TOW PROFESSIONAL
CONTENTS
Volume 2 • Issue 2 2013
www.towprofessional.com
Battery Chargers 24 |
Is Your Shop AGM Ready?
Spill Control 20 | Do You Have the Right Training and Spill Products to Respond?
Lubricants 36 | Lubricants and Wire Rope
Safety 28 | Safeguarding Employees with Protective Clothing
Industry NEWS
6 |Alabama Towing & Recovery Association 6 | TowMate 8 |Police Tower Initiative
company spotlight
33 |American Safety & Supply 34 | Recovery Billing 35 |Progressive Platforms IN EVERY ISSUE
10 |
International Towing & Recovery Survivor Fund
4 | Publisher Letter
TOW T I P S
TOWING & RECOVERY
12 |
Care, Custody and Control, Part II
14 |
Hiring New Employees
2
Cover Image Courtesy of Weil Wrecker
Tow Professional | Volume 2 Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
37 |
HOOKED UP
PUBLISHERS
LETTER
TM
Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
Volume 2 • Issue 2 2013
www.towprofessional.com
PUBLISHERS Darian Weaver President & Co-Publisher darian@towprofessional.com
Jack Hartsfield Vice President & Co-Publisher jack@towprofessional.com
The New Year is well in motion here at Tow Professional, and I hope that this issue finds you and your company doing well. After having cycled for over a full year in the Towing and Recovery market, I would like to share a quote from the editor’s letter in our very first issue (in hopes that we continue to hit the mark): “Tow Professional began as a conversation between best-friends Jack Hartsfield and myself. After an in-depth study of the market, it became clear that companies needed professional help in a business style format. With 34 years of shared publishing experience, Jack and I set out to design a true product and service driven publication, to give companies large and small a voice in the market. We are aware of quality publications established in this specific market; however, we saw the need for a publication that would be specifically focused on the latest products and services in the industry. A resource for towing and recovery….” Hopefully we have done what we set out to do; you be the judge and let us know. Plenty of you in our audience have given us praise and some criticism, both are recognized and appreciated. Keep the comments coming. In this issue, we bring you features on Spill Control, Personal Protective Clothing, Lubricants, and AGM batteries, along with company spotlights on American Safety and Supply, in addition to Recovery Billing. Plenty of “Industry News” and “Hooked Up” round it out. Have a great month,
Darian Weaver and Jack Hartsfield Co-Publishers
__________________________
PRODUCTION Clint W. Cabiness Art Director Hal K. Huber Graphic Designer Jill Hasty Managing Editor __________________________
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Paul E. Richard Farrel Dan Messina Jim O’Hare Wayne Olson Mark H. Stromme
Executive and Advertising Offices P.O. Box 26308 Birmingham, AL 35260 Toll free: 888-802-8544 Fax: 205-978-1550 www.towprofessional.com Tow Professional is published nine times a year by Over The Mountain Media, Inc., P.O. Box 26308, Birmingham, Alabama, 35260, USA. Tow Professional is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices. Tow Professional is distributed to qualified Towing & Recovery's Top Decision Makers. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.
For a new free subscription, address changes or corrections, please visit www.towprofessional.com and click on the “subscribe” tab.
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Tow Professional | Volume 2 Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
............................................... Alabama Towing and Recovery Association >>>
Industry NEWS TOWING & RECOVERY
The Alabama Towing and Recovery Association (ATRA) is a state organization of towing services and related companies that are dedicated to educating tow operators, promoting the towing and recovery industry, and working with state and local law enforcement agencies to improve the safety of our streets and highways. The ATRA is devoted to serving and protecting the best interests of the towing industry, keeping its members fully informed, and to assist them in gaining an ever-greater recognition and opportunity for profit. In 2012, the members of the ATRA had a busy year, including everything from adding a lien law to changing the Move Over Law to include tow trucks. The ATRA has been working hard for the towing man. “I believe it is just as important to stop a harmful law from being passed as it is to actively pursue changing current ones,” said Lynn Hurst, president of the ATRA. Just to list a few things, the ATRA was able to work with the Alabama Department of Revenue to have abandoned vehicle owner/lienholder
information made available online. This change has given towing companies the convenience of immediate information, which helps expedite the abandoned vehicle process. The ATRA is proud of the relationships it has been able to build with the various government agencies across the State. David Lowery, the ATRA’s lobbyist, has worked tirelessly to continue building these relationships and to help further the ATRA’s sphere of influence in our state. The ATRA will be hosting eight or more classes in the upcoming year. The classes will range from light duty to a super heavy duty rigging class with Wes Wilburn and Patrick Zozaya. They will also be hosting a DOT question-and-answer workshop with the Alabama DOT in June of this year. On behalf of the ATRA, we would like to thank Tow Professional Magazine for supporting the ATRA and its industry.
The Power-Link series of lighting by TowMate represents the most revolutionary and cutting-edge technology available for recovery vehicle lighting today. Essentially wireless, the light bar, work lights, marker/flasher combo units, along with other LED modules offered, simply tap into existing power and ground wires and are operated with a control that is also merely a two wire install. The PLC56U light bar that features work lights and stop/tail/turn modules also works in conjunction with a TowMate wireless tow light and includes a wireless transmitter with the standard package. The PowerLink control will operate any Power-Link light system and is able to be expanded with other products at any time. One add-on is the new PLC-TCC6 sequencing traffic cone light system. This set of six traffic control cone lights will arrow from left to right or right to left in unison with an overhead Power-Link light bar, or they can be purchased separately as an independent system, as well. When not directing traffic one way or another, the default mode for the cone lights is a highly visible strobe. Utilizing high intensity LEDs with peak performance and efficiency, coupled with a lifetime warranty and made in USA stamp, TowMate’s Power-Link series is the perfect storm to usher in a new generation of recovery vehicle lighting products. The new ‘Safety Alert System’ by TowMate lets you know when the perimeter of your work site is breached, alerting you to get out
of the way! When the air hose is run over, it sends a wireless signal to a receiver tied to the horn of the truck, locking the horn in the on position for 15 seconds. This gives you a moment’s notice to get out of the way of the traffic that could otherwise be coming right for you.
www.altowassociation.org
........................................................... TowMate >>>
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Tow Professional | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
For more information, or to find a local dealer, visit www.TowMate.com or call 800-680-4455.
Industry NEWS
...............................................
TOWING & RECOVERY
Police Tower Initiative
>>>
initiative designed to give municipal towers the tools they need to keep a prosperous relationship with their towns and police departments is being organized by towers around the nation. Industry veteran John Borowski is spearheading the movement. Borowski is former president of the Statewide Towing Association of Massachusetts and sits on its board as a past president.
An
The initiative will be called Police Towers of America (PTA). “Rates, Encroachment, Insurance are the three key words that describe the battles that need to be fought on behalf of police towers,” said Borowski. A company he manages, Amber Scene Clean in South Hadley, Massachusetts, is known for it successful dynamics in collecting from insurance companies. “We believe this initiative can bring all towers the tools they need to successfully collect 100% of their towing, storage and cleanup fees,” he said. Another critical issue now sweeping the nation’s first, second and third tier cities is that of Encroachment, middlemen forging long term contracts with municipalities to control dispatch and rotation of towing services for non-consensual tows at the expense of the towing industry. Another veteran industry professional, Bill Johnson, will play a key advisory role in the new organization. Johnson is president nine years running of the Statewide Towing Association of Mass. He said, “Outside companies are winning five-year contracts with cities that virtually amount to the tower getting less than 50% of the tow fee the motorist pays. It’s just wrong. And the only way to stop it is by organizing and offering these municipalities a program that can knock outside bidders out of the box.” Auto Return, based in San Francisco has been reaching out to cities across America the past few years. It recently signed up Kansas City and has bids currently being considered in Seattle and other cities. If these “middlemen” are successful, said Borowski, they will “divert hundreds of millions of dollars away from towing businesses and suppliers to our industry.” The third issue that PTA will address is the need for equitable Rate Hikes. Police towers, said Borowski, need the proper presentation tools to successfully make their case to the town for the rate increase they need. To do this, they need the right statistics, the right narrative, and the right medium. The biggest problem, said Johnson, is the reality that “local towers don’t trust one another and don’t communicate. They’re dog-eatdog competitors. But there is a reason for them to unite in their respective towns. This is the common ground they can come to8
Tow Professional | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
“Rates, Encroachment, Insurance are the three key words that describe the battles that need to be fought on behalf of police towers,” said Borowski. “We believe this initiative can bring all towers the tools they need to successfully collect 100% of their towing, storage and cleanup fees.” gether on. PTA’s role is to facilitate their coming together and arm them with the tools they need to win the necessary battles. “ PTA members and prospective members will convene in Las Vegas, according to Borowski, during Tow Industry Week on May 17 at the Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, located next to the LV Convention Center, which is hosting the new American Towman ShowPlace–Las Vegas. For more information, call 413-575-9333 or email johnborowski@comcast.net.
www.towprofessional.com | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | Tow Professional
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www.towprofessional.com | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | Tow Professional
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TOW T I P S
TOWING & RECOVERY
Care, Custody &
CONTROL,
Have you ever noticed the sign in the service department stating “Not Responsible for Personal Items Left in Vehicle”? Looks very official but, if you go to court, you lose. Whenever you tow or have any vehicle in for service or storage, you are responsible for the contents and any damages to that vehicle while in you possession. If you do recovery work, any damage done due to the extrication of that vehicle could be your responsibility. It is a very common practice to have a “HOLD HARMLESS” form that the customer would sign prior to any winching. It might contain wording like,
12
“Not Responsible For Damages Due To Extrication.” I would explain to the vehicle owner that I had no way of knowing what might be under the vehicle or what they may have run over. One company I worked for had a rubber stamp made. We would stamp the back of the motor club ticket and have the customer sign that. One day, a very clever fellow took the owner to court. He said the driver made him sign the back of the card blank. From that day on, we had the owner hand write the Hold Harmless on the back of the invoice or motor club ticket.
Tow Professional | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
PART II
We had one of those customers from Hell. No matter how much he would complain about the service times etc., he would still call; we couldn’t get rid of this pest! He thought we should work for free. After all, the motor club was paying $8.00 for a flat tire change. This was the kind of guy that wanted you to sign two separate cards and then take off his two good tires and install his two snow tires in his drive. NO tip, just sign an extra card. I tried to explain that this was not emergency service and he would need to take the tires and drive to the station. One day, this guy backs into the snow bank at the
mall behind our station. This time, the boss says he is personally going to “service” this jerk. He makes the customer hand write the “Hold Harmless” and sign it. Then my boss hooks a chain to the grill and proceeds to rip the grill off the front of the car! Next he hooks to the door handle and “POP”…the door is on the ground. This was funny to watch but even with a Hold Harmless signed, the boss had to fix the damages. Seems you still must act in a reasonable and professional manner, but the pain in the neck customer did stop calling us. My point here is simple. You are held to a standard of service. Protect yourself, be professional, and watch out for those “customers from hell.” TOW
Detroit Wrecker Sales 19630 Fitzpatrick, Detroit, MI 48228 Local: 313-835-8700 National: 877-TOW-0030 www.DetroitWrecker.com Email: Sales@DetroitWrecker.com
www.towprofessional.com | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | Tow Professional
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B y D a n Me ssi na
HIRING
NEW
EMPLOYEES
Everyone, at some point in time, has had to fill a position with their company, whether it was a dispatcher, a driver, office personnel, a bookkeeper, a sales person, etc. Here are a few of the standard ways for finding employees: 1. Craigslist (costs money, you have to create an ad) 2. Newspaper ads (Does anyone even read the newspaper anymore? Everything is online. Once again, this costs money.)
3. Local newspapers like Green Sheet or the Penny Saver (don’t reach enough people)
4. A friend’s recommendation (If you are an owner, your friends are already in the business.)
5. Employee’s recommendation (This is the best, but if you have a bad employee, you could end up with a second bad employee.)
6. Local networking groups (not many tow truck drivers in this bunch)
7. Facebook (Once again, your friends on Facebook are usually looking for the same type of people you are looking for.)
8. A drive-by sign (doesn’t reach enough people) 9. Your vendor’s recommendation (You may feel obligated to hire them.)
10. Your competition (If you steal from your competitor, remember that they will start stealing from you.)
11. A staffing company (Not many staffing companies provide this type of employee.)
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Tow Professional | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
Don’t take me wrong; all of the items listed above are ways to find employees. I have used a few of them myself, depending on the position I was trying to fill. You will find different people in different places based on your needs. When you are trying to fill a position, there are a few questions you must answer, such as:
I once had a sales person, and I was constantly reviewing his job. I wasn’t so much concerned about his pay; I wanted to make sure I was using his talents properly. This person also represented my company at tow hearings. Once I figured out that his real position was my lawyer who handled sales, I realized I was definitely getting my money’s worth. I was recently talking to a small business owner in Pennsylvania whose company was
growing fast and he needed help. He followed the steps in this article and was able to hire some good people and grow the company at the same time. There is no magic to building a great staff. If you have a good company and you are a good owner, everyone will want to work for you. When I built my company from one truck and no accounts to 16 trucks, over 1,200 accounts, and 36 full-time employees, it was not luck; every step was calculated based on a good
1. Can the position be filled from within? This is how you promote your staff. It builds morale and creates a positive work place.
2. What is the definition of the position you need? Are you sure that is the position you need to fill or can you change responsibilities within the company and meet your needs?
3. What are the requirements of that position? You have to be able to judge hat person on the job they are doing. If they are not clear on what they should be doing, then it will be hard to judge them. Allow them to add input once they start. It will be new ideas rom a new face, and they have hands on the job and may come up with ways to improve your company.
4. What are you going to pay for this person? Once again, different positions require different pays. Make sure you don’t pay anyone more than a current employee doing the same job unless you have a good reason. Don’t pay them more than the position. You want to allow them to have room to grow in a position. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | Tow Professional
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HIRING
NEW EMPLOYEES
business plan. Over the eight years I owned my company, only one employee ever quit. Here is what I did to build a great staff.
It all starts with the owner. When I started my company, I knew nothing about the industry, but I knew who I was and how I would operate. Growing up, I played a lot of team sports. I never realized how that would play a role later in business. I was very competitive and always wanted to win. In order to win, you need several things to happen: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Know the rules of the game. Know your objective. Look intimidating. Surround yourself with good players. Don’t worry about your reputation. Define your character.
These were the winning ingredients for my company. Rules of the game: When I opened my business, I learned all of the laws pertaining to my business, both state and federal. I knew all of the city ordinances of the cities that I operated in and how they pertained to my business. I even got so involved in the industry that I helped write the laws that affected my business, but that’s a story for another day. Your objective: When I opened my doors, I knew exactly how I wanted my company to look and how I wanted it to function. We hit the road running and tweaked it as necessary going forward. Look intimidating: Any sports team I played on, I made sure we had matching uniforms, all of the colors matched, added bling, and had the latest and greatest equipment. All of my employees wore uniforms, the colors of the trucks and uniforms matched, we had state-of-the -art equipment, and we decorated our trucks to add a little flair. All of my competitors talked about me and knew who I was…and so did their customers. Good players: I tried to hire the best employees for each position. We were a team, and each position complemented each 16
other. Your competition gets discouraged when they see that you have a winning team. When you have a great team, your success rate is much higher, everyone wants to work for you, and your turnover will be minimal.
Tow Professional | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
Your reputation: When you are the best company, your competition will try to ruin your reputation. Remember that this is not who you are; these are other people’s opinions. They can paint any picture they want and make you look how they want you to look. Your character: Your customer will know who you are by your character, the team you built, and the way you conduct business. It is difficult being a small business owner because you wear all of the hats even if they don’t fit. Make no mistake, your company will become what you are. Remember these few things once you have your staff: • If you want others to pursue excellence, you must set the standard. • If you want others to communicate, you must be prepared to listen. • If you want others to have innovation, you must give them freedom to fail. • If you want others to trust you, you must earn their trust. • If you want others to follow you, you must demonstrate excellent leadership. Be honest, moral, and ethical, and your business will succeed. As all employers quickly learn, there's a world of difference between a worker who's correctly matched to their job and their organization, and one who is not. How do you find the right people for the job? By developing a comprehensive plan that identifies all of the positions you want to fill. If you want good results, don’t take shortcuts or the plan will fail.
Before you start the hiring process, determine your strategy relative to how people fit into your organization. What is your process for making sure they're a good fit with your company's culture? Your goal is to have a plan that will help you determine whether you have a qualified applicant who will fit into your company's culture. 1. Job description – Have a job description for each position in your company.
candidate or meet with them, have a list of questions that qualify the candidate.
5. Review the resumes – Most of the people I hired did not have resumes, but when I talked to them in the interview, I found out what I needed to know.
6. Select candidates – After the interviews, you want to select the candidates that are best qualified for the next step in the process.
7. Meeting the candidate – It’s time to meet the people you’ve been talking to on the phone. Again, you want to ask questions and get them to talk. Listening is part of the
2. Develop a profile – For drivers, you want them to be over 25 years of age, married, clean cut, good hygiene. For dispatchers, you want good phone skills, know how to talk to customers, and have some computer skills.
3. Create an ad – If you are running an ad, make sure it has the key qualifications required.
interview.
8. Background check – This can help you choose the right person and eliminate problems before they start.
9. Make an offer – The information you collected during the interview process will provide you with important insights as to starting compensation levels and training needs.
4. Develop phone screening questions – When you call a
www.towprofessional.com | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | Tow Professional
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HIRING
NEW EMPLOYEES
If you want your business to attract and retain good clients, your comprehensive people strategy must include a recruiting and selection strategy that attracts and retains quality employees. Following a well-thought-out, structured process will help you best match the right people to the right jobs in your company. Your evaluation process should also be able to predict the answers to three specific questions: Is the applicant able to do the job? Is the applicant willing to do the job? And, is the applicant manageable if hired? There should be a good match between the company's needs and the applicant's expectations.
3. I knew I could probably offer more money than they were making.
4. I’d sell them on me the owner. 5. I’d sell them on the excitement of the company and how no two days are the same.
6. I did not have to do criminal background checks because heir current employer already did that. Same with drug testing.
7. No money was spent on ads.
Here is what I would do when I was hiring. I would go to a grocery store or a Sam’s or a Wal-Mart and look for the candidate that fit my profile. I was not concerned about experience; I wanted the person that fit my company. I could always teach them the towing side. I was in computers for 35 years before I got into towing, and I build a successful company. Here are the steps I followed: 1. I would find a potential candidate. 2. I’d ask them if they were interested in changing careers. 18
Tow Professional | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
8. In most cases, the clerical positions already had the skill sets I needed.
9. The drivers I hired did not know about other companies. 10. You’d be surprised how many guys would love to be at the scene of all the wrecks on the highway.
11. I’d let new employees talk to other employees, so they could get the feel for a fun environment. As I mentioned before, there is no sure way to hire, but it can be easy if you do it right, and it all starts with you, the owner. TOW Dan Messina is a small business specialist, www.danmessina.com.
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www.towprofessional.com | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | Tow Professional
19
By Paul E., AWDirect Technical Product Suppor t
Spill
Do You Have the Right Training & Spill Products to Respond?
OPERATORS ARE OFTEN THE FIRST TO ARRIVE AT AN ACCIDENT SCENE, MEANING THEY COME ACROSS CHEMICAL SPILLS FROM DISABLED VEHICLES ON A ROUTINE BASIS. KNOWING HOW TO PROPERLY IDENTIFY THE TYPES OF SPILLS AND USE THE CORRECT CLEANUP PRODUCTS ARE KEY SKILLS IN QUICKLY CLEARING ANY SPILL, WHETHER IT’S ON THE ROAD OR IN YOUR SHOP.
TOW
Tow operators are often the first to arrive at an accident scene, meaning they come across chemical spills from disabled vehicles on a routine basis. Knowing how to properly identify the types of spills and use the correct cleanup products are key skills in quickly clearing any spill, whether it’s on the road or in your shop. The Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation knows the importance of clearing spills quickly to minimize traffic delays. They classify traffic incident spills into three categories: 1) Vehicular Fluid Spills (fuel, coolants and transmissions fluids); 2) Cargo Spills (non-hazardous or hazardous); 3) A mixture of the first two categories. Regulatory standards are currently in place to protect responders, the public and environment from exposure to these chemicals. Still, there is much that can be done to minimize traffic delays caused by the spill clean-up efforts, especially when the only spills present are from vehicle fluids. All first responders, including tow truck operators, should have proper training so that they can identify the potential harm of the materials present, as well as know what can be done to
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Tow Professional | Volume 2 Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
Control minimize that harm. This ability to analyze the scene better enables tow operators to report details to authorities before they arrive. Having the proper training, resources and personal protection equipment allows tow operators to assist with basic spill control and containment. Sorbents, storm water inlet covers and wedges are just a few of the products that can be used. Sorbents may be made of many materials and are designed for specific uses. Universal sorbents absorb any liquid from water-based fluids, non-aggressive liquids such as radiator coolants, petroleum-based chemicals such as gasoline or diesel fuels, and even aggressive chemicals such as acids and bases. These sorbents are commonly made from polypropylene. Petroleum sorbents are designed for absorbing petroleum-based liquids like fuels, solvents and oils like motor oils and hydraulic oils. However, these sorbents are hydrophobic, meaning they don’t absorb water or water-based liquids. They’re often constructed of polypropylene or cellulose materials. Finally, Maintenance sorbents absorb non-aggressive liquids, including water and petroleum based-liquids and oils. They are made of the same materials as universal or petroleum sorbents, or recycled materials such as corncobs, cotton, cellulose or wool. Sorbents come in many forms. Large-diameter booms (Figure #1) and smaller-diameter socks are cylinder-shaped sorbents of various
Figure #1
Figure #2
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21
Spill Do You Have the Right Training & Spill Products to Respond?
lengths that are placed around a spill to keep it from spreading. Pillows (Figure #2) are rectangular shaped and are used to clean up spills or be placed in areas were minor dripping of chemical occurs. Pads (Figure #3) are sorbent materials that come in flat, rectangular sheets. They may also be purchased in long rolls, which have pads that can be torn off the roll as needed. Loose sorbents (Figure #4), which are not contained in any specific form, are sprinkled over smaller spills to absorb liquids. They come in a granular powdered format and can be made of polypropylene, cellulose, corncobs, cotton, clay or wool.
Control Figure #4
Figure #3
Using storm water inlet covers (Figure #5 and Figure #6) for curbside storm water drains and manhole drains prevents the spilled fluids from contaminating the environment. Inlet covers or wedges are usually made of impervious solid materials such as flexible PVC or polyurethanes. The use of sorbent booms or socks is another alternative that may be employed.
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Tow Professional | Volume 2 Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
Figure #5
Figure #6
Employees responding to incidents where a hazardous material spill may potentially occur must meet the training requirements of OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, 29 CFR 1910.120. There are several levels of training, depending on anticipated exposure level. The first responder-awareness level is for those who witness or discover a hazardous material release and notify authorities, with no further action. The first responder-operations level is for initial response and spill containment at a safe distance to prevent exposure. The highest level of training is for the hazardous material technician whose purpose is to stop the spill. With the assistance of a Department of Transportation grant, the Towing & Recovery Association of America created a national Tow Truck Driver Certification program that, in addition to light-, medium- and heavy-duty towing and recovery topics, also incorporates hazardous material training into their curriculums. More information is available at the TRAA website at http://www.towserver.net/certification.htm. TOW
To contact an AW Direct Technical Specialist call 1-800-243-3194 Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM CST. www.towprofessional.com | Volume 2 Issue 2 | Tow Professional
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Is Your Shop
AGM Ready?
AS THE WORLD OF AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES CONTINUES TO EXPAND AND VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS START LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVES TO STANDARD FLOODED ACID BATTERIES, a shop owner or tech needs to be prepared to service any size or type battery that comes into their shop environment. One of the battery types becoming more prevalent in passenger vehicles is the AGM battery. While AGM batteries have benefits over other types, there are precautions and guidelines that a shop must take to properly service these batteries. In this article, we’ll cover a few shop equipment categories to help ensure your shop is prepared to service AGM batteries.
What is an AGM Ba++ery? AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries differ from flooded acid batteries in the sense that the electrolyte is absorbed into thin fiberglass mat separators, rather than flooding all the plates. These very thin glass fibers are designed to increase the surface area enough to hold sufficient electrolyte on the cells for their lifetime. This results in a more dependable and resilient battery that is better suited to the constant cycling resulting from the electronic conveniences and add-ons found in modern passenger vehicles. AGM batteries can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, including spiral-wound designs or in traditional designs resembling a flooded lead-acid battery. These batteries’ prices typically run 50-100% higher than flooded acid batteries, so they are commonly found in higher end vehicles or in applications where their durability, cycling capacity and vibration resistance are of great value. With the increasing demand on a battery to power amenities such as DVD players, navigations systems, and power controls, the amount of AGM batteries found in passenger vehicles is predicted to increase in the coming years. 24
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BE PREPARED WITH THE RIGHT TOOLS Ba++ery Chargers
Ba++ery Testers
AGM batteries require a “smart”
But, how do you know if it is worth your time and effort to charge a problem battery rather than re-
charging routine, by a Smart Battery
placing it? The right tool for that assessment is your battery tester. But, do AGM batteries present
Charger, in order to be properly
any specific challenges in this regard? Not if you have the right equipment.
charged. In this case, “smart” means
The most important thing to consider or determine is whether your battery tester is specifically
progressing through the charging
designed to test a wide variety of
stages in a manner compatible with
battery, including AGM batteries.
the specific battery being charged
For digital testers, your tester
(AGM) and automatically and pre-
should prompt you to indicate the
cisely adjusting its output to achieve
type of battery construction you
a full, beneficial charge. Charging an
are testing, such as SLI, AGM or
AGM battery with a traditional bat-
Gel Cell. If not, your tester may only
tery charger will result in too much
be capable of properly assessing
energy being pushed into the battery,
traditional flooded batteries. A digi-
with a lack of the control needed to
tal tester is only as good as the ref-
charge it correctly. This could easily
erence data within the tester itself.
damage the battery, reducing its re-
So, you want to be sure that you
serve capacity and shortening its
are referencing data specific to the
service life.
battery you are testing.
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Is Your Shop
AGM Ready? Jump Star+ers As familiarity with and knowledge of AGM batteries grows, we have been fielding a new question that we haven’t heard before from shop owners and technicians: “OK, I now know that I need to use a special charger with AGM batteries, but what about my jump starter? Does that need to be AGM-
Be Prepared with the Right Tools We hope that this quick survey of the tools needed to properly service and maintain AGM bat-
compatible as well in order to avoid damage
teries is helpful to you. With the
to these new batteries?
right equipment, particularly in
A jump starter is designed to act as an ex-
the battery charger arena, ex-
tension of the vehicle’s battery, enabling that
tending your service range into
sudden burst of energy that makes the en-
these increasingly popular new
gine starting process possible when the vehi-
batteries should be profitable
cle’s battery is not up to the task itself. While
and painless. TOW
powerful, this auxiliary supply of energy does
26
not affect the health or well being of the vehi-
CLORE AUTOMOTIVE
cle’s battery, whether it is a flooded, AGM Gel
www.cloreautomotive.com
Cell or other type of battery.
800-328-2921
Tow Professional | Volume 2 Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com
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27
Safeguarding Employees with
By Mar k H. Stromme perating a tow vehicle can be physically tough work for employees. Bending, crawling, climbing, and pulling…these exertions take a toll on the body. Not only do they take a toll on the employee, they also take a toll on employee’s clothing. That’s why the clothing worn by tow operators must be designed to withstand abuse and protect the wearer from injuries. It should be heavy-duty industrial grade clothing made for hard use. The clothing your employees wear should be based on the weather conditions, job duties, and OSHA’s requirements.
O
WEATHER CONDITIONS Depending on your location, late winter and early spring can bring a wide range of weather conditions. Rain, wind, snow, and sleet in certain parts of the country, or high temperatures and blazing sun in
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others, can confront the tow operator. Instruct your employees to select the proper clothing for the weather conditions they will be exposed to each day. Conditions can also rapidly change during the day, so employees should have a variety of protective clothing options to choose from.
OSHA REQUIREMENTS Not only do your employees have to make decisions on what protective clothing to wear each day, OSHA requires that you protect your employees while they are performing their job duties. This can include providing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). OSHA requires employers to conduct a hazard assessment per 29 CFR 1910.132(d). This hazard assessment must determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, that require the use of PPE. If such hazards are discovered, then you must select, provide at no cost, and have each affected employee use the types of PPE that will protect them. There is an exception to the employer-provided PPE requirement. OSHA doesn’t require you to provide or pay for non-specialty steel-toed shoes or boots, and non-specialty prescription safety glasses if employees are allowed to wear them off the job. While not PPE, it is worth noting that you are not required to pay for everyday clothing, such as long-sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes, and normal work boots; or ordinary clothing, skin creams, or other items, used solely for protection from weather, such as winter coats, jackets, gloves, parkas, rubber boots, hats, raincoats, ordinary sunglasses, and sunscreen. There may be times that you will require your employees to wear a winter coat or jacket (or other clothing) that has your company name and or logo on them. This would be similar to requiring them to wear a uniform. These do not have to be furnished free of charge to your workers. No matter if you decide to provide the clothing, or if employees select what they will be wearing, consider the following information.
OUTERWEAR Protection starts with the torso—the largest part of the body that is exposed to the elements. Protect the torso and you’ve gone a long way in protecting the entire body. A common option is to provide a jacket as the outer layer of torso protection. Temperature extremes must be considered as too heavy a jacket can cause the wearer to overheat. The jacket, shirt, or vest must be abrasion-resistant as operators spend considerable time crawling under vehicles on concrete, gravel, mud, and dirt. The outer fabric has to be tough enough to resist tearing and shredding. The outer garment should also be roomy so the wearer is not constricted and has an adequate range of motion. Reinforced elbows or elbow pads are a good idea and will protect the operator from undue pressure and strain on the elbow. The pants must also be durable and roomy. Reinforced knees, or the use of separate knee pads, should also be considered to protect the operator from abrasions when crawling under a vehicle. Another option is a one-piece coverall. These are handy for wear-
ing over a shirt and pants and can keep the operator clean as the coverall can be laundered frequently. However, sometimes one-piece garments don’t fit certain body types as well as a separate jacket and pants.
HIGH-VISIBILITY CLOTHING As mentioned earlier, OSHA requires employers to conduct a hazard assessment per 29 CFR 1910.132(d). This hazard assessment must determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, that require the use of PPE. If such hazards are discovered, then you must select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect them. One type of protective clothing that would fall into this category is high-visibility safety apparel. This type of clothing would be required for your operators if your hazard assessment revealed that they could be exposed to a struck-by hazard. The appropriate high-visibility safety clothing would include apparel that meets the Performance Class 2 or 3 requirements of the ANSI/ISEA 107–2004 publication.
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There are various types of high-visibility safety clothing. One of the most common is the high-visibility vest in its numerous configurations. There are also matching pants that increase employee visibility even more. Since this is specialty clothing, it must be provided at no cost to your employees.
HEAD PROTECTION Head protection may be needed to prevent injury from cold temperatures, the sun’s rays, or being struck by falling objects. The first two hazards can typically be prevented by the wearing of an appropriate hat that insulates the head or blocks the sun’s rays. However, OSHA specifically requires hard hats be worn when there is the potential for injury to the head from falling objects or bumping the head on an object. Crawling around and under vehicles can expose employees to these hazards. Every tow call may not require a hard hat to be worn, but they should be available when needed. OSHA requires that head protection comply with: • ANSI Z89.1–2009, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection; or • ANSI Z89.1–2003, American National Standard for Industrial Head Protection; or • ANSI Z89.1–1997, American National Standard for Personnel Protection—Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers—Requirements. Employers are required to pay for and supply workers with the appropriate head protection.
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FOOTWEAR Your employees working on and around the tow truck may be exposed to hazards that could injure their feet. At the tow site, there could be broken glass, shredded metal and rubber, and hazardous chemicals (gasoline, diesel fuel, radiator anti-freeze) that could injure employees. That’s why you will want to require them to wear the proper protective footwear; however, you are not required to pay for it, unless it is considered specialty footwear, such as metatarsal guards used to protect the top of the foot from falling objects. When you or your employees are selecting and buying footwear, make sure that it complies with either of the following consensus standards: • ASTM F–2412–2005, Standard Test Methods for Foot Protection and ASTM F–2413–2005, Standard Specification for Performance Requirements for Protective Footwear; or • ANSI Z41–1991 or ANSI Z41–1999, American National Standard for Personal Protection—Protective Footwear. Slipping and falling is another hazard that could be encountered, especially when working in icy conditions. There are specific types of devices (with spikes that bite into the ice) that attach to boots that provide added traction in these conditions.
HAND PROTECTION Hand protection must be used when employees’ hands are exposed to hazards that could result in severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns, and harmful temperature extremes. Employees are often exposed to hazards like these when working around wrecked and disabled vehicles. They often handle chains and wire rope used to tow vehicles, in addition to picking up pieces of debris that resulted from the accident. Many times, there are hazardous chemicals that have spilled from fuel tanks or other containers that
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can burn or be absorbed through, the skin. There are cut-resistant gloves designed to protect worker’s hands from lacerations or punctures and chemical resistant gloves to protect from chemical burns. In the winter months, insulated gloves may be needed to prevent frostbite.
EYE PROTECTION OSHA requires that appropriate eye protection be provided when there is a hazard from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation. If you have employees that are working near moving traffic, they could be exposed to road debris being picked up and thrown around. Also, crawling under and around vehicles can exposed them to dirt, road salt, and fumes that can fall into or enter the eyes. Keeping the debris and related particles out of workers eyes is one of the main reasons to wear eye protection.
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Employers are required to provide (at no charge to employee) the proper PPE to protect against eye hazards. Safety glasses (either spectacles or goggles) are a common form of eye protection. If there is a severe hazard from flying objects, then a face shield may also be necessary. At the least, safety glasses with side shields should be used. Employers are not required to pay for nonspecialty prescription safety eyewear, provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the jobsite. No matter if you supply them or the employee supplies them, OSHA requires that eye and face protection devices comply with the ANSI Z87.1-1989 or ANSI Z87.1-2003 consensus standards (American National Standard Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection).
TRAINING Make sure you train employees so they know at least the following: • When PPE is necessary; • What PPE is necessary;
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• How to properly don, doff, adjust, and wear PPE; • The limitations of the PPE; and • The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE. In addition, each employee must demonstrate an understanding of this training, and the ability to use PPE properly, before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE.
WRAP UP No matter what the season and weather conditions, the proper protective clothing, and PPE is essential for safeguarding employees from the hazards they could be exposed to. TOW
Mark H. Stromme is a Workplace Safety Editor with J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc., 3003 Breezewood Ln., Neenah, WI 54957; (920) 722-2848. Email: mstromme@jjkeller.com. For more info, visit www.jjkeller.com.
company spotlight
American Safety & Supply American Safety & Supply is a full-line, stocking distributor of safety products including High-Visibility Clothing, First-Aid Kits and Supplies, Gloves, Personal Protective Equipment, Spill Containment Absorbents Flashlights and much more. American Safety & Supply was founded in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1990 by The Caron family - Hank, Fran and their son Chris. When Fran and Hank decided to retire, Chris and his longtime friend John took over. Over the last several years, Chris and John have put their focus on the High Visibility Clothing market specializing in the Towing Industry. The availability of High Quality yet affordable Jackets, Vests, and TShirts have filled a need in the Towing industry as well as the Construction, Arborist, and Municipal markets. American Safety & Supply continues to search for new improved items to meet the needs of workers in dangerous situations. They will have a new line of affordable jackets in the Fall of 2013. 800-472-3892 Info@AmericanSafetySupply.net www.americansafetysupply.com �Meeting today's safety needs...TODAY!�
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company spotlight
RECOVERY BILLING Unlimited Inc. (RBU)
Since its creation in the summer of 2009, Recovery Billing Unlimited Inc. (RBU) has educated hundreds of towing and recovery outfits throughout the United States and Canada. The full-day Advanced Business Management Seminars, instructed by Bob and Eric Fouquette of Big Wheel Towing & Recovery, contain a wealth of information covering all facets of a successful towing and recovery operation. With the inclusion of guest speakers ranging from insurance executives, to attorneys, to OSHA instructors, all angles are touched upon. Topics of discussion include:
• Building the proper tow and recovery business from the ground up • Training employees so they project a more professional image • Remediation of the accident scene • Proper way of writing acceptable recovery invoices • Billing on liability & property damage coverage only • State, local, & federal laws • And, most importantly, obtaining payment With no other known organization providing seminars of this kind, RBU is an industry first. While other training institutions teach companies how to tow and perform recoveries in the proper fashion, RBU teaches companies how to be more profitable using the techniques they’ve acquired by having the ability to bill for their services rendered and ultimately obtain payment. RBU is an organization dedicated to teaching fellow towers how to become more profitable at the work they do. 34
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Rumors about the course being designed to “scam” insurance and/or trucking companies could not be any further from the truth. In fact, the seminars teach towing and recovery companies to work with insurance and/or trucking companies to get them to better understand the process that went into creating the invoice set in front of them. By having an invoice complete with a detailed narrative, itemized pricing and breakdown of all equipment at the scene, and accompanied by a full set of pictures, there are no unanswered questions. The initial cost of attendance may seem a bit daunting to some companies, however, the benefits outweigh the cost tremendously. Included along with the tuition fee comes two make-up / refresher classes for free for the same people from each company that attended the first paid seminar. Also, RBU stands behind each and every attendee by being on call 24/7 to answer any and all questions regarding the information brought about within the seminar itself and/or issues that may arise at a later date pertaining to towing and recovery. As mentioned earlier, hundreds of companies have attended the seminar, and the overall consensus is 100% positive feedback. Classes are typically held monthly or bi-monthly in East Freetown, Massachusetts, and spots are limited to the first 20 companies that sign up. The next upcoming seminar will be held April 6th . The next seminar that RBU will be hosting, is a two-day seminar at the Las Vegas Convention Center starting at 8 am and lasting until noon on May 17 and May 18, 2013. In order to sign up, or receive more information regarding any of the seminars please contact Linda at 508763-5474. TOW
RECOVERY BILLING UNLIMITED 508-763-5474
The finest Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) on the market . PressurePro provides Peace of Mind. Protect your vehicle and occupants with PressurePro . RELIABLE UNDER PRESSURE
Safety PressurePro™ provides an alert when pressure is low, adding greater safety for you and your vehicle. • Peace of mind knowing that your tires, your only contact with the road, are inflated properly for optimum performance and handling. • Monitor displays current tire pressures for all tires. • Tire pressure is constantly monitored, while moving or parked. • PressurePro alerts to dangerous low-pressure situations with both a visual and an audible alert. • Two thresholds of low tire pressure warnings a double threshold of safety. • Greater stability, handling and braking with tires properly inflated. Tires with low air pressures skid and hydroplane more easily. • Each year, 80,000 accidents are attributed to low tire pressure.
company spotlight
Economy PressurePro™ assists in lowering maintenance costs, reducing fuel use and saving tire tread. • Properly inflated tires last longer. The life of your tire is extended due to less tread wear. • PressurePro requires no costly installation, installs in minutes with no tools. • The monitor can easily be relocated from the primary to the towed vehicle with no additional installation. • Properly inflated tires save fuel. • Proper inflation protects and saves the tire casing, reducing the chance of blowouts and zipper rips. • Properly inflated tires extend the life of tire treads by as much as 35%. • Properly inflated and maintained tires save costly roadside repairs and downtime. • The Department of Transportation estimates that 5.4 million gallons of fuel per day (over 2 billion per year) are wasted due to low tire pressure.
Environment PressurePro™ is environmentally friendly, conserving precious resources. • Tires wear longer, saving valuable resources used to produce new tires. • Properly inflated tires save fuel. • Under-inflated tires wear prematurely, adding to the landfill/disposal problem. • Assists in preventing dangerous debris on the road from worn and unsafe tires and casings. • Reduced rubber particulates in the air, affecting air quality. • Proper inflation prevents irregular tread wear, preventing dangerous conditions that can lead to accidents. TOW 877-306-6478 • progressiveplatforms.com
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Lubricants & Wire Rope LUBRICANTS WILL BREAKDOWN OVER TIME THROUGH OXIDATION WITH AIR AND WITH THE SUN’S ULTRAVIOLET RAYS. IT IS ALSO LOST DURING NORMAL USE AS IT IS SQUEEZED OUT OF THE CORE FROM REPEATED CABLE TENSION AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED PERIODICALLY. Some tow truck and wire rope manufacturers do NOT lubricate the wire rope and leave that chore to the customer. The oil that is on a new cable may only be the machining lubricant that is used during the manufacturing process as the wires are drawn through the dies. Do not presume it has been lubricated for you with a lubricant specifically for wire rope. Wire rope primarily wears from the INSIDE out through the friction of wires rubbing against each other and the sheave wheel as they bend and flex. This internal friction works away unseen and from every angle. It’s not unusual for a cable to look fine on the outside, but for the inside wires and strands to be badly worn, or have many completely broken inside through this wearing effect. Rain water, road salt and other contaminants get in between the wire and strands, causing pitting and corrosion. A penetrating lubricant fills those spaces where water can accumulate and displaces the water. A good quality lubricant will penetrate the wire rope completely, neutralize acidic contaminants, and coat the cable with a protective film. Only a good lubricant specifically made for wire rope will do all three. Vitalife lubricants include corrosion and water displacing inhibitors, anti-wear additives, anti-oxidants, and plasticizers for low temperatures. Why you should never apply used motor oil to wire rope: • Most, if not all, of the anti-friction properties have broken down. • Used motor oil becomes acidic, so it will actually contribute to corrosion. • It will attract dirt to the cable since motor oil does not dry. • It contains impurities and contaminants that will clog the wire rope, preventing any future lubricants from penetrating properly. A wire rope that is regularly lubricated from when it was new will last on average three times longer than one that is not lubricated (Roebling Wire Rope Handbook).
TOW
Olson & Company
3 Oxford Court | Suffern, New York 10901
Ph: 845-357-0829 | Fax: 845-918-1823 | info@axlecap.net
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Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
HOOKEDUP
Need a Lift?
Nussbaum Heavy Duty markets two affordable mobile columns lift systems, the MCS 48000 & MCS 66000. 48,000 Lbs. & 66,000 lbs. lift systems use a 2 hp. oil immersed pump & motor in each column that require 220 volt single phase power source. Each column has a pallet jack style jack for easy movement with a four foot turn-
ing radius, to a lifting height of 63”; MCS are standard 15” tire fork length on all four columns with adjustability from 13” to 24.5” tire size. With one master control panel, all functions are performed at the master column, up & down, each column can be controlled individually, the cylinder displays the height of each carriage in
FLASH EQUIPMENT PRESENTS –
use. The lock system is an oil pressure system when you stop the lift the lift locks itself at that position. “When It’s Stop It’s Locked” The 16,500 Rated Stands have a spring assist for easy adjustment, all welded construction with a range of 51” to 80”; a tilt back style wheel system makes moving them easy. For more information contact: Heartland Truck Equipment Alan Heir 800-884-0808 • 785-542-5252
REARSIGHT
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Special Limited Price for Tow Professional Readers $339.00
FLASH EQUIPMENT 1-800-570-8866 www.towprofessional.com | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | Tow Professional
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Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
HOOKEDUP
The New 755 Lighting by Dynamic
4-year warranty 5,500 lb. lift The sleek one piece steel design and construction of the 755 Lightning has excellent rear visibility and a 90 degree hook up creating extra quick recovery. The largest tool box in the industry also contains an easy access valve body which will still store the 5000 series GoJaks. Equipped with bronze bushings, the unit has a 25 degree negative and power tilt and 94 inch reach with L-Arms extended and Maximum wheel lift height at ten feet. (800)-831-9299 • www.dynamicmfg.com
TOW MATE TM36S2 36" wireless truck bar with built in strobes. Provides stop, tail, and turn signals with end marker lights for maximum visibility. This bar also features two 4.5" amber high-intensity LED strobes that can be activated with the flip of a switch on the unit. Charges off 12V DC. Lifetime warranty on electronics and LEDs. Uses two 6V7AH batteries. Range 1000 feet. 800-680-4455 www.towmate.com 38
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TOW MATE TM3N Pair of high intensity, lightweight, nickel-cadmium battery-powered wireless tow lights with side markers. The units mount with one 90Lb. pull magnet per side with rubber boots to prevent scratching. The NiCad battery provides extended run time and can be recharged via a cigarette lighter charge cord. System comes complete with the lights, transmitter, double-ended DC charge cord, and rubber boots for the magnets. Lifetime warranty on electronics and LEDs. 800-680-4455 www.TowMate.com
Olson & Company Axle Caps™ are axle covers for towing buses and trucks when it is necessary to pull the axles prior to towing. Our axle covers do not need gaskets and come with an access hole for adding oil before towing. With models of axle covers for most bus and truck drive axles, we've got you covered. They are available in pairs or sets for North American, Japanese, and European commercial vehicles. We also sell Vitalife wire rope lubricant, which penetrates to the core and dries tack free so it will not pick up dirt. Perfect for towers. Please visit our website, www.axlecap.net, for product information. Olson & Company 3 Oxford Court, Suffern, New York 10901 Ph: 845-357-0829 • Fax: 845-918-1823 info@axlecap.net
Towbook Puts Mobile Apps to Work Towbook, the fastest-growing provider of web-based Towing Management Software, recently released new mobile features designed to help Towing Operators do just about anything from the road. Towbook is real web-based software, which means you don’t install software on your computer, and you can access the system from any computer or device with Internet access. You pay no up-front license fees, no setup charges, and no per-user fees. Towbook has simple pricing with programs starting at $49 per month. With the recent release of new apps for iPhone and Android, towing operators can run Towbook from most mobile devices. Another important new mobile feature is Towbook’s new dispatching interface, which creates a real-time connection between drivers, dispatchers and anybody in your company using Towbook. So, what does that mean? Drivers have the latest information on every dispatch, without texting or calling. Any update made to a tow record is instantly visible to all Towbook users. Every time someone on your team performs a tow, Towbook makes it simple to snap a few photos of the vehicle and upload them to the dispatch record so you have a complete history of each move.
Drivers can scan or key in a VIN# and Towbook will automatically populate the vehicle’s Make, Model and Year. Receipts and invoices can be instantly emailed by drivers or dispatchers directly to the customer – you can even send them to your customer’s mobile phone. Whether you have a large multi-truck operation and need a full-range of software capabilities or if you run a business with one or two trucks and simply want to record your towing records in a simple system, they’ve got you covered. About Towbook Towbook Management Software is headquartered in Michigan and has provided management software in the towing industry for over 5 years. They take great pride in having the industry’s best customer support. Support is free and available 24/7/365 – even on holidays. http://www.towbook.com 855-869.2665 (855-TOWBOOK) No Setup Fees. No Contracts. No Worries.
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Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
HOOKEDUP
Available Through B/A Products Distributors Worldwide
The ORIGINAL Patented made-in-the-USA Premier Winch-Hoist products from
Always imitated but never duplicated! • Made in the USA • Lightweight tool with heavyweight performance • Built-in overload protection. Hoist handle (Winch Hoists) and Stress Link (Web Strap Hoist) are safety features designed to bend (handle) or break (stress link) if overloaded, protecting both you and your tool. Stress Links and Replacement handles are available at minimal cost. • Minimal Hoist Maintenance: cast FOR MORE aluminum open construction INFORMATION frame allows for instant tool PLEASE VISIT US inspection and comes standard ONLINE! with Lubricated-For-Life bearings.
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B/A Products Co. • 8925 McGaw Court • Columbia, MD 21045-4725 Toll Free (800) 327-3301 • Phone: (410) 381-1700 • Fax: (410) 381-6358 • www.baprod.com
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DealerPlace
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DealerPlace
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MarketPlace
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TM
Professional Your Resource for Towing & Recovery
COMPANY
ADVERTISER INDEX PG
Agero . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Alexander Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
American Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Anchor Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Austin Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . .31
B/A Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12, 44
COMPANY
PG
ECM Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Flash Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Fleet Sales West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
COMPANY
PG
Olsen and Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Pillow Protection Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Progressive Platforms . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BC
Florida Wrecker Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Ranger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Goodyear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Ricky's Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
FlowStop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Recovery Billing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
ROI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Beacon Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Hal Kresser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Clore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Heartland Truck Equipment . . . . . . . . . .40
RV Whee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
IAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Survivor Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10, 11
Bowers Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Hanscom K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Collins Dollies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Heavy Duty Towing Equipment . . . . . . .27
CW Mill Equipment Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
International Towing & Recovery Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Custer Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Dan Messina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Dangelo's Custom Built Mfg, LLC . . . . .22
Detroit Wrecker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Direct Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Dual Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Dynamic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC
Lift and Tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Lodar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Marking Pen Depot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Mfr. Express . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
NABancard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Rugged Tow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
S&J Metal Mfg., Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
ToolTopia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Tow Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
TowBook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Towmate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC Twin State Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Weiss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Zacklift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
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Tow Professional | Volume 2 • Issue 2 | www.towprofessional.com