Richard Barrows Jr.
Bryan Biggs
Terry Blum
Shawn Alan Bodiford
Graeme Lesley Brown
Troy Lee Caldwell
Michael Robert Curry Rico Funchess
David Holz
Howard Charles Husband
Richard Kenda
Moses B. King
Michael Lang
Mark Llewellyn
Willie McPherson
Jose Parra
Kavish Ramnarayan
Richard A Rodriguez
Kenneth Sposato
BUILT TO TOW
BECAUSE THE WORK DEMANDS IT
As another issue of Tow Professional magazine arrives in your mailbox, Fall becomes a welcomed friend only a short distance down the road. We once again thank our tow professionals for not only their loyalty to our publication, but their loyalty to our vendors. This support over the past 14 ½ years has made an impact on our industry. This year has been a barn burner, as well as fast-paced, to say the least. The decisions we make now in business are more important than ever!
Tow Professional, through our editors and in-depth features on the products and services, takes pride in giving you the key information to make those quality decisions. In this issue, we honor our inductees into the Hall of Fame for their never-ending support of our industry. Tow Professional takes a moment to spotlight the International Towing Hall of Fame weekend, the partnership between Miller Industries and Hino which brings us another vehicle that will make dreams come true and plays a key role in helping support our industry.
In this issue’s installment of Fuel for Thought, DJ Harrington talks about moisture on your towing company. Check your business’ temperature and pour back into it, and your employees to achieve growth. Dan Messina’s “Insightful Talk,” addresses retirement, and the importance of planning well before you get there. Michelle Sukow with her installment of “Women of Towing,” talk about Hyper Focus, and protecting your blind side!
This issue gives back to those who have fallen while serving this great industry. We also look at products for Wheel Lifts and Recovery Vehicles. Jerr-Dan features some top products when it comes to rigging. These picks for the year will enhance your visibility and safety while on scene, again showing their commitment to bringing our tow professionals home safely every day! Worldwide Equipment explains the importance of rethinking roadside safety. Hide-A-Lift, Lift and Tow, and Tru-Hitch, showcase their products, providing different options and cost-effective ways to enter the market with a proven money maker! Zips, as always, drops valuable information to consider before you purchase your next wheel lift attachments.
Thanks again for your loyalty to our publication and vendors! We hope to see you at the upcoming: Mid Atlantic, Midwest Regional, and Chattanooga Tow Shows. Be safe and God bless you all!
Owner/Publisher
Tow Professional
Sheila Maynard
derek@ryecroftcreative.com
Digital Director cody@blpmedia.com
Michelle Sukow
Dan Messina
DJ Harrington
Matthew Fueston
Brad Castro
Kativa Weitzel
Sonya Martinez
Tom Parbs
Amber Reed
Paul Geise
Marty Marola
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. 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.
With the third quarter of 2025 underway, I want to provide an update on what we’re seeing across the towing and recovery landscape — and how Jerr-Dan is continuing to support our customers and partners.
The first half of the year unfolded much as expected. There was plenty of inventory on the ground early in the year, but our distributors managed it well. We’re now seeing those levels decline, signaling that the market is working through the available supply and positioning for a healthy second half. That’s a good sign.
Even better, the remaining inventory represents the entire Jerr-Dan product line. That means buyers still have access to a wide range of models and specs to meet their exact needs. It’s a strong position for both our distributors and end-users.
Across our network, we’re seeing increased visibility into what’s coming next. Distributors are already providing forecasts for Q4 2025 and starting to look ahead to 2026, including specific guidance on model mix and feature preferences. That kind of forwardlooking planning tells us that business confidence is growing and that many in the industry are looking to the future with optimism.
We know that financing remains a pressing issue. Interest rates have stayed flat so far in 2025 — still high, yes, but stable. In today’s economic environment, stability can be valuable. It allows for better planning and forecasting, particularly when it comes to capital equipment purchases. For example, with truck chassis availability being so robust, our customers are currently experiencing delivery windows of 6–8 weeks, which presents an opportunity to get trucks financed, built, delivered and operational quickly. Looking ahead, we’re preparing for the Baltimore Tow Show this November. Our team is currently working with distributors to determine which equipment and solutions they would like us to feature on the floor. We expect a strong turnout, and the
show will offer an ideal opportunity to continue the conversations we’re already having about 2026 planning and how we can support future growth.
Training has also been a major focus for us this year. We’ve been busy delivering hands-on training for operators running both standard and heavy-duty trucks, as well as sessions for dealer principals, managers and sales teams. That work will continue throughout the rest of the year, as education is crucial to safety, productivity and long-term success in this industry.
On the aftermarket side of the business, we’re are continuing to expand our services and solutions to serve our customers better. We’ve added new service technicians at the factory to enhance our support capabilities, and we are onboarding new parts, including some competitive brands, as well as growing our offering of tools and attachments that help our truck owners and operators be more productive.
In short, Jerr-Dan is strong, our industry is stabilizing and we’re all well-positioned for a healthy close to 2025 and to 2026. We’re grateful for our customers’ continued trust and partnership, and we remain committed to supporting the industry today and well into the future.
Wishing you a safe and successful Q3.
— Bob Nelson, Vice President & General Manager, Jerr-Dan
“In short, Jerr-Dan is strong, our industry is stabilizing and we’re all well-positioned for a healthy close to 2025 and to 2026.”
On July 17, 2025, a highstakes recovery operation unfolded in Florida, when a 500,000-pound dragline slipped off its loading shelf inside an active mining facility. The sheer size and weight of the equipment meant this was not just another job—it was a potential environmental and operational disaster.
The call first came into Dennis’s Garage in Jasper, Florida. Brice Dennis quickly realized this was not a onerotator recovery. One of the massive crawler tracks had dropped off the edge
of the loading shelf, leaving the dragline teetering dangerously. Recognizing the magnitude of the situation, Dennis reached out to longtime friend and trusted industry veteran, Kevin Goodyear of Goodyear Towing & Recovery, operating out of the western Florida Panhandle.
Together, they formulated a plan that would span hundreds of miles and pull together some of the heaviest equipment in the industry.
Within hours, the site transformed into a coordination hub of recovery experts. Dennis’s Garage deployed two Century
1150 rotators, while Goodyear Towing answered the call with a Century 1075 rotator, two dedicated winch boxes, and a fully stocked rigging box. The scene continued to build as additional reinforcements arrived:
• A Century 9055 from Parkway Wrecker in Tallahassee, FL
• Another Century 9055 from Tri County Towing in Chiefland, FL
• A Century 5130 brought in to supplement winching and anchoring
• And two D8 dozers, critical for repositioning and stabilization
With a total of 36 lines rigged to the dragline’s structure and tracks, the
operation resembled a spider web of tensioned steel—each line precisely placed and calculated to distribute the immense weight.
Under the weight of pressure—literally and figuratively—this elite team of towers, operators, and dozer drivers spent 18 continuous hours executing the recovery. Day turned into night, and the scene lit up under work lights, revealing the tension, coordination, and power in play.
Each recovery unit was choreographed like a symphony—line pulls, coordinated lifts, tension releases, and slight track nudges were all timed to precision. And in the end, it worked.
The dragline was successfully recovered without structural damage, and—most critically—an environmental disaster was avoided.
This operation stands as a shining example of what can be accomplished when true professionals unite under a shared mission. Rival companies became allies. State lines disappeared. Ego took a backseat to teamwork.
In an era where cooperation sometimes feels rare, this recovery reminds us all of what the towing and recovery industry represents: grit, skill, and unity under pressure.
They weren’t just lifting steel. They were lifting the entire industry together— one inch at a time.”
In the towing and recovery business, every second counts. Whether you’re responding to a stranded driver on a busy interstate, coordinating a multi-vehicle accident recovery, or managing dispatch across multiple regions, clear and instant communication is your lifeline. That’s where Motorola WAVE Push-toTalk (PTT) comes in—a nationwide communication solution that keeps your entire team connected, no matter where the road takes them.
Traditional two-way radios are powerful tools for local communication, but when your drivers are spread across cities, counties, or even state lines, staying in touch can become a challenge. Cell phones may offer coverage, but dialing, waiting for connections, and the risk of distracted driving slow your response time. The result? Missed calls, miscommunication, and delayed service—all of which can impact customer satisfaction and your bottom line.
The WAVE Advantage
Motorola WAVE Push-to-Talk eliminates those barriers by giving you instant, secure, and reliable communication over any broadband network—4G LTE, 5G, or Wi-Fi. This means your tow truck operators, dispatchers, and supervisors can talk in real-time across the entire country with just the push of a button.
• Nationwide Coverage: Stay connected with your fleet no matter where the job takes you—across the city or across state lines.
• Instant Push-to-Talk: Communicate in real time without dialing or waiting for a connection.
• Group and Private Calls: Reach the
• GPS Location Tracking: Monitor vehicle locations to send the closest truck to a call, reducing response times and fuel costs.
• Safe and Simple to Use: Dedicated PTT devices like the WAVE TLK 110 or TLK 150 are designed for onetouch operation, minimizing driver distraction.
• Scalable: Add or remove users as your business needs change—no complex infrastructure required.
Imagine your dispatcher instantly alerting every driver about a multivehicle accident blocking a major route—before they get stuck in traffic. Or being able to locate the nearest available truck to assist a stranded customer, even if they’re two counties away. With WAVE, you’re not just improving communication—you’re improving efficiency, safety, and customer service.
Motorola WAVE doesn’t require towers, repeaters, or complicated installations. Your team can be up and running in hours, not weeks. Devices can even be paired with your existing two-way radios for a seamless transition.
Whether you operate a single truck or a multi-state towing fleet, WAVE gives you the speed, coverage, and control you need to keep your business running smoothly—and your customers coming back.
In the towing world, fast communication isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. With Motorola WAVE, you can connect your team instantly, work more efficiently, and respond faster— anywhere the job takes you.
Learn more about Motorola WAVE for the towing industry online at www.pttanywhere.com or call (800) 226-7470.
The Collins Carrier Dolly provides an easy-to-use, elegant solution for getting EVs and Exotics onto a flat bed carrier.
MADE WITH AIRCRAFT-GRADE ALUMINUM, THE CARRIER DOLLY PROVIDES:
» MORE CLEARANCE : Perfect for lowclearance or hookless vehicles.
» DAMAGE FREE: No hooks, chains, or cables touching the vehicle
» MORE VEHICLES: Works well for EVs, AWDs, Hybrids, and High-End Cars. It also doubles as a motorcycle dolly.
When transporting heavy Electric Vehicles or high-end Exotics matters, choose
and
Come see and the Carrier Dolly at the Chattanooga and Midwest Tow Shows
The custom-designed truck will be auctioned at the museum’s Annual Fundraising Gala in October in Chattanooga
at the museum’s Annual Fundraising Gala on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Westin Chattanooga.
The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum proudly announces the unveiling of the 2025 Museum Auction Truck, generously donated by industry leaders Hino Trucks USA and Miller Industries.
The custom-designed truck officially rolled off the line at Miller’s state-ofthe-art car carrier production facility in Hermitage, PA, and will be auctioned
This year’s auction truck features a Hino L6 Series chassis, outfitted with a Century 12 Series LCG™ (low center of gravity) carrier body — a highperformance combination designed to meet the rigorous demands of today’s towing professionals.
“All of us at the International Towing Museum are honored to partner again with Hino Trucks and Miller Industries,” said Jeffrey Godwin, first vice president of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. “These two
companies are not only innovators in our industry but also deeply committed to preserving its history and advancing its future.”
Supporting a
Proceeds from the auction will directly support the museum’s mission to preserve the rich history of the towing and recovery profession. Funds raised will aid ongoing efforts to expand exhibits, enhance educational programming, and improve museum facilities — ensuring future generations understand and appreciate the critical
role towing professionals play in public safety and transportation.
Located in Chattanooga, the International Towing Museum is the only institution of its kind dedicated to honoring the heritage and heroes of the towing and recovery industry. From vintage wreckers to Hall of Fame inductees, the museum brings together stories, innovation, and legacy under one roof.
“At Hino Trucks, we’re proud to once again stand alongside Miller Industries in supporting the International Towing Museum and its mission to honor the legacy of this essential industry,” said John Donato, Sr., vice president of sales
and marketing, Hino Trucks. “This year’s Museum Auction Truck, built on our versatile and dependable Hino L Series chassis, is a true reflection of the performance and durability towing professionals rely on. We’re honored to contribute a vehicle that not only meets the demands of today’s operators but also helps preserve the rich history of the towing and recovery profession.”
Kipp Felice, vice president of marketing and business solutions at Miller Industries, commented: “Partnering with Hino Trucks to support the International Towing Museum is something we’re truly proud of. The museum plays a vital role in celebrating and preserving the
“We’re honored to contribute a vehicle that not only meets the demands of today’s operators but also helps preserve the rich history of the towing and recovery profession.”
—John Donato
deep-rooted history of the towing and recovery profession. We’re honored to contribute to this important mission and excited to work alongside a respected industry partner like Hino Trucks in providing this special auction item. It’s a great way to help advance the museum’s vision for the future.”
Be
The auction is scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at the Westin Chattanooga, with festivities kicking off at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can look forward to an evening of celebration, networking, and spirited bidding — all in support of a great cause. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.
For more information on the event, auction registration, and museum updates, please visit: https://towingmuseum.com/museum-weekend-page
Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, manufactures, distributes, and services a lineup of Class 4-8 commercial trucks in the United States. Hino Trucks has a product lineup that offers fully connected vehicles with a low total cost of ownership, unmatched reliability, maneuverability, and the most comprehensive bundle of standard features in the market. Hino continues to lead the industry toward a more sustainable future with its evolving electric vehicle lineup. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, Hino has a nationwide network of dealers committed to achieving excellence in the ultimate ownership experience. Visit https://www.hino.com to learn more.
Miller Industries is recognized as the world’s largest manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment, offering a comprehensive line of products under respected brands including Century, Vulcan, Chevron, Holmes, Boniface, and Jige. Headquartered in Ooltewah, Tennessee, Miller sets the standard for innovation and performance in the towing industry. Visit www.millerind.com for more information.
Professional technicians now have a faster, cleaner solution for seized wheel hub removal with the release of the new Air Hammer-Powered Tommy 475 Wheel Hub Puller (PMXTOM475PRO). Designed to save time with no more control arm teardowns, this innovative puller pairs seamlessly with the AirStrike™ Bi-Directional Air Hammer (3,000 BPM) to deliver high-performance extractions in as fast as 30 seconds. The Tommy 475 is also compatible with the previously available LT855AH Bi-Directional Air Hammer.
Engineered for pros who do not have time to waste, this tool eliminates the need for hammers, torches, and risky pry bars. With a machined flat flange that mounts directly to the hub, the puller delivers straight, centered force— preventing damage to the spindle, knuckle, or CV joint. The tool’s rugged construction includes a heat-treated, forged 5/8”-18 center bolt built for realworld abuse.
The puller flange easily attaches to 3-3/4” to 4-1/2” bolt patterns. It is a universal solution compatible with most domestic and import ½-ton vehicles with 4–6 lug studs. Setup takes less than five minutes, and once mounted, the hub is free in less than half a minute.
“This tool is designed to solve a real-world shop problem—wasting time and risking damage every time a hub won’t budge,” said Milton Specialty Tool Group General Manager Jeff Del Rossa. “By combining the hub flange and shaft with the bi-directional air hammer, you’re pulling hubs straight off in seconds—no drama, no downtime.”
For more information on the new Tommy 475 Wheel Hub Puller, as well as other ProMAXX Tool products, please visit www.promaxxtool.com.
Call an experienced tool specialist at 724-941-0941 and e-mail inquiries to info@promaxxtool.com.
TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day is the industry’s only national hill day! This is your opportunity to meet with Members of Congress and make real, substantial change for the whole community. No prior experience required!
Our host hotel is the Royal Sonesta Washington DC, Capitol Hill! Steps from the U.S. Capitol Building, Senate office buildings, Union Station, National Mall, and local restaurants, this luxury hotel is larger with more amenities.
Registration is now open for Hill Day 2026!
See pricing information below:
Early Bird Discount (register by December 31, 2025)
• TRAA Member Pricing (subject to verification): $699
• Non-Member Pricing: $899
Standard Registration (January 1-January 31, 2026)
• TRAA Member Pricing (subject to verification): $799
• Non-Member Pricing: $999
Registration closes on January 31st, so register now!
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
• 8:30 am Registration & Event Check-In
• 8:30 am - 9:30 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am - 10:30 am Legislative Workshop 1: Opening Session & Overview of Legislative Priorities
• 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Legislative Workshop 2: Constituent Meeting Preparation
• 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch
• 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Federal Policy Session
• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm State Association Sharing
Wednesday “Hill Day”, February 25, 2026
• 9:00 am Constituent Meetings with Members of Congress (meetings facilitated by TRAA’s federal lobbying team)
• 2:00 pm Member of Congress Meet & Greet on Capitol Hill
• 3:30 pm Capitol Tour
For more information, visit www.traaonline.com/hillday
Introducing Lite-It Wireless Light Bars with External Power Packs.
Get unparalleled convenience with this wireless light bar. Featuring an external 20v lithium battery pack, you can swap a dead battery for a charged one in seconds, ensuring you never run out of light on the job.
All the benefits of our wireless light bar, now with added Amber/White strobes for maximum visibility. The external battery pack provides extended run time, while an auto-shutoff circuit and 10 flash patterns add to its versatility.
BY JOHN BOROWSKI
From horse-drawn carriages to high-tech wreckers this is the true story of the men, machines, and moments that built the towing industry.
Towing Thru Time is a powerful chronicle of one of America’s most critical yet underappreciated professions. Author and industry insider John Borowski traces the extraordinary evolution of tow truck technology and vehicle recovery from muddy trails and wartime logistics to interstate highways and integrated dispatch systems.
Through vivid storytelling and deep historical insight, Borowski introduces readers to the unsung heroes behind the flashing lights: the tow truck operators who brave dangerous conditions, harsh weather, and highpressure situations to keep traffic moving and communities safe.
Spanning centuries of mechanical innovation, policy changes, and bluecollar resilience, this book captures the heart and hustle of a profession built on service, sacrifice, and grit.
Inside you’ll discover:
• The birth of towing in the era of horsedrawn transport
• The vital role of towing in wartime logistics and post-war expansion
• The rise of modern towing equipment, dispatch technology, and safety systems
• Firsthand accounts and stories of heroism from tow truck drivers across generations
Whether you’re an automotive enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the hidden forces that keep America moving, Towing Thru Time delivers a compelling, respectful, and eye-opening tribute to a field too
often taken for granted.
Buy now and uncover the legacy of an industry that pulls more than just vehicles it carries the weight of the road itself. Available now on Amazon.
Stop EV fires from spreading with a suppression blanket from Brimstone. Quickly contain electrical vehicle fires with an advanced Fire Suppressor Blanket Kit from Brimstone. Available at Zip’s AW Direct, each kit features a lightweight, single-layer blanket with a special coating to suffocate lithium-ion battery fires in EVs and other battery-powered equipment, like forklifts. Also effective for controlling hybrid and conventional vehicle fires, the bundled kit rolls out in seconds and includes telescoping poles and reflective loop handles for rapid, two-person deployment in emergency situations, minimizing damage and buying critical time for first responders and firefighters. Two kit sizes available.
Order FP-BL-EV-K1 at www.Zips.com
More power to you with SafeAll’s new Flex Shackle. SafeAll’s new Power Series Flex Shackle gives you more control over rigging and recovery with expert design, quality materials and durable construction. Made from the same plasma fibers as the popular Power Series Sling, the Flex Shackle offers the same lightweight convenience over metal alternatives and is the perfect rust-proof companion as a lashing point on any recovery job. Now available from Zip’s AW Direct, the Flex Shackle requires no tools to operate and comes in six sizes.
Order SA-SOFTSHACKLE-F at www.Zips.com
Roll up on your rollback with the WreckRoller from Zip’s AW Direct. Now available from Zip’s, the WreckRoller Easy Roller is an auto repositioning dolly designed to move and load disabled vehicles with flat tires, broken suspensions and other impairments. The low-profile cradle consists of a galvanized steel frame and 18 commercial-grade rubber wheels. The wheels are attached with a sealed bearing and can handle most road surfaces without bending or bottoming out. The inline design also prevents the vehicle from drifting sideways, and because the width is roughly the same as most tires, no extra space is needed for loading or unloading. Sold individually, as a pair or in sets of four.
Order #WRECKROLLER at www.Zips.com
Enhance team coordination with the LiberatorMAXT wireless headset system from SetCom. Supporting up to eight users within a 1,500-foot range, it requires no installation or base station. Integrate a portable radio directly into the dualspeaker headset to switch seamlessly between intercom and radio communication. With a 23 dB noise reduction rating and durable, rugged construction, the LiberatorMAXT delivers clear communication in demanding environments, making it ideal for towing, recovery, repossession, motor clubs, emergency road services and municipal operations.
Learn more at www.Zips.com
• Early Bird Discount (register by December 31, 2025)
TRAA Member Pricing (subject to verification): $699
Non-Member Pricing: $899
• Standard Registration (January 1-January 31, 2026)
TRAA Member Pricing (subject to verification): $799
Non-Member Pricing: $999
Registration closes on January 31st, so REGISTER NOW!
2026 Tentative Event Schedule
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
• 8:30 am Registration & Event Check-In
• 8:30 am - 9:30 am Breakfast
• 9:30 am - 10:30 am Legislative Workshop 1: Opening Session & Overview of Legislative Priorities
• 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Legislative Workshop 2: Constituent Meeting Preparation
• 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Lunch
• 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Federal Policy Session
• 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm State Association Sharing
Wednesday “Hill Day”, February 25, 2026
• 9:00 am Constituent Meetings with Members of Congress (meetings facilitated by TRAA’s federal lobbying team)
• 2:00 pm Member of Congress Meet & Greet on Capitol Hill
• 3:30 pm Capitol Tour
Thanks for tuning in to this issue’s Safety Corner powered by HAAS Alert. Remember: SAFETY
IS NOT A FEATURE, IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY!
Today, we are speaking with Geoff Nienstadt, owner of RoadRunner Towing in Shertz, TX, and Board Member of Southwest Tow Operators, to learn more about the importance of Safety in the towing, recovery, and roadside assistance industry.
Tom Parbs: Tell us about yourself and your company.
Geoff Nienstadt: I’ve been in the Towing and Recovery industry for 36 years, and owned and operated my own company for 26 of those years. RoadRunner Towing specializes in Heavy Recovery and Quick Clearance on the highways, where we do a lot of roadside work. I am the 2024 American Towman of the Year, and am a Master of Chaos Award winner for 2023 and 2025. I am also a Board Member for one of the trade associations here in Texas.
TP: Closest call you’ve had on the roadside?
GN: One of the first was a near-miss to me. I was starting to load an ‘82 Bronco onto my truck when I heard tires hitting the rumble strips- you can never “unhear’ that sound. I quickly jumped on the truck and under the Bronco as the semi just nearly missed me and my truck.
The scariest was when my son’s truck was hit by a fully loaded crude tanker. Thankfully, my son wasn’t hurt, but his
wrecker was totaled, and this is when it became my mission to make it safer on the roads and advocate for better laws and safety.
TP: First thing you teach a new operator about safety?
GN: The first thing I teach a new operator is about safety. Regardless of your skill level, we will train you in the office and train you on ride-alongs with one of our operators. You will practice the permanent habits that keep you safe before you go out on the roads. Never turn your back on traffic, and operate from the non-traffic side.
TP: Tools or tech you never work without?
GN: Physical tools: Proper PPE, including High-viz vests, proper use of lights, Jerr-dan rail system (specialized lighting for our truck), air release wenches, and controls on both sides of our trucks. Tech Tools- we utilize cameras to capture front, in-cab, rear,
and side video at all times. We will also never work without our Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert. Cameras and HAAS Alert are must-haves for us, and everyone here has seen a noticeable difference in being safer.
TP: One change that would make the job safer tomorrow?
GN: Getting rid of distracted driving. This is our biggest challenge we face in the industry, and we need a unified approach to “Slow Down, Move over.” Not just in laws, but in the behaviors of the motoring public. Which is why tools like Cameras, lights, high-Viz, and Safety Cloud are imperative to making the roadways safer.
Tom Parbs is the Vice President at HAAS Alert. Safety Cloud® by HAAS Alert is the largest and most trusted advance warning, digital alerting platform available worldwide. Utilized by several thousand organizations to alert motorists to slow down and move over to protect those who work the roadways every day.
BY MICHELLE SUKOW ///
I’ll admit it. I am a list-maker, reminder-setter, and planning junkie. If there’s a system to keep me on track, I have probably tried it! When I could not find one that I liked, I made my own. I like my ducks in a row, color-coded, and marching in order. And yes, I love being laser-focused on a task. Here’s the kicker. When I get hyperfocused, things slip. Not the small stuff either, the important things. Think about edit deadlines. (And no, I’m not saying I missed one, but I’m not saying I didn’t either.)
Take my most recent example. I have been working on an edit for a mentor I admire. I have been obsessing over getting it “just right.” Guess what I wasn’t paying attention to? The actual deadline. And now, here we are, and
my edit is due tomorrow. I am still wrestling with what I want to write, but the situation basically picked my next edit topic for me. Lesson learned, being hyper-focused isn’t always the flex we think it is.
If you work in towing, you already know this truth better than most.
On the side of the road, hyper-focus can feel heroic. You’ve got a tractortrailer on its side, traffic piling up, and everyone is watching your every move. You dial in so hard on the recovery (chains, rigging, angles) that you do not notice the driver standing too close, or that traffic control is not set up quite right. That blind spot? That is where accidents sneak in. And unlike a missed
deadline, those mistakes can cost more than just a little embarrassment.
Owners and managers are not immune either. Get tunnel-vision on landing a shiny municipal contract, and suddenly maintenance gets overlooked, drivers feel forgotten, and the budget starts leaking faster than a blown hydraulic line. You might win the contract, but you will lose ground everywhere else. I have recently been experiencing issues with my dumpster company. They are contracted to provide weekly pickups, but that consistency has not been happening. At my ice cream shoppe, timely service is especially important, particularly during the summer months when temperatures climb into the
90s with high humidity. Overflowing dumpsters in that heat are not only unpleasant for our team but also creates a poor experience for our customers.
My vendor has been buying up smaller companies, and in the process, their customer service and quality control have slipped. While I understand the challenges of expansion, but this hyper focus has created issues. Frequent service lapses like this are not good business, especially for small businesses like mine that depend on reliable, routine service.
Let’s be real: chasing the “latest and greatest” recovery unit is fun; it is like Christmas morning for tow bosses. However, if all your focus is on the big, flashy purchase, you might miss the not-
so-sexy stuff like insurance renewals, compliance paperwork, or the small print in your financials. And trust me, those details always come back to bite when ignored.
Dispatch is where hyper-focus can really cause chaos. Picture this: a dispatcher juggling a major highway wreck with multiple agencies. They are so locked in on that one call, the smaller jobs like simple tows and jumpstarts start piling up. Customers wait. Reputation tanks. All because focus turned into fixation.
Or the classic case: a dispatcher determined to make routing “perfect.” They are so busy drawing lines on
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)
the map that a stranded customer is still waiting, a driver’s twiddling their thumbs, and a police call is about to roll over to another company. Perfect routing? Cute. However, useless if it stalls the whole shift.
Here’s the deal: hyper-focus should be a spotlight, not a blindfold. It is powerful when you need it, but dangerous when it blinds you to the bigger picture. The best in this industry know when to zero in and when to zoom out.
So yes, focus hard when it counts, but do not let it cost you safety, customers, or credibility. In towing, and in life, it is not about being glued to one task, it is about seeing the whole road ahead..
BY DAN MESSINA ///
BEFORE SELLING THINGS, PARTICULARLY A TOW COMPANY, THERE’S LOTS TO DO. When I was ready to sell our tow company, I had to prepare for the sale. Here’s a list of a few things I had to address:
BY DAN MESSINA ///
1. Find a good lawyer to work on the contract. When I decided to sell it, since it had been our security for the future, I wanted a good lawyer who was going to look out for my best interest.
2. I told all my employees what I was planning to do. I had to reassure them this was a good thing for them, and make sure no key employees would leave. It was hard since we had 35 employees, but we worked like a family.
3. I confided in my top 10 customers to make sure they would not leave for other tow company. I reassured them the new company was good, and service would not skip a beat. In my case, the company that bought our company was one of the biggest in Dallas, so those customers knew they would be in good hands.
4. I was leasing an 8-acre storage lot, so I had to let my landlord know I was selling. I had to make sure I could
get out of my contract, and the new company could take over.
5. I had to fix all my trucks and make sure they were running, and the loans could be transferred.
6. I paid off as much debt as possible to get a good price when I sold.
One thing I never planned on was Retirement.
Retirement comes with many benefits. And, as you get ready to retire, start thinking about the impact it will have on your life. The following are a few benefits of retirement:
1. Personal and lifestyle changes
• More free time you can pursue hobbies, travel, or spend time with the family. That’s for some people.
• You will give up all the stress you encounter over the years.
• You can focus on your health. That is the 1st thing everyone says they will do, but it’s hard getting off the couch to exercise.
• You can try new things, learn new skills, or volunteer for different things.
• Towing keeps you on the road, so now you can spend more time with the family.
2. Financial Benefits
• Retirement income could be a problem if you did not save when you were working. When you are self-employed it’s tough to start a 401k, or some other retirement account. Most people end up living off social security.
• Hopefully you will find some good tax breaks, but you can’t count on the government.
• When you retire, you will enjoy many senior discounts.
3. Mentally your whole outlook will change.
• You are free to do what you want, and you can structure your days to fit your needs. This gets old fast.
• Retiring gives you a chance
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
"Unless you’re planning on doing something else later, retirement is a big part of selling your business."
to look back and see what you accomplished. You worked hard all your life and deserve to look at your accomplishments.
• Other opportunities will present itself for you to help others.
4. Your health will get better as you start to live a stress-free life.
• You get to sleep in the mornings and take naps in the afternoon. No schedules to worry about or no place to be.
• There’s no burnout because you don’t have risks, or stress.
• More time to concentrate on getting healthy. As a tower it’s hard work, and your health may not be good enough to work out long-term.
Unless you’re planning on doing something else later, retirement is a big part of selling your business. If you don’t have a family member to give it to, and you can help them, then you are on your own. After I sold my company, I retired. I watched a lot of Netflix movies and got bored to tears. I missed the industry, so I started TowTrax, a digital dispatch system. It kept me busy. I built it up and had a CEO running it for me.
It pretty much runs by itself, and I have a few people interested in purchasing it, so that means I will face retirement again. As I mentioned a while back, I attended a tow show, and what the tow companies needed was not being sold. I used my 35 years of experience and put together a document that helps tow companies brand your company, market your company, and how to find and keep drivers. I am excited about this part of my life because it puts me back in the industry again, working directly with small tow companies.
I am currently working with 12 companies that are interested in using my experience to help grow their business. If you are interested in my experience, give me a call. I recently read an article where someone did a survey, and insurance will be the next problem for the industry. It seems
like it’s getting harder to keep the doors open, and someone better start addressing the major needs of the
industry or all of us will be in trouble. At 78 years old, I’m just not ready to enjoy all those benefits yet. I feel I still have a lot to offer to the industry. There are tow companies out there that can benefit from my experience, and I want to share what I’ve learned with them. Why? I’m just not ready to throw in the towel yet!
BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP ///
YOU ARE PROBABLY WONDERING how the dew point could possibly affect this industry in some way. Whether you pay attention to it or not, every evening as the sun goes down, nature restarts the process of watering the grass, flowers and trees. It’s built into nature and happens like clockwork, every day without fail. Sometimes it’s a small amount of dew and sometimes, it’s more than expected so that everything can refurbish itself.
As the difference in temperature falls from hotter to cooler temps, a dew forms through water drops, fog, frost or snow. If the day was extremely hot but the nighttime temperature was cooler, dew points are expected to climb.
When the sun rises the next morning, the grass, flowers and trees appreciate the effort because the dew point makes them ready to face the sun again. With just one step into the grass early in the morning, you know exactly what I mean. You might even notice how much water has accumulated on your shoes. Some days it’s more than other days. And instinctively, you’ll find that some days are much better than other days in your business. If things aren’t going well right now, then maybe it’s time to reflect on what you want to achieve in your business and rehash your company’s mission with your team, so everyone is prepared for a better day in the towing industry.
There’s a question you must ask yourself every morning. What can I do today that will help us do better than yesterday? Maybe you have a goal in mind or aspire to have one but don’t quite follow it on a day-to-day basis. I understand. Things can happen at any time to throw us off track. If your mission statement is followed to the tee by everyone on your team, that’s fantastic. Keeping everyone working toward a common mission isn’t easy but reminding them of what they’re here for is necessary. If you don’t have a mission statement, then work on one.
Your mission statement should include what you and your team offer and how your team members react to and provide your customers. If everyone in your business knows your mission statement and can work toward it every day, it could result in the best day EVER in your business. You and your team will
enjoy the day, be satisfied for the activity they accomplished, and everyone will want a repeat tomorrow. Dew point does that for foliage too, so why not sprinkle something extra on your team each day so you stand apart from others in this industry. Special recognition for a good job, done well, can go a long way with any team member. So don’t be afraid to praise someone in front of other team members.
Perhaps you want to be one of the best towing providers around, helping as many people as you can without
getting bogged down in politics of the industry. Maybe you just want to be a help to as many people as you can, so others want to do business with you. Reaching across the aisle could garner some new customers, with whom after you’ve proven yourself, they could be customers for life. Customers can recognize a helpful provider and prefer doing business with those that demonstrate help.
Here are three different mission statements from companies within the towing industry. They wake up every
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.
BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP ///
day, finding ways that they can help others in need. I’ve copied their mission statements directly from their websites.
Silverline Towing –Our Mission Statement
The mission statement of our company is to become the premier provider of roadside assistance and towing services in the Alameda County and other neighboring areas. It is our desire to deliver high-quality solutions to various vehicle problems that most drivers experience on the road. By embracing technology, developing internal efficiencies, and focusing on the client’s welfare, we can minimize automobile accidents and help the drivers get back on the road as soon as possible.
Rincon TowingMission Statement
We at RINCON TOWING, Inc., are committed to providing you, our customer, the highest quality of
professional towing and roadside service available in the industry. For you, we have kept up with equipment research, industry trends and safety measures, resulting in a tailor-made fleet able to handle the diverse demands of California transportation.
Englewood Truck Towing & Recovery – Mission Statement
To provide peace of mind to our customer base and the communities we serve through our world class towing & recovery, transport, and roadside solutions. We accomplish this with a commitment to the Englewood Ethics where employees are empowered, and customers’ expectations are exceeded on a repeat basis.
Whether they’re towing or just helping to get someone back on the road, all of them want to be a help to those working within this industry. I can also guarantee that each of them wants to offer the best help they can to as many people as they can. So, ask yourself. Is your team on the same page, and what do you and your team members need so you can provide the best you can for your customers? Do you need more competitive prices,
quality equipment, better customer service skills from your team members or training by others within the industry so your team is better prepared for each day?
It’s time you sprinkle some moisture on yourselves each morning by reviewing your company’s mission with your team so you can be the best
you can be for everyone going forward. Forget about yesterday’s blunders because that’s in the past. Wake up today, knowing that you’re starting a new day with a fresh spirit and willingness to help customers get what they need, and then, GO OUT and DO IT!
See you on the next podcast.
BY MATTHEW C. FUESTON
If you’re in Dublin, Georgia, and you’re looking for a good neighbor, look no farther than Casey Clark and his company, C & C Towing and Transport. They serve their community with integrity and heart, and like any good neighbor, they go above and beyond when the opportunity presents itself.
Like so many towing and recovery business owners of his generation, Casey Clark grew up around tow trucks. His parents began the business in 1980, adding a small wrecker to their automotive repair service as a convenient way to transport cars and trucks to their shop. The towing part of the business progressed from there, until they purchased their first heavy duty wrecker about ten years later. The newto-them wrecker set the family business on a new track, as they completely
phased out light duty towing by 1995. To this day, the company only does heavy duty towing, though they do maintain a medium duty for certain established customers.
Back in 1998, Casey’s parents made another decision that would shape the company’s future, hiring Casey as their first full-time employee, while his parents continued to run the company together as a couple. But in 2009 tragedy changed the company forever.
“My mother was diagnosed
with breast cancer in 2009,” Casey remembers. “My father became her primary caregiver in 2011. In 2012 she passed away, and he never really had the desire to come back to the business. It was something they had done together for decades, and he didn’t have the inclination to do it without her. He stepped away from the business and in 2016 we did all the paperwork necessary for me to step in and run the company.”
Casey continues to honor his parents by placing a breast cancer ribbon on
all his trucks, as well as a facsimile of his mother’s signature. These elements of every truck wrap testify that C & C Towing will never forget their founders, Neal and Kathie Clark.
About five years ago, Casey diversified his company into heavy hauling. Today, the business, based in Dublin, Georgia, is split approximately 50-50 between hauling and towing.
“The heavy hauling we do can get pretty complex,” Casey says. “We moved a crane a while back that took seven of our trucks and trailers to do the job in one shot.”
Heavy hauling and heavy-duty towing require a heavy-duty fleet, and C & C Towing’s fleet easily meets the challenge. They currently have 17 trucks and nine trailers, including two 30-ton heavy duties and two custom-built rotators (50-ton and 60-ton.)
The fleet has a nice home, as well,
with covered parking spaces situated on C & C’s 12-acre lot. Also located on those 12 acres are the C & C headquarters offices, dispatch center, and climate-controlled maintenance and light repair shop. The company leases a shop on the property to a diesel mechanic service and subs out all their heavy-duty repairs and tire service to them.
Every towing operator who does highway cleanup knows that dealing with hazardous materials is a constant concern. Will they try to do it themselves, just to get it done, and risk penalties for doing work for which they are not certified? Or will they work alongside a
local, certified hazmat cleanup company, and try to coordinate their cleanup responsibilities with the hazmat crew? C & C decided to start a separate company with Casey’s brother Neal called Hazmat Solutions. It has its own facility on the company’s 12-acre lot.
“Actually, Neal came to us with this idea in 2020,” Casey says. “He was a police officer at the time, but he was also familiar with the towing business. He knew that we needed some kind of formal answer to the hazmat cleanup issue. So, we decided to go into business together, and we called the company Hazmat Solutions. Neal runs the company and is fully certified through the State of Georgia.”
Their equipment fleet includes skid steers, sweepers with a wide variety of attachments, roll-off dumpsters, and other miscellaneous equipment. Their newest addition to the fleet is a response truck to serve as a mobile HQ on-site.
When asked about his business philosophy, Casey gives a nod to his dispatch center. “I still take almost all the calls,” he says.” And I do it because our customers have been used to talking to the same people for years. That’s what they expect when we answer our phone—that person who they absolutely know understands their business and specific requirements. It’s what the customers want, so that’s what we give them, the personal touch. Some of those people have been customers since 1980! I didn’t take their calls way back then, but I’ll bet I was in the wrecker as a little guy riding with my dad.” Summing it up, Casey says, “I think listening to the customer is the bedrock of customer service.”
Customer service doesn’t stop there of course. Sometimes it steps over the line into community service.
“Not long ago, a family called me for a tow. I could hear the babies in the background, and the caller was a little short of frantic. The thing is, we don’t do light duty work, and I told them that. I wanted to help, but that’s not what we do! I explained what type of company they needed to contact, and we ended the call. But they called again and said they couldn’t get anyone to help them. There were still babies crying in the background, maybe a little louder this time. So, I told my wife, I gotta help these people. I’m going to see what we can do for them.”
Casey responded to the call with an industrial rollback NRC 40 TB and their directional traffic sign truck and checked out their situation.
“I couldn’t help them as much as I would have liked, but at least I was able to get them off the road and take them to a hotel.”
That kind of heart is also reflected in the way they deal with their 16 employees. Casey knows, from talking to other owners in the state, that staffing is a problem almost everywhere. “But not here,” he says. “We’ve got guys who have been with us 25 years. I’ve never really had any trouble staying staffed up. We have an opening right now, but I have a folder full of qualified applicants
to choose from. I believe that we are the kind of company that people want to work for.”
The atmosphere is more that of an extended family than a strict employeremployee relationship. They do a lot together—Christmas parties, pool parties, and just plain old get-togethers. And understanding the sacrifices that
an employee’s partner makes, those significant others are all counted as part of the team—strike that—part of the family.
CUSTOM BUILT ROTATORS MEET C & C’S SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Casey’s hands-on approach to the
business is even reflected in his choice of the heaviest of his heavy duties, his two rotators. It tracks with his commitment to answering the phone himself and going into business with Neal rather than depending on some outside company for hazmat cleanup services.
“For most manufacturers I’d probably be considered a nightmare customer. Because when I buy a truck, especially a rotator, I want it to do exactly what I want it to do, and I want every part of it to be custom configured for our market, our business, our procedures.”
“Let me be clear,” he adds. “I think all of the major manufacturers make outstanding equipment. I’ve seen them at shows, seen demonstrations. All have pluses and minuses, but overall, they serve our industry well. However, in my case, I want what I want. No more and no less.”
This no-nonsense attitude led him to Nick and Derek Angelo, the owners of
Custom Built Manufacturing in Kane, Pennsylvania. Their tagline, “We’ll work with you to deliver everything you
need, and nothing you don’t” meshes perfectly with Casey’s preferred method of doing business.
“I love the units we’ve designed together to my specifications, and I love the customer service,” Casey says.
“BE PRESENT IN THE COMMUNITY”
“When you make your living in a community, you have to do more than take care of your own employees. You have to be present in the community, to be a visible presence in that community,” Casey says. It’s obvious that this is an important part of who he is and what his company represents.
C & C sponsors rehab houses in the area. They provide sponsorships for charity golf tournaments and local sport teams. They participate in a local event called Shine in the Pines, a big truck beauty pageant held in Southern Pines, Georgia. Despite the work, they shine up one of their bigger rigs and run it out to the venue. The event is more than a chance to show off their rig’s wrap. Each year an auction associated with the show raises money for a family in need. “We have fun, and we do some good. It’s why I really love this event,” Casey says.
They also show up on the school’s career day with a rig, and demonstrate its operation, hoping to fascinate another generation with these important pieces of machinery. And for those with less
interest in towing as a profession, Casey rigs a swing on the rotator’s boom as a different way for the kids to enjoy the equipment.
In 1980, Kathie and Neal Clark started the company that would become C & C Towing and Transport. In 2016, their son Casey took over the reins. In
L2020, Casey and his brother Neal went together to start the allied company Hazmat Solutions. As of today, Casey’s 18-year-old son Noah already has his CDL and is driving various C & C heavies. With any luck, Casey hopes to see Noah take over the business in 2045 or so.
Momentum certainly seems to be rolling their way.
ike most of those in his profession, Casey Clark does more than his job. He sees his job as serving his customers, and he is moved to help them by a spirit of service. He is not simply conducting transactional business with them. And he serves his community by sponsoring rehab houses, sports teams, and community events. As he says, you have to be visibly present in your community.
If you get the chance, share this story of a Good Neighbor, this issue of the magazine, with friends outside the fraternity of professional towers. We often hear people relating problems they’ve had in the past with some generic tower, so let’s go out of our way to give them something positive to remember us by! This series is dedicated to that goal.
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.
• WHERE TECHNOLOGY MEETS THE TOWING INDUSTRY
• ALLOWS YOU TO ACCESS HARD TO REACH PLACES
• REVOLUTIONIZING HOW VEHICLES ARE MOVED
• REMOTE CONTROLLED TECHNOLOGY
The demands of modern towing and recovery often include lifting heavy, uneven or oversized loads in challenging environments. To support these operations, JerrDan has introduced a new attachment designed to improve lifting control, load distribution and overall safety in vertical lifting applications.
Key Specifications and Capabilities
The Jerr-Dan® 42K Spreader Bar is rated for a 42,000-lb capacity when used with a 60-degree sling angle, two vertical drop lines and at a 112-inch spread. This configuration supports balanced vertical lifting, making it suitable for a wide range of recovery and transport scenarios where stability and load management are critical. The bar is specifically designed for vertical lifting applications. It includes built-in features to simplify field use, including:
• Quick assembly and disassembly for efficient deployment and teardown
• Compact storage design for ease of transport and space-saving in service vehicles
To assist operators in maintaining safe lifting practices, Jerr-Dan’s new attachment features a sling angle chart and angle indicator, both of which are
affixed directly to the unit. These serve as a quick reference for calculating the actual load capacity at various sling angles — a crucial consideration, as lifting capacity can vary significantly depending on the angle and sling
configuration. This new attachment is also compatible with Tow Link™, Jerr-Dan’s proprietary app with Rigging Utilization and Tow Performance calculators that helps towing and recovery vehicle operators know how to better utilize their equipment.
Having this information readily accessible helps ensure more accurate load assessments and supports safe, compliant rigging practices on site.
For those integrating the spreader bar into their existing equipment, JerrDan offers a purpose-built rigging kit (JD PN: 1001295192) that is highly recommended when lifting near the bar’s maximum rated capacity. The kit includes:
• (1) 30-ton alloy shackle
• (2) 17-ton shackles
• (2) 12-ton shackles
• (2) 8-foot orange round slings
• (2) 12-foot blue round slings
This pre-configured set ensures proper matching of components, simplifies procurement and supports safer lifts by taking sling angles into account.
The Jerr-Dan 42K Spreader Bar attachment and optional lift kit are now available for order through your local Jerr-Dan Distributor. To find your local authorized Jerr-Dan Distributor, visit our website here https://www.jerrdan.
com/distributor-search.
For operators seeking to enhance lifting precision, manage complex recoveries or simply add a more versatile lifting tool to their fleet, the new Jerr-Dan spreader bar provides a practical, engineered solution that prioritizes load-handling safety and operational efficiency.
For technical documentation or to place an order, contact your Jerr-Dan distributor or visit www.jerrdan.com.
In the towing and recovery business, there’s no room for compromise. Every job, whether it’s a roadside assist or a full-scale vehicle extraction, depends on reliable gear that performs under pressure. That’s exactly why more North American tow professionals are turning to Warrior Winches—a name synonymous with rugged engineering, high pulling power, and real-world dependability.
While Warrior is already well-known for its consumer-grade Samurai Series, it’s the company’s Industrial Winch Range that’s quickly gaining ground with serious recovery operators across North America. Designed from the ground up for high-duty cycles and extreme working conditions, these winches are purpose-built to support heavy recovery vehicles, rotators, and
utility fleets working in the harshest environments.
Take the T1000 Series, for example. Compact yet powerful, this industrial electric winch range delivers up to 25,000 pounds of pulling force in a streamlined package ideal for emergency vehicles, utility trucks, and lightweight recovery rigs. For applications that demand more sustained pulling under load, Warrior offers the hydraulic RV Series, engineered for continuous use and extended durability—perfect for tow fleets that operate around the clock. Speed and control are the hallmarks of the YP Series, a favorite among operators performing fast-response work where time and precision are critical. These winches are known for their extended drum to fit longer length
rope and their efficient gearing and high line speeds, which help operators complete jobs faster without sacrificing safety. For tow companies with a diverse range of vehicles, the NH Series offers a flexible solution. It’s a go-to choice for recovery professionals who want consistency across different platforms without losing performance. At the top end of the industrial lineup, the JR Series stands out as a true workhorse. Engineered for the most demanding applications and to meet SAEJ-706 Standard, this winch features heavy-duty planetary gearing, air and manual clutch operation, and the ability to operate under extreme environmental stress. It’s the winch of choice for industrial rotators and serious off-road recovery builds. Just as critical as the winch itself
is the line you pull with, and Warrior has addressed this with its Armortek synthetic rope—a modern alternative to traditional steel cable. Armortek is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), offering equivalent strength to steel at a fraction of the weight. It’s safer, too; unlike steel, synthetic rope doesn’t store dangerous amounts of kinetic energy, reducing the risk of injury if it breaks under load. With UV resistance, low stretch, and abrasion-resistant coatings, Armortek is built to handle mud, snow, heat, and whatever else the job throws at it—all while making line handling
significantly easier and faster for the operator.
Beyond equipment, Warrior’s commitment to the towing industry runs deep. The company is a proud supporter of the International Towing Museum’s Survivor Fund, which provides financial assistance to the families of fallen towing operators. It’s one way Warrior shows that its investment in this industry goes far beyond product development.
“We design equipment with realworld recovery in mind—because in this business, there’s no margin for failure,” says Bryan Johnson, VP Sales and
Marketing of Warrior Winches. “We’re honored to support the men and women who keep America moving, and we’re committed to helping them do their jobs safely and efficiently.”
Tow professionals looking to get hands-on with Warrior’s lineup can visit their booth at the upcoming American Towman Exposition in Baltimore. On display will be their industrial winch series, Armortek rope, and the latest accessories designed specifically for the North American market.
To learn more, request a catalog, or find a local distributor, please visit www.warriorwinches.com.
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Hide-A-Lift was established in 1998 in a small town in the Northwest corner of Iowa. Needing a way to tow cars from place to place, then owner and now salesman, Lee Bomgaars, came up with an idea for the first underlift and things took off from there. Hide-A-Lift, located in Doon, IA., is owned by Roy Van Engen and his four sons. They are not only the owners but also do the welding, testing, assembly, installation, and everything involved in the manufacturing process. Take a look at our lifts, and you will see, no matter what your needs are, we have a solution for you!
Looking for a tow unit with a little more power?
Check out our COBRA pick-up repo wheel lift for wrecker trucks:
• Heavy-duty lifting 6”x 6” main beam
• 4,000-lb.+ lift capacity
• Suggested minimum 10,000 GVW chassis
• 72” reach
• Full 90-degree loading (great for parallel parked cars)
• In-cab 8-function control
• Quick connect for easy removal
• Double pump for speed and power
• Twin 3-½” lift cylinders for more speed and power
Need a quick and easy unit to tow most consumer vehicles? Viper costs less, quicker than most competitive self-
• Hydraulic claws (no springs to malfunction causing damage)
• Self-centering head
• Brass bushings on king pin
• 12,000-lb. winch available
• Built-in frame stiffener
• Extra frame stiffening recommended
For more information: https://hidealift.com/cobra/
loaders, is easy to mount, and can be working for you in no time.
• Fully hydraulic underlift (in/out and up/down)
• Twin 3-½” lift cylinders
• 4,000-lb.+ lift capacity
• Suggested minimum 10,000 GVW chassis
• Hydraulic claws (no springs to malfunction causing damage)
• Self-centering head
• Brass bushings on king pin
• In-cab 6-function control
• Double pump for speed and power
• Extra frame stiffening recommended
• Unique under-body construction
For more information: https://hidealift.com/viper/
RAPTOR — A lift that extends with a button instead of manually:
• 12-volt power pack with 20-ft. remote control
• Power up/down, in/out
• All parts made in USA
• Wheel receivers use cam locks that adjust to towed vehicle’s width
• No lost pins with the cam locks
BOA — A quick-and-easy unit to tow in tighter spaces with easy to use functions:
• 12-volt hydraulic power pack with
• Easy under-body installation
• Lifting point is near rear axle not bumper
• T-bar turns and hinges for safe and easy towing
• One person operation
For more information: https://hidealift.com/raptor/
10-ft. remote control
• Double acting power up – power down hydraulic cylinder
• All parts made in USA
• Wheel receivers use cam locks that adjust to fit towed vehicle’s width
• Cam locks provide fast and easy adjustment – no lost pins
• Easy under-body installation, completely retractable to hide under the truck
• T-bar turns and hinges for safe and easy turning
• Lifting point is near the rear axle, not the rear bumper
• Can be re-installed in another pick-up truck
• One person operation
For more information: https://hidealift.com/boa/
All Hide-A-Lift units are made, sold, installed, or shipped from our 12,000 sq.-ft. facility. As a familyowned business, we take pride in the workmanship and service that goes into every unit that leaves our doors. Give us a call today at 800-634-9340.
Survival in our changing transportation industry requires towers to work smarter and more efficiently. Today’s faster pace demands light weight equipment that can safely haul heavy loads at highway speeds while still meeting the scaling requirements of the state(s) you are operating within. A Tru-Hitch fulfills this need.
A Tru-Hitch Fifth Wheel Towing Device solves many of the traditional problems with heavy duty towing.
• Tows Heavy Loads and Doesn’t Overload Drive Axles – The TruHitch booms are extended and then connected to the towed vehicle at a point behind the axle on the vehicle being lifted. This connection point places the axle being lifted in the middle of the effort being used to lift the truck for towing. Less effort is needed to lift heavy weight. Once lifted, the truck in tow is secured to the booms creating a rigid connection. The truck in tow simply becomes a
semi-trailer. Weight transferred forward is properly imposed down onto the fifth wheel. This is how your tractor is designed to work and means no overloaded drive axles. Other fifth wheel attachments are attached in a fixed manner to the after frame of tractor they are mounted onto and use a traditional stinger to lift at the axle directly. The lifting effort is out at the end of the stinger. This means the rearmost drive axle sees most of the weight and in many cases becomes severely overloaded.
• No Special Tractors or Modifications Needed – A Tru-Hitch can be connected to or disconnected from any tractor in just a few minutes. The Tru-Hitch is simply connected at the fifth wheel, and when transported uses a small set of integrated travel legs that rest on the after frame of the tractor. When disconnected, the Tru-Hitch is free standing, without the need for support arms etc., ready to back under the next time you need it. Because the Tru-Hitch properly
places weight onto, and pivots at the fifth wheel when towing, there are no special mounting brackets, binders, or fixed mounting points needed. Also, because towing with a Tru-Hitch places weight properly onto the fifth wheel, there is no need to stretch the frame of the tractor in an effort to get weight forward off the rear axle. Nor does a Tru-hitch need to have additional lift axles added to safely lift tow.
• No Lightened or Unsafe Steering when Towing – Because the load becomes a semi-trailer when using a Tru-Hitch, the steering axle of the towing tractor actually GAINS weight! Your tractor acts normally. This leads us to another important point.
• No Uneven Braking – Because there are no overloaded drive axles and the steering axle stays properly planted to the road this means the brakes are evenly loaded. This keeps your driver, the load, and the people traveling near you safer.
• There are no pinch points when towing with a Tru-Hitch – Towed
loads are secured to the Tru-Hitch booms and pivots at the fifth wheel. You can make turns at up to 90 degrees without worrying about pinch points. And just like a trailer, the load follows you around corners. Other underlifts that pivot at the stinger mean maneuverability is limited. When you turn left the load wants to go right and vice versa. This is never an issue with a Tru-Hitch.
• Cost – Traditional tow trucks are heavy, long, and expensive to operate. Other fifth wheel attachments require modified wheelbase tractors and complicated bracketry to mount and use. A Tru-Hitch comes complete, ready to attach to a standard tractor, with no special mounting requirements or additional cost. It can run on its own self-contained hydraulics, or connect it to a PTO, it’s your choice. Radio remote control and rigging items are included. A Tru-Hitch can lift up to 32,000 lbs. and tow up to a gross combined weight rating of 140,000 lbs. Tru-Hitch is the safest heavy duty towing solution for the heavy-duty
By now, most towing companies are aware of ResQTrack; however, many may not realize that Advanced Track Solutions offers two distinct models.
The original ResQTrack standard model is available in the United States with a gas engine and is suitable for most mid-size SUVs and sedans, including electric vehicle models. The machine and its load can be transported on a 26,000 lb. chassis, eliminating the requirement for a CDL-class truck. The standard ResQTrack is also ideally suited for lowclearance applications.
ResQTrack XL, engineered for larger vehicles, is equipped with a threecylinder diesel engine. This model is capable of handling everything the standard model can, as well as full-size SUVs and pickups. Transportation of
the XL model requires a CDL-class truck since the total weight with its load exceeds 26,000 lbs.
A defining feature of ResQTrack is its remote-control operation, which allows it to access locations typically unreachable by conventional tow trucks and flatbeds. It lifts the vehicle in its existing position, eliminating the need for dollies, gojacks, and skates, ensuring a damage-free process as only the tires are contacted during the loading and transport.
Since its introduction to the U.S. market in 2018, ResQTrack has been gaining recognition among automotive manufacturers and roadside assistance providers. Roadside platforms have acknowledged the challenges facing industry due to advances in vehicle technology. ResQTrack effectively addresses these challenges while reducing potential litigation related to
vehicle damage. Industry stakeholders are increasingly permitting additional fees to cover the use of this specialized equipment. Advanced Track Solutions, together with RTF Pacific, the sister company of the manufacturer Tracked Machines Italia, continues to collaborate with manufacturers and roadside platforms to establish ResQTrack as an integral part of the industry’s evolving standards.
Dealerships have also embraced the versatility of ResQTrack. Modern vehicle technologies frequently pose challenges, such as immobilized electronic transmissions or park brakes that prevent vehicles from rolling freely. ResQTrack provides an effective solution, facilitating safe and efficient movement of vehicles into repair facilities without risk of damage. Garrett’s Towing and Recovery in
Thomasville, NC—a community with a population under 30,000—purchased its first ResQTrack in 2022. Impressed by its versatility and broad functionality, Garrett’s subsequently acquired the XL model in 2025, becoming the first and only U.S. company to own two ResQTracks.
Garrett Scarlette of Garrett’s Towing and Recovery stated, “The Biggest benefit of having the ResQTrack would be that it allowed us to expand our exotic and EV market. We were already doing this type of towing, but we were able to go places with the ResQTrack that we could not access with our trucks. The ResQTrack was such a great asset that we added the XL to our fleet in 2025.” Garrett also said it has increased some of their law enforcement volume with agencies that are out of their normal jurisdiction because they could easily move vehicles that had a “no touch” investigative hold.
Incorporating ResQTrack into your
fleet demonstrates your company’s commitment to technological advancement and investment in state-ofthe-art equipment.
Advanced Track Solutions will participate in the Midwest Regional Tow
Show in Mason, Ohio, from September 25–27, featuring live demonstrations. We will also be present at the RTF Pacific booth during the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, November 20–22.
Enhance the performance and versatility of your Chevron 408 wrecker with the right attachments and accessories from Zip’s. Our curated selection
of equipment is designed to improve speed, safety and efficiency, helping your team respond to more calls and maximize profitability.
Expand your wrecker’s capabilities with Zip’s Chevron 408 Fork Receiver Set. Crafted from welded steel, this pair of adapters offers three adjustable fork positions, allowing operators to accommodate different towing setups. Each set supports up to 4,000 pounds and can be removed quickly to transition between jobs, enabling your team to handle diverse calls with confidence and efficiency.
For traditional towing functionality, the Towbar Adapter for the Chevron Auto Grip II provides a reliable chain connection. Featuring permanent grab hooks, it allows for secure attachment to a bumper or other lashing points when the L-arms are stowed. Rubber bushings help prevent damage to the vehicle during the hookup process, while a snap-ring keeps the bushing firmly in place on the adapter. Suitable for both front and rear tows, this attachment adds an extra layer of flexibility to your operations.
Zip’s Receiver Hitch for the Chevron Autogrip Wheel Lift
Increase your wrecker’s towing versatility with Zip’s Receiver Hitch for the Chevron Autogrip Wheel Lift. This powder-coated adapter allows you to move bumper-hitch campers, toy haulers and other light-duty trailers with ease. Rated for 8,000 pounds of towing capacity, it includes a welded D-ring for secure safety chain attachment. Installation is straightforward: simply tighten the two included bolts with hand tools, and the adapter clamps securely to the autoloader’s crossbeam. Angled brackets prevent lateral movement, ensuring a safe, stable connection.
Zip’s Chevron Adapter Storage Solution
Keep your attachments secure and organized with Zip’s Chevron Adapter Storage solution. Constructed from durable aluminum, this storage mount provides a dedicated space for your Fork Receiver Set. While designed to mount on the back faceplate, the container can also be installed in other convenient locations on your truck, ensuring your tools are always within reach and safely stowed.
With these professional-grade accessories, upgrading your Chevron 408 wrecker is simple. Equip your fleet for greater versatility and efficiency, and explore our full range of products at Zips.com.
Key Features:
Designed to outperform traditional tow lights, the multi-functional Striker features stop, turn and tail signals as well as integrated warning and work light modes for added visibility when loading, unloading or navigating roadside situations. 50-hr. battery life
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Originally designed for Canada’s harsh, off-road winters, the Collins G7X Hi-Speed®Dolly is built for extreme conditions and heavy-duty use. While the Collins G7 is the ultimate in professional dolly towing, the G7X goes further with heavy-duty superpowers, including: steel hubs, high-
capacity steel wheels, and steel cross-rail inserts. These are iron-packed for the roadside superhero tackling the toughest conditions and wrecker jobs.
Maximum Strength
Durable steel hubs and eXtreme capacity steel wheels–the strongest available in the industry.
Maximum Span
Only Collins’ patented, “True Positive Camber” T12 Hybrid Cross Rails, with steel center-cambered inner components and adjustable aluminum outer components can eXtend to 104”.
Maximum Capacity
With aggressive, high-traction Load
Range ‘E’ tires, an industry-leading 5,000 lbs. capacity, and a 75-mph speed rating, the Collins G7X Hi-Speed® Dolly is perfect for on-road, off-road, and eXpressways, towing eXtreme distances in eXtreme weather.
Originally designed for Canada’s harsh, off-road winters, the Collins G7X Hi-Speed®Dolly is built for extreme conditions and heavy-duty use.
The Super Series self-loader wheel lift is the most effective way to transform your pickup into a fully automated and operational tow truck for lowprofile vehicles. Lift and Tow designs, manufactures, and distributes wheel lift towing equipment that is easy to install, stay hidden when not in use, and provides quick and easy loading.
Our innovative Super Series truck and car self-loader repo unit is a tow driver’s best friend, delivering a cost-effective solution that improves safety, speeds up the towing process, and eliminates manual labor.
A Closer Look at the Super S eries Self-Loader Wheel Lift
Lift and Tow’s Super Series system makes it possible to tow trucks, SUVs, cars, and similar low-profile vehicles. Users just need to back up to the bumper of the vehicle they want to tow and push the button on the remote control inside or operate outside the self-loader tow truck with a wireless remote. The eight-function lift powers in, out, up, down, open, close, tilt up,
and tilt down by hydraulic control.
Like all products from Lift and Tow, Super Series vehicle towing equipment is made in the U.S.A. We use high-quality, durable materials for longevity. These self-loading tow lifts are compatible with many pickups make and model. The Super Series lifts fit on ¾-ton trucks or larger. Designs can lift as much as 4,000 lbs. and tow up to 8,000 lbs.
Should I Choose the Super Series or Z Series?
Similar to our Z Series, the Super Series is a self-loading automatic wheel lift that comes with a wireless remote. The Super Series is clutch pump mandated, allowing your unit to be faster and quieter as well. The Super Series was designed to help tow truck drivers be able to have better clearance while towing low profile vehicles, allowing businesses to effectively and safely tow these cars without worrying about potential car damage.
The tilt up and down functions allow you to drop your unit to a zero-degree angle on the ground before sliding
under a vehicle to wrap your arms around the tire.
If these features and capabilities are critical to your operations, the Super Series lift may be the better choice for you. You can always work with one of our representatives to compare the Super Series wheel lift to other offerings in our collection should you require further assistance.
At Lift and Tow, we offer more than one wheel lift option to accommodate your towing setup and responsibilities. Another one of our products, the 5 Series wheel lift, is a fantastic option for small businesses and municipal organizations searching for economical solutions that are user-friendly and wellconcealed.
Our 5 Series lifts operate using a hydraulic system that lets you move the attachment up, down, in, and out.
In contrast, the Super Series wheel lifts for tow trucks give you eight-way movement functions for more complex jobs.
Many of our customers find that 5 Series wheel lifts provide towing versatility without significantly changing the aesthetic of commercial vehicles. You might explore the 5 Series lifts when you have trucks in your fleet that are used for operations outside of the repo sector, such as deliveries or contract work.
The Lift and Tow team understands your workdays are busy. We want you to stay productive, so we give you the option to have us convert your vehicle into an auto-loader tow truck for an additional fee. Leave your vehicle with us for a short period, and we will attach your chosen pickup truck conversion product promptly.
On average, the installation process takes about five hours. There is no
need to choose between getting your vehicle updated and your company’s uptime, as all installation appointments are completed with a quick turnaround for convenience and protecting your bottom line.
Although we are based in Orrstown, Pennsylvania, we have the honor of helping professionals like you with hidden wheel lifts nationwide. Our team has years of experience shipping light-duty wheel lifts to residential and commercial addresses for customers who choose a do-it-yourself installation. Thanks to our authorized distributors in parts of New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Texas, we get units to you as soon as possible.
It’s our goal to help you continue to use your wheel lift for years ahead. Know we have your back should you require replacement components throughout your lifetime.
At Lift and Tow, we utilize 20 years of experience to provide exceptional
service on the towing equipment you rely on. As the manufacturer of the Super Series, we ensure the quality of the product while offering low prices for exceptional value. All towing equipment comes with the necessary hardware you need to get up and run. You can install it yourself using our detailed
instructions or, if you’re in our area, get in touch with our staff for an installation appointment.
Get the newest wheel lift system from us at a great price. Contact us or give us a call at 717-727-0332 to request additional information, or to purchase a tow lift for your pickup truck today.
Is it time for inspection or just yearly maintenance? Do your wheels look like a rusty dish? Have your toolboxes been putting in that overtime work and now need replacing? If either of these questions are true, then you should look into Polished Stainless wheel simulators and our full line of underbody toolboxes from Phoenix USA Inc. Give your trucks the upgrade they
deserve and the shine to be sure to turn heads with products from Phoenix USA. Or, if you are just looking to freshen up your fleet or add the latest advancements in tool storage, give us a call! Our wheel simulators are all polished 304 stainless, so you never have to worry about rust. We offer the same polished stainless on the doors of our toolboxes and even have full stainless tool boxes. Therefore, if
you are in the market for upgrading your fleet, look into Phoenix USA for all your truck accessory needs.
As with all Phoenix products, you get the cutting edge of industry knowledge and know how, along with the finest customer service in the industry. For more information, please call us at 1-931-526-6128 or visit us on the web at www.phoenixusa.com.
• 12 volt
• 3 gallon capacity
• 3/4 hp motor
• 0-120 psi in just 90 seconds
• Portable design allows for easy fit into most underbody toolboxes
• Suitable for roadside service calls - including tire changes
• 1-year limited warranty AC12V3
NEW FEATURES
• Lower profile design
• Tank-mounted pressure gauge for more precise pressure readings
• Ports on each end of tank for tandem configuration to expand compressor capacity
As with all Phoenix products, you get the cutting edge of industry knowledge and know how, along with the finest customer service in the industry. For information, please call 1-931-526-6128 or visit us on the web at www.phoenixusa.com.
Every day, towing and emergency roadside service providers, who are roadside first responders, risk their lives performing critical duties along America’s highways, rural roads, city streets, and residential streets. Whether they’re working a heavy rollover, hooking up a tow, changing a tire, or refueling a motorist in need, these men and women face constant threats from speeding, distracted, drowsy, or impaired drivers. Despite significant advancements in roadway safety practices, towing fatalities continue to rise, signaling an urgent need for innovation in protecting those who keep the roads, people, and America moving.
The National Safety Council reported more than 44,000 traffic-related deaths in the U.S. in 2024. In the Towing industry alone, there are an estimated 110,000 annual collisions with tow trucks, an average of 301 incidents daily. The American Automobile Association (AAA) “A Tow Truck driver is killed every 6 days” (on average). These numbers represent significant losses to a
business, and include devastating losses of life and shattered families. These are entirely preventable incidents.
Traditional roadside safety measures— flashing lights, message boards, cones, and blocking vehicles—remain essential but insufficient in today’s distracted driving environment. These methods are fundamentally reactive, alerting drivers only as they approach a hazard and require the motorists’ attention. Such passive measures struggle to mitigate the risks posed by inattentive, speeding, or drowsy drivers, leaving towers vulnerable. Even the most attentive drivers can miss these passive cues, making traditional methods inadequate to combat rising distraction rates and speeds seen today.
The reality is clear. Our approach to protecting our tow operators must evolve. Rather than waiting for drivers to encounter hazards, we need a system that actively reaches drivers inside their vehicles. A solution capable of disrupting distractions, warning drivers
of activity ahead before they approach our employees working the road and long before lights, cones, and boards become visible. By providing real-time alerts directly to drivers’ navigation systems or vehicle dashboards, we can drastically reduce the likelihood of accidents.
This proven concept of proactive digital alerting is currently being utilized by several thousand companies and agencies worldwide. Digital alerting solutions, like Safety Cloud® by HAAS Alert, send real-time notifications directly into vehicle infotainment systems and navigation apps, providing drivers with crucial information about approaching hazards up to 30 seconds before reaching them.
Studies indicate that these advanced alerts can significantly reduce crash risk by up to 90%, minimize hard-braking events by at least 80%, and, as reported by CAA (sister association to AAA) 97% of drivers reported slowing down and moving when alerted by Safety Cloud. By integrating seamlessly into modern vehicles and smartphone navigation
platforms, digital alerting reaches drivers precisely when they’re most receptive, effectively interrupting distractions or speeding tendencies.
Bill Gratzianna of O’Hare Towing, and President of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame (Survivor Fund and Wall of the Fallen), emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking solutions: “As the owner of a towing and recovery service, I need to do everything in my power to keep my people safe. Safety Cloud by HAAS Alert is one of those things that really made sense for us. It’s a no-brainer.”.
Digital alerting, like Safety Cloud, is explicitly recognized within section 405(h) of the National Priority Safety
Program as a permissible, recommended practice for reducing roadside fatalities. By integrating digital alerting into existing safety protocols, towing and roadside assistance organizations can significantly enhance their effectiveness without extensive overhauls of current systems.
The benefits extend beyond immediate safety enhancements. Safer roadside calls mean healthier workers, fewer disruptions, and stronger communities. Implementing innovative technologies demonstrates proactive responsibility. Companies benefit not just from
reduced injuries and fatalities, but from minimized economic and litigation expenses, improved employee morale, and stronger relationships with the communities served.
Lee Roberts of Roberts Heavy Duty (A Guardian Fleet company), and Vice Chair of the Survivor Fund, summarizes the potential succinctly: “Safety Cloud is the only system out there that will actually tell the public we are sitting on the side of the road and hopefully save some lives.” With digital alerting, Towing, Recovery, and Roadside Assistance companies gain a crucial tool, dramatically enhancing safety on America’s roads.
The urgency here is evident. Traditional safety measures alone are no longer sufficient. Towing and ERS companies must embrace proactive technologies such as digital alerting solutions. By leveraging these modern safety measures, we can protect lives, foster safer communities, and ensure those who keep our roadways moving can return home safely each day. The road ahead requires innovation; let us take bold steps forward together.
Staying Safe on the Side of the Road: Tools for Today’s Towers
There’s no doubt that being a tower is a critically important job. Without towing professionals, our roadways would quickly become clogged with wrecked or disabled vehicles. As vital as your work is, it is never worth losing your life over. It’s past time to take physical action to protect yourself and your team while working along our Nation’s highways.
The Slow Down, Move Over (SDMO) campaign is both noble and necessary. But it’s only effective when
the public complies. Unfortunately, far too many drivers are either unaware of the law or choose to ignore it. Despite our best efforts to promote SDMO, “D” drivers—those who are distracted, drunk, drugged, or just plain dumb— will never comply. They simply can’t react to what they don’t notice.
That’s why it’s critical to make yourself and your work zone as visible as possible. Fortunately, there are powerful tools available to help you stand out and stay safe on the side of the road.
Blocking vehicles and crash attenuators are gaining traction in the
towing industry, though many towers still face legal limitations in deploying them. A physical barrier is one of the most effective ways to protect workers, but using one without legal authority in your jurisdiction could expose you to serious liability.
Before using or building a blocking vehicle, research your local and state laws. If permitted, equip the blocking vehicle with a certified crash attenuator to reduce the risk of secondary collisions.
Tow truck lighting has evolved significantly in recent years. Gone are the days of mechanical rotators and incandescent beams. Today’s LED lighting offers unmatched intensity, color variety, and programmable patterns.
Many states now allow towers to use alternative colors beyond amber. This flexibility allows for lighting strategies that truly capture driver attention. A strong lighting system should include: • Rooftop beacons
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Remember, less is often more. An overwhelming display can confuse motorists. Instead, aim for recognizable patterns that are easy to control at the scene. Work with a knowledgeable supplier who can help you design a lighting system that’s effective and compliant.
Variable Message Signs, like the SafeAll Traffic Commander, are true gamechangers for roadside safety. In transport mode, they function like a traditional light bar. But once deployed on a parked vehicle, a MUTCD-compliant LED message board appears, capable
of displaying critical pre-programmed alerts like MOVE OVER or MERGE LEFT.
With a simple tap on an in-cab tablet, you can activate custom messages in real time. These signs have long been used by DOTs and construction crews— it’s time towers adopted them too.
For short-duration work adjacent to traffic lanes, deploying just 3 to 6 cones can significantly increase your visibility. For longer-duration jobs, advance warning signs are recommended. It’s a small step with life-saving potential.
PPE is your last line of defense. While some may argue that high-visibility gear gets dirty or draws too much attention, the data doesn’t lie: Class 3 garments dramatically increase operator visibility,
especially on high-speed roads. Make PPE a non-negotiable part of your safety routine.
Free TIM training is available in every state and should be mandatory for anyone working roadside. TIM principles, combined with the tools listed above, provide a strong foundation for safer, more efficient operations.
Please, take time to seriously evaluate how you can better protect yourself and your team. The service you provide is essential. Your safety is too.
At Worldwide Equipment Sales, we’re here to help. Our team is ready to support you in building the safest equipment possible and growing your team with safety and efficiency in mind. Let’s talk about how we can support your mission - today and every day.
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Amplify your towing power with the Armortek Extreme Synthetic Winch Rope Kit. Made from HMPE, the world’s strongest man-made fiber, it’s 70% stronger than steel yet six times lighter. In addition, the tightly woven outer braid provides full-length protection against abrasion. Pre-stretched, heat-set, with extra coating for abrasion resistance, it’s built to tackle tough jobs and keep you moving.
Every call is your chance to shine, and Hino tow trucks are built to perform when it counts—strong, reliable, and trusted by operators nationwide. With Hino Edge connectivity, an exclusive standard 5-year Allison Transmission warranty, and 24/7 HinoWatch roadside assistance. At Hino, our commitment doesn't end when the truck is sold - it's where The Ultimate Ownership Experience begins, because for you, it's always MORE THAN A TRUCK.
