Tow Professional: Volume 15, Issue 2

CAPACITY. DURABILITY. ADAPTABILITY.

POWERFUL PAYLOAD CAPACITY, IMPRESSIVE LOAD ANGLES AND YEARS OF RELIABLE USE BUILT FOR MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY NO MATTER THE CONDITION. BECAUSE THE WORK DEMANDS IT.

It’s Show Season, are you ready?

Tow Professional had the honor to be the contractor for TRAA Hill Day 26 this year.

This event has been running for the last several years, bringing in 10 gracious sponsors and 72 attendees. This year under new management Hill Day grew to the largest event ever with 17 sponsors, and 104 registered attendees.

We thank all our industry Leaders that sponsored the event:

• Guardian Fleet Services

• Peak Auto Auctions

• Towbook

• Zips

• HAAS Alert

• Miller Industries

• Jerr-Dan Corporation

• Worldwide Equipment

• Tow Professional Magazine

• Fleetnet / Cox Industries

• Auto Data Direct (ADD)

• Azuga

• Copart

• Allstate

• Custom Built Manufacturing

• INA Towing

• International Towing Hall of Fame Museum

As this issue hits your desktop, the PWOF Florida tow show is now just weeks away. We hope your feet are rested, you have your sunscreen and shorts packed and ready for the PWOF Florida tow show. Let’s not forget that September and October brings the Mid-Atlantic Tow show in Raleigh, NC and the Midwest Regional in Mason, Ohio! These are great family-friendly shows that are packed with training, education, and some of the latest products to hit the market.

Michelle Sukow’s Women of Towing in this issue focuses on Megan Ferril, and the Legacy passed down by her family, leading by example! In DJ Harrington’s “Fuel for Thought” we look at the importance of business health, the lifeline that can be affected by attitude and approach to daily tasks. John Borowski with this installment of “Under the Hood,” explains the paradox of power our tow professionals must take on daily to keep the business rolling.

Rotators and heavy equipment are one of the key tools of our industry. In this issue we look at the offerings from Jerr-Dan, Custom Built, NRC, and Big D’s Fabrication. Zips, and Recovery Consulting Services, inform us of some key accessories that we shouldn’t leave home without.

Towing Software & Mobile Video has been a big topic for industry professionals. In this issue, we hear from Towbook, Azuga, Ranger SST and Roadsider. We sat down with the top software companies in our industry to show our readers the many different solutions offered for your business!

Don’t miss another informational and action-packed issue, subscribe today at towprofessional.com. Until our next issue, be safe and God Bless!

Owner/Publisher

Tow Professional

derek@ryecroftcreative.com

cody@blpmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Michelle Sukow

DJ Harrington

John Borowski

Amber Reed

Nick Dangelo

Ron Pullen

Jim Shellhaas

Kendal Smith

Beth Davis

Executive and Advertising Offices 1005 Mountain Trace Birmingham, AL 35242

Toll free: 888-802-8544 Fax: 205-978-1550

www.towprofessional.com

Tow Professional is published nine times a year by Over The Mountain Media, Inc., 1005 Mountain Trace, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242, USA. Tow Professional is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail). U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices.

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FROM THE DESK OF BOB NELSON

First Quarter Update from Jerr-Dan: Momentum, Market Outlook and Planning Ahead

As we begin 2026, I want to thank you for your continued trust in Jerr-Dan and share a brief update on what we’re seeing in the market, what’s ahead for the year and how we’re supporting you moving forward.

We are entering the year with strong momentum. Market forecasts remain positive, driven by continued pent-up demand and increased customer interest in pre-buying equipment in 2026. Much of this activity is tied to anticipated cost increases in 2027 associated with upcoming EPA changes impacting Class 4–8 trucks.

These changes could result in engine surcharges of up to 20%, making early planning more important than ever. Therefore, we strongly encourage customers to plan accordingly to help reduce future financial pressure on your businesses and the industry as a whole. Our team is ready to work with you now to evaluate needs, timelines and options that best position you for the years ahead.

We’re also looking forward to seeing many of you in person again soon. JerrDan will be at the Orlando Tow Show this April, where we’ll be showcasing our new JD35/40T Rotator. The

response to this unit at the Baltimore Tow Show in November 2025 was extremely positive, and we anticipate similar excitement in Orlando.

Looking ahead to 2026, Jerr-Dan is rolling out several initiatives to support your operations. You’ll see immediate updates as new parts are added to our parts catalog, along with new service and operator training classes scheduled throughout the year. These efforts are designed to help keep your fleets productive, safe and profitable.

Finally, we’re proud to continue advocating for the industry. Jerr-Dan participated in Hill Day on February 2425 in Washington, D.C., where we met with congressional leaders to discuss key industry issues, including insurance challenges, the “Slow Down, Move Over” campaign and efforts to secure emergency responder status for towers. Thank you again for your partnership and dedication to this industry. We look forward to working with you throughout 2026 and seeing many of you on the road and at upcoming events.

“Market forecasts remain positive, driven by continued pent-up demand and increased customer interest in pre-buying equipment in 2026. Much of this activity is tied to anticipated cost increases in 2027 associated with upcoming EPA changes impacting Class 4–8 trucks.”

Happy New Year, Bob Nelson, Vice President & General Manager, Jerr-Dan

Bob Nelson

Getting Tow & Storage Paid Starts with Knowing the Whole Claim

The semi had been sitting in the back corner of the tow yard for weeks.

A small sedan had made a bad lane change, crushed the semi truck’s side, and put it out of service. The police report was clear: not the truck’s fault. The tow company did everything right- fast response, safe recovery, and secure storage. By the time the paperwork was done, the tow and storage bill was almost $25,000.

And then… nothing. The sedan’s insurance adjuster stalled. “We’re reviewing it.” Days turned into weeks, and weeks into silence.

The truck owner showed up every week, hands in his pockets, staring at the rig he couldn’t afford to release. He wasn’t hauling and he wasn’t earning. His own insurance didn’t cover the loss. And the tow company was sitting on a massive receivable with no check in sight.

This is the part tow companies know all too well. What many don’t realize is why these bills get stuck—and how to fix it.

The yard manager had seen this pattern before. Insurance companies

often move slowly. But they move much faster when they’re forced to deal with a full commercial loss with claim parts that are spiraling upward in cost.

So instead of waiting again, the manager said something different this time to the customer:

“You know this isn’t just about our claim. You’re losing income every day that truck sits. And even after repairs, that truck is worth less. That’s downtime and diminished value—and the at-fault carrier owes for all of it. You might want to talk to a trucking lawyer to find out all you’re due.”

The truck driver hadn’t considered the idea of pursuing these losses. No adjuster had mentioned downtime or lost profit. No one had explained diminished value. He thought his only option was to wait, hope and take what they gave him.

With nothing left to lose, he made the call. This time, the claim didn’t just demand payment for repairs, towing, and storage. Payment was also demanded for:

• Lost income (downtime/loss of use)

• Diminished value

• Out-of-pocket expenses like hotel, transfer of cargo, rental car, and deadheading costs

Now the insurance company couldn’t ignore the claim. It was bigger and growing with each day. The steps took pressure and persistence. But the effort worked - payment was made. The settlement covered the full tow and

storage bill, paid the trucker’s losses, and got the rig out of the yard and back on the road. The truck was earning again, the tow company got paid, and the trucker stayed in business.

And here’s the part every wrecker company should remember:

This Applies to Your Trucks Too

When a tow truck or wrecker is hit and taken out of service, the losses are no different than a semi:

• You lose revenue while your equipment is down

• You still have payroll, overhead, and contracts to meet

• Your equipment is worth less after repairs

• You have out-of-pocket costs related to getting back on the road

Downtime, diminished value, and loss of use: these aren’t “trucker-only” issues—they apply to any commercial vehicle, including wreckers.

Helping your customers pursue the full claim doesn’t just protect them -it protects your ability to get paid. Insurance companies are far more likely to release tow and storage funds when the adjuster feels the pressure from several parties and the entire loss is being properly presented and pushed. Sometimes, getting your invoice paid starts with pointing out a simple truth: After a not-at-fault accident, commercial operators, including tow companies, have real rights. And knowing them makes all the difference.

Downtime, diminished value, and loss of use: these aren’t

The American Towing & Recovery Institute (ATRI)

The Florida Tow Show is one of the premier gatherings for towing and recovery professionals in the country, and this year the American Towing & Recovery Institute (ATRI) is excited to bring two powerful educational opportunities to attendees on Thursday, April 9th. Designed specifically for tow operators, company owners, and industry leaders, these classes will deliver practical knowledge and leadership insights that can be immediately applied back on the job.

The day begins with a 3-Hour Electric Vehicle (EV) Awareness & Response Course, giving attendees critical insight into the rapidly growing EV market and the unique challenges these vehicles present for towing and recovery

professionals. Participants will learn how to properly identify EVs, understand high-voltage hazards, stabilize vehicles, and access manufacturer emergency response resources. The course also covers best practices for safe rigging, handling potential ignition risks, and protecting both operators and equipment when responding to EV-related incidents. As electric vehicles become more common on our roadways, this class provides the essential knowledge every professional needs to stay safe and confident on the scene.

Following the EV course, ATRI will host a dynamic leadership session titled “Built for the Scene: Influence-Based Leadership for Tow Operators.” This engaging class focuses on developing leadership skills specifically tailored

for the towing industry. Attendees will explore the concept that leadership is influence, and learn practical frameworks such as the Sphere of Knowledge, the Five Laws of Decline, Conflict Resolution, and Adversity Quotient. These tools help operators and managers strengthen decisionmaking, build stronger teams, and lead effectively in high-pressure roadside environments.

Both classes are designed to provide real-world value for professionals at every level of the towing and recovery industry.

To learn more or reserve your seat, visit www.amtowsignup.org. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged for those attending the Florida Tow Show.

Community First: Taking the Tow Family on the Road

BY JASON GIDDENS

In the towing industry, “family” is a word that gets used a lot. For me, it’s not a slogan—it’s reality. I call the people I work with my Tow Family because that’s exactly what they are. The operators who support JB Tow Truck Accessories are the same people who support my household. Without them, JB Tow wouldn’t exist. And just like your own family, you show up when it matters.

That belief is what put me on the road.

Built to Go Where the Tow Family Is

Our mobile unit is a fully outfitted step van, packed wall to wall with products this industry truly needs— securement equipment, safety gear, lighting, lockout tools, and recovery equipment. Shelves are stocked.

Products hang where you can see them. Lighting is displayed and powered up. Operators can touch it, inspect it, and understand exactly what they’re investing in.

I chose a mobile unit instead of a traditional storefront for one simple reason: I can bring the products to the Tow Family instead of making them come to me. Not everyone across the country can travel to our shop in Tampa—but I can travel to them.

More importantly, I get to meet entire crews, not just the one person who stops by a parts counter. That changes everything.

Nobody does it like JB Tow. We don’t just sell products—we show up. We shake hands. We give hugs. We break bread. We create content together. We build real relationships with the people who keep this industry moving.

What I Saw Missing

The biggest gap I saw in the towing parts world was the loss of personal communication. Too much business has become faceless—online orders, shipped boxes, no conversation. In an industry built on trust, that’s a problem.

Showing up matters. Sitting down for lunch matters. The high-fives, the quick stories, the small moments—those matter more than people realize. When operators step into the truck and see equipment right in front of them, it often reminds them of something they forgot they needed—something that could make their job safer or more efficient. That experience can’t be replaced by a website.

“Tow Family” isn’t marketing language for us. It’s how we operate. We love this industry because without our

Tow Family, we wouldn’t be here.

Real Moments on the Road

One Friday afternoon, a Tow Family member called and said, “My cable is broken. I’m not going to make any money this weekend.” Without a cable, his flatbed was done.

I told him to come to my house. I had one in my truck.

He showed up, we installed it in minutes, and he was back on the road making money for his company and his family all weekend long. That’s what being present looks like.

Another time, a gentleman traveled to Tampa to purchase a truck and stopped by to grab supplies. Before long, we were sitting at a local lunch spot breaking bread. Yes, he bought parts. But more importantly, we built a relationship. Those conversations are what last.

Where the Road Has Taken Us

So far, our road trips have taken us across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. We attend shows, visit training schools, stop by shops, meet operators roadside, and support Tow Family wherever we can.

I’ve opened the shop on Sundays. I’ve met operators during rotations. If I’m nearby and someone needs something, we do everything possible to make it happen.

We now have a larger, more comfortable truck coming that will allow us to expand even further— pulling a trailer and running a box truck at the same time. After this winter, we’ll broaden our footprint and travel across much more of the country. The road is only getting bigger.

Products, Education, and Hands-On Demos

We carry everything from straps and dollies to safety lighting and LED road flares. One of the biggest advantages of being on the road is hands-on demonstration. Operators can hold products, see how they function, and understand why they matter—right there in front of them.

That kind of education lowers liability, increases efficiency, and makes operators safer.

What operators ask for most isn’t even a specific product. They ask us to bring the truck to their town. They want to see it. They want to hang out. They want connection. That tells me we’re doing something right.

The Bigger Issue—and the Fix

The biggest challenge I see right now is a lack of training and safety focus. No matter what anyone says, those two things are the foundation of long-term success. Proper training raises revenue and lowers liability—both critical for

survival in this business.

I also see a lack of unity. There’s more than enough work for everyone. We should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down. I believe strongly in bringing unity back to the towing community—helping each other, supporting each other, and moving forward together.

I’ve been in this industry for 26 years, working everything from light duty and repossessions to heavy duty. Towing is a vital service that keeps communities moving. What we do matters.

Why I Keep Going

These road trips aren’t easy. They’re hard on me and hard on my family. I spend days away from home, and I couldn’t do this without the support of my beautiful wife, Melissa. I’m grateful for everything she sacrifices so I can serve this industry.

I keep going because I believe in going the extra mile for my Tow Family. The giveaways, the raffles, the content we create together—it all strengthens the industry.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I want readers to take from this, it’s simple: you can always reach out to JB Tow. We will always do our best to show up for our Tow Family.

Support each other. When you see an operator on the roadside, slow down and move over. When I first got into this business, everyone was ready to help each other. We need to bring that back. Slow down or move over—it’s the law, and it’s one of the simplest ways to save a life.

Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) 2026 Hill Day

TRAA Legislative Hill Day has been a fantastic event, allowing tow professionals to have face-to-face interaction with lawmakers who can protect or affect their business. Hill Days allows tow professionals and industry leaders to put a face and a voice behind our industry. This year, TRAA had a new Executive Director, Bruce Bender, at the helm, while changing gears and adding a new management team (Tow Professional Magazine) to take over sponsorship and outreach to tow bosses across the nation. This year, the event grew immensely from 10 to 17 sponsors, and attendance jumped from 72 to 104 registered. TRAA’s Bruce Bender and the entire board of directors knocked it out of the park this year. Tremont Strategies Group, the lobbyist for TRAA, planned a day of strategy to educate all on the proper ways to introduce topics, educate,

and make our asks to our lawmakers.

Before this event, an OEM Partners roundtable was organized by Tow Professional Magazine owner Darian Weaver and held over Zoom. Custom Built Manufacturing, Miller, and JerrDan attended the call to work together on a united front, sharing ideas and resources to influence legislation that affects you. The consensus of the meeting was 4 top concerns for our owners:

1. Insurance

2. Weights and Measures

3. Roadside Safety

4. EV’s fires & remediation

Attendees of the Hill Day Event were given a form to choose which of the 4 was most important. All 3 OEM Partners: Jerr-Dan, Custom Built, and Jerr-Dan agreed to take on the top need to promote unity and to increase effectiveness for all.

Day one included a fireside chat with FMSCA Administrator Derek Bars, Jim Jennings (Guardian Fleet), and Brian Riker (Worldwide Equipment). This was a very candid and informative talk, enjoyed by all. Tremont Strategies Group held a Legislative workshop covering legislative priorities, a policy presentation, and Hill Day preparation. TRAA also incorporated a State Association Sharing, allowing Association presidents and key members to discuss laws and regulatory concerns affecting their business on the state level. This year, 31 of the 50 states were represented and excited to take their needs to Capitol Hill.

Legislative priorities for 2026 Hill Day centered around policies that will enhance roadside safety, strengthen enforcement, and promote awareness of Slow Down, Move Over laws.

The legislative priorities that members took to the Hill in 2026 were:

• Surface Transportation

Reauthorization: Emergency Towing Exemptions: Congress recognized

towing’s public safety role with the Fast Act in 2015. TRAA is asking Congress to clarify the weight exemption and extend it to length.

• Clarifying Insurance Reimbursement and advancing Transparency for Safety -Critical Towing: TRAA supports congressional attention on this issue and encourages creating a Towing Services Transparency Task Force (TSTTF).

• Clarifying the coverage for Mandated debris cleanup: This critical service is needed to clear crash scenes and reopen roadways. Family-owned businesses frequently face denied or disputed claims. TRAA is working with USDOT to raise awareness and seek clarity from FMSCA to align insurance frameworks with modern TIMS practices better.

• Considering the Towing Industry concerns with the Electric Vehicle Policy. TRAA supports the Responder and Recovery Safety in EV Fires Act.

This event was made possible by the

gracious sponsors who step up year after year to support the Tow Professionals in this industry. I have listed all sponsors for the 2026 Hill Day Event below. These sponsors are your true Industry Leaders who stepped up because of their heart and passion for this industry, and they did so to support the wonderful people in our great industry!

• Guardian Fleet Services

• Fleetnet / Cox Industries

• Peak Auto Auctions

• Auto Data Direct (ADD)

• Towbook

• Azuga

• Zips

• Copart

• HAAS Alert

• Allstate

• Miller Industries

• Custom Built Manufacturing

• Jerr-Dan Corporation

• INA Towing

• Worldwide Equipment

• Tow Professional Magazine

• International Towing Hall of Fame Museum

This event was tremendous and has shown the most growth this year since its inception! I again want to thank the Board Members of TRAA and Executive Director Bruce Bender for taking the reins and putting tremendous work ethic, heart, and passion behind the efforts.

This event is not to be missed, from the HAASpitality Cocktail hour to wrapping up the work done at the Hill with a trip to “The Prime Rib,” in D.C. This was a meal sponsored by INA Towing and a fantastic ending to two days of powerful meetings! We urge our tow professionals not only to mark your calendar for this event in 2027 but also to encourage the next generation of towers to attend. We are counting on our children and theirs to carry this industry forward. Let’s get them to D.C. and educate them on how to interact with our elected officials and the importance of advocating for or against laws and regulations to protect and safeguard their business in the future!

Towing & Recovery Academy

Looking to get your

employees trained & certified in today’s industry, you need to contact us!

Beau White began his towing and recovery career in 1998, starting behind the wheel of a flatbed truck. Through dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to mastering the craft, he steadily advanced through every level of the industry. Over the years, Beau progressed from light-duty work to operating twin-line wreckers, medium-duty units, 25-ton and 35-ton wreckers, eventually moving into heavy recovery equipment. His experience continued to grow with 50-ton straight sticks, 40-ton units, 1140 and 1150 rotators, and ultimately operating 50/60-ton and 85-ton Jerr-Dan rotators. Throughout his career, Beau has embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. He has never skipped steps in the process, believing that each stage of development is critical to building the experience and judgment required for safe and successful recovery operations. Every transition deepened his understanding of the industry and helped him remain at the forefront of heavy-duty towing and recovery.Beau has completed numerous professional and in-house training programs to refine his skills and expand his knowledge. His certifications include:

• TRAA Certified Master Tower

• WreckMaster Levels 8 & 9R

• Jerr-Dan Rotator Training

• TIMS (Traffic Incident Management System)

• NIMS (National Incident Management System)

While Beau has spent decades mastering the technical side of the industry, his true passion lies in teaching and inspiring others. He firmly believes that safety is paramount and is committed to making the towing and recovery profession safer—one operator at a time. To further that mission, Beau founded Towing & Recovery Academy LLC, a training organization created specifically for towing and recovery operators. The academy provides a comprehensive learning experience designed to equip operators with the skills, knowledge, and safety practices needed to succeed in this demanding

field. At Towing & Recovery Academy, the focus is on practical, real-world training. Students learn through hands-on instruction and real recovery scenarios, ensuring they leave with the confidence, technical understanding, and decision-making ability required in the field. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, professionalism, and safety, Beau aims to inspire the next generation of towing and recovery professionals—operators who are not only highly skilled, but also committed to raising the standards of safety and excellence within the industry. Together, through education and leadership, Beau believes the towing and recovery industry can continue to evolve and operate at the highest level of professionalism and safety. For more information, visit us online at www.towingacademy.net

Beau White – Founder, Towing & Recovery Academy

TireJect Roadside Tech Kit

Keep your trucks rolling and your customers happy with the TireJect Roadside Tech Kit, built for professional towing and roadside service providers. Now available at Zip’s AW Direct, this compact kit gives your operators everything they need to quickly seal common passenger-vehicle tire issues right on the shoulder, instead of hauling a flat all the way to a tire shop. Powered by TireJect’s instant tire repair sealant, this kit quickly seals punctures, bead leaks and slow leaks, so your customer can safely get back on the road. TireJect uses a liquid rubber formula with active particles to create a durable internal seal that is installed in minutes through the valve stem.

Order Item # TJ-ROAD-TK-5-6-1 at www.Zips.com

Chevy 6500 Steel Rollbacks

Chevrolet 6500 Century 10 Series car carriers offer unmatched quality and price at Zips. No waiting for savings at Zip’s. We have Chevrolet 6500 Century 10 Series car carriers in stock and ready for immediate delivery. Take advantage of the low $109,900 unit price and upgrade today to an air-ride suspension and the lowest frame height available at 32” from the ground. The 22’L bed also offers the lowest bed angle of 10 degrees for easier loading and unloading of customer vehicles. The steel bed includes removable side rails and 11 chain lock locations. The entire unit offers a cab-to-axle length of 150” and a GVWR of 22,940 lbs. Additional upgrades and financing are available.

Contact the Zip’s sales team at 800-222-6047 for complete details.

GoJak SUV 7016 Vehicle Moving Jack

Rearrange light-duty trucks and SUVs in your garage or shop with the new Gojak SUV Model 7016 repositioning dolly, now available from Zip’s AW Direct. Sold individually, each dolly features four heavyduty nylon casters and a four-piece steel roller system for smooth, controlled positioning. Each unit is rated at 1,750 lbs., supporting up to 7,000 lbs. with a set of four. The 26” x 20 1/2” design accommodates tires up to 33” in diameter and 16” wide. Simply push the foot pedal to reposition vehicles quickly—without touching the frame or undercarriage.

Order Item# GJ-G7016 at www.Zips.com

Striker Tow Light

Get in the strike zone with SafeAll’s new tow light. Cover all your bases with the new Striker tow light from SafeAll, available at Zip’s AW Direct. Offering more lighting options in a compact design, this new entry in wireless tow lights offers traditional stop, tail and turn signals plus the bonus functionality of warning lights and work lights. Compared to similarly priced tow lights on the market, this 22” L LED tow light delivers a longer run time of 50 hours, and a battery status indicator will let you know when it needs to be recharged.

Order yours at Zips.com. Enter item # SA-STRIKER

BY MICHELLE SUKOW

A Legacy in Motion: The Heart Behind

T-Miller Wrecker Service

AN INTERVIEW WITH MEGAN FERRIL OF T-MILLER WRECKER SERVICE

If towing were a personality, it would be equal parts of grit and grace with a healthy dose of “figure it out and keep moving.” Megan Ferril fits that description perfectly. She is proof that you can run a serious operation, hold a legacy together, and still keep your sense of humor intact. Sometimes all at once.

Megan Ferril is the Office Manager at T-Miller Wrecker Service in Amarillo, Texas, and while she has officially logged 17 years on the books, the truth is she never really had a choice. She was

raised in towing. This industry didn’t just shape her career. It shaped her.

One Truck, One Family, One Heck of a Legacy

T-Miller Wrecker Service began in 1958 with one custom-built 4½-ton wrecker and two men who believed hard work could build something lasting. Ray T. Miller ran daytime operations while Lonnie Ferril, also an Amarillo police officer, handled evenings. From the start, this wasn’t a nine-to-five operation. It was a way of

life. After purchasing the business in 1964, Lonnie and Joyce Ferril invested in manufactured wrecker beds that propelled the company forward. The addition of Cherry Avenue Auto Salvage the following year marked another step in their long-term vision.

Today, T-Miller remains family owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Ferril family. Lonnie and Joyce, along with their sons Jr. and Byron and daughter-in-law Jeni, helped modernize the wrecker industry while earning respect the old-fashioned way. Their impact landed Lonnie and Joyce in the Texas Towing and Storage Association Hall of Fame in 2004.

Then life delivered one of those moments that changed everything. In 2005, Jr. Ferril passed away unexpectedly. He was later inducted into the TTSA Hall of Fame in 2010, and his absence is still felt daily. Leadership transitioned to Jeni and Byron, who continue to guide the company today

T-Miller has grown from one truck to a fleet that includes nine light-duty wreckers, two medium-duty, four heavy-duty, one rotator, two tractors, four trailers, and a roll-off truck. The company employs 28 people, between T-Miller Wrecker Service and Cherry Ave Auto Parts.

Megan Ferril

David and Megan

with the support of David, Megan, and Trae Ferril.

When Your Mom Calls, You Go

By 2009, Megan was firmly established as a branch manager at a bank, fluent in numbers, expectations, and predictability. Then her mom called. “I need you here.” Megan returned to T-Miller, recognizing that family legacy sometimes calls you back before you realize you’ve left it.

No Such Thing as a Typical Day

T-Miller has grown from one truck to a fleet that includes nine light-duty wreckers, two medium-duty, four heavy-duty, one rotator, two tractors, four trailers, and a roll-off truck. The company employs 28 people, between T-Miller Wrecker Service and Cherry Ave Auto Parts. And Megan? She keeps the whole thing moving.

Her official role is Office Manager, handling accounts payable and administrative operations. Unofficially, she is a dispatcher, customer service rep, incident response coordinator, negotiator, mediator, and occasional referee. Towing doesn’t believe in job descriptions. It believes in whoever can handle it right now.

Nana First, Always

Outside of work, Megan’s most important title is Nana. Her granddaughter Baylor turns two in March and, according to Megan, runs the show. With her son Trae and his fiancée Kailee getting married in June 2026, Megan is happy to help wherever she can, as long as everyone understands one thing clearly. Nana duties are non-negotiable.

Family Business Means

Family Everything

At T-Miller, family isn’t branding. It’s the backbone of the operation. Megan works alongside her mother, brother, and son in the office. Her uncle runs the junkyard and checks in regularly. She is quick to point out that while working with family is rewarding, it also takes strong dispatchers, managers, and a reliable team to keep things running, especially during tough seasons. And the end of 2025 tested everyone.

Industry Friends Who Feel Like Family

Megan credits the towing industry itself for much of her strength. Over the years, she has built deep friendships and mentorships, including a close bond with another woman helping run her family’s towing business in Odessa, Texas. Known around the industry as the “Texas Girls,” they share advice, laughs, and the mutual understanding that comes from living this life. She also treasures hearing stories about her father from others in the industry. It is a reminder that his legacy didn’t end in 2005. It just changed form.

Advice, Motivation, and Internal Commentary

When it comes to work-life balance, Megan doesn’t sugarcoat it. You can do hard things. Every day won’t look the same, but every day brings opportunity. Do not get complacent. Life moves fast, and the good stuff does not wait. Her personal motto sums it up neatly: “I’m fine. It’s fine. Everything is fine.” And for the doubters? She rarely says anything out loud. In her head, the response is much more colorful and usually ends with her proving them wrong.

Changing the Towing World, One Bill at a Time

In March of 2025, Megan moved to Austin to serve as the Government Affairs Representative for the Texas Towing & Storage Association. She lived in a camper on a tow yard, studied for months with her committee, and learned quickly how policy gets made. By the end of the 89th Legislative Session, her team helped pass legislation improving the notification process in Texas and supported additional industry bills. Not bad for someone who claims she just wanted to help.

The Hardest Season

Megan is currently living through the most difficult chapter of her career. In August of 2025, her brother David, the person she planned to run T-Miller alongside, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. She describes sitting in her office, needing him to be in his, and having to learn how to believe

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! (michellesukow@gmail.com)

in herself in a new way. Through faith, prayer, and time, she has found strength she didn’t know she had. David is still there. Still guiding. Still supporting. That matters more than words can say.

Final Pull

Megan Ferril’s story is what happens when legacy meets backbone and refuses to back down. It’s family, faith, fire, and the kind of leadership that doesn’t need applause to keep going. If you are wondering what she never leaves home without, besides her phone, the answer is simple: a purse and a koozie. Even when the weight is heavy, sometimes perspective fits best in your hand.

Megan, KJ and Ronny

BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP ///

Towers Want a Healthy Business Life Too

It’s been said that people who have a healthy business life also have a successful career. As towers, all of us strive for a successful business life. Some make it happen, and some don’t. A healthy business life means taking the time to learn what’s needed taking the steps required to have a healthy towing business. A professional tower must commit to the cultivation of strong attitude, foster a growth mindset, and maintain unwavering persistence.

Frankly, anyone within the towing business these days should want a positive mindset and attitude so they can overcome any challenge they face. They should also have a reaction plan for anything that might happen no matter whether simple or intricate. However, just in case you don’t, I would like to cover the traits you will need to master for a healthy business life. An attitude of “stay hungry” approach encourages continuous learning. Besides reading

the Tow Professional magazine, here are some traits that you’ll need for a healthy business life.

Customer Focus: Consider customer focus with everyone who calls or enters your yard. Creating a unique value proposition that solves problems for EVERY customer who needs a tow is vital for building loyalty. You’ll have them for life if you show your value. So, be the person they can count on when they need your help.

Problem Solving: Try adding problem solving, operational strength, to your business. Spending some time focusing on building a strong team, adding some effective marketing, and sound financial management should be top priority for every tower. If any of those traits are missing in your business, make sure that you’re always working toward them. You might not have all of them from the very start but always be working on solving any business

Successful businesspeople often exhibit discipline, continuous learning (which you should be doing anyway), and the ability to adapt to new information or feedback.

challenge you face. Since you’ve committed to always working on your business, you’ll be surprised how soon it could REAPPEAR if you lose them at some point.

Exhibit

Discipline and Adaptability: Successful businesspeople often exhibit discipline, continuous learning (which you should be doing anyway), and the ability to adapt to new information or feedback. These traits are also important for business health. Consider adding discipline and adaptability to whatever comes your way. If you need new equipment, then try your best to get it. Law Enforcement as well as the locals will appreciate you being on top of your business. So, give yourself a healthy towing business by taking steps right now while you juggle everything.

Maintain Balance: Speaking of juggling…when a juggler works his magic, he takes a consistent amount of energy and balance to make sure he doesn’t let anything fall to the ground. He makes what he does look so easy to do. But it’s not. It takes a balancing act to keep all those balls in the air so none of them drop to the floor. It’s the same in your towing business.

Achieving long-term success requires balancing between hard work, family, and teamwork. It could be that you need to take a short break from business, and too, sometimes you must compromise or do whatever needs to be done later. That’s how you avoid burn-out and stay healthy. Attending tow shows or Hill Days gives you the opportunity to be away from the job while you learn.

In all my years on this earth, I’ve heard some people say that they ran out of energy and quit what they supposedly loved to do. Hearing that made me sad.

They quit the very thing that brought them joy and success because they “burned out”. Being towers in today’s market takes energy, passion and hard work, but it’s also okay to take a break from what you love. If taking a break keeps you sane, then take a break. You’ll return to it refreshed and ready for whatever happens.

I want you to join your state association and TRAA, your national association for towers. Protecting your mental and physical health is important because you want to be around for those special moments with your family, friends and team members. Always maintain balance.

Enlarge Your Territory: Enlarging your territory can be done by what you put into the business each day. If you’ve started your towing business from scratch without previous generations helping you, then God bless you. You’re truly an entrepreneur and probably want a healthy business life. Keep striving for it to be better than yesterday. It won’t be long before your towing business is a healthy one.

A state association and TRAA will help you get to where you need to be. Remember, you might know your business, but your state association will help you GROW your business. Personally, first thing I would do is make sure you read Tow Professional magazine. Then pass the magazine around to your team members to read.

In the words of Jelly Roll, a country western singer and song writer, “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason.” Keep looking ahead and don’t dwell on what’s behind you because you can change and get better.

See you next time or on the next Tow Professional podcast.

BY JOHN BOROWSKI ///

The Paradox of POWER

Why is the towing industry in the situation that it’s in today? Additionally, why is it not more affluent?

By every economic metric, this industry should be booming. There are more vehicles on the road than ever before. They are more complex to repair, harder to move, and the reliance on rapid roadside response has never been higher. Cities need accidents cleared instantly to prevent gridlock. Police need roads open. Insurers need claims handled. Motorists need rescue on their worst days. Demand is at an all-time high. Yet, across North America, towing companies are quietly suffocating. Owners are exhausted, drivers are burned out, and margins are evaporating under the weight of crushing insurance premiums and regulations.

The industry isn’t struggling because of a lack of work. It isn’t even struggling because of “disruption” by autonomous vehicles or tech startups, at least not yet. It is struggling because of fragmentation.

The towing industry is essentially a vital infrastructure operating with a “cottage industry” mindset. Until that changes, the wealth and stability that should belong to this sector will remain out of reach.

The primary reason the industry is not affluent is a massive imbalance of leverage.

Most towing companies operate as islands. They are often family-owned, asset-heavy, and fiercely independent. They negotiate alone, absorb risk alone, and fight legal battles alone. Conversely, every entity they do business with operates at a massive scale:

• Insurers are consolidated global giants.

• Municipalities wield centralized government authority.

• Motor Clubs control millions of customers and call volumes.

• Tech Providers own the data.

The towing industry is essentially a vital infrastructure operating with a “cottage industry” mindset. Until that changes, the wealth and stability that should belong to this sector will remain out of reach.

When a single, thinly capitalized towing company negotiates with a billion-dollar insurer or a city government, there is no negotiation; there is dictation. The industry has become a “price-taker” rather than a “price-setter.” Nowhere is this lack of leverage more painful than in insurance. For many, insurance is no longer just a line item, it is the barrier to entry and the primary threat to survival. Insurers view towing as chaotic, inconsistent, and high-risk. From their actuarial vantage point, they aren’t wrong. Training standards vary wildly from state to state, and operating procedures differ from driver to driver. Because the industry has failed to self-standardize, insurers price for the worst-case scenario.

One bad claim, or sometimes just the fear of one, can triple premiums or lead to total non-renewal. To fix this, the industry cannot wait for insurers to be “nice.” Towing must create its own risk-sharing models, captive insurance pools, and rigorous, enforceable safety standards that prove to underwriters that the risk is managed.

For decades, the towing industry has unknowingly subsidized public safety and insurance profitability. Many rates, specifically those tied to municipal rotations and motor club contracts, are anchored in the economics of the 1990s or early 2000s. Since then, the cost

of trucks, fuel, labor, and compliance has exploded. We have created an unsustainable ecosystem where:

• Insurance costs often exceed payroll.

• Compliance costs eat up profit.

• Operators survive only by working longer hours, not smarter systems.

No other emergency services operate this way. Fire departments are funded; EMS rates rise; parking fines escalate with inflation. Towing is the only “essential service” expected to absorb inflation indefinitely. To become affluent, the industry must demand cost-based rate models that account for equipment depreciation, 24/7 readiness, and professional certification. The threat facing towing is not extinction; it is consolidation by force. If the current operators do not adapt, they will be bought out or pushed out by mega-fleets that possess the scale to survive. To save the independent tower, the industry

must embrace a new strategy: Collective Leverage.

Independence is a core value of the tower, but “independence of isolation” is a death sentence. The industry needs functional alliances, not just trade shows, but true cooperatives that:

• Form regional insurance risk pools.

• Share legal and compliance resources.

• Negotiate centrally with municipalities and motor clubs.

Airlines compete for passengers, yet they share safety data. Hospitals compete for patients, yet they lobby collectively. Towing must learn that you can compete for calls while cooperating on survival. The industry can no longer defend itself by saying, “Most of us are good guys.” In the age of viral videos and aggressive litigation, a few predatory operators define the reputation of the entire profession. Saving the industry requires uncomfortable professionalization. This means

advocating for meaningful licensing, tiered operator certifications, and strict codes of conduct. If the industry does not police itself, the government will do it with blunt instruments that punish the good operators along with the bad.

If the industry does nothing, the future is clear: fewer, larger operators with political leverage will dominate, and independent towers will be relegated to the scraps. The towing industry is essential to the movement of the world. It clears the roads, secures scenes, and protects property. However, to claim the financial stability that comes with being “essential,” it must stop acting like a scattered collection of competitors and start acting like a unified stakeholder.

The choice is simple: Give up the isolation of the past to secure the profitability of the future. The towing industry is essential. It is time it started acting like it.

Behind the Muscle:

The Critical Role of the Operations Manual

PROVIDED BY JERR-DAN

“I don’t need to look at the directions; this is pretty selfexplanatory.”

We’ve all heard or said something similar to the line above. While this logic may work for some products, not reading the “directions” in your JerrDan® rotator’s, carrier’s or heavyduty wrecker’s Operations and Safety Manual can be costly. All muscle in your fleet means nothing without understanding the information that governs it.

Read This First

A Jerr-Dan Operations and Safety Manual provides specific precautions and operating procedures essential for safety and proper operation of your towing and recovering equipment. That’s why it’s important to “Read This First.” Taking the time to review the manual helps ensure you’re operating a Jerr-Dan rotator, carrier, or heavyduty wrecker safely, efficiently, and in compliance with standards. After the manual has been thoroughly read,

it must be put back in your towing or recovery vehicle for easy accessibility.

Taking a Closer Look at Your Manual

No matter what Jerr-Dan towing and recovery vehicle you’re operating, when you first open the machine’s Operations and Safety Manual, you’ll find a Table of Contents along with General System Classifications and Contact Information. The manual is then divided into seven key sections. This helps to define how far your fleet’s muscles can safely flex.

Section 1: General Safety Practices

This section of the manual outlines the necessary precautions for proper and safe machine operation and maintenance. These precautions outline potential hazards and provide instructions on how to avoid them.

Section 2: Pre-Operation and Inspection

Even the strongest equipment requires preparation before

performance. In Section 2 of the manual, all pre-operations checks and inspections that need to be completed are listed. These checks should be done at the beginning of each shift or when operators of the machine change.

Section 3: Controls and Indicators

Section 3 explains the control functions of a Jerr-Dan machine. Each machine will have differing control, depending on its function and features. The manual explains how to translate the machine’s hydraulic muscle into controlled movement.

Section 4: Operations

Section 4 provides important information for all machines, including instructions on installing and assembling attachments, as well as guidance on safely operating all components.

Section

5: Emergency Procedures

Things happen. And while no one wants there to be an emergency, the Operations and Safety Manual is there to help operators get through it.

Note: While the manual does give some guidance for emergency situations, it is vital that operators call an Authorized Distributor for specific instructions.

Section 6: Maintenance

Rotators, carriers and heavy-duty wreckers represent major capital investment — protecting that muscle protects your business. To ensure your machine stays in tip-top shape, it is important to consult the Maintenance section of your manual to see what preventive maintenance should be done. This section also contains troubleshooting information and gives insight on what do if an issue with a machine should occur.

Section 7: Specifications

This section contains all the product specifications and performance data. Ratings have been provided to ensure a machine is being used properly. Knowing this information is crucial, as misuse can damage the machine and may create an unsafe environment for operators and others around the site. Beyond the seven sections, an index is provided for ease of use. This is followed by an Inspection, Maintenance and Repair log. It is important that this log is filled out, so if an issue does occur, it can be more easily identified. Finally, a Transfer of Ownership page has been added. If a machine’s ownership is transferred, it is important to contact Jerr-Dan so the most up-todate information about the machine can be sent to the correct owner.

Reading Does Not Equal Trained

designed and customized for entrylevel to experienced rotator operators. Attendees learn in the classroom and get hands-on, personalized experience with an instructor to learn skills that will help them perform in real-life scenarios.

Where Can I Find the Manual?

If you have a Jerr-Dan rotator, carrier

and/or heavy-duty wrecker, and happen to lose the original copy or want the most up-to-date version of your machine’s operations manual, Jerr-Dan offers them all for free on its website. Additionally, if you have a question about something within the manual, please call Tow Support by Jerr-Dan at (800) 926-9666.

Real operators respect the muscle — and study the manual behind it. Although the importance of the Operations and Safety Manual cannot be stressed enough, reading the manual does not mean an individual is trained. It is important that all operators have proper training from other experienced operators for all machines.

For rotators specifically, Jerr-Dan offers a hands-on program that is

ROTATORS & HEAVY EQUIPMENT

Returning Customer Service

One Build At A Time — Custom Built Mfg LLC

BY NICK DANGELO

Custom Built Manufacturing LLC has become a strong contender in the heavy-duty truck manufacturing sector and all of it began with

Custom Built Manufacturing’s original driving force, Derek Dangelo. Derek recognized the functionality of having a custom heavy-duty wrecker available after serving the towing industry for 30

Custom Built Family Testimonials:

years along with the autobody industry for 35 years as Dangelo’s Autobody and Towing.

Throughout 2026, they will be celebrating their 20th year since Custom Built Manufacturing LLC was established. They’ll be focusing exclusively on meeting or exceeding their customer’s expectations at every level of quality, value, performance, price and shortest possible lead times, while progressing the craftsmanship, commitment, and customer service with every custom built heavy duty wrecker.

Custom Built offers a 20-ton, 30-ton and 50-ton unit on their integrated

“I can’t say enough good things about Custom Built Manufacturing. If you are ever in the market for a heavy wrecker you definitely want to call these guys. We found out about them in 2013 shopping online looking around for a reliable heavy wrecker that we could afford and that would meet the demands in our area. We made several trips around and wasted a lot of time looking around at equipment that had been abused and unmaintained all over the country. It was definitely a true blessing when we made it to Kane, PA to see a truck that was in the same condition that was presented online. The CB 30 is definitely a game changer in the towing industry. This bed is one of the most versatile heavy wrecker beds we have ever operated. The options of having it installed on a new or used chassis, whichever fits your budget, is wonderful.

After meeting Nick and his dad, Derek Dangelo they truly have become like family. Since then we have had them build us 11 heavy wreckers, anywhere from 30 ton to 50 ton to 50 ton rotator. All built with professionalism like no other. Nick is always quick to help with any questions or anything we need with our units, you can tell he truly cares about the products that his family and guys produce. Thank you, Nick, Derek, and your team, for everything you guys do. Custom Built Manufacturing is truly a blessing to the towing industry.

—Drew and Whitney Miller

with S & M Repair, LLC

“When I think of the name Custom built, I think of a family taking care of my family! From the very first phone call with Nick, I felt at peace and confident! I was a brand-new business owner taking over a 36-year-old company and buying my first brand new heavy wrecker. Those that’ve been there know what I mean! But Nick made it easy, and I have never looked back. We now have a cb30, cb50 and a cbr50 and soon to be something bigger! His Units are strong and very user-friendly! The quality is fabulous but nothing in life is perfect. When those little issues have come up Nick himself answered the phone immediately no matter the day or hour and the situation was handled immediately. There was no calling the salesman and having to hear his b.s. story on the manufacturer. Nick is the man that does it ALL! One call truly does it all and that’s why I will continue to support the CUSTOM BUILT family that supports mine!”

—Michael Lard with Tom’s 24-hour towing

line; additional options they offer are a 12k side puller, 20k side puller, and extending rear spades. On their 50-ton wrecker, they also offer a 20k belly winch under the boom. For the rotators, they offer a 35-ton, 50-ton, 60-ton and a 75-ton. If you are unsure which build is for you, don’t hesitate to reach out and inquire. They are eager to work with you to create the perfect tow truck, keeping your fleet modern and efficient.

They have experts in house, ensuring that the least possible number of defects are passed along to the final product throughout every step of the manufacturing process from metal forming, to welding to paint and assembly. Reinforcing their absolute commitment of their builds by offering an industry leading 10-year structural warranty for all steel components made in house for their custom heavy-duty wreckers. Ensuring that every single piece and part meet the standards expected by their customers, while utilizing nothing less than USA-made steel for all their units.

This commitment of unmatched quality and customer service begins at the top and spreads throughout every member of the Custom Built team, setting them apart from their competitors. Boasting, “When you buy a unit from us, you are considered part of the Custom Built family,” Nick Dangelo stated.

One very important question is asked repeatedly by potential customer’s, why build a fully custom heavy-duty wrecker versus a standard stock wrecker?

Custom Built likes to revert the question; if you could change your wrecker, what

would you like to change?

Together with Custom Built Manufacturing you will design your heavy-duty wrecker keeping in mind everything from rotator size and frame reinforcement. Right down to accessories like chains and straps sourced from American made companies. Custom Built fabricates,

welds, paints and assembles every boom, frame box, along with many additional items, including 75% of their hydraulic cylinders in house at their new facility in Kane, PA. Custom Built can utilize budgets that their competitors would be reluctant to accommodate but with a quality that is astounding.

CUSTOMER SERVICE! AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH INGENUITY & A

Kanister Industries Front Recovery Unit

Kanister Industries has engineered a game changer for the market with the new great-looking bumper that features an integrated front recovery unit. This unit provides a recovery range exceeding 180 degrees, ensuring even spooling of the winch cable, regardless of the pull direction. The patented trunnion sheave head & front winch release enable fast and efficient operation.

Tow professionals can recover vehicles the same way they entered, eliminating the need to create a new path out. This unit enhances operator safety, by eliminating the need to work behind or alongside the recovery vehicle.

Recovery operations can be performed remotely, from inside the cab of the recovery vehicle, or even from within the disabled vehicle itself. This allows the operator to bring the recovered vehicle fully onto the roadway, not just to the shoulder of the road.

Having the front recovery unit allows the operator to approach the recovery

point head-on, rather than at a side angle. This reduces amount of time operators need to spend in active traffic lanes, and allows for recovery, without turning recovery vehicle around.

Minimizing the necessity of calling a wrecker for the first stage of recovery, freeing other trucks up in your fleet.

• The front recovery unit is compatible

with any vehicle, regardless of cab-to-bed clearance. Chassis recommendation is a Class 5-6 truck from 19,501-26,000 lbs.

Standard Features

• 8,000 lb. planetary winch

• Winch tensioner

• Trunnion sheave head

• Front winch release

• Wireless remote control for winch (emergency manual override lever)

• Hydraulic valve with power beyond capabilities

• Painted black tough coated aluminum covers

• Powder coated black frame

• Two tie back points

• Mounting holes for license plate

• Hydraulic stabilizers

• Pads with spade pin position

For more information please visit www.kanisterind.com or email us at kanisterind@gmail.com.

A Safer Way to Store Your Rotator’s Auxiliary Winch Hook

The technology behind EZ Claw’s Line Saver tensioner system for tractor-trailers is now being adapted to the heavy-duty towing market with the EZ Claw Extendable Cable Tieback for auxiliary winches on Miller brand rotators. Unlike spring-loaded tiebacks, this retractable cable offers a safer and more efficient method of storing and securing the hook in transit and on scene.

Now available at Zip’s AW Direct, this tieback is installed at the base of the auxiliary winch drum mount, utilizing existing bolt hole locations. Purchased individually or in pairs for both sides of the boom, each kit includes tandem 40lb. tensioners, powder-coated bracketry, a carabiner and a triangular-shaped Connect Clip link to attach the cable to the hook.

Under operation, the tensioner’s recoil spring provides the right amount of slack as the boom extends and the right amount of tension to prevent the winchline from birdnesting on the

Reducing the risk of falls and injury, EZ Claw’s tieback is safer than alternative methods, including spring tiebacks, which can become overextended and stretched out over time. The EZ Claw tieback also eliminates the need to free-wheel turret winches when raising the boom, thus streamlining the operation and increasing operational efficiency.

drum during retrieval. Once slack, the tensioner cable is accessible from the ground, which keeps the tow operator from climbing on top of the deck to remove the hook, as seen with other methods.

Ron Pratt from Midwest Truck in Scott City, MO, recently swapped out the spring-loaded tieback on his Miller Century 1150 rotator for the new EZ Claw tieback. He said he was impressed with the extendable system and found the dual tensioner setup safer and more practical to use than the old, outdated spring style.

“Common issues prior to the EZ Claw tieback were stretched-out factory springs, which led to not tying the cables back and then not having access to the auxiliary cables unless we pulled

“The Line Saver tieback provides a safe and practical way to secure the auxiliary cables on our rotator.”

—Ron Pratt

them down prior to using the boom,” Pratt explained. “Being able to access the auxiliary cables from the ground is a huge plus. It keeps the auxiliary lines out of the way when not needed, yet easily accessible if they are.”

Field-proven in the transportation industry, the EZ Claw Line Saver tensioner was originally designed to support the air and electrical lines between semis and trailers. This system now provides a safer connection for heavy-duty tow operators to control the winch hook on their rotators. The weatherproof tensioner and marinegrade components will hold up to the elements and help preserve the life of your winch line and hook.

“The Line Saver tieback provides a safe and practical way to secure the

Fine incline.

The GUNI Automotive Ramp can bridge the gap between the ground and the tail of your carrier bed or trailer deck.

Constructed from welded high-density poly material

Supports up to 3,000 lbs. individually

Ideal for lowclearance vehicles

Built for commercial use

The Sought-After 85-Ton: Inside the

For over 50 years, NRC Industries has built its reputation on engineering equipment that meets the realworld demands of the towing and recovery industry. From Light-Duty Carriers to some of the most advanced heavy Rotators on the road today, NRC has consistently focused on strength, safety, and innovation. Among its most respected platforms is the CSR85 — an 85-Ton Composite Sliding Rotator built for serious heavy-duty recovery operations.

The CSR85 represents a high level of capability in the 85-Ton class. Designed for recovering tractor-trailers, buses, construction equipment, and large commercial vehicles, this Rotator is built for complex jobs where lifting capacity, stability, and reach matter most.

85 Tons of Lifting Performance

At the core of the CSR85 is its 85-Ton boom rating, placing it firmly in the upper tier of heavy recovery equipment. The unit features a full 360-degree

NRC CSR85

rotating boom, allowing operators to lift and maneuver loads without repositioning the truck. This capability significantly improves efficiency during highway recoveries and tight industrial operations.

The sliding boom design enhances both reach and flexibility. By allowing controlled boom extension and positioning, operators can approach recoveries from more effective angles. Whether up-righting an overturned semi or managing a multi-vehicle commercial incident, the CSR85 provides the controlled lifting power required in high-demand situations.

High-capacity main and auxiliary winches support a wide range of recovery configurations. Combined with advanced hydraulic controls, these systems deliver smooth and precise load management — critical when handling thousands of pounds under tension.

Stability and Structural Engineering

Heavy recovery requires more than lifting strength; it requires stability. The

CSR85 is equipped with robust hydraulic outriggers engineered to provide secure stabilization during maximum-capacity lifts. Proper deployment ensures safe operation even in uneven or challenging terrain conditions.

The “Composite” in Composite Sliding Rotator refers to NRC’s advanced body construction. The composite design reduces unnecessary weight while maintaining structural durability. This optimized weight distribution enhances overall chassis performance and contributes to longterm reliability.

Mounted on premium heavy-duty chassis platforms, the CSR85 becomes a complete recovery solution capable of responding to the most demanding calls in a fleet’s service area.

Built on a Foundation of Innovation

While the CSR85 reflects modern engineering advancements, it is built on decades of industry experience. Founded in 1976, NRC Industries began as a Canadian manufacturer focused on delivering durable, practical towing solutions. Over time, NRC expanded globally and became known for pioneering innovations in both carrier and Rotator design.

Through continuous development and operator-driven feedback, NRC has

ROBERT YOUNG’S NRC SALES & SERVICE

refined its heavy recovery platforms to meet evolving industry standards. The CSR series, including the 85-Ton model, is a direct result of that commitment to progress and performance.

A Strategic Addition to Any Heavy Fleet

The move into an 85-Ton Rotator class represents growth. Companies investing in the CSR85 are preparing to handle larger commercial recoveries, municipal contracts, and specialized industrial work.

The unit’s reach, lifting capacity, stabilization system, and boom flexibility allow operators to approach complex recoveries with confidence. In regions with heavy commercial traffic, owning an 85-Ton Rotator expands both service capability and professional standing.

The CSR85 continues to be sought after not simply because of its size, but because of its balanced engineering — combining power, reach, and precision into a reliable heavy-duty platform.

Robert Young’s NRC Sales & Service has been a proud distributor for over 25 years! Robert Young’s has a towing division that utilizes the equipment on the daily, providing expert knowledge to help you determine the right choice for your company. Give us a call today 800-246-4785.

Big D’s Fabrication offers heavy-duty tow dollies

Big D’s Fabrication is a Wisconsin-based manufacturer specializing in heavy-duty towing equipment that is designed and “Made for TOWERS by TOWER’S” for the towing and recovery industry. Located in Green Bay, WI the company crafts custom-engineered truck dollies and accessories tailored to meet the demanding needs of tow operators. Big D’s Fabrication offers a range of dollies with varying load capacities.

Big D’s Fabrication dolly sizes are:

• 44K Dolly: 44,000 lbs. capacity

• 40K Dolly: 40,000 lbs. capacity

• 25K Truck Dolly: 25,000 lbs. capacity

• 25K Camper Dolly: 25,000 lbs. capacity

Each dolly features either a double or single pan design, depending on the model, and is engineered to raise the load height by 5 inches. Big D’s Fabrication dollies are designed for versatility, allowing for use both right side up and upside down, depending on the height requirements of the job. Don’t

just take our word, ask our clients!

Heath Bambarger (Bambarger Wrecker Service): “Our BigD dolly was used to transport this loaded dump trailer back to the local scrap yard. With this dolly we were able to save time and save the customer money.

So thankful to all the guys at Big D’s Fabrication for building such a great product! This is a must have in your towing business!”

—Heath Bambarger President

Bambarger Wrecker Service Inc. Tuscaloosa Alabama

The heavy-duty dollies are also easily transportable by towing behind your vehicle. We offer several accessories… lifting sling/harness, bus fork brackets (attach to the dolly) and dolly fork pins, for ease of moving the heavyduty dollies around. All dollies can be painted any PPG-AUE370 color.

For more information contact Big D’s

Fabrication on their website at www. bigdsfabrication.com and check out their Facebook page at facebook.com/ bigdsfab for working pictures.

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

Smarter, Safer Recoveries: Telemetry Shackles for the Towing Industry

BY ALISON LIPPE, CHANT ENGINEERING

In today’s towing and recovery environment, safety, speed, and control are everything. Operators are expected to perform complex recoveries under pressure, often with limited visibility into the forces at play. That’s where DLM (Dynamic Load Monitoring) telemetry shackles and load links change the game by bringing real-time load awareness to towing and recovery operations.

Through a long-standing partnership with Chant Engineering, DLM delivers advanced load monitoring solutions directly to the point of use. Designed for harsh environments, DLM’s telemetry shackles are high-strength, marine-grade wireless load cells built with high-tensile stainless steel load pins. These rugged tools transmit live load data to handheld displays at distances at least 2,625 feet (800 meters), giving operators instant insight without stepping into harm’s way.

DLM is a global specialist in the design, manufacture, repair, and calibration of load cells and load monitoring equipment, trusted across offshore, marine, subsea, and lifting industries. Chant Engineering, a diversified engineering company, also with British heritage, has distributed DLM shackle load cells and tensile load links throughout the U.S. since 2015, offering capacities from 1 ton to 50 tons to meet a wide range of towing and recovery needs.

In towing and recovery, shackles

are a critical connection point- most often used to link a tow truck’s winch line to the vehicle or equipment being recovered. By simply substituting a standard shackle with a DLM shackle load cell, operators gain immediate visibility into the forces applied across the rigging system. In other words, real=time data where it matters most. Load links can be placed at key locations within the rigging layout,

whether at the load, inline with the winch, or at critical connection points. This real-time data allows operators to confirm that their rigging is properly rated, recognize dangerous load spikes, and make confident decisions during challenging recoveries involving passenger vehicles, heavy equipment, or tractor trailers.

Every recovery is different, and unexpected forces can quickly turn a

routine job into a dangerous situation. DLM telemetry shackles remove the guesswork by making invisible forces visible, helping operators work smarter, reduce equipment damage, and protect both personnel and property.

For towing professionals looking to elevate safety standards and operational confidence, DLM telemetry shackles and load links deliver the insight needed to recover with control, every time.

TALK IN REAL TIME

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

Towbook:

Built for the Industry, Focused on What’s Next.

BY KENDALL SMITH

The towing and recovery industry continues to evolve, and so do the demands placed on the professionals who power it. Regulations shift. Customer expectations rise. Technology advances. Through it all, Towbook remains focused on one thing: building software designed to evolve throughout these ever-changing needs.

Since 2007, Towbook has grown to become the largest independently owned towing management software provider in the nation. Our mission has remained consistent: listen to our customers, solve real operational challenges, and continually refine the tools that help towing companies operate efficiently and profitably.

We’ve never believed there’s a finish line — only smarter, safer, and more streamlined ways to support the industry.

Dispatching That Drives Efficiency

Dispatch is the heartbeat of your operation. Towbook’s centralized Dispatching system allows you to assign calls, monitor progress, and track drivers in real time from start to finish.

With fully integrated iOS and Android mobile apps, drivers and managers can operate seamlessly from the office or the road. Key tools include:

• Plate-to-VIN technology to autopopulate vehicle data

• Automatic mileage calculations

• Real-time internal chat

• Live driver availability tracking

• Customer location requests

• Secure portals for police departments, body shops, and dealerships

• Web request forms to receive jobs from your website

Towbook integrates with all major motor clubs, allowing contracted jobs to flow directly into your system. Our out-of-network program also provides opportunities to receive overflow work — helping keep your trucks productive. Leading the Way in Roadside Safety: Waze Integration

In 2025, Towbook introduced a powerful new integration with Waze designed to improve roadside safety for tow operators and motorists alike. Through this integration, Towbook provides real-time location alerts of active tow trucks and roadside assistance vehicles to nearby Waze users. This enhanced visibility helps alert approaching drivers, giving them

reducing the risk of collisions near roadside incidents.

The benefits are clear:

• Improved Road Safety: Increased driver awareness helps prevent accidents and protects tow operators working in high-risk roadside environments.

• Faster Scene Clearance: When

motorists move over and provide space, operators can work more efficiently, clearing disabled vehicles and accident scenes faster.

• Global Reach: Towbook processes more than 40 million service requests annually across multiple countries, making real-time alerts available to Waze users worldwide.

Safety has always been a priority in the towing industry. This integration represents another step forward, combining technology and awareness to protect both service providers and the motorists they assist.

Protection Against Damage Claims

Damage claims can be costly and frustrating — especially when companies are blamed for preexisting issues. Towbook provides documentation tools that help protect your business.

POWER YOU CAN DEPEND ON.

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

TOWING SOFTWARE

date-stamped, time-stamped, geo-coded, and tied to the call status at the time captured. Drivers can also attach short videos to document vehicle condition during pickup.

Vehicle Damage Reports allow customers to review documented damage and provide digital signatures directly on a mobile device, with remote approval options available. Reports can be emailed instantly to customers or insurance companies.

Additional protections include our proof of service report and configurable damage waivers. Clear documentation strengthens transparency — and your defense.

Simplified Impound & Storage Management

Managing stored and impounded vehicles don’t have to be complicated. Towbook automatically calculates storage fees based on your preferences

You can manage multiple lots, track third-party storage locations, transfer vehicles between properties, and autofill required state or local forms using call data. Secure portals allow law enforcement or property managers to look up vehicles in real time.

Organization reduces errors, saves time, and ensures compliance.

Mapping, Mileage & Operational Visibility

Towbook integrates seamlessly with Google Maps to handle GPS tracking and mileage calculations automatically. Dispatchers can view drivers’ locations, predicted arrival times, and real-time traffic conditions.

Call and driver replay features allow you to review routes taken — valuable for training, verification, dispute resolution, or internal analysis. Accurate mileage tracking supports

proper billing, payroll accuracy, and stronger reporting.

Private Property & Transport Tools

For companies handling private property towing, Towbook offers Authorized Vehicle Lists, propertyspecific tags, and customizable portals for property managers. Parking permit management and digital stickering add further transparency and documentation.

Transport-focused companies benefit from flexible billing options, including hourly rate items, multiple vehicles per call, and multi-destination management — reflecting the real-world complexity of transport work.

Financial Clarity Without Complexity

While not an accounting platform, Towbook provides robust financial and billing tools to streamline revenue management.

• Configurable invoices and statements

• Payment verification tracking

• Audit and lock functionality

• Automatic commission calculations

• Motor club direct billing and payment importing

• QuickBooks integration

Comprehensive reporting tools provide visibility into your company’s financial performance, helping you make informed decisions.

Fleet Management That Protects Your Investment

Your trucks are one of your largest investments. Towbook’s fleet tools include customizable pre-trip inspections, maintenance tracking, expense logging with receipt uploads, and profitability reporting by vehicle.

Automatic truck and driver assignments help streamline dispatching while ensuring accountability.

Elevating Customer Experience

Today’s motorists expect transparency — even in stressful roadside situations. Towbook delivers modern communication tools that enhance professionalism.

Roadside.io provides an “Uber-like” experience, allowing customers to track

job progress in real time. Automated job progress texts keep them informed, while post-service surveys collect feedback and trigger alerts for negative responses.

Driver ratings and built-in review links help you recognize top performers and strengthen your online reputation.

A Commitment Beyond Software

Technology is only part of the equation. Towbook backs its platform with complimentary 24/7/365 support — connecting you with real people who understand your needs.

Every client receives guidance from a dedicated account concierge to assist with onboarding and ongoing success.

As the industry continues to evolve, Towbook remains focused on innovation, safety, and operational efficiency. From smarter dispatching and stronger documentation to real-time Waze safety alerts, our commitment is simple:

Support the professionals who keep the roads clear — and help them do it better every day.

Tow Professional subscribers can get 90-days of Towbook, free! Just sign up using their unique code below or visit www.towbook.com.

The Dashcam That Cried “Not Our Fault!”

How is Azuga helping tow fleets yank down insurance premiums—one video clip at a time? If you’ve spent any amount of time running a towing operation, you already know two universal truths:

1. People never read road signs, and… 2. Your insurance premiums cost more than a used rollback.

Every year, insurers seem to raise their rates as if they’re getting charged by the lift themselves. Meanwhile, you’re just trying to tow minivans out of ditches without being blamed for every accident within a 12-mile radius. Enter the unexpected hero of the

towing world: Azuga Dashcams—the compact, unblinking copilots that see everything, remember everything, and (thank heavens) never call out sick.

Insurance Companies Love Evidence—Azuga Delivers It in HD

If you feel like insurers assume every tow truck driver is out there performing interpretive dance instead of driving, you’re not alone. Tow trucks get blamed so often you’d think they were the villains in an action movie. However, Azuga Dashcams provide what every adjuster wants: clear, objective, indisputable proof of what really happened. Dashcams provide real-time determine fault confidently.

said-she-said” arguments, and most importantly, fewer reasons for insurers to raise your premiums.

Say Goodbye to Fraudsters Who Think Your Tow Trucks Look “Insurance-Rich”

You know who loves tow trucks? People staging fraudulent accidents. They see your rigs and think, “That vehicle has great insurance and deep pockets—perfect target!” Here’s the good news: 70% of accidents aren’t the fleet driver’s fault, and dashcams help prove it. Video doesn’t blink, hesitate, or confuse your truck with the one that caused the wreck.

Insurers know staged accidents are on the rise and love when fleets use dashcams to stop the bleeding. Video telematics provides carriers a reliable way to verify what happened and protect themselves from unnecessary losses.

Safer Drivers = Happier Insurers = Lower Premiums

All of us know drivers aren’t perfect. Some drift, some glance at their phones, some treat lane lines like gentle suggestions. Fortunately, Azuga’s system includes AI-powered monitoring that detects distraction, fatigue, and other risky behaviors and

alerts drivers before small mistakes turn into big claims.

Even better, the coaching tools tied to Azuga video telematics help improve driver behavior over time. Fleets that use these tools see fewer collisions, and fewer collisions directly benefit the insurer’s loss ratio. Some towing businesses even reported dramatic

reductions in risky behavior when pairing telematics with driver rewards programs—an approach that boosts morale and satisfies insurers looking for responsible fleets.

Insurance Carriers Prefer Fleets Using Video Telematics…period. There’s a “not-so-secret” secret in

TOWING SOFTWARE & MOBILE VIDEO

the insurance world: carriers adore fleets that make their jobs easier. Data shows that insurers increasingly rely on connected dashcams to gain accurate insight into fleet risk, reduce litigation pressure, and lower claim costs.

With clear data on driver behavior, underwriters can price premiums more accurately, meaning safe fleets get the discounts they deserve rather than paying the same rates as crews who think defensive driving is optional.

Tow Industry Case Studies Are Already Showing Big Improvements

Real towing fleets are already seeing results. Case studies show how telematics and cameras dramatically reduced risky driving behaviors and insurance claims among towing operations that implemented Azuga systems.

The Bottom Line: Azuga Dashcams Are the Wingman Your Tow Fleet Deserves

Between fraud prevention, safer driving, faster claims resolution, and insurer-approved transparency, Azuga Dashcams are basically an insurance discount machine hiding inside a tiny box on your windshield. Will they magically make insurance companies lower premiums overnight? No. This isn’t Hogwarts! Will they steadily, reliably reduce your risk profile year after year, giving insurers fewer excuses to raise your rates? Absolutely! If

AZUGA

saving money, boosting safety, and ending unjust blame sounds good to you, it might be time to make Azuga the newest member of your towing crew.

So, will insurance companies give you a 1-year premium discount for having Azuga? In some cases, yes. However, the real benefit is changing driver behavior which reduces your

liability and limits claims. Better yet, it reduces your insurance premiums permanently. It’s like the “Jelly of the Month Club”. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

For more information or to set up a free demo go to offer.azuga.com/ Towbook.

New Service: Add Digital Permitting For Your PPI Customers!

Ranger’s innovative solution – PatrolWorks with LPR (PW+LPR) – resets expectations for effective private property parking management. It puts the pieces together: with advanced digital permitting, customizable parameters for managing each violation, AND enforcement (LPR and mobile application) in a single, fully integrated solution.

The Opportunity – What’s New?

The most financially attractive approach for implementing PatrolWorks is with paid permitting – residents purchase a permit for parking which covers costs and generates incremental revenue for owners and PPI providers

(“Shared Proceeds Model”). However, some apartment managers, even if they use permits, lack the authority to introduce paid permitting. To overcome this challenge, PatrolWorks has created a new “private label” alternative that you can add to your PPI service. In addition to the Shared Proceeds Model, you can now offer a “cost-based” Digital Permitting Service for which PatrolWorks bills you, and you in turn bill the property (or not), as appropriate.

The new Digital Permitting Service equips you to build on the existing customer relationships that you have developed through your PPI (trespass towing) business with an added service to improve your “stickiness” with your customers. Customers realize all the non-

financial benefits of using PatrolWorks (e.g., resident self-service - using the LP as the permit) at a low cost that would fit within the property’s budget.

Pricing of the Digital Permitting Service from PatrolWorks is competitive with the cost of permitting with stickers. The variable cost of small, simple stickers (without a property logo) will often be more than $0.20/ permit. Adding the cost of management time to track, distribute, and replace stickers (e.g., rental cars, new vehicles) will translate to a full cost per year of 10 to 25 times the permit variable cost for each resident vehicle. With modest scale, the cost to you for the Digital Permitting Service from PatrolWorks is only $0.03 to $0.04/mo. per permit! PatrolWorks bills you for the Digital Permitting Service and you set the pricing for your customers. Options include:

1. Pass on your cost from PatrolWorks to each customer served

2. Absorb the charges from PatrolWorks as a cost of doing business. Some PPI professionals already pay the cost for permits (cost eliminated!). In addition, the potential for more impounds and the acquisition of new customers could more than offset the charges that you incur from PatrolWorks

3. Offer the service at a premium to your charges from PatrolWorks. Property Managers are realizing significant value – savings from digital permitting and your PPI services

In addition, there is the opportunity to charge for guest permits. These proceeds could be shared with the property, or not.

Summary of Benefits

The benefits of the Digital Permitting Service are compelling for both property managers and PPI professionals.

And your customers will always be your customers. The registration/permit

data from the residents of the properties you serve belongs to you and will never be shared with competitors.

Implementation – Start with PWMobile

The Digital Permitting Service eliminates the cost and hassles of stickers, and streamlines patrolling and enforcement – using License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology or the PWMobile app. Both are fully integrated with PatrolWorks and enable more productive/frequent patrolling.

PWMobile provides a practical and very economical approach to get started. The application runs on a mobile device (e.g., tablet) providing a low/ no cost launch option, with a transition to the LPR configuration as business momentum builds.

Using PWMobile, patrolling efficiency is far superior to the typical “Easter Egg Hunt” looking for expired stickers, but somewhat slower than with license plate recognition (LPR). License plates are checked on an exception basis from the cab of a truck or patrol vehicle, instead of rolling through a lot at low speed in a car with LPR.

PWMobile provides the key advantages of PatrolWorks to PPI professionals:

Parking Policies: Configuration of ALL property parking policies. Violation “consequences” (Warning/

Tagging, Ticketing, Impounding) can be tailored and aligned to the violation. All violations trigger a notification, but the subsequent steps can be

differentiated based on preferences of the property manager. For example, vehicles with:

• No valid permit – Impound immediately and notify the police

• An expired permit – first send a Warning, then send a Ticket, then Impound

• An expired vehicle registration – first send a Warning, wait 48 hours, then Impound - but only with pre-approval by the Property Manager, if required

Patrolling: License plates are

TOWING SOFTWARE & MOBILE VIDEO

checked using PWMobile. The “Browse Plates” functionality in PWMobile provides a searchable list of all plates on the lot with a valid permit. The driver enters one or two characters from the license plate of any vehicle not recognized, and all relevant plates are shown to quickly identify if the vehicle in question is among those with a valid permit.

As the driver/spotter becomes more familiar with the lot, he/she will soon know which vehicles “belong” based on previous patrols. This enables an even faster pace - working on an “exception basis”. PWMobile is a great fit for PPI companies whose towtruck drivers are both checking lots for unauthorized vehicles and impounding violators.

In some markets, tow companies are not allowed to patrol. In these cases, an independent (e.g., security) company could do the patrolling using PWMobile. Any violations, as

appropriate would be forwarded to a driver in a tow truck for impounding –also equipped with PWMobile.

Violation Entry: A driver with PWMobile is fully equipped to independently patrol, enter any new violations detected, and appropriately handle all violations. Any violation –

whether related to a valid permit or an expired vehicle registration – can be entered along with pictures for added documentation.

Violation

Management:

PatrolWorks tracks the status of each violation digitally – e.g., whether a vehicle can be impounded per property policies and protocols. AND, if impounding is separate from patrolling, this status is communicated to the driver in the tow truck – also using PWMobile. The status updates quickly

indicate whether a vehicle in violation is READY to be impounded or is WAITING for some pre-conditions to be met.

With growth, PatrolWorks enables a seamless transition to advanced patrolling technology –license plate recognition (LPR) for further improvement in operational productivity.

Could the Digital Permitting Service from PatrolWorks be an opportunity for you to win and grow in your market with your customers? An opportunity to build your business without the risks of working with a permitting-centric company? PW+LPR is the future of private property parking management. You can be the leader with exclusivity in your market -- profitably serving more customers and more lots and generating more impounds. And Digital Permitting might open the door to paid permitting in the future - creating new revenue sources from permitting?

To learn more, please invest a few minutes to watch these videos:

Call for more information (440) 498-1495 Or Visit www.patrolworksparkingsolutions.com And follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ patrolworksparkingsolution

Front Recovery Unit Advantages

• Provides a recovery range exceeding 180 degrees

• Ensures even spooling of the winch cable, regardless of the pull direction

• The patented trunnion sheave head & front winch release enable fast and efficient operation

• Recover vehicles the same way they entered, eliminating the need to create a new path out

• Enhanced operator safety, by eliminating the need to work behind or alongside the recovery vehicle, and recovery operations can be performed remotely, from inside the cab of the recovery vehicle, or even from within the disabled vehicle itself

• Enables the operator to bring the recovered vehicle fully onto the roadway, not just to the shoulder of the road

• Allows the operator to approach the recovery point head-on, rather than at a side angle

• Reduces amount of time operators need to spend in active traffic lanes

• Allows recovery, without turning recovery vehicle around

• Minimizes the necessity of calling in a wrecker for the first stage of recovery

• Compatible with any vehicle, regardless of cab-to-bed clearance

TOWING SOFTWARE & MOBILE VIDEO

The Future of Digital Dispatch Is Here Roadsider Leads the Industry with Zero

Touch Technology and 50 Years of Experience

In the heart of California, a quiet transformation is changing the way roadside assistance and towing operations connect. That change is called Roadsider, a digital dispatch company redefining the industry with innovation, safety, and realworld practicality. After months of development through the winter, the team at Roadsider has emerged with a groundbreaking system built on human understanding and modern engineering, the first platform to truly put safety, simplicity, and experience at the center of digital dispatch. Guiding this renaissance is President John Borowski, a fiftyyear operator whose lifetime in the industry has shaped the company’s vision. From driver to dispatcher, from owner to

executive, Borowski has lived every side of the towing and roadside business, and those insights are now coming to life through Roadsider’s newly enhanced dispatch ecosystem. “Technology should protect, not complicate,” says Borowski. “Roadsider isn’t just another app, it’s fifty years of experience distilled into something that truly serves the people behind the wheel.”

Throughout his career, John Borowski has witnessed the industry’s rapid digital evolution, and its challenges. Traditional dispatch software emphasized speed, but often at the expense of the operator’s focus, the dispatcher’s clarity, and the customer’s understanding. Roadsider’s team decided it was time for a change. They analyzed every step of the dispatch

cycle, identifying weak points in safety, communication, and compliance. Then, together, they built a system that fixes those problems instead of working around them. The result? A fully integrated, forwardthinking dispatch platform that is not just smart, it is safe, intuitive, and humane.

Introducing the Patented Zero Touch™ System

Roadsider’s most revolutionary advancement is its newly patented Zero Touch™ technology, the industry’s first handsfree, voiceactivated dispatch interface. Once Zero Touch™ is engaged, a driver can operate the entire Roadsider system simply by speaking. From accepting jobs and navigating routes to confirming arrivals and communicating with dispatchers, everything happens through natural voice recognition, no screens, no buttons, no distractions. “Zero Touch™ changes everything,” Borowski explains. “For the first time, operators can control their entire dispatch process safely, without ever taking their hands off the wheel.”

This breakthrough not only streamlines operations but also significantly enhances roadway safety by eliminating one of the most persistent risks in modern towing, driver distraction. Zero Touch™ is destined to stand as the new industry benchmark, validating Roadsider’s commitment to designing tools that are both technologically advanced and fundamentally human.

For decades, the towing and roadside service industry resisted the shift to computerized operations, until the benefits became undeniable. When digital dispatch first arrived, it improved efficiency but left safety and profitability behind. Roadsider has changed that story completely. Drawing on over 50 years of realworld operational experience, the company has created the first fully realized digital dispatch ecosystem

that not only safeguards drivers and streamlines communication but also maximizes financial outcomes. Through a strategic integration with TowLot.com, Roadsider has negotiated a seamless digital auction process that ensures every vehicle sold from a participating tow lot achieves maximum market value. This innovation gives operators and agency partners direct access to competitive online auctions, verified buyers, and faster turnaround, all within the Roadsider system.

This is not new ground for Roadsider; it is a continuation of the company’s long history of leadership and deep understanding of industry challenges. With its patented Zero Touch™ technology, automated lien processing, and now integrated auction capabilities through TowLot.com, Roadsider delivers the most complete and experienced digital dispatch solution available for today’s operators and agencies.

Roadsider’s innovation does not stop at dispatch. The company has also launched a fully automated towlot management system, an industryexclusive feature that streamlines lien handling and title processing from start to finish. For companies handling policeordered tows or impounds, the process of managing vehicle liens can be a complex, timeconsuming administrative challenge. Roadsider’s new autooptions function does all the heavy lifting automatically. Once the tow data is entered, the system initiates and tracks every step of the lien process, from owner notification and timeline tracking to document filing and final title readiness. When complete, it provides a perfected lien, ready for a clean, compliant sale. What once took days of paperwork and manual verification now happens smoothly in a single connected platform. “We designed Roadsider to handle the grind,” Borowski says.

“From the moment a call comes in, to the point a vehicle leaves your lot, this system keeps you compliant, efficient, and profitable.” Every person touched by the dispatch chain, from driver to dispatcher, customer to requester, gains value from Roadsider’s innovative approach.

• For drivers: fatigue detection, weather and hazard alerts, and “safestop” status updates keep focus where it belongs, on the road.

• For dispatchers: intelligent dashboards prioritize incoming calls, eliminate clutter, and surface alerts before issues escalate.

• For customers and requesters: transparent, realtime tracking and status notifications provide reliability and trust.

This ecosystem of features transforms Roadsider from a tool into a trusted partner for operators and organizations alike.

TOWING SOFTWARE & MOBILE VIDEO

A New Standard for Digital Dispatch

With its dual innovations, the patented Zero Touch™ system and the automated lien and towlot processing function, Roadsider has officially reshaped what the industry can expect from a digital dispatch platform. It is not just a product launch; it is the next stage in the evolution of how operators work, communicate, and stay safe on today’s roadways. These advancements underscore Borowski’s belief that progress does not come from technology alone, it comes from listening to the people who use it. “Roadsider was built for operators, by operators,” Borowski says. “We know what the road demands because we have lived it. And now, we have built the tool that helps everyone meet that demand safely.”

As Roadsider expands to serve clients nationwide and internationally, the company’s mission remains focused and steadfast: to make digital dispatch safer,

How Zero Touch™ Works

• Voice Recognition Engine: Roadsider’s patented system understands natural speech patterns, not rigid commands.

• HandsFree Interface: Accept jobs, provide ETA updates, and receive customer details through full voice control.

• Safety Mode: Automatically disables manual inputs while the vehicle is in motion, preventing distracted operation.

• Seamless Connectivity: Syncs over cellular and satellite networks, ensuring uninterrupted communication anywhere.

For decades, segments of the towing and roadside service industry resisted the move to digital computing, until efficiency demanded it. Then came digital dispatching, which brought speed and organization, but not safety. Today, Roadsider is changing that narrative completely. This is not just the next step, it is a new beginning for an industry worldwide. Roadsider’s Zero Touch™ and fully automated ecosystem mark the dawn of a safer, smarter, and more profitable era for everyone who keeps our roads moving. And the company is clear about its mission: Roadsider will never stop advancing the efficiency, safety, and profitability of digital dispatch, for operators, for partners, and for the public.

smarter, and more human. By merging half a century of realworld experience with modern artificial intelligence and voicedriven innovation, Roadsider is

not just keeping up with the future, it is defining it. Handsfree, fully automated, and humancentered, this is digital dispatch, perfected.

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

YOUR PARTNER ON EVERY CALL.

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.