radiator, radi-

ator cap, thermostat, fan, fan shroud and fan clutch. Make any necessary repairs and/or replacements.

Verify the quality of the antifreeze/coolant and be sure it provides adequate protection in areas where trucks will be operating. When topping off, be sure to use the same type of antifreeze/coolant. Mixing antifreeze/coolant chemistries can cause problems.

Electrical System The battery, starter, alternator and cables are each affected by a vehicle’s operating environment, including cold temperatures, corrosive road de-icers, vibration, etc. The key to the electrical system components’ performance and longevity is good preventive maintenance.

Because cold temperatures drain vehicle batteries faster, be sure they and the charging system are in good condition and operate properly. A battery’s capacity can be reduced by age and temperature, making it more difficult for the battery to handle the demands of the starter motor.

Some measures to help reduce the chances of problems down the road: • Test the battery’s current state of charge, along with its ability to maintain its voltage during a start cycle.

• Inspect the battery case for cracks, bulges, discoloration, broken terminals or other damage.

• Be sure all batteries are securely mounted.

• Clean and inspect all battery cables and posts.

• Clean, tighten and grease all terminals.

• Check the alternator and starter for condition and proper operation.

• Examine the routing and condition of the electrical wiring, checking for fraying, loose connections, exposed or hanging wires, corrosion, etc.

Brakes Good brake maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring safe vehicle performance. Inspect brake lining con-

Continued on p. 18

... continued from p. 16 dition and check for leaking wheel seals. Ensure proper braking from each wheel, as well as the operation of the anti-lock braking system.

Properly functioning brakes keep a vehicle in control and minimize skidding by providing uniform braking.

Air Brakes Inspect air-brake systems and their components for proper operation.

Check valves for function and leakage.

Examine the routing of air lines, looking for any damage or potential problems. Drain any condensation in the air system through the air tanks on a daily basis.

Assure proper functioning of the air dryer. If enough moisture— brought in when the compressor draws in air—makes its way through the air dryer, it creates the potential for condensation within the air tanks.

When this happens, low temperatures can freeze the condensed water. That increases the likelihood of component malfunctions in the valves, controls and solenoids used in advanced safety technologies, emissions controls and automated manual transmissions.

Tires Give tires an extra thorough inspection, including measuring tread depth in multiple locations around each tire. Traction and stopping distance are enhanced with higher tread depth.

To improve safety, increase productivity and reduce downtime, check tires for such critical markers as incorrect inflation pressure, low tread depth, irregular wear or flat spots, cracks and cuts, bulges or separations, penetrations, tread punctures, sidewall wear and damage and uneven or excessive tread wear. Also inspect wheels and rims for rust and corrosion, damage to the flange and missing or broken lug nuts and studs.

Cold weather reduces tire pressure. Low inflation adversely impacts tire life and performance. Check and adjust air pressure frequently. Indisputably, the single most critical factor for maximizing tire life and minimiz18 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Winter Weather Terms • Outlook: Hazardous weather outlooks serve as a heads-up that a significant weather event may be possible in the next seven days.

• Advisory: Issued when winter weather events could cause a significant inconvenience, but could also lead to life-threatening conditions if not cautious.

• Watch: Issued when winter weather events have the potential to threaten life and property, but the exact timing and location of the storm is uncertain. Watches are normally issued between 12 to 48 hours in advance.

• Warning: Issued when winter weather events are occurring or are imminent and pose a threat to life and property. Warnings are normally issued between two and 24 hours in advance. ing the chance of catastrophic tire failure is maintaining the proper inflation pressure.

When taking an air pressure reading, moist air comes out of the valve stem. This can often freeze on the spot, causing the value to stick. If bitter cold weather is encountered and tire air pressures need to be checked, do it in a shop where it’s warmer and the risk of a stuck valve is lessened. If air pressure needs to be added, remember to compensate for the pressure drop that happens in extreme cold.

Use tire valve caps and keep them tight. They serve as a cover for the tire valve and prevent damage to the valve by blocking debris from entering.

If chains are to be used, they need to be the correct size for the tires and properly installed. If the chains are not tight enough, or if chains are run after they are no longer needed, the tires will have a shortened life.

Vision To allow clear vision at all times, particularly in inclement weather, windshields, wipers, washers, heaters and defrosters need to be in good working order.

Check windshields for minor chips

and pitting. As temperatures decrease and sheet metal contracts, stress on windshields can increase. Have any small chips repaired to help avoid crack propagation and the need for a full windshield replacement.

Examine the condition of the windshield wiper blades and frame and replace if necessary. Look for signs of wear, such as cracking, tears, gaps, discoloration, etc., and check the quality of the wipe. Check the wiper blades every couple of weeks or so to monitor their condition as it changes over time.

Occasionally wiping down the wiper blades with a clean, lint-free cloth can make a big difference in their wiping ability. It also helps prevent the blades themselves from sustaining damage from contact with the dirt or debris.

Always turn off windshield wipers before shutting off a vehicle’s engine.

Otherwise, ice, snow or rain could freeze the blades in place to the windshield. When the driver starts the vehicle, the wiper motors could be damaged trying to get the wipers moving.

Lift the wiper blades away from the windshield when snow or freezing rain is expected, making it easier to clean the windshield. It also avoids having the wiper blades freeze and stick to the glass, which can damage the rubber squeegee when pulled away.

Check and fill washer-fluid reservoirs regularly. Be sure to use proper winter dilution levels to avoid freezing. Keep extra bottles of washer fluid in the vehicle in case the fluid runs out unexpectedly.

The heater/defroster must be in good working condition for driver and passenger comfort and driver visibility. Test their operation, including the function/position of the directional vanes in the system to assure effective defrosting.

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

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

Attempted Theft with Suspected Stolen Truck A group of criminals tried to steal an ATM in Queens, New York, recently and left behind a flatbed tow truck when their plans were foiled, police said.

Several men attempted to pull out the machine from the front of the Chase Bank around 4 a.m., police said.

When they were unable to get ahold of it, they took off in a yellow sedan and left behind the tow truck, which had the name of the Police outside a Chase Bank in Queens, New York, Jamaica-based company investigate after masked men reportedly tried to steal an ATM machine using a suspected stolen tow truck.

EMS Towing on the front. nypost.com image.

Police could not confirm by press time whether the vehicles were stolen, but a dispatcher for the towing company said he believed the truck was stolen earlier that morning.

Source: nypost.com.

20 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Man Guilty in Death of Towman Brian Wayne Weatherley, 32, of Halethorpe, Maryland, was recently found guilty of vehicular homicide, while DUI, of towman Thomas Flayhart in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.

Flayhart was standing at the rear of his truck securing a vehicle when Weatherley failed to reduce his speed and struck the victim on May 24, 2017.

“The victim was simply trying to do his job when Mr. Weatherley’s reckless decision to drive under the influence cost him his life,” said Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Wes Adams.

Source: eyeonannapolis.net.

Contributory Negligence

A tower’s best defense against negligence is training and documentation.

by Brian J. Riker

A

s I reflect upon 2018, one recurring theme is heavy on my mind, Negligence. It is all around us from the impaired drivers that have claimed so many towers’ lives to the tow operators that have made fatal mistakes themselves. No one is immune to the effects of negligence.

Negligence is a failure to exercise the degree of care expected of a person of ordinary prudence in like circumstances in protecting others from a foreseeable and unreasonable risk of harm in a particular situation.

I first introduced the concept of “contributory negligence” in an article on lane blocking in TowIndustryWeek.com earlier this year. Simply put, the legal theory is that if you contribute in any way to your injury, the

22 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

amount of damages (if any) you are entitled to recover can be reduced or limited. Keep in mind, injury in legal terms is not limited to a physical injury to your body (broken arm, abrasions, etc.) but could be the loss of your truck, revenue and anything else that causes a physical or financial harm to you or your business.

As professionals we have a duty to perform our job in the safest manner possible, as it is our employer’s duty to provide the tools and training necessary to be safe.

In a recent article I explained how providing lane blocking—or shadowing as the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices refers to the practice—can expose you and your employer to liability should you cause a secondary crash while trying to pro-

tect the work zone of a fellow tower.

This is more than simple contributory or comparative negligence; you could become fully responsible for the third party’s injuries … even though they caused the crash by not yielding to your stationary truck.

This same concept, along with a few other closely related legal principles, apply across your entire life, both personal and professional. Modern usage of contributory negligence is more in line with comparative negligence and used to reduce liability, but not eliminate it, in the event you contributed to your own injurious situation.

To better understand the concept of negligence we must first understand what a standard of care is. In it’s simplest form a standard of care is

what steps and precautions a reasonably competent person would have taken in a similar situation. This is sort of a catchall designed to require someone to comply not only with the letter and intent of the law or regulation, but also the commonly accepted industry practices.

My best example that towers can relate to is the difference between the towing industry standard of a fourpoint tie-down on a carrier deck vs. the federal regulation that only requires a two-point tie-down (49 CFR 392.128). Yes, some states like California have stricter requirements and I am not advocating use of only two points of securement, but simply illustrating how in a case where a vehicle became dislodged from the transport truck a tower could face civil liability even though they had complied with the intent of the applicable regulation.

This same concept can be repeated over and over throughout our industry. Our best defense against negligence is training and documentation.

Experienced towers should know how to do their jobs, but how many have documented each and every task in a training format? How many of you routinely practice even the basics and document this in-house training event?

Something as simple as not having a training procedure on how to wear

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

your safety vest can reduce your damage recovery if you are struck by a passing motorist while working on the highway. Even if you were using the vest properly, lack of the training document may result in a penalty from OSHA and put doubt in the minds of a jury about your level of professionalism.

You could become fully responsible for the third party’s injuries … even though they caused the crash by not yielding to your stationary truck.

Failure by either an employer or employee to address and correct known deficiencies will lead to a claim of passive negligence, which means you are liable for injuries as a result of someone else’s actions simply because you knew or, should have known, of a defect or other unsafe condition that contributed to the injury caused by the third party.

An example of passive negligence would be failure to fix a hole in your

fence which allows local kids to gain access to your yard and one of them gets hurt, or, perhaps a visibly intoxicated person claims a vehicle from impound and you do not report them to the police as soon as possible. (I’m not saying you can, or even have the right to, refuse to release their vehicle as most states do not grant this right to towers since we aren’t police officers and can’t detain individuals, only report them.)

Bottom line: This is not our father’s tow business. The possibility of a lawsuit, albeit frivolous in many cases, is very real. It is not if, but rather when, you will be taken to court. This new reality demands tow companies be run as the truly professional businesses they are. We must hold ourselves, as well as our teams, accountable to the highest possible standards. Even then we are not immune to lawsuits, but at least we will be in a defensible position. Long gone are the days of tossing the new guy a set of keys and saying “You’ll figure it out” or letting your best friend borrow one of your trucks to move his own car.

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

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 23

Safety Coalition Targets Nationwide Focus The United Coalition for Motor Club Safety (motorclubcoalition. com) is now the Emergency Road Service Coalition of America. The group changed its name to reflect new goals and a broader national commitment, a release by the organization stated.

The coalition said because of successful advocating efforts in California, it frequently received requests for help and guidance from towers throughout the country. Its board of directors restructured the organization’s focus and the Emergency Road Service Coalition of America was formed to better reflect the growing diversity of its membership.

“While we’ll never forget our roots as frustrated Californian motor club towers that fought together to better our industry,” said President Craig Baker, of Cupertino Towing.

“We’ve learned some key lessons along the way that we believe can also help additional towing companies in other states improve their situations.”

Going forward, the Coalition plans to hire legal counsel, lobbyists, PR professionals, as well as work in closer alignment with the California Tow Truck Association, to ensure towers’ voices are heard and their rights protected.

B/A Exclusive Distributor for TomTom B/A Products (baprod.com) recently announced they have become the exclusive towing distributor nationwide for all TomTom Telematics products (telematics.tomtom.com).

A joint release from the companies said that towman will gain easier access to WEBFLEET, TomTom’s GPS vehicle-tracking and navigation system, that will allow tow companies to integrate with dispatching software and cameras.

24 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 25

Off the Bridge

After a tractor-trailer went over the side of the Eisenhower Bridge over Lake Texoma in Oklahoma, a task force of state and federal agencies worked together with towing and environmental cleanup companies to recover the wreckage and mitigate the hazmat in the water.

Oklahoma water recovery staged at shore after DOT bans trucks from bridge work

26 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

by Randy Seright

O

n Thursday, June 21, 2018, a car crossed the centerline on the Highway 70 Eisenhower Bridge over Lake Texoma (near the OklahomaTexas border), and hit a big rig headon. The tractor-trailer lost control and went over the side of the bridge into the lake. Both of the drivers were killed.

Jordan Powell, owner of Environmental Cleanup Inc., was contacted

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

to clean up the hazmat load as the trailer was loaded with 32,000 lbs. of paint and related products. Powell called us to take charge of the recovery of the truck and trailer.

We arrived on scene Friday morning to assess the situation. The truck had gone off the bridge 40’ above the water and about 500’ from the shore; it was at rest some 60’ below the water’s surface.

A task force was set up with Okla-

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 27

homa Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Department of Transportation, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency. Divers from OHP and professional divers informed the leadership of the paint company that it was not possible to retrieve the driver’s body because of the severity of the damage and visibility underwater.

In the first meeting it was discussed how to perform recovery of truck and trailer. Our plan was to put a heavyduty wrecker on the bridge and perform operations directly above the truck. However, ODOT would not allow any bridge work. Our second plan was to set up on the road 500’ from the truck and winch to the shoreline to retrieve the body.

Continued on p. 30...

Farrington Towing & Recovery was called in from Oklahoma City for the recovery and sent in its 2009 Peterbilt/Vulcan V-100 with SP-850 side-puller. Together with divers, they worked to recover the rig and its driver.

28 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 29

... continued from p. 28 As the federal-level agency, EPA was in command and made the decision to put divers in the water, use air bags to lift off the bottom of the lake and use barges to pull the rig to the Catfish Cove boat ramp. For two days, the divers worked attempting to float the wreckage but no one could realize the destruction below the water ’s surface. The divers worked continuously for more than 48 hours against weather, lack of visibility and safety for themselves and their equipment.

The truck had gone off the bridge 40’ above the water and about 500’ from the shore; it was at rest some 60’ below the water’s surface.

EPA was losing patience with the lack of progress and informed all on-site personnel that if there weren’t any positive results, they would shut down current operations, federalize the job and bring in a heavy barge with a crane and U.S. Navy divers to complete the job.

By Monday evening, we were given authority to conduct the recovery from the shore. We set up on an elevated section of the bridge at the shore with our 2009 Peterbilt/Vulcan V-100 with SP-850 side-puller. Divers Mike Job and Kevin Roberts were the only divers we found that could work at the depth we needed, and helped rig to the tractor.

The exhausted divers were directed to secure five 100’ sections of wire rope to the truck. With FTR owner Tom Hall at the controls, the rig began surfacing and moving towards shore. No one could believe the horrific mangled wreckage that surfaced that night in the spotlights, 30 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Once surfaced and gotten to shore, it became apparent how devastating the damage was to the tractor-trailer.

but it became evident what each of the divers experienced in the darkness below.

After the truck and trailer were pulled to the shoreline, ECI and emergency responders worked to recover the driver’s body from the truck.

The next morning, Shane’s Wrecker Service, from Ardmore, brought its Century 1050 rotator in to help us lift the tractor onto a Landoll from local company White’s Wrecker Service to haul it from the scene.

Within seven hours, the truck and trailer were recovered and the body successfully retrieved by the Bryan County Fire Department.

Within 24 hours from the start of operations, we had the truck and trailer out of the water loaded on a trailer and taken to a storage yard.

Throughout the recovery, 17 boats were launched into the water working around the clock for eight days to recover the paint products by using 21,000’ of hard boom and 50,000’ of absorbent boom; one lane of the bridge stayed closed with other lanes closed periodically for equipment, and divers continued to assist in the cleanup three days after the recovery.

It was a total team effort; we couldn't have done it without the divers. I am very proud to be a part of the successful operation against all odds. We got the job done.

Tom and Karen Hall purchased FTR from Dewey Farrington in 2006.

Tom feels that if he never places his hands on the controls of a truck again, he and the V-100 have done their job.

The leadership of FTR continues to pray for the families of both drivers who lost their lives tragically on the Eisenhower Bridge; and wishes to express sincere gratitude to ECI and all who worked together tirelessly as a team.

About the author Randy Seright is director of operations for Farrington Towing & Recovery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 31

Legislation and Your Business

by Joanne Blyton and Elizabeth Martineau-Dupuis

L

egislation. It’s a word we hear all the time. Despite the repetition, many owners and operators still don’t fully appreciate how legislation can impact their businesses, all the way from day-to-day operations down to the bottom line.

Legislation is the government’s way of determining the rights and responsibilities of citizens and authorities. For example, the Montana Tow Truck Act establishes the rules, laws and guidelines for towing operators throughout that state. You can bet that towing and recovery businesses within the state were impacted by that legislation. This sort of regulation has already been passed across the country, from California to Massachusetts.

While the intention is usually protection of the motoring public and consumers, much of this legislation is written by people who aren’t tow operators or owners themselves. This presents the greatest threat to your livelihood, as legislation written without the tower’s input is often the most detrimental.

It is your responsibility as a dedicated professional to protect, and work towards the benefit of, the towing and recovery industry. One of your first obligations is to identify and engage with your state representatives and senators. Attend political fundraisers or make a campaign contribution, when appropriate. Engaging with your lawmakers is key whether voting on proposed legislation, amending existing legislation, or writing new legislation.

Once you’ve established yourself as a constituent, you can reach out and ask for their assistance. Remember, they do not know your business.

You need to educate lawmakers on how rules and regulations impact you

32 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Working with legislators is key to advancing your business and the industry. whitehouse.gov image.

and your employees. Be sure to gather support from other stakeholders, such as your state towing association, realtor’s association, property management association and any companion industry potentially impacted by the laws under consideration. Note that some state towing associations are more active watchdogs than others

to a committee. You may even be asked to testify as an industry expert.

This is not an overnight process, but neither was building your business. You need to be willing to give some time to ensure that towers have a say in your state’s laws. Volunteer and get involved; your business is riding on it.

You need to educate lawmakers on how rules and regulations impact you and your employees. and may have mechanisms for addressing these issues … join them.

If your legislator has agreed to address an issue, a draft bill will be written in accordance with state guidelines. The bill is then assigned to a legislative committee for consideration; if it passes it goes to either the state house or senate for action. The bill could be voted on or referred back

Want to learn more? Register for TRAA’s “Legislative Action Day in Washington, D.C.” in March 2019.

Learn proven techniques for legislative action, hold facilitated meetings with your state’s legislators, network, hear from special guest speakers, and more.

Learn more at traaonline.com/legislativeactionday.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 33

AD INDEX December 2018

Page#

4 State Trucks (Bawer Tool Boxes) 31 Access Tools 59 Akins Body & Carrier Sales 37 American Safety & Supply 24 AmeriDeck 65 Atlanta Wrecker Sales S 87 Atlantic Emergency Solutions N 83 AT ShowPlace-Las Vegas 54 Austin Insurance N 86 AutoReturn 77 B/A Products 21 B & Z Sales S 85 Beacon Software cover 3 Casanova Towing Equipment W 88 Chesapeake Automotive N 86 Chevron Commercial 67 Crouch’s Wrecker Equip. & Sales 43 Cutting Edge Automotive Solutions 77 Danco Products 68 Deep South Wrecker Sales 34 Driveline Buddy 66 Dual-Tech Wreckers & Carriers 75 Dynamic Towing Equipment 40 East Penn Truck Equipment 62 Elizabeth Truck Center 29 Environmental Chemical Solutions 75 Fariss Equipment 42 First Business 66 Florida Wrecker Sales S 86

34 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

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

Page#

Page#

G. Stone Commercial N 90 Gravity Payments 31 Hale Trailers Brake & Wheel N 92 In The Ditch Towing Products 15 Intek Truck Eq. Finance & Lease 61 International Trucks 2, 3 Iron Horse Safety Specialties 20 Isuzu Commercial Trucks 13 Jerr-Dan Corp. cover 4 Kenworth of South Florida 57 Lanair Waste Oil Heaters 63 Legacy Plus Insurance 20 Len Zermenos 25 Lodar USA 31 Lynch Chicago 39 Manufacturer Express 29 Maryland Carrier N 89 Matheny Motors 17 Matjack Jumbo Safelift 67 McMahon Truck Center M 83 Miller Industries/Century 7 Mobile Create USA 65 New England Truckmaster 58 New England Wrecker Sales N 88 North American BanCard 5 Northeast Wrecker Sales N 89, S 84 Nussbaum Equipment N 87 OMG National N 84, S 88, M 85,W 85 Pacific General Insurance Agency M 84

Performance Advantage

N 85

PWOF 35 Rick's Truck & Equipment M 85 Ricky’s Sales & Services N 91 Sanderson Truck Equipment 14 Sea Crest Insurance Agency W 83 Select Truck & Equipment M 87 Smyrna Truck Center S 83 Sovereign Risk Solutions N 91 Spill Tackle N 87 Steck Mfg. 23 Sterling National Bank 25 Swoop 69 Talbert Mfg. 66 Tow Ramps 33 Towbook Management Software 19 Tow Industries W 84 TowMate 24, 61 Transfer Flow 63 Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX W 83 Warn Industries 33 West End Service N 84 Witzco Trailers N 90 Will-Burt Co. 75 WorldClass Insurance M 86, W 87 Worldwide Equipment 41 Worldwide Equipment Sales W 85 Wreaths Across America N 88 XINSURANCE Powered by EIB 76

Tackle Risk Management Head-On

by Randall C. Resch

D

ecember is the perfect month for tow owners to conduct a company review, including total risk management; did your company do well in minimizing small-claims lawsuits, damages and/or other incidental payouts that hurt the bottom line?

A recent industry article defended the insurance industry’s bailout on tow, recovery and repo companies, citing them having to pay for huge increases in accident and incident claims. Damage claims aren’t a new process, but there seem to be increased payouts due to operatorinflicted damages and crashes. Equally so are operator injuries and fatalities from working the white line, driving the cost of Workers Comp settlements.

So, what can tow companies do to lessen risk? Because long-time insurance providers have opted out, their leaving has created a damaging effect on mom-and-pop companies in finding providers that don’t cost them a fortune.

Fraudulent claims hurt, but there’s little to nothing that towers can do to prevent unscrupulous motorist claims except to bolster their in-house risk management procedures. At some point, in-house actions are drastically necessary to minimize costs.

I believe risk management is the product of total accountability in company operations and administrations.

Risk management is the company’s responsibility to ensure processes and procedures are followed to the letter. There are important processes that help lower a company’s risk management by tailoring day-to-day actions to meet best practices.

Hiring Smart: Hire the best employees possible. Ensure they’re qualified and committed to their positions. Demand employees take professionalism seriously. However, with those requirements comes an expense: If you pay crap wages, you get crap employees. Obviously, hiring smart begins with company ownership in setting the tone of their company’s actions and services. Hiring smart is a tough practice requiring creative hiring. Believe it or not, an individual’s previous (questionable) criminal history and (bad) driving history will affect total risk management.

Employee Turnover: What can you do to decrease turnover? Low pay and no benefits aren’t attractive to career-minded employees on any level. Ours is an incredibly dangerous work environment; you need to create hireon packages more favorable than what the industry suggests. What do you do (as owner) to actively retain a varsity team? Employee turnover is time-consuming and costly. It makes sense to pay increased wages while holding operators to higher standards. Accordingly, if

How much is your junkyard dog costing you to insure for accidental dog bite?

they’re not cutting it, move ’em on and find career-minded applicants that complement your team. Train them your way; make them accountable. Be creative in industry practices and make your company the exception that hires the most qualified individuals who prove themselves to be demonstrably better.

Annual Evaluations: Tow companies typically don’t evaluate employees because they get lost in that, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. Management should provide timely evaluations and recognize employees who are doing exemplary work and/or counsel those who aren’t working to the company’s standards and expectations.

Designated Forklift Operators: Designate and limit personnel operating the company’s forklift. Allowing anyone to climb aboard and move vehicles is inviting damages to happen. Require ongoing training and that operators

Continued on p. 38...

36 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

... continued from p. 36 carry mandated certifications on their person. Require that seatbelts be worn at all times.

Dispatch, Accounting Software: Today’s software packages make it simple to archive photographs with impounded inventory and company invoices that reflect the company’s finances. Pictures can be worth a million bucks; fraudulent customers tend to back-off claims when photos prove them wrong … especially when they’re lying to begin with. Upgrade your dispatch software.

Pictures, Inventory: If employees aren’t required to take pictures and make thorough inventories of towed and transported vehicles, your company is behind the proverbial curve. The process of photo-recording towed and stored vehicles begins with a thorough visual inventory of the vehicle’s exterior. Because there are specific areas prone to tow truck damages, towers should photo-document areas common to damages, i.e., tailpipes, front and rear lower splash pans, oil pans, CV boots, rim scrapes, etc. Prior tow damages should be noted on police reports and the operator’s invoice. (An officer’s notation of, “Dents and Dings 360,” is an incomplete inventory that’s difficult for tow management to fight in court.)

Dash-cam Recorders: Live-time (drive) cameras with front, rear and in-cab capabilities are increasingly valuable in tow trucks or carriers when involved in traffic accidents or tow-related incidents. Motorists, regardless if they’re obviously at fault, typically blame the tower. Once viewed on a truck’s dash-cam, fault is easily proved. Inside dashcams clearly determine if operators were eating, texting or otherwise distracted.

An officer’s notation of, “Dents and Dings 360,” is an incomplete inventory that’s difficult for tow management to fight in court.

Facility Cameras: Cameras for security purposes surround tow company facilities and fence lines. Video recording is multi-purpose when monitoring in-house processes conducted by employees; as a matter of keeping them honest during (business office) cash handling events like auction purchases, driver drops and vehicle releases.

Training: Formal and periodic training is one of the best ways to document individual training and decrease risk. Industry training is the best it’s ever been. Operators shall receive industry standard (formal) training that’s in line with the business niche served; no exceptions regardless as to position or time in grade.

Safety Meetings: Periodic safety meetings validate and document that topics and training are provided to operators and employees. Safety meetings, after-action 38 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

A solid safety inspection is required to ensure safe vehicle operations.

reviews and employee evaluations are great ways to grow and refine operator behaviors and abilities. Cover hot topics or those that parallel your company’s niche. Find ways to defer against Workers Comp injuries. Employees in all positions sign the meeting’s Sign-Up Sheet to prove attendance.

Money Drop: Tow businesses typically handle largedollar transactions. When the business day ends, a company’s drop process is an easy target to robbery or facility break-in. Maintain a solid and secured location (a safe) for release clerks, auctions personnel, and tow operators to deposit daily invoices, cash and credit card transactions.

Because theft and robbery may be the result of an inside employee’s underhanded plan, workstations and drop locations must be monitored by live-time video cameras.

Require that each transaction is started and completed before another transaction commences. Policy should require that transactions be securely deposited in the company’s drop-box and not stashed in desk drawers or favorite hiding places. Although considered high risk, a licensed, armed security guard from a reputable firm should be present on auction day and posted near the location where payments for purchases are conducted.

Authorized Personnel: Unauthorized persons and non-employees should not enter the facility unless they are escorted. By monitoring a non-employee’s entry to the tow facility, potential slip and fall, or other injuries are video recorded. Employee Handbooks should mandate that unauthorized non-employees, family and friends

Continued on p. 40...

... continued from p. 38 aren’t authorized in office areas or inside yard spaces after the end of the business day, nights or weekends. (Persons allowed inside business office areas can easily view and memorize money stations, cash drop areas, and security camera locations for after-hour robberies or burglaries.)

Handling Claims: The easiest way to maintain premiums is to not make damage claims. Don’t tell a vehicle’s owner to take a hike if they claim damage to their vehicles; investigate, negotiate and pay for (honest) repairs in-house. Formal claims increase premiums.

Money: Savvy owners monitor operations and know where accountings, statements and monies go. Owners oftentimes trust their employees’ totally where sometimes a silent embezzler lurks. Maintain an accurate accounting that’s presented to you on a regular basis to help protect your bottom line. Know what expenditures

40 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

and costs are precise and honest as it relates to making financial expenditures. When it comes to your company’s bank account, never put full-faith in a single employee.

Supervision/Management: Supervision and management often gets overlooked. It’s especially true for companies serving law enforcement, where contract stipulations typically require that supervision be available 24/7 for employees needing next-level authorizations. Empower supervisors and managers to make decisions on behalf of the company when employees need assistance.

Reap the Rewards Tow company ownership is hard work and risky business. There’s nothing easy about being an owner. Learning the ropes towards best practices provides you the potential to lead your company towards lower risk management. Because owners set the company’s tone, you’re tasked with

overseeing all processes and procedures to control unnecessary or wasteful spending.

When it comes to costs, operations and administrations, your ability to balance processes can be daunting.

Find ways to eliminate bad practices and make your company lean. If you foresee problems, correct them. If there’s a problematic employee, retraining may be in order, but perhaps dismissal makes best sense.

The bottom line: When you find a sensible balance to your company’s operations and administrations, you’ll realize that you’re not forced into repeated insurance claims. And, in that, here’s wishing you all a safe and profitable New Year.

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.

Custer Announces Record Sales Custer Products (custerproducts. com) recently announced 2018 was a record sales year for its LIW line, with sales eclipsing all of 2017’s record year before 2018 was even finished.

“We’re grateful the towing industry has embraced our LIW line,” said Brad Custer, CEO, touting the line’s “redesigned circuit boards, hard-wired circuitry, shrink-tube connectors, individual serialization, and sturdy, polyethylene cases.”

Beacon, Xpress-pay Merge Systems Beacon Software Co. (dispatchanywhere.com) and Xpresspay.com jointly announced a successful integration of their respective software platforms.

Xpress-pay is currently integrated with Beacon’s Dispatch Anywhere for Drivers Mobile App to enable drivers

42 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

to accept Xpress-pay payments. Full integration with Dispatch Anywhere is projected by Dec. 31.

Dispatch Anywhere customers can sign up at info.xpresspay.com/sign-up/.

Stertil-Koni Adds Ops Specialist Stertil-Koni (stertil-koni.com) recently added Jacqueline Cullison as Operations Specialist. She will work closely with the company’s North American distributor network, sales personnel, engineers, manufacturing locations and end-users.

Her responsibilities include ordering heavy-duty vehicle lifts, coordinating deliveries and securing transportation of the lifts to end-users across North America.

Cullison is also tasked with streamlining the in-ground lift ordering process while maintaining communications between headquarters, distributors and manufacturing facilities.

Cullison has more than 14 years managing ground operations at FedEx, and an extensive knowledge of logistics, transportation and supply chain management.

Chavez Joins Elizabeth Truck Center Elizabeth Truck Center (elizabethtruckcenter.com) recently announced the addition of Manny Chavez as its northern New Jersey sales representative.

Previously, Chavez worked as a tow sales representative for Nussbaum Wreckers and Carriers from 2005 until it closed earlier this year. Prior to that, he delivered tow trucks and worked in the tow service and parts department.

Chavez said that his favorite part of the job is guiding and working with different towing companies to provide the appropriate truck for the needs of the company. He finds the most challenging aspect of the job is to get towers new to the industry financed.

Product Gateway 2019

Advertorial section includes participating display advertisers from this issue.

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44 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 45

Danco Products

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Dynamic

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The new Dynamic Python is a 5,000-lbs. wheel lift with 84” of reach and keeps more weight on the front axle, which provides increased stability.

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Environmental Chemical Solutions

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FM 186-2 provides a non-hazardous approach to dealing with fuel spills, while reducing the potential for toxic vapor inhalation and fire.

Offers customized and flexible financing options for all new & used towing and recovery equipment with rates as low as 5.9%.

Call us for all your Jerr Dan parts. Pictured is a 2x2 “L” arm used on most carriers. Can also be used on other brands!

877-253-2665

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ECSChem.com/application/tow-reckers

FirstBusiness.com

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46 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

G Stone Commercial Division

Gravity Payments

Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel

Full line of Century and Kilar wreckers and rollbacks in stock. We also offer a great selection of used trucks. We take anything in trade!

Gravity Payments reduces the costs and headaches of accepting credit card payments for small businesses on-the-go including businesses like towing and trucking.

First Faymonville MegaMax with steerable axles built for the US market. 50-Ton trailer extends to 42’ and has a deck height of 14”.

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800-544-7127

Hino of Fort Pierce

In The Ditch Towing Products

INA / Wreaths Across America

If a rollback carrier is what you need, we have several options IN STOCK mounted on Hino and Kenworth chassis, at the best price guaranteed.

The world’s most advanced Dolly. All new automotive sealed hub, bearings never need grease, bolt on spindle, 5 lbs. Lighter and powder coated or Zinc finish.

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InTheDitch.com

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Intek Truck/Equipment Leasing

International Truck

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America

A leading source of finance since 1986 for the towing & recovery industry. Intek Leasing offers customized and flexible for all new and used towing equipment, includes light & heavy-duty.

Celebrating our 33rd year in business!

Introducing The New International CV Series Take your business to the next level. The CV Series has a maximum GVWR of 22,900 lbs. to accommodate payload requirements of the toughest jobs.

Isuzu is the #1 selling LCF truck in America since 1986.

Isuzu trucks offer a diesel and gas engine and are available in Classes 3-6.

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

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 47

Jerr-Dan Corp.

Kenworth Of South Florida

Lanair Products

As the single brand leader, Jerr-Dan develops highquality innovations. The new JD10XLP features industry-standard options, and is delivered with new, one-year full and five-year structural warranty.

Authorized dealer for Jerr-Dan towing and recovery equipment. New & used trucks for all your towing needs. From light duty self-loaders to 75 ton rotators.

800-926-9666

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Lanair Waste Oil Fired Heaters and Boilers provide alternatives to the disposal of used motor oil, lubricants, and fluids, by burning these products for heat.

Jerrdan.com

CommercialTrucksofFloirda.com

1-800-562-5504 Lanair.com

Len Zermenos

Lodar USA

Lynch Chicago

New 2019 F5550 V-10 Gas 4x2 $59,900 Same Spec. Truck in 4x4 $3,000 more. Wheel lift & side rails optional.

Cost effective full radio control with a waterproof transmitter and keypad receiver acting as a back up just in case of a lost transmitter.

Miller Industries and Talbert Trailers dealer Lynch Chicago has a large inventory of light, medium and carrieriers available and on order.

330-323-5165

888-685-6327

708-233-1112

LenZermenos.com

Lodar.com

LynchChicago.com

Manufacturer Express (ME)

Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales

Matheny Motor Truck Co.

Manufacturer of all high-quality towing products.

Check-out our new axle chain set. It’s a must have!

With us…you are not just a number. Personalized attention is our key focus!

Your one-stop shop for Jerr-Dan parts along with quality lighting from TowMate, Federal Signal, and Maxxima, and equipment from All-Grip, B/A Products and Access Tools.

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48 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

855-484-4350

Matjack jumbo Safelift

McMahon Truck Centers

Miller Industries

Our new Hurricane System will blow you away with its power and quick inflation system to make the ultimate in Quick Clear technology.

All new Jerr-Dan wreckers. Ready to work, reconditioned chassis with new Jerr-Dan wreckers.

Fleet disposal services and fair trade in values.

Jerr-Dan Heavy-Duty solutions.

The Century 1150 rotator with knee-boom underlift is the ultimate addition to your fleet. The knee-boom adds of -23º to +16º of tilt, and along with the Coach Low Rider option, is capable of supporting 18,000 lbs. fully extended to 173”.

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Mobile Create USA, Inc.

New England Truckmaster

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Go Mobile Create! Instant 2-way communication from coast to coast. GPS tracker built into the radios. We offer affordable rental packages for any size company.

Miller Industries Volvo fork made specifically for Steer Tek axles in the Volvo trucks.

The leading distributor for NRC Industries.

Providing the industry’s highest level of expertise in design, sales and service.

Handling body installs, paint, and frame lengthening.

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MCUSAInc.com

NEWrecker.com

Northeast Wrecker Sales

Nussbaum Equipment

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We are a Full Line Miller Industries Dealer offering the finest products from Century, Chevron & Vulcan.

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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

954-660-1394 OMGTowMarketing.com

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 49

Pacific General Insurance

Performance Advantage Company

Rick's Truck & Equipment

Providing insurance to tow truck operations since 1977.

PAC has been producing top performing tool and equipment mounting systems for nearly 27 years.

In business since 1994. A proud distributor of all JerrDan products, we stock parts, accessories and ALWAYS have trucks in stock, built, ready to go!

Trades and offer on-the financing

800-888-0545

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TowTruckInsuranceusa.com

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Rick’s Sales & Service

Sanderson Truck Equipment

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50 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Spill Tackle

Steck Manufacturing Company

Swoop

Spill Tackle is 4x more absorbent than clay (oil dri), can absorb up to 10 gallons of fluid, is environmentally friendly and proven to tackle all your spill response needs.

BigEasy Lockout Kits are the preferred tool to unlock cars in seconds without damaging the vehicle along with I-Bolt and 4th Wheel Loader.

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228-206-1449

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Talbert Manufacturing

Tow Industries

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Talbert builds world-class heavy-haul and specialized trailers. Offering complete lines of heavy-haul trailers and specialized transportation equipment for commercial, industrial, military and government sectors.

Most reputable tow truck dealer in the Southern California area. Offers new tow trucks, preowned recovery trucks and trucking and trucking equipment.

Leading Cloud-Based Software for the Modern-Day Towing Company; Increase Profitability and Maximize Opportunities using Towbook by Providing a First-Class Experience to Your Clients!

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TowMate

Tow Ramps

Transfer Flow

TowMate’s MO376 is the most advanced wireless light available. Lithium power w/ 400 hours run time.

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Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 51

Utility Trailer Sales S.E. TX

Warn Industries

West End Service

Ecco LED lightbar available in 22”,47”, 50” and 58” length. Configured centrally or independent flashing warning modules. Choice of 3, 4, 6, 9 or 18 LED’s per module including dual color options.

WARN Series 12 Hydraulic-efficient 12,000 lb. capacity winch best-in-class freespool effort down to -40° F. Extreme low temperature aircraft-grade lubricants further reduce freespool effort.

T880 50 TON Cummins 565 18 speed 20K front 46K rear 52K suspension 20K pusher 3 stage boom 3 winches Euro wheel lift rotator style legs.

713-670-2000

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UtilityTrailers.com

Warn.com

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Will-Burt Company, The

Witzco Trailers

WorldClass Insurance Services

Night Scan HDT light towers along with a full line of lighting accessories helps you complete the job quickly and safely while making more money.

With 80 years of experience, Witzco is committed to manufacturing a full line of the highest quality trailers. Affordable. Dependable. Quality. Value.

Open communication and professionalism on all levels makes for satisfied clients. “A” rated carriers with competitive pricing.

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WorldClassIns.com MyTowAgent.com

Worldwide Equipment Sales

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XINSURANCE Powered by Evolution Insurance Brokers

Large inventory of Jerr-Dan carriers and tow trucks with choice of chassis. Stocking CA legal 50' Landoll Trailers. Servicing West Coast. Quality equipment at competitive prices!

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Full service Jerr-dan, Landoll, Cottrell dealer. Four locations to serve you better. 200+ in stock units ready for immediate delivery.

California 562-287-5200 Illinois 815-725-4400 Michigan 248-324-9040 Nevada 702-269-1471 NewTowTrucks.com 52 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

When Towing, TIM Intersected

An aerial image from the 1999 acid spill in “The San Antonio Express-News.”

by Bobby Tuttle

O

n Dec. 9, 1999, in San Antonio, Texas, towing in the city was changed forever.

The city, seventh largest in the U.S., had been utilizing towing contracts for many decades prior to that date.

The towing contracts there involved tow trucks being dispatched to a crash scene, recovering and hooking up the damaged vehicle and towing it to its destination. Scene cleanup usually involved sweeping up the glass and placing a 5-gal. bucket of sand on any spilled fluids … perhaps a little more at heavy-duty scenes.

That was about it.

Then on Dec. 9, 1999, a tanker loaded with hydrochloric acid over-

56 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

turned and spilled approximately 4,500 gallons on an elevated freeway ramp located in the downtown area where two major interstates connect.

The spilled acid resulted in full closures of nearby interstates and impacted nine schools and two hospitals. Over the next few hours, an estimated 20 square miles around the incident scene were evacuated. Before the area was isolated, 50 people were injured from inhaling the fumes.

The impact on the city continued for approximately 20 hours.

In the six days prior to this major incident, we also responded to two overturned fuel-tanker wrecks on major freeways, both of which were involved in a major fire.

The impact of these major incidents created the conditions for a much-needed conversation on Traffic Incident Management response in San Antonio and the important part that towing plays in that response.

After being involved in the towing contract since 1978, I’ve witnessed many changes to the relationship between towing and the TIM agencies we work with on a daily basis.

As the manager for the heavyduty towing division and the towing supervisor at the hydrochloric acid wreck, I was asked to attend a monthly meeting conducted by our state DOT to discuss the response at

Continued on p. 58 ...

... continued from p. 56 that wreck. Today we call those meetings After-Action Reviews.

Those monthly DOT meetings had been occurring for many years, to discuss future road construction projects and their impact on traffic congestion; they were mainly attended by DOT personnel. They were not focused on TIM issues and towing was not represented at those meetings.

During that meeting I attended, the conversation was focused on what resources towing and the San Antonio Police Department towing contract could provide at these major traffic incidents.

One of the major response issues at the hydrochloric acid wreck was the need to get a hazmat contractor to respond and handle the spilled acid.

Everyone agreed that these types of incidents are far and few between, but acid spills were not the sole focus at the meeting. The large volume of fuel spills from the frequent “routine” wrecks were a larger impact on our TIM response.

The takeaway from that meeting was to continue the discussions with city officials to determine what amend-

58 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

ments could be made to the current towing contract to allow the towers to provide additional resources at these major incidents. After many years working on the towing operations side of TIM, it was during those discussions that I realized how important the administrative side of TIM was.

Over the next months, the city added rules to the towing contract that allowed the towing contractor to add special equipment, personnel and sub-contractors to the response that towing provided to major incidents.

Towing now had the authority to provide limited fuel-spill cleanup response. The towing contractor also had the authority to hire a hazmat subcontractor to support their incident response when authorized by the city.

These changes to how towing could respond, along with many other changes, were made possible by the willingness to change old traditions and open the door to discussions between towers, city officials and other TIM stakeholders. New thinking lead to new processes, which lead to safer and quicker incident-clearance times.

As with any new work requirement, this necessitated additional effort in terms of training for specific tasks, specialized equipment and, of course, paperwork.

Too often, these additional efforts are viewed as “too much work.” One thing I learned in this process is the more TIM services you can offer, the more opportunities to create revenue that are available.

Another benefit, just as important, is the impact these new response services have had on the other first responders we work with on a daily basis. Building those professional relationships creates a valuable trust amongst our TIM partners. For me, that has been a far more important long-term benefit than anything else.

Municipal Editor Bobby Tuttle has been involved in the towing and recovery industry since 1977 at all levels including Traffic Incident Management response in San Antonio, Texas. He also serves as the Incident Manager for the SAPD towing contract. He founded Complete Incident Response Training in 2003.

The Physics of the Lever

by Terry Abejuela

P

hysics is the natural science that studies matter and its motion and behavior through space and time, along with related concepts like energy and force.

Newton’s laws of motion, the concepts of energy, conservation of energy, center of gravity, equilibrium, force and the six simple machines are all areas that apply to the daily work performed by tow operators. Understanding the basics of these concepts will assist tow operators in performing their work.

Misunderstanding these concepts, or failure to identify their effect on our work, can and has resulted in accidents and injuries.

As an example, failure to identify the center of gravity of a load that you will be lifting free of the ground, and therefore not positioning the boom to lift directly above the center of gravity, will result in the load swinging.

60 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Levers can help us perform work by producing mechanical advantage or multiplying our effort.

Unless there is an outside force that prevents it, the load will seek to find its center of gravity. This has caused tow trucks to lay over on to their side because the load swung past the center of gravity of the tow truck enough to roll it over. This could have been

avoided if the center of gravity was understood.

Can you name any of the six simple machines that we learned about in elementary school? I wish I had paid more attention and applied this knowledge earlier to my career in towing and recovery. Science shows there are six simple machines that help us perform work; they include the lever, wedge, incline plane, wheel and axle, screw, and pulley. Do these ring a bell? Is it starting to come back to you? The focus here will be on the lever.

Before we talk about how the lever helps us perform work, we should understand the definition of work. In physics, work is defined as force times distance (FxD = W). You must have a force that moves an object for a distance to have performed any work (in terms of physics.)

If you have a 10-lbs. weight that you lift 10’ off of the ground, you have performed 100-ft./lbs. of work.

A force of 10 lbs. provided by you lifting the 10-lbs. weight to overcome the force of gravity is multiplied by a distance of 10’ (10x10 = 100). If you lift a 5-lbs. weight 20’ off of the ground, you have performed the same amount of work (5x20 = 100).

As a tow operator, you have probably heard the term mechanical advantage as it pertains to the use of snatch blocks. Snatch blocks are a specific type of pulley (one of the six simple machines) that we use to change direction of pull or reduce line tension.

Mechanical advantage, in simple terms, is the ratio between the amount of effort supplied to a machine and the amount of effort that comes out of the machine. If you apply 5 lbs. of effort into the machine and the machine produces 10 lbs. of effort, the machine has a 2:1 mechanical advantage.

The Lever Levers can help us perform work by producing mechanical advantage or multiplying our effort. A lever consists of a bar and a fulcrum (pivot point). There are first-, second- and third-class levers. The position of the fulcrum, the effort and the load determines what type of lever it is and how much the force is multiplied.

A first-class lever is when the fulcrum is between the load and the effort. Examples of this type of lever include a pry bar, bolt cutters, or a wheel-lift or conventional sling-type tow truck. The length of the lever on the load side vs. the length of the lever on the effort side will determine the amount of effort required to move the load. The load will move in an opposite direction as the effort applied.

If the effort side of the lever is 4’ long and the load side of the lever is 2’ long, it will require 5 lbs. of effort

Continued on p. 62 ...

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 61

... continued from p. 61 to lift a 10-lbs. load. To move the load 1’, you will need to move the effort side of the lever 2’. This is a 2:1 mechanical advantage.

side of the lever 5’ to move the load 1’.

We have traded effort for distance.

The closer the load is to the fulcrum and the longer the effort side of the

Examples of a third-class lever include a shovel, a recovery or wheel-lift boom and a truck door when you open it from the inside. A third-class lever is different than the first- and second-class levers in that it does not create mechanical advantage.

It does increase speed.

If the effort side of the lever is increased to 10’ and the load side of the lever remains only 2’, now you have a 5:1 mechanical advantage. Now you would only need to provide 2 lbs. of effort to move the 10-lbs. load, but you would have to move the effort

62 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

lever is, the more you will gain mechanical advantage.

When towing a vehicle with the wheel-lift, the tow truck becomes a first-class lever. The truck is the effort side of the lever. The rear axle of the tow truck is the fulcrum and the

wheel-lift boom is the load side of the lever. The further the wheel-lift is extended, the more weight will lift off of the front axle of the tow truck.

Reducing the wheel-lift boom extension will allow more weight to be transferred back to the steer axle of the tow truck. This is referred to as safe steering load.

A second-class lever is when the load is between the effort and the fulcrum. Examples of this include a pry bar, a ratchet, and a truck door when opened from the outside. In a secondclass lever, the load moves in the same direction as the effort applied. The closer the load is to the fulcrum and the longer the effort handle is, the more mechanical advantage is gained. When using a ratchet, the barrel of the ratchet is the fulcrum, the strap is the load side of the lever and the ratchet handle is the effort side of the lever. The longer the ratchet handle, the more mechanical advantage you will gain.

A third-class lever is when the effort is between the fulcrum and the

load. Examples of a third-class lever include a shovel, a recovery or wheellift boom and a truck door when you open it from the inside. A third-class lever is different than the first- and second-class levers in that it does not create mechanical advantage. It does increase speed.

Because there is no mechanical advantage, you are providing a larger force so the effort distance is less than the distance the load will move. The load will move in the same direction as the effort. On a recovery boom, the fulcrum is the fixed end of the boom, the hydraulic cylinder is the effort and the end of the boom is the load side of the lever. There is no mechanical advantage, but the short extension of the hydraulic cylinder results in increased life at the end of the boom.

If we extend the boom, we will increase the distance that the load will move when the hydraulic cylinder is extended.

Levers are just one of the simple machines tow operators use to perform

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

daily work. Studying the rest of the simple machines and other basic concepts in physics to develop an understanding of them will help tow operators to make educated decisions in the field.

Field Editor Terry Abejuela has 40plus 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 - December 2018 • 63

Variables

Understanding the

You need to identify what is in your control on the truck and in your toolbox and stay on top of it

by Paul Stephens

I

n the current industry space, there are many variables that play into an operator’s life. The daily routine can make a person complacent in the job. We all strive to be at the top of this industry, but to truly be considered a professional we each must address the areas of our own—and our industry’s—weaknesses. The variables can come from every direction in the towing and roadside service business.

There are common mistakes made along the roadside, some more adverse than others, but in towing and recovery the cream really does rise to the top to meet each challenge.

When dispatched to a call, there are some that jump up and roll out, others prepare with some quick research, while still others hesitate to not get too far over their head too fast.

This unique industry can encompass anything from a tire change to uprighting a tractor-trailer to winching an underground pipe to transporting a million-dollar sports car.

Towers have an abundance of equipment available to make the job easier or faster, but the operator needs to always stay within their equipment limits to avoid a potential disaster.

I’ve spent most of my career in the industry trying to be the best I could at whatever challenge was presented, but there are some jobs I would like to have another shot at knowing what I know now vs. when I was much younger.

64 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

The most important thing to remember when using a piece of equipment is to regularly inspect it prior to use. This is an oft-overlooked area for owners, managers and operators.

Chain shown here has visible evidence of pinching and crimping.

Early in my career I would attempt anything … but was also a little bit of a cowboy at times. I would hook to whatever I thought would hold, not thinking of the consequences or impact on my equipment. Years ago, the thought was that if the chain broke or a strap snapped, I would grab another from my toolbox and keep getting it done. I understood that the equipment had working load limits, but didn’t see the variables in age, angle or surface wear.

The most important thing to remember when using a piece of equipment is to regularly inspect it prior to use. This is an oft-overlooked area for owners, managers and operators. Federal law requires a daily DOT pre-trip on all commercial vehicles to confirm that they are in proper working order and all lights work properly prior to using the vehicle every day. This should be the same for all of the equipment in your truck, making sure you have inspected every item you will need prior to starting your day … or at least

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

once a week and after any recovery.

What exactly does this mean? Does it mean you need to have an ink pen that works? A safety vest? A pair of gloves? Absolutely, but the equipment that could mean the difference between going home or to the hospital (or worse) should be a priority.

I was doing a large job for a client that required a very heavy lift. While going through my equipment, I noticed a link in one of my 5/8” Grade 100 chains had a pinch near the weld about 10 links from the hook. Of course, I immediately pulled it out of service. It got me thinking, however, to when, where and how it happened since I really try to protect my equipment from abuse and neglect.

What if I had not been so diligent about inspections? The result could have been losing the load or dropping the equipment, which could have been catastrophic; what if the chain separated and the broken link then became a missile? This could have injured anyone onsite, possibly severely.

After the chain was removed, I inspected the hooks first. Had they been pulled at an angle that created a side load? Was the pinch point from the hook becoming bound against the casualty? Was it pulled across something that caused the damage? The chains are equipped with cradle hooks, which have shoulders to reduce the pinch point, however if pulled sideways it could cause this type of damage. This was just one of many things going through my mind.

I wanted to be sure what caused this damage both to ease my mind and pass along the information to my guys. This was just an example of instances that over the years inspecting my equipment closely has prevented an accident or injury.

The question remains as to what variables are controllable and which are not, such as vehicle accidents, injuries, roadside dangers and equipment failures.

Continued on p. 66 ...

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 65

... continued from p. 65 Through the years, I’ve had many speaking appearances at vehicle manufacturing conferences. They always seem to ask the same questions about towing, but the one I remember most is from a German company executive who asked simply, “What makes a person get out of bed, go out in the cold rain alone on a deserted road to help our customer at their time of need?”

“It takes a special person to put their life on the line to help a stranded person at 3 a.m., knowing that the other people driving down the road won’t even show the courtesy to not only reduce speed or move over, but to not beep the horn or swerve close to scare the towing operator while working and drive away laughing,” I answered. (My full answer was much longer and deeper, but you get the point.)

This was met with pure silence, then a gulp and a question I never expected.

“Isn’t there something we can do to help change this?” (Umm yeah, maybe communicate how important it is to move over!)

The variable for you the operator to address daily is to make sure you are not suffering from fatigue. A clear mind will help focus attention and attitude towards your job, your customers and your family.

The equipment you use daily is crucial to your safe working environment. There are many things you as an operator can control such as work boots, reflective vest, gloves, personal safety devices and reporting problems with trucks, truck equipment, etc.

Operators and managers both need to focus on equipment inspections, not just the vehicles. We have cables break on carriers, but why not inspect your cables? If they are worn or in bad shape, replace them; it’s a lot cheaper than an injury or a damage claim. The straps some operators use are so dry-rotted that they actually make a noise when you unroll them. Inspect round slings for wear and age and they can actually rot from the inside out; yet

Continued on p. 68 ...

66 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM -December 2018 • 67

... continued from p. 66 they are relatively inexpensive to replace.

With chains, it truly can be difficult to spot damage on them due to the tarnish, grease and grime that accumulates over time. Steaming-cleaning a chain or using brake clean will allow a clearer inspection of the chain.

When the chain is cleaned, any imperfections can trap grime, which can be a red flag during inspection. You really need to know when to remove a chain from service; when to repair and when to trash.

Do not let your operators make or repair their chains; this can be a recipe for disaster and should be done by someone who has knowledge and experience in the field.

If you are not sure what or how to handle a questionable product, there are a lot of experts out there who can assist with product inspections or answer questions. Not everyone is an expert in every field, so asking a safety question to the right person can open your eyes to a new world of understanding.

You can’t control all the variables in towing and recovery, but you definitely can mitigate your exposure by being prepared. Perform inspections of all truck equipment and understand working load limits. We need to learn the basics first to control the variables as we progress.

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.

68 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Mission Accomplished: Spirit Ride's Tw

by Steve Calitri

I

n the span of these past two years, the Spirit Ride raised awareness of the Move Over law, scoring more than 700 stories through traditional and internet media, including 120 TV news reports on major network affiliates and hundreds of newspaper articles in print and online. The Spirit Ride processions paraded by tens of thousands of onlookers and millions of TV viewers. Tens of thousands more watched the Ride on Facebook.

70 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

The American Towman Spirit Ride was designed as a two-year project, to accommodate all the towing companies that wished to relay the Spirit casket throughout the nation. Since its Maiden Run in Las Vegas and the first official Ride in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on June 1, 2017, the Spirit casket has been relayed in more than 300 cities, involving some 10,000 tow trucks, fire trucks, EMS vans, police cruisers and motorcycles.

The towers who formed the cadre of Spirit Riders were the most determined and dedicated that American Towman ever observed. They would do anything to make the mission successful. There are many stories of towers going great distances to carry the casket to the next relay station. Jeremy Dykstra of Muskegon, Michigan, was one of this rare breed. Jeremy passed away recently and will be remembered here as the ultimate Spirit Rider.

o-Year Mission a Resounding Success Every leg of the Ride depended on the leg before and after, and every tower relaying Spirit played the primary role in its success.

The Spirit Ride succeeded in its mission of raising awareness of the risks that tow operators and other first responders face.

The Ride also succeeded in bringing first responders together and fostering mutual respect and helped elevate the towman to first-responder status.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

The Spirit Ride picked up again in Winston-Salem in April of this year and zigzagged throughout the nation on a route that relayed Spirit in 180 additional cities across eight months on the Road. It was a grueling schedule for the Road Team of Mike and Ilce Corbin, who not only staged and performed the ceremonies, but also chronicled it with pictures and video on Facebook.

The Ride crossed the finish line at Baltimore’s Ravens Stadium lot on

November 13 with a ceremony partnering with Maryland DOT to honor fallen first responders and raise awareness of the Move Over law. The final procession was led by Morton’s Towing out of Laurel, Maryland, carrying Spirit down Pratt Street and into the Baltimore Convention Center where it was on display at the American Towman Exposition.

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 71

Spirit Ride Commemorative Display, pictured above and on previous page. Below, pictures of the final ceremony at Baltimore's Ravens Stadium, held in conjunction with Maryland DOT.

72 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Morton's Towing led the final procession past the Baltimore Convention Center, escorted by a full police motorcycle detail.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 73

Tony Bigdummi & The Lucky Linda

Hard to repo if you’re out of gas … time to adjust the plan?

by Mark Lacek

T

he repeat customer in any business is a very cool thing. Many businesses rely on the continued support of those customers who always return. You may be surprised to learn that in the commercial repossession business, even we have our share of repeat customers. Following is a story of one such repeat customer (though I cannot use their real names to protect the innocent … me.)

There was a brand new Peterbilt 379 roll-off dump, shiny gloss black loaded with chrome and custom pinstriping on every panel. On both doors and each side of the enormous hood was the truck’s name, “The Lucky Linda.” This Pete was built extra long with twin polished aluminum 150gallon fuel tanks, mounted one on each side.

The debtor was a mobster wannabe who named the truck after his wife.

Let’s call this debtor “Tony Bigdummi;” he lived in Coral Springs, Florida, and Long Island, New York. Bigdummi went back and forth at least once a month and was very hard to pin down.

74 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

I know Bigdummi quite well, as I seem to have had a repossession assignment with his name on it on my desk every year for the last 15 years.

The Lucky Linda was the first assignment.

(In fact, I have an open assignment on him as I write this, which will more than likely become a story to be written on another day. Bigdummi is, by all accounts, the world’s greatest liar. He would rent equipment and never pay; often he would illegally move rental equipment away from job sites and deliver the equipment to his own job site, using the equipment for free. The guy is a real washout.)

It was a Friday morning, I had just picked up my intern Craig and we were southbound on I-95 in Fort Lauderdale. We were about a mile or two from the office when I spotted The Lucky Linda in the northbound fast lane; I started to count (thousand-one, thousand-two, thousand-three, etc.) I count so that—by the time I get off of the next exit and jump on to the northbound side and get back up to

speed—I will know how far behind I am. If I counted 120 seconds and he was traveling at 60 mph, that puts me at two miles behind.

By the time I was up to speed this time, I had counted to 180 (that’s three minutes in Lacek math), which put me three miles behind. Lacek math also tells me that at 90 mph I can be behind The Lucky Linda in one hour. Don’t try to figure this out, it works … as long as The Lucky Linda stays on I-95 north. I gave it a shot and an hour later I had The Lucky Linda in my sights. I took a deep breath and backed off my speed. I looked over at Craig who was asleep.

(Nothing bothers Craig).

By the time I was safely following The Lucky Linda, I was well north of West Palm Beach. It had taken me about 80 miles to catch up. Usually when I’m following a potential repo, I wait until the truck pulls off of the road and into a truck stop for fuel or the truck reaches its delivery point.

Continued on p. 76 ...

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 75

... continued from p. 74 This is when I strike and perform a peaceful repossession. With me it’s always non-confrontational. The driver will exit the cab of the truck and walk into a receiving or shipping office, and that short amount of time is enough to perform a safe repo, giving the driver a reason to call Uber and catch a ride home. So that’s the plan again, and Craig and I decide to hang back a couple hundred feet and wait it out. This is a scenario we have mastered hundreds of times.

The thing is, we figured Bigdummi would be exiting the freeway sooner than later; as we approached the Georgia state line, I looked down at my fuel gage and saw it was a little over a quarter tank. Recalling that The Lucky Linda had twin 150s, I needed to think of something and adjust the plan. Right then I remember a trick I’d used years ago in a similar situation.

I waited until I only had a few gallons left in my tanks; I had twin 25gallon tanks in my Ford F-250. Turning

on my trusty CB radio, “Breaker-onenine, breaker-one-nine … how about that Lucky Linda … you got your ears on?”

“Go ahead, good buddy, this IS the Lucky Linda … what’s up?”

“That’s a mighty pretty Peterbilt ya got there, but I think you might be getting a flat tire on that rear passenger side, you better pull over and check it out.”

Bigdummi fell for it, hook, cable and snatch block.

The Lucky Linda began to pull over just as I passed him up and pulled off the exit and into the gas station right off of the exit. Craig finally woke up and was standing with cash in hand at the cashier station. Just as the fuel handle kicked back indicating my second tank was full, I saw The Lucky Linda up on the overpass … and I started counting (thousand-one, thousand-two ... ), and at 40 seconds I was up to speed northbound again and in 20 minutes, she was in my sights again.

State lines for both Carolinas had

come and gone and into Virginia we drove until finally, just before reaching Richmond, The Lucky Linda began her exit off of I-95 north. The shiny black Peterbilt pulled into the truck stop, passed up the fuel area and stopped in one of the parking spaces.

From an area about 50 yards away, we watched as Bigdummi exited the cab and walked towards the service area of the truck stop.

“It’s now or never,” I said to Craig.

I grabbed my tool pouch, set of Peterbilt master keys and began walking towards The Lucky Linda. Bigdummi left her running and with the door unlocked. He turned the corner and was out of sight as I found second gear and released the brakes. I reached up and turned the CB to channel 12, as I’m sure Craig did the same as I exited the truck stop.

“You got a copy,” I heard Craig say as I turned onto the southbound ramp.

“10-4,” I said. “Say hello for me.”

“10-4,” Craig said. It is standard operating procedure for the second repossessor to hang back and inform the debtor the asset has been repossessed; it’s just the right thing to do in case the customer has medication or has left his wallet in the truck. He also notifies local law enforcement of the repo, just so the debtor does not report the asset stolen.

I’d managed to put about 20 miles behind me when I heard Craig on the CB call, “All clear, let’s go home.”

The Lucky Linda was the beginning of a long relationship with Tony Bigdummi. In the years to follow I have repossessed dump trucks, tractor-trailers and all types of construction equipment. I have invoiced a sizeable amount over the years because of Bigdummi.

A couple of times I thought about sending a Christmas card, but I didn’t … that would be just wrong.

Be safe.

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

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

76 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 77

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CALIFORNIA TOW TRUCK ASSOCIATION INTRO TO TOWING

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

Through five videos and corresponding quizzes, operators will learn the basics of towing.

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

Available now at: ctta@ctta.com Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 79

The Right Choice, ‘Beast of the East’

by Jim “Buck” Sorrenti

J

ohn Martins started Sterry Street Towing with one tow truck in 1980 and incorporated in 1983.

As the founder, owner and CEO, John was the prime motivating force behind Sterry Street’s steady growth by adding two or three trucks every year. He named his company after the street where he got his start in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Along with Sterry Street, John was the owner and founder of East Coast Collision Center, Courtesy Auto Group and an owner of the Checker Club. He was known for his strong work ethic and generous giving.

John died in 2015 due to complica-

80 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

tions from injuries he sustained in a bad trucking accident. Son Jamie Turmel took over ownership of the family business and continues the same strong work ethic he learned from his dad.

Sterry Street Towing has grown into one of the largest towing and recovery companies in the Rhode Island/southeastern Massachusetts region.

Sterry Street dispatches from three terminals: its headquarters in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and from additional Rhode Island locations in Providence and Pawtucket. They also maintain affiliations with several other professional towing companies along

the eastern seaboard, making it easy for their auto transport to obtain service no matter where or when the need arises.

Sterry Street employs more than 30 full-time employees that are maintain three shifts along with additional on-call staff. They also maintain WreckMaster Certification and TRAA Level 3 certification and most of their operators have Special Wrecker/Operator TRAA Certification.

Sterry Street’s extensive fleet includes specialized equipment, numerous flatbeds of all sizes, multiple Landoll trailers, road service and recovery units, dump trucks and trail-

Tech Highlights Chassis: 2017 Peterbilt 389 twin-steer.

Wrecker Body: 2017 Century 9055.

Engine: 600-hp Cummins.

Trans: Eaton Fuller 18-speed auto.

Winches: Dual DP 50,000-lbs.

Winches: Miller Industries .

Winches: New England Truck Solutions wrap.

ers, skid-steers, assorted light-, medium- and heavy-duty wreckers, heavy-duty rotators … and Truck No. 101, the awesome twin-steer tandem featured here.

This Beast of the East is a 2017 Peterbilt 389 twin-steer chassis/2017 Century 9055. Sitting in the driver’s seat and at the controls is the other half of this Beast partnership, “Big Mike” Horan. Mike is the WreckMaster certified heavy operator of 101.

“We are a team,” Mike said of 101.

Built by Miller Industries, this beast is powered by a 600hp Cummins diesel mated to an Eaton Fuller 18-speed automatic transmission. It has dual DP 50,000-lbs. two-speed winches and is equipped with a complete Snap-On tool kit, chain saw, hand-held blower, hazmat pads and patch kit, firstaid kit with defibrillator, rigging package, snatch blocks, numerous assorted chains and cables, slings, straps and wheel slings.

New England Truck Solutions, based in North Smithfield, Rhode Island, did the blue and purple vinyl wrap and graphic. 101 has received numerous awards since being put to on the road, including taking home First Place in the 2017 American Wrecker Pageant’s Heavy-Duty Tandem Axle Class in Baltimore.

“It’s always nice to win,” said Mike. “People recognize this truck. 101 really stands out and turns a lot of heads when it comes down the road.

“101 has been on many accidents and unique jobs, but two other situations come to mind,” Mike said. “101 and me just finished two weeks of school in Buffalo, New York. Completing both weeklong classes at WreckMaster and returning with 8/9R and A Class complete. …

“101 is one of the center spotlights at the Special Olympics Rhode Island Annual Penguin Plunge on January 1. The Special Olympics is something very dear and near to me personally,” Mike said, “and, yes, I do the plunge every year and this year I should break the over $100,000 mark in fund-raising I have done for them.”

The Penguin Plunge for Special Olympics grassroots fundraiser has all participants raise money to run (Plunge) into the chilly waters at Roger Wheeler State Beach. Over the past 42 years, this event has raised more than $3.5 million.

There is no question that 101 is paired right with Big Mike!

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • 81

AT Expo Moves Up to Atlantic City

by Steve Calitri

T

he American Towman Exposition XXXI is shifting to Atlantic City in 2019, a destination site long ago conjured by developers and promoters alongside the natural attraction of the Atlantic Ocean.

Now America’s most imaginative trade Exposition and the world’s greatest tow show will bring a bigness of its own to this renowned seaside resort.

But it’s not the first time. What most towers today may not know, is that Atlantic City (AC) was the site of successful AT Expos III and IV in 1991–92.

The Baltimore Convention Center’s blunder for 2019 (the rogue sales rep who sold our dates to another convention was fired for that blunder) works to the towing industry’s advantage next year. American Towman group rates at Atlantic City Casino Hotels will save attendees and exhibitors 35–50% in accommodations.

Easy access to AC and AT Expo is another boon. The state-of-the-art Atlantic City Convention Center is the first landmark one passes driving into the seaside resort and it provides ample parking. The overwhelming majority of attendees drive in from within a 400-mile radius and a significant percentage of those coming in from farther out also drive in. Most flyers will land in Philadelphia and then shuttle by bus or rail or rented car to AC. Atlantic City gives the industry’s tow bosses a fresh change in venue in 2019, uniquely different than Baltimore, and moreover, much different than any other casino town in the country. The premier playground of the Eastern Seaboard, AC’s Boardwalk by the sea offers casinos and entertainment indoors and on the Boardwalk.

Gone are AC’s famous diving horses but the historic Steel Pier still vibrates with thrill-rides, Go-kart racing, carnival games, and AC sponsored acts there to amuse boardwalkers.

The big-name casino hotels, like

82 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

venues. Shuttles will take attendees from this and other Boardwalk hot spots for the two-block run to the Convention Center, where exhibits, demonstrations, education and training will take place.

Atlantic City has a rich history in American lore as portrayed in the hit TV-series, Boardwalk Empire.

Diving horses, marathon dancers, bathing beauties and Miss America assured the city’s legend in the nation’s imagination. The Monopoly board game is a piece of Americana that has made the town’s streets familiar to households all across the nation The world’s largest tow show takes place in Atlantic City in late

The new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on the Boardwalk, one of American Towman's venues, is the gem of all the Hard Rocks. Side pic: Go Karts and Midget racing is big in AC.

Caesar’s, Tropicana, Bally’s and others offer world-class shopping and restaurants inside, right off the Boardwalk, as well as headliner entertainment and shows featuring the nation’s hottest musical and comedic acts.

There’s also the Tanger’s outlet center of stores just one block from the Boardwalk and the Convention Center, plus brilliant sections of the seaside promenade that were rebuilt since hurricane Sandy struck six years ago.

A lot of what is AC today was not there for our shows in 91–92. The town has experienced a renaissance over the past ten years. One of the newest and classiest newcomers to AC is the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, perhaps the most awesome Hard Rock in the country, and one of American Towman’s headquarter

Autumn 2019, December 4–8, with exhibit hours Thursday through Saturday, and education and training carrying over into Sunday. Mark your calendars.

Next year’s move to Atlantic City shifts the show a little farther north and deeper into the nation’s most populated region. Considering this and the reality that American Towman’s market penetration is much greater today, I believe the Exposition has an opportunity to draw more tow business owners than ever before. We will be working to make that happen.

NORTH 84 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Pine Tree Towing Featured on History Channel “Let’s tip a tractor over and get this party started,” said Ted Kamp, a producer with The History Channel.

The cameras were there to film the reenactment of an incident that occurred four years ago.

A 15-year-old boy had been driving a tractor when it slid over an embankment and pinned his leg underneath it.

“There’s heroism every day that people don’t hear about.”

Ron Myers, the owner of Pine Tree Towing in Cambridge, Ohio, was at the shoot with his team preparing to reenact their rescue. Their rotator was involved in assisting first responders with the rescue.

The show focused on the rotator’s role in lifting the tractor off of the victim. Kamp said they want to illuminate the important role of first responders as well as the technology they use.

“When people are in trouble, they just jump into a truck and save a life,” Kamp said about the responders.

“There’s heroism every day that people don’t hear about.”

The footage was part of a TV special called “Trucks to the Rescue,” which originally aired November 11 on The History Channel. Check History.com to find rerun info for the program.

Source: daily-jeff.com.

Convoy for Driver Killed in Accident A procession of semis and tow trucks drove through three states to honor the memory of a towman killed in an accident in October.

Michael White, 31, was an employee of Santa Fe Tow Service, a company based in Joplin, Missouri.

He was also a former volunteer fireNORTH 86 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

fighter with Bernice (Oklahoma) Fire Department.

He was killed while towing a semi on I-44, around Sapulpa, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma State Highway Patrol said the truck he was driving went off the side of the road, struck multiple barrier walls, and eventually rolled into a water-filled ditch.

A group began the trip in Kansas City and drove on Highway 69 through Southeast Kansas. Many towmen and truckers from across the region joined the convoy along the way.

Source: joplinglobe.com.

Company Ordered to Pay in Discrimination Suit A U.S. District Court has entered judgment against a New Orleans, Louisiana-based towing company for failing to respond to a lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for breaching an EEOC mediation agreement of a pregnancy discrimination charge.

According to the EEOC’s suit, TRU Towing breached its mediation settlement agreement with the EEOC and Devora Hampton, under which it agreed to pay $5,500 to resolve a pregnancy discrimination claim.

The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that on Jan. 31, 2018, TRU Towing’s owner, Brian Ballard, and Hampton entered into an agreement to settle her charge during mediation. The company refused to pay the money owned to her and, thus, the EEOC filed suit seeking enforcement of the contractual agreement and payment of the settlement money.

TRU Towing was served with the suit, and despite concerted efforts by the EEOC, they failed to answer the lawsuit or even appear in court.

As such, the EEOC moved to have the court enter a judgment by default in their favor, which was granted by the court in October. Additionally, the court ordered TRU Towing and its owner Brain Ballard to pay Hampton the $5,500 amount agreed to during mediation.

Source: EEOC. Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • NORTH 87

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • NORTH 89

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NJ Tower Awarded Gold Class Status Town II Auto Body & Towing of Wantage, New Jersey, announced its achievement of Gold Class status for training that contributes to complete and safe repairs.

Only 10 percent of collision repair businesses currently meet the rigorous training requirements necessary to earn the Gold Class designation, according to I-CAR, a not-for-profit training organization that awarded the designation.

Gold Class shops are required to have every technician involved in collision repair take training that is specific to their roles. They must continue with ongoing training each year for the business to maintain its Gold Class recognition, including classes in new technology.

Town II Auto Body & Towing was established by Joseph Pastore in 1956 in Montclair and is run by his son Tom and his wife, Tammy.

Source: njherald.com.

Thank you for visiting us at the Baltimore Show Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • NORTH 91

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • SOUTH 83

SOUTH 84 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Pine Tree Towing Featured on History Channel “Let’s tip a tractor over and get this party started,” said Ted Kamp, a producer with The History Channel.

The cameras were there to film the reenactment of an incident that occurred four years ago.

A 15-year-old boy had been driving a tractor when it slid over an embankment and pinned his leg underneath it.

“There’s heroism every day that people don’t hear about.”

Ron Myers, the owner of Pine Tree Towing in Cambridge, Ohio, was at the shoot with his team preparing to reenact their rescue. Their rotator was involved in assisting first responders with the rescue.

The show focused on the rotator’s role in lifting the tractor off of the victim. Kamp said they want to illuminate the important role of first responders as well as the technology they use.

“When people are in trouble, they just jump into a truck and save a life,” Kamp said about the responders.

“There’s heroism every day that people don’t hear about.”

The footage was part of a TV special called “Trucks to the Rescue,” which originally aired November 11 on The History Channel. Check History.com to find rerun info for the program.

Source: daily-jeff.com.

Convoy for Driver Killed in Accident A procession of semis and tow trucks drove through three states to honor the memory of a towman killed in an accident in October.

Michael White, 31, was an employee of Santa Fe Tow Service, a company based in Joplin, Missouri.

Continued on p. S 86...

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AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • SOUTH 85

... continued from p. S 85 He was also a former volunteer firefighter with Bernice (Oklahoma) Fire Department.

He was killed while towing a semi on I-44, around Sapulpa, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Highway Patrol said the truck he was driving went off the side of the road, struck multiple barrier walls, and eventually rolled into a water-filled ditch.

A group began the trip in Kansas City and drove on Highway 69 through Southeast Kansas. Many towmen and truckers from across the region joined the convoy along the way.

Source: joplinglobe.com.

Towman Not Guilty in Fatal Crash A Nebraska towman recently was found not guilty for the crash deaths of two people south of Omaha on Highway 75 on Jan. 5, 2018.

A Sarpy County jury in Papillion handed up the verdicts on James Helbert.

Investigators say Helbert was driving his tow truck when he crashed

into the parked vehicles, killing 19year-old Khalil Jones of Florida, and 47-year-old Shamus Dean, of Nebraska.

Helbert had been charged with two counts of misdemeanor vehicular homicide.

Source: 3newsnow.com.

Company Ordered to Pay in Discrimination Suit A U.S. District Court has entered judgment against a New Orleans, Louisiana-based towing company for failing to respond to a lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for breaching an EEOC mediation agreement of a pregnancy discrimination charge.

According to the EEOC’s suit, TRU Towing breached its mediation settlement agreement with the EEOC and Devora Hampton, under which it agreed to pay $5,500 to resolve a pregnancy discrimination claim.

The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that on Jan. 31, 2018, TRU Towing’s owner, Brian Ballard, and Hampton entered into an

SOUTH 86 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

agreement to settle her charge during mediation. The company refused to pay the money owned to her and, thus, the EEOC filed suit seeking enforcement of the contractual agreement and payment of the settlement money.

TRU Towing was served with the suit, and despite concerted efforts by the EEOC, they failed to answer the lawsuit or even appear in court. As such, the EEOC moved to have the court enter a judgment by default in their favor, which was granted by the court in October. Additionally, the court ordered TRU Towing and its owner Brain Ballard to pay Hampton the $5,500 amount agreed to during mediation.

Source: EEOC.

BBB, Lawsuit Targets Detroit Tow Company The Better Business Bureau is warning Detroit, Michigan, about Breakthrough Towing Company after receiving 29 complaints from people at two businesses.

People are having their cars towed from parking lots at McDonald’s and Midtown Liquor on Woodward Avenue.

A lawsuit has also been filed against the company calling its practices “predatory.”

Detroit Police Lt. Michael Parish says they have little authority to stop this with state laws or Detroit ordinances.

“We’ve received a number of complaints that have ranged from Breakthrough having a relationship with the business owner, actually feeding the business owner money, in exchange for tows,” Lt. Parish stated.

Towing companies also have to call the police to make sure the car they are towing is not reported stolen.

But Detroit Police have no authority to stop this.

“Right now, it’s very hard. It’s tricky. It’s difficult. What would be best in the eyes of the police department would be for local or state lawmakers to provide an enforcement mechanism,” Lt. Parish says.

There was no response to the matter from Breakthrough Towing at press time.

Source: wxyz.com.

NJ Tower Awarded Gold Class Status Town II Auto Body & Towing of Wantage, New Jersey, announced its achievement of Gold Class status for training that contributes to complete and safe repairs.

Only 10 percent of collision repair businesses currently meet the rigorous training requirements necessary to earn the Gold Class designation, according to I-CAR, a not-for-profit training organization that awarded the designation.

Gold Class shops are required to have every technician involved in collision repair take training that is specific to their roles. They must continue with ongoing training each year for the business to maintain its Gold Class recognition, including classes in new technology.

Town II Auto Body & Towing was established by Joseph Pastore in 1956 in Montclair and is run by his son Tom and his wife, Tammy.

Source: njherald.com.

Work the non-traffic side–Stay Safe!

AMERICANTOWMAN.COM - December 2018 • SOUTH 87

SOUTH 88 • December 2018 - TOWMAN.COM

Pine Tree Towing Featured on History Channel “Let’s tip a tractor over and get this party started,” said Ted Kamp, a producer with The History Channel.

The cameras were there to film the reenactment of an incident that occurred four years ago.

A 15-year-old boy had been driving a tractor when it slid over an embankment and pinned his leg underneath it.

Ron Myers, the owner of Pine Tree Towing in Cambridge, Ohio, was at the shoot with his team preparing to reenact their rescue. Their rotator was involved in assisting first responders with the rescue.

The show focused on the rotator’s role in lifting the tractor off of the victim. Kamp said they want to illuminate the important role of first responders as well as the technology they use.

“When people are in trouble, they just jump into a truck and save a life,” Kamp said about the responders.

“There’s heroism every day that people don’t hear about.”

The footage was part of a TV special called “Trucks to the Rescue,” which originally aired November 11 on The History Channel. Check History.com to find rerun info for the program.

Source: daily-jeff.com.

barrier walls, and eventually rolled into a water-filled ditch.

A group began the trip in Kansas City and drove on Highway 69 through Southeast Kansas. Many towmen and truckers from across the region joined the convoy along the way.

Source: joplinglobe.com.

Source: 3newsnow.com.

Convoy for Driver Killed in Accident

Company Ordered to Pay in Discrimination Suit

A procession of semis and tow trucks drove through three states to honor the memory of a towman killed in an accident in October.

Michael White, 31, was an employee of Santa Fe Tow Service, a company based in Joplin, Missouri.

He was also a former volunteer firefighter with Bernice (Oklahoma) Fire Department.

He was killed while towing a semi on I-44, around Sapulpa, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Highway Patrol said the truck he was driving went off the side of the road, struck multiple

A U.S. District Court has entered judgment against a New Orleans, Louisiana-based towing company for failing to respond to a lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for breaching an EEOC mediation agreement of a pregnancy discrimination charge.

According to the EEOC’s suit, TRU Towing breached its mediation settlement agreement with the EEOC and Devora Hampton, under which it agreed to pay $5,500 to resolve a pregnancy discrimination claim.

The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that on Jan. 31, 2018, TRU Towing’s owner, Brian Ballard, and Hampton entered into an agreement to settle her charge during mediation. The company refused to pay the money owned to her and, thus, the EEOC filed suit seeking enforcement of the contractual agreement and payment of the settlement money.

TRU Towing was served with the suit, and despite concerted efforts by the EEOC, they failed to answer the lawsuit or even appear in court. As such, the EEOC moved to have the court enter a judgment by default in their favor, which was granted by the court in October. Additionally, the court ordered TRU Towing and its owner Brain Ballard to pay Hampton the $5,500 amount agreed to during mediation.

Source: EEOC.

BBB, Lawsuit Targets Detroit Tow Company The Better Business Bureau is warning Detroit, Michigan, about

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... continued from p. SM 84 Breakthrough Towing Company after receiving 29 complaints from people at two businesses.

People are having their cars towed from parking lots at McDonald’s and Midtown Liquor on Woodward Avenue.

A lawsuit has also been filed against the company calling its practices “predatory.”

Detroit Police Lt. Michael Parish says they have little authority to stop this with state laws or Detroit ordinances.

“We’ve received a number of complaints that have ranged from Breakthrough having a relationship with the business owner, actually feeding the business owner money, in exchange for tows,” Lt. Parish stated.

Towing companies also have to call the police to make sure the car they are towing is not reported stolen.

But Detroit Police have no authority to stop this.

“Right now, it’s very hard. It’s tricky. It’s difficult. What would be best in the eyes of the police department would be for local or state lawmakers to provide an enforcement mechanism,” Lt. Parish says.

There was no response to the matter from Breakthrough Towing at press time.

Source: wxyz.com.

Towman Not Guilty in Fatal Crash A Nebraska towman recently was found not guilty for the crash deaths of two people south of Omaha on Highway 75 on Jan. 5, 2018.

A Sarpy County jury in Papillion handed up the verdicts on James Helbert.

Investigators say Helbert was driving his tow truck when he crashed into the parked vehicles, killing 19year-old Khalil Jones of Florida, and 47-year-old Shamus Dean, of Nebraska.

Helbert had been charged with two counts of misdemeanor vehicular homicide.

Source: 3newsnow.com.

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Pine Tree Towing Featured on History Channel “Let’s tip a tractor over and get this party started,” said Ted Kamp, a producer with The History Channel. The cameras were there to film the reenactment of an incident that occurred four years ago.

A 15-year-old boy had been driving a tractor when it slid over an embankment and pinned his leg underneath it.

Ron Myers, the owner of Pine Tree Towing in Cambridge, Ohio, was at the shoot with his team preparing to reenact their rescue. Their rotator was involved in assisting first responders with the rescue.

The show focused on the rotator’s role in lifting the tractor off of the victim. Kamp said they want to illuminate the important role of first responders as well as the technology they use.

“When people are in trouble, they just jump into a truck and save a life,” Kamp said about the responders.

“There’s heroism every day that people don’t hear about.”

The footage was part of a TV special called “Trucks to the Rescue,” which originally aired November 11 on The History Channel. Check History.com to find rerun info for the program.

Source: daily-jeff.com.

Convoy for Driver Killed in Accident A procession of semis and tow trucks drove through three states to honor the memory of a towman killed in an accident in October.

Michael White, 31, was an employee of Santa Fe Tow Service, a company based in Joplin, Missouri. He was also a former volunteer firefighter with Bernice (Oklahoma) Fire Department.

He was killed while towing a semi on I-44, around Sapulpa, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma State Highway Patrol said the truck he was driving went off the side of the road, struck multiple barrier walls, and eventually rolled into a water-filled ditch.

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... continued from p. W 85 A group began the trip in Kansas City and drove on Highway 69 through Southeast Kansas. Many towmen and truckers from across the region joined the convoy along the way.

Source: joplinglobe.com.

Company Ordered to Pay in Discrimination Suit A U.S. District Court has entered judgment against a New Orleans, Louisiana-based towing company for failing to respond to a lawsuit filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for breaching an EEOC mediation agreement of a pregnancy discrimination charge.

According to the EEOC’s suit, TRU Towing breached its mediation settlement agreement with the EEOC and Devora Hampton, under which it agreed to pay $5,500 to resolve a pregnancy discrimination claim.

The EEOC’s lawsuit alleges that on Jan. 31, 2018, TRU Towing’s owner, Brian Ballard, and Hampton entered into an agreement to settle her charge during mediation. The company

refused to pay the money owned to her and, thus, the EEOC filed suit seeking enforcement of the contractual agreement and payment of the settlement money.

TRU Towing was served with the suit, and despite concerted efforts by the EEOC, they failed to answer the lawsuit or even appear in court. As such, the EEOC moved to have the court enter a judgment by default in their favor, which was granted by the court in October. Additionally, the court ordered TRU Towing and its owner Brain Ballard to pay Hampton the $5,500 amount agreed to during mediation.

Source: EEOC.

BBB, Lawsuit Targets Detroit Tow Company The Better Business Bureau is warning Detroit, Michigan, about Breakthrough Towing Company after receiving 29 complaints from people at two businesses.

People are having their cars towed from parking lots at McDonald’s and

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Midtown Liquor on Woodward Avenue.

A lawsuit has also been filed against the company calling its practices “predatory.”

Detroit Police Lt. Michael Parish says they have little authority to stop this with state laws or Detroit ordinances.

“We’ve received a number of complaints that have ranged from Breakthrough having a relationship with the business owner, actually feeding the business owner money, in exchange for tows,” Lt. Parish stated.

Towing companies also have to call the police to make sure the car they are towing is not reported stolen.

But Detroit Police have no authority to stop this.

“Right now, it’s very hard. It’s tricky. It’s difficult. What would be best in the eyes of the police department would be for local or state lawmakers to provide an enforcement mechanism,” Lt. Parish says.

There was no response to the matter from Breakthrough Towing at press time.

Source: wxyz.com.

Work the Passenger side–Stay Safe!

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CopyrightŠ2018 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.

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