Finally, it’s over!

BLP MEDIA

Finally, it’s over! For the last 100 days we’ve watched 2 people fight for the leadership role of our country, and many times it was not pretty. It shows me just how split our country is, and now we will have to work hard to get back to normal. Oh, does anyone know what normal looks like? The question is what kind of impact President Trump will have on your company when he’s president.

All of us know the price of gas has a major impact on business, and I am finding out that insurance is also a problem. Supporters and analysts have found several areas where this administration could have significant impacts on small businesses.

Here are a few things that could happen:

Economic Growth and Job Creation – Trumps 2017 tax cuts and jobs act will be implemented again. This will stimulate economic growth and increase job creation.
Judicial Appointments – Trump appointed three supreme court justices. Working with congress, which majority is republican, should allow us to get things passed that will help your business.
Tax Reform – reducing corporate taxes and lowering taxes for individuals should boost the economy. Tax reform should give you more money to invest and build your business.
Energy Independence – Trump’s war cry was “drill, baby drill” should lift restrictions on fossil fuel, and expand oil, gas, and coal industries. This should have a big impact on reducing gas costs for your trucks.
Deregulation – Part of Trump’s economic strategy was to reduce federal regulations. Their objective is to get out of the way and let small businesses run and grow their business.
Individual Employment – Through tax cuts and deregulation this should help small businesses to hire as needed.

Most small business owners know their local politicians and probably contribute to their campaigns. It’s usually not in the DNA of a tower to get involved in politics but it’s a good thing that will benefit you in the future if you can do it. This past election shocked the world, and it will affect things at a local level. You may not like the outcome, but in my opinion, it will help your business. When I owned my tow company, my wife and I were very involved in our local politics. My tow company did only private property, so we were always under the microscope. From police departments in the Dallas area to the Dallas City Council, we knew everyone, and they knew about my tow company.

As you know, towers always have stories to tell, so here is my favorite story. Years ago, when President Bush was running for a second term, he sent Dick Chaney to Dallas for a fund raiser. It was a small audience of about 30 people. Because of my local connections, my wife and I were invited to attend. When we arrived, we noticed sitting in the front row was Ebby Holiday, owner of one of the largest real-estate companies in Texas, and Bo Pilgram who owned a frozen chicken company. I’m sure they were big doners. When Chaney arrived, the 1^st thing he did was give them both a big hug. I looked at my wife and told her I wanted to be like them at a local level.

My wife and I supported two local city council people because they lived in my neighborhood. We wrote checks, but it wasn’t a billion dollars, but those donations did benefit us. When all you do is private property towing, we needed all the help we could get. Towers that wanted a raise had to make a presentation to 7 members of the city council. That group were members of a transportation committee for the Dallas City Council. It so happened that our friend was the head of that city council committee. My wife and I sat in the audience to hear the presentation. As the meeting started, the tow company making the presentation was a partner from the past, so I knew them well.

As they were presenting the head of the city committee was also our friend, and when she saw us in the audience she got up, walked into the audience and gave my wife and I a big hug. Then she went back to the presentation. As the meeting progressed, another city council member joined the meeting. Also, a friend of ours. When he saw us in the audience he got up while the presentation was going on and came into the audience and gave us a hug.

We realized then that we had become Ebby Holiday and Bo Pilgram at a small level. I can’t tell you how rewarding that was to be recognized in front of other city council people, but most of all in front of our X partners. Stuff like that went a long way for our business. I’m not telling you to write checks and certainly not millions, but you should always know who the key politicians are that could impact your business. Get involved and support your state association and write them checks necessary for them to fight bills in Texas that impact our business. I just saw a list of the top 100 things our president elect will work on are (Drill, baby drill) which will have an impact on gas prices, and he will also start deporting illegals which will make us safer. When you are in the private property towing business those are huge.

I’m sorry I bored you with a long story, but I wanted to encourage all of you to get involved in your local politics and work with your state association. In my opinion, this election will have a good effect on your employees and your bottom line.

Kristen Klemenz-Westervelt

BLP MEDIA

There is a saying in this industry that we meet people by accident. But
sometimes, we break down and then start our own company. That’s
exactly what happened to this month’s Women in Towing Feature, Kristen
Klemenz-Westervelt. Kristen and her now husband, Blaine, had a vehicle
breakdown and had to wait for an extended period to get help along with
the cost of having a down vehicle. He said, “If I had a truck, I would start
my own company.” Blaine had a truck and the rest, as they say, is history!

B&W Towing LLC was established on September 15, 2009, in Painted
Post, NY. The journey was far from easy. One of her most difficult
challenges was when Kristen sought a loan for their first tow truck. The
process extended well over several months due to numerous challenges.
The local competition was formidable, and its influence created hesitancy
with the REDEC regarding the loan approval. Kristen had to repeatedly
submit and revise the necessary paperwork before finally securing the
funding. Her passion, persistence, and patience ultimately led to her
success, which is evident today. It all started with that one truck and has
grown to twelve tow trucks, twenty-one employees and two locations.

I asked Kristen what advice she would give to someone who is starting in
the towing industry. “Be strong. This industry is not for the weak, but it is the
most rewarding one I have found.” You have to be tough—both physically
and mentally—because there will be challenges that push you. But the
satisfaction of breaking through those barriers, proving yourself, and
thriving in towing is priceless. You will need resilience, but that strength will
carry you far and make you stand out. Trust yourself and know that your
perseverance is your greatest asset.

Kristen notes that even today, she still catches a look of surprise on
people’s faces when she jumps out of her truck, takes charge of a scene, or
orders equipment. It is a reminder of the lingering stereotypes women face
in the towing industry. However, she is encouraged by the progress she’s
seen. Women are steadily gaining recognition for their contributions, not
just behind the desk but on the front lines as well. As more women step into
leadership roles and demonstrate their expertise, the industry will continue
to evolve, becoming more inclusive and diverse.

When asked for tips on juggling work and home life, Kristen emphasizes,
“Do not be afraid to delegate tasks and ask for help when needed.” Trying
to do everything yourself can lead to burnout, but with a strong support
system in place, it becomes much more manageable. Kristen adds,“With
the right support, you can handle anything.” It is essential to rely on your
team, both at work and at home. By sharing responsibilities and leaning on
others, women in the towing industry can find some balance and continue
to thrive in all areas of their lives.

I asked Kristen what her most rewarding experience in the towing industry
was. She said, “Watching not only my kids but my entire crew grow,
personally and professionally. They have all become successful in every
aspect of their careers and personal lives and that is the best feeling.”
Jokingly, I asked her what two things do you always have with you besides
your phone. Her answer came back quickly, “a notepad and pen 🙂
always!”….. and no one should do without those in the towing industry!

As a planner and goal setter myself, I am always fascinated by learning
what drives others and what their goals are. Kristen’s vision for the future is
particularly inspiring. She is not only focused on the growth of her business
but also on the legacy she is building for her family. Kristen’s next big goal
is to open a third location and, perhaps even more importantly, to watch her
two sons grow into management roles within the business. For her, it is
about creating something lasting, both for her family and for the industry
she is so passionate about.

Kristen nailed it when I asked her what she says to those who doubt her or
what she can do in the industry. “I heard for years you can not do this from
friends, family, and others. I have always had two words: Watch Me!”

And, we are watching you, Kristen Klemenz-Westervelt! Keep going!

Do I Have a Deal for You

BLP MEDIA

Have you ever had your spouse nag you to clean out that office, warehouse or garage, but for some reason you put it off until you need something found?

Such was the case recently. I had been putting together materials so that I could speak in Mississippi to a group of their independent auto dealers. Since I had not spoken to any group for the past few years, I thought it prudent to explain to the executive director that I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre in December. After over-hearing my conversation with that director, my wife presented me with 4 cases of books from my office. She asked, “Can you sell them while you’re in Mississippi? It sure could help pay some medical bills.” So, folks, here’s my offer.

I’ll give you a FREE copy of the book, Race to the Finish Line, Creating Winning Customer Relationships, PLUS a FREE copy of the How Money Works book, now over 500,000 in print. Here’s the offer. I’ll give you both books FREE, IF you’ll buy a thumb drive filled with 3 ½ hours’ worth of my training. Included on this thumb drive are: “Time”, which is about God giving us 86,400 seconds each day. It’s amazing how some of us spend those 86,400 seconds that we have daily. How do you spend yours? This short video produced by Disney is very thought-provoking but lasts about 6 minutes in length.

Then there’s the “Dash” poem, written by Linda Ellis, the famous writer but performed by me in a cemetery. A dash between the years shows the date of when a person is born and the date when a person has died. What’s to be remembered is the dash, all the years and events of the person’s life between birth and death. It’s not about the car, house or cash but how you lived your “Dash” and how you’ll be remembered. Unfortunately, over the last couple years, we’ve had several towing professionals pass on. You probably can mention some of them right now, and they will certainly be missed. Many were your friends and mentors within the towing industry that makes all of us want to emulate their work ethics. What really matters is how they lived their DASH.

Added to this thumb drive are over 28 mini sales meetings which run about 3 minutes in length for each of them. A good suggestion here, you can plan to play one at the start of your meeting, and one at the end. All those meetings are done by me and full of good business information. The thumb drive also includes the “Eye Can”. Even the last four letters of the word, American, has “I can” in it. It makes everyone listening to it leave with an “I CAN” attitude.

Also, on this thumb drive there are 4 leadership classes which are perfect for anyone whom you might be molding into a future manager. A big piece of this is phone training from the person answering the phone to the salesperson using customer care. Yes, even which ear you use has a bearing on the outcome of any call.

Now, let me tell you about “Words to Live By” on this thumb drive. That training focuses on an all-day meeting. It’s not focusing on just a few people within the company but on everyone who works for a company. It was broken down into two sessions which allowed any owner to bring in food and soft drinks. Here I am revealing what happened one day during this training at a company. A frustrated man on the verge of losing his cool walked over and asked, “When will this blankety-blank meeting be over?” A little taken back, I quickly responded, “In about 55 minutes.” Without hesitation, he retorted, “It better be. I don’t have time for this feel-good crap.”

It takes about six to seven minutes to hear that segment. A short background about my producer, Bob Chesney, a voice and recording professional from Los Angeles, California also does recordings for Tony Robbins too. Bob literally works for some heavy-hitting speakers. When I had finished with my training that day, I picked up all my props and headed to my rental car. As I approached my car, standing next to it was the same man who asked how much longer I was going to speak. Not really looking forward to what he was going to say this time, the man revealed that his 16-year-old daughter had left home only eight weeks ago and was living with another family about four streets away. She wasn’t coming back because of what he had said to his daughter. No, I didn’t sell him a copy of “Words to Live By” that day. After hearing his plight, I literally gave him a copy of it because I felt sorry for him and his wife. Three weeks later, the owner said that man had the most improved attitude on his team. He had dropped the copy I had given him into the mailbox for his daughter. Four days later when he came home from work, his daughter was there crying at the kitchen table with his wife. She wanted to come home. Folks, that’s only one reason why I love, “Words to Live By”.

The entire 3 ½ hours of the thumb drive is filled with wonderful stuff that helps employees and their relationships. Also, included on this thumb drive is what I delivered for the PGA and the professional golf association. Just a few years back, I gave all their members a copy of “Words to Live By”. Here’s how they use it. They play it before they interview new team members. If prospective interviewees like what they see in this training, then they get hired because they know they will be faithful team members. Since it’s worked for the PGA and other industries, it can work for you and your business too. And all of this is a perfect fit for helping you hire and assemble the right towing professionals for your business. All you need to do is try it.

Folks, the whole package is $50. That includes the thumb drive with all the training, plus the books. All you must do is send me a text message with your contact information, and I’ll pay for shipping and handling. I’ll include an invoice with your package. After receiving shipment, if you feel all this isn’t worth $50, just send everything back to me. No questions asked. This will help me get rid of some books and lower my medical bills. So, it is a “win-win” for both of us. Getting your order processed is easy. Email your contact information to: dj@djsays.com, or you can text me your request and contact information to: 770-301-4122.

See you on the next podcast.

Lanes Towing Accessories – Trailer Recovery Plate

BLP MEDIA

Trailer Recovery Plate
$90.00 plus tax, Free Shipping in the USA only (Ball not included) 740-221-2614

Tow Professional Quarterly – Q3 2024

4 Lane Mobile goes from 1 to 6 trucks in just 5 years

BLP MEDIA

Proof that it is possible for new towers to be successful

A common refrain among grizzled veterans of the towing and recovery business is that it must be tough—maybe just barely possible—for new guys to get into the business now. Cost of equipment, cost of insurance, and scarcity of sufficient staff are the solid reasons generally offered to explain why the process is likely to be even more difficult than in the past.

Therefore, it is truly refreshing to see a newcomer to the trade make good in just five years.

4 Lane Mobile, run by husband Chase Lane and wife Tessa, and “assisted” by a three-year-old boy and six-year-old girl, have gone from a mobile roadside service business to two light-duty wreckers and four rollbacks in a little less than five years. Based in Westmoreland, Tennessee, about 30-45 minutes from Nashville, and serving that entire area, they have been both fortunate and rewarded for hard, smart work.

Unlike many who end up in the towing biz, Chase was always most strongly attracted to the mechanical. He was not particularly attracted to the towing side of the business until it became a business imperative. He went to Nashville Auto Diesel College for heavy duty truck and trailer repair. After graduation, he says that he went on to work on trucks, worked in a few different shops around the Nashville area, and then started his own mobile mechanics business. As he said, “It kind of progressed from doing service truck work to doing the roadside service, so we finally went from roadside to doing the towing and recovery work also.”

What Chase fails to mention sometimes is that he began his towing business in the middle of 2020. That is, in the middle of COVID! But he doesn’t really see any effects on his venture from COVID, plus or minus, as he looks back on it.

Reflecting on the whole story, it seems a natural progression, though Chase says it wasn’t really planned out that specifically.

Chase is the first to make the point that his wife is a full partner in his success. “Couldn’t have done it without her. She handles the dispatching, all the electronic stuff that I don’t really understand. As a veteran in the business told me the other day, a business like ours absolutely must have someone very sharp on the administrative side these days.”

When he recounts the buildup of his fleet from zero to six, Chase says that his first truck was a flatbed Freightliner “We kept it for a few years, and then ended up buying a second truck. Got a used F650 flat bed, and then expanded from that. We went from having two trucks, to four trucks, that was kind of a big jump. We bought our first wrecker, that was probably about two years into the whole towing side of things. Took us about two years to get to that point.”

“Not long ago, he adds, “we got two more trucks, so that puts us at six trucks. So, we’re at six trucks now, five drivers, and then me, I keep a truck and run when I can and try to kind of stay local to Westmoreland, handy to the home office.”

With a growing fleet, he takes a brief inventory. Half his fleet is Jerr-Dan, and the Jerr-Dan units he has incline him toward looking that direction as he needs more trucks, and especially as he looks to upgrade to handle more medium and heavy-duty work.

“The Jerr-Dan equipment is basically trouble-free,” Chase says. “Zero down time. The construction especially Is tough, meant to handle the stress we put a vehicle through. And as I said, this will be especially important as we move into heavier duty work.”

It is hard to grow a fleet without operators though. And interestingly, Chase gives a lot of credit to the fact that he tricks out his trucks with custom wraps. “These are trucks that guys want to drive. If they’ve got a choice, they’ll drive mine. Plus, we take good care of them. Any report of mechanical problems, and we get it fixed right away. We try to treat them fair and make it easy for them to come to work every day.”

The first five years of towing and recovery for 4 Lane Mobile LLC have been pretty rosy. As more subdivisions are built all around him, and Nashville itself continues to grow, Chase is anxious to see what kind of story we’ll be telling in 2030 at his 10-year anniversary.

Lanes Towing Accessories New Product Launch

BLP MEDIA

The Trailer Recovery Plate is an innovative tool designed to streamline and enhance the safety of recovering, loading, and unloading bumper pull trailers.

This product addresses common issues faced during trailer operations, such as the risk of damaging wiring when using straps or chains and the challenge of keeping the trailer aligned.

By allowing users to attach the correct size ball to the recovery plate and connect it directly to the trailer hitch, the Trailer Recovery Plate ensures that the trailer is hooked up to the center point, preventing it from pulling in unwanted directions.

Lane’s Towing Accessories
Call Today:740-221-2614
Lanesauction@yahoo.com

Towing Best Practices….Equipment Hauling

BLP MEDIA

Hauling equipment often goes hand in hand with the towing operations. Just like towing a vehicle, it is important to implement best practices when hauling equipment.

Ensuring the load height is within legal and safety limits is crucial when hauling loads. Failing to adhere to these requirements can lead to accidents, fines, or damage to infrastructure such as bridges and overpasses.

Here’s a quick guide on the best practices for measuring and documenting load height before departing.

Accurately measure the height of a load with reliable tools:

Measuring poles: These telescopic poles are designed for easily measuring tall loads.
Laser measuring devices: These provide precise and quick measurements.
Tape measures: While basic, a tape measure can be effective for smaller or more straightforward loads.

Measure from the Ground

Always measure the height from the ground level to the highest point of the load. This ensures an accurate reading, as the trailer’s base height might vary depending on the terrain or truck.

Double-Check the Load’s Stability

Before measuring, ensure that the load is secured and stable. An unbalanced load can shift during transit, increasing the risk of accidents or miscalculating height due to shifting materials. Secure the load with appropriate straps or netting.

Document the Load Height

Record the measurement: Include the exact height in documentation or transport logs (i.e Towbook). If multiple loads are being carried, each load’s height must be recorded.
Capture photos: Take clear photos of the load and the measuring process. These can serve as evidence in case of disputes or inspections by authorities.
Update the shipping manifest: Include the load height in the manifest or any official documentation handed over to the driver or hauling company.

Check your route and Comply with Legal Height Limits

Familiarize yourself with the legal load height limits for the regions you travel through. In most U.S. states, the maximum height limit for vehicles is 13 feet, 6 inches, although this can vary by location. Check for any special permits required for oversized loads.
If your height exceeds the legal limits, obtain the appropriate permits for oversized, over height, over width loads.

Recheck Before Departure

Trust, but verify. Perform a final check right before the hauler departs. Environmental factors such as uneven ground or a slight load shift may occur during the loading process. Rechecking minimizes risk and ensures compliance.

Conclusion

Measuring and documenting load height is not just about following the law; it’s about safety and protecting both the driver and other road users. By using proper tools, ensuring stability, and maintaining thorough documentation, your team can ensure compliance and safety of your team and others on the roads.

Zips New Products

BLP MEDIA

EZ Claw Line Saver Kit

Protect your semi’s hoses with the right setup from EZ Claw

The EZ Claw Line Saver is your solution for long-term support of air hoses, power cords and hydraulic lines on tractor-trailer combinations. This road-tested system relies on coiled tensioners, weather-resistant components and zinc-plated brackets to prevent lines from sagging, dragging and chafing. EZ Claw offers five different equipment applications and features bracketry to fit most makes and models out on the road today. Find your kit at Zips.com/EZClaw. Our fitment guide will make sure you have the right parts for your semi.

Grote 6 Diode HINVII LED Directional Light

The 6 Diode HINVII LED Directional Light by Grote is an invisible light that illuminates hi-vis material and fills in dark spots. This turns your hi-vis material and bright-colored clothing into active safety devices by making them stand out in dark and low-light environments. Because it’s invisible, it does this without blinding workers and surrounding traffic.

In addition to its safety benefits, the 6 Diode HINVII LED is highly durable. Its polycarbonate base, finish and lens offer superior impact resistance. Learn more about this advanced lighting technology at Zips.com.

SafeAll Armor Angles

SafeAll’s new poly corner protectors will save your straps.

The Armor Angle from SafeAll is a new poly corner protector for use when uprighting semi trailers. Safer and wider than traditional angle iron, these L-shaped plates protect recovery straps from sharp, jagged edges and add structural integrity to compromised trailer roofs and walls. Each poly angle is 3/4” thick and machine welded for extreme durability and strength. The edges are rounded to prevent snags, and one side features three holes for grip and two for foundry hooks. Choose from two lengths (47″ or 72″) at Zips.com. Item #: SA-AA.

Stellar 8 Drawer Toolbox Systems

Organize your shop or truck with Stellar toolboxes.

Spend less time looking for tools and more time making the repair with Stellar storage systems from Zip’s AW Direct. Keeping everything together, these multi-drawer units can be installed on a service truck or wrecker body and can also be used in a shop environment. They have great capacity ratings and premium upgrades, including locking T-handles, risers and custom paint. Stellar’s 8-drawer system is one of our best sellers and can be ordered online at Zips.com. Select the dimensions you need by entering Item #: AE8DRAWERBOX.

The Lack of Electric Towing Trucks Threatens California Freeway Service Patrol Programs

BLP MEDIA

State’s Electric Engine Mandate is Depleting Inventories of Truck Chassis

August 14, 2024 (Bay Area, CA): Due to California’s electric engine mandate, a coalition of towing and recovery truck manufacturers and drivers are concerned that starting this year, they must start replacing their diesel trucks with electric alternatives that manufacturers are not building. The lack of electric truck chassis will impact the state’s Freeway Patrol Service, a state and local program that contracts towing companies to provide free services to motorists stranded on California freeways, reducing time stuck in traffic, fuel, and engine emissions.

Due to the CARB’s passage of the State’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulation, towing and recovery trucks will no longer be assembled or sold in California once 2024 truck inventories are depleted. Truck manufacturers have not developed electric truck chassis that meet towing and recovery truck performance and safety requirements, and towing companies can’t purchase diesel-powered trucks built before January 2024. This catch-22 threatens small businesses, jobs, and motorists.

“The FSP program provides fantastic public service by assisting stranded motorists and clearing California freeways quickly, often mitigating the risk of secondary accidents,” said Brian Banks, owner of Great American Road Solutions. “Without access to new trucks, not only is my business at risk, but so are motorists, especially those who cannot afford roadside assistance.”

Banks is a second-generation business owner that provides towing services to over 500 Bay Area motorists daily. Eight trucks are contracted with the Metropolitan Transport Commission’s Freeway Service Patrol (MTC).

As the number of trucks in service declines, Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) programs will find it increasingly difficult to contract with towing and recovery companies. FSP tow trucks roam freeways, clearing traffic accidents at no cost to motorists. State and local transportation agencies credit the program for reducing wasted time in traffic and fuel costs and lowering tons of carbon emissions. The Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) is a joint program provided by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and local transportation agencies. The State finances 75% of the service, and local government 25%.

“The state is putting towing and recovery businesses that provide a valuable public service in a tough spot by requiring them to purchase custom, high-performance electric tow trucks that manufacturers are not building,” said Mark Yebra, co-owner of Atlas Towing. So, as truck fleets age, they can’t be replaced, putting emergency services at risk.”

Yebra is a second-generation business owner. Atlas Towing has been in business since 1920, providing emergency services to over 200 Bay Area motorists daily, and 7 trucks are contracted with MTC to provide FSP services.

Since public safety agencies widely view towing and recovery trucks as emergency vehicles, CARB exempted government-owned towing and recovery vehicles. The exemption was not applied to privately owned tow and recovery trucks for unknown reasons. Paradoxically, the regulations allow existing trucks to be replaced by older, higher-emission diesel trucks purchased out-of-state. However, this is problematic for FSP programs requiring low-mileage trucks at enrollment.

Benefits of California Freeway Patrol Services

Statewide

16,576,262 gallons of fuel savings
9,642,968 hours motorists saved from sitting in traffic
145,702,066 kg of emissions savings

Bay Area

Metropolitan Transport Commission’s Freeway Service Patrol (MTC)

2,429,063 gallons of fuel savings
1,413,067 hours motorists saved from sitting in traffic
21,327,173 kg of emissions savings

The coalition has launched a website where small businesses, truck drivers, and motorists can join a grassroots campaign to urge Governor Newsom and the State Legislature to find a legislative solution before existing inventories of new towing and recovery trucks are depleted. For more information and to view an explainer video, visit www.casaferoads.com/fsp-program/

Choosing Your Software Partner: It’s More Than Just the Application

BLP MEDIA

By TRAXERO

Video pickup: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEoUtNsFiPQ

It’s undeniable that software is a critical business requirement for towing, recovery, and roadside assistance professionals in the modern age. While it is possible to run your business using pen and paper methods, to truly unlock your full business growth opportunity, you need the proper digital tools to handle the heavy lifting.

Having the right software in place will help you organize your daily operations while reducing errors that cost you money or customers, ensure you are billing and collecting payment on the hard work you and your team have already completed. It also allows you to monitor your business performance and report on the data that matters most in order to find areas to increase revenue, reduce expenses, and maximize efficiency.

When exploring the right software options for your business’ needs, it is just as important to select the right vendor as it is to choose the right application. In fact, rather than simply being a vendor, your software provider should act as your partner.

We get it, change is hard!

New technology can be intimidating, especially when it affects your entire business operation and all your employees. Even the process of considering and evaluating software options can be daunting and leave you questioning if you are finding the right solution for your business’ unique needs.

That is where your software partner should put you and your team at ease and give you confidence that you are finding the exact solutions needed. But that’s not to say they should just sell you on a product; your potential partner should ask questions to fully understand your business and guide you to the solution that best aligns with your business functions and needs.

And once you have found the right solution, it is important that your software partner makes it as easy as possible to onboard your new business tool and continually work with you to ensure you are maximizing its use.

Onboarding and support set the tone

Now that you have selected your new software, executed the agreements, and been assigned your Customer Success Manager, your journey really begins.

Your Customer Success team should provide you with a roadmap of what training will look like, the roles from your company that should be involved in each session, and how long the process will take to complete before you and your team are comfortable enough to take complete ownership. Sure, you can jump right in and try to use your software, but why not let experts who have built the product and know it inside and out show you the ropes?

This onboarding time is also a great opportunity to establish a relationship with your primary contacts for Customer Success and Customer Support and allow your team to feel empowered to ask questions and ensure their individual roles are set up for success by using your new software.

Demand continuous innovation

Beyond your initial onboarding and ongoing support, you should expect and demand your software partner to provide nonstop innovation. Whether that is integrating the latest technological advancements or simply listening to your feedback and implementing change based on user requests, a flexible and responsive partner can be the catalyst for success and business growth.

When you can do your job better, safer, and more efficiently, you will exceed your customers’ expectations, which is always a recipe for success.

Your partner is a source of knowledge

A true partner will not only empower you with their software to run your business, but they will also provide you with ongoing resources to bring the industry together to continue learning and advocating for one another.

The towing industry certainly can be quite competitive, but more often than not, professionals across this industry enjoy coming together to share stories, help one another deepen their knowledge, and celebrate the common bond of being roadside heroes.

Our industry trade shows provide perfect opportunities to gather and swap stories in person, but those are limited to a few times per year, and it is difficult and expensive for your entire team to also participate. This is where your software partner can be the facilitator of additional opportunities for the industry to collaborate, especially digitally through webinars, social media communities, and on-demand content like videos and articles.

But remember, a partnership is a two-way street

While you want to always hold your software provider to a high standard, it is important to remember that a true partnership goes both ways.

To maximize your training, you need to make your team available for sessions, ensure everyone remains engaged, and encourage your team to ask questions constantly. You and your employees should try to build and maintain a strong rapport with your Customer Success and Customer Support teams. When you know your partner well, they will be just as invested in understanding your business and guiding you to maximize the output of your software.

Like anything in business and life, the more effort you put into it, the more you will take away, and that will be critical to the growth and long-term success of your business.

Increase Productivity and Deliver an Engaging Experience with Towbook

BLP MEDIA

By Kendall Smith and Matt Wesley

As the use of technology continues to rise in the towing and roadside industry, so do consumer expectations. With the ability to use advanced technology at your fingertips, your customer expects to be informed and cared for every step of the way. Using Towbook creates this experience by doing the work for you!

Towbook not only promotes continuous communication with your customers, but also with your motor clubs, body shops, dealerships, police departments, and private property managers too!

Got a call from the motor club? Accept it with the click of a button!
Does your body shop or dealership want to send you a job? Our Web Request Portal can help them do exactly that with just a few clicks!
Impress your police departments with “Vehicle Lookup” technology that allows them to quickly see if a certain vehicle is on your lot!
Give private property managers a login to their account, so they can view all vehicles that were towed and sign for them as well!

All of the above actions and more, allow you and your staff to reduce time on the phone and maximize your performance and efficiency.

So, what does Towbook do? And why do you need it?

Improved Communication. Managers and dispatchers can communicate with drivers easily. Drivers can accept calls with all the details needed in order to do their job efficiently and update the status of the job from start to finish. You will also be able to chat with your drivers via their mobile applications or send them a text message to make them aware of last-minute changes (chat logs are always saved to the call for future reference).

Roadside.io Towbook’s Roadside.io solution, paired with 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 have the option of sharing information with customers while the service is in progress; helping customers understand what’s happening with their service without having to call you for an update. You also have the option of sending the customer a satisfaction survey once the job is complete. You can choose to push these surveys to your website and you can also direct them to your social media outlets where they can complete a review about the service they received.

Minimize Risk of Damage Claims. Drivers can upload photos of the vehicle to a call in real-time; we timestamp and geocode these photos for you along with categorizing them according to what job status the driver was in at the time. An additional precaution can be taken by creating a “Vehicle Damage Form” if there is extensive damage to the vehicle prior to servicing it. The driver can create a report on scene, take photos of the vehicle, indicate anywhere there is damage, and have the customer sign off on the damage form. This report will be saved for future reference and can even be emailed or sent via text to the customer with their receipt.

Built-in Navigation and GPS Tracking. You’ll be able to get turn-by-turn directions to your destination right in the application with just a tap!

If you aren’t currently using a GPS solution, Towbook is equipped with built-in GPS tracking which will automatically update the drivers’ location according to their app settings.

Towbook is also integrated with leading GPS companies like AT&T Fleet Complete, Azuga, DriverLocate, Samsara, US Fleet Tracking, Verizon Connect, and Webfleet Solutions; allowing you to send calls directly to the GPS unit in your truck.

Drivers can use the GPS unit to navigate to the service location, and when they update the status of the call on the GPS unit it will automatically update their status in Towbook. Your Towbook app can also use the GPS location from your trucks and display that on the map in Towbook. There are many other fantastic features of GPS units that help you manage and maintain your fleet.

Pre-Trip Inspection Management and User Check-In. If you want your team to inspect their trucks and other equipment before (or after) every shift, they can do that easily using the Towbook mobile apps and our Equipment Inspection tool. Each inspection report is time stamped, and managers will receive an email alert any time there is an Equipment Inspection failure.

Completed inspections are also available to open/view on mobile apps, so if drivers need to present a completed pre-trip inspection to a law enforcement officer they can do so right from their phone!

Our “User Check-In” feature allows drivers to check-in and out for work directly from their mobile application. This allows managers and dispatchers to know who is currently on-shift to accept jobs. You are also able to run a report to review check in/check out times for drivers.

Plate-to-VIN Technology. No VIN – no problem! Towbook’s plate-to-VIN feature saves time and eliminates mistakes. Simply enter the plate number and the state in which the vehicle is licensed, and Towbook will return the full VIN with the make, model, and year of the vehicle. You’ll also have the option of using our VIN scanner, which will populate the VIN in the call just by scanning the vehicle’s barcode.

Private Property Features. Alongside tagging accounts, two of our most notable private property features for the mobile applications include “On Scene Call Creation” and “Stickering”:

On Scene Call Creation: This allows your drivers to do their job as quickly as possible by allowing them the option to create a call by simply snapping a picture of the vehicle; the call will automatically populate the address they’re located at and will allow them to update any additional details later.
Stickering: One of Towbook’s fastest-growing features is our Stickering app. With Stickering, you can create a virtual sticker in Towbook and “tag” those vehicles that you might be able to tow after a few hours or a few days. When the sticker expires, you receive a notification that the vehicle can be towed.

Impound/Storage Lot Management and Vehicle Lookup. You’ll be able to track and release your current impounded/stored vehicles on your lot right from the mobile application. You’ll even be able to send the impound invoice via text or e-mail.

In using our “Vehicle Lookup” technology, your customers, police departments, and private property accounts will thank you! It makes it simple for them to look and see if you have a certain vehicle on your lot without calling.

Digital Dispatching. Whether you are a dispatcher or manager sending out calls or an owner/operator working in the field, you’ll be able to accept motor club calls while out of the office or on the road using Towbook’s mobile apps. Towbook is integrated with all the major motor clubs for your convenience! A couple of taps to accept the call and you’ll be on your way!

Paperless Invoicing. Save time by texting or emailing your customer an invoice right on-scene! If paper invoices are a must, we integrate with Zebra mobile printers to print your customers’ receipt on the spot.

Additional Information. On top of the many features we’ve already mentioned, your drivers will be able to add additional information to the call via their app according to the preferences setup by management, this includes:

Additional line items/charges.
Record payments received in the field.
Collect customer signatures for archiving and appearing on receipts.
Any additional notes regarding the service or customer.
Record vehicle odometer.
Add any company expenses, such as fuel along with a picture of the receipt for manager review.

Technology is causing a world-wide evolution and it’s important to find resources that can be of benefit to us. First it was computers, now it’s a little device in our pocket that we all rely on daily – whether for business or our personal lives.

Using software to manage your business increases efficiency and profitability but it’s also a great tool to woo potential clients; demonstrating that you are a forward-thinking towing/road service company and are interested in adapting to the ever-changing technological environment.

About Towbook

Towbook has become the unquestioned leader in cloud-based towing software, headquartered in Michigan, and has provided service for over 16 years. Integrating the industry’s most advanced and flexible software, Towbook supports all sizes and types of towing, recovery and roadside service operations.

We provide tools made possible by the latest technology, and we help companies to raise their level of service while lowering their operating costs.

Plus, our commitment to you will be never-ending! We take great pride in having the industry’s best customer support. Support is free and available 24/7/365—even on holidays.

Tow Professional Offer

Free Trial, Free Setup, Free Support.

Towbook offers a 90-day free trial for all Tow Professional subscribers, simply scan the QR code or visit: www.towbook.com/signup/towprofessional to use this offer!

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

Carrot or the Stick?

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If you have been a parent, a coach, a manager or in really any type of leadership role, you have been faced with the age old question. The Carrot or the Stick? How do you get the person in question to follow directions and or behave the way you need them too? How do you judge their activity,or do you just have a zero tolerance policy and rule with an iron fist?

In the towing industry, the proper way to work with drivers can be tricky. You want them to drive correctly for many reasons. Maybe it’s to take better care of your equipment because repairs and replacements are expensive, to reduce complaint calls and make sure you keep a positive image in your community as a responsible business.Perhaps it’s to reduce accidents, fuel costs, maintenance costs, insurance costs and as my mom used to say, “because I told you too” or “because I said so”!

When they aren’t doing well, what is your recourse?

The Stick

Berating or firing anyone who doesn’t listen can cause other issues. Good operators aren’t always easy to find and are expensive to train, get certified and this can turn into an endless cycle messing with your company’s culture. It’s not fun to run or work at a business where you are constantly walking around with your boot up someone’s backside. Nor is it an enjoyable feeling like someone is watching you so closely that every little thing you do wrong, someone is going to jump down your throat.

The Carrot

At Azuga, we have developed a part of our software called the driver rewards program for just this reason, and it works like a charm. If you are using Azuga you can access this page, and it gives you a report card on every driver scoring them like you would in school. 100-90 is an A, 89-80 B, 79-70 C, 69-60 D, and you guessed it, 59 and below is an F.

The way the grading system works is it takes into account speeding events and severity, harsh braking events, harsh steering events and other driving events. You, as the business owner, can give weight to issues that may be more important to your business. So, it measures it in a way that specifically fits your business needs.

You can click on that driver’s score, and it will spell out the biggest issues they are having, and if you click down one more you can see the specific driving events that they have had during the grading period. This is very handy for driver meetings and training to use in a manner that will help them “improve their score”.

Now for the fun part. You, as the owner, can load money directly into the page to reward drivers. You can do it as a contest for the top 3 drivers or anyone who scores over an 85, or however you want to set it up. Azuga’s drivers reward program will keep up with all the data, drivers can check their scores at any time on their app, or you can even set up a TV in the drivers lounge with the updating standings.

Winners are notified on the app, and they can claim the reward directly from there in the form of a bunch of different gift cards, such as: Visa cards, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, Longhorn Steaks or hundreds more.

No solution is perfect. With Azuga you can get the data to do either the Carrot or the Stick. However, research says the Carrot works!

Women In the Industry

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Don’t get excited that I’m writing this article too because I am only substituting for this issue. The regular writer of this column is Michelle Sukow who was just gifted with two beautiful grand babies. What a sweet reason for her to miss writing this issue. So, I’m filling in this month.

My favorite woman in this industry is without a doubt, Gay Rochester who is President and CEO of INA Towing Network. I have my reasons, but I decided to ask several ladies how they feel about Gay. Happy to help with my request, Cynthia Martineau responded with how she feels about Gay. You’ll remember that Cynthia Martineau is the Executive Director of TRAA, a group in which Gay is very much involved. Here’s what she said. “INA Towing Network (INA) and Gay Rochester are committed to supporting the mission of the Towing and Recovery Association of America, Inc. (TRAA). INA Towing Network is a dedicated sponsor of our annual TRAA Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day in DC, TRAA’s legislative advocacy and our lobbying efforts. Gay and INA are passionate about promoting roadway safety for all traffic incident management responders.

TRAA recently partnered with Randy Meyer Race Team to promote a National Slow Down Move Over Campaign. TRAA is pleased to have INA as a sponsor of the Randy Meyer Race Team and this important campaign. Together we can increase slow down move over awareness to the motoring public and legislators on a grander scale. We are all excited to be a part of this national campaign.

Gay also serves on the TRAA Cabinet as well as the WTRAA Board. Her dedication to all things towing is admirable and inspiring. TRAA appreciates Gay and INA’s support of our association and the towing community.”

After I spoke to Cynthia Martineau, I also reached out to Linda Unruh. All of you know Linda and about her son, Bobby being killed in 2017 by a tractor-trailer while trying to guide all vehicles over. The Slow Down, MOVE Over Law is different today in New Mexico because of the strength of this wonderful woman. So, I asked Linda about our friend, Gay Rochester, and here’s what Linda had to say about Gay.

Gay Rochester is a trailblazing leader in the towing industry, recognized as a giant for her unwavering commitment to supporting the “Slow Down, Move Over” initiative across all 50 states. This initiative aims to protect roadside workers by encouraging drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency or roadside assistance vehicles. Gay has been instrumental in promoting this cause, offering her support to those who have suffered loss and pain in the industry. Her leadership is defined by her selflessness, always putting the welfare of her fellow industry workers first, and tirelessly advocating for their safety. Through her efforts, the importance of protecting roadside workers has gained national recognition.

Gay is known not only for her leadership but also for her deep belief in the value of the women of the industry and its people. She is an unwavering supporter of Bobby’s Law, which reinforces the “Over One Lose None” “Slow Down, Move Over” laws, particularly Gay’s passion for the industry and the people in it is evident in her continued dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of roadside workers. She embodies the spirit of the industry, always leading by example and being the first to stand up for the people who keep the roads safe. Her influence and impact continue to shape the future of towing and roadside assistance, making her a true giant in the field.

As I finish this article about my dear friend Gay, across the television listening areas we’re hearing about the damage created by Hurricane Helene. We’re sad to say it has caused so many deaths in our country. Gay Rochester is very active with the Red Cross. The recent, damaging Hurricane Helene has hurt lots of families. I know that Gay would want me to add additional information because besides doing all their towing, she is always raising money for the Red Cross. If you would like to help in anyway, go to Red Cross.org, see how and where they need help or donate whatever you can to help. Any amount, big or small helps to aid families affected by Hurricane Helene. On behalf of Linda, Gay and me, thank you!

See you on the next podcast.

Show Season…A busy and trying time in 2024

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September was a blur with 3 Tow Association shows, and a Hurricane that left destruction across the southeast! This year we had the North Carolina, Ohio Midwest Regional, and Tennessee Tow shows all in one month! Let’s face it, the association shows are a lot of fun, they fund legislation, offer training, memberships, and help fuel the same industry we pull from. We are proud to be able to support the Ohio, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Florida PWOF shows. Their presence in the industry helps tremendously!

Dan Messina provides us with some Insightful Talk on the importance of Training and reminds us of the legends teaching now, that are impacting our industry! DJ Harrington’s Fuel for Thought in this issue focuses on a celebrating the Tow Professionals that have fallen serving this great Industry. In this installment of Women of Towing we highlight Gay Rochester and her commitment to industry and safety.

In this issue, we feature Towing Software, Lockout Tools, and a wide array of products from the great folks at Zips! We take an in-depth look at towing software from Towbook, Traxero, Azuga, and Ranger SST. We hope this insight helps you find the solution that best fits your business.

Tow Professional Podcast is available anywhere you find your favorite podcast, or on www.towprofessional.com. We pray for the loved ones from the Coast, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Ohio that have been impacted by this hurricane. May God be with you all, and bless and keep you through this all.

Thanks for your loyalty to our publication, and our men and women’s heart of service!

Zips Lockout Tools

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Showcase Editorial

Each lockout job presents unique challenges, making it essential to have the right equipment on hand. Beyond your primary tools, the accessories you carry play a critical role in solving various problems you may encounter. Accessories such as paint protection, lights, replacement tips, cases and extenders make great additions to every lockout kit.

Paint Protection
Protecting the vehicle’s paint and trim from damage should be a top priority. Unfortunately, lockout tools can easily cause scratches or scuffs on a vehicle’s surface. Accessories like tape and protective shields act as safeguards, ensuring the vehicle remains undamaged during the unlocking process. By using these protective measures, you also minimize the risk of being accused or held liable for any damage, enhancing your professionalism.

Lighting Solutions
Proper lighting is another way to avoid damage. Clear visibility inside the vehicle helps reduce the chances of mistakes or scratches. Additionally, it helps you get the job done quicker as you can see where everything is. This means you can move on to the next job faster, increasing your earnings. With that in mind, a reliable light source is a worthwhile addition to any lockout kit.

Replacement Tips
Lockout tools are often prone to losing their tips, making replacement tips a must-have in your kit. These tips not only serve as a backup but also provide an additional level of grip, ensuring you can maintain control and precision throughout the job. Keeping extras on hand helps avoid delays and ensures you’re always prepared.

Extenders
Vehicle models vary in size and design, and extenders are the perfect solution to accommodate these differences. By increasing the reach of your tools, extenders allow you to work on a broader range of vehicles without needing to invest in specialized tools for each job. This versatility allows you to handle more calls, expanding your earning potential.

Tool Storage
With a growing collection of tools and accessories, organization is crucial. These cases are designed to store and protect your equipment, ensuring everything is in its place and ready for use. Staying organized reduces downtime spent searching for tools and maximizes your time spent on the job.

With these essential accessories in your lockout kit, you can approach each job with confidence, efficiency and professionalism. Visit Zips.com to add some of these valuable tools to your collection.

www.zips.com

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