Is Your Telescope Set Right?

Even though I’m in my mid 70’s now, I continue to work in the podcast center two days a week completing podcasts for Tow Professional, “On the Go,” as well as one for Brian Riker, “Your DOT Guy,” podcast and another one for the American Towing and Recovery Institute podcast with 40-year industry Veteran, Wes Wilburn who just last month finished his 889th Hands On Classes for Towers throughout the USA. If you are wondering what I do with the remaining three days of the week, I’m proud to say that you can find me at a radio station in Calhoun, Georgia. Somewhere in all that work week, I manage to find quality time with my three grandchildren in the North Georgia summer sun. My grandchildren mean the world to me, and I am sure you’re doing the same this summer with your family.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on how you look at life. Here’s a short story that I hope you will take to heart. It’s about a little boy who wanted to change his situation. There was a big bully down the street who was always bothering this little boy. The little boy was trying to muster enough nerve to stand up to this bully, but he was still too afraid.

Well one day, hoping to divert his son’s thoughts, the father bought the little boy a new telescope. Later he found his son playing with it in the front yard and noticed that his son was looking through the wrong end, raising the larger lens to his eye. On a mission to correct him, the father stepped outside and said, “NO, son! You’re doing it backward. Turn it around and it will make everything bigger like it was meant to do.” The little boy answered, “I know that Dad, but right now I’m looking at this bully. When I look at him this way it makes him so small that I’m not afraid of him anymore.”

Life is like a telescope. Sometimes in life, we might have to turn our telescope around because we’ve magnified a small problem for far too long. It becomes larger only because we are looking at it differently than we should be. A problem might seem impossible to change and that it’s never going to work out. However, if you’ll turn it around, you will see it from the right perspective. It goes back to Dr. Wayne Dwyer’s saying, “Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at will change.”

Attitude begins as harmless thoughts. Then, with practice, they become layered by habit into unbroken chains to shackle OR strengthen our lives. We are scarcely aware they exist. Just like a comfortable bed, they are easy to fall into, but difficult to get out of.

Talking about people with a great attitude are our three sponsors of the Tow Professional podcast. First, one is Towbook, “Towing software that works for you.” Second, Jerr-Dan, leading the way since 1972 and will always “Keep Driving Forward.” We recently had Bob Nelson of Jerr-Dan on our podcast, and it was a great interview. A must hear! Our newest sponsor is Recovery Billing Unlimited Inc. They are dedicated to teaching fellow towers how to get paid. All three sponsors have a podcast worth listening to on the Tow professional platform.

It’s time to check the lens. How are you seeing things these days? Remember, losers always see thunderstorms. Winners always see rainbows. Losers see all mishaps of icy streets, while winners strap on their ice skates. I, personally know lots of towers, real winners, that always work their way around challenges. We have more of our share of challenges in this industry today, so let’s make the best of it.

Don’t forget that we, as towers, are not responsible for what happens out there or what others do or think. However, we’re only responsible for how we chose to feel, behave, or react.

My final thought. Some of us need to turn our telescope backward and start seeing our challenges through a smaller lens so we can get a proper perspective on how to fix problems going forward.

See you next time or on the Tow Professional podcast on your favorite podcast platform.

Jerr-Dan Introduces Autogrid Option for XLP Carrier

Jerr-Dan, an Oshkosh Corporation company has announced a new option for their XLP carrier. The all-new XLP Carrier Autogrid allows an operator to hook to a car quickly and easily without manually installing L-Arms.

Engineered with the operator in mind, the grid design offers a 3,500 lb. rating and a crossbar that can rotate 90 degrees either side of center. The grid pivot has a center detent bar that prevents excessive crossbar swing during set-up. The grid center drop area is designed to provide better support for tires as well as less sidewall push. The long-term cost of ownership and product longevity are addressed with replaceable wear items that include crossbar ends, L-arm tips, and plates at strategic locations. In addition to these standard elements, Autogrid customers may choose from several add-on options including wireless remote control, a dual-camera system, and boom level stop.

While Florida Tow Show attendees saw a live demonstration of the Autogrid option, an animated version of that demonstration is available to view at https://bit.ly/3N2bsI0.

See your Jerr-Dan distributor for more details or visit www.jerrdan.com.

The Structure of the Towing Industry

Dan Messina

Raleigh, USA - May 13, 2018: Highway road in North Carolina with closeup of East Coast towing truck car by accident crash

In my last article, I wrote about things that happened to me as I learned about towing. In this article, I want to discuss the structure of the towing industry. Keep in mind that this is my opinion based on things that happened to me and how I look at the towing industry. The industry consists of three parts:

The tow companies
The towing associations
The towing media

As we look at each part, I want to remind you again that this is my opinion.

Tow Companies – My company did private property tows only. Private property towing was not a popular thing with bigger tow companies. As a result, they looked down on me. I was a member of the local Texas association, and even though I was on their board, they still looked down at me. Because of my success in the industry, many tow companies were interested in learning about private property towing. For the next two years, I traveled to all the tow shows and held seminars on private property towing. It was successful, and I would have 50 to 100 people in each class. I got to meet a lot of tow companies and made many friends. I did learn that many of the tow companies did not get along. This created a battle between the big companies and the small companies. The association that I was a member of in Texas wrote a law that was to put the small companies out of business while they made a lot of money. I was trying to get a large tow company in Michigan to register with my current company. She said no and accused me of keeping the smaller companies in business. She went to a customer I was trying to sign up and told them if they used TowTrax they would not tow for them anymore.

That’s when I learned that: Big companies don’t like small companies and small companies don’t like big companies.

Towing Associations – As I watched what the association I belonged to was doing to the smaller companies, I left them and started my own association. The law that was passed required all drivers to be licensed and certified. Certification with the state, and the test they had to pass also cost $150 to the association giving the test. The association that wrote the law went to a national association and made a deal. I was told they would give the national association $25 dollars for every driver that took their test. My association grew fast; I was soon at 1,125 members compared to the other association that had less than 200.

I went to the national association to see if I could use their test. My association was a member of the national association. I was told the other Texas association had an exclusive and they would not let me use their test. I don’t know if you ever saw the national test, but you need a slide rule and a lot of prayers to pass. Again, it was meant for the little guy to fail. The state of Texas told me that since I had my own association, I could write my own test. Because my test was easier, and we did it in Spanish and traveled all over Texas to give it. We tested 97% of the drivers and my association made over a million dollars. This upset the other Texas association and the national association whose members were mostly large companies who lost a lot of money. As I reached out to other associations offering them help, they felt I was trying to do something for my benefit and not theirs. There is little or no trust with associations. I never did figure out how a national association made up of big companies with few members make all the rules for the other 50,000 tow companies. I also found out that most states have more than one association because they can’t agree on the issues that face their state.

Most state associations don’t get along with each other.

Towing Media – The towing media is made up of three magazines. Tow Times and American Towman, who have printed magazines and put on tow shows in various cities. The third is Tow Professional magazine. They are the new kid on the block. When life was good, I was doing seminars and writing articles for all the magazines. Then when Tow Professional entered the scene, they asked me to write articles for them. I was flattered and I started to write articles. Then one magazine did not want my articles anymore, then another magazine decided they did not need my articles anymore. Then I stopped doing seminars at the tow shows. When I attended tow shows all the magazines had booths at the shows. Then that stopped. If you were a magazine that did a show, the other magazines were not allowed to have a booth there. I’m not sure if they are even allowed to attend their shows. It was sad. I was very successful with the seminars and writing articles, but now I can’t for a variety of reasons. I know thousands of towers, and my seminars were standing room only. However, the towers lose because I’m restricted on what I can do based on various rules.

The media that supports the industry just does not get along.

As bad it sounds with tow companies not getting along with other tow companies, and associations not getting along with other associations, and the media not getting along with each other it’s still the best industry I’ve ever worked in. The people work hard, and they deserve better from some of the support groups in the industry.

Jerr-Dan Debuts New JD60 Independent Heavy Duty Wrecker

Darian Weaver

Jerr-Dan, an Oshkosh Corporation company has released a new 3-stage, 60 ton heavy duty wrecker to their product range. The new addition to their independent wrecker lineup has an SAE boom rating of 120,000 lbs. when fully retracted and 25,000 lbs. fully extended. The 3-stage boom provides a maximum reach past the tailboard of 294 inches and a maximum hook height of 432 inches. Dual 50,000 lb. winches are standard and there is an option for an additional 35,000 lb. underlift drag winch. Also standard on this unit are boom angle indicators and load charts for increased operational awareness. A fully proportional wireless remote with a 330 ft. range allows effortless operation of the recovery boom from multiple locations with precision.

The proven and tested 3-stage independent knee boom underlifts offer either 142 inches or 181 inches of reach past the tailboard. An optional 4-stage underlift is also available with 179 inches of reach.

Continuing in the Jerr-Dan tradition, the new JD60 IND has the custom JFB body available in multiple wheelbase configurations. The body is made of a polypropylene copolymer material that is both high-impact and corrosion resistant. When compared to most other body types, these features can substantially reduce the cost of ownership.

The first opportunity to see the new JD60 IND was at the Florida Tow Show in Orlando. For any other information on this new model, please contact your local Jerr-Dan distributor or visit: https://www.jerrdan.com/en/equipment/wreckers/heavy-duty/independent.

HAZMAT CERTIFICATION TRAINING FOR THE TOWING AND RECOVERY PROFESSIONAL

Darian Weaver

Our 40-hour hazardous materials technician course was developed to provide the tow/recovery professional with the specific knowledge and skills needed to participate in the mitigation and clean-up of incidents involving hazardous materials.

HRNT-1001 COURSE DESCRIPTION

This 40-hour program was developed to provide the tow/recovery professional with the specific knowledge and skills needed to participate in the mitigation and clean-up of incidents involving hazardous materials.

Classroom presentations and intensive field exercises provide participants with the opportunity to demonstrate newly acquired skills in real-world conditions. This course meets the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 (q) (6) (iii). No prerequisites are necessary.

TOPICS

Scene safety for roadway hazardous materials incidents
Regulatory requirements (OSHA/EPA/DOT/STATE)
Incident command and management
Hazard identification and analysis
Hazardous materials chemistry and toxicology
Personal protective equipment
Chemical protective clothing
Respiratory protection/Self-contained breathing apparatus
Air sampling and detection instruments
Decontamination
Spill control (confinement, containment and recovery)
Soil testing and documentation
Cost recovery
Incident documentation

BASIC SUPPLIES FOR CLEAN-UP RESPONSE

Absorbants • Absorbant Pads • Socks • Booms • Patch & Plug Kits • Bales of Straw • Chicken Wire, 3 or 4 feet in width • Grass Seed • Seed Spreader • T-Barb Post • 50 Gallon Poly Bags • Air Transfer Pump 1’’ or 1 1//2’’ • Vac and Discharge Hoses • Catch Pools • Pressure Washer, 3300 psi • Generator, 7500 watts • Lights • Shovels • Rakes • Spark Resistant Hand Tools • Overpack Drum, 95 Gallon, 2/ 55 Gallon Closed Lid Steel Drums • Soil Test Kit • First Aid Kit • PPE Safety Glasses • Splash Suits • Particle Mask • Respirator • Overboots • Eye Wash • Reflective Clothing • Hard Hat • Gloves • Authorization Forms for Clean Ups signed by responsible party

Upcoming Training:

CARGO TANK AWARENESS
AUGUST 13TH 2022
HOSTED BY
PURYEAR TOWING & RECOVERY
1100 BURMA DR
APEX, NC 27539

HAZWOPER TRAINING
SEPTEMBER 15TH – 18TH 2022
CAMBRIDGE CITY FD
127 W MAPLE ST
CAMBRIDGE CITY, INDIANA 47327

EXHIBITOR
MID-WEST TOW SHOW
MASON OHIO
SEPTEMBER 23RD – 25TH 2022

EXHIBITOR
TENNESSEE TOW SHOW
OCT 7TH – 8TH 2022
CHATTANOOGA CONVENTION CTR

HAZWOPER TRAINING

OCTOBER 14-16, 2022
BLATT & TILLET TRUCK AND TRAILER REPAIR
JONESTOWN PA

For more information visit: www.hazmatrn.com

(877) 356-9767

Air Brake Releasing Kit

Darian Weaver

Shannon Bryant Wrecker is offering a complete kit for releasing any tractor and or trailer with air brakes. Their deluxe kit comes with everything to you need to get the job done! Designed by Towers for Tow Professionals!

For More Information:

bryantswrecker@gmail.com

Call: 334-222-6100

Dynamic® Offers 108-Tooth Ratchets

Darian Weaver

BRAMPTON, Ont. — Dynamic introduces a line of industrial-quality ratchets designed for budget-sensitive professionals. They feature a 108-tooth gear with 3.5-degree arc swing for superior performance, even in tight spaces.

Dynamic’s ratchets are available in 1/4”, 3/8” or 1/2” drive sizes with 5-, 7- and 10-inch lengths, respectively. They can also be purchased as the full set of three (Part No. D106003). The ratchets have a nickel-plate mirror chrome finish for maximum corrosion resistance and long service life. A secure socket lock keeps sockets firmly installed until ejected via the quick-release button, and a convenient thumb-operated reverse-switch mechanism easily changes between tightening and loosening operation. The sleek, comfortable handle is user-friendly, while the low-profile head provides excellent access in confined spaces.

All Dynamic ratchets meet ANSI standards and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. To purchase or learn more, visit shopdynamictools.com.

Introduced in 2009, the Dynamic® tool brand was created by Gray Tools, a renowned North American manufacturer and distributor of premium hand tools founded in 1912, to meet the need for high-quality tools at a budget-friendly price. Today, the Dynamic line consists of more than 2,500 products, including sockets, wrenches, pliers, hammers, chisels, locking tools and clamps, which are fully serviced and warrantied by Gray Tools.

For more information, visit ShopDynamicTools.com.

TRAA 4th Annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day

Darian Weaver

TRAA members from across the country descended on Washington D.C. again this year to attend TRAA’s annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day! This event was started by the Towing and Recovery Association of America, Inc.® (TRAA) to allow towers to meet with their Members of Congress, express the needs of our industry, and gain support for industry issues on a federal level. It was my honor to participate in this event for the third year in a row.

As in years past, the first day featured five scheduled guest speakers addressing the group and discussing current industry topics. Senator Ben Cardin, Chair of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, welcomed the group and congratulated us on “doing the good work” for our industry. Congressman Chris Pappas advocated and led the charge on a TRAA’s weights and measures amendment that was included in the House infrastructure package last year. Larry Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy at FMSCA, brought a wealth of knowledge to this year’s participants! He shared insight into the proposals FMCSA is planning for the remainder of this year and next including automatic braking systems, safety fitness procedures, advanced driving systems, and ELT regulations. Senator Tammy Duckworth followed Larry Minor and was very engaged and excited to see so many familiar faces. Senator Duckworth is an ally on Move Over Law enforcement and has passed legislation ordering the Government Accountability Office to conduct research into SDMO law effectiveness. Paul Wasik, U.S. Senate Professional Staff for Transportation Policy, gave us insight to the critical role committee staff play and suggestions for moving forward with several industry issues. It was refreshing to see the genuine interest and understanding the speakers have for the industry based on TRAA’s relationship building.

New this year was the addition of group dinners in the event registration. The first one was held at a local steakhouse and provided an excellent opportunity to network, share stories, and make new friends. To say the first day was a success would be an understatement!

One of the main reasons this event is so successful is TRAA’s full-time federal lobbying firm, Tremont Strategies Group (TSG). Rated one of the country’s top performing lobbying firms by Bloomberg Government, they help navigate the red tape, coordinate constituent meetings, and guest speakers from committees of jurisdiction. They are the best of the best in federal lobbying firms.

The second day was “hill day” with attendees participating in constituent meetings with their own Members of Congress. To maximize impact, all the attendees advocate for a coordinated list of industry priorities. This year’s priorities included generating support for the National Move Over Law Day Resolution in both the House and Senate. The House version (H.Res.1052) is currently in committee and the Senate version should be introduced in August. Through TRAA’s advocacy, the resolution is endorsed by the Association of Chiefs of Police, National Volunteer Fire Council, and AAA National. The resolution will help promote awareness of state SDMO laws and help lay down the groundwork for future legislation implementation on the federal level. The second priority was amending federal regulations that limit towers’ abilities to respond to emergencies on the interstate system. In 2015 an exemption was made to certain weight restrictions for towers responding on the interstate. However, it did not cover all towers. TRAA believes the towers should be allowed to tow a vehicle that is of legal weight and length to a nearby location, so the disassembly to finish the tow may be done safely. This language was included in the House infrastructure bill. Unfortunately, it was not included in the final Senate version that became law, so TRAA is once again pushing to get it over the goal line. The meetings on day two were followed by a private, after-hours tour of the U.S. Capitol Building and a glass of wine on the balcony of the House Cannon Office Building. The second day culminated in a tremendous group dinner where we all discussed the day’s interactions with Members.

The third and final day featured Congressmen Jim McGovern, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules, and Christian Bell, Professional Staff of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. Congressman McGovern is a true champion for the towing and recovery industry. He introduced TRAA’s National Move Over Law Day Resolution (H.Res.1052) into the House in April and worked with Congressman Pappas on passing TRAA’s length exemption in the House infrastructure bill last year. The Congressman took time out of his schedule to meet with us every day, showing his passion, and his understanding of the industry’s needs. Thanks to TRAA, the industry certainly has friends on Capitol Hill!

TRAA’s annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day was a tremendous success! TRAA has put a name, a face, and a voice in front of the nation’s legislators on behalf of the industry! Members of Congress are now not only familiar with towers but have forged personal connections with TRAA members through these events. Members of Congress have new insight into the unique needs of towers versus the rest of the trucking industry. They’re familiar with the industry’s needs because of TRAA’s commitment to making these interactions happen every year.

Don’t just take my word for it, become a member of TRAA and help support their fight for your safety and prosperity. If you’re not already a member, you should be. Join TRAA and see how you can be part of next year’s Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day! It will make a difference in your life and the lives of countless others.

On behalf of all this year’s attendees, I would like to say a special thank you to Gay Rochester and INA Towing Network for their spotlight sponsorship at this year’s event.

‘Till next year, get your membership, pack your suitcase, and join us in changing our industry for the better!

Tow Professional Quarterly – Q2 2022

Darian Weaver

NHTSA’s 2021 Traffic Fatality Report is a Call to Action

Darian Weaver

The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum has announced it will induct 10 new members into its Hall of Fame this fall. The inductees hail from the United States, Australia, France, and Japan, making it one of the most diverse Hall of Fame classes ever.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 42,915 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2021 – the most traffic fatalities since 2005. Traffic fatalities rose by 10.5% in 2021 compared to the year before, marking the largest-ever annual percentage increase in the nearly five-decade history of the Fatality Analysis Reporting System. NHTSA’s report also shows increases in almost every type of roadway death, including:

Fatalities involving pedestrians up 13%
Fatalities occurring on urban roads up 16%
Fatalities from multi-vehicle crashes up 16%
Fatalities from crashes involving at least one large truck up 13%
Fatalities from speeding-related crashes up 5%.

Worst still, some states experienced even sharper increases in their fatality data. TxDOT recently reported that traffic crashes in the state’s work zones last year claimed the lives of 244 people, a 33% increase over 2020. In the 2021 NHTSA figures, Texas experienced an 18% increase in motor vehicle fatalities over 2020. NHTSA’s report indicates that almost half of all states – 23 total – experienced an annual increase of over 10.5% in traffic fatalities, with only five states registering a year-to-year decline.

In 2020, transportation experts hoped that diminished motor vehicle traffic-related to COVID shutdowns would lead to a drop in overall fatalities on the road. When the final traffic fatality figures were released for 2020 last year, though, the figures showed the opposite, demonstrating that the risk of fatality on the road increased despite a decrease in traffic. The release of these figures for 2021 confirm the continuation of a dangerous and deadly trend in the wrong direction.

Addressing this trend requires coordinated effort across the country. This January, United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated the challenge clearly: “We face a crisis on America’s roadways that we must address together.” From state and local transportation planners and vehicle designers, emergency responders and roadside assistance fleets, to work zone operators and everyday drivers and road users, we all must actively work together to save lives and prevent tragedies. Even a single life lost in a preventable crash is tragic enough; nearly 43,000 preventable deaths in just a year is a true crisis, and it demands new efforts, innovative initiatives, and creative partnerships. Most importantly, it requires action today – there is no time to wait for solutions that may be years away from full deployment, as lives hang in the balance.

The good news? We don’t have to wait for new solutions: we have everything we need to start addressing this problem today.

Digital alerting offers communities across the United States a low-cost, high-value solution that significantly reduces the likelihood of collisions between drivers and emergency vehicles, work zones, towing and recovery vehicles, and other moving hazards on the road, which altogether account for nearly 300,000 collisions and close to 1,000 fatalities a year. By using cellular networks to notify drivers inside their vehicle of hazards ahead of them, studies have shown that digital alerting reduces the likelihood of collision by up to 90% while reducing hard-braking by 80%. Thanks to emergency vehicle manufacturers that have already embraced digital alerting as a safety standard for new vehicles, as well as critical efforts by federal legislators to fund the deployment of digital alerting, thousands of public safety fleets nationwide are equipped with the technology today and delivering alerts to drivers directly in vehicle dashboards and through the world’s most popular navigation applications.

As more communities adopt digital alerting in the months and years ahead and awareness on the road begins improving, drivers, responders, and roadway workers will all benefit. In a world where motorists and vehicles are equipped with timely information about hazards ahead of them, everyone has a better chance of getting home safely at the end of the day. There’s no doubt that a safer and smarter transportation system is available to us today, if we choose to take action.

Here are some steps you can take right now to help bring digital alerting to your community:

If you’re an emergency responder, work zone operator, or roadway worker: Contact us today to learn more about equipping your fleet with digital alerting. From easy-to-install hardware options to direct integrations on fleet telematics and tracking platforms, it’s easier than ever today to get the protection you deserve every moment you work on the road.

If you’re a transportation planner or policymaker: Reach out to us to learn how digital alerting helps to achieve Vision Zero and Safe Systems objectives without the need for cost-prohibitive infrastructure investments, and get more information about state and federal funding available to your agencies to purchase and deploy digital alerting in your community.

If you’re an everyday driver: You can receive digital alerts today on the most popular navigation applications on mobile devices today, as well as directly in the infotainment screen of 2018-and-newer Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Chrysler, and Alfa Romeo vehicles. In the months ahead, even more vehicle brands will offer Safety Cloud digital alerts directly in vehicle dashboards. If digital alerting hasn’t arrived in your community yet, reach out to your local public safety agencies and tell them you’d like them to add Safety Cloud protection.

Together, we can turn the tide on this deadly trend and build a safer, more connected transportation system for everyone.

For more information: www.haasalert.com.

An Interview with the Founder of Console Vault

Darian Weaver

Tow Professional: Scott how did this product first come about?

Scott Bonvissuto: This first started as a solution to a common problem. Where do you put your valuables, firearm, etc. With confidence, Console Vault started as a hobby in 2001 and quickly outpaced my current full-time job. We cut our teeth in the gun community engineering a solution for secure storage.

TP: You saw this as an upgrade to current lockable storage in many vehicle platforms?

Scott: Yes! Most vehicles are not very secure. They may have a locking console or glovebox; however, on a scale of 1 – 10 for security, at most, would score no better than 2 on protection.

We designed a way to add an extra layer of security around the factory console without any modifications. Our products are designed to be a simple do-it-yourself installation. The Console Vault is hidden, secure, and adds an extra layer of security.

TP: How many current models do you have?

Scott: Currently 150 + sku #’s for cars and trucks, and even a vault for your Harley Davidson baggers. We are also an OE for Ford, and welcome opportunities with other OE’s. With 20 + years in the market, we take pride in our products and customer service!

TP: Why do you feel this is such an important product this day and time?

Scott: Statistics show that 80% of gun violence crime are from firearms stolen from vehicles that are not properly secured. The Console Vault adds peace of mind for storing your valuables, firearms, etc. and an extra layer of safety preventing access to firearms from any children in your vehicle.

TP: I understand you also have a passion for giving back.

Scott: Darian, I certainly do! We have a long list of charities that we enjoy giving to each year. One that stands out that is near and dear to my heart is the First Responders Children’s Foundation. This past year, we were able to present them with a $12,000.00 donation.

TP: Scott, I certainly love your products and feel like they would have a fit in the towing industry has well!

Scott: Darian, I agree! Whether you install our production in your personal or service vehicle, the vault will simply add protection from theft and limit liability keeping firearms and valuables safely secured away from customers.

TP: Scott, thanks again for your time, and your fantastic products!

Scott: Thanks again, Darian!

We have hundreds of different applications, designed for light trucks, SUVs, and select sedans across many makes, models, and years.

For more info, or to find the product that fits your application visit: www.consolevault.com.

TRAA Opposing FMCSA Proposed Rulemaking Requiring Speed Limiters

Darian Weaver

n May 4th, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a proposed rulemaking on Speed Limiting Devices [Docket No. FMCSA–2022–0004]. The proposal would require that “(CMVs) in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more), whichever is greater, that are equipped with an electronic engine control unit (ECU) capable of governing the maximum speed be required to limit the CMV to a speed to be determined by the rulemaking and to maintain that ECU setting for the service life of the vehicle.” A speed has not been determined, but previous proposals mentioned rates of 60, 65 or 68 miles per hour.

TRAA understands the intention of FMCSA, NHTSA, and other groups to improve roadway safety and reduce roadside fatalities. However, TRAA opposes the proposal based on our belief that CMV speed limiters would in fact have the opposite effect. While there are several problems with the proposal, our primary concerns are the following:

Increased Risk of Traffic Incidents: Speed limiters prevent operators from changing speeds as necessary to move with traffic flow. Variations in speed increase the rate of interactions between vehicles which in turn increases the rate of incidents. Operators must be able to slow down or speed up based on the traffic conditions, location, and environment to limit interactions with other vehicles.

Increased Danger to Responders: Commercial vehicle operators must be able to move with the flow of traffic and change lanes as needed. Any efforts that prevent an operator’s ability to do so increases the risk of death or injury to any responder or motorist along the roadside. Nothing should prevent an operator’s ability to Move Over.

TRAA has implemented a two-prong strategy for opposing this proposed rulemaking.

Comment of Opposition: Firstly, we are in the process of submitting a comment of opposition on the official register. We are asking our affiliate state associations to sign-on and submit coordinated comments. Please email the office for more information.

TRAA Joins Coalition: Secondly, TRAA is again joining forces with other organizations that are also in opposition to the proposal including OOIDA and others. While we don’t agree on everything, we do agree that this proposal is bad news and TRAA’s participation on similar coalitions for the insurance mandate, Dr. Weil’s nomination, etc. have yielded the desired outcomes. We’ll keep the membership posted on the coalition’s progress.

As your voice on Capitol Hill, TRAA is proud to be advocating on behalf of the industry and our members. We appreciate the support of each and every member; we couldn’t do this critical work without you!

For more information visit: www.traaonline.com

Hino To Join Hydrogen Demo Study in California Ports

Darian Weaver

NOVI, MI – Hino USA (Novi, MI) announced that it has been awarded a grant provided by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a Japanese governmental agency, to promote new technology for energy and environmental sector, along with Hino Motors, Ltd. The grant supports the demonstration of Hino’s Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell trucks in real world operations in California ports. This joint study will run through March 2026 and is a collaboration project with Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Toyota Tsusho America Inc., Mitsui E&S Machinery Co. Ltd. and PACECO CORP, along with Hino.

The NEDO grant is in support of improving air quality through zero-emission truck technology, which is expected to be a beneficial approach for specifically targeting port operations and environmentally burdened disadvantages communities that California’s initiative concerns. It provides funding to encourage and support the introduction of new, zero-emission technologies. Hino, Toyota-Tsusho and Mitsui’s technology of choice for this project is advanced hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks.

The team plans to demonstrate zero-emission operation generated by hydrogen power units in daily drayage operations, in and around the ports. Hino will provide several of its prototype Class 8 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEV), recently revealed at the ACT Expo this past August as part of a joint development effort with Toyota. Also included in the grant program, will be monitoring and analysis of the operational and maintenance interval data to optimize the efficiency and safety of the vehicles by Hino and its partners.

Hino sees this project as a viable contributor to its “Challenge 2025” strategy, which aims to lower Hino’s global emissions footprint through reduced GHG emission.

GUNIHUB Universal Free Rotating Hub Assembly

Darian Weaver

GUNIHUB™ 45 universal rotating hub is used when brakes are disengaged or when a car is stuck in the parked gear. Just install the GUNIHUB to any 4 or 5 lug pattern for full wheel rotation. The ultimate tool to move a car onto a tow truck or to another safe location FOR NON-MOTORIZED USE ONLY. USE WITH GUNIWHEEL 45 ONLY.

Rotary bearing for instant mobility
No specal lubricatio needed to spin
Locking pin included
Works with OEM bolts and Nuts
Use with GUNIWHEEL 45 and 45S
Ready to roll in under a minute!

For product questions, call 1-888-554-6464 or visit www.guniwheel.com.

Is the Towing industry ready for an onslaught of EV’s?

Darian Weaver

Unhappy businessman speak on phone near the broken electric car help repair stress problem emergency insurance auto. Man calling car assistance services. Concept road accident. Help repair. — Unhappy businessman speak on phone near the broken electric car help repair stress problem emergency insurance auto. Man calling car assistance services. Concept road accident. Help repair

By: Chris Young

According to InsideEV’s, Q1 2022 new registrations of EV’s was up 60% to just over 158,000 units. Coming as no surprise, Tesla led that charge with 113,882 units alone. Kia, Ford, and Hyundai rounded out the top four all with considerable YOY gains in units delivered. This is a new record of 4.6% market share for Electrics all while new car sales were down 18%, 3.4 million units, due to ongoing supply chain complications

If you ask a tower what EV’s they’ve towed, the overwhelming majority of the responses will be “Tesla”. It’s been 10 years since the first Tesla Model S hit the street and the company has done an exceptional job working with Towing and Roadside to ensure serviceability and deliver positive customer experiences for their owners despite unfortunate breakdown events. They’ve accomplished this with an in-house Roadside Team who manages each roadside event from beginning to end and providing readily accessible Towing and Roadside resources for their service providers. This level of service provider support is one of many reasons Tow Companies want to work with Tesla. Domestically, Tesla has supported nearly 1.4 million vehicles, based on sales through Q1 2022.

While Tesla’s roadside model is an anomaly in the space it’s a small fraction of total annual dispatched events originating from OEM’s. The balance of disabled EV dispatches coming from all other OEM’s, through their Roadside Networks, might appear insignificant if not for the units handled through insurance carriers and cash calls on aging units, now out of warranty. Traditional Roadside Networks; AAA, Allstate, Agero, Honk, NSD Urgently, etc all have the bandwidth and service provider portfolios to take on a surge in dispatch volume.

The struggle will come in the name of product awareness as numerous new to market EV platforms launch with no Towing & Roadside guidance for the operator on the street tasked with handling a vehicle they’ve never experienced, possibly never seen. This means some pivots in thinking, handling, and equipment, very minor changes for some, wholesale changes for others. So what’s the winning formula with EV’s?

When receiving a dispatch on an EV you or your company has no previous experience with, request the towing and roadside resources for the vehicle if they’ve not been attached to the dispatch. Networks providing services to OEM clients should have these documents. Too many times operators go straight to social media looking for information. I browse these groups/pages regularly and there is no shortage of misleading, or outright incorrect information. It’s honestly more bad information than good. If all else fails, get into the Owner’s Guide for the vehicle. EV’s have extremely comprehensive guides; it may take some hunting and time to determine several steps required to get through the job, but it’s a source when you have none. Ideally you want curated resources here on the front-end minimizing exposure on busy roadways while simultaneously delivering positive customer experiences.

Handle the vehicle only as recommended by the OEM. Be it connection points for loading to jump starts, don’t make the assumption all EV’s are handled the same way. What’s permissible on one platform may very well be off limits on another so it’s of paramount importance operators know precisely how to handle the vehicle platform they been dispatched and not make any assumptions.

• Loading – No metal gear on any suspension

components Rivian R1T, R1S, EDV – connection point for loading to a carrier is front lower controls arms and ONLY with a wrap around nylon bridle

Ford F-150 Lightning – transport slots in bottom of frame rail behind front sway bar mounts with nylon bridle

Hummer EV – front or rear tow hooks

Audi e-Tron, VW ID.4, Porsche Taycan – Tow

Eyelet

• 12 Volt Jump Starts

VW ID.4 – Positive on the battery, negative on the ground lug

Audi e-Tron – no field jumps, bring to dealer and they will charge 12 Volt; this one can be deceiving as there are jump posts available

Ford Mach E – Remote jump leads in front bumper to access, then remote jump posts

Rivian R1T, R1S – As of right now, no access to battery, subject to change with some

validation

On tire change events, jack the vehicle only in the defined locations prescribed by the manufacturer. Long gone are the days of stabbing vehicles with floor jacks on the rocker panels, axles or suspension. Ford F-150 Lightning now has an independent rear suspension with aluminum control arms, jacking locations on the frame rails are clearly defined at each corner with an arrow stamped through the frame. Rivian R1T/R1S has an extremely technical front and rear suspension, factory jack adapter inserts into jacking points in belly of vehicle, raise suspension to full height, activate “Tire Change Mode”. The spare tire is an option on the Rivian, a flat here can turn into tow really quick. Audi e-Tron has jacking points on the frame rails defined by an arrow on the rocker, collapsible spare tire/compressor, and “Wheel Change Mode”. Negligently jacking EV’s can lead to considerable damage, misplacement of a jack on the vehicle’s propulsion battery could lead to an expensive battery replacement claim.

The love affair with the mechanical park override has finally come to an end; they’re gone in the EV’s. Park in some models is nothing more than an application of the Electronic Parking Brake, the nemesis of all operators, or a park pawl in the electric motor. On the models with a park pawl you not only need to get the vehicle into “neutral” but also disengage the EPB. It’s time to brush up on skills with skates.

Every EV loaded to a carrier goes down on an 8 point kit; it’s not up for debate. I wrote training material on a new launch pickup truck last year, and if I said I was surprised to see one of the first vehicles towed on a carrier run down on the winch and large J-Chains, by the suspension, I’d be lying. The batteries in many of these platforms are an integral part of the vehicle. Stretching them out on both ends with the winch is a recipe for disaster, and to reiterate, could lead to an expensive battery replacement claim.

EV’s are heavy. Most of the models I’ve put on scales recently end up weighing about 10% MORE than what’s stated in its specifications, a few come in at spec. The greatest concern is with the large sedans, pickup trucks, and package vehicles. But don’t be fooled by the smaller platforms, VW ID.4 & Mach E are both short of 5000 lbs, Audi e-Tron is almost 6000 lbs. Rivian R1T starts around 7200 lbs, Ford F-150 Lightning is just under 7000 lbs, Hummer EV is reported to be in the neighborhood of 9000 lbs. Companies with fleets running Ram 5500 & Ford F-550/600 carriers will need to look really hard at what their trucks weigh fully rigged with fuel tanks topped off. Pay close mind to what’s available on the rear axle as that’s about all you have to work with on 120” CA, steel deck carriers with wheel lifts. Since most EV’s maintain a 50/50 weight distribution you no longer have that front heavy bias of traditional ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles to roll some weight into the front axle of the tow truck. Almost, if not all of it goes on the rear axle.

The Towing Community is well equipped to support this increasing numbers of EV’s but as with every automotive evolution to date, Towing and Roadside will need to evolve as well. Towers are expected to have the solution to every problem. OEM’s anticipate this from the towing community; it’s why we’ve seen the removal of mechanical park releases from German platforms for the last 10 years with no replies to the demands for bringing them back. What operators face with EV’s is far more technical and the time has come to lean in hard on education and training. This is also a time for the towing community to find its voice and actively request resources from roadside partners dispatching roadside events for OEM’s. What’s starting here with passenger vehicles and light trucks will find its way into Commercial Trucking sooner than later. Embracing it now is going to be a whole lot easier than playing educational catch up down the road while simultaneously chasing your competition who got in front of the curve.

WOMEN OF TOWING: Geri Roskopf

Darian Weaver

It Isn’t Easy

What do you say to your husband when he comes home from work one day and says he wants to start his own tow company? We had two little ones at home and although I was working part-time at a bank, I was still worried about so many things, like how were we going to pay our home mortgage, and what exactly did we need to start a business?

I put my trust in my husband as I knew he was a hard worker and taking a leap of faith, we leased a two-bay service station, took out a second mortgage to fill the gas tanks, put $1,000.00 in a business bank account and hired the mechanic who was working at the station.

I soon found out we needed a lawyer, insurance agent, banker and accountant. We, also, found out we needed guidance with the day-to-day operations of owning a towing business and so we joined the Wisconsin Towing Association and the Towing & Recovery Association of America.

We have never regretted joining these two associations. The information and updates regarding the towing and recovery industry have been invaluable; especially with legislative issues. For myself, joining WTRAA, The Women of The Towing & Recovery Association of America was the best decision I ever made. I finally found other tow ladies who totally understood what it is like for a woman in the towing industry.

The members of the Wisconsin Towing Association have become my towing family. Some may be our competitors, but they are, also, our colleagues. Having a small towing company, you soon find out you can’t service your customers in a timely manner if they were broken down in other parts of the state. Networking with other WTA members has been invaluable.

Both my husband and I became actively involved with TRAA and the Wisc. Towing Association and myself with WTRAA. While it was a struggle at times to find the money and the time to get away from the shop to attend meetings, we are so thankful our employees stepped up to cover for us. It was important to stay involved in these associations as issues facing the towing industry ultimately affected our company.

I was recently asked if I knew then what I knew now, would I have started a towing business. I had to think on that for a minute as the challenges in running a 24/7/365 towing and recovery business are many.

I guess for me, the most important thing I would change would be to insist on more family time. My husband missed out on so many of the children’s activities along with many family events. The business is important, but so is family. I feel both the kids and I missed out and sacrificed a lot, too.

When you believe in something, you help to make it better. I just “do what I do”. When I was awarded the WTRAA 2003 Tow Woman of the Year Award and inducted into the Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame Class of 2018, I was truly humbled with these honors. I, know, too, that I could not do what I do without the support of my husband, family, employees, friends, community and towing family.

Headaches, worries, anxiety, lack of sleep and not being appreciated are just some of the challenges of being a woman in this industry. Having the many friendships and support from other tow ladies and my towing family has certainly helped me through many of those challenges. It took me a while, but I have learned to say “no” and to make time for “me”.

I probably quit work once a week, drank too much coffee, and indulged in too much chocolate to help me get through, but I really don’t think I would ever have said “no” to my husband wanting to start a towing business. It isn’t easy, but that’s life in towing.

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