Tow Professional: Volume 15, Issue 4

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.

Summer is Upon Us, Gear Up for Success!

Tow Professional,

As I reflect on more than 15 years of serving the towing and recovery industry through Tow Professional Magazine, I am deeply honored and grateful. We are proud to serve the hardworking men and women who make this industry great, and it remains our mission to provide every owner and operator with valuable knowledge, resources, and products that help their businesses succeed.

That commitment, combined with the loyalty of our readers and advertisers, has helped Tow Professional Magazine earn its position as the #1 towing industry publication in both print and digital formats. Likewise, the Tow Professional On the Go Podcast has become the #1 and fastest-growing podcast in the towing industry, reaching more than 23,000 listeners worldwide per episode. We sincerely appreciate your readership and the trust our vendors and partners continue to place in our brand.

In this issue’s installment of Fuel for Thought, DJ Harrington asks the important question: “Have You Ever Thought About Quitting?” As always, DJ explores the mindset and circumstances that can lead business owners and operators down that path.

Michelle Sukow continues our popular Women of Towing series by spotlighting Lori Anton and her outstanding commitment to the industry. John Borowski returns with another informative edition of Under the Hood, examining the true cost of an idle truck and how unnecessary downtime impacts your bottom line.

This issue also focuses on two critical topics for every towing operation: Training & Roadside Safety and Dispatching. Both are essential to long-term growth and success. Industry leaders including ATRI, Hazmat Responder Network, and Beau White of the American Towing & Recovery Academy provide valuable information about upcoming training opportunities and the benefits they can bring to your operation.

You’ll also learn how Holly’s Towing Service can help reduce stress and free up valuable time by handling your dispatching needs, allowing you to focus on running your business.

In addition, we take a closer look at Ultra Built Manufacturing’s rugged winch box systems and the powerful winches behind this time- and money-saving equipment. Our friends at Zip’s bring us some of the latest innovations and products designed to enhance roadside safety and improve operational efficiency.

As always, thank you for your continued support of Tow Professional Magazine. We appreciate your readership and pray for protection, health, and prosperity for you, your family, and your business.

Until next issue, be sure to tune in to the Tow Professional On the Go Podcast and follow Tow Professional on Facebook to stay up to date on industry news, leading companies, and the latest products shaping our industry.

Have a safe, successful, and blessed summer!

Owner/Publisher

Tow Professional Magazine

derek@ryecroftcreative.com Cody Webb

Digital Director

cody@blpmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Borowski

Megan Bruns

Beau White

Michelle Sukow

Perry Beaty

Kathleen Freeman

DJ Harrington

Todd Razor

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

Second Quarter Update from Jerr-Dan: Strong Momentum, Steady Markets and a Unified Voice for Towing & Recovery

As we approach the midpoint of 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an active and encouraging first half of the year across the towing and recovery industry.

We had a busy stretch on the road this spring, highlighted by two of the industry’s biggest events: The Orlando Tow Show and the Las Vegas Tow Show. Both events delivered strong attendance and meaningful engagement, reinforcing the resilience and commitment we continue to see across this market.

In Orlando, we had the opportunity to showcase our JD35/40T rotator, complete with live demonstrations. These demos were a great platform to highlight not only the unit’s capabilities but also what truly differentiates it in today’s market. The response from operators and owners alike was extremely positive, and it’s clear there’s strong interest in equipment that pushes performance and versatility forward.

Las Vegas offered a different, but equally valuable, opportunity:

A customer event to celebrate our partnerships. These relationships are so critical, and the conversations we had there were so meaningful. They give us real insight into what the industry is experiencing day to day and will help us shape how we can better provide support. From a market standpoint, things remain steady. Our distributors are actively working through inventory, and overall activity is up year over year. Inventory levels are healthy, backlog remains strong and we’re seeing what looks like a return to more normalized consumption patterns across the industry. At the same time, we’re all keeping a close eye on interest rates and how they may impact purchasing decisions, as well as trade-in values and the used truck market.

Out in the field, one thing is clear: Towers are busy. Vehicles on the road are aging, and with that comes increased breakdowns and higher service demand. The volume of work is there. However, that doesn’t mean the environment is without challenges. The cost of doing business remains high. Fuel and insurance, in particular, could cause significant headwinds. Many operators are evaluating fuel surcharges to offset rising pump prices. At the same time, we recognize the complexity of that conversation, especially in an industry where getting paid can already be a challenge, and pricing is often negotiated on-site. It’s not an easy balance.

On the advocacy front, February’s Hill Day in Washington, D.C. was a strong and productive effort in partnership with the TRAA. It’s critical that our industry has a voice, and we were there with four key priorities in mind. First, we focused on reinforcing the importance of enforcing existing

laws — specifically the “Slow Down, Move Over” initiative — to improve safety for operators working roadside.

Second, we discussed outdated DOT regulations, particularly those related to truck weights and dimensions. Equipment continues to evolve, but regulations haven’t always kept pace. That gap needs to be addressed.

Third, we brought attention to concerns around predatory rate pressures. Unlike EMS, fire or police services, towers rely on billing customers directly, which often leads to on-site negotiations and downward pressure on rates. The industry’s priority should be clearing the scene safely and efficiently, not negotiating compensation in the moment.

Finally, we discussed the potential for towers to obtain first-responder status. Given the risks towers face and the role they play on accident scenes, this is an important step toward aligning safety classifications with reality.

It’s also worth noting that others in the industry, including our largest competitors, were present at Hill Day as well. While we compete in the marketplace, we share a responsibility to support and strengthen the industry. That united front is something we hope to continue building on.

As always, I want to thank you for the work you do every day. This industry plays a vital role in keeping roads safe and traffic moving, often under challenging conditions. We remain committed to supporting towers with the equipment, advocacy and partnership needed to succeed.

Stay safe out there, Bob Nelson, Vice President and General Manager, Jerr-Dan

Bob Nelson

Cornerstone Advisor Group

Whitney Williams

At the heart of every financial decision is a family, a future, and a story. That’s why I do more than simply offer insurance solutions — I help individuals, families, business owners, and professionals create strategies that protect their income, preserve their legacy, and prepare for life’s unexpected moments.

Through my work with Cornerstone Advisors, clients gain access to a collaborative team of professionals who work together to provide guidance in:

“I believe clients deserve someone who will answer the phone, explain options clearly, and walk alongside them through important financial and healthcare decisions.”

• Life Insurance & Family Protection

• Retirement Planning Strategies

• Employee Benefits & Group Coverage

• Health Insurance Solutions

• Medicare Guidance

• Legacy & Estate Planning Support

• Wealth Transfer Strategies

• Business Protection Planning

More Than Life Insurance

Many people know me for helping families secure life insurance protection, but one of the biggest areas where we help clients every day is navigating health insurance.

Whether someone is:

• Self-employed

• Transitioning between careers

• Losing employer coverage

• Retiring early

• Looking for better benefits

• Confused about Medicare options

• Trying to protect their family from rising healthcare costs …our team is here to help simplify the process.

Health insurance can feel overwhelming. My goal is to make it personal, understandable, and tailored to your situation — not a one-size-fits-all solution.

A Personal Approach Backed By A Strong Team

One of the things I value most is building genuine relationships with

the people I serve.

I believe clients deserve someone who will answer the phone, explain options clearly, and walk alongside them through important financial and healthcare decisions.

At the same time, no one person has every answer.

That’s why being part of the Cornerstone Advisors team matters. Behind every client relationship is a network of experienced professionals working together to help provide thoughtful strategies and support.

You get personal attention with the strength of a team.

Helping People Through Life Transitions

Life changes fast.

Career changes, retirement, growing families, business ownership, market uncertainty, and unexpected health situations can all create financial stress and confusion.

Our mission is to help people feel informed, prepared, and protected during those moments.

Because planning is not just about policies. It’s about peace of mind.

LET’S CONNECT

Whitney Williams

Financial & Benefits Professional www.cornerstoneadvisors.com 804.939.2983

New BigEasy® 2-Pc Vehicle Access Kit with RodLOCK™ Delivers Greater Reach, Control & Confidence

Vehicle access professionals need tools that perform quickly, safely, and consistently in demanding environments. Whether working roadside, in a repair facility, or responding to emergency situations, technicians need reliable solutions that improve efficiency without increasing complexity.

Steck Manufacturing is introducing a smarter approach.

Introducing the BigEasy® 2-Pc Vehicle Access Kit featuring innovative RodLOCK™ technology—a professional-grade vehicle access system designed to provide enhanced control, modular flexibility, and dependable performance across a wide range of applications.

Why This Matters for Professionals

Vehicle access situations can vary

significantly, and additional reach often creates challenges with control and stability. Traditional long-reach tools may become more difficult to manage when extensions are added, leading to movement or reduced precision during use.

This kit changes that.

✔ Securely add extensions with RodLOCK™ technology

✔ Maintain control during long-reach applications

✔ Reduce separation and slippage during use

✔ Improve efficiency across multiple vehicle types

The result: greater technician confidence and faster, more controlled vehicle access.

Built for Reach, Visibility & Protection

The kit includes the BigEasy® 2-Pc Glo tool with a glow-in-the-dark coating for low-light conditions and the Easy Wedge, designed to safely create space between the door and frame while helping protect vehicle surfaces.

The BigEasy® 2-Pc Vehicle Access Kit delivers a complete, professionalgrade solution built for speed, control, and reliability.

When researching new medium-duty trucks for your fleet, the checklist of “must-haves” can seem endless. You need reliability and durability to keep your business moving. Your drivers need comfort and safety features to stay productive. And increasingly, you need technology that will keep your fleet competitive not just today but years down the road.

At Hino Trucks, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between proven reliability and modern innovation. With over 40 years of experience in the U.S. medium-duty market, we deliver durability, driver comfort, advanced safety features, connected vehicle technology, and premium standard equipment - all in every truck we build. At Hino, it’s not about compromise; it’s about delivering more.”

Everything You Need Now: The Essentials Done Right

Let’s start with what matters most: keeping your trucks on the road. Built on a foundation of reliability and durability, Hino delivers The Ultimate Ownership Experience backed by real support:

• An industry-leading 5-year unlimitedmile transmission warranty, standard on every truck

• Access to 200+ dealerships plus an additional 43 parts & service locations nationwide

But reliability is just the beginning. We

understand that your business has unique needs. That’s why both our L Series and XL Series trucks offer extensive customization options to match your specific applications:

• Multiple wheelbase options to accommodate various body lengths

• Range of cab configurations, including day cab and extended cab

• Versatile frame options with 80K PSI standard strength (120K PSI is standard on certain L7 and XL Series models)

• Multiple fuel tank configurations

• Specialized body mounting options for various applications

Learn more about L Series and XL Series customization options online at www.explore.hino.com.

Everything You Need Next: Future-Proofing Your Fleet

Your fleet is more than just a collection of trucks—it’s a complex operation that demands smart management tools and forward-thinking solutions. As you evaluate new vehicles, consider how they’ll integrate with your broader fleet management strategy. Here’s what should be on your checklist:

• Telematics integration capabilities

• Real-time performance monitoring

• Route optimization features available through chosen Telematics Service Providers

• Driver safety technology

At Hino, we believe long-term support should come standard. That’s why every

ABOUT HINO TRUCKS:  Hino Trucks, manufactures, distributes, and services a lineup of Class 6-8 commercial trucks in the United States. Hino Trucks offers a product lineup focused on low total cost of ownership, proven reliability, maneuverability, and a comprehensive bundle of standard features. Hino is committed to supporting customers with practical solutions that help reduce environmental impact while meeting the demands of real-world applications. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, Hino has a nationwide dealer network committed to delivering the ultimate ownership experience.

truck includes Hino Edge for 5 years at no cost - compared to the typical oneyear offering from others. Hino Edge provides:

• Seamless integration with your choice of telematics service providers

• Factory-installed hardware ready for your preferred software solutions

• Real-time fleet performance data

• Comprehensive maintenance tracking

• Fleet optimization tools

Plus, every new Hino truck comes with HinoWatch , which provides 24/7 roadside assistance for three years with unlimited mileage. That includes lockout service, battery jumpstarts, and more to keep your fleet moving.

The Ultimate Ownership Experience

When investing in new trucks for your fleet, you need a complete solution to serve your business today and tomorrow. At Hino, we call this the Ultimate Ownership Experience → a commitment that every truck we manufacture will exceed your expectations in reliability, durability, and support. From our proven mechanical components to our advanced digital capabilities, every aspect of a Hino truck is designed to maximize your fleet’s performance and protect your investment.

Ready to see how Hino can help future-proof your fleet? Contact our team to discuss your specific needs and discover the right solution for your business.

Celebrating 48 Years of Family-Friendly Fun

Let me tell you about an event called the Midwest Regional Tow Show that is celebrating our 48th annual fun, familyfriendly show full of the best exhibitors and attendees! This show is held at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio. Do yourself a favor, don’t miss this great spectacular location. Your children will thank you for bringing them to the most family-friendly show of the year. Children are entertained on Friday and Saturday evenings with fun events and great sitters, allowing parents to attend the show events.

For learning instruction, there will be plenty of seminars. The Ohio towing association, TRAO (Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio), recognizes the need for education in the industry so they strive to offer the seminars at this show at no-cost, yes, I said it – “FREE”.

On Thursday night, starting at 6:00 p.m., there is an event called the “Celebration of Life” / Slow Down, Move Over Event with a full-scale parade in honor of those that are no

longer with us and to promote Slow Down/Move Over. Afterwards there will be live entertainment along with food and a cash bar.

A quote from DJ Harrington (The Tow Doctor himself stated….”Now, let me spend a few moments about the reason I like this show much more than

other shows. Yes, it is the most familyfriendly tow show of the year. I will certainly give it that. Here’s another reason I prefer this show. On Friday night, you will find me at the Injured Driver’s Fund Auction. There is plenty of food, drinks, music and a cash bar at this event. I will be bringing some

items for the auction. All the proceeds go straight to the Injured Driver’s Fund. The live auctioneer makes it fun and very entertaining. All the items line the walls of this big room which have been donated by fellow towers and vendors attending this show. So, bring one or two items to auction off

for this great cause. Additionally, after this event, you can join in a poker tournament or listen to an exciting LIVE band.”

The women of TRAO (WTRAO) host an awesome, themed luncheon with food, entertainment and excitement for the ladies Saturday at 12:00 p.m.

This gives the ladies time to chillax and have fun without the hubbies and children! It is definitely an event that ALL ladies want to attend. A little birdie told me that the theme for this year is a “Masquerade Party”. Get your tickets for only $25.00 at the WTRAO booth located in the main conference area. Best dressed wins an award. Come dressed for the part!

Saturday, there is an awards ceremony where trophies are handed out for the truck beauty contest, Light Show and for the kid’s awards. For all adults, Saturday night is karaoke night. We definitely have “the karaoke singers.” from across the states!! It is fun to watch everyone take the stage, and they have a great time. There are always people there that will sing along with you.

Every night is “Lil Towers Night.” Friday night is “Beach Party” themed while Saturday night is “Movie Night”. Great Wolf Lodge even has characters that pay the kids a visit!

We have towers from across the states! Go to www.MidwestTowShow.org or call Tom Mesaros at 513-831-7469 (SHOW) if you want a booth. SAVE THE DATE: September 24th – 26th. Call Lillian at 513-229-5814 to reserve your room before they run out!

2026 TPRNC

Mid Atlantic Tow Expo

The North Carolina Tow Show last year was a blast! TRPNC‘s Mid-Atlantic Tow Expo is held in Raliegh, NC at the Jim Graham Center. This show was a game changer that has brought many companies in from across the nation. The entire board of TRPNC knocked it out of the park with this show, and their attention to detail was evident. The show in 2025 had tons of vendors and attendees. It was a huge step in the right direction, and from the feedback from attending vendors, it was a great success for them as well!

The Jim Graham building is a beautiful facility that has lots of room for growth, but affordable rates that allow vendors to make the most of their efforts! TRPNC did an awesome job again with the Silent Auction, raising funds to pour right back into our industry for training, legislation, and support. The show floor consisted of 70+ booths, a wrecker beauty pageant consisting of 40+ gorgeous trucks, representing all manufactures within the industry, and an area set aside for kids to enjoy a host of activities.

The Kids’ Corner consisted of tables for coloring, painting, face painting, and a huge blown-up bouncy house for all the kids to play. Families were able

to sign their kids in, visit vendors, look across the show floor, and see their kids having the time of their life supervised by certified professionals.

There was also a night at the Drive Shack. This was an awesome event for all, lots of laughs, food, drinks and time to just enjoy our friends in the industry. TRPNC did an awesome job aligning fun, and family friendly events, all within minutes from the show.

This will be a great opportunity for vendors to expand their earnings in 2026 and reach more tow professionals throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We hope to see you there at the Mid-Atlantic Tow Expo in 2026!

The Towing and Recovery

Professionals of NC (TRPNC) were proud to present this Year’s NC Tow Truck and Trade Show for our members and the men and women who work in the towing industry. Lots of planning and hard work have gone into this event, to bring you top-notch training, access to the industry’s top vendors and to encourage networking with your peers. Make sure the TRPNC Mid-Atlantic Tow Show is on your calendar this year!

N.C. State Fairgrounds September 11th-12th, 2026

Jim Graham Building 1025 Blue Ridge Rd Raleigh, NC 27607

TRAA MEMBER ALERT TRAA on Capital Hill

Good afternoon,

It has been quite the week for TRAA on Capitol Hill - and we couldn’t be happier with how things are progressing.

Early this morning, the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee marked up and passed the Build America 250 Act - otherwise known as the Surface Transportation Reauthorization or the Highway Bill. We are thrilled to report that the bill included an amendment, led by TRAA, to fix the weights & measures issues we lobbied on during our recent Hill Day(s).

As many of you are aware, as we prepared for the mark up of the Surface Transportation Act (or the Highway Bill), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) sought to repeal the progress we had made on weights & measures in the 2015 FAST Act. AASHTO’s ask was to send all permitting back to the states without any exemptions for towing and recovery operations. AASHTO’s language was included in the base text of the Highway bill released earlier this week.

But TRAA fought this initiative, and we fought it hard! The amendment that passed T&I today struck AASHTO’s language, and replaced it with our own language to revise existing weight restrictions for towers on interstate highways and create a new exemption from length requirements for towers responding to tows on the interstate system. This is the issue TRAA has been lobbying for over ten years since the original, flawed exemption was included in the 2015 FAST Act, and exact language we lobbied for during 2026 Hill Day.

The amendment was led by Reps. David Taylor (R-OH-2) and Chris Pappas (D-NH-2), and co-sponsored by Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL-21). Critical behind the scenes work on this amendment was also led by Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC-7), and bipartisan support was secured from Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA-2). Additionally, many of our TRAA members who have Representatives who sit on the T&I Committee reached out to explain the district impact of this amendment. This bipartisan and constituent driven outreach is what won the day for us, and we thank you all for your support and efforts along the way.

The BUILD America 250 Act, with “weights & measures” included, now awaits floor action in the House. The Senate also has yet to weigh in on its priorities for the surface transportation bill, and TRAA’s work will now move to ensuring that “weights & measures” remains in the compromise legislation that will eventually emerge between the two chambers. We are very optimistic that we will be able to defend its inclusion in the final package, and these necessary safety protections will be finalized, but we will be calling on you again as our work in the Senate takes shape.

I cannot stress enough that this effort, and the related success we reported Wednesday on our EV fires language, would not be possible without the hard work of towers who attend TRAA’s annual Hill Day and offer their assistance throughout the year to maintain good relationships with their local elected officials. When towers work together, great things can happen, and this is just another example of the progress we can make together.

As always, the TRAA and TSG teams are both available to answer questions you may have. Thank you for your continued support in these legislative efforts.

Sincerely,

Liesl Sheehan Tremont Strategies Group

LIFT FASTER WITH GUNI FLOOR JACKS

Weekend warriors and automotive professionals will both appreciate the rugged design and durable construction of GUNI floor jacks, now available at Zip’s AW Direct. Whether you’re tackling routine maintenance or bigger repair jobs, these floor jacks make lifting safer, faster and more efficient. The doublepump action raises vehicles quickly, and the foam grip and knurled handle ensures safe handling. Depending on model, these jacks range from 1.5 tons to 3 tons in lifting capacity, and an off-road version with larger tires and a taller lift range is also available.

Search GUNI floor jacks at www.Zips.com

BUY FORKS SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR GILLIG TRANSIT BUSES

City tow operators tasked with hooking up to Gillig brand transit buses can count on the Zip’s Gillis Bus Fork for safer, quicker and more efficient lifts on busy city streets. Featuring a 1-3/8” top peg, the 2” fork insert is engineered specifically for Gillig buses and is held in place by a clevis pin and clip. The machined, lower portion connects to standard wheel lifts, while the painted yellow upper portion fits into the designated mounting holes on the underside of the bus, providing a secure connection to the towed vehicle.

These forks are sold individually or as a pair at www.Zips.com. Item #: ZP-300510000P

TIREJECT KEEPS YOUR TRUCKS AND CUSTOMERS ROLLING

Maximize efficiency with TireJect. Instead of towing vehicles, offer an on-site service that gets customers moving instantly. TireJect’s liquid rubber formula creates a permanent internal seal that lasts for the life of the tire, tackling punctures and bead leaks in seconds. Generate immediate ROI, improve customer satisfaction, and increase road safety with the TireJect Roadside Tech Kit. Keep your fleet available for the next high-value call while providing a premium solution.

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

TOWMATE’S NEW ADVANTAGE WIRELESS TOW LIGHT

Introducing the new 22” TowMate ADVANTAGE wireless tow light, now available from Zip’s AW Direct. Built with integrated side marker lights, this multi-purpose LED workhorse not only delivers Stop/Tail/Turn signals but also amber warning lights and a bright white work light. Powered by a rechargeable 3000mAh lithium battery, the unit features a convenient built-in battery level indicator at power-up. Strong 100 lb rubber-coated magnets provide secure mounting, and the plug-in wireless transmitter allows for quick, hassle-free setup.

Safety-conscious towing professionals can greatly improve their visibility at roadside scenes when they order this new offering at www.Zips.com.

Item:DLR-TM22-ADV

BY MICHELLE SUKOW ///

The Orange Standard:

Leadership, Legacy, and Letting the Day Unfold

In the heart of Central Oregon, where mountains frame the horizon and winters test resolve, there is a fleet of unmistakable orange trucks that signal something more than roadside assistance. They signal history, grit, and a family legacy built on service. At the helm of that fleet stands Lori Anton, General Manager of Consolidated Towing, Inc., a woman whose story is stitched together with journalism, jewelry counters, HD recoveries, and unwavering resolve.

Lori has been in the towing industry since May of 1993, when she returned home to Bend OR to join the family business founded by her parents. Consolidated Towing, formerly Central

Oregon Towing, was founded in 1988 when Lori’s parents, Mike and Joanne Wildman, purchased the company and rebranded it. The trucks were repainted orange for visibility and safety, but over time, the color evolved into something more symbolic. Orange became identity. Orange became standard. Orange became culture. Consolidated Towing quickly became known as “Central Oregon’s Most Recognized Orange Fleet.” They started with what Lori affectionately describes as “three and a half trucks.” Three operational units and one dedicated to parts. Today, the fleet has grown to more than 25 trucks and trailers, supported by late model equipment and a philosophy of working

smarter rather than harder.

I have known Mike Wildman for more than 15 years and have had the privilege of working alongside him at industry association events and committees. Family is the subject he speaks about most often, and it is clear that his leadership was rooted in that priority. Watching Lori today, you can see the understanding that business success means little without strong family values behind it.

Consolidated was built on customer service, no matter who the customer was or is. Over the years, their team worked tirelessly with law enforcement, local dealerships, and fleets to cement their name in the community.

Consolidated’s growth accelerated in 1992 when the company became a AAA contractor. For nearly three decades, they serviced motor club calls before making the bold decision in 2021 to step away from that segment of the business. It was a pivotal moment. By walking away from AAA, they reclaimed control and refocused entirely on direct customer service, strengthening relationships with law enforcement, dealerships, and local fleets.

From Journalism to Jackknifed Recoveries

Lori’s path into towing was anything but linear. A graduate of Bend High School, she earned a degree in Journalism and Political Science from the University of Oregon. Before joining Consolidated, she spent eight years in

Lori Anton

retail with Zales Jewelers, working in Bend, Yakima, San Jose, and Salem. After experiencing multiple robberies, including one armed incident, she left California and eventually returned home when Zales filed for bankruptcy.

The transition from jewelry to towing was not seamless. Entering a male dominated industry required immediate credibility. Lori’s solution was straightforward. She learned to tow. She joined heavy duty calls, pulled wire rope, dragged chains, and made certain she understood field operations firsthand. Her philosophy was clear: never ask your team to do something you have not done yourself. That authority earned respect from drivers and customers alike. It also shaped her leadership style. Direct. Grounded. Unafraid to get dirty.

Ironically, her journalism degree found new life years later when she began writing and producing the company’s monthly newsletter, “A Slice of Orange.”

Family, Fortitude, and the 24 Hour Life

Consolidated Towing has always been a family operation in the truest sense. Lori hired her future husband, Keith, as a driver after her divorce. He relocated from the Bay Area to Bend, and three years later they were married. Their children grew up in the yard and office, cleaning auction cars and learning firsthand what hard work means.

Two of their children received scholarships from the Washington Tow Truck Association, as did two of Lori’s nieces. It is a point of pride for her that the industry supports its own.

Balancing business and motherhood required creativity and sacrifice. Winter days often ended with dealerships dropping off stacks of keys late in the afternoon with a deadline of morning completion. Her children sometimes woke to notes that read, “We have a truck wreck. Not sure when we’ll be home.” Yet dinner, when possible, was sacred. Even if late, they gathered around the table to share the best and worst parts of their day.

Her mantra, borrowed from Dr. Laura Schlessinger, guides both life and work: “Let the day unfold.” Now

an empty nester, Lori and Keith remain deeply hands on in daily operations. They manage the storage yard and accounting, though Lori has begun easing into retirement by arriving later in the mornings. Her current pursuits include learning the ukulele, baking, hiking Oregon’s mountains and lakes, and traveling to Hawaii where phones are intentionally silenced.

A new chapter opened in December 2024 with the birth of her first granddaughter in California. That role, she admits, brings a new kind of urgency to travel plans.

Industry Leadership and Advocacy

Lori has been a member of the Washington Tow Truck Association for more than 30 years and served five years on its nominating committee. She also served as Treasurer of the Oregon Tow Truck Association in the 1990s. Consolidated continues to actively support both state and national associations.

Her advice is practical. Stand behind your principles. Do not be a pushover. If confrontation is required and you are not wired for it, align yourself with someone who is. Support them. Strengthen your team.

Lori’s counsel to newcomers is unvarnished. Towing is not for the faint of heart. Understand what the job requires. Learn as much as possible, as quickly as possible. Take classes. Do ride alongs. Study. Ask questions. If it is not for you, step away before burnout sets in. But regardless of where you land, speak honestly about the skill and commitment the profession demands.

Community Impact and the Orange Culture

One of Lori’s most rewarding achievements has been reshaping public perception of towing in her community. Clean trucks. Uniformed drivers. No “old dirt” on Consolidated equipment. The company sponsors youth sports, FFA, 4 H, and local events. When her children were younger, their teams wore orange jerseys, sometimes to their embarrassment.

The standard is simple but demanding. Hire the best candidate,

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)

not just a warm body. Hold out for excellence. Protect the brand. Protect the culture.

That culture is summed up in two words: Team Orange.

Looking Ahead

Over the next five years, Lori’s goals are both strategic and personal. She is documenting processes, banking details, passwords, and operational systems in what she calls her “In Case You Get Hit By a Bus” plan. She wants to leave Consolidated positioned for continued success, equipped with the right tools and balanced between technology and customer service.

For Lori, success is not measured in revenue columns. It is measured in health, memories, family, and the ability to read a good book at sunset while water ripples across the backyard pond.

And if you doubt her capabilities in towing? Her answer is immediate.

“That sounds like a challenge. Bring it on.”

BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP ///

Have You Ever Thought About Quitting?

I HEARD A STORY THIS WEEK THAT SURPRISED ME. That person was describing what happened to someone that was about to leave our industry. I started reflecting about what keeps people building, moving toward a goal and motivated to complete it when everything seems to point to an easier solution – quitting! I remembered years back that I had taught a class about quitting. Sometimes it makes someone think about changes that need to be made so a person doesn’t quit.

FUEL4THOUGHT

BY D.J. HARRINGTON CSP ///

During my conversation with that friend, I wondered why this person decided to quit. According to www. thebalancemoney.com, “People quit their jobs for a variety of reasons.” They noted that it could be due to hiring a bad manager, creating a toxic work environment, salary issues or even personal responsibilities that could prompt someone to quit. Those types of people could be looking for the reason to quit but just needed something or someone that they can point to before they do quit.

I’ll take it one step further. It could be a serious health issue too. Personally, I’ve felt that way lately because not only do I have GuillainBarre, (an immune syndrome caused by flu, Covid, vaccines or surgeries - I’ve had all of those) However, it has now morphed into CIDP, the ugly stepsister to GBS. I must admit that this recent diagnosis crushed me because my future is bleak with CIDP. Without question, it is. However, I know that God has my life and health in HIS hands. I must do my part to keep my thoughts away from quitting because I don’t want a seat on the quitting fence. I can remember what people said before the CIDP diagnosis

that I had the right attitude to keep going….no matter what. So, I’ll keep going no matter what I’ve been dealt. What makes people quit something they supposedly wanted? Was it because they didn’t have a workable business plan, enough monetary funding, they’re tired or didn’t hire the right people? Here’s some answers.

Establish an Inner Circle

Speaking of people/employees, identify all those employees that can help you achieve your business plan and make them part of your inner circle. Subdivide your structural needs for the business as if you’re doing a reconstruction of it, and then distribute some of what you’re responsible for to the inner circle employees you’ve selected. This might help relieve some of your initial frustration and responsibilities that make you want to throw in the towel.

Social Media Posts

While you’re dividing your personal responsibilities, maybe a person within your company already has the marketing skills to boost your reviews on social media. Get them to start making social

media posts. Social media posts can produce positive reviews too. That is important because a person who can market and generate positive reviews could help you with marketing. Always add a short tagline about what you do to every social media post that’s made. If others are posting besides one person, then ask them to add the tagline every time something is posted. Posting on a consistent basis will build trust and loyalty among not only existing customers but with prospective customers too. Don’t think for a minute that you can’t invest in something major like marketing. Anything done right with marketing is not an expense but rather an investment in your business.

Seeking Advice from Successful People within the Industry

Okay, now that we’ve discussed delegating some of your tasks to others within your established business, you should feel relieved of some pressure. Don’t think for a minute that you’ll be able to quit now and restart later. It’s harder to restart a business after you’ve already given up once. Ask someone who did, and they’ll tell you it’s hard. Try this idea instead.

Best Practices of Successful and Seasoned People within the Industry

When you’re at the next trade convention walk over to a successful business owner and drum up a conversation with them. If you don’t already know then, introduce yourself. After you have their undivided attention, ask some questions. Your job is to find out their best practices and what they did to change things. Most of them have been where you are at some point in their business career, and they would love to advise someone else whose sitting on the fence. All of these questions could be asked during the conversation.

1. Ask them if they ever wanted to quit the business? What changed their mind if they didn’t.

2. Was it one thing or multiple changes that made a difference?

3. What practice did they add or change?

4. After they implemented their changes, were tweaks made later?

This reminds me of a time when a certain businessman was thinking about quitting. They had been in business for a while, but the clientele had changed. People weren’t dropping by as frequently as they once did. So, the businessman and his wife thought about it for a while and decided to work on painting the entire sales reception area as fast as they could until it had been repainted. The transition took some time because they did it after hours and over the weekend.

It wasn’t long before all the employees invested their personal time to get involved. They decided they would help paint the exterior too. Those employees got their children to help paint, all ages above 15, that could use a paintbrush or a roller, and they started painting the exterior. It wasn’t long before the employees were rejuvenated about working there because the old place looked brand new. New flowers were planted where the old, weary bushes used to be. Weeds were pulled,

POWER YOU CAN DEPEND ON.

and grass and trees were trimmed. They had transformed the broken-down business into a place where they enjoyed working, and in turn, transformed themselves too.

The employees loved the new look and so did the owners, and all because of the new comradery. The owners decided not to quit after all and began working on other things that could transform their business. The process of quitting had stopped, and they wanted to do whatever was needed to stay in business.

As I mentioned, a very long time ago, I did a class on quitting. When I asked the group for a show of hands of those attendees that felt they wanted to quit at some point, every hand was raised. Quite enlightening, wouldn’t you say? So, if you have thought about quitting, you’re normal. If you need some advice, give me a call at 770-3014122. I don’t mind listening. I’ll see you on the next podcast.

UNDERTHEHOOD

BY JOHN BOROWSKI ///

THE GHOST IN The True Cost

of an Idle Truck

BY MR. INDUSTRY

IN THIS BUSINESS, WE LOVE THE SOUND OF A DIESEL ENGINE CRANKING OVER.

To a veteran tower, that rhythmic thrum isn’t just noise, it’s the heartbeat of profit. It’s the sound of a billable mile, the sound of a successful recovery, and the sound of a business that is alive. However, what about the trucks that aren’t making noise?

THE LEDGER:

UNDERTHEHOOD

BY JOHN BOROWSKI ///

When a truck sits, it isn’t “free.” It is a ghost on your ledger, quietly and relentlessly eating away at your company’s lifeblood.

Walk out into your yard right now. Look at that rollback or that heavyduty wrecker sitting in the corner, cold and silent. Most owners look at a parked truck and find a way to sleep at night by saying, “Well, at least I’m not burning $5-a-gallon diesel today. At least I’m not wearing down a $600 tire or putting miles on the engine.” That thought is a lie. It’s a lie that is costing you a fortune. When a truck sits, it isn’t “free.” It is a ghost on your ledger, quietly and relentlessly eating away at your company’s lifeblood. If you want to stop the bleed and start the lead, you must stop thinking like a driver and start thinking like an actuary.

You must understand the brutal reality of Ownership Cost vs. Operating Cost.

The Invisible Overhead: The Tax on Silence; The towing world believes that expenses only happen when the wheels are turning. In reality, a truck is a financial vampire that sucks money out of your bank account 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Insurance Drain: Your insurance premium is a fixed monster. Whether that

truck does 50 calls a day or zero calls a month, the bill from the carrier remains the same. If you’re paying $12,000 a year to insure a unit, that truck is costing you $32.87 every single day just to exist. When it sits, that thirty bucks is a pure loss. Over a week of idling, you’ve just handed the insurance company $230 for the pleasure of looking at your own equipment.

The Depreciation Trap: Iron doesn’t hold its value like gold. The moment you took delivery of that truck, the clock started ticking. Depreciation is the silent killer of net worth. A truck loses value based on two things: wear-and-tear (miles) and age. Even with zero miles, the market value of that truck drops every time a new model year is released. You are losing equity in a stationary asset. You’re essentially watching a pile of cash slowly evaporate in your parking lot. Permits, Licensing, and the “Right to Exist”: Taxes, heavy highway use permits, registration, and inspections. Divide those annual costs by the number of days in a year. That is your daily “tax” for the right to let that truck sit idle. In

some states, that daily cost is higher than a steak dinner. Are you okay with buying a steak dinner for a piece of machinery that isn’t working for you?

Opportunity Cost: The Thief in the Night.

In business school, they call it “Opportunity Cost.” In the towing yard, we call it “The Thief.” The most dangerous cost to your business isn’t the money you spend; it’s the money you fail to make. Every hour a truck sits is an hour that it isn’t solving a customer’s problem. Let’s look at the math, because the math doesn’t have feelings:

• Average Revenue Per Unit: Let’s say your target is $1,200 in gross revenue per day per truck.

• The 5-Day Slump: If that truck sits for just five days a month because you “don’t have the right driver” or “things are slow,” you haven’t saved on fuel.

• The Real Loss: You have lost $6,000 in top-line revenue.

That $6,000 could have covered your shop rent, paid for a massive marketing push, or gone straight into your retirement fund. Instead, it’s gone. You can’t get those hours back. You can’t “double up” next month to recover it. It is a permanent hole in your history. Furthermore, an idle truck creates a “Service Gap.” Whenever a regular motor club or a local police precinct calls, you have to say “no” because your truck is unstaffed or sitting idle. They don’t wait for you. They call your competitor. An idle truck today often leads to a lost contract tomorrow.

The Stagnation Tax: Why “Resting” is Rotting; There is a physical cost to silence, too. Trucks are biological in their need for movement. They are engineered to be under load, to have hot oil circulating, and to have air moving through the systems. I’ve spent years in shops, and I’ll tell you the truth: A truck that sits is a truck that breaks.

• Seals and Gaskets: When they don’t get lubricated by moving fluid, they dry out, shrink, and crack.

• The Electrical Gremlins: Batteries drain, and modern ECU systems don’t like low-voltage environments.

• The Air System: Moisture settles in the tanks and lines when the

compressor isn’t cycling regularly, leading to rust and valve failure.

I’ve seen more “parked” trucks end up in the shop for $3,000 “random” repairs than trucks that are running 12 hours a day. When you finally start that “backup” unit for a big job, that’s when the air bags leak or the turbo sticks. Stagnation is a tax you pay in the form of a tow-bill for your own truck.

The Mr. Industry Truth Bomb: Here it is, plain and simple: If you have a truck that sits idle more than 30% of the month, you don’t have an “extra” truck, you have a liability. You are paying to house a ghost. You are keeping a piece of iron on life support that isn’t providing any value to the family or the employees who depend on you. Owners love to say, “I keep it as a spare in case one breaks down.”

The Truth: You’d be better off selling the spare, taking that $80,000 or $150,000 in cash, and putting it into a high-yield account or upgrading your primary units so they don’t break down.

The Fix: Stop looking at your fleet as “backups” or “potentials.” To be a professional in this game, every unit must have a Mission and a Minimum Revenue Target.

1. Set a Daily Floor: Every truck in your yard should have a “Nut” it needs to crack every day. Know exactly how much that truck needs to earn just to break even on its existence.

Under the Hood: Call to Action

Have a leak you can’t plug? If you’ve got a problem in your shop, a drain on your profits, or an industry “wreck” that needs to be hauled out into the light, Mr. Industry wants to hear from you.

Submit your questions for a future column to: john@roadsider.io

For more on the intersection of recovery and the law, tune into the Hook and Gavel podcast, sponsored by Roadsider, available wherever you get your pods.

I’m Mr. Industry, and I’m here to make sure you’re running a business, not a museum.

Can you handle the truth?

2. The 90-Day Rule: If a truck hasn’t hit its revenue target for three months straight, it’s time for a hard conversation. Does it need a better driver? Does it need a different shift? Or does it need a “For Sale” sign?

3. Capital Reinvestment: Move the iron. If a truck is costing you more in “Invisible Overhead” than it’s bringing in, sell it. Use that money to pay off debt, buy better gear for your active drivers (maybe some roadside high-vis gear that keeps them safe), or invest in training.

Next time you walk past a quiet truck in your yard at 10:00 AM, don’t see “reserve capacity.” See a hole in your pocket. Hear your hard-earned money leaking out of the exhaust pipe that isn’t even hot.

How American Towing & Recovery Institute is Shaping the Future of Towing

American Towing & Recovery Institute is helping redefine what professional tow training looks like in today’s rapidly evolving towing and recovery industry. As vehicles become more advanced, recovery scenes become more complex, and roadside dangers continue to

increase, the need for modern, handson education has never been more important. ATRI exists to ensure tow operators, recovery specialists, managers, and company owners are equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and certifications necessary to succeed in the field safely and professionally.

Today’s towing industry is no longer

TRAINING & SAFETY

just about moving vehicles from point A to point B. Modern tow professionals are expected to understand advanced vehicle technology, electric vehicle hazards, recovery engineering principles, incident management, OSHA and DOT considerations, customer service, leadership, and scene safety, all while operating in some of the most dangerous working conditions in America. The industry has changed dramatically, and training must evolve with it. That is exactly where ATRI steps in.

ATRI provides industry-leading towing and recovery education designed specifically for real-world operations. The courses combine classroom instruction with hands-on practical applications to create training that operators can immediately take back to the road, the recovery scene, and their company operations. Every class is built around current industry challenges, updated towing technology, and the realities tow operators face every day.

One of ATRI’s cornerstone programs is the Advanced Level Light Duty Towing & Recovery Certification Course. This class dives into proper modern vehicle

towing procedures, tie-down methods, damage prevention, vehicle identification points, flatbed operations, and advanced recovery scenarios. With today’s vehicles

becoming increasingly sophisticated, operators can no longer rely solely on outdated towing methods or “the way we’ve always done it.” Luxury vehicles,

For heavy-duty operators, ATRI offers an intensive Heavy-Duty Towing & Recovery Certification Program focused on advanced recovery techniques, complex rigging, heavyduty towing procedures, air brake systems, load shifts, winching strategies, stabilization methods, and recovery scene management.

hybrids, all-wheel-drive systems, and advanced safety technology demand a higher level of education and awareness. ATRI helps operators stay ahead of the curve while protecting both themselves and their customers’ vehicles.

Another rapidly growing area of focus is ATRI’s Electric Vehicle Awareness & Response Certification Course. Electric vehicles are transforming the automotive world, and the towing industry is on the

front lines of that transition. EV incidents introduce entirely new risks that many operators were never trained to handle, including high-voltage systems, thermal runaway events, submerged battery hazards, reignition risks, and specialized towing requirements.

ATRI’s EV program provides operators with critical, real-world knowledge about identifying EVs, stabilizing damaged units, lock-out/tag-out procedures,

battery safety, emergency response considerations, OEM towing procedures, and post-incident storage best practices. As more electric vehicles hit the road every day, this training is no longer a specialty certification—it is quickly becoming a necessity for every towing company in America.

For heavy-duty operators, ATRI offers an intensive Heavy-Duty Towing & Recovery Certification Program focused on advanced recovery techniques, complex rigging, heavy-duty towing procedures, air brake systems, load shifts, winching strategies, stabilization methods, and recovery scene management. Heavy-duty recoveries often happen under extreme pressure, alongside traffic, emergency responders, and demanding timelines. A single mistake during a recovery can lead to catastrophic injuries, equipment failure, or major liability issues.

ATRI instructors bring years of real-world towing and recovery

experience directly into the classroom and hands-on portions of the training. Operators are not simply memorizing information; they are learning practical recovery strategies that can be applied immediately in the field. From overturned tractor-trailers to advanced winching operations, ATRI emphasizes safety, planning, efficiency, and professionalism every step of the way. However, ATRI understands that building a successful towing company takes more than technical skill alone.

That’s why leadership development has also become a major focus of ATRI’s mission. Strong leadership creates strong operators, stronger cultures, and stronger companies. ATRI leadership training programs help owners, supervisors, managers, and drivers improve communication, accountability, decision-making, team development, and company culture. In an industry where stress levels run high and turnover can be costly, leadership training is becoming

one of the most valuable investments a company can make.

The importance of towing education cannot be overstated. Tow operators work in one of the most dangerous professions in the country. Every roadside call can carry risk. Every recovery scene presents unpredictable variables. Every improperly trained operator increases the potential for injuries, lawsuits, damaged equipment, vehicle claims, OSHA violations, and unsafe working conditions. Training changes that.

Professional education gives operators the confidence to make smarter decisions under pressure. It improves consistency across entire fleets. It reduces liability exposure. It protects equipment investments. First and foremost, it helps operators make it home safely at the end of the day.

Companies that invest in training also separate themselves from the competition. Law enforcement agencies, municipalities, insurance companies, and customers increasingly look for professionalism, certifications, and operational credibility when choosing towing providers. ATRI certifications help companies demonstrate commitment to safety, excellence, and continued education.

As the towing industry continues to evolve, ATRI remains focused on moving the industry forward through modern instruction, updated materials, experienced instructors, and real-world training opportunities across the country. From light-duty towing and electric vehicle response to advanced heavy-duty recoveries and leadership development,

ATRI is building the next generation of towing professionals.

The future of towing belongs to companies willing to invest in education, safety, and professionalism. ATRI is proud to help lead that charge. Swing by our newly renovated website at amtowsignup.org and see what upcoming classes are near you!

Knowledge Is Power Why Hazmat Training Matters in the Towing and Recovery Industry

In the towing and recovery industry, no two calls are ever the same.

One minute you may be handling a routine breakdown, and the next you could arrive at the scene of an overturned tanker, leaking fuel, or unknown chemicals spilling across the roadway. These situations are unpredictable, dangerous, and timesensitive — which is exactly why knowledge is power.

Hazmat incidents are becoming more common on today’s roadways due to increased transportation of chemicals, fuels, batteries, and industrial materials. Tow operators and recovery professionals are often among the first people on scene, long before specialized response teams arrive. Without proper training, one wrong decision can put lives, equipment, businesses, and the environment at risk.

Hazmat training gives towing professionals the ability to recognize dangerous materials, understand warning placards, identify risks, and respond safely during emergency situations. It teaches responders how to protect themselves, secure the scene, and prevent a bad situation from becoming worse. Most importantly, it builds confidence when facing highpressure incidents.

Knowledge in this industry goes far beyond passing a class. Training prepares operators to think clearly during emergencies and understand the real-world consequences of hazardous material exposure. Fuel spills, corrosive chemicals, lithium battery fires, and cargo tank incidents all require different approaches.

The more educated a responder is, the safer and more effective their response will be.

For towing companies, investing in training also protects the business itself. Properly trained employees help reduce

Hazmat training gives towing professionals the ability to recognize dangerous materials, understand warning placards, identify risks, and respond safely during emergency situations.

liability, minimize costly mistakes, and improve professionalism on scene. Customers, law enforcement agencies, and emergency responders all notice when a company operates with skill and preparedness. In many cases, advanced

training can also create new business opportunities by allowing companies to assist with specialized recoveries and environmental response situations.

The towing industry has changed dramatically over the years. Modern

Red. White. Built Right.

vehicles, alternative fuels, and increasingly complex cargo transportation mean that continuing education is no longer optional — it is essential. Companies that prioritize training are not only protecting their teams, but also strengthening the future of their operation.

At the end of the day, equipment matters. Experience matters. But knowledge is what ties everything together. When operators understand the hazards they face and know how to respond properly, they become safer, more valuable, and more capable professionals.

Because in the towing and recovery world, knowledge truly is power.

Towing & Recovery Academy Expands To Meet Your Needs

TOWING & RECOVERY ACADEMY

Towing & Recovery Academy is expanding and taking billing education to the next level.

We help towing and recovery companies understand the billing process, maximize profits, and properly structure invoices for insurance companies, owner operators, cargo claims, specialized recoveries, and heavy-duty incidents.

Billing is not a one-size-fits-all business model. Every state operates differently, every insurance carrier handles claims differently, and every company has unique operational needs. That’s where Towing & Recovery Academy stands apart. We customize our training to fit your operation, your market, and your business goals.

Our team will travel directly to your facility and provide hands-on, real-world training tailored to your company. We teach proper billing procedures, industry terminology, documentation practices,

We teach proper billing procedures, industry terminology, documentation practices, billable items, invoice structuring, compliance standards, and proven strategies to help maximize legitimate revenue while protecting your business.

billable items, invoice structuring, compliance standards, and proven strategies to help maximize legitimate revenue while protecting your business.

In addition to training, Towing & Recovery Academy also offers consulting services for live recoveries and complex billing situations. Whether you need ongoing monthly support or assistance on a case-by-case basis, our experienced team can help guide your operation through difficult recoveries, insurance billing challenges, cargo claims, and revenue optimization.

This isn’t cookie-cutter training. This is real-world experience combined with proven billing knowledge designed to help your company operate smarter, recover more revenue, and stay ahead of the competition.

Train smarter. Bill smarter. Maximize your profits with Towing & Recovery Academy.

Beau White Towing & Recovery Academy 571-833-8884 (tel:571-833-8884) mailto:towingacademy@gmail.com

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

National Safety MonthTraffic Commander

Safety means survival for those working between the white lines

Close calls and near misses are stark reminders for anyone working between the white lines that safety means survival, and every precaution takes effort and determination. It’s a policy position

shared by many industry leaders, including the experts at Zip’s AW Direct, during National Safety Month. This June, the team from Zip’s wants to remind everyone to make safety their first priority throughout the year. Every day, every call on the side of

the road comes with inherent risks for the following individuals: towing and recovery operators, repossession agents, road service providers, lockout technicians and municipal crews, among others. Making their living on the side of

the road, these high-risk professions all face the same harsh reality: Distracted drivers are everywhere, and too many motorists still fail to move over or slow down. Despite laws in every state designed to protect them, these roadside workers continue to put their lives on the line while simply doing their jobs.

For those who work along the shoulder, the danger can’t be overstated. It’s personal, according to one seasoned tow operator in an interview with Zip’s. “Not everybody’s going to move over. You just really got to be able to watch your own back because no one’s going to be there to watch the house. My main goal is just to make it back home at the end of the day to my family.”

Another operator shared just how

close tragedy can come without warning: “My jacket has been hit before by a truck, so it was pretty close. I’ve also had an incident of a big rig actually striking my truck and hitting my mirror. I have had too many close calls.”

These stories reverberate across the country every single day. Operators are trained, alert and equipped with

Saving lives.

high-visibility gear and warning lights, yet accidents and near misses continue to happen because modern drivers are increasingly distracted. Flashing amber lights and reflective clothing that once grabbed attention are now often lost in a sea of visual noise.

Awareness alone is no longer enough. As part of National Safety Month,

The SafeAll Traffic Commander sets the standard for variable roadside safety messaging. Mount this enhanced light bar on your wrecker, car carrier or service vehicle and create a safe zone for your employees. Hereʼs what sets it apart:

Light bar.

• 3-in-1 functionality

• 18" LED block letters

• Legible from 1,000'

• Weatherproof design

Arrow stick. Message board.

• Store up to 23 messages

• Visible from 4,000'

Scan to learn more!

• Wired or wireless control options

ROADSIDE SAFETY

Zip’s is touting the proven, life-saving attributes of variable safety messaging on truck-mounted boards like the SafeAll Traffic Commander. Using simple action words, this enhanced light bar takes command of every situation and directs traffic around sensitive work areas.

Setting the standard for the past four years, the Traffic Commander has

changed the landscape for roadside safety. Unlike traditional warning systems, it combines three critical safety tools into one integrated unit: a full message board, a light bar and an arrow stick. The result is a highly visible system designed to communicate directly with drivers in real time.

Compliant with MUTCD standards for roadside messaging, the Traffic Commander was built specifically to solve the growing problem of distracted driving and roadside visibility. The aluminum frame measures five feet wide, and 18” amber LED block letters are cast against a black backdrop for clarity and visibility.

Proven reliable in real-life scenarios, the sign visible from 4,000 feet and legible from 1,000 feet, transmitting clear instructions motorists can immediately understand. Customizable messages such as ‘MOVE LEFT’, ‘SLOW DOWN’ or ‘MERGE RIGHT’ cut through clutter and create stronger

driver response before vehicles ever reach a roadside scene.

Operators can control the system from inside or outside the truck, and sign deployment takes less than seven seconds. Adjustments can be made quickly to accommodate changing roadway conditions, lane closures and traffic flow. For companies that have experienced loss firsthand, the impact is undeniable. Bill Atcheson from Rick’s Towing, called the Traffic Commander a game changer.

“Tow operators face real danger every day, yet we are not always seen the same as police or fire. The Traffic Commander changed the game for us. Drivers are numb to flashing lights, but when they read messages like ‘Move Left’ or ‘Slow Down’, they actually respond. This is not an expense. It is an investment in your people and their safety. If it prevents even one accident, it is worth every penny.”

This National Safety Month, the

challenge for towing companies, municipalities, police agencies, repossession fleets and roadside service providers is simple: Do not wait for tragedy before upgrading your safety

equipment. The roadside environment has changed, and operator protection must evolve with it.

Because at the end of the day, every operator deserves to make it home.

In the towing industry, we know firsthand that every missed call can cost more than just one job. It can hurt customer satisfaction, damage motor club performance scores, impact police rotation opportunities, and affect the reputation your company has worked hard to build.

The reality is that towing never stops. Calls come in at all hours, customers expect fast response times,

and towing company owners are constantly balancing dispatching, driver coordination, customer communication, and daily operations. For many companies, after-hours dispatch still falls on the owner, a spouse, a family member, or even drivers trying to answer phones while staying focused on the road. Over time, that becomes

exhausting and difficult to sustain.

This is exactly where Holly’s Towing Dispatch comes in.

We want to provide towing companies with a dispatch solution built specifically for the towing and recovery industry — not a generic answering service that doesn’t understand the urgency or workflow of towing

TOWING DISPATCH

operations. At Holly’s Towing Dispatch, our team focuses exclusively on towing dispatch support. We understand police rotation calls, motor club procedures, accident dispatching, escalation protocols, driver communication, and the importance of handling calls quickly and professionally.

Our goal is simple: we want our dispatch team to feel like a true extension of your business.

Whether you operate one truck or manage multiple locations, we believe professional 24/7/365 dispatch support can help protect your revenue, improve consistency, and reduce the stress that comes with nonstop phone coverage. Some companies use us for overnight dispatching, while others rely on us for overflow support during busy periods, weekends, staffing shortages, or backup coverage when internal dispatchers need time off.

Every towing or roadside company operates differently, which is why

we work closely with clients to customize call handling procedures, service areas, driver assignments, escalation instructions, and customer communication preferences. We don’t believe towing companies should have to adapt to a dispatch service — the dispatch service should adapt to the towing company.

One of the biggest benefits our clients tell us about is finally being able to step away from the phone without worrying that calls are being missed or mishandled. In an industry known for burnout, interrupted sleep, and constant pressure, having dependable dispatch support can make a major difference not only for operations, but for quality of life.

When towing companies partner with Holly’s Towing Dispatch, they often experience:

• Fewer missed calls and missed revenue opportunities

• Better customer service and faster response coordination

• Professional handling of police and motor club calls

• Improved communication between dispatch and drivers

• Reduced owner stress and dispatcher burnout

“Whether you operate one truck or manage multiple locations, we believe professional 24/7/365 dispatch support can help protect your revenue, improve consistency, and reduce the stress that comes with nonstop phone coverage.”

• Greater operational stability during nights, weekends, and peak periods

We also understand that switching to outsourced dispatch support can feel like a big decision. That’s why we offer every new client a free two-week trial. We want towing company owners to experience firsthand how dedicated dispatch support can improve workflow, reduce interruptions, and help capture more opportunities without adding more in-house staffing.

If your company is struggling with missed after-hours calls, nonstop interruptions, or the pressure of always having to answer the phone yourself, now may be the right time to explore a dispatch solution designed specifically for towing.

At Holly’s Towing Dispatch, we’re committed to helping towing companies stay responsive, protect revenue, and operate with confidence — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Try Holly’s Towing Dispatch FREE FOR TWO WEEKS. Call 1-800730-3909 and see how professional 24/7 dispatch support can help your company capture more calls, reduce stress, and never miss another opportunity after hours.

Automotive Industry Continues to Rely on Industrial Paint Markers for Collision Repair, Towing, and Parts Identification

BY MARKING PEN DEPOT

The automotive industry continues to expand its use of industrial paint markers and permanent marking systems for collision repair, towing operations, vehicle processing, parts tracking, and quality control applications. From collision repair centers and salvage yards to OEM manufacturing facilities and towing fleets, durable automotive marking products have become essential tools for improving operational efficiency, communication, traceability, and workflow accuracy.

According to Marking Pen Depot, demand for high-performance automotive paint markers continues to grow as collision shops, auto auctions, towing operators, and automotive manufacturers require more durable, highly visible, and dependable marking solutions capable of withstanding oils, solvents, weather exposure, handling,

and demanding shop environments.

Collision Repair Shops Depend on Removable Automotive Markers

Collision repair facilities and body shops increasingly rely on products such as POSCA paint markers, BopaGla glass markers, and AutoWriter markers for vehicle damage identification, repair notes, panel marking, glass writing, insurance processing, and repair workflow management.

Technicians use these automotive paint markers to clearly identify dents, scratches, repair zones, replacement panels, alignment areas, and colormatching information throughout the repair process. The markers are formulated to provide excellent visibility while remaining removable from glass and painted surfaces without ghosting or staining.

This category of collision shop

markers is specifically engineered to resist rain and shop conditions while still being easily removable using common glass cleaners such as Windex or Sprayway glass cleaner.

Towing Industry and Auto Auctions Require Highly Visible Marking Systems

Within the towing and vehicle recovery industry, operators frequently depend on Sakura solid paint markers and Tow Pro markers for temporary and semi-permanent vehicle identification applications.

These industrial automotive markers are commonly used for writing tow numbers, inventory identification, lot management data, service instructions, and processing information directly on vehicle windshields, painted panels, metal surfaces, and other difficult substrates. Their ability to write on wet, dirty, rusty, oily, or rough surfaces

makes them ideal for roadside recovery operations, impound lots, salvage yards, and auto auction facilities.

Marks are typically applied to vehicle glass and can be easily removed using a standard razor blade scraper when processing is complete.

Permanent Automotive Parts Marking Applications Continue to Expand

Automotive manufacturers, machine shops, and parts suppliers also rely on permanent industrial paint markers for identifying metal parts, components, assemblies, inventory, quality inspections, and production tracking. Industrial paint markers designed for automotive environments provide durable adhesion, fast dry times, chemical resistance, and long-lasting visibility on steel, aluminum, coated metals, plastics, and rubber surfaces.

As automotive manufacturing and repair operations continue to demand improved traceability and process control, permanent marking systems remain a critical part of modern production and service environments.

Marking Pen Depot Expands Automotive Marker Product Offering

Marking Pen Depot has become a leading supplier of industrial automotive markers by offering one of the industry’s largest selections of collision shop markers, towing markers, solid paint markers, glass markers, and

permanent industrial paint markers for automotive manufacturing, repair, and processing applications.

The company supplies products from multiple leading manufacturers while providing large inventory availability,

volume pricing, technical product support, and fast nationwide shipping for automotive professionals, collision repair facilities, OEM manufacturers, towing companies, and industrial users throughout the United States.

RECOVERY EQUIPMENT

Winch Boxes and Skid Steers:

Purpose Built for Off-Road Recoveries

BY TODD RAZOR OF BRADEN WINCHES

Executing a proper and safe recovery from an off-road extraction site starts with determining the best approach to winching the equipment out.

The level of difficulty is compounded when large vehicles or machinery— like buses, semis, tractor-trailers, agricultural implements, and other heavy equipment—are immobilized in hard-to-reach spaces.

These scenarios can grow increasingly complex amid challenging terrains like wooded areas, proximity to water, unstable surfaces like sand or soft ground, extreme snow or ice conditions, or similarly demanding environments.

Meaningful Tows

Overall, heavy-duty towing services are experiencing significant growth, according to recent insights and industry forecasts. However, the average cost of owning and operating a heavy-duty truck can be burdensome for some small and medium-sized towing companies and create a deterrent to expanding or upgrading their fleets.

In some areas, operations like accident scene clearances and heavyduty recoveries make up only a small percentage of annual tows. Not all recovery operations require extraordinary equipment or techniques, such as having to hire a crane or bring in heavy equipment like a bulldozer.

Citing American Transportation Research Institute reporting, the US Department of Transportation noted that in 2021, 45 percent of towing and recovery companies operate in counties with fewer than one crash per company per month on average.

Having to service and maintain machinery that could be consistently underutilized can become expensive, in addition to the initial investment. Depending on overall product requisites, particularly for businesses with a higher volume of standard tows, there may be an advantage to acquiring adaptable equipment that offers higher efficiency, lower maintenance, and a smaller operational footprint.

There is no one-size solution for every situation. It’s understood that a towing company’s needs and preferences will vary. This is based on a range of factors, not limited to region, weather, and seasonal travel considerations, as well as staffing levels, contractual obligations, financial concerns, and existing partnerships and supplier relationships.

Companies must determine the methods and machines that make the most sense for fulfilling their particular towing and recovery demands while mitigating organizational risks. There is a trend toward more versatile equipment to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.

A Wrecker in Compact Form

In 2019, Daryl Sheltry “purpose made” a 4-wheel drive Chevy Suburban with a winch system in the back for getting in and out of places where tow trucks and recovery trailers aren’t meant

RECOVERY EQUIPMENT

to go. Sheltry built that first system for his own use. That same year, he engineered a prototype for a skid steer attachment with a small hydraulically driven winch box.

Leveraging 15 years of wrecking experience, the industry veteran was determined to find a better recovery option for when traditional wreckers face casualties that are too far off the beaten path. About six months later, the initial design was optimized, and he applied for an original patent.

Ultra Built Mfg. was born.

Purpose Built Maneuverability

Towing and recovery operators value equipment that is reliable, can be transported easily, and works efficiently under various conditions.

Pairing a winch box with a tracked skid steer loader, capitalizes on the host equipment’s ability to maneuver quickly and navigate in challenging spaces, while delivering raw pulling power.

The Ultra Built HDR20 and HDRU30, representing two of the heaviest-duty variations in the winch box manufacturer’s lineup, are equipped with BRADEN TR Series winches with 20,000 and 30,000 lb of first-layer line pull, respectively. The minimum recommended skid steer size is 8,000 and 8,500 lb, depending on the model.

ELITE-40/60 unites house dual TR20 or TR30 winches provide up to 60,000 lb of combined pulling force. A twin boom design with independent control for each winch provides operators with the ability to pull from multiple directions. These units require a tracked skid steer with a minimum 10,000 lb capacity.

What a Winch

The TR Series recovery winches are configured with power-in and power-out functionality, along with free-spooling capabilities. A cable tensioning plate helps manage the rope

on the drum. Operators are enabled to rapidly deploy and adjust tension efficiently, facilitating smoother handling and more controlled recovery procedures.

Ultra Built recommends that tracktype skid steers be used with all its machines for optimal and consistent performance. Stability is further improved by an aggressive, highly engineered blade with two sets of

cutting teeth. The blade provides ground force and “machine bite” to hold the steer in place, ensuring it remains securely positioned even under extreme winching loads.

Sheltry explains, “The steer is ’dug in like a tick.’ Anywhere you can put a skid steer, you can put the power of a semi wrecker—in a 20-ft package versus a 40-ft package. It’s a semi wrecker in compact form.”

Latest Upgrades

Based in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Ultra Built recently launched its 5thgeneration chassis following a series of upgrades.

A universal tack plate attachment interfaces with virtually any tractor and all skid steers models, most recently including Bobcat and Caterpillar. All Ultra Built units are designed to operate efficiently on low-flow or standard-flow

systems, eliminating the need for high flow hydraulics.

They have also evolved to a design with large swing out doors and a box that can be slanted forward. Through collaboration with BRADEN, a specialized configuration was developed to allow the TR Series recovery winches to fit inside a smaller envelope.

This innovation was specifically engineered to complement winch box compactness and space efficiency with zero sacrifice to high performance. “I built this for towing and recovery and others have seen and taken notice of it,” Sheltry said. “The biggest thing about BRADEN is that they are made in America, and that the percentage of failures is close to zero.

“They (TR Series winches) are customized for my applications, tailored for my needs versus me having to change something. We’re keeping people safe by providing help where it is needed.”

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

RECOVERY EQUIPMENT

Operational Boost

According to Verified Market Research, advancements in technology, such as integrating smart attachments and systems, are further boosting skidsteer market growth by providing users with improved efficiency, safety, and ease of operation.

The newest Ultra Built winch box units are designed to allow for better operator visibility and to make it easier to climb over and through when entering and exiting the cab. A protective shield built into the chassis can be raised to maximize operator protection for added security.

The TR Series sets a high benchmark for versatility, durability and efficiency in its recovery winch class.

Every winch employs an oil-bath lubrication system, significantly extending service intervals and component lifespan by providing continuous, uniform lubrication to critical internal gears and bearings.

Maintenance demands are minimized through the incorporation of wearresistant urethane brake seals, ensuring consistent braking performance and durability under repeated heavy use.

“Wreckers are limited to the space they can get into,” said Paul Hiltenbeitel, Director of Sales, Arrowhead Winch. “Skid steers can maneuver in all types of terrain and all types of spaces to recover semis, vehicles, ag equipment, whatever is needed, to deliver reliable, high-capacity performance under these demanding conditions.”

A Confident Recovery

Towing and recovery equipment and attachments innovations are presenting operators with increasingly versatile alternatives to traditional trucks. For Sheltry, the goal is to make recovering heavy casualties from remote, challenging locations easier and faster. When people in the industry started

commenting, he knew he was on the right track. He remains focused on delivering a lighter, more agile recovery tool that is easier to transport, and requires less time to set up, use and maintain.

Sheltry summed it up: “Traditional wreckers are always running into issues trying to recover stuff in places we can’t get tow trucks. We usually ended up having to call a bulldozer. So, I started using my (skid steer attachment) in the field.

“Somebody asked if I could build them one. After that happened three or four times, I thought, ‘This is probably a pretty good idea.’”

With a product that delivers stability, maneuverability and pulling power, it’s hard to disagree.

REFERENCES:

https://www.verifiedmarketreports.com/ product/heavy-duty-towing-market/ https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/ files/2024-02/FTC%20FMCSA%20 Comment%202.7.24.pdf

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

Eastern Wrecker Sales Inc

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