Tow Professional Quarterly - Quarter 1, 2022

Q1

Quarter 1 • 2022 www.towprofessional.com

Quarterly

LIGHTING TOWING SOFTWARE PLUS: EV’s TROUBLES COMING! INSIGHTFUL TALK: LIVING THE DREAM FEATURED PRODUCTS | SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY

TP Q1 CONTENTS 4 Living the Dream by

Dan

Messina

Q1

Quarterly

PUBLISHER Darian Weaver President & Publisher darian@towprofessional.com

LIGHTING

16 | Will-Burt

PRODUCTION Shirley Ogburn Editor Clint Cabiness Creative Director clint@dialedinmediagroup.com

10 | TowMate

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dan Messina

20 | Custer Products Towing Software Executive and Advertising Offices 2007 Old Montgomery Hwy, Suite B Birmingham, AL 35244 Toll free: 888-802-8544 Fax: 205-978-1550 www.towprofessional.com

32 | Towbook

36 | ServiCase

40 | Webfleet

42 | Featured Product 56 | Supplier’s Directory 61 | Market Place 2 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

Tow Professional is published nine times a year by Over The Mountain Media, Inc., 2007 Old Montgomery Hwy., Suite B, Birmingham, Alabama, 35244, USA. Tow Professional is distributed free to qualified subscribers. Non-qualified subscription rates are $57.00 per year in the U.S. and Canada and $84.00 per year for foreign subscribers (surface mail).

U.S. Postage paid at Birmingham, Alabama and additional mailing offices.

Tow Professional is distributed to qualified Towing & Recovery’s Top Decision Makers. Publisher is not liable for all content (including editorial and illustrations provided by advertisers) of advertisements published and does not accept responsibility for any claims made against the publisher. It is the advertiser’s or agency’s responsibility to obtain appropriate releases on any item or individuals pictured in an advertisement. Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written permission from the publisher.

For a new free subscription, address changes or corrections, please visit www.towprofessional.com and click on the “subscribe” tab.

INSIGHTFUL TALK

TP Q1

BY

DAN

MESSINA

///

Living the Dream

W

hen I sold my tow company, I had to find something to kill time. I loved the towing industry and wanted to do something that would have an impact on the industry.

I kicked several things around - then all of a sudden it hit me. I wanted to solve an industry problem while benefiting the tow company, the motor club, and the consumer.

Uber was becoming a big thing so I thought I would develop software that worked like Uber. There were many companies that developed their version of a phone app that would benefit their customer by developing software that went from their company to the end user.

I, on the other hand, developed a phone app that went

from my company to the closest tow truck. I knew that no matter how good their software was at the end of the day they would need a tow truck.

I completed an app that would give tow companies: • Tows they never had before • I was able to cut their expense because my tow was 10 miles or less • I paid them premium rates for motor club calls • I paid within 24 hours so they did not have to chase their money • My app was free to the tow company While offering many benefits to the tow companies, there was also major benefits to the motor clubs with the

4 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

INGENUITY AMERICAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

custombuiltmfg.com

TP Q1

INSIGHTFUL TALK BY

DAN

MESSINA

///

main one being I lowered their ETA’s from 90 minutes to less than 30 minutes. Also, I gave them breadcrumbs on each tow so they could watch the progress of the tow.

My app was also a major benefit to the consumer because they did not have to stand on the side of the road for hours waiting for the tow truck. I built a nice network of tow companies; we are now receiving tows from four customers. We have three more customers to be added and will be servicing our customers in over 30 markets and growing. However, there was more to do! My industry vision included building an insurance company that would make the towing industry selfinsured. I wanted my insurance company to offer the following: • It would be offered to tow companies only • It would be offered at reduced rates compared to what you are paying today • If you went without claims in a 12 month period you would get a rebate • You would never have to worry about not finding insurance no matter how bad a year you have with claims

•

Your rates would not go up if you had a good year without claims.

I had a friend of mine in the Dallas area who went 20 years without a major accident. They had one major accident, and they could not find insurance and almost lost their business. I never did hear how they got insured, but I’m sure their rates went through the roof.

I built a network of tow companies to which I provide tows. Next, I’m going to make sure they have insurance!

I started talking to the right people to make this happen.

Then I began doing my homework to make sure it is feasible. I’ll need an existing tow company to assist me. I have that company lined up. I will need money to cover damages until I have tow companies paying me their premiums. It took a long time to convince tow companies to trust TowTrax, but I’m hoping this will be easier because they trust me, and we have a good working relationship.

Once this is up and running, I have completed two legs of my vision and will begin the third.

The third part of the vision and probably the most important is something everyone in the industry needs,

4.49% for Dealer Referred Rates 603-422-6608 Jeremy Taskiris | JT@afg.com

New and used

100% tax write-off

No blanket liens

No age restrictions

Not on personal credit Alliance Funding Group (AFG), was founded in 1998 and has grown to become one of the largest privately held equipment finance companies in the U.S. Having funded over $2 billion in equipment, we can offer complete credit and asset flexibility.

6 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

JOIN US 44th

SEPTEMBER 22 ND -25 TH , 2022

GREAT WOLF

LODGE

Hosted By

MASON, OHIO

C E L E B R AT I N G 4 4 Y E A R S B E C A U S E O F Y O U !

Don’t Miss a Great Time at a Great Location

• Live Demos • Seminars • Light Show • Beauty Contest • Over 100 Exhibitors • Safety Fashion Show

For Show and Hotel Information, Contact Bruce Bender

513-831-7469 • bruce@trao.org

• Thursday — Golf Outing • Thursday — Live Auction • Friday Night — A Party to Remember with Zack Attack • Friday Night — Candle Light Vigil • Saturday Night — Miller Industries Customer Appreciation

midwesttowshow.org

TP Q1

INSIGHTFUL TALK BY

DAN

MESSINA

“drivers”. As I traveled over the past year everyone was talking about the shortage of tow truck drivers.

We had major discussions about starting a towing academy and creating the future tower.

The advantages of a tow academy are: • We have a new type of student that’s wants to be a tower.

• If we work with a government agency hopefully the will fund our academy.

• We can pick the materials they should learn and the right ways to perform a tow.

• We have course materials lined up using a program provided by the California towing association.

•

•

///

We could have the best instructors from all the various training programs that are in place today We can place them anywhere they want because all companies today need towers.

As I implement my vision for the industry, I am counting on towing associations working with me to make this happen. I sent out an e-mail to a few tow companies and have already had several volunteers ready to work with me. Things to discuss are: • Who should be the student?

• What should the materials consist of?

• Who will teach the materials?

• Who is the beneficiary of our graduating classes?

• •

What should we charge per student?

How long should a class be?

I would like the industry to set the parameters for all things I am developing. The more associations involved the better it will be.

I’m hoping the pandemic is over and the world is getting back to normal. That means we have tow shows starting up soon. I will have a booth set up at all the shows to recruit volunteers to help with these programs.

If we can complete this vision of all three items we will have an industry that will be unified more than ever before and hopefully a lot more profitable.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT • Aerodyne Toolboxes (TB-1001) • 7” 38K Stiff-legs w/ 18” Flip Feet (Bolt On) • 2-Warn 30K Hydraulic Winches w/ 200’ 5/8” Wire Rope • Wireless LED Safety Light Bar • Wireless Remote Control • 5 Sets Frame Forks w/ Fork Rack • Chain Hook End Caps • Universal Fork Receiver • 12” Extension Fork Receiver • American Made Sectional Valve • Passenger Side Controls (Standard) • EZLOAD Stand • Break Away Cable Tie Back System (Patent Pending) • Glad-hands / 7 Pin Connector (for Connection) • Quick Disconnect for Air Brakes and Air Tools • Safety Chains and Deep Pocket Storage • Stop, Tail & Turn Lighting OPTIONS • Custom Aluminum or Steel Fenders • 20K Pintle and Ball Hitch • Custom Toolboxes • LED Work Lights • Heavy Duty Wheel Lift • Light Pylon • Large Saddle Bag Boxes • Tool Box Accent Light Kit • Custom Graphic Box Wraps • Custom Paint

Download Brochure * OPTIONAL EXTRA TOOL BOXES & FENDERS SHOWN / MINOR ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

ZACKLIFT INTERNATIONAL / 844.ZACKLIFT / ZACKLIFT.COM

8 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

Download your preferred dispatching software directly to the tablet. Get your eyes on the road VEHICLES (4/21) Region - New Jersey

Search

001 - Tow Truck 1 09:53, 52 Zasplant St., Clifton, NJ, 1317 US

004 - Wrecker 4 09:52, 5 Dolphin Av., Newark, NJ, 1978 US

005 – Tow Truck 5

02/29, 10:16, 2 Frederik Hermans, Princeton, NJ, 1011 US

006 – Wrecker 6

09:53, 52 Zagisplant Street, Almere, NJ, 1317 US

Scan to learn more

• Communicate with drivers with two-way radio apps • Promote safe driving practices • Navigate to your next job with route optimization & real-time traffic avoidance.

Let’s drive business. Further.

webfleet.com

PLAY DEMO

TP Q1

LIGHTING

THE MAGIC TO BEING SEEN:

A PRESENT DAY GUIDE

F

or as long as there have been production automobiles, there has been a need to tow and recover them. From the rudimentary tractor pull of a vehicle from a ditch to a rotating hydraulic-powered boom mounted to a 100,000+ pound truck raising a casualty from a ravine… the profession of towing and recovery has come a long way. During the same 100+ years these advances have been taking place, drivers have exponentially become less concerned with the actual act of driving. This has led to far too many fallen souls along the highways of

this great country, and indeed the world over. So, is there an answer to the problem at hand? A way to pull the proverbial ‘rabbit from a hat’ and end the madness? While there may not be an absolute solution, TowMate continues to focus its product engineering efforts on improving the situation.

Considering the ever-changing dynamics of the work environment, along with the continued improvements of the technology at hand, this article aims to outline an up-todate, balanced, and effective approach to staying safe on the modern recovery site.

10 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

LIGHTING

First and foremost, drivers must be aware of your presence in order to avoid a collision with you. That does not necessarily mean the best approach is to max out your amperage to be bright like the sun. There is one thing that remains constant though, and that is that the cornerstone and mantlepiece of this equation is the overhead light bar. Perhaps the earliest example of a

TowMate

widely used piece of equipment for visibility’s sake, the overhead light bar, or beacon, comes in more varieties than one can shake a stick at. The PCX61U from TowMate serves as a benchmark in light bar technology, with its two-wire installation and high LED count, in addition to its functionality. Covering the bases with strobe, traffic control arrows, work lights, and wireless Stop/

JOIN THE NETWORK THAT POWERS LEADING BRANDS

SIGN UP at geturgently.com/towpro or CALL US at 888.871.6447 Tow Pro Mag ULY Mar 2021 7in x 4.7in_v1r1.indd 12 1

| TOW PROFESSIONA L | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

3/5/21 7:48 PM

TP Q1

LIGHTING

Tail/Turn functionality, the real magic is a function of its optics. The PCX61U light bar boasts the cutting edge ‘peripheral parabolic technology.’ That is the terminology used to describe how the light is projected. With these optics, the light bar is distinctly visible up-close but appears brighter at a distance, reducing the possibility for drivers or recovery crew from becoming disoriented within the immediate area while simultaneously maintaining a distinct visual footprint in the eye of the vehicle’s operator.

A step up from the simple road-flare of the past, and effective for some time, the overhead light bar has become more-or-less insufficient as a stand-alone safety precaution for visual awareness in the present day. Enter a myriad of options for flashing lights of all descriptions to mount anywhere and everywhere on a truck one could imagine. But as the age-old adage goes… “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” There is also the undeniable fact that there is such a thing as too much lighting. But when done the right way, with the right placement, a good lighting package can make all the difference when it matters most.

The Power-Link combination marker/ strobe/work light and STT/strobe/ work light combination lights are likely the easiest to install warning lights in the world, utilizing factory wiring to

operate. Plug them into the factory connector and install your PowerLink controller (included with the above-mentioned light bar or purchased a la carte), and away you go. For a more conventional approach, TowMate has recently designed the new SS470 super slim surface mount LED strobe.

Containing 12 high-intensity LEDs with linear optics, these puppies pack a punch. They can be single color or multi-color, and used as a marker, a signal, a work light, in addition to being a warning light depending on the exact configuration. Better yet, they can be synchronized to maximize the visual impact. An effective approach is one without overkill. Therefore, two to four LED strobes in the grill, two to four LED strobes on the rear, and perhaps a couple on each side of the truck, and viola, you are done! Running the strobes on the body and grill, coupled with the traffic arrow on the overhead light bar to encourage drivers to move over, really is all you

14 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

need for warning lights on the truck. Anything more and the message begins to get jumbled. Too much of a good thing all too often results in a not-so-good thing. In other words, keep it simple.

This is pretty well how most trucks are purchased from a local dealer. A light bar, a few strobes, and out the door. So why are we still seeing so many towers getting taken out on the side of the road? Well, it goes back to drivers becoming less concerned with the act of driving and even less so concerned with amber warning lights while en route. Even though it is clear that red and blue lights are far more successful in traffic management, most states still do not allow tow operators to use them on their trucks, even while stationary. But where there is a necessity, innovation follows. TowMate has introduced what appears to be a ‘rabbit from the hat’ in the form of the Life Saver conemounted warning light system. Bryan Anderson, the owner of TowMate and inventor of wireless tow lights, has received several calls from towers in the field just to express their gratitude and amazement of the product.

“It was just like magic, the cars all moved to the far lane as soon as he set it out,” said Dave Stephens of Kellogg’s Service & Towing in Mead, Washington while recounting the first experience his driver had with the Life Saver. What looks like a cannonball with a handle and a flat face, the Life Saver features two Red/Blue LED strobes that alert traffic of your presence while in use.

The rechargeable unit will operate for up to 24 hours on a charge and simply slides over the top of any traffic cone. Since the unit is not mounted to the truck, nor is it used on the truck or in motion, it is not considered ‘truck lighting.’ Therefore, it is a true difference-maker in bringing the benefits of red/blue lighting to tow operators. The Life Save can be configured to amber/ white by swiping a magnet over the lights as well, for those who simply want to enhance their existing setup.

One thing has crystalized as a certainty, however. The

Life Saver holds true to its name. That is why TowMate is donating a portion of the proceeds from each unit sold to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum Survivor Fund. The fund, which is overseen and allocated by the museum’s board of directors, provides relief to the families of those who have fallen while on duty in the towing industry.

There is nothing to indicate driver awareness is going to improve on its own any time soon. And as we know, doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is for the birds. With the dynamic issue of tower safety ever-evolving, manufacturers and operators alike must evolve in their approaches too. Between the PCX61U light bar with specialized light-projection that reduces the risk of disorientation on the scene, the subsequent grill and body lights that make the truck ‘pop,’ and the Life Saver cone-mounted warning light system offering the benefits of red/blue warning lights to towers, the products and technologies are available to substantially increase your safety on the job. A little investment today can go a long way towards avoiding paying the ultimate price tomorrow.

TP Q1

LIGHTING

Improving the Safety and Efficiency of

Nighttime Operations

By David Cotsmire

A

towman’s job is difficult and dangerous.

The calls increase when conditions are the worst – torrential rains, ice, snow, and darkness make a tough job even tougher.

You know every job should be approached with a plan of action; one that is methodical and logical with safety in the forefront of your mind. A great plan is essential, but a great plan is not enough. You need the right tools to maximize your safety and efficiency, especially at night.

This article will review the lighting tools and technology available today that will significantly improve your safety, and some can even improve the bottom-line of your business.

Long gone are the days of halogen lights where you could fry an egg on the light housing and a generator was needed

to power them. Most of today’s lights are LED which consume 90% less power and generate much less heat while providing brilliant illumination at an affordable price. No need to pack a generator, these lights can be powered directly from your vehicle.

16 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

Will-Burt

Do keep in mind the age-old adage, “you get what you pay for” which absolutely applies to LED lights. LED lights with heat management circuitry will provide a constant level of light output throughout the job and will last much longer than cheap LED lights. LED lights can be found on truck-mounted light towers that are powered by the alternator.

What benefits do truck mounted light towers provide?

A telescoping light tower such as Will-Burt’s Night Scan HDT provides light from up to 15 feet above your truck which enables the light to spread across a wide area to illuminate more of the scene – as much as an entire football field! This height also allows oncoming traffic to see you long before they arrive on the scene. The powerful light also will not blind the crew because it comes from above, like sunlight. Lastly, the height provides the ability to direct the light into a ditch or ravine.

The lights on top of the tower are remotely controlled to direct the light nearly anywhere, regardless of the position of the truck. Some towers like the Night Scan Powerlite HDT with two banks of lights, enables you to direct the light banks in two different directions which gives you 360° of light coverage. Optional cameras can be added to a light tower which allows the action to be viewed locally, remotely, or recorded.

Lastly, several tow companies charge customers for the deployment of a light tower, sometimes up to $250 / hour. We have been told that companies have been able to pay for a heavy wrecker just from the money they make on the light tower!

A truck-mounted light tower is not the only way to get light above the scene. You can use the height of your vehicle and mount a remote-controlled light positioner such as the Night Scan Spot on the roof, headache rack, or boom. This is a lower cost option to enjoy the benefits

of overhead light, but you will not be able to achieve the same lumen output as a light tower.

Another option with height is the Night Scan Pump-Up light tower. This product is flexible enough to be used by any size tow company. A small pneumatic mast that is elevated with an onboard hand pump has 40,000 lumens of light on top and has the flexibility to be mounted in a 2” hitch receiver, tripod or drive-on stand. In fact, this tower is so versatile, you can leave the tripod attached to the mast permanently and still put it in the hitch mount or drive-on stand. Because the lights are powered by 12-volt DC current, you can power the Night Scan Pump-Up light tower from your truck. This easy-to-use light tower can be elevated in less than 60 seconds.

An autonomous flight, tethered drone with LED lights and camera is the ultimate in leading edge technology for illuminating and monitoring the scene. Will-Burt’s Mobile Sentry tethered aerial system is portable, allowing it to be placed nearly anywhere. It is simple to operate, set the height and it will automatically launch and hold its position. Need to redirect the light? The tethered drone can be guided by the wireless controller to the desired location. A standard height of 150’ will give you a bird’s eye view that you can monitor from your wireless controller or remote location.

A little closer to the ground, there are a variety of lights that can improve safety. Truck-mounted LED scene lights are more popular than ever. They are flexible enough to be mounted about anywhere and if you buy a quality light, they can last the life of your vehicle. Make sure to mount them strategically around the vehicle so you can light the scene from any angle. More flexibility can be achieved by adding a push-up pole on each side of the vehicle or even every corner. A push-up pole can add up to 60” of height and 20,000 lumens of light each and can be manually

17 | TOW PROFESSIONA L | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

LIGHTING

turned and tilted to optimally illuminate the scene. This is a very affordable method to get light on the scene.

Portable lighting that is not attached to the vehicle provides additional flexibility. Cost-savings can be realized by sharing this lighting across your fleet. Technology has had a positive impact in this lighting category as well.

LED technology is now available for the “balloon lights” that have seemingly been around forever. The Night Scan Air is available with up to 110,000 lumens on a 10 ft. tripod. This balloon light projects usable light evenly in a 45,000 sq. ft. circle.

If you need the ultimate in portability, look for LED

Our mission is to: • Evoke the public conscious to understand they are the most powerful source to define life and death on our Nation’s highways.

• To educate and make them aware they need to make a life change so first responders can live theirs!

• To unite all common industry first responders to train, educate and motivate the public we serve to just

OVER ONE – LOSE NONE!

overone.org

18 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

Will-Burt

lighting that is powered by long-lasting and lightweight lithium-ion batteries. Rugged handheld flashlights that convert into stand-alone tripod lights with 16,000 lumens are versatile enough to find a place within any towing company. Another option is a ruggedized, wheeled case that contains not only the batteries but extendable poles

and two 20,000 lumen LED lights – the power of a light tower on the go!

The safety of you and your crew is not the place to cut corners. Invest in quality lighting products and you could see a reduction in accidents and an increase in efficiency.

RUGGED LED LIGHTS BUILT FOR YOUR WORLD Safety

Modular Light Bar

Revenue

Speed

HDT Work Lights

www.nightscan.com

Night Scan Spot

330-684-4000

19 | TOW PROFESSIONA L | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

LIGHTING

CUSTER PRODUCTS COVERS YOUR

LIGHTING NEEDS

C

uster Products was formed in 1993. Custer’s first products were manufactured on assembly lines in North Canton, Ohio. These products included Magnetic Work Lights, Retractable Battery Jumper Cables, Trouble Lights and Magnetic Tow Lights for RVs. Custer has had many changes since the early days in the 1990s. When we started, we were manufacturing products for large retail stores. Many of the stores we manufactured for were driven out of business or merged with even larger big box stores.

Custer adapted by manufacturing and private labelling products for manufacturers that wanted to add to their product line who had presence in the larger stores. In fact, today, Custer still has products that are private labelled in larger retail stores.

Another step of the evolution was to enter the towing market. We became involved in the towing market somewhere around 1995. This was one of the

best decisions that we ever made. I’m sure there are some people who remember Al. Al would attend the Tow Shows and would show our latest products and look for distributors or potential distributors to sell the products. As the sales increased, we expanded our product offerings. We went from offering only a few items to offering hundreds of items. The LED Lights and Safety Strobe lights were a great addition to the product line. This allowed us to meet and talk to many towers who were interested in updating their trucks from incandescent lighting to the new LED lighting.

In 2013, we expanded the product line again by acquiring Blades Tow Right, Inc. This allowed us to expand our line of tow lights to include the larger tow bars and wireless tow lights. We spent several years updating the technology for the wireless line and are confident in or high-quality bars. Please consider a Lite-It Wireless when making your decision on a light

20 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

Custer Products

bar. In 2018, Custer Products moved from North Canton, OH to Massillon, OH. We still do a lot of manufacturing at the Massillon facility including all of the Lite-It Wireless and magnetic tow lights.

Custer Products is most recognized as a lighting company. All of Custer’s lights are quality made to specifications that are higher than similar products. All of our lights are warrantied.

Custer Products can be found at many of your favorite towing distributors. If your distributor does not sell the Custer or Lite-It line, contact us and we will help you find the product. Also, if you would like more information on our products, look on www.custerproducts.com or call us at 1-800-490-3158.

BUILDING THE BEST WIRELESS TOW LIGHTS IN THE BUSINESS!

Proudly Made in the USA

Contains Auto-grade circuitry Individually serialized to prevent cross-talk & protect against theft

Toll Free: 800-490-3158 CusterProducts.com 21 | TOW PROFESSIONA L | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

EV’s EV’ s TROUBLES A

COMING!

s we move on with our day-to-day issues, everyone is feeling the anxiety and stress of the Russia–Ukraine War. With that going on, I want to first give a big thank you to all military personal who are currently serving and to all veterans. Your service is important to American society and our way of life.

Again, from one combat veteran to another, I salute you and thank you for your service!

With the chaos going on, everyone in the towing industry is dealing with a lot of different issues. We

are now getting over the COVID-19 pandemic, dealing with Russia bullying Ukraine, and face an average national diesel fuel cost of $4.16 per gallon. Then, let us not forget staff shortages, supply chain gaps for truck maintenance and parts and the dangers of motorists not paying attention when we are working on the side of the roadway. To remain profitable in the towing industry, we must factor in liability and the headaches that come with the everyday dangers of towing. Sometimes these issues are even more stressful because we worry about

24 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

damage claims and getting payment for services from motor club networks. With all this, we ask ourselves a simple question: Is the juice (profitability) worth the squeeze (stress and liability headaches)?

A recent roadside towing insurance article by Insurance Risk Services of Georgia dated Feb. 22, 2022 discusses how Georgia’s roadside assistance towing programs lack responsibility and accountability and expose motorists to great financial risks. That article’s writer states that a tow operator improperly hooked up his winch cable to a 2022 Ford Mach-E’s battery rail, causing $28,000 in vehicle damages. In this incident, there was no insurance coverage for the vehicle repairs.

The article pointed out the tow operator arrived to the scene in a Ford F-550 to tow an EV, and the tow operator arrived at the scene with improper towing equipment.

It is implied the situation resulted in the vehicle owner being solely responsible for damages to the Mach-E caused by the tow operator. The vehicle owner was told there was no insurance available for this claim on her insurance policy. How does this happen? Why do towing companies have commercial insurance?

Before I get into my discussion, I want to explain my intentions with this article. I am only pointing out a few of the legal issues we deal with daily. Today I am discussing the big liability elephant standing outside next to the wreckers. I want this article to get you thinking about some of the legal issues that tow providers are thinking about. These issues can sneak up unexpectedly on any of us. I suggest you think about these issues, and if you feel there is a need, get legal advice from a licensed attorney in your service area. I am not trying to start a debate or argument about what to do with your business operation or how; I am just trying to point out valuable information on important topics we have in the towing industry. Remember, the laws are different with each city and state.

In my research for this article, I have spoken to multiple government agencies, attorneys, insurance agents and adjustors. I found the most reliable information came from the FMCSA website chat with customer service agents. They can point you in the right direction and tell you where to get supporting documentation. In my research, what I found was surprising. It made me ask the question, “How well do you know the legal requirements of your towing operation?”

In my research, I was told all insurance claims are

The Easier Way To Sell Your Abandoned Vehicles!

SELLER BENEFITS:

Free to Sellers!

Your Lot, Your Vehicles, Your Auction!

You collect all the Money!

Launching Nationwide!

Special offers for Towing and Recovery Association members – ask us!

White Glove services available – we will set up your showroom for you!

Lowest cost to bidders in the industry!

www.onlineimpoundauctions.com 888-903-4678 info@onlineimpoudauctions.com

Seller’s Video

Seller’s Brochure

25 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

Buyer’s Video

TP Q1

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

thoroughly investigated, and that a transportation/tow company must be legally compliant in all areas of its operation. This includes all requirements related to the performance of their duties. Towing companies must be up to date with licenses, permits’ DOT filings, safety inspections, DOT medical cards, municipal requirements and logbooks. There is a plethora of issues related to responsibility or liability for the insurance company to accept and defend a claim. Therefore, they want to know what happened before they accept responsibility.

On the flip side, they are also investigating the other parties. If an insurance carrier finds a towing company is not operating legally, they will try to find a way to deny the claim under the legal issue of “engaging in illegal activity,” which provides a legal way to get out of liability by denying the claim. That is the nature of the insurance industry.

Not all liability issues are determined by the

situation, tow operator and equipment. Sometimes matters can be out of a tow operator’s control. For example, a motor club network could be dealing with a damage claim that the vehicle operator clearly caused, but place liability and responsibility on the tow company because they want to keep their client happy and save face.

With all the various insurance news articles written about the towing industry, the subject of training is often discussed, but what does the word training entail?

We know we can go to TRAA or Wreck-Master and get technical training on how to tow a vehicle. What about some type of training to learn the various legal requirements and issues involved with the operation of a towing company? From what I have learned, it does not exist. Even more troubling, most attorneys are not aware of all the legal issues involved. I was told the towing industry is a hybrid of multiple industries

26 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

that falls under regulations at all levels of government, and it is not uncommon to have different agencies state different facts about the same incident.

Towing falls under the transportation industry. The first legal issue of this discussion concerns the USDOT classifications of interstate (multistate) and intrastate (in-state only) registration for a transportation company. The USDOT is the agency that grants the authority for a transportation company to cross a state line, taking cargo into another state. Taking cargo over a state line without authority is subject to a $26,000 fine imposed by the DOT. Many people operate under the false belief that if a tow company is registered as an interstate carrier with an MCA number, they can operate (pick up and deliver) anywhere in the United States. This belief is false. In a United States Supreme Court case, Columbus v. Our Garage & Wrecker Service, Inc., 536 U.S. 424 (2002), the Court ruled that municipalities are subdivisions of the state and have a public safety interest in the regulation of the towing industry.

With the municipal public safety interest, if they choose, they can enact more stringent regulations and rules in addition to the federal and state law requirements.

Various cities across the country impose stiff regulations. The City of Atlanta has an in-depth ordinance requiring background checks that the city does not enforce, but the insurance carriers look for towing companies to be compliant. When they are not, they deny claims.

Two legal questions often debated throughout the towing industry is whether a tow provider 27 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

can legally conduct unattended towing and what exactly is a bill of lading when towing vehicles? We know shipping companies and transport companies use bills of lading. This is a hot issue with insurance adjustors that process claims for transportation insurance carriers.

We all know how often roadside assistance networks send out instructions for us tow providers to pick up unattended vehicles. Since they are dispatching us to do this, it has to be legal, right? The vehicle is not running, so it is not going anywhere. Is it legal to pick up and tow an unattended vehicle? We do not have to worry about this.

This answer to these questions is buried deep in multiple locations in the Code of Federal Regulations (U.S. CFR). When looking for an answer to this question, one must remember that towing companies operate under the authority of the United

States Department of Transportation (USDOT), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Traffic Incident Management System (TiMs), Federal Highway Administration, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB), U.S. Customs and then the state and municipal agencies. With all these federal agencies having authority over us, we must remember that transportation/towing companies are required to follow their rules as a condition to operate with a DOT number.

As a tow truck travels, it is subject to inspection or investigation at any time by law enforcement, especially when we are going through weigh stations. At a minimum, the driver is subject to a minimum of five years of incarceration for each violation of the U.S. DOT laws. These issues need to be taken seriously.

The first place we look to find the answer is with

28 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

federal law, U.S. 49 USC Ch. 801-816, BILLS OF LADING. This is the federal law that governs bills of lading for all transportation towing companies. This is the document that all transportation companies must fill out prior to providing services. This CFR provides the definitions, application, negotiation, warranties, delivery, responsibility, cost and liability; and U.S. 49 USC Ch. 816 provides the following penalty for violations of this code: A person shall be fined under title 18, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both, if the person— (1) violates this chapter with intent to defraud; or (2 )knowingly or with intent to defraud— • (A) falsely makes, alters, or copies a bill of lading subject to this chapter; • (B) utters, publishes, or issues a falsely made, altered, or copied bill subject to this chapter; or • (C) negotiates or transfers for value a bill containing a false statement.

With the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the United States Homeland Security Act went into law. U.S. 6 CFR part 37 of the United States Homeland Security Identification Act placed minimum standards on identification cards accepted by federal agencies for official purposes.

This act was first introduced in March of 2005, then amended in 2007 with “The Real ID ACT,” HR 1268. This act had great effects on business transactions that are conducted in the United States. This act is mandatory with all banking, transportation and travel in the United States. As a reminder, a towing/wrecker company is a transportation company that is moving cargo. If a tow operator is stopped by law enforcement on the side of the road or at a weigh station, law enforcement can inspect our cargo and ask questions like who and where we picked up the cargo, what condition it was in and who exactly authorized the movement of the cargo. We must be able to show this documentation upon request.

We are responsible. If the cargo is stolen or contains a dead body or drugs, the driver of the truck is going to jail.

Many companies fail to have any type of terms of service or legal contracts for customers when towing vehicles, not to mention obtaining driver’s license when a tow operator picks up the vehicle or cargo condition

report. The bill of lading must be signed prior to any onhook cargo coverage to kick in. Some tow providers say that the signature can be made electronically, without the motorist being present. This is correct; however, according to multiple federal law enforcement agencies that I spoke with, including the USDOT (which keeps law enforcement officers who have powers of arrest at all weigh stations), the only way to verify who turned over a vehicle and signed a bill of lading is face-toface contact. The transportation company is required to document and follow identification procedures with the cargo they are moving. If this cannot be done, the government could make a case of conspiracy and fraud against the transportation company if the circumstances warrant it.

The bottom-line question we must ask ourselves is this: How well do you know the legal requirements of your towing operation? Due to these requirements, we can get jammed up in a criminal case. How do we know a vehicle is not stolen or involved in criminal activity?

29 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

TOWING SOFT WARE

Towbook:

We’re All About YOU

By Tom Bacon

Your Board Seat is Ready Our industry is built on a foundation of independent service providers dedicated to caring for people in need.

This foundation is a virtual family of business owners and their teams who take on the dangerous task of assisting motorists at all hours of the day and night.

Our aim at Towbook has always been to build a company, and a team, that supports our clients in the same way they care for their customers. Our mission is to participate in the community we serve and be there for you any time of the day or night, no matter when you need help. These cannot be just words; for us it must be a way of life – just like it is for you.

To accomplish this, we decided long ago that the board of directors at Towbook is our customers, and every

customer has a seat in the board room. Each of you has a voice in what we do, how we operate and where we’re headed together.

Introducing Towbook Cares TM Towbook is a brand that cares about our industry, and we’re going to show it.

The faith of our customers has enabled us to build Towbook into something more than just a software company. We’ve become the largest provider of towing management software in the world, largely because we’ve teamed with our clients and the industry’s most trusted brands.

Now, we are committed to harnessing our team of customers and partners to give back to the towing and

32 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

Towbook roadside industry. Nothing defines that commitment to our industry more than our new Towbook Cares Program TM. Towbook Cares is a program engineered to advocate and support those who choose Towbook as their management software platform.

Towbook Cares will break the barriers of software reaching into sectors of the towing and roadside industry to benefit our clients in many ways. This program will enlist only the most trusted and established brands in the industry, in their field. In the coming months, you will begin to see program features come to life. Providing the best solution means fielding the best team, period.

The Towbook Platform Everything we do at Towbook is focused on helping our customers run a more efficient and profitable business. The Towbook feature set continues to expand, and our pursuit of the ultimate solution will never end. As we’re fond of saying, there is no finish line.

Here are a few highlights of the capabilities available with Towbook Management Software.

Dispatching. Our real-time dispatching solution delivers the ability to create, accept and receive jobs on any device.

We’re integrated with the leading brands in our industry for digital and direct dispatching with many new integrations on the horizon.

Towbook also makes it simple for your customers to send jobs directly to your system via their own web request form. Other features include the option to create quotes, automatically calculate mileage, and add rate items using pricing rules. Users can also quickly add time-stamped and

geocoded photographs that demonstrate completed work.

This can help protect against damage claims.

Mobile Apps.

Towbook’s iOS and Android mobile apps are so powerful that users can do most of their work right from their phone or tablet.

With our mobile apps, the user can receive dispatch requests, create and dispatch calls, add photos, create damage reports, record payments and so much more.

Request Customer Location. Your consumers need and expect you to find them quickly - even if they have no idea where they are. Towbook’s “ping” feature makes it easy to send a text to your customer, and if they approve the location request, their phone will send the location to your dispatch screen.

Provider Locator Service. We have a growing list of partners who send jobs exclusively through Towbook when they need a service provider for a job. Jobs are offered to Towbook users like any other digital offer. If you accept the work, the call is sent directly to your system along with a one-time credit card, so you get paid when the job is completed.

Dispatch to Subcontractor. We’re excited to introduce another important feature that’s unique to Towbook, the ability for any company using Towbook to dispatch jobs to any other company that uses Towbook. We call this feature Dispatch to Subcontractor, and it’s extremely popular with operators who might be too busy to handle a specific job or may not have the right equipment for the work. Another popular use for this feature is car dealerships and shop

33 | TOW PROFESSIONA L | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

TOWING SOFT WARE

accounts who may send jobs to several providers in their area.

Customer Surveys & Progress Texts. Towbook’s Roadside. io solution, combined with progress texts and our customer survey feature delivers the latest customer experience capabilities to your fingertips allowing you to provide an “Uber-like” experience for your customers.

With Roadside.io, you can share info with customers while their service is in progress. This helps customers understand what’s happening without having to call for an update. Roadside.io makes it simple for someone like a family member, who may not be with the vehicle, monitor progress from anywhere. You can also send customer satisfaction surveys when the job is complete. These surveys track the average rating for each driver.

Mapping & GPS Tracking. With multiple GPS integrations, including mobile phone, tablet and in-truck tracking units, Towbook helps you track and manage drivers and view jobs in real time.

Our new Azuga integration will soon introduce PTO, camera, and video capabilities directly in your Towbook system. Our replay feature also helps you to analyze the routes that your team travels over a period and allows you to take a deeper look at events that occurred on certain calls.

Our mission is to put all the tools needed to manage your fleet, drivers, and jobs at the tip of your fingers.

Pre-Trip & Equipment Inspections. In Towbook, drivers can complete a pre-trip equipment inspection using the Towbook mobile app. Each inspection can be customized for your business to include the inspection checklist your drivers should use each shift. These inspections are available in a report that can be printed or e-mailed.

Impound Management. Towbook’s impound management tools help you manage vehicles stored at your facilities from just about anywhere. When a vehicle is impounded, the system will automatically calculate storage, populate your notification letters and forms, and manage all the tasks you must complete for each vehicle. We also have a unique Vehicle Lookup option allowing you to create a web portal for customers, police departments or private properties searching for a vehicle. This allows them to confirm if you have the vehicle and if so, the address of the lot and any pertinent information related to release procedures – all online!

Lien Letters and Forms. In Towbook, we set up all your notification letters and state forms for you. The system will automatically update each form as you add data to calls in Towbook. When you’re ready to send a letter it can be generated for each impound with the click of a button.

Auto Data Direct. We’re happy to share the news about our integration with AutoDataDirect. This integration makes it extremely simple for users to locate owner information and send letters via the ADD123 DirectPost-Office feature instead of using title work. Within Towbook, tasks and reminders are set for each step in the lienholder and notification process.

As these tasks are completed and notification letters are sent, the progress of each is easily tracked in Towbook.

34 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

Towbook Auctions. Towbook now has a new and complete set of auction management tools. It’s super simple to schedule your auctions, track the necessary data and forms needed to sell a vehicle and then add vehicles to your auction list. Once a vehicle is sold, we’ve streamlined the release process and have added important reporting tools to help you monitor the results of your auctioned inventory.

We’re also introducing direct integrations with leading online auction services. These online services are proving to significantly reduce the workload on your team and increase the average sale price considerably.

Payment Processing. We’ve partnered with Square to bring our customers the most trusted payment platform in the marketplace. With our Square integration, it’s simple to process a payment using a Square mobile reader and you can also include a remote pay link on your invoices and statements.

QuickBooks Integration. If your company uses QuickBooks to manage its finances, you can sync your towing invoices directly with the QuickBooks desktop or QuickBooks online platform.

About Towbook

the unquestioned and most trusted leader in towing management software solutions. Towbook is headquartered in Michigan and has provided cloud-based towing software for over 15 years. With the industry’s most advanced and flexible software, Towbook supports all types and sizes of towing and recovery operations.

With nearly 3 million jobs processed through our system monthly, Towbook is revolutionizing the way towing and roadside assistance professionals run their businesses by allowing companies to manage service requests from multiple channels with a single toolset.

We pride ourselves on empowering towing and roadside companies to easily manage dispatching, invoicing, vehicle inventory and impounds, liens, auctions and more - all through an easy-to-use web-based system accessible on any pc, plus native Android, and iOS applications.

The level of customer support we provide is second to none. Our team is available to customers 24/7/365 via live, US-based telephone and chat support.

Website: www.towbook.com Inquiries: sales@towbook.com 24/7/365 Support Line: (810) 320-5063

Towbook Management Software has quickly become

35 | TOW PROFESSIONA L | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

TOWING SOFT WARE

BuildingYour Business With

I

t’s no secret that the transportation supply chain is constantly evolving. To remain competitive, carrier fleets continue to seek out new ways to ensure that freight keeps moving. One of the ways that technology is making operations more efficient is by making roadside breakdown management transparent and predictable. By eliminating the hassle of searching the internet for a provider, the back-and-forth phone calls of confirming information, requesting ETA’s, and critical updates, carriers can reduce their handling time making the entire experience much more manageable.

ServiCase Provides Certainty for Carriers and Fleets Unlike traditional listing services or directories, ServiCase allows fleets the ability to search for a towing or road service provider, and digitally dispatch calls. This allows the carriers and other event providers to receive electronic status updates from these providers which provide the clearest indication of when their asset will be back on the road.

ServiCase Technology Adopted by Event Providers

powered by the sureEcosystem digital dispatch platform and used by event providers like FleetNet America. ServiCase allows fleets and event providers the ability to locate service providers and dispatch jobs electronically via sureEcosystem, which recently crossed a milestone of over a half-million events handled on the platform.

Is ServiCase Just Another Directory?

Absolutely not. While there may be similarities in the process of searching for a roadside provider, that’s where the similarity ends. ServiCase is unique in that it provides carriers and other fleets the ability to manage, maintain and even keep private records about preferred providers and rates, with the ability to electronically dispatch and manage events when the service provider is connected to the sureEcosystem platform. These unique features are in demand by fleets nationwide.

ServiCase is also different in that the service provider is not charged for events or jobs they receive. Again, there is absolutely no upcharge for receiving the call, and under no circumstance are rates mandated. ServiCase does not mark anything up because payment is made directly to the service provider.

ServiCase is a breakdown management system 36 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

How ServiCase Works When a breakdown occurs, fleet managers create a case in ServiCase by providing information about the vehicle and the required type of service. When the service provider is digitally connected into sureEcosystem, jobs can be assigned directly to the provider’s dispatch software. The case information is sent to the provider’s software package, providing an alert and information about the new job.

The service provider reviews the request and replies with an ETA and potentially other information. Once the ETA is accepted by the event provider, the service provider is dispatched and a live call is created in dispatching software.

ServiCase Connects Carriers to Towing & Mechanical Dispatch Software ServiCase is exceptional in that it can connect fleets

looking for service directly to service providers through many of the commercially available towing and repair shop software platforms. The sureEcosystem platform is currently integrated with over twenty software packages including Beacon, InTow, Omadi, TOPS, and Towbook.

ARE YOU LISTED ON SERVICASE?

ServiCase is a web-based breakdown management system created to help fleet managers locate service providers.

ServiCase GET STARTE D WITH A

FREE ™

STARTER PA

AND GET LIS

CKAGE

TED WITH

CARRIERS A

FLEET MANA

ND

GERS

NATIONWIDE Register for ServiCase

GET STARTED WITH YOUR FREE LISTING, REGISTER YOUR COMPANY AT WWW.SERVICASE.COM/2021 37 | TOW PROFESSIONA L | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

TOWING SOFT WARE C.O.D. for payment terms. Once the account is added, the service provider simply contacts support@ sureecosystem.com to let the sureEcosystem support team know they are ready to get connected.

A confirmation email is sent to the service provider, and the team at ServiCase reaches out within a couple of business days to finish connecting and testing the new digital account.

Getting Listed on ServiCase

Connecting Dispatch Software to ServiCase To get started, users create a new Customer account in their Dispatch Software, name it “ServiCase”, selecting

There are several options to get your company listed on ServiCase.

The most popular offering is the VIP Package which provides the company with the most visibility and includes a fully customizable ad banner provided by the team at ServiCase. This premium listing provides critical information about your company to those who are searching and includes an expanded

Go Where Most Tow Trucks Can’t

Play Video

TowTract is a tow truck with caterpillars controlled by a radio-command and is halfway between a forklift truck and a tow truck.

Here are some of the many applications TowTract can tackle: • • • • •

Able to take a vehicle anywhere Can go up on a truck with its load Can park a vehicle to store it Attractive by its cost Take small space with its load

833-Tow-Trac

www.EASTractNA.com

Email: info@eastractna.com 38 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

search radius as well as a fully updatable company profile including rates, hours of operation, insurance, and more.

Step 1: Service providers can search to see if they are already listed on ServiCase.

To do this, the provider simply visits www.servicase. com and searches their location and a basic service they provide, i.e.: “Light Duty Towing”. If the company is displayed in the results, the provider can click a “Claim This Business” link to update their existing company record.

Step 2: What if the provider does not find themselves in search? The provider can simply visit www.servicase. com and click the “Service Providers” link at the top of the page to choose their listing package and register their company. Once their company is registered, they will be able to update their company information including locations and services offered.

Updating Information The information that is provided for a service provider’s company will be utilized by carriers and fleet managers as they work through their service provider selection process. Service providers are encouraged to fill out

their information as completely and accurately as possible. They can update this information at any time by logging in to the ServiCase website with their username and password.

Companies whose profile do not include their locations, services offered, or a phone number will not be displayed in the search results. Each service provider location can have its own service offerings and multiple qualifying locations can be displayed in the search results. Mailing addresses are not considered in the search results, but service provider profiles include physical addresses which can be assigned services to be found by those searching for providers.

Staying Connected The team at ServiCase has set up several social media accounts where they will be communicating updates and announcements. ServiCase can be found on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Follow ServiCase today to stay up to date on the latest news regarding ServiCase and sureEcosystem.

To register your company with ServiCase and receive your free listing, visit servicase.com.

39 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

TOWING SOFT WARE

STAY COMPLIANT and increase safety for towers All-In-One-System Reduce cost of insurance claims with dashcams

W

ebfleet Solutions, one of the world’s leading telematics providers and part of Bridgestone provides a complete lineup of services to help your fleet to run more efficiently, save time and money and protect your drivers and assets. Integrate tracking, dashcams, ELD, DVIR, dispatching, maintenance alerts, and reporting an all-in-one system.

Reduce liability with WEBFLEET’s Active Driver Feedback – reduce aggressive driving with in-vehicle coaching, audible/visual instructions and lane guidance, handsfree calling with Bluetooth and with the combination of GPS Tracking, WEBFLEET Video is a seamless integration of front and rear dashcam technology into Webfleet Solutions’ fleet management system. Towers will be able to access and manage both their fleet and their in-truck cameras via WEBFLEET, the award-winning fleet management platform, offering a single interface experience. WEBFLEET Video combines Webfleet Solutions’ vehicle and driving data with artificial intelligence (AI) powered camera technology to give fleet operators insight into critical events, helping to prevent accidents, increase safety for the driver, enhance fleet efficiency and reduce the frequency and cost of insurance claims. WEBFLEET Video will also provide clear evidence in the event of road traffic incidents. This protects the driver against fraudulent claims, while also helping the company to avoid lengthy legal proceedings and to refute incorrect damage or injury claims. The combination of video and telematics data safeguards drivers and fleets in several ways. For example, WEBFLEET uses driving behavior data on things like idling or harsh braking to provide actionable insights and real-time feedback that supports drivers

Real-Time Location WEBFLEET Tracking and fleet management is a fixed installation to the truck with reliable tracking. It shows precisely the time spent behind the wheel and when, where, and how your fleet is utilized. It provides the real-time location of every truck in your fleet. Our vehicle tracking system tells you which employee is closest to any new assignment as well as giving you instant access to important vehicle information and driving behavior information, such as speeding or harsh braking. Vehicle tracking can save you money and make your business more efficient.

40 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

to drive more safely and sustainably. With the addition of video technology, fleet managers now have a better understanding of why these events occur. They can protect their drivers from non-fault claims and coach them to achieve a higher level of road safety.

Stay Compliant with FMCSA regulations around DVIR Along with ELD Manager, make compliance simpler.

WEBFLEET ELD Manager helps integrate compliance best practices into your business processes, to give you and your driver peace of mind that you meet regulatory obligations. This brings a closer collaboration between manager, dispatcher, and driver with shared visibility of remaining drive time, and rest periods allowing vehicles to be safer to operate. This information is securely stored in the portal for easy reporting and analysis.

Integrate with your preferred towing app With WEBFLEET’s open API you can customize processes to suit your business or simply tap into the existing business integrations we offer via our partner network.

Integrate with Towbook, Beacon, Haas Alert, Tops, Omadi, tracker, swoop and more…

S&R Towing has been a happy WEBFLEET customer since day one. However, it has struggled to find the same kind of relationship with a dispatch vendor. “Dispatch is critical business software. We’ve tried three different software vendors,” says Rusty Russell, co-owner of S&R Towing.

WEBFLEET offers towers an extensive range of vehicle tracking reports to historical information to spot trends over time so that you can use this information to improve processes, increase efficiency, and drive down spending on fuel. You can up maintenance notifications and run state mileage reporting to help with your daily admin tasks.

“Webfleet Solutions’ dashboard allows me to keep an eye on my fleet’s daily mileage, usage per day, miles logged per day per truck, trips per day as well as PTO engagement each day. Webfleet Solutions cuts down on our overhead and helps us reduce costs and maximize our returns. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to maximize the utilization of trucks and positioning. It gives me everything I need to know how to run my business”, says Ken Bach, Manager of Kingsway Towing Group.

It’s time for you to increase your return of investment by working with WEBFLEET. Schedule a demo now www.webfleet.com.

41 | TOW PROFESSIONA L | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS

1

Quarterly

2022

FEATURED PRODUCTS

LIGHTING

Will-Burt: Night Scann HDT

T

he Night Scan HDT as been developed to meet the unique needs of the Recovery and Towing industry. Heavy wreckers and rotators benefit from the maximum height and light output of the Night Scan HDT Powerlite. The Powerlite version is available as a surface-mount folding version when there is sufficient space or a vertically-mounted model that requires only a 12” x 12” space for installation. Both are 15’ tall when extended, have dual-tilt light heads that cast 120,000 lumens of LED light in all directions to insure you don’t miss a thing. The height of the six Night Scan XL200 LED lights turns night into day and will not blind your crew.

Oncoming traffic will be alerted to the scene from a safe distance. Night Scan HDT comes with everything needed for installation. The major truck manufacturers can install the light tower during a new build or the light tower can be installed by dealer or upfitter. They can even be installed on older equipment by your own shop. Best of all, no generator is needed to power the light tower – the efficient Night Scan XL200 LED lamps operate from your truck’s

power system. Night Scan HDT is available in smaller sizes for rollbacks and tow trucks, and we also offer a full range of specialized LED lighting for every vehicle. www. nightscan.com.

42 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

Towmate

FEATURED PRODUCTS LIGHTING CONTINUED:

TM36XR This 36” wireless truck bar system provides stop, tail, and turn w/ side marker lights on each end and three DOT lights in the center of the bar. Powered with our new internal 6000mah Lithium power supply, this is the most convenient heavy duty light bar on the market! This system comes complete with your choice of transmitter and standard 12v charge cord.

SEE VIDEO

TM-FLUX With the fastest charge of any wireless tow light, no batteries to replace EVER, and a life span of millions of charges, this light bar will make all your other tow lights pale in comparison. Made in the USA, and includes the TowMate lifetime warranty.

PCX61U w/Touchscreen Our new PCX overhead light bars are the new industry standard for emergency and industrial lighting. Made from a solid aluminum extrusion, multi-color strobe function, wireless STT that controls your TowMate tow lights, and controllable via our touchscreen controller; this is the future of vehicle lighting. For more information, visit www.towmate.com.

SEE VIDEO 43 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS

LIGHTING CONTINUED:

Custer Products

O

ne of Custer’s highest selling items has been the 23” wireless light-duty tow light (LIW-LDTL).

The steel handle on top and the 105 lb. pull rubber-coated magnets on the bottom make for easy onand-off installation. The LIW-LDTL is individually serialized which eliminates cross-talk and protects the owner against theft.

This bar meets all DOT requirements, comes with a 3-year warranty and is proudly manufactured in the USA. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com.

SEE VIDEO The LED Amber/White rooftop light bar which is available in 29”, 56” and 72” lengths to fit several different sizes of service trucks. This strobe light bar comes with thirty flash patterns all controlled from a multi-function control box. This bar comes with arrow stick/traffic control built in with seven different flash patterns for each function. To learn more, please visit www.custerproducts.com.

The LED Class I Surface mount strobe (STR-XL1) which is available in Amber (not pictured) and Amber/White. With very low-profile dimensions of 4.85” L x 1” W x 0.3” D, the STR-XL1 series is small in size but powerful in its brightness. This strobe light comes with 24 different flash patterns and can be synchronized with up to twelve other modules of its kind. To learn more, please visit www. custerproducts.com.

One of Custer’s newest products is the 54-Watt work light/amber strobe combo light (WL54AW). Similar to Custer’s WL19F in size and shape, the WL54AW includes a 27-watt white work light in the bottom row of diodes and a 27-watt amber strobe light on the top.

This light includes a 3-wire hook-up which allows the driver to operate the strobe and work light features independently. To learn more, please visit www. custerproducts.com.

44 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS

TOWING SOFTWARE

Towbook

Say “Hello” to your newest employee, Towbook!

Based in the cloud, and utilizing the latest tools and technologies available, Towbook has become the industry’s unquestioned leader in towing management software solutions. Our goal is to provide software solutions that impact the performance, productivity and revenue potential for your roadside assistance, towing, and recovery operations.

Towbook is here to create a seamless experience for each job from beginning to end. You’ll be able to create quotes, receive jobs digitally from all major motor clubs, dispatch jobs to drivers, communicate with staff throughout the entire call, track calls on our mapping system, manage impounds, billing, receive customer feedback via surveys, and so much more!

With Towbook, we believe in transparency, so there are never any hidden fees! Training and setup assistance are provided at no additional charge for companies of every size and each Towbook subscription includes unlimited user accounts.

We’re known industry-wide for our coveted 24/7/365 Ultimate Support. This support includes live phone support and our “in-app” chat system that enables customers to interact with our team without having to pick up the phone and call.

See for yourself and try it free for 30-Days at: www.towbook.com

45 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS

TOWING SOFTWARE CONTINUED:

WEBFLEET Solutions

W

ebfleet Solutions, the Complete Fleet Management Solution for Towers, launched three new products this year to integrate with their LINK 740 tracking device and their award-winning fleet management system WEBFLEET. Click here to learn more https://www.webfleet.com/ en_us/webfleet/lp/towing/ www.webfleet.com

WEBFLEET Video - Cam50 Dashcam WEBFLEET Video uses AI technology to automatically identify risky behavior.

When it does so, it notifies the driver, helping them avoid dangerous situations. Road facing and optional cabin facing HD dashcam event footage is displayed in WEBFLEET alongside driving data to give users the full context of road incidents. Users can request video from a specific time and position of a previous trip or instantly LIVE stream from the road, to act immediately when an incident occurs.

Learn more at webfleet.com

WEBFLEET PRO 8475 Driver Terminal In combination with WEBFLEET, the PRO 8475 Driver terminal better connects drivers and businesses.

It combines essential features in one device, including twoway communication between drivers and fleet managers, order management, automatic recording of working time, and mileage registration, which helps fleets to comply with legislation and policy. It also connects to the Google Play store so you can download your preferred towing app. Learn more at webfleet.com

WEBFLEET Asset Tracker LINK 340 Manage your trucks and assets all in one place! The LINK 340 allows fleet operators to be alerted when an asset is being used, when it leaves a designated area or when any motion is detected. It also alerts the user when maintenance is required, which helps to preserve the value of the asset and trucks. This can make a tangible impact in the reduction of unnecessary costs and optimize processes for better business results.

Learn more at webfleet.com

46 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS TOWING SOFTWARE CONTINUED:

ServiCase

S

ERVICASE is a web-based search tool allowing for the general public as well as commercial carriers the ability to locate the “best-matched” service provider when their vehicle breaks down. From commercial tire replacement to truck roadside repair, we have the service providers available to help you. Select a service and location above to view the results in that area.

ServiCase is also utilized as a truck breakdown management breakdown management search for carriers that operate their own breakdown centers. These centers use ServiCase for searching for service providers to help with all their semi-truck services and towing recovery needs. This allows the carrier to quickly and efficiently find the best suited service provider to get their vehicles back on the road. No matter what service your vehicle or fleet requires, we are proud to connect you with thousands of qualified companies across the nation. For more information: www.servicase.com

OTHER FEATURED:

DYNAMIC “PYTHON”

4-YEAR WARRANTY 5000LB FULLY EXTEND WHEEL LIFT 8000LB TOW RATING 82 INCHES OF REACH 25 DEGREES OF POWER AND NEG TILT

OPTIONS PLASTIC POLY FENDER WHICH ARE LIGHTER, YET STRONGER AND WILL NEVER RUST 8000LB RAMSEY WINCH STAINLESS STEEL PYLON

OUR Customers have been asking for a unit that would: • Lift faster & higher • Provide better weight transfer • Have the sleek appearance of the Lightning Body design • Have large tool boxes and easy access to hydraulics.

For more infomation, visit: www.dynamicmfg.com or anthonydynamic@mac.com.

47 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS

OTHER FEATURED:

Jerr-Dan’s

Download Brochure

T

he Jerr-Dan 50/60 Ton Rotator boasts an empowering combination of heavy-duty capabilities, superior stabilizing technology, commanding rotation, unsurpassed pulling capacity and unstoppable power. And now it’s available with the more impressive JFB Body Series.

Its extra-rugged, non-corrosive exterior is made of weather-tight, impact-resistant polypropylene—making it more durable and longer lasting. It features rollup aluminum doors for swifter access to equipment, strategically placed LED lighting for improved visibility and specialty storage solutions to ensure every tool has its place. The JFB Body Series is available for standard and twin steer chassis.

• Independently Rubber Shock Mounted • Aluminum Roll-Up Doors with Painted or Brushed Finish

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

LED Interior Compartment & DOT Lighting 26 Additional LED Side Marker Lights 4 Additional Amber Side Strobes Anti-Slip Top Surfaces with LED Lighted Steps and Grab Handles Wide Variety of Tool Management Systems Incident Management Equipment Kits and Storage Solutions 267 in. C.T. 4 Axle Single Steer 255 in. C.T. 4 Axle Single Steer 255 in. C.T. 4 Axle Twin Steer 274 in. C.T. 4 Axle Twin Steer 255 in. C.T. 5 Axle Twin Steer 274 in C.T. 5 Axle Twin Steer Custom C.T. Upon Request

Jerr-Dan Dual Position Fork Receivers allow for a wider variety of fork positioning than standard receivers. Utilizing these receivers adds four inches of width to the fork positions, allowing you to hook up to a broader range of vehicles that require wider attachment points.

Jerr-Dan’s Fork Receivers offer two fork holes per receiver, giving the operator more width adjustment options compared to standard single hole receivers, and can be installed in either the high or low position.

These versatile receivers are especially useful in towing applications that require non-standard fork placement - like some fire apparatus, coach buses, off-road equipment and more - and will fit any 5”x 5” heavy duty crossbar.

For more information on Jerr-Dan’s Dual Position Wide Reach Fork Receivers, contact your nearest distributor or visit: https://www.jerrdan. com/distributor-search 48 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS OTHER FEATURED

Custom Built Manufacturing Be Sure to check out our website!

C

ustom Built Mfg. LLC came to be after 30 years in the Towing industry and 35 in the Auto Body Industry as Dangelo’s Auto Body and Repairs.

At Custom Built Mfg. LLC., it has always been about three things:

1)The Customer, 2) The Customer, 3) The Customer That has carried over into the heavy-duty towing vehicles manufactured in Kane, Pennsylvania with the care and pride that only the small town attitude brings to the table. That being true, team work and the very BEST our trucks can be all of the time. Quality is number One at Custom Built

Mfg. LLC. using quality American made; steel, aluminum, fasteners, hydraulics, cables, winches, lights, rings and pinions for our rotators, and as many accessories whenever possible. Custom Built means just that, hand-crafted and hand-fit for precise long life operation. From metal forming, welding to assembly our technicians have eyes on every step of the maufacturing process as well as Derek Dangelo’s (Owner) personal supervision occurs at every step of the manufacturing processes. You will even see Derek involved in hands-on when issues arise. For more information, visit www.custombuiltmfg.com.

49 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS

OTHER FEATURED:

FlowStop’s Hazmat Products

F

lowStop’s Hazmat Products, “ Equipment & Supplies,” are designed by a veteran of the towing, recovery and spill response service for a quick and easy solution to minimize exposure when dealing with roadside mishaps.

FlowStop has a proven track record for dependability for the task at hand. Check out the FlowStop Product line at www.flowstop.net or call us at 877-356-9767 for details and pricing.

VAC PUMP CADDY

DOME LID CLAMPS Designed for MC 306 / DOT 406 Tank Trailers Quick & Easy Deployment for Rapid Results 5 Aluminum Locking Clamps

FLOWSTOP’S AIR DRILL KIT REVERSIBLE AIR DRILL INFRARED TEMP GUN LENNOX 2’’ HOLE SAW LENNOX 4’’ HOLE SAW 2) OATEY 2’’ PLUGS 2) OATEY 4’’ PLUGS 50’ X 3/8’’ AIR HOSE STORAGE/CARRY CASE

AIR DRILL KIT Reversible Air Drill Infrared Temp Gun Lennox 2’’ Hole Saw Lennox 4’’ Hole Saw 2) Oatey 2’’ Plugs 2) Oatey 4’’ Plugs 50’ X 3/8’’ Air Hose Storage/Carry Case

3’ x 2” Aluminum Vac Stinger CARGO TANKER VAC STINGER Achieve 3 Separate 3’ x 5” Aluminum VacLengths Stinger with 2 Vac Stingers!

8’ x 2” With Both Stingers Fits Through 4” Opening with Easy Connected!

Lock Couplers 3” Sight Glass to 2” Vac Pipe Grounding Tabs on Stingers Aluminum Strainer Aluminum Dust Caps for Male

Couplers Pelican Case for Storage & Transport

• Yamada 1” Dual Diaphragm Pump Aluminum Housing Excellent for Hydrocarbons & Light Chemicals • 1 Year Warranty • Air Regulator • 2 Aluminum VAC Stingers: 1, 48“ and 1, 30” • Aluminum VAC Wand 30“ 4, 25’ x 1” VAC & Discharge Hoses • 50‘ x 3/8“ Air Hose w/ Quick Couplers Mounted Plastic Tool Caddy for 90 Degree ELL & 2” Plugs • Mounted on 600 lb. Handtruck • Pneumatic or Hard Tires (option) • Ideal for quick evacuation of damaged saddle tanks, IBC’s and drums.

FlowStop Football, a spill containment repair plug - The FLOWSTOP Football-shaped, polyurethane impregnated, water activated foam plug is used to temporarily STOP the flow from a leak in anything from a pipe, to a tanker, to a rail car, even a boat hull! From an initially pliable plug ready to insert into a void, it quickly expands and hardens to fill the void - it can even be applied below the water line!

50 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Jerr-Dan’s

OTHER FEATURED

Download Brochure MPL-NGS WHEN VALUE AND PERFORMANCE MATTER When value and performance matter, look no further than the steel body MPL-NGS by Jerr-Dan. Our Negative Tilt Feature on the wheel lift is perfect for repossessing vehicles in parking ramps, and its 4-1/2″ high hydraulic crossbar, with 4,000 lb. capacity, assures clearance for even the lowest profile vehicles. Jerr-Dan’s patented Underlift Level Stop Assist System gets you set up quicker so you can get in and get out fast, while our patented LOCKLINK® mechanism locks wheelretaining arms in the full tire engaged position. The body has a clear deck top and offers more space for storage, and the headboard provides great visibility. You’ll find the hydraulic valve on the MPL-NGS is positioned for easier servicing, to get you on to your next job quicker.

MPL-NGS FEATURES

•

Tow Sling Option

•

Ball Hitch Attachment

•

Tow Dolly with Storage Bracket Option

•

Recovery Sheave Option

•

Fifth Wheel Attachment Option

•

Gooseneck Attachment Option

•

Wireless Remote Control Option

•

Membrane Remote Control

•

Hydraulic Self-Loader Option

•

Manual L-Arm Option

•

Pivoting Manual L-Arm Option

•

Motorcycle Attachment Option 51 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS

OTHER FEATURED:

Steck MFG.

BigEasy 32955DLX BigEasy 32955DLX “Glo” Lockout Kit with EasyWedge and Carrying Case is the preferred tool to unlock cars in seconds without damaging the vehicle.

I-Bolt

4th Wheel Loader • 4th Wheel Loader is a tough 24” x 14” hardened aluminum fabricated platform with two 4” x 10” Polypropylene roller wheels and 1” axles to easily hold and secure up to 5 tons while loading a vehicle with broken ball joints and/or a damaged wheel/tire on a roll back.

I-Bolt is a 2” x 1 ½” loop connected to a 7” long steel shaft with unique gripping teeth that lock into the threaded holes having diameters of ½” up to 1 ¼” on the front or rear of the vehicle provides a universal hook up solution for the 200+ vehicles identified in the Towing and Service Manual from AAA.Visit www.steckmfg.com.

Collins Manufacturing Collins Hi-Speed®Dolly 6th Generation Self-Loading Dolly

SAFEST Safety First! Safety RatchetSystem — forTower Safety — Prevents accidents and provides more options in difficult environments, (like snow, ice, gravel, slopes, tight spaces), when loading.

MOST SERVICEABLE No expensive replacements or repairs — no cutting, welding or downtime.

Replace damaged parts on the spot with common hand tools in just minutes.

Collins Carrier Dolly System An innovation borrowed from Collins’ early designs — the Damage-Free solution to loading Carriers: Rolling instead of dragging up the bed.

CLEARANCE High-Ends and Low Profiles.

Carrier Dolly lifts vehicles higher off the ground to easily clear carrier bed with low load angles.

LIGHTEST Heavy-duty. Light-weight.

Industry’s lightest weight dolly. Weighing only 54 lb. with static load capacity at nearly 80x its own weight (4,280 lb. with 5.70x8 tires).

DAMAGE FREE Damage Free Loading. No hooks, chains or cables ever touch the vehicle. Vehicles simply ride the dollies up and down the bed.

52 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

WIDE RANGE Load hybrids, high end, electric, all wheel or fourwheel drive vehicles with no hook points. The Carrier Dolly System also doubles as a motorcycle dolly.

For more information, visit www.collinsdollies.com.

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS OTHER FEATURED:

HAAS Alert Safety Cloud®

S

afety Cloud delivers real-time digital alerts to approaching motorists and vehicles when tow operators are actively assisting motorists on and around the road.

Safety Cloud alerts activate automatically with the lightbar and are received by drivers through navigation apps and connected vehicle services. Drivers receive “Slow Down, Move Over” alerts inside their vehicles and have more time to move over when approaching active tow scenes.

-

-

HA-D Integration -

HA-5 Transponder -

Equip on any make and model vehicle Connects to emergency flashing lights Easy installation requires no vehicle down-time

Automatically delivers alerts with lightbar activation No additional data plan or fees

-

Activate Safety Cloud on existing GPS or dispatch system Hardware-free protection requires no additional equipment or installation No platform migrations necessary The Zacklift GENESIS 30T is a fifth-wheel, detac

Zacklift Genesis 30T

integrated boom and under lift system. Finally, that gives the user superior flexibility with zero made on capability and quality. The innovative system gives the user the ability to “Build-A-Fift exactly as they need without the expense and li come with standard heavy duty tow trucks.

The GENESIS 30T is thoughtfully designed to be balanced, making it a superior choice for towing work in tight areas and where recovery space is Zacklift’s innovative reinforced secondary boom Genesis 30T one of the highest extended rating ket coming in at 22,000 lbs. The unit’s under lif very capable 35,000 lbs of lift and 80,000 lbs to GENESIS 30T ships ready to work with min TheThe unit’s under lift is Installation required. The signature durability Z rated at for a very capable known has been engineered into the Genesi hold up to strenuous demands required by toda 35,000 lbs of lift and towing professional. The flexibility and industry 80,000 lbs point of the towing GENESIS makes it a solid investme aggressive and unpredictable capacity.

The GENESIStowing industry. T 30T drops in place on recommended wheelbas 30Tnoships ready to work major modification or welding required. The is easily loaded or unloaded and stows easily o with minimal Installation when needed. Permanent units are also availab

Download Brochure

required. The signature durability Zacklift include is a range of modula Optional accessories winches, known forfenders, has wireless been remote and pintle/ba hitch. The GENESIS 30T is a truly customizable engineered into the able heavy duty towing system.

Genesis and will hold he Zacklift GENESIS 30T is a fifth-wheel, detachable, 30 up to strenuous demands required by today’s heavy duty towing professional. The flexibility and industry leading TON integrated boom and under lift system. Finally, price point of the GENESIS makes it a solid investment in a tow system that gives the user superior flexibility with today’s aggressive and unpredictable towing industry. The zero compromises made on capability and quality. The * Shown with Optional Extra Boxes gives and Fenders.

GENESIS 30T drops in place on recommended wheelbase innovative GENESIS 30TTool system the user the ability tractors with no major modification or welding required. to “Build-A-Fifthwheeler”™ exactly as they need without The GENESIS 30T is easily loaded or unloaded and stows the expense and limitations that come with standard ZACKLIFT INTERNATIONAL / 844.ZACKLIFT / 509.674.4426 / ZACKLIFT.COM / INFO@ZACKLIFT.COM easily off the tractor when needed. Permanent units are heavy duty tow trucks. also available.

The GENESIS 30T is thoughtfully designed to be Optional accessories include a range of modular tool compact and balanced, making it a superior choice for boxes, winches, fenders, wireless remote and pintle/ball/ towing and recovery work in tight areas and where fifthwheel hitch. The GENESIS 30T is a truly customizable recovery space is limited. Zacklift’s innovative reinforced and upgrade-able heavy duty towing system. secondary boom gives the Genesis 30T one of the highest For more information, visit www.zacklift.com. extended ratings on the mar-ket coming in at 22,000 lbs.

T

53 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED PRODUCTS OTHER FEATURED:

EasTrac North Americathe side and lift motorcycles off the ground.

“TowTract® is the most technologically advanced equipment for vehicle recovering, handling and towing.” It goes into low clearance parking decks/garages and other tight areas where vehicles may become disabled and physically carries them out. TowTract® is only the second robot from EasTract (an Italian company) to be operational in the United States and is taking the industry to the next level where Zero Traction is a must.

This equipment makes getting vehicles out of tight areas and low clearance parking decks/garages with cramped space easier and will cut the time and physical effort required to get vehicles out of these areas. Prior to TOWTRACT® people had to endure the physical task of pushing the vehicles out risking physical injury & property damage.

TOWTRACT® specializes in parking garages that are between 5 and 7 feet in height and also vehicles without keys or locked steering columns. It also has a track system that moves and a winch so it can go into muddy areas and pull vehicles out as well as carry cars from

OnlineImpoundAuctions.com OnlineImpoundAuctions.com is an online auction platform that allows Tow Lot Owners to seamlessly dispose of their abandoned vehicles and maximize their sales revenue.

At no cost to the seller, and the lowest bidder cost in the industry, our live auction platform both increases your bidder pool and eliminates the cost and effort of holding an onpremise auction.

TOWTRACT® will also eliminate the need for an additional wrecker needed for the newer aluminum alloy frame vehicles which include Audi, BMW/Mini, Mercedes, Porsche, and VW Volvo. All of this because TOWTRACT® will pick up the vehicle and load it onto the truck and drive away after being strapped down.

Parking facilities managers and property owners are thrilled with the very low liability risk exposure due to the reduction of RISK since TOWTRACT® will operate in a surgical manner as it operates and removes the vehicle out of the facility compared to bringing in a fullsized wrecker into a compact and tight area of the parking facility and risking damage to other vehicles with the boom.

TOWTRACT® is unique, versatile and strong. It does tasks that have never been performed inside parking structures and cramped areas.

This equipment has been in use several years by parking companies and property managers in Europe and is now available in Atlanta resolving these complicated issues with all the Atlanta parking lots and garages. The insurance industry says this equipment is a big game changer for the towing industry in Atlanta.

Tow Atlanta is the only towing company in the state that offers enclosed towing services and provides Certified Consensual Towing Services to vehicles at the motorists’ requests. Tow Atlanta specializes in the towing of luxury, exotic, and antique vehicles and is the Official Manufacture Tow Provider for Audi, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Karma, McLaren, Lamborghini, Porsche, Rolls Royce and Tesla.

Using OnlineImpoundAuction.com Offers Many Benefits: • Free to sellers!

• More profit per auction!

• Larger bidder base = higher selling price per car!

• Cars stay on your lot – no movement required!

• Eliminates on premise auction costs like security, staffing and food!

• Easy online showroom setup on OnlineImpoundAuctions.com!

• Streamlines after auction paperwork – invoices available immediately after car sells!

• Your Lot, Your Vehicles, Your Auction!

• You collect all the Money!

• Special offers for Towing and Recovery Association members – ask us!

• White Glove services available – we will set up your showroom for you!

• Lowest cost to bidders in the industry!

Visit us at the Florida Tow Show, Booth 378!

Register as a seller today at www.OnlineImpoundAuctions.com or 888-903-4678. We will reach out to you to schedule your free training.

54 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

N E X T D I G I TA L Q U A R T E R LY

Tow Professional is proud to announce our new Digital Interactive Quarterly!

Q2

Quarterly

Now your Editorial and Advertising can become interactive with links & videos combined with the convenience of mobility!

Tow Professional Quarterly Digital Edition • • • • • • •

Comes out 4 times a year Mobile and accessible for readers to use and for towers on the go.

Editorial and Ads are interactive with the use of Links and Videos to show more information and direct readers to your website.

Emailed to our 11,000 registered owners Promoted on Social Media: Facebook, Linked-In, as well as in our print publication.

Easily Promoted on your Social Media platforms through sharing...

Cost effective Full Page and Half Page sizes.

Editorial Coverage

Cost For Full Year

QUARTER 1

FULL PAGE

Towing Software and Lighting

QUARTER 2 Rotators, Heavy Equipment, 5th Wheel Attachments, Wheel-Lifts and Repo Equipment

QUARTER 3 Insurance and Financing

Specs: Price: $ 3,000

HALF PAGE Specs: Price: $ 2,000 All ads and editorial must have links to websites and this includes videos.

QUARTER 4 Hazmat, Spill Control, Lock-out Equipment, GPS and Telematics

Be sure to ask about how to become a part of our Suppliers Directory and Feature Product Editorial.

TP Q2

FEATURED SUPPLIERS & DIRECTORY

Q2 2021 FEATURED SUPPLIER’S DIRECTORY Quarterly

Tow Professional Quarterly Digital Edition Featured Supplier Directory •

PREMIUM SUPPLIERS Headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland, we proudly manufacture our vehicles in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. Jerr-Dan believes there are few professions that can match the heart and soul of a tow owner/operator.

(800) 926-9666

Dynamic Towing Equipment Manufacturing Dynamic created the Original Self-Loading Wheel-Lift that has become the most sought after technology in the towing industry.

(757) 624-1360

info@jerrdan.com | www.jerrdan.com

anthonydynamic@mac.com | www.dynamicmfg.com

Custom Built

Austin Hinds Motors, Inc.

Custom Built Manufacturing was founded by Derek Dangelo, owner of Dangelo’s Auto Body and Repairs.. Custom Built opened with a focus on manufacturing the highest quality, custom heavy duty wreckers for the towing industry.

Let Austin Hinds Motors show you how easy it is to buy a quality new or used car in Arab . We believe fair prices, superior service, and treating customers right leads to satisfied repeat buyers.

(800) 540-5151

(256) 586-8161

info@custombuiltmfg.com | www.custombuiltmfg.com

www.austinhindsmotors.com

McMahon Truck Centers of Columbus

Rick’s Truck & Equipment

Is your full-service headquarters for commercial truck solutions. We offer an extensive inventory for commercial truck sales, leasing and rentals, as well as comprehensive parts, maintenance solutions, and financing options to ensure the best selection, repair and service experience. info@mcmahontrucks.com I www.mcmahontrucks.com

Rick’s Truck and Equipment offers a wide selection of competitively-priced vehicles as well as parts and service. Call us today and let our professional staff help you find what you’re looking for.

(800) 639-4537 www.ricksrollbacks.com

43 | Tow Professional | Q2 21 | www.towprofessional.com

•

FEATURED PRODUCTS

2

25-30 Word Company Description

ROTATORS, HEAVY EQUIPMENT, WHEEL LIFT & REPO EQUIPMENT JERR-DAN

TP Q2

Company Logo

•

Phone Number

•

Contact Email Link

•

Website Link

Quarterly

2021

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Tow Professional Quarterly Digital Edition Featured Products •

Description

WHEEL LIFTS & REPO EQUIPMENT

DYNAMIC “PYTHON”

OUR Customers have been asking for a unit that would:

4-YEAR WARRANTY 5000LB FULLY EXTEND WHEEL LIFT 8000LB TOW RATING 82 INCHES OF REACH 25 DEGREES OF POWER AND NEG TILT

OPTIONS PLASTIC POLY FENDER WHICH ARE LIGHTER, YET STRONGER AND WILL NEVER RUST 8000LB RAMSEY WINCH STAINLESS STEEL PYLON

60-65 Word Product

•

Product or Service Image

•

Contact Email Link

•

Website Link

• Lift faster & higher • Provide better weight transfer • Have the sleek appearance of the Lightning Body design • Have large tool boxes and easy access to hydraulics.

For more infomation, visit: www.dynamicmfg.com or anthonydynamic@mac.com.

38 | Tow Professional | Q2 21 | www.towprofessional.com

Call 205-223-4548 or email, Darian Weaver at darian@towprofessional.com WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM WWW.TOWPROFESSIONAL.COM

TP Q1

FEATURED SUPPLIERS & DIRECTORY

Q1 2022 FEATURED SUPPLIER’S DIRECTORY Quarterly

PREMIUM SUPPLIERS LIGHTING

TOWING SOFTWARE

Custer Products

BUDGET GPS

Custer Products manufactures and distributes LED lights, tow lights, and other related lighting products to the trucking, towing, agricultural, off-road, and safety industries through a network of distributors.

GPS software with all of the tools to help your business succeed for a single low price. BudgetGPS is always secure and reliable and our experts are here to support you.

(800) 490-3158

(833) 934-2275

www.custerproducts.com

support@budgetgps.com | www.budgetgps.com

TowMate

ServiCase

The worlds first wireless emergency, transport, recovery and recreational lighting manufacture since 1985. TowMate began with just one product and has since grown to offer more than 50 wireless and emergency lighting systems. info@towmate.com | www.towmate.com

From towing to tires, commercial fleet repair to mobile mechanics, we have the resources to get you back on the road. ServiCase is a truck breakdown management system that allows carriers and fleets to locate the best matched service provider when your vehicle breaks down. www.servicase.com

Will-Burt

TOPS towXchange a division of TXI Systems, Inc.

Will-Burt Company is the world’s premier manufacturer of mobile telescoping masts, towers, trailer systems, and pan and tilt positioners. We offer virtually every mobile payload elevation solution and full integration services for first responders.

As the most full featured and flexible towing management software available, TOPS provides powerful tools to help you manage your business.

(800) 680-4455

(330) 682-7015 www.willburt.com

(866) 800-8677 www.towxchange.net 56 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED SUPPLIERS & DIRECTORY OTHER FEATURED SUPPLIERS

TOWING SOFTWARE Towbook

Dynamic Towing Equipment Manufacturing

Towbook is the unquestioned leader for cloud-based towing software.

Our towing, roadside and impound software is your allencompassing solution for Private Property, Police Calls, Transport, Local Calls, Motor Clubs, and more!

Are you in com NEW FEDERA Dynamic created the Original for Hybrid/Electric Self-Loading Wheel-Lift that has become the most sought after technology in the towing industry.

(810) 320-5063

(757) 624-1360

EARN MONEY WH Join the ESA Partn anthonydynamic@mac.com | www.dynamicmfg.com

support@towbook.com | www.towbook.com

EasTrac

WEBFLEET Solutions Track your company vehicles and save like a Pro . WEBFLEET is a leading company for vehicle tracking & fleet management software in the cloud.

4.49% for Dealer Referred Rates (866) 224-9451

(770) 366-0206

www.webfleet.com

603-422-6608

www.eastractna.com | info@eastractna.com

e perfect sidekick for our everyday heroes!

Jeremy Taskiris | JT@afg.com

OTHER FEATURED SUPPLIERS 100% tax write-off New and used

We’re here for you. No age restrictions Alliance Funding No blanket liens Not on personal credit Thank youGroup for (AFG), choosing Alliance Funding was

.

Alliance Funding Group (AFG), was founded in 1998 and has grown to become one

founded in 1998 andfinance has grown to become of the largest privately held equipment companies in the U.S. Having funded LIGHTEST in weight, yet GREATEST over $2 billion in equipment, we can offer complete credit and asset flexibility. towing capacity - relief for both you oneof the largest privately held equipment and your customers finance companies in the U.S. Having funded over $2 billion in Easier and safer loading in equipment, we can offer complete credit asset flexibility.

ALL-WEATHER and and ALL-TERRAIN

(603) 422-6608 JT@afg.com

Energy Security

Since 2015 Automotive manufacturers, banks, and finance companies have used EasTract North America TowTract® because of our skills and the level of service that we provide.

Increased serviceability SAVES repair costs Go the EXTRA mile

Collins Dollies Collins Hi-Speed Dolly brought to you (541) 774-9220

by Collins Manufacturing Corporation, collinsmfgcorp.com has been the industry leader for more than 45 years. Because we go where you go, rain, snow, gravel, or highways, you don’t get to choose the job location and neither do we.

(800) 332-9220 www.collinsdollies.com | sales@collinsdollies.com

• • • • •

HEV Risk 24/7 Supp Guidance Electric V Barrier Is

Recent federal standards have been interacting with hybrid and electric v analysis of HEV’s are essential in stayi standards. ESA provides these service our ESA Partner Program and you c complete. Visit our website to sign up ESA Part

ENERGY SECURITY AGENCY

1

Your safety and the safety of your communities are our number one priority. The emerging Energy Energy Revolution is here to stay and responders must be prepared to properly handle incidents related to Electric Vehicles and Fixed Energy Storage Systems.

(614) 321-5135 energysecurityagency.com | info@EnergySecurityAgency.com

FlowStop FlowStop, a revolutionary new system engineered to handle both emergency truck spills and routine maintenance of storm drain and sewer line pipes.

(877)356-9767 www.flowstop.net

Custom Built

HAAS Alert

Custom Built Manufacturing was founded by Derek Dangelo, owner of Dangelo’s Auto Body and Repairs.. Custom Built opened with a focus on manufacturing the highest quality, custom heavy duty wreckers for the towing industry.

HAAS Alert’s digital alerting solution Safety Cloud is a breakthrough evolution in emergency alerting, bringing critical real-time connectivity to roads and transforming emergency alerting for a new century.

(800) 540-5151

(833) 433-HAAS

info@custombuiltmfg.com | www.custombuiltmfg.com

www.haasalert.com | info@haasalert.com

57 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED SUPPLIERS & DIRECTORY

OTHER FEATURED SUPPLIERS INA Towing Network

Steck Manufacturing

To meet the growing need for elevated incident management, INA Towing Network (“INA”) has developed a comprehensive towing and recovery program for truck fleets.

Steck Manufacturing Company was started as Steck’s Paint & Body Shop

by George Steck in 1946. George went into manufacturing in the late forties when he and a partner developed a fastener used to install rear fenders.

Our mission is to: (800) 227-8325

(866) 853-2125

• Evoke the public conscious to understand they are the most powerful source to define life and death on our Nation’s highways.

Sales@steckmfg.com | www.steckmfg.com

www.inatowing.com

• To educate and make them aware they need to make a life change so first responders can live theirs!

JERR-DAN

WRECKER RENTALS

• To unite all common industry first responders to train, educate and motivate the public we serve to just

Headquartered in Hagerstown, Maryland, we proudly manufacture our vehicles in OVER ONE – LOSE NONE! McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania. Jerr-Dan believes there are few professions that can match the heart and soul of a tow owner/operator.

Rent a wrecker from Wrecker Rentals and keep your business in business while your asset is down. Wrecker Rentals can deliver a wrecker or carrier to your location in a matter of hours so that you have limited service interruption.

(800) 926-9666

(770) 898-1200

info@jerrdan.com | www.jerrdan.com

www.rentawrecker.com

OnlineImpoundAuctions.com

Zacklift

Maxmimize the revenue, while avoiding all the event-specific headahces of onpremisis, when you are forced to dispose of abandoned, unclaimed, or derelict vehicles.

Zacklift International is the world leader for heavy duty detachable towing equipment. Established in 1982, their patented products are used around the world.

(888) 903-4678

(509) 674-4426

www.onlineimpoundauctions.com

info@zacklift.com | www.zacklift.com

overone.org

Directory LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES all-Grip (800) 748-2651Authorized Dealers Only www.all-grip.com American Truck Technology (800) 985-0168 www.americantrucktechnology.com Atlas Flasher & Supply Co. (856) 423-3333 www.atlasflasher.com

Atomic Led, Inc. (888) 305-1112 www.atomicled.com

Bailey’s Towing (919) 562-2984 www.baileystowinginc.com/srg.htm

Austin Hinds Motors, Inc. (256) 550-0042 www.austinhindsmotors.com

Buyers Products Company (440) 974-8888 www.buyersproducts.com

AW Direct (608) 662-3333 www.awdirect.com BA Products (800) 327-3301 www.baprod.com

Code 3 / PSE Amber (314) 426-2700, Ext. 1251 www.code3pse.com Custer Products, Ltd. 4101 Shuffel Drive N.W. North Canton, OH 44720 (800) 490-3158 www.custerproducts.com

58 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED SUPPLIERS & DIRECTORY

Detroit Wrecker Sales (313) 835-8700 www.detroitwrecker.com Dynamic Mfg. 1120 E. Brambleton Avenue Norfolk, VA 23504 (757) 624-1360 www.dynamicmfg.com East Penn Truck Equipment (610) 694-9234 www.eastpenntrucks.com

Minute Man Mfg. (877) 593-6959 www.minuteman1.com New England Truckmaster (203) 772-1217 www.netruckmaster.com Phoenix USA, Inc. (931) 526-6128, Ext. 2226 www.phoenixusa.com

Federal Signal (800) 824-0254 www.fedsig.com

Power Arc (314) 968-1115 www.powerarc.net

Flash Equipment (800) 570-8866 www.flashequipment.com

Pro-Vision (616) 583-1520 www.provsnusa.com

Fleet Sales West (503) 982-5095 www.fleetsaleswest.com

PSE Amber (314) 426-2700, Ext. 1251 www.code3pse.com

General Mfg. (Saftlite) (260) 824-3440 www.saftlite.com Golden West (800) 724-8766 www.goldenwesttoweq.com Go-Light Inc. (308) 278-3131 www.golight.com HG2 (866) 468-4569 www.hg2lighting.com Jeff Ingram Wrecker Sales, Inc. (866) 280-6761 www.wrecker-sales.com Kinequip, Inc. (704) 392-5052 www.kinequip.com

Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales (410) 247-5700 www.mdcarrierwrecker.com

Ruggedtow.com (724) 586-2900 www.ruggedtow.com Santiam Enterprises, Inc. (503) 859-2793 www.santiam.info SoundOff Signal (800)-338-7337 www.soundoffsignal.com Star (585) 226-9787 www.star1889.com Starlight Lighting Systems (855) 335-8333 https://starlightlighting.ca/?sscid= 61k3_m4cff Strobes-R-Us (954) 946-9955 www.strobes-r-us.com/index.asp TecNiq LED Lighting (815) 476-9255 www.tecniqinc.com

Regional International of WNY (800) 836-0409 www.regionalinternational.com

The Tool People (407) 674-8775

Rick’s Truck & Equipment (800) 639-4537 www.ricksrollbacks.com

Tomar (480) 497-4400 www.tomar.com

Roadside Safety (909) 468-1393 www.roadsidesafety.net

Tow Mart (877) 343 5648 https://towmart.com

Robert Young’s Trucks (540) 982-3809 www.robertyoungtrucks.com

TowMate 15704 E. Hwy. 12 Rogers, AR 72756 (800) 680-4455 www.towmate.com

R-O-M Corp (800) 827-3692 www.romcorp.com Rontan Signals (305) 599-2974 www.rontan.com

Whelen Engineering Co. (860) 526-9504, Ext. 2229 www.whelen.com

59 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

TP Q1

FEATURED SUPPLIERS & DIRECTORY

Will-Burt Company 169 S. Main St. Orrville, OH 44667 (330) 684-4024 www.nightscan.com Worldwide Equipment Sales (815) 725-4400 www.newtowtrucks.com

TOW SOFTWARE

Pro-Vision (616) 583-1520 www.provsnusa.com Ranger SST (440) 498-1495 www.rangersst.com Service Station Computer Systems/SSCS (800) 972-7727, Ext 4721 www.sscsinc.com sureFleet (877) 401-2345 www.surefleet.com

Auto Data Direct, Inc. (850) 877-8804 www.add123.com

Teletrac (817) 261-5756, Ext. 1448 www.teletrac.net

Batchout (610) 296-3264 www.batchout.com Beacon Software 10091 Brecksville Rd., Ste. F Brecksville, OH 44141 (866) 437-6653 www.dispatchanywhere.com BMS Brother Mobile Solutions (908) 704-1700 www.brothermobilesolutions.com Insight USA (301) 866-1990, Ext. 203 www.mds-inc.com Marr Software, LLC (307) 363-AUTO 2886 www.protow.com

TOPS by towXchange P.O. Box 5695 Chattanooga, TN 37406 (866) 800-8677 www.towexchange.net Tow Dawg Software (888) 486-9329 www.towdawg.com Towbook Management Software 1161 S. Carney Drive St. Clair, MI 48079 (888) 884-9598 www.towbook.com

Track What Matters (817) 430-9201 www.trackwhatmatters.com Tracker Management Systems (800) 445-2438 www.trackermanagement.com Transportation Information Systems (818) 563-2839 www.tisfleet.com Traxxis GPS Solutions (888) 447-7059, Ext. 102 www.traxxisgps.com USFleet Tracking (405) 749-1105 www.usft.com Verizon Network Fleet (866) 869-1353 www.networkfleet.com VTS Systems (281) 373-3072 www.vts-systems.com Wireless Links (201) 531-5906 www.wlius.com

Mobile Create USA (408) 933-9588 www.mcusainc.com OnScene Solutions (330) 220-8111 www.onscenesolutions.com Progressive Platforms (877) 304-4347 www.progressiveplatforms.com 60 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

Tow See all towing industry companies visit our online Busines Directory (Click Here)

TP Q1

MARKET PLACE

PODCAST CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

“Pro’s that need to know, that are on the Go! Your voice for the Towing Industry!

Find us everywhere podcasts are available.

Bringing the latest in technology, products and services giving you the information needed to grow your Business!! New episodes weekly!

Find us on Facebook, Instagram (Towpromag), LinkedIn, or www.towprofessional.com 61 | TOW PROFESSIONAL | Q1 22 | www.towprofessional.com

The perfect sidekick for our everyday heroes!

We’re here for you.

Thank you for choosing LIGHTEST in weight, yet GREATEST towing capacity - relief for both you and your customers Easier and safer loading in ALL-WEATHER and ALL-TERRAIN Increased serviceability SAVES repair costs Go the EXTRA mile

(541) 774-9220 collinsmfgcorp.com

.