Tow Professional: Volume 14, Issue 3

CREATED FOR OPERATORS BY OPERATORS

2nd Quarter, Time to Shine! W

ho would have thought we would already be through the 1st quarter as this issue hits the scene. However, here we are! The PWOF Florida Tow Show is behind us, and it was a great one. We enjoyed seeing our friends and owners in the industry that receive the magazine.

DJ Harrington, in “Fuel for Thought,” recaps the Florida show and how successful it was. So many of you were there. If you couldn’t make it this year, you missed a good show. Dan Messina’s “Insightful Talk,” is all about how to plan for success in your business. There’s nothing like hearing from someone who has accomplished success with a plan. In this issue, Dan will share his secrets with you. Michelle Sukow has another wonderful story, featuring a friend of ours, an unbelievable “Woman of Towing.” You will enjoy reading this story about Kerri Fogg.

Also in this issue, we look at the importance of using cameras for every Tow Professional. We have included information from companies, such as: Azugua, Autura, and Worldwide Equipment so you can be well-informed when adding these upgrades to your business. Zips brings us a solution for containing EV’s that increases safety, adds protection, and can even generate revenue for our Tow Professionals. Clore showcases solutions when jumping an EV vehicle, and EV Road Hero brings a cost-effective solution for charging EV’s.

As always, we thank every one of our readers and vendors, but most of all pray your business continues to grow and flourish for you and your families!

Darian Weaver President & Publisher darian@towprofessional.com

PRODUCTION

Sheila Maynard Editor

Derek Gaylard

Creative Director derek@ryecroftcreative.com

Cody Webb

BLP Media & Design

Digital Director cody@blpmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Sukow

Dan Messina

DJ Harrington

Matthew Fueston

Tim Smith

Andrew Cody

Kativa Weitzel

Jim Ohara

Executive and Advertising Offices 1005 Mountain Trace Birmingham, AL 35242 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., 1005 Mountain Trace, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, 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.

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“Keep Driving Forward… Conversations About the Future with Industry Leaders”

LEE, MATT AND MARTIN GILES, ATLANTA WRECKER SALES, CHESNEE, SC & ATHENS, GA

JERR-DAN: Besides sales, excellent customer service, and so on, what do you feel is one of the most important issues facing our industry? Let’s include everyone — manufacturers, distributors, towers and towing company owners.

ATLANTA WRECKER SERVICE: Training. Without a doubt. And we would add one more group that we wish we could get the training message out to: “civilians.” That is, those driving cars and trucks out there and making life dangerous for operators. But we will try to just focus on the changes we can make.

JERR-DAN: How have you, as a company, tried to make a difference?

ATLANTA WRECKER SALES: As our facility has grown, we’ve partnered with one of the well-known

WreckMaster trainers, Scott Aey, and hosted his training sessions at our location. We have an extra building that comfortably accommodates 40-50 people. It’s a perfect mini-convention hall, it even has its own kitchen. And it is “neutral territory,” a place where even competitors can feel easy sitting down together. So now we try to host at least one session per year, but we’ve made it available for Scott whenever he needs it — we’ll host the session, we’ll feed the attendees, we’ll clean up after them.

JERR-DAN: It sounds like training is more than just a customer service issue to the Giles family and the company.

ATLANTA WRECKER SALES: That is true. We believe that it is of critical concern to our industry, and we feel like all of us in towing and recovery

ABOUT ATLANTA WRECKER SALES

need to do what we can to improve training programs and increase the number available. We have to train these newcomers to our industry how to do their jobs in such a way that they don’t get hurt.

Lee is always happy when we do one of these classes. The rest of the team feels the same. We will see a lot of young people in a class and we know that if we hadn’t hosted this class and if the trainers hadn’t shown them how to do the work correctly and safely, those young people would have a much higher chance of getting hurt down the road. But now they can go back to work for their boss, maybe make their boss more money, make themselves more money, and stay safe. And that’s the most important thing.

Atlanta Wrecker Sales Inc. is proud to be the #1 Jerr-Dan equipment distributor for wreckers and tow trucks. For the 12th year in a row, we have been named Jerr-Dan’s #1 distributor, which has created a reputation of excellence that we continuously strive to keep. With 10 years of quality experience, Atlanta Wrecker Sales Inc. can promise the lowest prices and the best service in the wrecker, carrier and tow-truck sales and equipment industry.

At Atlanta Wrecker Sales Inc., we strive to offer our customers the experience of purchasing a specialized custom-built unit with a professional, courteous staff of people who know what the customer wants in order to get them what they need. That is why we have become a turn-key operation, handling everything from arranging for financing and lease plans, to delivering the finished product to our customers’ doorstep.

Atlanta Wrecker Sales Inc. is located in the Southeast United States with offices in South Carolina and Georgia, but we offer our services nationwide.

TRAA Signatory on Letter ahead of Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act

With the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act of 2021 set to expire at the end of fiscal year 2026, many in Washington are already lobbying hard to have their interests represented in the new version. To combat these efforts, TRAA, as a member of the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT), has sent a letter to the ranking members

of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee, Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, and House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure Committee urging them to reject any legislative language that would increase current maximum truck weight or length limits as they move forward on surface transportation reauthorization.

TRAA has long opposed increases

in truck weight. Increasing truck weight would only increase the amount of time our operators would be roadside splitting combination vehicles and in harm’s way. And, unfortunately, Congress has failed to enact legislation that would provide an exemption for towers for both length and weight.

TRAA is actively participating in CABT Hill meetings and is playing a lead role in the CABT with over a dozen Members of Congress.

TRAA Applauds Nomination of Derek Barrs as FMCSA

Administrator

TRAA proudly applauds the nomination of Derek Barrs as Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). With an extensive background in highway safety and transportation, Barrs is exceptionally qualified to lead FMCSA in its critical mission to enhance roadway safety and oversight for the commercial motor vehicle industry.

Barrs brings decades of experience in transportation safety and infrastructure, having previously served as Chief of Florida’s Highway Patrol, where he played a key role in statewide traffic safety initiatives. He then joined HNTB Corp., a leading transportation

engineering firm, where he further solidified his expertise, as he worked on transportation-related projects focused on improving roadside safety and efficiency.

“The nomination of Derek Barrs is a strong step toward ensuring that FMCSA remains dedicated to improving highway safety and the regulation of commercial motor vehicles,” said TRAA President, George Kuntz. “His extensive background in highway safety and transportationrelated initiatives positions him as the right leader for this role. For the towing and recovery industry, Barrs’ appointment is particularly promising, as he understands the critical role our professionals play in keeping roadways

clear and safe. His leadership will help address key challenges such as roadside safety protections and fair regulatory policies that impact our industry.”

TRAA urges the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to move swiftly in confirming Barrs as FMCSA Administrator. His leadership and expertise will be invaluable in fostering policies that support safe and efficient roadways for all users, including the towing and recovery industry. His deep understanding of highway operations and emergency response will be instrumental in ensuring that towing professionals are recognized as essential to roadway safety efforts.

Tow Operators and every other vehicle repair facility know the most important tool in any shop is a skilled technician operating at peak proficiency. Time-saving tooling that delivers increased productivity, quick return on tool investment and customer satisfaction is key.

Steck Mfg., as part of the Milton Industries Family of Companies, provides tooling that meet these goals and more. From wheel hub pullers for the most stubborn Ford and Subaru models to broken exhaust manifold bolt removal combo kits that work on more than 20 different engines, Steck offers Tow Shops top tools that make repairs faster and easier, getting the customers’ vehicles back on the road where they belong.

TTech Randy McDonald uses the Tommy Wheel Bearing Hub Puller to quickly remove hubs on Ford and Subaru vehicles.

he Tommy Wheel Bearing Puller pops hubs in about 15 minutes vs. 3 hours removing and reinstalling the knuckle and realigning the vehicle. Unlike other tools that pull at an angle, Tommy utilizes three robust push rods to triangulate the force. This tech-tested tool is a favorite for busy shops everywhere.

Tommy Wheel Hub Puller w/Rail Accessory

Dolooma and Zip’s AW Direct Announce Strategic Partnership to Transform Towing Industry Operations

Dolooma, the industry’s first purpose-built ERP platform for towing and recovery operations, and Zip’s AW Direct, the leading North American provider of towing equipment and supplies, have announced an exclusive strategic partnership aimed at redefining how towing service providers manage inventory, fulfill orders and streamline operations.

This collaboration integrates Zip’s expansive product catalog and nationwide distribution with Dolooma’s advanced automation and data-driven platform — delivering a seamless, intelligent solution for towing businesses across the country.

“This partnership is a gamechanger for the towing industry,” said Rajiv Amar, CEO of Dolooma. “By integrating Zips’ inventory solutions

directly into Dolooma’s automation platform, we’re giving towing businesses an all-in-one solution to run more efficiently, save costs, and focus on growing their operations.”

Purpose-Built ERP for Towing & Recovery

Dolooma is a next-generation ERP platform designed specifically for the Automotive Towing & Recovery industry. Developed with insights from towing professionals, Dolooma centralizes business-critical functions — including real-time job tracking, automated scheduling, fleet management, financial and performance analytics — into a user-friendly interface. This allows towing businesses to operate with greater precision, speed, and profitability.

“We’re excited to partner with Dolooma to bring this powerful ERP solution to the towing and recovery industry,” said David Rottinghaus, Executive Vice President at Zip’s AW Direct. “It’s very exciting to support this innovation from day one. Together, we’re committed to helping our customers run more efficiently and maximize their bottom line profitability.”

Partnership Highlights

• Exclusive Inventory Integration

Towing operators using Dolooma will have direct, real-time access to Zip’s extensive product catalog, enabling automated inventory tracking, mileagebased part replacement and intelligent reordering based on vehicle usage and maintenance data.

• Smart Ordering & Predictive Maintenance

Zip’s will feed live product updates into Dolooma’s system, while Dolooma’s automation will suggest timely part replacements, helping businesses avoid costly downtime and keep their fleet on the road.

• Seamless Order Fulfillment & Tracking

Orders placed through Dolooma are routed directly into Zip’s’ e-commerce system, providing real-time updates on order status, shipping and delivery for total visibility and peace of mind.

• Integrated Training & Video Demonstrations

Zip’s customers will have access to Dolooma’s on-demand video training and in-platform tutorials, empowering operators to master the latest towing procedures for vehicles quickly and improve daily operations.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities, please contact: Sales@ dolooma.com or Zips@zips.com

Lokithor J402 PRO 35000 Jump Start Kit

The Lokithor J402 PRO 3500A Jump Starter delivers powerful, professional-grade performance with up to 3,500 peak amps—a 500-amp upgrade from its predecessor. Capable of starting up to 60 engines on a single charge, it recharges rapidly with 100W bidirectional input and holds a standby charge for up to 30 months. Its rugged, shock-proof casing is IP65-rated for dust and water resistance, making it ideal for tough environments. Compact and reliable, the J402 PRO is engineered for safety with built-in protection against overheating, short circuits and reverse connections.

For more details and ordering information, visit www.Zips.com.

SafeAll Steel Core Winch Line

Steel Core Winch Line from SafeAll now available at Zip’s AW Direct.

Heavy-duty tow operators need their winch line to work as hard as they do. Performance, strength and reliability matters in their challenging line of work. That’s why they turn to SafeAll’s new Steel Core Winch Line, now available at Zip’s AW Direct.

These cables offer greater crush resistance, and a higher nominal strength compared to fiber core and other steel core options. Its wire composition consists of 6x37 strands of extra improved plow steel wrapped around a steel core compared to the 6x26 layering of other brands.

Including a self-locking swivel hook and a flemished eye with steel thimble and ferrule, this winch cable is available in diameters of 3/8” to 3/4” and lengths from 50 to 250 feet.

Order yours at www.Zips.com. Item # SA-WIREROPE-SC.

2024 Dodge Ram 2500 SpaceKap Service Body

Be prepared to deliver professional roadside assistance—anywhere, anytime. The 2024 Dodge Ram 2500 equipped with the SpaceKap Service Body, provides expansive, secure storage designed to accommodate all your tools and equipment. With 320-degree access, you can retrieve what you need quickly and efficiently, minimizing downtime in critical situations.

Constructed from lightweight, durable fiberglass, the SpaceKap is built to withstand the harshest environments. Its fully transferable design allows for installation on any compatible pickup truck, offering exceptional long-term value and flexibility for your fleet or growing business.

For additional details, visit www.Zips.com.

ACARI Drill Free Mount Low Profile

Securely mount light bars, beacons, speakers, antennas and other accessories to your service truck—without the need for drilling. The ACARI Drill-Free Mount Low Profile utilizes a patented clamping system, eliminating the need to puncture your truck’s roof and preserving the vehicle’s integrity.

Constructed from military-grade aluminum and finished with a satin black powder coat, this mount is engineered for exceptional durability and resistance to harsh weather and demanding work environments.

For additional details, visit www.Zips.com.

Hino Trucks USA

Abig thank you to Nozomu Harada, Hino Motors Limited’s Chief Total Support Officer, for visiting our corporate headquarters this week. It was a pleasure to host you and discuss exciting opportunities ahead.

At Hino Trucks, we are fully committed to leading the charge of Total Support for our customers across the US. By staying in constant contact with our customers, we gain invaluable insights into their operations, allowing us to better understand and anticipate their needs.

A big thank you to Nozomu Harada, Hino Motors Limited’s Chief Total Support Officer, for visiting our corporate headquarters this week.

Together, we’re positioning ourselves to make a positive impact and provide tailored solutions that drive success. Here’s to continued collaboration and growth! #CustomerCommitment #TotalSupport #UltimateOwnershipExperience

Tow Truck Coalition Calls on Congress to Revoke California’s De Facto Diesel Truck Ban

Regulations Have Proven Economically and Technologically Infeasible

Anational coalition of state towing and recovery truck associations is urging Members of Congress to pass Congressional Review Act Resolutions that reverse the de facto ban on medium to heavy (MHD) diesel truck engines over the next decade.

“While California’s electric vehicle mandate is well-intended, the Advanced Clean Trucks and Omnibus NOx regulations have proven technologically and economically infeasible,” said Josh Lovelace, national director of the Safe Roads Coalition. “The regulations are so costly and onerous that truck manufacturers are not building medium to heavy-duty (MHD) electric trucks that meet basic performance and safety standards of towing and recovery vehicles, and the sales of combustion truck chassis are coming to a standstill in states that have implemented California’s rules. Moreover, even if

manufacturers were mass-producing medium to heavy-duty electric trucks, states are not on track to building enough big truck charging stations along America’s interstate system.”

Five of the ten states that adopted California’s rules have immediate implementation deadlines, and they seek to delay the regulations in whole or in part. The regulations have suppressed the sales of medium to heavy-duty (MHD) combustion engine trucks before truck manufacturers can mass-produce ZEV alternatives, and states do not have adequate charging stations for large trucks. As an indication of what will happen in other states, in the first model year enacting this regulation MHD combustion engine chassis sales declined by over 80 percent in California. Despite CARB’s amendments to the ACT regulation in October 2024, truck dealers and upfitters have not reported

increased availability or sales.

“No matter how well-intended, California’s electric vehicle regulations should not be allowed to wreak havoc on America’s economy and deny the motoring public access to reliable roadside services,” said Lovelace. “One must only look at California to see how the regulations impact other states. California’s manufacturing and sale of towing and recovery trucks is coming to a screeching halt.”

H.J. Res. 87 (James-MI) would reverse the EPA’s decision to approve a waiver granted to California allowing the State to mandate the sale of zeroemission trucks, otherwise known as the Advanced Clean Trucks regulations.

H.R. Res. 89 (Obernolte-CA) would end the EPA’s decision to allow California to implement its most recent nitrogen oxide (NOx) engine emission standards, which create burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-

duty on-road engines.

Co-leads of the resolutions include California Congressmen Kevin Kiley and Jay Obernolte.

Public safety agencies widely recognize towing and recovery drivers as part of the roadway safety network that supports motorists and first responders. By providing reliable roadside assistance 24/7 and clearing road accidents and mechanical breakdowns, motorists and truckers spend less time stuck in traffic, use less fuel, and generate less greenhouse emissions. In California (Freeway Service Patrol) and some other states, towing services partner with state and local transportation authorities to provide free highway services. UC Berkeley found that tow truck availability reduces emissions by removing vehicles quickly to reduce traffic congestion.

The Safe Roads Coalition is a coalition of towing and recovery truck

are an estimated 45,000 towing and recovery businesses in the U.S. Visit www.saferoadscoalition.com for news, including an explainer video.

businesses from 11 ACT states that seek delays, or the exemption afforded other emergency vehicles (police, fire, and government-owned tow trucks). There

BY MICHELLE SUKOW ///

A Powerhouse Redefining the Towing Industry

When it comes to commanding attention and driving change in the towing industry, Karrie O’Neal Fogg does not just show up- she dominates it. My first encounter with Karrie in Washington, D.C., is one I will never forget. To set the scene: I am an introvert to my core, while Karrie is the exact opposite- bold, magnetic, and impossible to overlook. We found ourselves seated next to each other at dinner, and from the start, her energy was infectious. But the moment that is still etched in my brain? On National Hill, Karrie turned every elevator ride into a full-on photo op. “Elevator Selfies”- every single time, with every single person inside. Not once, not twice, but every ride. She wasn’t just present- she was a force. Vibrant, fearless, and unapologetically charismatic, Karrie doesn’t just enter a room; she ignites it. And in those moments, I could not help but admire, and maybe even envy, her ability to make every space her own.

A path forged in resilience and growth

Karrie’s story began with a leap of faith, leaving a career as a Senior Officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons to join Fred’s Towing & Transport Inc. in 2012. Back then, the company was modest: two locations, five employees, and a small fleet. But Karrie’s vision and determination transformed it into a powerhouse. Today, Fred’s Towing boasts five locations, twenty-two employees, and a comprehensive service

“The only competition I have is myself,” she says. “If I can be better than I was yesterday, learn something new, and do something meaningful, that’s success.” —Karrie Fogg

portfolio that includes everything from light-duty to heavy-duty towing, equipment hauling, shop repair, and roadside assistance. Her resilience stems from undergoing open-heart surgery last year. Stepping back from the business might have been in her best interest at that time, but it was a tough adjustment to navigate. It was during this time that she learned the power of taking life one day at a time.

Breaking Barriers and Changing Perceptions

The towing industry has traditionally been male dominated, but Karrie never let that deter her. “I’ll be honest- my biggest challenge was my mouth,” Karrie admits with her signature boldness. “I’m a strong, dominant female, and in the beginning, the men didn’t know how to take me.” But Karrie’s no-nonsense approach and unrelenting drive earned her respect. She is not just seen; she is heard.

Setting the Standard for Women in Towing

Karrie believes the industry is evolving, with more women stepping into roles as owners, drivers, and mechanics. Her own journey serves as proof that women can excel in towing while raising the bar for everyone else. “I’ve been told I’m unapproachable, but once you know me, you’ve got a friend for life,” she says.

In 2023, her contributions were recognized on a national scale when she was named the WTRAA Tow Woman of the Year. “To be acknowledged by other women in the industry was like hearing, ‘We see you, we know what you’re doing, and we’re with you,’” Karrie says. It was a moment of validation for years of hard work and resilience.

Life Outside the Office

While Karrie’s professional life is a whirlwind, she is also deeply grounded in her personal life. She shares her downtime with her miniature animals, donkeys, pigs, bulls, cows, horses, and goats and treasures her escapes to the beach or on cruises where she can truly unplug. And yes, she always has a Sprite and white cheddar popcorn within reach for those “snacky snack” emergencies.

Do you know a towing lady who deserves recognition?

Please send Michelle Sukow or Tow Professional a message. We would love to share her story! (michelle@michellesukow.com)

Advice for Aspiring Leaders

Karrie’s advice to women entering the industry is as bold as her personality: “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason- listen more than you talk. Sit at tables you think you don’t belong at because that’s where you learn and evolve.” Her mantra? Surround yourself with people who inspire your future, not your past.

Looking Ahead

While Karrie is laser-focused on the day-to-day challenges of running Fred’s Towing, she also has her eyes on the future. Her goal for the next five years? Growth and stability, both for her company and the industry in North Carolina. “With so much change, staying steady is the ultimate win,” she says.

Defining Success, One Day at a Time

For Karrie, success is not about awards or accolades. “The only competition I have is myself,” she says. “If I can be better than I was yesterday, learn something new, and do something meaningful, that’s success.” And in the ever-changing, fast-paced world of towing, Karrie O’Neal Fogg is proving every day that she is not just survivingshe is thriving.

The Ultimate “Make It Happen” Leader

Whether she is putting out fires, coordinating operations, or simply being the friend and mentor others need, Karrie embodies what it means to be a leader. She is unapologetically bold, fiercely determined, and unwaveringly committed to lifting others as she climbs. Her message to anyone watching? “Doubt me if you want but just watch me prove you wrong.”

BY DAN MESSINA ///

Planning Your

Business

IN THIS ARTICLE I WANT TO TALK ABOUT PLANNING AND GROWING YOUR BUSINESS. If you have an existing business, I’ll show you how to grow it, or if it’s a new business, I’ll show you how to build it.  Here are the steps to follow when starting a business.

BY DAN MESSINA ///

Executive Summary – You start out with a vision of what you want to do and you set goals and objectives for what you want to accomplish.

Market Analysis – Take a look at what is happening in your area, who are the potential customers, and who is servicing them today. Look at your strengths and weaknesses and identify the opportunity for your company.

Business Objective – Based on your analysis, identify how much market share can be yours, how much revenue will it generate, and when can you launch it. After you start, you’ll want to be able to measure your progress.

Services Offered – Make sure you have a good idea on what the service is you want to offer. What value does this new service bring to your company?

Marketing and Sales – How and

when will you open a new market?

Identify what markets will benefit you the most. How will I price my service in this market, and how will I maintain my market share?

Operational Plan – Identify things that must happen and put a timeline on each step. Identify what can be done through technology. How many people will I need, and do I need more trucks? Most importantly, how will I deliver the new service?

Financial Plan – Create a budget to see how much it will cost you to roll out the service, and how much profit will you make from this new service. Identify how much money will be necessary, and from where will you get the money needed to roll out this service. Set financial goals. How much will it cost and how much will I make?

Human Resources – How many people will I need? Where will I find them, and how will I get them trained?

Risk Management – As you plan this new service, what is the worst that could happen, and what is the best thing that could happen within the areas you have identified above.

Technology – What changes will I make to existing technology, and what will I need to add? Will upgrades improve my business

Performance Measures – How can I track my progress, Will I have reports to monitor my progress, and how do I make improvements.

When my wife and I built our towing business, we would go away between Christmas and New Year to plan our business. Nothing in my company happened by accident. We planned every step. We knew how many new trucks we needed to buy, and which ones to junk. We identified all pay increases for our employees, and what was needed from a training program for each employee. We evaluated each customer and identified the good ones, and which ones were costing us money. If it was costing us money, I gave that customer to my competitor. However, if it was a good customer, we showered them with good service.

Because we planned and built a good company, what I did not plan was the sale of my business. We were not planning to sell, but one day I ended up with two buyers wanting to buy my company. I did not know how to prepare to sell my company, but I learned quickly. I have videos on my website (fixa1c.com) on how to prepare and sell a company. We have got a company ready for sale, and it was very successful. Now I was ready for the next step of my life, “RETIREMENT” which was another thing I did not plan for. I ran out of Netflix movies to watch, and because I loved the towing industry, I developed another business. TowTrax is a software app that sends tow-to-tow companies that they never had before. The first thing I did was build a business plan. We followed all the steps listed above. We identified the following:

1. We set an objective and set goals.

2. We Identified how much money was

necessary to develop the software.

3. We found a great developer that wrote the software for us.

4. We have found a good customer base, all motor clubs.

5. We worked with them to define their needs.

6. We identified where they needed help.

7. We set good prices for the motor club business.

8. Build a nationwide towing network.

Over the last three years, we doubled our revenue every year. Now investors are talking to us about a variety of things. Once again, I took a great business plan to build a strong company. We are ready to grow TowTrax, so we are going through a business planning session identifying all the steps listed above. Again, I identify the following:

1. We set an objective and set goals – We wanted to double our tows and double our revenue without increasing expenses.

“Create a budget to see how much it will cost you to rollout the service, and how much profit will you make from this new service.”

2. We identified development dollars necessary – We took on a partner that will develop our needs and that expense will belong to them.

3. Found a partner – We are towers not developers, so our partner is an expert in that area.

4. Identified a customer base – We have motor clubs, so it’s time for consumer tows, and heavy-duty tows.

5. Identified staff to support new business – Used our existing monitoring staff to support our growth.

6. Set good prices – Our pricing will be very competitive.

7. Developed a rollout plan – We will pick three markets and roll them out.

8. Needed a tow company network -I already have several thousand tow companies in my network, so we will use them.

As I get ready to roll out new markets, I will need more tow companies.

Register with TowTrax Now www.towtrax.com

FUEL4THOUGHT

BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP ///

Florida Tow Show 2025 in the Books

In this issue of the Tow Professional magazine, I want to talk about the 2025 Florida Tow Show. What an amazing time we had. It was held amongst the beautiful scenery of the majestic and warm-weathered city of Orlando, Florida from April 10th-12th.

FUEL4THOUGHT

BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP ///

The walk from our hotel was only 3 blocks. That’s less than a mile away from the biggest recycling trade conference that’s held in the USA. However, Chuck Camp, the producer of the Tow Professional podcast, and I were at the recyclers show first and then drove those short blocks over to the Florida Tow Show with all our podcast equipment in tow. Our time there is always spent with great towers from all around the world along with their prospectives of our industry. This conference is the largest, international tow show in our country, and we’re quite proud to call it, “the largest”.

As I do each year, I bought a few tickets to the Hino L6 Extended cab sporting a Miller Industries Flatbed. This raffle is to benefit the towing industry’s training, education and legislation needed for the professional wrecker operators of Florida. I am quite proud of all our professional wrecker operators. Chuck Camp and I were there very early on Saturday morning, setting up to film Jim Shellhass from Ranger STT. He did a great job on private property towing and ways to make more money in parking

management. As always, we, as an industry, must be thinking about ways to keep moving forward because if we don’t, we will soon be behind in this industry. And, we’ll be wondering how that happened so fast. Besides this class about Jim and what he’s doing, I also got to see some other friends.

Speaking of friends, I also got to see my dear friend, Brian Riker who had spoken in the same room the day before for Allstate Roadside on the subject, “Solving the Google Puzzle, Essential Pieces for Online Visibility.” Now being outside Jim’s room while Chuck was setting up his video camera, I got to spend a few minutes with Ruth Landau, who was on her way to get everything ready for the PWOF ladies’ luncheon. Ruth was dressed from head to toe in her leopard outfit, fitting the theme for the PWOF luncheon. Joining Ruth’s safari meant having some fun. All the ladies that were there said it was the best ticket that they had bought because of all the givebacks they received. It appears to me that Ruth gets better at doing that luncheon every year. Go Ruth! We can’t wait to see what you plan for next year.

Yes, Jeremy from the Alliance Funding Group was giving out beer, wine and lemonade this year. He had to add lemonade to satisfy all the church goers. And that was good for those that didn’t prefer beer and wine. Everyone was happy. Thank you, Jeremy.

Please listen to the Tow Professional podcast that we did while there. We’ve been told that we had a great interview with Xinsurance. It was quite an

The winner of this year’s Hino / Miller / PWOF/ Florida International Tow Show Giveaway is: Harlee Hollis of Webster Towing, Madisonville, KY, (3rd from left)

informative podcast, and I know you will learn a lot from listening to it. So, make sure you listen to the Tow Professional podcast done while at the conference. The main thing that this tow show had was BOUNCE. That’s right. BOUNCE houses, face painting, lots of music, cartoonists, and yet they even had a human powered frozen beverage machine. The atmosphere was wild and celebratory. You could walk the giant master wheel and make your own snow cone. Truly fun times for everyone!

We were at the Tow Professional booth, and visited with lots of key people, like: Jess from Car-part.com and all the great people from TowBook. Yes, their booth was packed, like every other year. Yes, our friends from ESA, Energy Security Agency, were at both shows. Dalan Zartman spoke at the Recyclers Show, and they also attended the Tow Show. I always enjoy spending time with Ron from Recovery Consulting Service. Ron knows the Lord, so if you ever need prayer, ask Ron. Jeremy from Phoenix USA Inc. had a packed booth as well at the tow show. Jeremy is a great guy, and his leadership and personality show in how he manages his company.

Wes and April Wilburn from the American Towing & Recovery Institute were also at Gay Rochester’s get together on Friday night. Gay is the CEO of INA Towing Network. Another important person who was there was Darian Weaver. Darian is the President and Publisher of Tow Professional

magazine and has a weekly podcast geared just for towers.

In all, it was a great night as usual because Gay Rochester made everyone feel so welcomed. The new Executive Director of TRAA was there too. Welcome Bruce Bender. He’s a wonderful addition to TRAA.

All of us had a great night. As always,

every year we keep getting more people involved in this great industry. What’s even better is that we were having fun and learning to be better at our crafts. I don’t need to remind you that not everyone can make the life of a tower any better than we can!

Until next year’s conference, I’ll see you on the Tow Professional podcast.

INGENUITY WITH AND A DEDICATION TO CUSTOMER SERVICE!

The Survivor Fund

The “Survivor Fund” was created in 2006 to complement the International Towing and Recovery Museum’s Wall of the Fallen. This fund was established to help those families who have lost a loved one in the line of service.

A Survivor Fund committee was formed of people from all over the United States from the towing industry. The committee is given the information regarding the fallen and the application is processed within 24 hours of receipt. Once the decision is made, a check is sent right away to the family to assist with immediate nancial issues during this tragic time in their lives.

Company owners, family members, or friends can submit the application for bene ts on behalf of the family of the deceased. The application can be found on the website at www.thesurvivorfund.com and can be submitted by mail, fax, or e-mail.

Seventeen years of service to the towing and recovery industry worldwide

Managed by industry professionals

Pledges replenish funds and allow payout growth

$7,500 bene t, $15,000 for museum members

Immediate funds to help at the time of tragedy

Funded by donations only

Hundreds of families supported Tiered system allows payout increases based on reserves

Hundreds of thousands of dollars paid out to date

To ensure the longevity of these bene ts as we work to build a perpetual fund, we are asking each person, company and organization in the industry to participate in supporting the Survivor Fund and these families when a tragedy occurs. Your pledge to become a Survivor Fund Continuing Support Partner represents a commitment to our industry.

As a Continuing Support Partner, you will receive an e-mail from the Survivor Fund when Survivor Fund Continuing Support

a tragedy occurs and meets the governing guidelines of the Survivor Fund for disbursement. As always, the ITRHFM Survivor Fund will handle direct payment to the families. We will simply solicit your contribution in the pledged amount to replenish and build our fund after each approved payout. The e-mail you receive will provide information on the current tragedy as well as information on how to remit the payment to honor your pledge.

Make your pledge today to support our industry.

Perfect Camera System for Towing?

As long as telematics and cameras have been in towing, I have had the unique pleasure of learning all about them and advising companies how best to use them in their business. We have come a long way in 12 years. However, have we ever truly had a system that was perfect? I only know of one person in my life that has been perfect, and I am certain that I am not Him.

Telematics in this market have become essential to operating efficiently while delivering the customer

satisfaction you need to compete. Nowadays, cameras are almost a “have to” for towing and roadside companies so you can protect your employees and your business from claims. Most insurance companies request/demand that you have them in your vehicles if covered by your company policy, and that’s for a good reason. Towing companies are a target for claims. They have all the same issues of other commercial fleets with the added risks of working on the roadside, moving and hauling other people’s property, sometimes against their will, and putting

their customers inside their vehicles. Quick note you may not be aware of… there are some crazy folks out there!

Lord knows what they will claim you said, did or tried to do, so, you have to protect your employees and your company and with the way our legal system is now. THE BURDEN OF PROOF IS ON YOU!!

So while there is no perfect system, what would the best system look like? Here are the top needs I hear from towers, and how we have worked to meet them: “I want it to talk with my other systems I use to operate my

business”. Azuga has more areas of integration with Towbook than any other telematics company. With Azuga, your Towbook map and updates come every 30 seconds, rather than 2 minutes. So, that’s 4 times faster. Plus, you will be tracking the truck and not the app. This means a more dependable location that your driver can’t turn off. There are many other features you will see inside Towbook including, speed, ignition status, idling times and much more

to come. Azuga is also a HAAS alert enabled device. Meaning that if you have an Azuga device properly installed in your vehicle you only need a HAAS subscription in order to start protecting your drivers on the roadside. Azuga also integrates with most major fuel cards and maintenance programs so you can pull all your data into one place. There’s more.

“Insurance costs are killing me!” Insurance is a huge expense and once your costs go up they are hard to get under control. Azuga’s cameras help them be able to control and fight claims which is a key component in controlling your costs and giving them a fighting chance rather than just settling claims to limit exposure. Azuga is the most referred camera system by insurance companies inside the towing industry because we are dedicated to building programs that give them what they need to protect you and your business.

“Keeping equipment running and doing compliance type reporting is time consuming and expensive.”

Azuga, is already doing most needed reporting “automagically” in the background that you can access real time whenever you need it or schedule to just appear as a PDF in your email when you have to receive it. State mileage and IFTA reports now take the click of 3 buttons, or you can schedule it. PTO reports, maintenance reports, all trips reports are all available at any time.

Azuga also has an excellent maintenance program as it will notify you anytime one of your vehicles “throws a code” and will let you know exactly what the code is, how critical it is and what the solution is. You can also schedule all of your preventative maintenance and one off maintenance. It will remind you when it’s time for a service and have a place where you mechanic can update if he did the work, what was done, how much it cost and

upload any receipts, warranties or parts lists associated with the service. So, no matter whether it’s an oil change, tire rotation, brake inspection, DOT inspection or light bar/winch cable

inspections, you will know when it needs to be done, if it was done and who did it.

“Cameras are expensive, and I need video of the sides and back.” This one has been a challenge as technology has

been moving fast, and sometimes you don’t know what pitfalls will lie ahead until they have been in the field. We heard you and the need for rear facing cameras and the difficulty that you had

Wichert Insurance is one of the largest tow agencies in the Midwest with over 30 years of experience working with towing, recovery, and garage operations. Our knowledgeable staff are current on industry issues and are experts in the coverages your operation requires. Our relationships with multiple AM Best “A - Excellent” rated carriers allow us to offer competitive rates and interest-free monthly pay plans. As active members of state associations, we are industry advocates and a reliable resource.

Our team’s experience allows us to create custom programs to meet your needs. From service trucks to extra heavy equipment, single location to multi-state operations, we will craft a program to meet your risk appetite at the most competitive rates. In addition, we act as your advocate when a claim occurs to ensure timely and fair outcomes.

We offer in-house loss control specialists at no additional cost to identify ways to control and reduce risks. Clients who engage in our loss control and safety programs benefit from lower insurance premiums, increased profitability, and reduced accidents, injuries, and claims.

See more at www.wichert.com or contact us today at 740-654-0532

with other products. So, we went out and found a camera system that sounded perfect. It had a forward and driver camera, you could “go live,” and you could retrieve video from the system. Iit had some AI and it had Bluetooth connected rear facing cameras. But, we were basically, resellers of someone else’s camera system and while that was an affordable option, their engineers would push out “firmware updates” without our knowledge that would cause connectivity issues and our engineers weren’t allowed to fix it because their engineers had to do it whenever they got ready.

So, we went to work and developed a camera that would be the best option for towers. Our engineers have been involved in the design and functionality of these since the very beginning and if something breaks, we can fix it. The camera is called the “Azuga Safetycam Pro”. This camera allows you to go live anytime, access video easily thru app or the computer log in, records every driving event and saves it for a year.

Safetycam Pro is full of AI features and will not only record any distracted driving events but will also tell you if your driver is rolling through stop signs, lane departure, tailgating and several other dangerous driving habits so you can correct them before an accident happens. Also, you can add up to 4 rear/ side facing cameras with a rock solid connection and view them inside the

app or UI. Also, the rear camera takes a snapshot everytime PTO is engaged and the system will keep recording for one hour after your vehicle stops recording so you can get the entire recovery on video as well.

So, while no telematics or camera system is “perfect” for towing, Azuga is constantly listening, adapting and

working to be the best system to connect to your other systems, help with insurance costs, make you more efficient and give you the camera footage you need to protect your business and change driver behavior. Not perfect, but we will never stop trying because we are committed to having the best product for the towing industry!.

Eyes on the Road, Protection on Your Side: Autura’s BudgetGPS In-Truck Cameras

In-truck camera systems are critical to protect your fleet, your operators, and your business. Video evidence captured by your cameras can help prove fault if, and when, an accident occurs and helps fight against false claims from the motoring public.

Autura’s telematics solution, BudgetGPS, offers several in-truck camera hardware options with GPS tracking to fit your needs and budget:

BudgetCAM2

The BudgetCAM2 is the newest intelligent dash camera that allows monitoring inside the cab with an infrared operator-facing camera and outside the vehicle with a road-facing

camera. With a 4G LTE connection for live feed capability, fleet managers and owners can see and hear their operators in real-time.

BudgetCAM2 mounts securely to the windshield and has an easy direct wire installation to complete setup in just minutes. The camera also receives over-the-air (OTA) updates to enable new features without having to replace obsolete hardware.

BudgetCAM

The original BudgetCAM shares many features with its newer counterpart and offers flexible installation via direct wire or OBDII port. This model also includes an exterior-facing anti-theft beacon with “guard mode” to protect parked vehicles.

QuadCam

The QuadCam is a digital video recording (DVR) platform that supports up to four cameras with embedded GPS tracking. This camera system offers a variety of configurations to allow for monitoring forward from the cab, an operator view, and your choice of side and rear-view camera options.

All cameras in the QuadCam system connect through a harness and are powered by direct wiring. With 4G LTE connectivity for realtime monitoring, the DVR supports SD cards up to 256GB for extended recording capacity.

Monthly Subscription and Convenient Online Dashboard

Autura’s BudgetGPS hardware uses a monthly subscription model per device. There are no long-term commitments or contracts required, which provides you with flexible and affordable options to protect your fleet and operators.

With your active subscription, you are provided access to an online dashboard that can be used on your desktop, tablet, or mobile device. This dashboard allows you to see your fleet in real-time, set up and manage your devices and trucks, configure custom email and/or text alerts including geofencing and speeding, view live video of your cameras, and access a list of reports to generate.

The BudgetGPS reports explore a 180-day tracking history of important events, empowering your fleet manager and business owner with insights. Report types include:

• Speeding, Stops, and Idling

• Ignition On/Off

• Drives With Addresses

• Vehicle Summaries

• Alerts History

Beyond In-Truck Cameras

In addition to the in-truck camera systems, BudgetGPS also offers GPS asset trackers with options for wired installations or simple plug-and-play devices using your OBD-II port.

As an extra benefit for Autura’s Towing Management Systems users including Dispatch Anywhere and TOPS, a seamless integration with BudgetGPS allows dispatchers to see where your trucks, truck status, and jobs in real-time on the same map, helping to assign the right truck to the next job and keep your fleet moving efficiently.

Discover more about Autura’s intruck camera systems and GPS tracking solutions at www.autura.com.

Saving Lives on the Line:

How AI-Powered In-Cab Cameras are Transforming Safety in the Towing Industry

INFORMATIVE ARTICLE PRESENTED BY WORLDWIDE EQUIPMENT SALES OF MICHIGAN

The towing industry has always demanded a balance between grit, skill, and safety. However, as technology evolves, so does the way we think about protecting our operators on the job.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is

introducing a new generation of tools that go beyond boosting efficiency— they’re beginning to play a role in saving lives.

At Worldwide Equipment Sales, while we are not currently implementing AI-

powered camera technology in our own fleet, we’re closely watching the rise of this innovation across the industry.

AI-powered in-cab camera systems are redefining what safety could look like for tow professionals everywhere.

These systems, once used solely for documenting incidents after they occurred, are now evolving into realtime safety tools that help prevent those incidents in the first place.

Traditionally, in-cab cameras served a reactive purpose—capturing footage for insurance claims or to exonerate drivers after an accident. Today’s systems, powered by artificial intelligence and machine learning, are offering much more. They provide real-time alerts, behavior monitoring, and predictive analytics that can drastically reduce risk on the road.

Advanced driver monitoring systems are now capable of detecting fatigue, distraction, or risky behaviors by tracking eye movement, head position, and facial expressions. These systems provide immediate voice alerts to help drivers self-correct before an accident happens.

Combined with long-term behavior analysis, they can identify trends that

IN-TRUCKCAMERAS

might lead to a crash, allowing fleet managers to proactively coach drivers before issues arise.

Most of these systems feature dualfacing, high-definition cameras—one focused on the road, the other on the driver. With wide-angle lenses and night vision, they capture a complete view, even in low-visibility roadside situations. When a sudden event like a hard brake or collision is detected, the system automatically saves the footage and uploads it to the cloud, preserving a tamper-proof record.

Cloud connectivity enables real-time monitoring of field operations, while smart video tagging categorizes clips by incident type for easier review. This not only supports training and coaching but can also provide valuable legal and insurance support when needed.

Privacy remains a focus of development as well. Some systems allow the driver-facing camera to blur or turn off when off-duty, and many

come equipped with tamper detection to alert managers if the system is being obstructed or unplugged.

Emerging features like emotion recognition, automatic driver ID, and real-time AI coaching bots are making

TALK IN REAL TIME

With Apex Team Wireless Headsets you just talk. No buttons to push and no waiting for anyone else to stop talking. Microphones are live all the time compared to other brands that are voice activated. The most critical first couple of words may be missed.

&

these systems more intelligent by the day. AI capabilities now even include syncing video footage with telematics data like GPS and vehicle speed— giving operators and managers a clear picture of every moment on the road. As technology advances, so do the conversations around safety in the towing industry. Though Worldwide Equipment hasn’t yet adopted AI in our own fleet, we recognize the powerful potential of these systems to transform the future of tow operations. We’re watching closely as our peers begin to adopt these innovations, and we see their promise in helping reduce risk, improve driver habits, and ultimately save lives.

Because in this business, no matter what technology we use, one thing remains the same: getting our operators home safe at the end of the day will always be the number one priority.

References: Motive Ai Dashcam

Don’t Let Thermal Runaway Impact Your EV Response Business

Electric vehicles (EVs) are great for curbing emissions, improving air quality and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The environmental benefits are hard to ignore, that is until an EV is involved in an accident and the underlying battery system is compromised, putting the motoring public and entire neighborhoods at risk.

EVs damaged in accidents are particularly vulnerable to fires. As soon as the batteries are impacted, a chemical process known as thermal runaway can begin. This harmful by-product, inherent to lithium-ion batteries in EVs, involves the storage cells spiraling into an unmanageable, self-heating condition.

The resulting escalation in temperatures can lead to EV fires blazing

at intense temperatures, reaching between 4,000 to 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit. By comparison, a typical gasoline-powered vehicle burns at around 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Uncontrolled, this threat poses an urgent health risk to emergency responders at the scene and nearby residents.

According to industry experts, firefighters and hazmat personnel do not have direct access to the batteries underneath an EV. Those cells can be damaged from the impact of the crash or punctured from debris on the road. Either

way, thermal runaway generates toxic fumes, and the hydrofluoric acid in the smoke and liquid quickly becomes an eye, lung and skin irritant.

Thermal runaway can begin as soon as temperatures reach the range of 302 and 428 degrees Farenheit. Early warning signs can include increasing temperatures in the vicinity of the EV and a sweet odor in the air. Off-gassing occurs right before thermal runaway begins and can often be detected by smoke alarms and Li-On Tamers.

Other visual clues that thermal runaway may be initiated include sparks, flames, leaking fluid, gurgling sounds and vapors emanating from the batteries. Firefighters, hazmat teams and other responding personnel, including tow truck operators, need to protect themselves with self-contained breath apparatus.

The best method to control the thermal runway is to cool batteries down with water, whether at the scene of the accident or in storage following the collision. Fires can erupt immediately upon impact or unfold long after the battery system sustains damage. Well documented, thermal runaway can manifest hours, days or even months following the initial car collision.

Zip’s AW Direct, a leading supplier of vehicles and accessories to the towing

and recovery industry, has examined this phenomenon extensively and recently partnered with the Firebox as the ultimate response to EV fire risks. This patented containment system provides unparalleled mitigation in storage or impound lots.

“Vigilance regarding the potential fire hazard is paramount when storing compromised EVs, not only to curb additional property damage but also to safeguard the environment and public from potential harm,” explained David Rottinghaus, executive vice president at Zip’s and a staunch proponent of safety measures in the burgeoning EV market.

“Currently, tow storage lots, auto auction companies, repair shops and collision centers lack the necessary infrastructure for safely storing these vehicles,” he continued. “Traditional methods, such as installing concrete barriers or distancing an EV by 50 feet, are insufficient when managing the risks associated with potential EV fires.

“While these measures might help prevent the spread of fire to nearby vehicles or structures, they fail to address critical issues such as thermal runaway and effectively containing hazardous chemicals that may be released into the air or seep into the ground,” Rottinghaus added.

Unlike porous, temporary concrete structures, the Firebox is a watertight metal box that can be filled with 18” of water–roughly 1,500 to 2,000 gallons–to safely contain an EV fire and prevent thermal runaway. Once the fire risk has been abated, the contaminated water can be extracted by a pump and responsibly discharged at a proper water treatment facility.

The Firebox measures 120” wide by 288” long and is filled with water through an external supply valve. The treated wood floor protects against caustic chemicals, and the top can be secured with a metal mesh enclosure and locked to preserve evidence. A separate sprinkler system can also be installed to help regulate heat from outside sources.

Compared to heavy concrete blocks, the Firebox is also portable. Despite its 14,000-lb. tare weight, the unit can be repositioned in open lots by a yard lift, roll-off truck or industrial carrier. Providing room on all sides of the EV

both inside and out, the Firebox can be set next to other vehicles to save room for other incoming-producing storage space opportunities.

Without a self-contained structure, best management practices from professional organizations recommend a barrier of at least 50 feet from damaged EVs that are at risk for fires at storage facilities. The

Firebox eliminates that interim perimeter guideline, so it can be placed near other vehicles and three feet from the property line, unlike other fire-prevention measures.

For pricing and to explore your options for the Firebox, contact the sales team at Zip’s at 800-222-6047 or via email at sales@zips.com.

Early warning.

Make sure everyone goes home at the end of their shift. Install the Ping in each of your wreckers and carriers. Just a one-time purchase gives your tow operators the wireless protection they need on the side of the road. No subscription required for the latest in advanced warning from SafeAll.

EVRoadHERO:

The Smarter Choice in Mobile EV Charging

We believe our mobile EV charger strikes the ideal balance for roadside rescue situations. Unlike bulky, high cost solutions, our unit is purpose-built for applications where speed, reliability, cost and simplicity matter most.

LOWER COST

Thousands less than other solutions — without sacrificing performance.

CLEANER POWER

We use an inverter generator ensuring clean, EV-friendly electricity, unlike other systems that may not deliver quality power EV’s prefer.

GREATER PORTABILITY

At just over 200 lbs., with wheels and a compact 29″x29″x29″ footprint, it’s easy to load, move, and deploy — even from the back of a midsize SUV.

MULTIPURPOSE GENERATOR

Purchase for your towing business and use it for yourself at home during outages.

Adding miles of range to an EV battery is far more complex than a simple “miles-per-minute” promise. EVRoadHERO offers conservative, realistic estimates based on real-world factors—not marketing hype. When an EV battery is at 0%, as is often

the case during emergency charging, the vehicle will typically limit how fast it can accept power. This is a built-in protection feature — and it applies regardless of how powerful the charger is.

Even under ideal conditions, mileage added per minute depends on several variables:

• The type of EV — Smaller, more efficient EVs (like a Chevy Volt) can add more miles per kilowatthour than larger models.

• Battery status — A cold or depleted battery won’t accept charge as quickly.

• Weather conditions — Cold temperatures slow everything down.

Rather than promising “up to” scenarios we give you realistic performance expectations based on how EVs behave in rescue situations — because that’s when you need accuracy the most.

FAST CHARGING

Our 9kW unit delivers ~5 miles of

range in 11-12 minutes – plenty to get most EVs back on the road quickly. While 11kW units are 1-2 minutes faster, they cost thousands more and sacrifice portability. We offer the best balance of speed and cost. For more information please visit our website at EVRoadHERO.com.

Beyond Mobile Charging

Turn EV Stations into Passive Income EVRoadHERO isn’t just roadside charging—we also supply gridconnected EV chargers through our EVchargeHERO brand, featuring top names like ChargePoint, Blink, and Siemens. Perfect for tow yards, fleet depots, or public lots.

Even better? There’s up to $300,000 in utility incentives available for makeready electrical work. Let us help you cash in and charge up.

Jump Starting Plug-in Hybrids and EVs

What You Need to Know

BEVs, PHEVs or ICE – Always Remember Safety

No matter the type of propulsion, it is critical to always remember to follow the best safety practices when working on your vehicle, especially when working on and around batteries and the electrical system. So, wear protective eyewear, remove rings and jewelry, take care not to drop a wrench or other metal object on the battery terminals, follow all manufacturer’s instructions related to jump starting procedures for the vehicle being serviced and pay close attention to polarity, in the vehicle and on whatever tool you use for jump starting. If you need a refresh on jump starting safety and basics, we published a recent article on this very topic.

While we manufacture both booster cables and portable jump starters, we always recommend using a jump starter for simplicity and also because, with one, you are never dependent on another person, as you are with booster cables. The simplicity piece cannot be overstated. Many people get very

confused when using jumper cables and confusion can lead to serious problems, jeopardizing the vehicle and risking personal injury. Here’s a great example from Jalopnik. Although it’s an ICE vehicle, the moral of the story is the same for all vehicle types.

A Different Sort of Jump Starting

We should clarify, when jump starting LV batteries in most BEV and PHEV configurations, you aren’t really jump starting in the way that you are when performing this task on an ICE vehicle. On an ICE vehicle, when you jump start, you are supplying a spike of power to turn the starter and get the engine running, in place of the depleted vehicle starting battery. With BEVs and PHEVs, the jump starter is essentially augmenting the disabled/depleted LV battery, essentially raising system voltage enough to allow the start event to occur and fire up the high voltage battery and other systems. So, you’re still powering (jumping) the LV battery, but the nature of that jump is different.

If Available, Always Use Alternate Starting Points

Most of us grew up learning to connect directly to the battery positive terminal when jump starting. This is almost second nature, though the jump starter negative clamp should always be connected to an engine or chassis ground (we won’t belabor this point, which we make frequently). With BEVs and PHEVs, most vehicle manufacturers provide alternate starting points that allow you to provide the power necessary to get the vehicle started but not interface directly with the vehicle’s LV battery.

Here are a few examples:

Tesla

Some Tesla models feature alternate starting points behind the front fender shroud. This is a great solution because it resolves the issue where a dead LV battery prevents the hood from being able to be opened.

On the Model 3, there are wires running to the back of the front tow hook cover, which, when accessed, allow the connection of a jump starter,

Note: These wires are only for use in opening the hood when the LV battery is depleted. They should not be used to charge, or jump start the LV battery. Tesla Hyundai/Kia

which then provides the necessary power to open the hood.

Hyundai/Kia

Most Hyundai/Kia PHEV models incorporate a positive starting point within the fuse box, which typically is marked with a large “+” symbol, indicating the starting point is contained within it. Simply remove the fuse box cover to access the positive starting point (shown above). Usually, you can find a good grounding point for these vehicles on the electric motor, but it can vary model to model.

POWER YOU CAN DEPEND ON.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E

For many Mach-E models, the alternate starting points are in the front driver’s side fender well. To access these points, you are required to remove two plastic shrouds, but once removed, the starting points are clearly marked and easily accessible.

You get the idea. In almost every case, alternate starting points are available and the manufacturer recommended way to provide jump starting power to the LV battery. For more information consult your owner’s manual for the proper connection

Towing operations that employ Jump-N-Carry jump starters know that no starting task is too daunting. They know from experience that every aspect of a Jump-N-Carry is designed to deliver extreme jump starting power, from the battery to the heavy-duty cables. Jump-N-Carry is all about power delivery.

JNC345 12V Lithium Jump Starter

method and procedure for your specific vehicle.

The Jump Start Process is Familiar

Once you have identified the proper connection procedure for your vehicle,

make your connections, remembering the proper connection sequence (same for all vehicle types): first, connect the positive jump starter lead to positive starting point and then connect the negative jump starter lead to a proper vehicle ground (engine, electric motor or chassis

ground). Then, attempt to start the vehicle. Once started, disconnect your jump start in the opposite order from the connection process: first, remove the ground connection, then remove the positive connection, always taking care not to let your jump starter leads touch each other, a common connector or vehicle components.

Jump-N-Carry Lithium is the Perfect BEV / PHEV Jump Starter Option

Jump-N-Carry lithium jump starters provide the perfect combination of power, convenience and safety features for use when jump starting BEVs and PHEVs. Models JNC325 and JNC345 deliver plenty of power, both in terms of max output jump starting capability for use on ICE vehicles and reserve capacity for use in jump starting BEVs and PHEVs, making them more than capable of delivering the power needed for these applications.

In addition, they have numerous convenience features that make jump starting quicker and easier, including long cables to allow the operator to make a proper connection, no matter the distance between the positive starting point and a good ground. The JNC345 boasts 40” cable reach, which means that it can span over 80” between the two clamps. Finally, they have a host of safety features, including reverse polarity protection and short circuit protection, which help the operator avoid the consequences of a simple mistake during jump starting set-up.

JNC325 450 Start Assist Amp

12 Volt Jump Starter

• 450 Start Assist Amps

• Full Size Clamps

• 24” Cable Reach

• #6AWG Output Leads

• LED State-of-Charge Display

• Dual USB Outlets to power electronics

• 10A DC Pinjack Outlet to power accessories

• Automatic Charging (QC3.0)

• Built-in LED Flashlight

• Repair Service Coupon

• Pouch for secure storage

• 1 Year Limited Warranty

JNC345

550 Start Assist Amp

12 Volt Jump Starter

• 550 Start Assist Amps

• Full Size Clamps

• 40” Cable Reach

• #6AWG Output Leads

• LED State-of-Charge Display

• Dual USB Outlets to power electronics

• 10A DC Pinjack Outlet to power accessories

• Automatic Charging

• Built-in LED Flashlight

• Repair Service Coupon

• Pouch for secure transport and storage

• 1 Year Limited Warranty

Have you encountered a situation where you needed to jump start a BEV or PHEV? Did you know what to do? Were there any special tricks you had to do to make it work? Any difficult to figure out connection points?

GOODNEIGHBOR? or PREDATORY

TOWER?

ABINGDON COLLISION & TOWING A TRADITION OF SERVICE

BY MATTHEW C. FUESTON

What makes a good neighbor? Does he mow his lawn on time, and refrain from blasting loud music at midnight? It’s more than that, isn’t it? He or she is kind, cares about others in the neighborhood, is a hard worker, and has a personal code that they live by. A predatory tower, on the other hand, takes advantage of people in illegal and even worse, immoral ways.

Let’s take a look at the story of Baron Yarbor and his partners, of Abingdon Collision and Towing, and see which column you would put them in.

— MCF

ORIGINS OF TODAY’S ABINGDON COLLISION AND TOWING

Today’s Abingdon Collision and Towing began as a used auto parts business—a junkyard in less polite terms. This was the business of Baron Yarbor’s father and uncle. As Baron explains it, “They were selling used parts, used motors, transmissions. And that was the start of getting into the towing business, because they had to have a way to tow cars in. I was probably 10 or 12 years old when the towing part started.”

Baron’s father and uncle sold that

business and started a tire and towing shop. Baron was 14 when that business got off the ground. “It’s fair to say I’ve been in this business my whole life dealing with wreckers and rollbacks,” Baron says. “Our first rollback was what they called a rail truck, because they would just winch them on that rail. It’s just like a container truck. That was our first rollback. And when real rollbacks came along, we had the first one in Washington County. When we sold it and upgraded to Jerr-Dan, we got what was called the Corvette bed, or a shark bed.”

In 1992 Jerr-Dan designed, patented, and released the shark dual-angle rollback to the market. The angled end of the deck allowed it to load a lowerprofile automobile without requiring a homemade ramp. Baron remembers that they purchased their “shark” in 1993.

“When our uncle retired, we bought that business from him. It was a small part of the overall business then, but we didn’t want it to die. It was like family itself. And as I recall, that was in 2007.”

“We started with one truck, and we

opened a body shop, all at the same time,” he says. “We worked out of a rented building that had two bays in it. We worked on cars on one side and painted them on the other.”

“It wasn’t ideal,” he adds with a grin.

The current corporation is owned by Baron, his brother Burton and Baron’s friend Jimmy Walker. Jimmy is the body shop person, while Baron and Burton

are on the towing side of the business. But getting there wasn’t, as they say, a bed of roses.

“It was hard starting out. A lot of weeks we didn’t go home with money,” Baron says, remembering those days. “We paid our bills and just made do with what our wives did for a living. So, I’d have to say that we wouldn’t have a business today if it wasn’t for them.”

ABINGDON COLLISION AND TOWING TODAY

The company has two body shop locations today, one in Washington County, Virginia, and one in Smyth County. They have 10 towing locations. They provide services for a population of approximately 100,000 people between the two counties, not counting those passing through on the interstate.

Their fleet has a full complement of rollbacks and wreckers, but the most impressive parts of the fleet are their four rotators. Three of them are JerrDan and one is a Century. The owners took advantage of an invitation to take a tour of the factory and watch their newest Jerr-Dan 50/60 as it was being completed on the production line.

Unlike some companies their size, they do not have a separate or dedicated dispatch facility. During the day the phones are answered at their headquarters offices, and at night… well at night Baron dispatches for Washington County and Burton answers the calls for Smyth County.

Asked when he and his brother

sleep, Baron shrugs. “I like to know what’s going on.”

The company employs 35 people between the body shop and the towing business, most of whom have 10 years or more with the company. Those on the towing side all receive WreckMaster training some time after doing ridealongs for three months, depending

on their previous experience. In the summer months the company provides an ongoing training program to keep all their operators sharp—old pros or new recruits. “You’re never too old to learn something new,” Baron says of this program.

Many, if not most, towing and recovery business owners suffer from

the skilled labor shortage, but Baron Yarbor says that it has never been a problem for Abingdon Collision and Towing.

“Most of our drivers are either family or they grew up around our family. And they’ve seen it all before. If there are 80,000 pounds of something that needs to be removed from a highway, I know

my guys can handle it. I’m not worried about it. They just get to work, they know exactly what to do.”

NOT JUST IN THE COMMUNITY, BUT PART OF IT

Yarbor knows that part of the reason the business is a success is that he has always lived in the same relatively

GOODNEIGHBOR?

small town. Everyone knows him, and his brother, and they know Abingdon Collision and Towing. But more is involved than physical presence in a community. To be more than “in” a community, to be part of the community, to be “of” it, a person must do more.

As Baron says, “We donate back to our communities. We sponsor softball teams; we sponsor football teams. And I don’t ask for recognition. We donate to the fire department, we donate to other community services. Even when we weren’t making much money, we’d always make a donation to one of the kids sports teams, for example. And my wife’s the principal at a local elementary school two miles away from my house. When we learn that they need something, we try to help out.”

Of course, as towers know, their own special community extends beyond the bounds of their service area. It includes all those who drive through it—from the Pacific to the Atlantic, from the northern border to the southern. Not to mention tourists from other countries journeying through their rural or municipal areas. Towers know that their job boils down to helping the public, whether through actual rescue or

DEFINITION OF A NEIGHBOR

Long ago, a very famous person defined a neighbor as someone who acted with mercy—or kind, compassionate action— toward someone they didn’t even know. Does this describe someone who gets up in the middle of the night to help a stranger on the roadside, knowing there is a good chance he will have to fight with a third party to receive his proper wage?

It sure sounds like it.

And when one adds in the sacrifice, as a family, to build up a successful business that serves others, as in the case of Baron Yarbor and his partners, the sheer hard work and determination, the well-motivated behind-the-scenes acts of community service, it is difficult to use any other definition.

keeping the vital flow of traffic moving.

“People are sure happy to see my driver when they’re broken down alongside the road, especially if it’s the interstate,” Baron says. “They’re scared to death. That’s one reason we try to get to them as soon as possible.”

CHALLENGES FACING THE INDUSTRY

Baron Yarbor and his partners are well aware of the challenges facing the industry today, including those likely to be a thorn in towers’ sides for the foreseeable future. “To me the biggest thing is that we are regulated by people that don’t know this industry, who don’t know our costs of doing business. Look at Tennessee for example. The Highway Patrol regulates towers there. What Highway Patrol commander knows how much a new rotator costs? Or the pure outlay of cash we’re talking about when a towing service sends two of them to clear a highway? That not only doesn’t make sense but is also an injustice. And most every state deals with their own version of that story.”

Matthew C. Fueston is a writer and editor in the B2B space who has been writing for 15 years about “big iron” equipment, and the men and women who rely on it. He covers “hard hat” industries, and from towing and recovery to construction, underground utility infrastructure, mining, and drilling, he puts the story of the real people in the field first and foremost. More information at www.fuestonassoc.com.

“GOOD NEIGHBOR? OR PREDATORY TOWER?” SERIES

This new series is dedicated to all the men and women in towing who are making their communities better places to live even while they are under attack from various political and business interests that try to characterize all towers as predatory. Our objective is to provide stories that show that the overwhelming majority of our people are good neighbors who do not engage in predatory towing practices. Rather than reporting on one or two individual acts of charity, we will share a life or career story that shows why you want a neighbor like this in your town. We urge our readers to share these stories with their legislators and local news media to demonstrate the true character of towing professionals. Tow Professional™ magazine will waive copyright restrictions if (1) these stories or portions of these stories are used to call attention to these “good neighbors” in our industry and (2) Tow Professional™ magazine and the article’s author are credited. For more program details and copies of these stories, please email darian@towprofessional.com.

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

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