American Towman Magazine - February 2010

Check Out The Training And Seminar Opportunities At Tow Expo Int’l In Houston

The Award Winning Recovery

by Ewing Brothers of Las Vegas

6ISIT ONE OF THESE PARTICIPATING (INO DEALERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

THE FASTEST GROWING MEDIUM DUTY TRUCK MANUFACTURER

ARIZONA PHOENIX Rush Truck Center 602.272.7611 bankst@rushenterprises.com CALIFORNIA FONTANA Rush Truck Center 888.362.1133 www.rushtruckcenter.com camarenaj@rushenterprises.com UNION CITY/HAYWARD Monarch Truck Center 510.476.0680 www.monarchtruck.com sales@monarchtruck.com

FLORIDA FT. MYERS Tri-County Truck & Equipment 239.690.4900 www.tricountytruck.com trucksales@tricountytruck.com •Dynamic, Miller

FLORIDA continued POMPANO BEACH Tri-County Truck & Equipment 954.971.4022 www.tricountytruck.com trucksales@tricountytruck.com •Dynamic, Miller

ILLINOIS continued CHANNAHON Mack of Joliet 815.521.1900 www.ustrucksales.com gherdzina@ustrucksales.com

MASSACHUSETTS LUNENBURG Chapdelaine Truck Center Inc. 800.395.5800 www.chaptruck.com askus@chapdelainegm.com •Jerr-Dan

NEW JERSEY ATLANTIC CITY Quality Truck Center 609.965.9200 www.qualitytruckcenter.com corinned@qualitytruckcenter.com •Jerr-Dan

JACKSONVILLE Rush Truck Center 813.361.1199 www.rushtruckcenter.com shafferd@rush-enterprises.com •Jerr-Dan

WEST PALM BEACH Tri-County Truck & Equipment 561.712.1190 www.tricountytruck.com trucksales@tricountytruck.com •Dynamic, Mille

SUMMIT Chicago Mack Sales & Service 708.594.5151 www.ustrucksales.com gherdzina@ustrucksales.com

MINNESOTA MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL ALLSTATE SALES & LEASING CORP. 877.343.HINO (4466) www.allstatepeterbilt.com

LYNDHURST Frank’s Truck Center 201.939.7708 www.frankstruckcenter.com ckoumoulis@frankstruckcenter.com

MIAMI TruckMax 305.777.9000 www.truckmax.com dshelow@truckmax.com •Century, Challenger, Champion, Vulcan, Holmes, Chevron, Eagle

ILLINOIS ALSIP Chicago Truck Sales & Service 708.371.7010 www.ustrucksales.com gherdzina@ustrucksales.com

MAINE PORTLAND O’Connor Motor Company 800.464.6225 www.oconnorwheels.com dan.doiron@oconnorwheels.com •Jerr-Dan, Century

NEW HAMPSHIRE ROCHESTER Rochester Truck 800.335.2085 www.rochestertruck.com hulk@rochestertruck.com •Miller, Chevron, Jerr-Dan, NRC

TEXAS SAN ANTONIO Rush Towing Systems 877.5RUSHTOW www.rushtowingsystems.com wilkinsong@rush-enterprises.com •Jerr-Dan

&OR MORE INFORMATION

VISIT WWW HINO COM

Number 142 on Reader Card

Number 100 on Reader Card

FEATURE CONTENTS

18

Seeing The Lights Field Editor Terry Abejuela discusses the lights on your truck, and what you need to focus on.

24

The Donnie!

See how Ewing Bros. Towing in Nevada recovered a car hauler from a river and earned the Heavy Duty Donnie award.

66

Departments

The Spirit of AT Expo

LowDown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 News Share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Tow Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 AD Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Road Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Towman’s Market . . . . . . . . . .66 Adventures of A.T . . . . . . . . . .69

Whether you were one of the thousands of towers in Baltimore last November or not, you can feel the spirit of Towing’s Main Event on these pages. Featured are stories of the Towman Medal recipients and the winning trucks of the American Wrecker Pageant.

Photos by: Jim “Buck” Sorrenti, Terry Abejuela, Evelyn Diaz, Jay Baker, Cover Design by: Ann Marie Nitti

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 5

AFTER 40 YEARS OF BEING ON THE CUTTING EDGE, CHEVRON IS TRULY YOUR ONLY EDGE.

chev-ron (shev’r n)) The mark of a leader. ae

In challenging situations, your safest choice is always your best business strategy .....go with a proven leader.

Chevron’s art of excellence and design have set the benchmark for body and subframe lasting structural integrity. Chevron’s unique dual tray system that separates the winch hoses from the electrical system is second to none.

With Chevron’s experience in innovation and passion for design, the advantages are too numerous to list! To find out how Chevron can enhance your fleet, call 800-886-6400.

Quality that customers demand!

7320 W. Market St. • Mercer, PA 16137 • Phone 724-981-7500 • Fax 724-981-4425 • Toll Free 800-886-6400 www.chevroninc.com • email dliston@chevroninc.com Number 154 on Reader Card

Intelligence Attracts Intelligence

I

want to deal with an intelligent person. We all do. When we sell advertising we want to speak with a person who understands the value of communicating one’s message to the marketplace. When we deal with an exhibitor we want to deal with someone who understands the power of face-toface encounters. Likewise, when an equipment seller is talking to a buyer, he prefers to talk with someone who understands the value of operating a new wrecker over a used one. Tow business owners face the same in their field. They prefer to service a client who understands the value of working with a professional organization. That client will pay what the job is worth.

Likewise, the client wants to deal with a tower who has the expertise that will save his company money over the long term, though the rates being charged are higher than other area towers.

The way to be that smart company who attracts intelligent clients is through education. Educating oneself as a businessman and educating company tow operators through professional training.

A couple of examples: a tow boss needs to understand how the fire department approaches an incident if the tow company is to team effectively with the firefighters. Some veteran, savvy tow bosses learn it all the hard way over a long period of time. Most never get it entirely.

Today there is a training course (Xtreme Team) that cross-trains fire fighters and towers on what each side should know about the others goals, and capabilities at the scene. A stronger relationship with the fire department which in turn will help drive him more work.

The tow operator that is professionally trained stays with his company and with this industry longer than those who are not. Knowledge increases one’s confidence and pride. The well trained opera-

tor gives confidence to other professionals at the scene of an incident, and certainly to any broken-down motorist. The intelligent tow boss understands how and where the professionalism of his operators can drive business.

I love the story about the electrician who was called to a manufacturing plant that suddenly lost all power and went dark. The electrician looked around the plant’s utility room with his flashlight, then strode to one of the many fuse panels and flicked a switch, bringing the lights back on. A week later, upon receiving the electrician’s bill, the plant manager called him and asked how he had the gall to charge $10,000 for simply flicking a switch.

“Oh,” said the electrician, “I only charged you $1 for flicking that switch, and I added on $9,999 for knowing which switch to flick.”

From what I have seen over the past three decades, and it is still true today, the average tow boss doesn’t charge half of what he should be charging for a basic tow and not a quarter of what he should be charging for his recovery work.

Indeed, many tow bosses don’t charge anything for many aspects of the work performed, such as a clean-up of an accident scene, or additional time on the job due to inclement weather.

This has been changing for the better all too slowly. Many of us, like the Fouquettes at Big Wheel in Massachusetts, our Towmen of the Year, are trying to raise the bar. Their class teaches you a way of billing and collecting on recovery work that can have your company operating in the black and prospering.

I encourage all tow business owners, young and old, to seek out the many educational opportunities being offered by trainers, associations, private companies, trade shows and conventions and this magazine. See you in class!

***************************************************** Publisher Dennie Ortiz-Sorrenti Editor-In-Chief Steve Calitri Operations Editors Terry Abejuela Randall Resch Chassis Editor David Kolman Contributing Editors Bill Simmons Patrick Zozawa Editorial Board Tommy Anderson, Dallas, Texas Roy Carlson; St. Paul, Minn.

Gary Coe; Portland, Ore. Frank Child; Cody, Wyo. Belinda Harris; Greensboro, N.C. Amado Llorens; Hialeah, Fla. Ron Mislan; Warren, N.J. Chuck Swider; Chicopee, Mass. ********************************************************** Art Director/Production Manager Ann Marie Nitti Graphic Manager William Burwell Advertising Sales Manager Dennie Ortiz-Sorrenti Senior Account Executive Ellen Rosengart VP of Accounts Norma Calitri VP of Communications Neila Kennedy Internet Developer Henri Calitri ***************************************************** American Towman Network, Inc. President Steven Calitri ***************************************************** Headquarters 7 West Street, Warwick NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546 Fax: 845-986-5181 ***************************************************** E-mail: Publisher: dsorrenti@towman.com Editor-In-Chief: scalitri@towman.com http://www.towman.com Copyright ©2010 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Network, Inc. U.S. Subscription: $50–1 yr; $95–2 yrs • US $65 and $105 • International

Editorial Policy: the act of mailing or delivering a letter or article to American Towman Magazine, shall constitute permission to publish that letter or article or any portion thereof. American Towman Magazine reserves the right to edit any and all material submitted.

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 7

Texas Town Doubles Rates As one tower who has been contracted with Beaumont (Texas) Police to pick up uninsured drivers, TNT’s Tim Neff said his company towed 267 uninsured vehicles in just five months. But lately, calls have tapered down to just two-a-day. All this comes in the wake of Beaumont City Council approving a measure that would cost citizens double for the tow.

The price jumped from eighty-five dollars, to one hundred sixty-five dollars.

Beaumont City Council said the price change is meant to keep things fair for citizens, and business - as the price hasn't moved since 1998.

The ordinance also draws out a rotation among the sixteen wrecker companies. It was signed, but without a start date. So the city will have to post notice three times on their website or in a newspaper before requiring wreckers to up the non-consent tow price, and follow all the guidelines. Source: kbmt12.com

Tower Fights Back Midwest Towing & Recovery Company Inc., filed a civil complaint against the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania seeking a preliminary injunction and unlisted damages for being removed from the city’s rotation.

Lancaster police's Standard Operating Procedure 4.1 allows Eitel's Towing in Columbus to dispatch tow operators within the city of Lancaster. Stacy Wills, owner of Eitel's, said the company has been handling the rotation list for Lancaster police and the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office for years.

"I haven't seen the lawsuit," Wills said.

"But about five or six months ago we did remove Midwest from the rotation list for rule infractions. The action by Midwest is just another instance of a tower fighting back with legal recourse when a town denies it business, something that has become more and more common across the U.S. Source: lancastereagle gazette.com

8 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

Pep Boys Teams With Allstate Pep Boys, a national automotive repair service, is using Allstate Roadside Services as its provider for towing service. Pep Boys now offers $39.99 towing service for all customers and $19.99 towing service for its rewards members. Pep Boys stated it believes the relationship with Allstate will result in increased tow-in vehicles, which it views as a profitable segment of its overall business.

Pep Boys opened 20 new service and tire centers this year, including the 10 stores added as a result of its

acquisition of Florida Tire in Orlando. It opened a total of approximately 25 new service and tire centers in 2009 and has recently upped its targets for 2010 and 2011 to 40 and 80 respectively. Tire centers are a focus of the company’s growth strategy.

WreckMaster of the Year

Is Heroic Towman From Pennsylvania When Team WreckMaster secludes themselves into its enclave for the purpose of selecting the WreckMaster of the Year, the event is much like the Cardinals secluding themselves in the Vatican to pick the next Pope. No one knows how the process takes place, how the WreckMaster of the Year is chosen. But if one’s background in the towing industry has anything to do with it, one can understand the choice of Pat Herring. The Pennsylania tower is a one time recipient of the American Towman Medal and the National Safety Award. In 2007, he was inducted into The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame.

Herring was instrumental in two operations known as the Quecreek mine rescue and the Flight 93 plane crash. He and his personnel hauled pipe to be placed in the mine shaft allowing the trapped miner to breathe while they waited for help from above. Pat was also a first responder to the crash site of Flight 93.

Out of Somerset, Pennsylvania, Herring currently operates some 60 pieces of equipment, including light, medium, heavy wreckers and carriers, fully equipped road service units for both commercial and non commercial vehicles. He also has a wide variety of trailers from flat beds, drop decks, dry vans and refrigerated, coupled with cranes, fork lifts, and tow motors which serve an extensive customer base.

Herring has held numerous high ranking positions in his state towing association. He has been a strong advocate of training, education and certification serving on numerous training committees. He has personally hosted many open to the public training classes, as well as establishing annual private in-house training classes for all of his personnel for the past 15 years.

So, when the smoke belched from the chimney at WreckMaster headquarters, it was announced that Pat Herring is the WreckMaster of the Year.

. . . AT’s Digital Edition is at itowman.com . . .

AT Goes Digital Online

Disabled Tower Earns Kudos

Now with its January issue, American Towman Magazine is on the internet with a state of the art digital format that allows viewers to turn its pages and zoom into its content with a click of the mouse. By putting American Towman on the net with a readable format, the world’s premier towing publication is accessible to thousands more towing professionals among owners, managers, operators, dispatchers and office personnel. The addition of its digital edition at iTowman.com also makes American Towman available to towers worldwide.

The format allows readers to access advertiser web sites by simply clicking upon a web address printed on the ad page.

A towing professional is able to read American Towman at iTowman.com by keying in his or her name and email address. Hi-speed internet access is required.

Previously, towers had been able to view the digital edition of AT’s June, 2009 Towman Directory issue at www.iTowman.com.

In Detroit Lakes, Minn., Mike Smith, owner of Lakes Country Towing, was named volunteer of the year

by Becker County Sheriff Tim Gordon. Smith lost a leg in a disaster drill gone wrong last year but rebounded to work again as a tow operator. Also honored was the man who helped save Smith’s life on the day of the accident, Ryan Swanson of the Detroit Lakes Fire Department.

The accident had occurred the day before a large-scale disaster drill at Soo Pass Ranch. Smith towed an old school bus into Northwoods Campground, parked it, and placed blocks under the tires. But the bus broke free of the blocks and started rolling downhill. It rolled into the wrecker and both started going down the incline.

Smith tried to jump into the wrecker to put on the brakes, but he

Pittsburg Privatizes Towing Lot In April of last year, city officials authorized a plan to privatize the city's towing operations to save money and beautify the eastern shore of the Allegheny River, the current home of the city's 1.5-acre Strip District tow pound on 31st Street. There are about 200 cars in the city's pound.

McGann & Chester has begun operating the new tow pound in Mt. Washington 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As the city's exclusive towing operator, it receives compensation from towing fees ($110 for each tow and an $18-per-day storage fee). The city is not paying for the service from its general fund.

only managed to get halfway in. He was injured when the wrecker sideswiped a large oak tree and pinned him between the tree and the box of the wrecker. His left leg had to be amputated above the knee.

Smith said he had a hard time adjusting to the loss of his leg. “I just lay around the house and moped for a while,” he said, “until one day, probably in February, (my wife) Julie said, ‘It’s time to get going.’ ” Smith was still using a walker, he had not yet received his prosthetic leg, and he went out on a wrecker call to the scene of a car-deer collision on Highway 59. “I got out (of the wrecker) with my walker and the State Patrol guy just looked at me,” he said. Smith got the job done that day, and “I’ve never looked back,” he said. Source: inforum.com

Ramsey Winch Parent Files For Protection Under a plan to reorganize under bankruptcy protection, Ramsey Industries, parent of Ramsey Winch Co. and Auto Crane Co., made its filing in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Tulsa. It listed more than $100 million in debts.

According to CEO John Celoni, the company's poor financial position is the result of the untimely purchase of Eskridge, Inc., an Olathe, Kan.-based maker of planetary gear drives.

"This filing is occurring as a result of leverage that was taken on in an economic peak," Celoni said. "Unfortunately, that peak was followed by an unprecedented and unforeseen economic recession."

Celoni said Ramsey, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, should not have to lay off any personnel under its reorganization plan. Source: tulsaworld.com

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 9

Getting Your Money’s Worth or Things Under Tension

T

he simple question is as follows; “how much is one of your eyes worth?” Followed by a chorus of answers and more questions: What do you mean? How can you put a price on an eye! Is that the same as selling a kidney?

Not exactly. However, there is a price to pay. You folks work with wire rope, cables, and chains all the time: things under tension and stress (besides yourself). Loading vehicles onto roll backs, flat beds and often recovering a car or truck out of a ditch usually requires that the vehicle be pulled by means of a breakable wire rope or cable under great stress. Once the capacity of that cable or rope is exceeded, by let’s say, the vehicle being stuck in the mud or hung up by some mysterious object, events can and often do happen at the speed of a bullet. Now, I know those guys on TV’s “Myth Busters” dispelled the idea that a breaking cable (wire rope) will cut a person in half when it flies back. It most likely will never happen, however, a cable breaking under tension can do some pretty serious damage when it strikes the right body part.

I guess the question you have to answer is “which body part will I sacrifice” as you throw your arms up in front of your face.

Exceeding stated capacity is not always a measurable item, especially if the cable or rope has been worked previously. Obviously, the only time a manufacturer’s statement of capacity is true is when the item is brand new.

Any overuse or abuse reduces the capacity by an unknown and immeasurable factor. This is a factor you will never know unless you have been the sole and only operator of that equipment and have always paid attention to everything you were winching. The

10 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

chances of failure go up proportionally business owners could reduce their to the length of time the cable has been overall insurance costs, even if it’s in service and the fact that its stated through attrition, simply by reducing capacity has been exceeded an the number of reported and thus unknown number of times. To put it in treated injuries. Not only that, but other words, the more you use it, the both available employee work days closer it is to failure time. Failure can and productivity would increase withbe and usually is sudden and cata- out additional costs. Look at it like strophic. Pieces can splinter off a wire this…the fewer Workman’s Comp rope and fly in any direction. A chain claims filed, the less it will cost the or a hook can fail and send out shrap- employer. The fewer “on the job” accinel in very small pieces. Here comes a dents treated by health insurance “Murphy’s Lawism” again. (I love overall, the less health insurance these things) Number 11 states, “if should cost. I know I’m takin a chance everything seems to be going well, on that one, but it makes sense. No then you have obviously overlooked system is perfect, but something in the something.” I wrote in an article some way of injury prevention is better time ago about “rappelling” and the than what is going on now, which is it’s related equipment. It was, and still nothing. is, imperative to use new and rated There have been numerous incirope when practicing this endeavor. dents over the years reported through You can otherwise picture yourself as various media, of workers in the tow“Wylie Coyote” using the “Acme Rap- ing industry having been struck in the pelling Kit” and taking the eternal face by cable and rope projectiles and plunge to the bottom of the canyon, receiving injuries. I personally know ending with the little, tiny, circular of one severe eye injury poof of dust. caused by a splintered The IAFF (International Assocable. Picture a single ciation of Fire Fighters) has for strand of wire rope many years had an injury reportsticking out of your ing system which has shed light eyeball. Pleasant picon many areas in that field where ture huh? Painful too I firefighters are injured and then would guess. broken down those statistics into So…what’s one of your Bill Simmons is a meaningful applications for eyes worth? A decent, retired Massachusetts reform towards safer work pracOSHA rated, twenty Firefighter. He was a tices. It’s called the “Near Miss dollar pair of safety licensed EMT for over Reporting System.” I would sugglasses or goggles? I 26 years, has an A.S. in gest that if such a system were to had to do it…another Fire Science Technology take hold in the towing industry, pitch for safety equipand holds a current that the incident numbers would ment! Like the man at OSHA certification in probably be astounding and some the motorcycle shop Hazardous Materials serious reform could take place in said, “You got a ten Waste Operations. Bill injury prevention. That could dollar head, you buy a can be reached at bsimonly happen after some serious ten dollar helmet.” mons@towman.com data has been collected. I can see Cheap enough and it (without a crystal ball) that enough said.

w w w. m a t h e n y m o t o r s . c o m VA

VA

VA

2010 Kenworth T-800; 600HP PX-8; 18-Spd; Premium 2010 Peterbilt 335; 330HP PX-8, Allison 3000RDS Trans; Air New-2008 Kenworth T-800; Red; 550hp Caterpillar; 18-Spd; W/ Jerr-Dan Hdl 1000 / 565 50 Ton Wrecker; 35,000lb Srs Side Ride; Air Brake; Exhaust Brake; Aluminum Wheel; 33,000LB Interior; Disc Brakes W/ Jerr-Dan Hdl 1000 / 565 50 Ton Wrecker; 3-Stage 291” Recovery Boom; 35,000lb GVW; w/ Jerr-Dan 320 / 110 16 TON Integrated Wrecker Body; Recovery; 176” Coach Boom Under-Lift w/ 25,000lb Tire Lift; Wireless Remote; STK# J225523 Led Bar Light Package; Frame Fork Package; Light Duty & Deck Winch; 35,000lb SRS & 138” Under-Lift w/ Medium Duty wheel / tire lifts; Wireless Remote Control; 25,000lb Tire Lift; Dual Controls; Radian Bar Lights; Out-Riggers; 138” CA; STK# J797280 Hydraulic Hella Work lights; STK# J263959

WV

2010 Peterbilt 335; 330HP PX-8, Allison 3000RDS Trans; Air Ride; Air Brake; Exhaust Brake; Aluminum Wheel; 33,000LB GVW; w/ Jerr-Dan 320 / 110 16 Ton Integrated Wrecker BODY; LED Bar Light Package; Frame Fork Package; Light Duty & Medium Duty wheel / tire lifts; Wireless Remote Control; Hydraulic Out-Riggers; 138” CA; STK# J105949

VA

New-2008 International 4300 Regular Cab Red 225hp DT466; Allison 2200 Auto Trans; Air Ride Susp; Air Brake; Exhaust Brake; Alum Wheel; Loaded Cab; PM; PDL; w/ Jerr-Dan 21’ 21SRR6T-W Rem. Rail Steel Carrier w/ 6 Ton Capacity & 102” Wide; LED Strobe; Winch Lights; D-rings at Winch Bucket; 2-60” Tool Boxes; Rem. Throttle Control; Air Disconnect at Rear; Indep. Wheel-Lift w/ Reese Receiver Tube; STK#J680989

PARTS E-STORE Now Available at MathenyMotors.com Your One Stop Shop for all your Towing and Recovery Equipment and Accessory Needs!

VA

2009 Peterbilt 340; Paccar Px8 330hp; Allison 3000 Automatic; Air Ride Suspension; Ab; Eb & Aw; 58,000lb GVW; w/ Jerr-Dan 28’ 15 Ton Transporter; 2-48” Boxes; Keyslot Strips Down Center & along Rub-Rail; Stationary Pintle Hook; 7 Pin Plug & Glad Hands; Winch Wireless Remote; STK#J789726

VA

VA

2010 International 4300 Extended Cab White 225hp DT466; Allison 2200 Auto Trans; Spring Ride Susp; Hydr Brake; Steel Wheel; Loaded Cab; PM; PDL; Chrome Bumper; w/ Jerr-Dan 21’ 21RRSB Removable Rail Steel Carrier with 5 Ton Capacity & 96” Wide; Led Strobe Light Package; Winch Lights; 2-48” Tool Boxes; Remote Throttle Control; Independent Wheel-Lift w/ Reese Receiver Tube; STK#J253316

New-2010 HINO 258LP; 220HP JO8E-TAToyota Diesel Engine; New-2009 Gmc 7500 Crew Cab 7.8l Duramax Diesel, Allison 2500 Automatic; Spring Ride Suspension; AIR Brake; 26,000lb Allison 2200RDS Auto Trans.; Power Windows; 52 Gallon Fuel Tank GVW; w/ Jerr-Dan 21’ SRR6T-W Removable Rail Steel Carrier; Spring Ride Susp; Hyd Brake; w/ Jerr-Dan 21’ RRSB Rem Rail Steel Carrier; Led Strobe Bar Light Pkg; Winch Lights; 2-60” Tool 6-Ton Capacity; CODE-3 LEB Strobe Light Package; Winch Boxes; Indep. Wheel-Lift w/ Reese Receiver Tube; Wheel Covers; Lights; 2-60” Tool Boxes; RC-1 Remote Control for Winch; Alum Rem Rails; Body Painted “Red ” Independent Wheel-Lift w/ Reese Tube; Aluminum Wheels

WV

VA

New- 2-2009 Ford F-450 Xl w/ Power Options; 6.4L Turbo Diesel; “Black”; 4x2; Auto Trans; 33 Gal. Fuel Tank, Keyless Entry; Cab Steps; w/ “All New ”Jerr-Dan Mpl-Ngs Element Self Loading Wrecker; 60” Steel Body, Aluminum Wheels; Self-Loading Dollies w/ Aluminum Rails; Cab Steps; LED Body Lighting; Custom 34” Pylon

WV

NEW-2009 GMC 6500, 260HP 7.8L Duramax Diesel, Allison 2500 Auto, Spring Ride Susp, Hyd Brake, 26,000Lb GVW, Jerr-Dan 21’ RRSB Removable Rail Steel Carrier, 5-Ton Capacity, Code-3 LED Strobe Light Package, Winch Lights, 2-48” Toolboxes, Independent Wheel- Lift W/ Reese Tube, Aluminum Wheels, STK# J408539

WV

1997 Black Mack E7 427-HP, 18 speed, 171,000 original miles, new paint and drive tires, excellent condition w/ 50 ton tri-axle wrecker, tire lift frame forks, 110 volt hydraulic generator, new lightbar

2007 Black T800 Kenworth pre-emission C15 550-HP, 18 speed with Jerr-Dan HDL 1000/565 50 ton wrecker, w/3-stage recovery boom, wireless remote, 176” coach boom underlift w/25,000lb tirelift, LED lightbar and LED Mini Wing lights, LED inbody, under body and tail lights, 5th wheel attachment, pintle hook, 2” ball and wireless remote

Number 194 on Reader Card

VA

WV

2009 White C6500 GMC Duramax Diesel, Allison automatic clutch shift PTO with Jerr-Dan steel 21’ removable rail 102” wide 6 ton carrier, steel removable deck rails, IRL wheel lift, tie down pkg, (2) 36” toolboxes ,in dash switch panel, LED light pkg, work lights at winch

WV

Used 1988 Peterbilt 377 w/36” flattop sleeper, Cummins Diesel, 13 Speed With 2001 Century 9055 integrated wrecker.

Number 148 on Reader Card

ADVERTISER

AACTION PAGGEE CTION PA AD INDEX

Page #

1 800 I’M STUCK 21 Access Tools 32 Akins Body & Carrier Sales 23 Allstate Roadside Service 72 Atlas Flashers 20 B/A Products 68 Baileys Towing Equipment 41 Chevron, Inc. 6 Condor Products 64 Custer Products 13 Danco Products, Inc. 41 DewEze Mfg. 48 Dynamic Towing Eq. & Mfg. 71 Equipment Sales & Service 50 Equipment Sales & Service 68 Finex Group 16 Florida Independent Tow Show 17 Hino Motor Sales USA, Inc. 2,3 IGTC McManus Peard Gesl 21 Intek Truck Eq. Finance & Lease 13 Landoll Corp.

30 Lift & Tow 41 Lion’s Eye Media 41 Lodar/Skidmore/Products 64 12 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

RS#

213 102 126 183 184 108 216 154 167 128 110 147 165 150 152 207 157 142 175 145 174 139 –– 163

FAX To: 888-847-6035 Page #

Matheny Motor Truck Co. 11 Matjack International Wreckers 43 Miller Industries, Inc. 36, 37 Minute Man Mfg., Inc. 42 New England Truckmaster 43 Phoenix USA, Inc. 13 Photo Card Specialists 50 Pierce Arrow 13 Purpose Wrecker Sales 22 PWOF 28, 29 Ramsey Winch 12 Recovery Billings Unlimited 21 Rush Towing Systems 31 RV Cams 20 Southwest Auto Tow 22 Steck Mfg. 50 Towing.com 22 TowMate 64 Vulcan 27 Warn Industries 42 Western States Tow Show 65 Worldwide Equipment 48 WreckMaster 4

RS#

194 186 143 166 171 170 196 117 212 136 148 155 198 159 138 132 115 191 107 120 122 151 100

February 2010

For more product information, please circle the corresponding reader service number on the Action Card to ☛ the right, and send it in.

Form is valid for three months.

Number 145 on Reader Card

Number 117 on Reader Card

Unveiling the new REVOLUTION in toolbox technology

• SAFER

slide away door puts more distance between operators and traffic

• EASIER

Wheel Simulators

slide away door makes itt Toolboxes easier to lift heavy items such as jacks and chainss Hubcovers since there is not a drop down door to lift across Body Accessories

Phoenix USA, SA, A IInc Inc. nc. Ph nc Phone Pho ne 931 9 931.526.6128 3 • Fax 931.526.1795 Number 128 on Reader Card

Number 170 on Reader Card

Check Out What’s NEW and HOT!

The Tracinator

New PTO Saves Time Parker Chelsea makes PTO installation simpler and more cost-effective with its new 238 Series PTO. Chelsea’ s new 238 series is designed to fit directly to the eight bolt opening on the transmission eliminating the need for an adapter plate. The new unit features 4 output speed ratios for broad coverage, 12 output options allowing you to remote mount or direct mount a variety of driven devices. One key feature available on this unit is the patented (Patent # 71597001) shaft brake option. This industry setting standard is perfect for product pump applications. The new 238 series will have torque capacities up to 250 Lbs. Ft.

www.phstock.com Number 200 on Reader Card

WreckMaster releases NEW Towing Videos The light duty and medium duty towing videos will walk you through the proper techniques for towing a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck. Most importantly they emphasize roadside safety and operator awareness. Both videos explain primary and secondary attachments while preparing the vehicle for towing.

These DVD’ s were developed using WreckMasters recommended techniques. Included are topics on towing capacity, SCENE, installation of tow lights, steering wheel securement and some tricks of the trade to make you more efficient.

www.wreckmaster.com Number 201 on Reader Card

Aerodynamic Wheel Covers To help commercial truck drivers and owners meet the challenge of fuel costs, Chicago area manufacturer RealWheels Corporation (RWC) has expanded its line of AERO wheel covers, offering an aggressive and strong appearance while giving a no-nonsense approach to aerodynamic fuel efficiency.

The AERO-series includes: the AERO-Deluxe, a polished aluminum wheel cover that combines brilliant shine with aerodynamics; the AERO-Custom, made from textured UV protected high-impact plastic in black or white; the AERO-Clear, a clear wheel cover that

14 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

allows for visual inspections at any time without wheel removal; and the AERO-Graphix, a way to mix brand promotion and fuel efficiency.

These covers not only provide dramatic aerodynamic benefits, but are also designed with ease of maintenance in mind. The secure mounting brackets are universal, simple to install and allow for complete wheel removal without having to remove the mounting brackets.

www.realwheels.com/aerostyle.com Number 202 on Reader Card

H

ot Springs, AR - Innovative Equipment Solutions (IES) introduces a new super compact and highly portable wheel wash solution – The Tracinator – a one-tire revolution dirt removal system for light conditions, or for usage where a complete, heavier duty wheel wash system is not practical or budgeted. Ideal for mobile operators, short-term construction projects or for the ease of rental installations, The Tracinator is designed to flush itself clear of debris by simply attaching a 2-inch hose from a water truck or fire hydrant, and placing the clean-out valve in the open position.

Debris is then flushed out to the side through the open ports. As such, The Tracinator is a preferred and fieldproven alternative to standard rumble grates, which require manual cleaning by using a shovel to clear debris from between the ribs. The Tracinator can be used independently or in conjunction with any of the Neptune Automated Wheel Wash and Disinfecting Systems manufactured by IES.

All components of IES wheel wash systems are manufactured in the U.S.A., with immediate parts availability.

IES designs automated wheel washing systems for applications in light to medium soils, tacky and heavy soils; or those that address disinfectant and bio-security needs. In addition to its Neptune Series of drive-through systems for temporary or permanent use; IES also offers its new highly portable above-ground Maximus Series. Additional product line includes drive-over systems for light soil conditions; and roller units for use in heavy clay conditions.

Importantly, all systems offer a fully automated closed-loop water recycling and solids separation solution.

IES offers nationwide sales, service, rental, and turnkey installation. For more information on IES automated wheel wash systems, contact IES at 866-303-4437 or email at info@innovativeequipment.org.

www.innovativeequipment.org Number 203 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 15

A Dynamic “Trick Out”

By RealWheels It took a team of design specialists just four hours to turn a standard gray Ford 450 chassis with a Dynamic wrecker body into a shining star at the recent American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, MD this past November.

The Project Vehicle Team at RealWheels Corporation (RWC) of Gurnee, IL dubbed Team Real, has seen a dramatic increase in the amount of customers looking for American-made products. They joined with president Anthony Gentile of Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg. Company to demonstrate how a plain base chassis can be turned into an All-American beauty.

“We were thrilled to be invited by Dynamic to work on the project during the American Towman Expo,” said Jhan Dolphin, vice president of marketing for RWC. “The attendees were very interested in seeing how the transformation took place right in front of their eyes.”

Team Real was led by Greg Polka and Bjorn Cannon and began their work at the show on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 11 am when the show opened and completed their work four hours and 15 minutes later. Show visitors would intermittently stop by and watch the work in progress throughout the day.

“The “trick out” also helped build additional traffic and interest in our trucks,” said Gentile. “We had a lot of questions about the All-American package.”

The custom accessories used were all created by Team Real and included stainless steel mesh grille inserts, stainless bull bar, stainless exhaust –tub side steps, pylon covers and billet All-American badge on the front grille. “That badge says it all,” added Anthony Gentile. “It marks the first American tow truck offered with this exclusive custom All-American design package.”

Dynamic will offer the special design package for its trucks to customers beginning in the second quarter of this year with all the custom parts being created by RWC. The truck was finished with a complete trim kit from laser-cut mirror-finished stainless including door handle overlays, front end and body side trim, rear light surrounds and boom overlay.

For pricing information on the AllAmerican trim package contact Dynamic Towing Equipment & Mfg. at 800-831-9299.

Number 207 on Reader Card

16 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

Number 157 on Reader Card

Know Your

by Terry Abejuela

lighting

Seeing the light, you must know the lights – it can be a matter of your life and those passing by. It’s critical to understand the intended use of

L

ighting equipment on a tow truck is an essential tool for the tow truck operator. Tow truck lighting equipment is needed to illuminate our work area, warn traffic of a hazard, make our truck more visible and comply with local, state and federal laws.

Much of the lighting on our trucks is required by law. All vehicles must have headlights and tail lamps that display brake and turn signal lights. If operated during darkness they must also display running lights. Tow trucks are commercial vehicles and required to have clearance lights, as well as emergency flashing lights to warn motorists of a hazard. All required

lighting equipment on the tow truck must be in operating order. Any lighting equipment installed on the truck but not required by law must also be in operating order. Make sure that the color of the lenses you want to use on your truck are legal in your state.

Some lights on the truck assist the operator in being able to see in the workspace. Upper and lower work lights are used to illuminate the area when loading a vehicle on the tow sling, wheel lift or car carrier. These lights should be aimed properly to avoid blinding motorists approaching the scene. In California the law requires work lights to be adjusted to project the light on the ground no more than 75

each type of light.

Traffic advisor directional arrow control panel.

18 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

In cab spotlight control panel.

Pedestal mounted spot light.

Door mounted spotlight.

feet behind the tow truck.

Spot lights are sometimes mounted on tow trucks and are useful for lighting up a specific area such as a recovery. Spotlights mounted on the drivers’ side door are limited in the area they can illuminate. Spotlights mounted on the roof of the tow truck cab or on the light bar offer more coverage area but require remote operation. Some can be

purchased with a wireless remote.

Tool box lighting allows the operator to more quickly and easily locate equipment in the tool box. This lighting should be mounted in a way to illuminate a large area of the tool box and to be protected from damage. Avoid mounting the lighting in close proximity to heavy equipment that may easily damage the light if the equipment shifts during transit or the lens is hit while moving the equipment in or out of the tool box.

Some car carriers are equipped with hydraulic control handle lighting allowing the operator to visually see the control handles during darkness.

Being able to see the control handle reduces the chances of pulling the wrong handle.

When shopping around to purchase lighting for your truck make sure you understand what type of lights you are purchasing and that they are designed for their intended use. Fully encapsulated power supplies and gasket sealed lenses will help make light bars moisture resistant. Cushioned bases reduce vibration.

There are different types of bulbs available and some are more suited for specific uses than others.

A standard incandescent light con-

Strobe Lights/Emergency Lights

sists of a tungsten filament inside a gasfilled bulb. When the bulb is turned on, a current is sent through the filament.

Tungsten has a high electrical resistance, so the current generates heat, which then produces light. The gas inside the bulb slows the evaporation of the tungsten filament, but eventually the heat will cause the filament to decay enough to break, causing the light bulb to go out. Incandescent light bulbs are not very energy efficient because most of their energy is used producing heat-carrying infrared light photons. Only about 10 percent of the light produced is visible light.

Halogen lights work on the same principle as an incandescent light bulb but produce more light. The tungsten filament in a halogen light bulb is contained inside an atmospheric vacuum which allows it to burn at a much higher temperature resulting in a brighter light. Halogen light bulbs last longer than incandescent light bulbs.

HID (high intensity discharge) lights have a capsule of gas instead of the tungsten filament. The gas is actually used to produce light instead of simply slowing the decay of the bulb.

Two electrodes are positioned close together and hermetically sealed inside the gas capsule. The electrodes are wired to a ballast containing a circuit board with several high current capacitors, transistors, and resistors. The ballast acts as the light's control center, igniting the light and then regulating its power flow. HID lights are brighter and more energy efficient than halogen or incandescent bulbs. HID lights also more closely match the color and look of natural daylight.

LED’s (light emitting diode) present many advantages over traditional light sources including lower energy consumption, longer lifetime, improved robustness, smaller size and

LED Clearance Light

Rotating Emergency Lights (halogen & incandescent)

Light bar with built in directional arrow and upper worklights.

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 19

faster switching. However, they are relatively expensive and require more precise current and heat management than traditional light sources. Over the past decade the cost of LED lights has dropped and they are now being used in more applications. LED lights are very durable and stand up to moisture and vibration well because they have no moving parts.

Strobe lights also called stroboscopic lamps are very common on tow trucks.

Strobe lights store energy in an electrical component known as a capacitor and then dumps this energy into a bulb filled with Xenon gas. The Xenon gas conducts electricity and produces a very intense and sudden flash of light. Most strobe lights are limited by the factory to 10 to 12 flashes per second. The reason for this is that strobe lights can cause seizures in people with epilepsy. Even with the factory limitation people with epilepsy can still be adversely affected by strobe lights. Strobe lights are very visible during darkness but are less effective during daylight.

Number 159 on Reader Card

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20 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

There are many different styles of light bars available in many different configurations. Light bars can contain emergency amber lights, taillights, work lights and directional arrows.

Directional arrows have a great advantage over traditional flashing amber lights as they allow the operator to indicate a specific direction the motorist should move.

Low profile light bars look sleek and reduce wind drag.

Fold down light bar brackets are useful when operating in areas with Number 213 on Reader Card

Number 155 on Reader Card

IGTC

INSURANCE

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MAKE A TEN MINUTE CALL - SAME DAY QUOTE

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Number 175 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 21

Number 138 on Reader Card

low clearance, such as garages and parking structures. Wireless remote control for light bars is another option that can also be very useful.

Maintaining the lighting equipment on your truck consists of keeping the lenses clean, inspecting and repairing damaged wires, and maintaining moisture resistant features of the light bar.

There are many products available for cleaning lenses. Make sure that the product and the towels you use will not scratch the lenses. Rinse lenses of excess dirt and dust before applying lens cleaners to avoid abrasion damage to the lenses. Some products claim to resist fogging and repel dust. There are also products available that remove fine scratches in the lenses.

Inspect wiring harnesses, and connections to ensure they are insulated and free of damage. Any damaged wires should be repaired immediately before major damage occurs. Make sure all wiring is protected from sharp and abrasive surfaces.

Inspect and identify gaskets that need to be replaced before moisture damage occurs.

Before making decisions on tow truck lighting purchases do some research and shop around for quality, well designed and functional equipment. With the pace at which lighting technology is changing equipment what is state of the art today can be outdated tomorrow.

Number 115 on Reader Card

Terry Abejuela has 30 years of experience in the light-duty towing and recovery industry. He has been a light-duty level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association since 1998. As AT’ s Field Editor, he reports on carrier, light, and medium-duty techniques.terry.abejuela@sbcglobal.net Number 212 on Reader Card

22 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

Number 126 on Reader Card

The Donnie Cruse Recovery Awards are presented by WreckMaster and American Towman Magazine.

AWESOME Ewing Wins The Donnie

by Patrick Zozawa

O

n May 28th, 2007, we received a call from the Nevada Highway Patrol at approximately 2 o’clock in the afternoon. We were told that a tractor-trailer loaded with passenger cars had gone off of the Laughlin Bridge located some 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. We arrived on scene at approximately 3:30 pm, about an hour and a half after leaving our shop, to find a 7-car hauler on its side in the Colorado River. At that time, we were told that the truck was headed to Phoenix, AZ, when it lost its brakes coming down a 17 miles long 6 percent grade. At the very bottom of the grade there is a traffic light, which splits Arizona from Nevada.

At the traffic light, numerous cars sat waiting for a green light. The driver of the tractor-trailer tried frantically to avoid slamming into these cars.

Unable to stop, he swerved to the right but could not entirely avoid the barrier that protected the bridge. The driver steered his truck between a line

Miller Industries sponsored the Donnie Cruse Memorial Recovery Awards.

Above, right, Patrick Zozawa receives the Heavy Duty “Donnie” for recovery excellence atop Baltimore’s World Trade Center on behalf of a Ewing Bros. team of six recovery specialists, of which he was part.

24 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

We calculated the empty weight of the tractor-trailer combination, to be approximately 29,000 pounds. However, there were a number of cars still on the lower deck of the trailer. We calculated those vehicles to be approximately 2,500 pounds each for a total weight of 36,500 pounds.

of trees and the barrier wall and ended up on the pedestrian walkway that runs along side of the bridge before finally turning over in the river below.

After surveying the scene, I immediately called for 2 additional heavy wreckers and 2 lowboy trailers to assist the rotator I had on scene. The plan was to remove the passenger cars dislodged from the top deck of the trailer, vertically lift the entire tractor-trailer from the river with the 2 heavy wreckers and winch both units back up the embankment. At that time, we calculated the empty weight of the tractor-trailer combination, to be approximately 29,000 pounds. However, there were a number of cars still on the lower deck of the trailer. We calculated those vehicles to be approximately 2,500 pounds each for a total weight of 36,500 pounds.

With our Century rotator, we removed those cars that were on the top deck of the trailer and placed them on the roadway ready for transport from the scene. The tractortrailer was then rigged and lifted from the water while a Century 9055 wrecker was positioned parallel to the bridge and directly to the rear, to winch both units from the river and up the embankment. With the tractor-trailer now out of the river and parallel to the wall and barrier protecting the bridge, the 9055 was repositioned to assist in the up righting of both units. A Century 1040 wrecker was used to up-right the front of the trailer while the 9055 up-righted the rear of the trailer with those remaining cars still onboard on the lower deck. The rotator was used to up-right and control the tractor while both units were in mid-air. With both units now upright and back on hard surface, the decision was made to separate both units and load them onto our lowboy trailers for transport.

I can only add that I am extremely proud of our accomplishment, as this recovery could not have been accomplished without the team work and recovery skills of the Ewing Team.

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 25

A Century 1040 wrecker was used to up-right the front of the trailer while the Century 9055 up-righted the rear of the trailer with those remaining cars still on-board on the lower deck.

The rotator was used to up-right and control the tractor while both units were in mid-air.

The Century Rotator played a pivital role in this amazing recovery.

26 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

You never know what you will encounter when you head out to a recovery. That’s why we build the Vulcan V-70 and V-100 strong and durable. No weak links in our Vulcan engineering, design and production means no job too tough. Perfect for coaches, snorkels, pumpers and fire trucks. Your Vulcan V-70 or V-100 equipped with the Euro-stinger has the reach and capacity to get those hard-to-tow vehicles back to the shop.

Visit your local Vulcan distributor to find out why so many towing professionals choose Vulcan.

Number 107 on Reader Card

Number136 on Reader Card

Save On Credit Card Processing Merchant’s Choice Payment Solutions and Woodforest Bank have developed the National One Rate credit card processing program specifically for the towing industry! The National One Rate Program is for small/medium/large companies - no padded rates or hidden fees, all companies are eligible.

The National Towing One Rate program is simple. One low rate over the fixed interchange rate (the interchange rate is set by MC, Visa, Discover & the other credit card companies) with a fixed transaction fee of $.10 per transaction and no monthly service charges.

The program also offers sales equipment for counter top and mobile, debit card acceptance and a check acceptance program. This is ideal for the towing industry where we are always on the go. Virtually eliminate chargebacks by using

®

High End Features

5 Year Structural Warranty Powder Coat Paint

440 40 Ton Traveling Axle

PCI compliant mobile equipment in your trucks.

Towers in Massachusetts and Texas are already saving money. You may request a no cost - no obligation – free review of your existing merchant services. Simply fax a copy of your current processing statement with your name and number, and the best time to contact you to 1.877.532.1235.

For more information, contact William E Johnson, National Towing Account Manager @ 413-575-3104 or bill.mcps@gmail.com.

Cummins Receives EPA 2010 Certification Cummins Inc. received certification from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its 2010 Heavy-Duty big-bore ISX15 and MidRange ISB6.7, ISC8.3 and ISL9 engines. Certification of these engines means that the Cummins 2010 engine lineup for on-highway applications meets the near zero emissions levels required for all engines manufactured in 2010.

The new EPA regulations, which took effect Jan. 1, 2010, are the most stringent emissions regulations in the world, with Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) emissions levels of 0.2 grams and 0.01 grams per brake-horsepower-hour, respectively.

Cummins will utilize Selective Catalytic 455 55 Ton Reduction (SCR) technology to meet the EPA Traveling Axle 2010 near-zero emissions standards. Cummins committed to using SCR technology because of a step change in performance which provides a significant increase in efficiency and durability.

Gone But Not Forgotten

Steel Shot Blasted

425 25 Ton Traveling Axle

Grote Harness/ LED Lights 7-10 Year Warranty Central Grease System

835 35 Ton Detachable Gooseneck

Ultimate Protection

Hot Dip Galvanizing

Proven Solutions For The Toughest Hauling Needs

Loadoll III Carrier 30,000 LB.

2010 Celebrates Landoll’s 41st Trailer Model Year

800-428-5655 ®

ww w .la nd o l l . c o m

Number 174 on Reader Card

30 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

Proudly made in the U.S.A.

Rodney F. "Rod" Pichelman, age 60, died this past November. Rod married his wife Diane on August 3, 1968 and in 1973 together they started "Rod's Wrecker Service". They began with 2 tow trucks and built the business to include 6 trucks, a repair garage and employ 6 people. He was an active member of the Wisconsin Towing Association and shared his knowledge as an instructor at many training seminars. Rod was a soft spoken gentleman and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

When it comes to towing, no one offers you more.

Several chassis and body options available.

2009 Hino Model 258LP 220HP diesel engine, Allison automatic transmission, 19.5" tires and wheels.

21' Jerr-Dan 6-ton Steel Rollback 102" wide, removable rails, LED light bar, two 48" toolboxes, 3K wheel lift, 8K winch.

More performance.

The Hino Model 258LP combined with the Jerr-Dan 6-ton steel rollback is ideally suited for any two-car carrier application. This economical and reliable truck offers exceptional ride and handling and best-in-class manuverability. The Jerr-Dan 6-ton carrier is virtually maintenance free and provides uncompromising strength. <RX FDQ IHHO FRQ¿GHQW XVLQJ WKLV SURYHQ SURGXFW LQ WRXJK HQYLURQPHQWV

More locations and service.

Rush Towing Systems is your new Jerr-Dan dealer in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. We’ve been in trucking for more than 40 years, and in that time, have earned a solid reputation for excellence, fairness, a positive attitude and solutions that exceed customer expectations. We offer the full line of Jerr-Dan bodies, including standard-duty wreckers,14 to 60 ton wreckers, and up to 85 ton rotators and aluminum and steel carriers.

877-661-4511 l 877-5RUSHTOW TM

www.rushtowingsystems.com

8810 IH-10 East, San Antonio, TX 78109 l www.rushtowingsystems.com Number 198 on Reader Card

Number 102 on Reader Card

Kiddy Korral Sponsored by:

C CENTURY® once again leads the way in raising your expectations by lowering our carrier bed – a full 5 inches. This 5 inches means more towing capability for you!

• A lower load angle handles low clearance vehicles • A lower center of gravity means more stability for larger loads • A lower deck height eases the back strain when tying down loads and keeps your feet safely on the ground, not the carrier deck • A lower deck allows additional clearance for hauling taller loads • And the added bonus of a high dump angle makes unloading wrecked vehicles a lot easier

Damaged or disabled vehicles and machinery quickly unload off the LCG with its steep 20-degree dump angle.

The side-mounted winch option allows you to easily adjust the cable pulley to maintain a straight-line pull on the tow eyes that have become popular on many automobiles.

TThe optional SP 8000 Sidepuller provides you a multitude of recovery options that you can perform from either side of your carrier with minimal lane blockage.

8503 Hilltop Drive • Ooltewah, Tennessee 37363

www.millerind.com • 800-292-0330 Call your local Miller Industries distributor for more information.

Number 143 on Reader Card

The low deck height makes it easy for the operator to reach when attaching the front tie-down chains or straps with the bed slid back and tilted compared to conventional carriers.

With 5 to 6 inches of lower deck height compared to a conventional carrier, the LCG provides better stability when driving down the road loaded as well as improved height clearance when hauling taller loads or operating under many lower awnings or in garages.

The extremely low load angle makes it ideal for loading vehicles with low spoilers,bumpers or exhaust pipes without the use of ramps or wood.

AMERICAN TOWMAN ACADEMY Dispatching: Driving Business Through Your Dispatcher The Tow Doctor shows how professionalism in the dispatch room will improve your bottom line. DJ Harrington, Phone Logic • Thursday & Friday Vehicle Recovery Techniques Tom Luciano of Miller Industries is well known worldwide as a premier Heavy-Duty Instructor. He brings his expertise as being a past owneroperator and industry trainer with all types of recovery and tanker wreck experience to you. Tom Luciano, Miller Industries • Thursday Diversify to be Successful in Today’s Economic World With the cost of fuel you can’t afford to return from a tow empty or have a truck sit idle. Paul Stevenson of CoPart and DJ Harrington of Phone Logic will discuss how to think outside the box and make extra income using your present equipment. • Thursday & Friday How to Save Money on Tires Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Co. and Road America Motor Club will present tire cost saving measures. Learn how to select the best tire for your towing equipment, understand a tire cost per mile, where to buy tires at competitive prices, tire maintenance procedures, what makes a quality tire and more. • Thursday & Saturday Understanding Battery Service and Adding Revenue Interstate Batteries and Road America Motor Club will demonstrate battery maintenance techniques and how to identify a quality battery. Additionally, the unveiling of an exclusive mobile national battery program will be detailed to add additional revenue to your existing business. • Friday Getting Started in the Digital Age Are you tired of hearing about all the benefits of “using technology” but don’t know where to start? Then this seminar is for you. Al Stoeberl, SSCS-Digital Dispatch • Friday Myths and Fallacies What every operator needs to know! Worldwide acclaimed instructor, Tom Luciano of Miller Industries will separate fact from fiction and dispel the myths and fallacies in our industry. Towers can participate in question and answer. • Friday

Reinventing Your Business and Taking Control of Your Life Treat your towing as a business, how to hold people accountable, assign responsibility, and measure your business for success. Dan Messina, Southwest Auto Tow • Friday Vehicle Storage Facilities - What You Need and Want to Know This is an overview of everything you want to know that is required by TDLR for a vehicle storage facility. It will also address the top 10 violations. Angela Roper, Team Towing • Friday & Saturday Municipal Rotations - to Contract or Not This seminar will present the national standard model that identifies the basic rotation procedures and service categories used by municipalities for the purpose of police, or other public authority towing. This model will help towing companies who wish to provide service in their community.

John Borowski of the Tow Technology Institute. • Saturday How Technology Can Improve Your Bottom Line Learn how towing operators use technology to improve productivity, grow their business and quickly analyze their day-to-day operations. Al Stoeberl, SSCS-Digital Dispatch • Saturday Private Property Towing The owner of the largest private property business tells you how he built his company by hiring the right staff, buying the right trucks, getting accounts, and how to market your company and impact your bottom line.

Dan Messina, Southwest Auto Tow • Saturday Vehicle Entry Techniques - Lockout Clinic AAA will demonstrate effective use of approximately 17 industry-common entry tools. Some highlights will be describing and applying basic entry techniques; How to use and get the full benefit from the AAA lockout manual; Common and uncommon lockout damages and how to avoid producing them; what vehicles you should not attempt to open; and vehicle entry difficulty ratings. • Saturday Texas Towing Law - Tow Hearings to TDLR Mark Hull will guide you through a mock tow hearing with real people and real issues, followed by a discussion on legal issues ranging from Texas towing law to TDLR penalties and fines. • Saturday

Tow Expo Int’l • April 29 - May 1, 2010 • George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX • Exhibit Hours: Fri. & Sat. 11 am - 5 pm

CROSS-TRAINING COURSE SCHEDULE

SOUTHWEST TOW OPERATORS TRAINING

Thursday, April 29: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM Classroom; 6:00-9:00 PM Hands-on and Friday, April 30: 8:00 – 11:00 AM; 5:30 PM Mock Demonstration (Open to all attendees)

TDLR Incident Management Training 8 hour Light-Duty Towing and Incident Management Training Course to all professional towers. The course, developed by STO and other industry experts, will consist of light-duty tow truck operations safety, all proper equipment usage, pre-trip inspections, recovery techniques and the latest highway incident management practices available to date. Written program materials will be provided. Each person attending the course will receive a certificate of completion and will walk away a safer and more professional tow operator. $150 Show Special • Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

• Four-hour classroom of towing discipline that includes rigging, attachments, understanding and overcoming resistance, and weight estimations.

• Four-hour classroom of firefighter’s discipline that includes stabilization, first responder tact, and Incident Command.

• Eight-hour hands-on field training. Students will do rigging, secure attachments, hydraulic tool usage, try the latest techniques of cutting and dash rolling. Every student will experience hands on in every area of topics presented.

• Two-hour Mock Emergency Recovery Demonstration is actual final exam; a full blown mock incident with self-critique of procedures, methods and tools used. Certificates handed out at end.

Sponsored by the Jerr-Dan Corporation

AMERICAN TOWMAN ACADEMY SCHEDULE Thursday, April 29, 2010 2:00 PM 2:00 - 4:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM

Dispatching: Driving Business Through Your Dispatcher Vehicle Recovery Techniques Diversify to be Successful in Today’s Economic World How to Save Money on Tires

Friday, April 30, 2010 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:15 - 1:00 PM

Dispatching: Driving Business Through Your Dispatcher Understanding Battery Service and Adding Revenue Diversify to be Successful in Today’s Economic World Getting Started in the Digital Age Myths and Fallacies Reinventing Your Business and Taking Control of Your Life Vehicle Storage Facilities - What You Need & Want to Know

Saturday, May 1, 2010 8:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:15 - 1:00 PM

Municipal Rotations - to contract or not How to Save Money on Tires How Technology Can Improve Your Bottom Line Private Property Towing Vehicle Entry Techniques - Lockout Clinic Texas Towing Law - Tow Hearings to TDLR Vehicle Storage Facilities - What You Need & Want to Know

All schedules subject to change.

Texas Continuing Education Training 4 Hour: Basic 101 Class meets the Texas TDLR annual continuing education requirement for Consent and Private Property tow operators. Topics will include Texas Towing Laws and Roadside Safety. Courses were developed by STO and other industry experts. $75 Show special • Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Texas Continuing Education Training 4 Hour: Repo 101 This course is for consent towers or anyone wanting to learn the basics of Repossession. This approved TDLR course teaches the basic guidelines for repossessions, laws and mistakes that are made. It is recommended for new employees and office staff. $85 Show Special • Friday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Texas Continuing Education Training 4 Hour: Hybrid Class This TDLR approved course will outline the safety techniques needed to work on or around hybrid vehicles. It outlines jump starting, towing and recovery procedures on most models. It contains many cautions, notes and warnings to be followed. It is a great course for anyone in the towing industry. $85 Show Special • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Incident Traffic Control Covered is unique traffic control characteristics of each major, intermediate and minor traffic incident classifications and their needs to meet the MUTCD guidelines. Included is basic principles of temporary traffic control applicable in traffic incident management areas and their component parts, such as advance warning areas, tapers and buffers. Typical ETC equipment kits and device requirements are reviewed. Emergency flagging operations and National Fire Protection Association standards are also discussed. ATSSA is a charter organization with the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition. Angela Roper, Team Towing. Saturday • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM • $50 per tower, $25 per state employee

Texas • 2010 REGISTER NOW BEFORE MARCH 31 & $AVE! Houston, April 29 - May 1

2010 Attendee Registration Guaranteed $avings on special events, seminars & hotels by registering before March 31!

Mail to: 7 West Street, Warwick, NY 10990

1. REGISTER HERE — RE QUIRE D INFORMAT ION —

• Fax to 845-986-5181 Phone: 800-732-3869

By advance-registering, the company “Boss” and one guest are admitted free to Exhibit Hall.

A $5 fee applies to all others. Kids under 14 free.

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2. EVENT REGISTRATION – Exhibit Hall Open Fri. & Sat. 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

$ Amount

Please Check the Events You Wish to Attend ❏ American Towman Academy • Thurs., Fri., & Sat., April 29-May 1; sponsored by American Towman Mag. __________ $55 advance registration fee; $75 on site – Save $20 & register now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .__________ ❏ 1st registrant ❏ 2nd registrant ❏ 3rd registrant ❏ 4th registrant __________ ❏ Cross-Training for First Responders • $300 per person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .__________ 18 Hour course with classroom and hands-on training. Sponsored by the Jerr-Dan Corp. ❏ TDLR Incident Management Training Conducted by Southwest Tow Operators • $150 Show Special.

Contact STO at 972-247-9454 to register. Non-Texas tow operators are welcome to take this training covering light-duty operations. ❏ Continuing Education Classes for Texas Towers (4 Hr Class) Conducted by Southwest Tow Operators $75 & $85 Show Specials. Contact Southwest Tow Operators at 972-247-9454 to register. __________ ❏ Incident Traffic Control Training • Angela Roper $50 per tower, $25 per state employee . . . . . . . . . .__________ ❏ 1st registrant ❏ 2nd registrant ❏ 3rd registrant ❏ 4th registrant __________ ❏ USA Wrecker Pageant • Check class you will compete in. One vehicle per class & two per company. . . . .__________ Trucks must enter Thurs. and stay in hall until Sat., 5 pm • $75: ❏ Light (pre-2009) ❏ Light (2009-2010) ❏ Med ❏ Vintage (Pre-1985) • $100: ❏ HD Single Axle ❏ HD Tandem ❏ Carrier ❏ Rotator • See new “BEST” categories listed on page 3. ❏ Southwest Chili Cookoff • Friday, April 30, 7:00 PM, GRB Conv. Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Number of people attending: __________ ❏ I just want to attend ❏ Yes I want to enter the Chili Cookoff contest! contact name: ___________________________________ __________ ❏ Ten Gallon Gala • Saturday, May 1, 7:00 PM, Hilton Americas, Grand Ballroom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .__________ $50 per person includes dinner & entertainment FREE ❏ Casino Classic • Sat., May 1, 9:00 PM following Gala dinner at the Hilton, Grand Ballroom, Admission Free . . .__________

3. PAYMENT

Total Fees:

Credit Card Number:

Expiration Date:

Name on Card: Check Enclosed Payable to A.T. Expositions

Signature:

$ ________

❒

HOTEL RESERVATION REQUEST FORM Make your reservation here

Make out separate check to hotel if not using credit card (1st night amount payable to 1st choice hotel) ❏ Hotel check enclosed $_____________ ❏ Guarantee reservation to card or check Special Requests _________________________________________________________________________ Arrival Date:____________, 2010 - Depart Date: _____________, 2010 # of Rooms ______ # of Guests in ea. rm _______ # of beds _____ If reserving more than one room please list names for each room: 1st :______________________________________ 2nd:_________________________________________ 3rd____________________________________

HOTEL INFORMATION - Make Your Reservation Today! Please list your 1st, 2nd, & 3rd choice in the box next to hotel. We will notify you which hotel has your reservation.

Tow Expo Headquarters Hotel: Americas Hotel • $145 S, $155 D, $165 T ❒ Hilton 1600 Lamar St. • Five Star Hotel Pool, spa, fitness center, 2 restaurants and bar.

Gala dinner and Casino night takes place here.

Catwalk to GRB Convention Center

PLEASE CHECK BOXES BELOW

❒

complimentary shuttle, fitness center, outdoor pool Four Seasons Hotel • $145 S/D 1300 Lamar St. • 4 blocks to Conv. Ctr, fitness center, spa, outdoor pool.

First time at Expo: ❒ Yes ❒ No

1. Is your Primary business Towing/Recovery: ❏ Yes or ❏ No 1a. If NO check your primary business: ❏ Towing/Recovery ❏ Service Station ❏ Auto Repair/Serv. Ctr. ❏ Service Truck ❏ Repossession ❏ Lockout ❏ Transport/Trailer Serv. ❏ Auto/Truck Dealership ❏ Salv/Autoparts ❏ Vehicle Leasing ❏ Truck Repair ❏ Distributor Equip ❏ Auto Body Shop ❏ Other______________

Plaza • $129 S/D ❒ Crowne 1700 Smith Street • 1 mile to Conv. Ctr,

2. Secondary business (check those that apply):

❏ Towing/Recovery ❏ Auto Repair/Serv. Ctr. ❏ Repossession ❏ Transport/Trailer Serv. ❏ Salv/Autoparts ❏ Truck Repair ❏ Auto Body Shop

❏ Service Station ❏ Service Truck ❏ Lockout ❏ Auto/Truck Dealership ❏ Vehicle Leasing ❏ Distributor Equip ❏ Other______________

Inn Marriott • $142 S/D/T/Q ❒ Residence 904 Dallas Street • All Rooms are Studio Suites Outdoor pool, 5 blocks to Conv. Ctr, complimentary shuttle and hot breakfast.

Produced by

3. # Employees: ❏ 1-5 ❏ 6-10 ❏ 11-20 ❏ 21-50 ❏ 51-100 ❏ 100+ 4. Check one that best describes your purchasing authority: ❏ I authorize/approve purchases ❏ No authority ❏ I recommend 5. # tow trucks in fleet: ❏ 1-3 ❏ 4-7 ❏ 8-12 ❏ 13-16 ❏ 17+ 6. Types of trucks in fleet (check those that apply):

❏ Light Duty ❏ Medium Duty ❏ Heavy Duty

❏ Carriers ❏ Transport

❏ Class 7/8 Tractors ❏ Rotators

Number 216 on Reader Card

Number 139 on Reader Card

Number 110 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 41

WARN® Series XL Winches: The Best Choice For Heavy Wreckers And Flatbed Trailers.

• Choose from the 20XL (20,000 lb) winch or 30XL (30,000 lb) winch • Maintenance free • Cable Tension Roller • Easy bolt-on design • SAE J706 and CE compliant

20,000 OR O R 30,000 LBS. PU PULLING LLING CAPAC CAPACITY ITY Disc brake holds rated load

Cable Tension Roller Choice of air or manual clutch

Eaton hydraulic motor

Two-stage planetary geartrain Available in two drum sizes

Efficient, low-friction design uses permanent grease lubrication

to fit your specific application

Cast-iron construction with durable powder coating

My Dad Is A Hero Tom Daly is my dad and has been in the Towing business for around 8 years. One night about a month ago, he was on his way back from a breakdown tow on a windy, wet fall night on a curvy road. Him and the vehicle in front of him were the only ones on the road. All of a sudden, the car in front of him slid through a curve, down an embankment and through a fence. He threw on his beacons and ran to see if everyone was ok. A 19 year old woman and her grandmother had gone through the fence. He called 911 and waited with the girl until help could come, 30 min later. Her grandmother had died on impact and the girl was struggling w/consciousness. My dad stayed by their side until help could arrive. He was the only person who stopped, even though several vehicles passed by after it happened. He was that girls and her families hero that night, and my hero everyday. He put others before himself.

Go to www.warn.com to find the WARN Industrial dealer near you. © 2008 Warn Industries, Inc. WARN® and the WARN logo are registered trademarks of Warn Industries, Inc. PATENT PENDING.

Number 120 on Reader Card

Jean Dailey, Daileys Towing Service, Cynthiana, Ky.

Education Venue In Houston

Number 166 on Reader Card

Check out AT’s new digital edition at itowman.com 42 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

Tow Expo International in Houston, Texas will feature the nation’s largest educational opportunity for towing professionals outside of Baltimore, Maryland, home of AT Expo and the American Towman Academy. American Towman Magazine also produces the seminar series in Houston.

The seminar program in Houston features experienced presenters like Dan Messina, president of SouthWest Tow Operators(STO), Al Stoeberl, SSCS Digital Dispatch, John Borowski, Extreme Team, and DJ Harrington, aka the Tow Doctor.

Harrington will present “Driving Revenue Through Your Dispatcher.”

Borowski, aka Mr. Industry, will present “Rotation And City Contracts.” Messina will present a new seminar on “Reinventing Your Towing Business,” “Succeeding With Private Tows.” Stoeberl’s seminar will show towers how today’s computer and internet technology can help them manage their towing business.

(800) 481-0501 Number 186 on Reader Card

"NOW BUILDING"

2 year old body on new chassis

New 2009 HINO 258 220hp/auto 25,500 GVW hyd brakes 19.5 tires Century 602 (2 yr. body) steel 84ca w/24in alum. tunnel box will finish to your spec

2006 UD 2000 220/6SPD 21FT Century steel rem blade rails/staionary headboard 175k miles black

2000 Pete 378 194KMiles 460 Cummins/13spd 54,600 GVW 2000 Challenger CH50 built new as wrecker 204cb alum body all standard attachments

New Central Location!

2007 Ford F550 4x4 6.0/auto XLT Century 312 twin line auto load ext.boom red composite 112kmiles

Ser ving The Nor theaster n US Since 1976 N Number 171 on Reader Card

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 43

The American Towman Spirit pervaded the 21st AT Expo in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor where toowing professionals networked, purchased, competed, learned and celebrated who they are...

Business at the American Towman Exposition exceeded $100 million from equipment sales to motor club transactions.... 180 suppliers reported that the ripple effect of floor encounters will create more sales activity in coming months.

The current recession did not keep tow bosses away from either AT Expo XX or XXI. Towing’s Main Event continued to draw progressive and aggressive tow business owners coming to scout out suppliers, purchase products and services, and network...

ACES High

Number 151 on Reader Card

Deweze has Deweze has partnered p artnered with with Chelsea C helsea PTOs PTOs tto ob be ey your our source sour ce ffor or all your y our h hydraulic ydraulic needs needs..

T Trusted rusted Q Quality uality P Proven roven P erformance Performance One P Phone hone C Call all 800-835-1042 www.deweze.com www.deweze.com

Number 147 on Reader Card

Visit www.towman.com everyday for towing news you can use.

48 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

The Towman ACE award program has been a part of our industry for the past 17 years; the major motor clubs teaming with American Towman to bring recognition to those towing companies who have served club calls with reliability and professionalism. The towers who have been nominated have met tough standards set by the motor clubs in areas like ETA, and percentage of calls accepted.

Many of them were cited by the motorists for going above and beyond the call of duty in the way they handled the job and the customer.

Each year over 100 tow business owners travel to Baltimore from all over the nation to receive the legendary ACE Buckle, each year featuring a new design. This year’s buckle featured the American Eagle flying with a grab hook and wire rope in its talons.

AT sends out press releases to the local newspapers on each ACE recipient. All told, the awards program generates local publicity for over 500 tow companies each year.

The 2009 ACE Awards were sponsored by Asurion, Cross Country, Coach-Net, GEICO and National Automobile Club.

TOWMAN ORDER On November 21st, after being nominated by the police chiefs of the towns they serve, 70 new towmen took the oath of the Order of Towman and became new Captains of The Towman Order. In the image below, the new Captains are wearing the white shirts; the Captains sworn in previous years are in black shirts.

Above, the Sword (William Burwell) salutes the Towman Order as they salute the American Towman

Medal recipients on Festival Night. At top, Steve Calitri (the Messenger) in black, along with towmen who are about to be sworn in, practice the Towman Order’s salute and embrace. The salute, below, represents a towman’s grabhook and resembles the ancient Roman salute. One police chief present was so impressed by the Order he said he was “chastened” by the ceremony.

Intendo Fidelis

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 49

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Number 196 on Reader Cardd

50 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

Number 132 on Reader Card

Mark Your Calendar, AT EXPO XXll Nov. 19 - 21, 2010

1-800 IM STUCK pg. 21 1-800-4-TOWING AAA AASP/PA Access Tools pg. 32 Allstate Roadside Services pg. 72 American Eagle American Express American Towman Magazine Aramark Uniforms Astralease Associates Asurion Roadside Assistance Atlas Flashers pg. 20 Austin Insurance Auto Data Direct AW Direct B/A Products pg. 68 Bad Dog Tools Bailey's Towing pg. 41 Banner Commercial Trucks & Equip.

BASE Engineering Beacon Software Bickford Tools Blades Tow Right Brevini Power Transmission C3 Location Systems Century pg. 36, 37 Challenger Chevron pg. 6 Coach-Net Code 3 Computer & Communication Sciences Condor Products pg. 64 Copart Auto Auctions Cross Country Automotive Services Crouch's Wrecker & Equipment Sales Custer Products pg. 13 D.E. Williams Shields Danco Products pg. 41 D’ angelo Auto Body DewEze Mfg. pg. 48 Digital Imaging Group Dynamic Tow Equipment & Mfg. pg. 71 Eagle Wireless East Coast Truck & Trailer Equipment Sales & Services pg. 50, 68 Excel Sportswear Extreme Toys Federal Signal Finex Group pg. 16 FleetNet America Flitz International Florida Independent Tow Show pg. 17 Ford Commercial Truck FriktionTek Products GEICO GM Fleet/Commercial

Goodall Mfg. Greg Smith Equipment Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel Hanscom K Happy Feet Hino Motor Sales USA pg. 2, 3 Holmes IGTC pg. 21 In The Ditch Integrated Vehicle Leasing Intek Truck & Equipment Leasing pg. 13 Intergis Int’ l Towing & Rec. Hall of Fame & Museum Jerr-Dan Corporation JUNKmycar.com Kalyn-Siebert Landoll Corporation pg. 30 Lift & Tow pg. 41 Lodar/Skidmore/Product pg. 64 Magnolia Wrecker Sales Markingpendepot.com Martens Johnson Massage Corner Massaging Insoles Matheny/Jerr-Dan pg. 11 Matjack Int’l Wreckers pg. 43 Maxfit Comfort Gloves Metro Tow Trucks & Metro Tow Trucks USA Div. Miller Industries pg. 36, 37 Minute Man Manufacturing, Inc. pg. 42 MPH IND./PVSE Muncie Power Products Nation Safe Drivers National Automobile Club National Products National Traffic Signs Navistar Inc./International Trucks Nissan Diesel America NRC Industries O’ Hare Wear/WRECKED OK-1 Mfg. Outdoor Products Professional Dispatch Services Penny Pockets Permco Hydraulics Phoenix USA pg. 13 Photo Card Specialists pg. 50 Pierce Arrow pg. 13 Prime Industries Progressive Commercial Insurance Purpose Wrecker Sales pg. 22 Quest Towing Services Ramsey Winch pg. 12 Ranger SST RC Industries RealWheels Corp.

Recovery Solutions Road America Robert Young Wrecker Sales ROI Protective Tapes Rontan of North America Rush Towing Systems pg. 31 RV Cams pg. 20 Rydin Decal Safety Vision Safetyline Salvage Direct Service Station Computer Systems (SSCS) Signal Corp. International Signal Vehicle/ Star Headlight Slick Top Solutions SoundOff Signal Southwest Tow Operators Sovereign Bank Steck Mfg. Co., Inc. pg. 50 Super Springs Int'l T.R.A.A. Talbert Mfg. TCF Equipment Finance Tech International Teletrac The Corporate Thread The Insurance Professionals TIS Transportation Info. Systems Tow Canada Towbook Management Software Towing.com pg. 22 TowMate pg. 64 TowPartners Tracker Management Systems Trail-Eze / Dakota Mfg. Transportation Safety Apparel Travis Barlow Insurance Tribal Iron Trinity Transportation Services T.R.P.M. Tulsa Winch/DP Winch USA Financial Services USAC / MD Vulcan Industries pg. 27 Warn Industries pg. 42 Western Star Trucks Whelen Engineering Co. Will Burt Company Wireless Links Worldwide Equipment pg. 48 WreckMaster pg. 4 Xtreme Team Zacklift Zip's Truck Equipment Zurich Direct Underwriters

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 51

For The Simple Act Of Bravery...

Recipients’ tales of bravery as told by AT’s Steve Calitri on Festival Night: Matt Martin, Martin’s Wrecker Service, Cartersville, Georgia Training Paid Off In the dark morning hour of January 24th, 2008, a tractor trailer was involved in a crash and the cab of the truck was pointed down a steep embankment, imbedded between two trees. The driver was trapped inside and in need of medical attention. Due to the instability of the trailer and its load, the fire department deemed it unsafe to start extrication and Martin’s Wrecker Service was called.

Matt Martin arrived and used stabilization techniques he had learned in training classes. He placed himself at risk in foggy conditions that enabled the driver to be extricated.

American Towman Medal

Jamon Ingelse, Lander Garage & Towing, Belgium, Wisconsin

Somebody Had To Do It

Enroute to a loaded tractor trailer with a blown turbo, Jam Ingelse witnessed a car chase and crash. A speeding car fleeing from police hit a guard rail covered with snow, and went airborne 30 feet, then barrel rolled until it came to land on its roof, breaking out its windshield. The driver was covered in snow, bloodied and unresponsive, trapped inside the car. The officer on the scene busted out two side windows so he and Jamon could shovel snow out. Jamon then squeezed through the rear door window to get to the driver and pulled him out safely, handing him to awaiting fire and EMS personnel. He then got back in his wrecker and drove to the downed tractor trailer.

American Towman Medal

Scott Nowlin, South Shore Towing & Recovery, Randolph, Massachusetts

Angel Of The Night

Brittany’s mother; “She saw these lights behind her and all of a sudden she heard this man’s voice. He said very calmly, “I’m going to help you…I’m going to help you.”

Afraid the car might catch fire at any moment or that another driver might hit her, Nowlin grabbed a hammer from his tow truck, told Biancuzzo to cover her face, then smashed the driver’s side window. He used a knife to cut the seatbelt loose, then grabbed Biancuzzo under her arms to pull her out. She was taken to the local hospital and treated for cuts and bruises.

American Towman Medal

John Kauffman & Jim Kauffman, Boiling Springs Service Center, Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania

John and his son Jim tow at Williams Grove Speedway. One Saturday night in May of 2008, racer Steve Wilbur’s car caught fire. Jim driving, John in back, they were immediately there with their Jerr-Dan wrecker. Jim attacked the fire with a fire extinguisher while John went into the fire.

The cockpit was engulfed in flames. Wilbur unbuckled his seat belt and tried to get out but could not release his helmet strap and that left him stuck in the burning car.

“I reached for it and was fumbling with it,” said Wilbur.

“Normally you unhook it with your gloves off. It was the thick gloves and I knew I was burning bad.”

Witnesses saw a track safety official and John Kauffman standing in the fire. Kauffman unhooked the strap that was keeping Wilbur from escaping. Both John and Jim helped the racer out.

Said Wilbur, “If those guys down there would have bailed on me I was just a couple of seconds from losing my right leg. Thank God for those guys.”

American Towman Medal

Charles Bullock, B & B Wrecker Service, Knightdale, North Carolina

Sixteen year old Brittany Biancuzzo was on her way home from work the night of September 17th, 2009 when she swerved to avoid debris in the road, flipping her 2002 Honda Accord three times before landing in the middle of highway Route 128. She was trapped and screaming for help in her overturned vehicle when Scott Nowlin arrived on the scene, while enroute to another call.

In the words of J a c l y n Biancuzzo,

Standing In The Fire

Submerged In Freezing Water

On a winter’s day in February, 1996, a vehicle left Highway 64 northeast of Raleigh, NC, and landed in the Neuse River. The temperature was below freezing. Charles was one of the first on the scene. Recognizing that the driver would soon be submerged in the freezing water and that there would be no time to rig lines or bring boats to the rescue, he took a line in hand and swam out into the river to the aid of the injured driver. In the brisk, ice cold current, Charles reached the driver, removed him from the sinking car and swam him back to shore. Paramedics took the man to the hospital and treated Charles for hypothermia.

American Towman Medal

AT Operations Editor Terry Abejuela bequeaths the Medal upon Matt Martin

Jerr-Dan and AT honored Towmen with the American Towman Medal and the Towman Commendation for their acts of rescue.

Bryan Hudson, Grand Rapids Towing, Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Swamp Fox

Eric Fouquette, David Fouquette, Kevin Whittle, Robert Fouquette and Big Wheel Towing & Recovery

James Turley, Turley Truck Service, Cranberry, Pennsylvania

On November 30th of 2008, Bryan Hudson came upon the scene of a 4X4 flipped over on its roof in a swamp.

Three people were inside, one a 90 year old man, and the driver trapped in his seatbelt. Bryan sloshed through the water to the vehicle and assisted a police officer in getting all three in the vehicle out and onto dry land.

The Towman Commendation

Delicately Boys

East Freetown, Massachuettes When the Big Wheel crew arrived on the scene the fire in the wrecked pickup truck had just died out. The driver was crushed in between the seat and the steering column and the dash board. The driver was bleeding; her knee cap was crushed between the door jamb and the door hinges; she had a femur fracture and punctured lung.

The vehicle was rolled over in a swamp in two feet of water. A rotator was called in to hold the truck in place to prevent it from rolling over the partially ejected driver or the rescue personnel.

The Big Wheel crew rigged the pickup with recovery straps and ran additional winch lines to another large tree in front of the crushed truck. They then attached a large snatch block to the forward winch line. The truck was lifted and leveled and spread apart allowing rescuers to extricate the injured person, who was rushed to a hospital. The operation called for flawless performance.

The Towman Commendation

He Saved A Leg

On December 22nd, of 2008 Turley was called to the PA Turnpike where a rolled over tractor trailer had pinned its driver. As an amputee specialist stood by, Turley used his 50-ton to lift the chassis allowing rescuers room to operate and extricate the driver.

Then on April 7th of 2009, with a driver pinned in a straight truck after a multiple vehicle crash on the Beaver River Bridge, Turley worked to cut the bulk head away, tied truck to rescue unit, then used two heavy wreckers to pull a loaded tri axle away from the straight truck, allowing Turley and rescue personnel to get the driver out and flown to the area trauma center.

The Towman Commendation

Ralph Cresta, National Wrecker Services, Kennebunk, Maine

Get A Grip

On September 7th of 2009, a man slipped down a steep embankment on the Mousam River and landed with a 15,000 pound granite boulder crushing his chest and legs. Rescue workers struggled for over three hours to save the man’s life. Two other tow companies tried unsuccessfully to get to the boulder, before National Wrecker Services got to the scene. Cresta positioned his rotator and slung the boulder with several loops and a tag line and was able to lift it off the man. The same boom then lifted the victim in a basket up onto the roadway to an awaiting helicopter. Due to Ralph’s performance under fire, the man survived.

The Towman Commendation Jerr-Dan is the Official Tow Truck of the American Towman Medal.

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 53

CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY

FESTIVAL NIGHT

MILLER ROCKS

AMERICAN WRECKER PAGEANT

DONNIE AWARDS

A.T. ACADEMY

CALITRI’S CUBA SHOW BAGS

BADGE INSERT & LANYARDS

INFORMATION BOOTH

REGISTRATION COUNTER

ACE AWARDS

EXPO INFO CARD

LEGENDARY HOSPITALITY

WRECKED CREW SPECIAL APPEARANCE

54 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

Vintage Class

1st — Steve Heights Automotive Repair Matamoras, Pa. 1935 International and 1927 Manley

Pageant Sponsor, Anthony Gentile, (center) Dynamic Tow Equipment & Mfg. 2nd — Panek's Garage Livingston, N.J. 1978 Ford and Holmes 440

3rd — Laub's Auto Body Staten Island, N.Y. 1968 Dodge and 1960 Weld Built

Pageant Sponsor

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 55

Light-Duty Pre 2008 Class

1st — All County Towing & Recovery Island Park, N.Y. Ford F550 and Vulcan 882

2nd — MGM Towing Inc. Flushing, N.Y. 2001 Ford F450 and Vulcan Intruder 3rd — American Auto Body & Recovery Maspeth, N.Y. 2007 Chevrolet and Dynamic

56 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

Light-Duty Post 2008 Class

1st — J&J Towing Staten Island, N.Y. 2009 Dodge 4500 and Vulcan Intruder

2nd — United Recovery & Storage Maspeth, N.Y. 2009 Chevy and Dynamic 3rd — Norton Tow Squad Philadelphia, Pa. 2008 Ford F550 and Eagle Claw EB2

Pageant Sponsor

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 57

Medium-Duty Class

1st — J L Towing Southwick, Mass.

2000 4700 International and Vulcan

2nd — McDaniel’s Services King George, Va. 2003 Chevy 6500 and 2004 Chevron 512

58 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

3rd — Broadway Towing Freeport, N.Y. 1998 International and Vulcan 896

Carrier Class

1st — Non-Stop Towing & Recovery Freeport, N.Y. 2007 International 4300 Series and 2007 21' Jerr-Dan Carrier

3rd — McDaniel’s Services King George, Va. 2008 GMC 6500 and Chevron Series 14, 21’ Carrier 2nd — American Auto Body & Recovery Maspeth, N.Y. 2009 Chevy 5500 (Kodiac) and 21' Jerr-Dan Carrier Pageant Sponsor

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 59

Heavy-Duty Single Axle Class

1st — Milestone Towing Derwood, Md. 2006 Peterbilt and Vulcan

3rd — Simply The Best Westminster, Md. 1999 Freightliner and 2009 Century 2nd — Morton's Towing & Recovery Derwood, Md. 2010 Peterbilt 335 and 25-Ton Jerr-Dan

60 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

Heavy-Duty Tandem Class 1st — Hawk's Towing & Recovery Trenton, N.J. 2009 Peterbilt 367 and Jerr-Dan HDL 1000 Independent 50-Ton

2nd — Payne's Towing Rockersville, Va. 2001 Kenworth W900L and 2004 Century 3rd — Bill's Autobody Stamford, Conn.

2010 Kenworth and Jerr-Dan Pageant Sponsor

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 61

Rotator Class 1st — Bill's Service Stamford, Conn.

2009 Kenworth and 80-Ton B&B

2nd — Nicolette Auto Body & Towing Belleville, N.J. 2007 Peterbilt and Century

62 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

3rd — Rob's Automotive & Collision Center Bristol, Pa. 2008 Peterbilt and Jerr-Dan

Best in Show

Best In Show — Bill's Auto Body, Stamford, Conn. - 2006 International 4300 and Jerr-Dan 21' Carrier

Pageant Sponsor

TOWMAN.COM - February 2010 • 63

AT Expo Epilogue

Anthony Gentile and winner of the $10,000 slide in unit, Harry Mitchell of J & J Towing, Staten Island, N.Y.

Number 167 on Reader Card

Arrow Lens - Quad Flash Strobe The Arrow Lens is used for traffic control. One, two or WKUHH OLJKW VHJPHQWV FDQ EH FRPELQHG WR SURYLGH ´ WR ´ DUURZV 7KH DUURZ FDQ EH FRQWUROOHG WR GLVSOD\ /HIW WR Right, Right to Left and Center Out. The Quad Flash Strobe provides excellent safety lighting at your recovery scene These lights are totally self contained, no other electronics are required for operation. Simply connect to a 12V source.

Available in Red to Red, Amber to Amber, Blue to Blue, and Yellow to Blue To Order Call TowMate at 1-800-680-4455 or 479-925-2131 TowMate, LLC . 15827 Serenity Point Ln . Rogers . AR 72756 www.towmate.com Number 191 on Reader Card

Number 163 on Reader Card

64 • February 2010 - TOWMAN.COM

We wish we could include many more photos in this recap section. We selected those that represented the heart of what the American Towman Exposition is and what it means to thousands of tow operators. Many more images are linked from our Towman.com website.

While commerce drives the Exposition, it is the spirit of the professionals participating that make it one of America’s great events. From the Towman Medal ceremony to the Towman Order, the Donnie Awards and ACE Awards to the American Wrecker Pageant, emotions of pride and achievement run deep.

There is no greater service professional than the American Towman.

Unlike the public perception, media-driven, that paints the towing professional with an inhuman pallor, the overwhelming majority of towmen and tow women are hard working individuals dedicated to service excellence…people who go the distance to help other people.

The Exposition embodies the American Towman spirit of independence and pride. Indeed there is not an event or industry quite like these. This is an industry where decorated Towmen salute their heroes and towing families wear their hearts in the graphics painted on their trucks.

The 21st American Towman Exposition once again exceeded everyone’s expectations. The staff of American Towman would like to take all the credit for that, but that would be like a father taking bragging rights for the home-run his kid just hit. AT couldn’t muster the great spirit of this show without its primary source, that rare breed, the American Towman. Which leaves only one more thing to mention; mark your calendars for Expo.

XXII, November 19–21, 2010. S. Calitri

Number 122 on Reader Card

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Copyright 2009 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.

Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 7 West St, Warwick NY 10990

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Thank T hank yyou ou to to eeveryone veryone who visit visited ed with us Baltimore. in Baltimore.

We look forward to seeing you in

2010.

866-582-6626 51 W. Higgins Road, South Barrington, IL 60010 Number 183 on Reader Card