Speedbinders

Speedbinders add efficiency, ergonomic advancement, and longevity to load securement and tie-down applications. We asked Joe Spelman, assistant product manager at The Crosby Group, how they do it.

Trucking professionals are leveraging the advantages of the Speedbinders Torque Drive product line that has recently been added to the portfolio offered by The Crosby Group, a leading global manufacturer of lifting, rigging, and load securement hardware.

US-based Speedbinders, a designer and manufacturer of pioneering load binders for heavy-duty load securement, was acquired by The Crosby Group this spring. The drill-operated Speedbinders not only provide faster tie-down and release times for drivers but also improve ergonomics and reduce strain injuries.

The product is targeted at anyone who operates, services, and maintains trucks and trailers. A broad range of professionals in equipment rental, manufacturing, steel, haulage, recovery, and logging have already leveraged its benefits—and The Crosby Group will widen utilization much further.

Solutions include the torque drive load binders, which use a portable power drill to secure loads, eliminating the need for repetitive, manual operations common with lever and ratchet binders. The product is available in three sizes:

• 5/16”-3/8”: working load limit (WLL) = 6,600 lb. (for 5/16” G70 chain)

• 3/8”-1/2“: WLL = 9,200 lb. (for 3/8” G70 chain)

• 1/2”-5/8”: WLL = 13,000 lb. (for 1/2” G70 chain)

Joe Spelman, assistant product manager at The Crosby Group, said: “The Torque Drive technology enhances worker safety and improves productivity for drivers, it is a winning combination! The reasons to choose a Speedbinder over a regular binder are many and include the fact that they’re quicker and easier to use; they save time and money; and strain injuries are dramatically reduced. Speedbinders provide additional opportunities for our valued channel partners, and together, we are bringing this innovation to end users worldwide.”

User Guide

You must own / operate a drill to use Speedbinders, but there are some other features that you should be aware of before putting the product to use:

• Reaction bar: ensure that the handle is firmly against the deck or load. The handle is not a traditional ratchet handle; it is a reaction bar that is loaded with approx. 50 lb. of force. This helps keep the chain tension when driving over bumps, but it is important that the angle of the handle to the deck / load is low to ensure that good contact is retained. The handle is offset to one side to help ensure a low angle. If the handle cannot rest against the deck, it may be flipped to rest against the load instead.

• Tightening sequence: with the increased tension achieved with the Speedbinder, it is important that the binders are tied down in sequence, tightening the slack first and then pulling to correct tension.

• Drill operation: the drill will give better rotational torque over an impact’s hitting torque allowing optimal final tension. Ensure that you hold the drill with both hands to counter-act the natural twist of the drill.

Using Speedbinders on your trucks

Commercial truck operators need to make informed decisions about buying and maintaining equipment, while monitoring industry best practices and new technologies. Many of these operators already utilize Crosby shackles, hooks, chains, and other products, while smaller-scale customers that use trucks and farming equipment might be more familiar with the Speedbinder brand itself.

Spelman explained: “We are excited to strengthen and expand the strong community of Speedbinders users. It was important to us that Steve Helline, founder of Speedbinders, continued to work with us after the acquisition to best support this critical customer base.”

Helline responded: “It has been an incredible journey to see this business from concept to significant adoption and now a partnership with a world leader in load securement. I can’t think of a better steward of my business going forward and I look forward to supporting the continued adoption of Speedbinders in the market.”

The Crosby Group has already moved manufacturing operations from Ohio into its facility in Longview, Texas. Regular training sessions are delivered to existing dealers, focusing on the product’s key benefits, starting with safety. Users report that worker compensation claims have been significantly reduced since implementing the product, and their most experience drivers have extended their careers due to the elimination of repetitive ratcheting motion.

Operated with a drill

The Crosby Group advises use of specific Milwaukee and DeWalt drills, but Spelman stressed that a high quality 18-20 volt, high-torque drill is ideal for best operation. These drills allow tie-down time reductions by up to three times, resulting in less fuel burned, less maintenance, and further time and money savings. Anybody, regardless of strength, can achieve higher tension than using a traditional binder. This higher tension is achieved by 24:1 gear ratio and continuous torque with equal pull on the chain, resulting in tighter tie-downs, less movement of loads, and reduced risk of binders loosening in transit.

One user said: “I have driven that load more than 700 miles, and I have not had to tighten a single binder down—not a single binder was loose the entire trip. I am completely sold on these binders and will be getting four more to make sure I have enough for all the future loads I will be pulling using my chains and Speedbinders.”

Speedbinders are also suited to use in confined spaces because there is no need to ensure there is enough space for a handle to move. This is particularly useful when working in the middle of steel coils, over equipment, or flat against the deck, which cannot be achieved using traditional ratchet binders. Other advantages include tamper resistance, as a tool is required to loosen loads; and longer life, largely because a sealed gearbox keeps dust, sleet, salt brine, etc. out.

Overall, more and more drivers are switching to Speedbinders to add efficiency, ergonomic advancement, and longevity to their load securement and tie-down applications.

About The Crosby Group

The Crosby Group is a global leader in the innovation, manufacturing and distribution of products and services used to make lifting and load securement safer and more efficient, with premier brands such as Crosby, Gunnebo Industries, Crosby Straightpoint, Crosby BlokCam, Acco, McKissick, Crosby Feubo, Trawlex, Lebus, and CrosbyIP.

With global engineering, manufacturing, distribution and operations, the company provides a broad range of products and solutions for the most demanding applications with uncompromising quality that exceed industry standards. www.thecrosbygroup.com

TRAA’s Legislative Year in Review

The 2021 new year brought with it a new Congress and a new President to Washington. The Towing and Recovery Association of America, Inc.® (TRAA) is pleased to report that as of this writing in November, the federal infrastructure bill headed to the President’s desk for passage into law includes two of TRAA’s top priorities and excludes two provisions that represented profound threats to the towing industry. TRAA is the industry’s watchdog on Capitol Hill!

Non-Consent Towing Rate Regulation Struck-Down – In August, Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced an amendment regarding non-consent rate regulation. Having previously met with TRAA, the Senate Commerce Committee’s minority staff reached out to TRAA to get our opinion and understanding of the amendment. TRAA was able to quickly analyze the amendment, understand the negative impacts and bad precedent it sets, and articulate our concerns to the staff. This potentially damaging amendment did not make it into the final Senate passed version of the bill.

No Federal Increase to Insurance Liability Coverage (H.R.2687) – One of TRAA’s top priorities this year has been defeating efforts to increase minimum liability coverage for motor carriers, including towers, from $750,000 to $2M. TRAA was a signatory on the February 2021 Truck Insurance Coalition letter to House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR-04) and Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO-06) opposing any increase in minimum liability coverage requirements for motor carriers. TRAA was also an active participant in numerous meetings with Congressional staff as part of the OOIDA Minimum Insurance Requirement Coalition and raised this issue as part of our conversations during our Hill Day meetings in March. This provision was not included in the Senate bill. Given how damaging this insurance burden would have been for towers everywhere, this is a huge win.

Apprenticeship Pilot Program for Under-21 CDL Drivers, Provisions from the DRIVE Safe Act (S.659) – The three-year Apprenticeship Pilot Program will allow up to 3,000 CDL holders aged 18 – 20 to drive long-haul in interstate commerce. The program is almost identical to the provisions outlined in the DRIVE Safe Act but as a pilot program overseen by the secretary of transportation. We believe this is a safe and effective way to explore the realities of under 21 drivers engaging in interstate commerce and great for the towing industry as we look to engage and attract more qualified individuals looking for career opportunities.

Protecting Roadside First Responders Act (S.1386) – The bill includes the major provisions in the Protecting Roadside First Responders Act. TRAA signed on as a supporter of the bill which orders a federal study of state Move Over Laws to determine which are most effective and how the federal government can partner with states for better enforcement. The provisions also expand the definition of digital alert technology while adding a new section “to pilot and incentivize measures, including optical visibility measures, to increase the visibility of stopped and disabled vehicles”. This is another major win for the towing industry as we work to increase safety for all roadside responders and decrease line of duty deaths.

These successes were built on years of strategic, targeted hard work. In March, TRAA hosted its 3rd annual – but first virtual – Capitol Hill Days, where TRAA members heard from and met with over forty Members of Congress and staff. Members met with Representative Chris Pappas (D-NH-1), a champion of amending regulations that limit towers’ ability to respond effectively on the interstate highway system, Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL-13), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), sponsor of the Protecting Roadside First Responders Act and leading advocate in Congress for move over initiatives.

TRAA continues to advocate on your behalf in Washington, including the pending introduction of a Move Over Resolution with bipartisan support and continued advocacy on regulatory issues before agencies such as FMCSA. Effecting change in Washington takes time, energy, resources, planning, and strategic engagement. Our collective efforts are bearing fruit for the industry. During debate of the federal infrastructure bill, committee staff reached out to TRAA to understand what the impacts of potential policy would be to our industry and our input impacted change in the final package. But more work needs to be done. We encourage you to join your peers in our advocacy efforts. Become a TRAA member today and consider participating in our Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day in March 2022. It’s easier than you think, and we’ll help you along the way.

TEC Equipment Expands Representation of Jerr-Dan into Nevada

Darian Weaver

Jerr-Dan, an Oshkosh Corporation company (NYSE: OSK), has announced that TEC Equipment, of Portland, Oregon, has expanded their support of Jerr-Dan towing and recovery products into the state of Nevada. TEC Equipment is a truck and trailer dealership with 28 locations in the western U.S. and now represents Jerr-Dan in Nevada from their North Las Vegas and Sparks stores.

Since March of this year, TEC has represented Jerr-Dan from four locations in Northern California. Therefore, the expansion of their Jerr-Dan service footprint into Nevada is a significant increase in their commitment to the brand.

“We appreciate the confidence that our partners at TEC Equipment have demonstrated in Jerr-Dan by their investment in our mutual success at their two Nevada dealerships,” said Hal Wyatt, director of aftermarket support for Jerr-Dan. “Expanding our partnership with TEC naturally fits the needs of our customer base in the area they serve, and it is good to know that we can depend on TEC to provide our customers with the same industry-leading expertise and service they are already known for.”

Jerr-Dan continues to place an emphasis on distributor network growth to provide customers with a high level of support and today has over 60 locations throughout North America and 15 internationally. To learn more about Jerr-Dan distributors and products, visit www.jerrdan.com.

To learn more about TEC Equipment, visit www.tecequipment.com.

About Jerr-Dan

JerrDan, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is a leading manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment. Its full line includes light-, medium- and heavy-duty carriers and wreckers, industrial transporters and four-car carriers. The company is headquartered in Hagerstown, MD., and its products are backed by industry leading warranties and a strong service network dedicated to the towing professional.

To learn more about Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs nearly 15,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common cause: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Pierce®, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™, Oshkosh® Airport Products, London™ and Pratt Miller.

For more information, visit www.oshkoshcorp.com.

SPILL DIAPER

Darian Weaver

Being a 3rd generation recovery professional, I have seen and experienced the pride and dedication provided to this industry. No other industry is expected to immediately drop everything, respond within a 20-minute time frame, provide hard work for the assistance to others, and fight to get paid for it. With all of this, we endure liabilities to provide our services, and many times turn our property from an asset to liability by bringing dripping and leaking vehicles back to our facility.

Are you aware that when a customer, or authority having jurisdiction requests for your services, it is a transfer of liability? The request and acceptance turn into an agreement which is a liability transfer. When State Police call for a vehicle accident, they are essentially stating that they have property damage and are requesting for you to recover their property damage, liability. When the vehicle is recovered, you have gained responsibility for the vehicle, including its debris. If the vehicle is leaking liquid debris across town and back to your storage facility, you are the secondary generator being responsible for the contamination due to custody. In return, this is providing contamination into the storm drains and contaminating the drop site facility, many times being your own property.

You have the due diligence and responsibility to confine the contamination from the accident, as well as the obligation to reduce any contamination at your facility.

Statutes and standards such as “Litter Control Act”, “Waste Management and Pollution Control”, “Unlawful discharges of deleterious substances”, “Rules Regulating Secondary Containment at Storage and Transfer Facilities”, “Removing Wrecked or Damaged Vehicles” make it your liability at the scene, and while in your custody.

Some annotations from these statues read:

Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle must remove any substances dropped from the vehicle.
Any person whom drops, or “permits” being dropped upon any highway shall immediately remove the same, or cause it to be removed.
No person shall throw, deposit, or “permit” to be thrown or deposited upon any highway
Any person who fails to comply with the subsection commits a class C infraction.

These statutes and annotations confirm that if you “allow” foreign fluids to be spilled or leaked onto a highway, you are committing a misdemeanor.

With the use of the SPILL DIAPER, secondary leaks are contained during your custody. Spill Diaper is a secondary confinement, absorbing 8 gallons or hydrocarbon (oil, gas, diesel), while containing material. The top layer is a general absorbent to absorb antifreeze; middle layer is an oil only absorbent, and the bottom layer is an impermeable backing to not allow fluids to leach through. With the use of SPILL DIAPER, you are not permitting foreign fluids from depositing along the highway, or to your facility. You will be deducing the potential liabilities and preventing contamination to your storage facility, and or drop site. Per accident you will be compliant and turn your environmental liabilities into a profit, while the generators of the contamination compensate.

Insurance companies have the obligation in their liability policy to pay for their insureds’

damage to property; being fluids leaking from their vehicle. Spill Diaper could be applied to any vehicle leaking, or having the potential to leak. If a container, being a radiator or fuel tank, is damaged, it is not in factory position and has the potential to leak. This application is mitigation that is billable to the insured. Make it your company policy to not allow damaged or leaking vehicles onto your property without secondary containment. Limit your liability from the accident scene, back to the drop site by not allowing fluids to drip and leak across the public way. Looking forward, keep your property as an asset vs a liability.

For more information visit www.spilldiaper.com or calll 217-712-0357

Tow Professional Quarterly – Q3 2021

Darian Weaver

DRIVERS are the down fall

Dan Messina

Tow truck driver writing report on clipboard — Mature tow truck driver making reports on clipboard against sky

I have been talking to tow companies all over the country, and we are all in agreement that our industry is in trouble. We talked about some of the many problems we face and here are a few:

1. We know the price of gas is high
2. We know it’s hard to find a truck and if you order a new one its months away from being built
3. We know there is someone trying to buy all the dispatch software companies
4. We know the towing industry media doesn’t get along
5. We know there is legislation that is constantly impacting the way we do business
6. We know state and national associations could do a better job addressing industry problems
7. We know tow companies that compete in a given market will never get along.

I’m sure there are other problems that each state faces that impact their business but our biggest obstacle to overcome in each state is the lack of drivers. In the past month I have been to Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada and Arizona. The main topic of conversation is lack of drivers.
Ten years ago when you needed a driver you just stole him from his competitor, you ran ads in newspapers or a friend would refer them to you. Those days are gone. Back in the day when I needed a driver I would go to a Home Depot or a super market and find a person that looked like the kind of person I wanted working for me. Clean cut with minimal tattoos that I would not have a problem putting in front of my customers.

he background checks were usually completed by the stores I recruited from along with the drug testing when necessary. I realized they knew nothing about towing, but I figured there were enough training programs to get them educated. The good thing about my recruiting methods were I could teach them the way I wanted to do business, I’m sure every tow company had their way to recruit drivers and the companies that are successful are the programs that worked. In today’s world I’m not sure our methods would work. Here are a few of the problems we face today:

1. Today’s driver would rather have Tictok on their phone instead of apps that get them tows
2. We gave up tattoos for green and purple hair and piercings
3. Today’s driver picks and chooses their own hours and forget about nights and weekends
4. Today’s driver picks their working hours from their girlfriend or boyfriend
5. Today’s driver wants maximum pay without doing the work
6. Today’s driver does not understand customer service

I have a program that sends tows to tow companies. The driver refused to put the app on their phone because it runs down the battery. I sent this tow company 16 tows over a 3 day period and he could not get his drivers to run the calls. He is an investor in my company yet he could not get the jobs completed. Another company hired a driver with little experience and half his hair was green and the other half purple. He said it would be hard to put them in front of a customer.

There are a lot of stories out there that people don’t have to come to work because they are paid more by the government to stay home. My company offered several tow companies an opportunity to invest in my company and start making money by letting other companies work for them. They did not have to worry about:

1. No driver issues
2. No gas expense
3. No insurance expense
4. No driver drama
5. No fighting over tows
6. No salary issues.

It was disappointing that no companies were curious enough to call and see what it was all about. There were 8 companies smart to make an investment in my company because they saw the value of what I have.
I tried to help tow companies get tows by offering my service. I was told all tows must go through dispatch. I had good dispatchers and I knew their value. However, drivers make your company money in today’s world while most drivers don’t get the respect they deserve. I was also told that they don’t do motor club tows and we all know the reasons why. That’s a 44,000,000 tow market you are missing out on. My system also had to connect to their dispatch software. Now they are letting their software run their business. I feel our industry is crazy right now and it would help if we all had access to drivers. I know there are a lot of owners that want to turn it over to their son and keep the company in the family for another generation, but their kids are just not interested.

Here is my idea for a driver solution. We start a trade school and train the drivers we need for the future. We can find convicts coming out of jail and looking for a job. The government said they would like to filter them back into the system. This would do it. The first push back I get is some cities and states do not allow x felons to drive a tow truck. With the government pushing our program they just might change some of these state and city laws. When I first got into the business, I was walking my lot with an employee who took care of the yard. A nice young man that did everything he was told. He was only 18 and I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. He told me when his parole was over he wanted to join the service. I asked him what he did that put him in jail. I was shocked when he told me he shot and killed someone.

When he was real young he belonged to a gang. They got in a fight with another gang and he shot and killed a very bad person. He spent some time in jail and was placed on parole. He definitely deserves a second chance.

I am currently working with C.T.T.A in California to promote their training program I talked to Quinn and we will use the E.R.S.C.A program to start when we open the school. I have a location in Dallas for the school. I will work over the next 2 months to find candidates for the school. It could be X military or X convicts. I find government agencies to help support my effort. When the time comes I will reach out to tow companies for their help with setting it up.

Planning now will save our industry for the future.

ServiCase is the forefront of technology… and good for Business.

Darian Weaver

Gasoline,Tanker,,Oil,Trailer,,Truck,On,Highway.,Very,Fast,Driving. — Gasoline tanker, Oil trailer, truck on highway. Very fast driving. 3d rendering.

In a ditch in Dallas? Bad brakes in Buffalo?

As freight transportation continues to increase and the ravages of the upcoming summer heat shred tires and boil batteries, there is an increased demand for service providers to get freight moving again. The traditional model of searching or “shooting in the dark” for a provider, hoping you get one that returns your calls and doesn’t rip you off was great for 1995. However, as technology has advanced, so has the demand from carriers and fleet managers for a flexible and transparent breakdown experience. Introducing ServiCase. ServiCase is a revolutionary software system available to fleets from single owner operators to those with thousands of power units. Unlike traditional directories, ServiCase allows users the ability to not just search for a towing, road service, or other service provider, but also allows users to select and digitally dispatch the call as well. During the event, ServiCase delivers electronic status updates back to the carrier providing the clearest indication of when the asset will be back on the road.

At its core, ServiCase is a roadside breakdown case management system from the same people that brought you towPartners and sureEcosystem. The system allows trucking company drivers and/or fleet managers to locate towing and roadside mechanical service providers quickly and to establish electronic interactions. ServiCase can also be used as a case management system allowing carriers to track breakdowns and events through to completion including event status, photos, invoices, etc. ServiCase provides carriers access to over 60,000 service providers with the ability to store private notes and ratings for the service providers with whom they engage.

ServiCase is a plus for your bottom-line.

When your company is listed in ServiCase, you become a part of one of the most sophisticated networks available for roadside breakdowns. As more and more carriers adopt ServiCase as their breakdown platform, your business is exposed to fleets looking for the services you offer.

ServiCase allows you control your own listing.

ServiCase is different from other search services in that the provider can update their own information such as services offered, rates, insurance coverage, contact numbers, hours of operation, and more. Service providers are not charged for jobs they receive through ServiCase and there is no bidding for higher positions in the results listings. Unlike some other breakdown platforms, ServiCase does not charge variable fees for large markets and does not dictate rates, though many listed providers are extending their commercial account rates to carriers using ServiCase. Nothing is marked up by ServiCase because payment is made directly to the service provider by the carrier user.

Connected Digital Software Providers

The ServiCase breakdown management software is exceptional in that it can connect carriers and fleets directly to service providers through many of the commercially available dispatch software platforms including Beacon, FullBay, InTow, TOPS, Towbook and Omadi, and more than a dozen others.

When a breakdown occurs, carriers and fleet managers create a case in the ServiCase tool providing all of the information about the vehicle and the type of service that is required. When the service provider is digitally connected, jobs can be assigned directly to the providers dispatch software. The case information is sent to the software package providing an alert and the information about the new job. Once the ETA is accepted, the service provider is dispatched, creating a live call in the service providers dispatching software.

ServiCase optimized for Mobile interaction

ServiCase has been optimized for carrier drivers by allowing them to search and digitally dispatch their event. This action creates a connection between the driver’s mobile device and the service provider software system. Once the connection has been established, information and updates about the call are automatically updated to the driver’s phone. ServiCase now offers the operator a clear picture of when their truck will be back on the road.

How to register your company with ServiCase

ServiCase is currently looking for partners in the service provider community who can support carriers across a wide variety of service types. Service providers can visit servicase.com/2021 to register their company. For the remainder of 2021, ServiCase is providing companies with a free starter listing with additional listing upgrades available online.

Ranger’s New PatrolWorks with LPR Private Property Enforcement (PPE) – Reimagined

Darian Weaver

Q&A with a potential customer …

Q. Reimagined? Really? Sounds like hype

A. Ranger’s innovative solution – Patrolworks with LPR (PWLPRTM) – moves Private Property Enforcement (PPE) out of the shadows to a higher standard of professionalism for the industry, setting new expectations for transparency, documentation, and customer service.

Q. Transparency? I thought PPE was all about tag and tow?

A. Ranger’s solution provides an integrated “closed-loop” flow of information with notifications and up-to-date information for Property Managers and Permit Holders, who each have an online, self-service portal designed to meet their differing needs. Permit Holders know when their vehicle has been found to be in violation of parking polices. Property Managers know the status of permits, violations, and relocations by lot.

Q. Is documentation that big a deal – particularly if you have possession of the vehicle?

A. As all towers know, the interaction with customers changes significantly when the conversation turns to: “let’s look at the pictures”. With PWLPRTM there are time-stamped pictures from the License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras AND also from Ranger’s Mobile app: Co-Pilot. All of the pictures are available to you (the Parking Management Company) AND to Property Managers AND to Permit Holders – “blowing all the fog off the water”. “Story time” is over. All parties have the same facts.

Q. What does this have to do with customer service improvements?

A. In addition to the dramatic improvement in communication, the most significant new feature is in the integrated capability for TICKETING! The initial reaction is typically that Property Managers will never agree to it. In fact, Property Managers are the greatest beneficiary! They like tagging (costly) and are generally resistant to impounding (the revenue source for those tagging). Ticketing is a “kinder, gentler” approach to enforcement. Permit Holders get the message (a ticket). Property Managers get less grief. And you release fewer vehicles at no charge.

Q. But Permit Holders won’t pay the tickets

A. Would that be before or after their vehicle is relocated for non-payment?

Q. But impounding is my “bread and butter”. I can’t risk any revenue from towing

A. Most in the industry with some form of tagging or patrolling activity are already actively managing their tows per lot – for consistent month-to-month revenue and to minimize “blowback” to Property Managers. Ticketing preserves immediate “safety-related tows” (blocking the fireplug). However, relocations for other violations can center on “repeat offenders”. For example, first “occurrence” of a violation (e.g., expired permit) results in a ticket of $10. Second occurrence triggers a ticket for $25. Third occurrence results in relocation – and the Property Manager has agreed upfront to the design and knows how to respond to complaints.

Q. Nice in theory, but we are not allowed to patrol and then tow

A. OK – but can you redesign your business to the regulatory environment? PWLPRTM works in multiple models – e.g., your towing company could be structured to provide:

• Program Management and All Internal Execution – From policy design, to permitting, to patrolling, to ticketing, through towing and impound lot management, or

• Program Management with Outsourced Patrolling – Responsibility for overall program design/delivery and impounding – using a third party with signatory authority for patrolling.

• Program Management with Outsourced Relocation: Responsibility for overall program design/delivery, including the patrolling service, but with outsourcing of impounding to third parties who respond when dispatched

Q. So how do I convince Property Managers that this is a better mousetrap?

A. Change is always difficult, so start with those Property Managers and their Regional Managers with whom you have established a strong relationship. The benefits for them are compelling:

• Less hassle – parking issues are managed by you; Permit Holders have online self-service

• Lot capacity is better preserved for permit holders

• The image of the property is better maintained to meet the expected standards

• More time is available for higher priority tasks – e.g., sales & marketing, capital projects

• More income from what is often an untapped revenue source – parking assets

Q. But many of my properties are reluctant to charge for parking

A. Some may never convert. However, consumers are very familiar with paid parking. While the “past” has been commercial, downtown, and university lots, the trend is encompassing residential. An online search would uncover at least ten companies (with incomplete offerings) that are managing permits and collecting fees on behalf of apartment complexes and HOAs. You could provide this service to your customers. Even reticent property managers need an approach to allocate carports and garage space, and most would be attracted to an opportunity to better manage guest parking capacity while collecting a fee.

Q. Your solution is dubbed PWLPRTM, but you haven’t said much about LPR

A. Right. Most of the discussion has been on the benefits for Property Managers and Permit Holders. The LPR capability changes the game for you! Today, most PPE operations are responding to a request or walking lots – manually looking for expired permits. Some go with a mobile app to create and check tags. Forget the hangtags, and parking permit labels – GO STICKERLESS! PWLPRTM makes the vehicle license plate the permit. Mobile LPR cameras mounted on a patrol vehicle read the plate. Ranger processes the LP “detection” through its Rules Engine to identify violations and whether to ticket or tow. The LPR system provides a SAFER approach to patrolling, reduces labor, and enables easy scaling for increased volume – i.e., more lots with the same crew

Q. Does the Ranger mobile app for patrolling then become obsolete?

A. Just the opposite. We renamed it “Co-Pilot” to reinforce the new and expanded role. The app continues to be the tool for entering non-permit related violations – such as permit holders with flat tires or blocking traffic. The mobile app reads the plate (vs. LP entry), the spotter enters the violation, which then goes through the same Rules Engine to determine wait times, ticketing vs. towing, and whether approvals are required.

Q. Sorry, the app still sounds “old school”, much like the “other guys” – is that all there is?

A. Absolutely not! Two NEW, high value capabilities have been added to the design.

• First, Co-Pilot is fully integrated into the PWLPRTM process. If an LPR detection results in a Violation where the vehicle is subject to relocation (based on the Rules) – the Violation appears on the Co-Pilot app as “Waiting” – ready to tow. The outside LPR detection becomes actionable inside the vehicle for the Spotter/Driver … and/or for Dispatch….

The relocation opportunity also appears on the Dispatch Board. Trucks, that are typically pre-positioned based on the spotter’s route, can be immediately dispatched to pick-up “Waiting” vehicles (leveraging the geo-coordinates of the Violation).

• The second capability is for adding “due diligence” to the record of the Violation. The spotter can use the Co-Pilot app to take as many additional pictures as are needed to fully document the Violation and surrounding conditions – click, click, click. Ranger does the matching to the LPR violation record, and again, the pictures become available to all interested parties.

Q. So you have conveniently avoided talking about cost

A. Guilty, but of course it is complicated. The camera systems are impressive (night and day) but are not inexpensive. Plan on $20,000 for a two-camera system (the cost of one spotter for six months with no added revenue?). There are one-time fees for configuration of the software (depends on the number of properties). Importantly, there is a negotiated partnership agreement – e.g., covering permit registration and processing fees for permit purchases, sharing of ticketing revenues, and a nominal admit fee for the software needed to manage the impound lot.

Q. Seems kinda vague

A. Guilty again. Ranger’s business model is to work with one, and only one, partner per metro market. We are seeking a win-win business arrangement that enables our partner to be wildly successful, and for Ranger to participate in that success.

Q. It sounds intriguing – how would I get started?

A. First talk to your customers and gauge their interest. You will likely be pleasantly surprised by their enthusiasm. Then talk to Ranger and let’s arrange for an in-field demo.

Q. What should be my “take-aways”?

A. The benefits for Property Managers:

Preserve capacity for permit holders

Eliminate hassles – for permitting, vehicle registration changes, and frivolous complaints

Reinforce property image standards

Generate added revenue from permits, including guest permits

A. An opportunity for you to win and prosper in your market with the exclusive deployment of Ranger’s innovative solution — that will redefine the future of private property enforcement

While this article has focused on private property enforcement, Ranger delivers a complete Tow Management Solution (TMS) – from call-taking (including DD connections with motor clubs), to GPS tracking/mapping, to storage lot management (with QR code facilitated physical inventory management) to accounting (with multiple options for linking pricing and payments to QB) – that includes unique capabilities for heavy hauling, messaging to customers (for their peace of mind – safety, responsiveness), and for direct marketing to local market customers (by-passing those in the middle).

Launched in 2004, Ranger continues to be owned and operated by the founder, working with a talented team that is personally committed to serving our highly valued customers.

PWLPRTM – is more advanced technology for superior performance. If you are looking to grow your top and bottom lines, give us a call — 440.498.1495 — and let us put Ranger Service Solutions Technology to work for you!

For more information https://info.rangersst.com/or 440.498.1495.

TOPS, The Back Office…

Darian Weaver

TOPS began with a focus on full accountability of monies through the life cycle of all towing and impound events, including Lien and Auction. TOPS has checks and balances all along the life-cycle of an invoice to assure all dollars are accounted for – from tying the dispatch record to the driver’s ticket, when reconciling the drivers’ tickets and cash, balancing the release clerks’ cash drawer and moving monies collected at time of tow or through the AR process. TOPS also helps to ensure all necessary data is captured before the tow request is locked down and invoiced, which helps the invoice get paid quicker..

There are several features within TOPS which help business owners achieve this heightened sense of accountability. Let’s explore a few.

Control Customer. The TOPS system retains a record of the initial customer who makes the tow request, along with the customer that is responsible for the final billing of the invoice. For example, a tow is requested by the Police Dept., but the vehicle is towed to Ace Body Shop, and they are billed for the final invoice. By keeping track of both customers related to the tow request, you can run reports and do sales analysis on tow volumes by requesting customer as well as by billing customer.

Tow Ticket. If your organization uses tow tickets (manual invoices) the system will keep track of the status of the tickets that are open and unassigned, and those assigned to your drivers. No more keeping logs or ledgers of ticket books that are handed out to drivers, and no more orphaned or lost tow tickets that suddenly reappear when someone needs a copy of their receipt.

Pricing. Pricing within the TOPS system is extremely robust. Pricing can be added either automatically based on the circumstances of the tow request, or done manually as needed. The pricing in TOPS is structured around the services you provide your customers, and the prices you charge for those services. Services can be automatically added to tow requests based on your rules. Some examples of when services can be automatically added include:

• When a new tow request is taken – regardless of the customer.

• When a new tow request is taken for a Customer Type of Police and the Reason is Accident.

• When a new tow request has a Tow Type of Heavy Duty and the Reason is Broken Axle

• When a new tow request is taken between 8 pm and 6 am for a specific customer.

• When the Customer is Police Dept., and the Call Status is In Inventory.

This list goes on and on and is totally customizable. These rules are based on how your company operates, the contracts you have with your customers and the regulations that you are compelled to adhere to. This feature helps to ensure you are paid for all of the services that you provide, and you are paid at the rates you’ve contracted.

Checkout. The TOPS Checkout screen allows your accounting department to perform your reconciliation and confirmation in a batch process. TOPS Checkout offers the accounting department a simple and organized view of closeout documents outstanding by Driver or Release Clerk. This intuitive and interactive view allows the accounting department to manage any outstanding monies or documents owed by the driver or by the release clerks based on when the call was completed, when the money was supposed to be received, whether the vehicle was towed, released from inventory or sold at auction, and many others. This screen is a very powerful tool for your accounting department to make quick work of what is a very important task in your organization.

Reconciliation and Confirmation. The TOPS system requires your accounting department review, reconcile and set each tow request to be invoiced. These accounting steps in TOPS are referred to as Reconciliation and Confirmation. The Reconciliation step tells the TOPS system that the call price is correct, and that if the driver receives a commission on the call that he has done what is required of him to receive it. This includes turning in the proper paperwork and any monies he may have received for the call. Reconciliation also ratchets-up the available security on the call, and once reconciled, you can restrict access to make many changes to the call – including pricing additions and/or deletions. Confirmation is the final step in the accounting process, and tells TOPS that you have everything you need to get paid, and that this call is ready to be invoiced. TOPS also flags calls if a PO, RO or VIN is required, and will not let you confirm the call for invoicing if you do not have the necessary info.

Security. The TOPS system requires all users to have a unique user id, and each user id is associated with an access role. The access roles define the users’ capability or access level to the system. A very simple example of this is that call takers and dispatchers in a large operation probably do not need access to the accounting side of the business. Another example is that a release clerk might have access to take a payment at the window, but Manager level access is required to modify or remove a payment.

Retain All Records. And most important to you as an owner, calls cannot be deleted in TOPS. Once the initial call is created and saved, it can never be deleted. Calls can be canceled or worked through to completion, but they cannot be deleted under any circumstances.

In Summary, TOPS is a full-service towing management system which includes robust features for managing your back office and includes core functionality for managing dispatching and impounding of vehicles. Additional functionality specific to TOPS include…

Mobile Applications
Bidder and Auction Mgmt
Customer Interfaces for Tow requests
Custom Interfaces
Motor Club & GPS Integrations
Custom Applications
Impound Lot Public Search Portal
Personal Customer Support
Batch Lien processing; DMV Integrations
Managed Systems
Certified Mail processing
Superior System Uptime

Come see why TOPS customers remain TOPS customers for 20 years and run millions of calls on the TOPS platform!

[alert-announce]

TOPS Quotes:

“Our business started with TOPS in the year 2000 – 21 years ago! TOPS offers a very complete and robust system that manages all aspects of my towing business. Our business is a multi-location operation, and we utilize the multi-company feature within TOPS for individual and rollup reporting. The daily driver reconciliation offers a concise and streamlined process and the reporting and interface to QuickBooks is spot on. Thanks to the TOPS team for offering tremendous service for our business.” – Dale – San Diego, CA.

“TOPS – it just works! From dispatching to automated pricing to end-of-month reporting – everything works and balances.” – Cathy R. – Jacksonville, FL.

“We moved our business to TOPS roughly 3 years ago when TXI Systems partnered with us on a municipal RFP bid, and we have not looked back sense. TOPS combined with BudgetGPS offers our business the right combination of towing management and fleet tracking. My staff quickly learned the systems and the support team is available when needed. Our partnership for systems to support the City contract with TOPS and TOPS CMA has worked extremely well. We look forward to growing with TXI Systems and TOPS. Thanks Team!” – Jimmy W. Columbus, OH.[/alert-announce]

About TXI Systems, Inc. Company

TXI Systems, Inc. markets and sells towing management products under the brand name of TOPS®. The TOPS® suite of products is deployed to private tow operators, municipalities and law enforcement. TOPS® software tools support towing dispatch, freeway service patrol, impound lot management, private property towing and more with efficiency, transparency, and accountability in mind. Let TXI Systems customize a solution for you today!

For more information or to schedule a demonstration please call 866-800-8677 Opt 2 or visit our website – TOPS® – www.topsdispatch.com

Increase Your Company’s Independence

Darian Weaver

Over the past year, Beacon Software has adapted to the needs of our customers by creating advanced, highly-requested software updates, all while maintaining 99.9% uptime. We have been thrilled by the customer feedback, which has only inspired us to reach for higher innovations. Our team is proud to be the fastest, most reliable software on the market, and we attribute this success to the dedication and drive of our employees. Over the last two decades, Beacon has stood alongside towing and roadside professionals and seen over 130 million calls dispatched through their platform. We want to give towing and roadside assistance companies of all sizes the opportunity to maximize their business with the most advanced dispatch software on the market, which is why we are offering a 30-Day free trial of our flagship product, Dispatch Anywhere, to anyone who signs up during the month of October.

You Asked, We Listened. Beacon Software Introduces New Features

Beacon Software used this year as an opportunity to release more new features and updates than ever before. The pandemic taught us a lot. The need for increased efficiency and remote options are not just heightened in times of crisis. Our customers deserve flexible, remote options no matter what. New features include options such as the following:

• Auto-Calculate Credit Card and Fuel Surcharges

• Updated Inventory Label

• Send Additional Service Requests to Geico

• Send ShopHawk Customer Surveys

• New BudgetGPS integration

• Display Upcoming Scheduled Maintenance and Service Outages

• Security Updates

• And More

For towing and roadside professionals still seeking a convenient, affordable dispatch software option, Beacon is offering a 30-Day Free Trial of Dispatch Anywhere to anyone who signs up during the month of October. Beacon has a new $150 Dispatch Anywhere package that includes all options.

Beacon also offers virtual demonstrations to those interested in learning more about the software’s flexible, advanced features before starting the 30 Days Free of Dispatch Anywhere. One of our experts will guide you through a customized tour of the software and answer any questions regarding how our capabilities suit your needs. And for those looking for their next owner/lienholder search and notification solution, Beacon Software is offering your first vehicle free when you sign up for TowLien!

Important Motor Club Integration Updates

Beacon Software is an approved vendor for all integrations and takes pride in its longstanding partnerships with Motor Clubs such as Allstate, Agero, AAA, Geico, NSD, Copart, United States Auto Club, Questx, Allied Dispatch Solutions, Pinnacle, FleetNet America, IAA, National Automobile Club, CAA, Gerber, Swoop. And Beacon would like to offer a warm and hearty welcome to the two newest integration partners: Tesla and Roadside Protect!

Updated Digital Dispatch for Agero/Swoop Providers

Beacon has partnered with Agero/Swoop to offer an updated Digital Dispatch, Job Status, GPS interface platform! Dispatch Anywhere users can now import calls using the new Agero approved two-way integration. This makes it quick and easy for drivers to complete their Agero/Swoop jobs without leaving the Beacon Dispatch Anywhere Software.

Latest Beacon Software Dispatch Anywhere Updates

The programmers at Beacon Software take customer convenience and feedback into consideration with every new update and feature. First and foremost, speed and reliability are their number one priority, which is reflected in the most recent updates. The following are some important features that Beacon Software added to increase efficiency for both Drivers and Dispatchers:

1. Easy Towbook Data Imports, Full Geico Integration, AAA Integration with All Platforms. Beacon Software has made it easier than ever to complete jobs and import data with their new integrations. Complete AAA and Geico jobs without exiting the Beacon dispatch software. The enhanced AAA D3 import process allows Dispatch Anywhere users to import calls and send AAA clear codes from dispatch or directly from drivers in the field. Send additional service requests to Geico for dollies and other services when extra tools are needed to perform the job. For those who are transitioning from Towbook, Beacon makes the data transition easy and hassle-free.

2. Budget GPS and ShopHawk Integrations. Beacon is officially integrated with BudgetGPS and ShopHawk. Send ShopHawk customer surveys to share positive reviews and increase your online presence.

3. Automatically Calculate Credit Card Surcharges. Save time by automatically calculating credit card surcharges when taking payment via the mobile apps. The surcharge can be a flat rate or a percentage of the payment amount. It’s displayed on invoices and receipts as a line item.

4. Automatically Calculate Fuel Charges. Upgrade your invoices with automatic fuel charge calculations when adding services via the mobile apps. The surcharge can be a flat rate or a percentage of multiple services. It’s displayed on invoices and receipts as a line item.

5. Automatic Job Services. Add services to jobs after they have been approved or imported on desktop and mobile. Dispatch Anywhere users save additional dispatch time by removing the step of opening a call and manually selecting a service! Visit Support.BeaconSoftCo.com.

6. Weekly Dispatch Anywhere Performance Reports. Track your performance with easy-to-understand reports. Dispatch Anywhere customers receive weekly reports tracking jobs, offers, and impound statistics. These automatic reports are emailed to the owner or manager every week.

7. Mobile Square and Card Connect Chip Reader Integration. Dispatch Anywhere now supports four different integrated payment solutions, including Square and Card Connect, allowing dispatches to take payment directly through the desktop and mobile apps. Visit Support.BeaconSoftCo.com.

Additional Updates:

Automatically Send Vehicles to TowLien When Time to Send Owner/Lienholder Notifications
Square/Paya/Card Connect/XpressPay Email Payment Options
Submit Jobs to Dispatch Anywhere from your company website using our Service Request Form
Automatically Submit jobs to Motor Clubs
Automatically Add Services to Jobs Based on Reason or Defaults
Touchless Signature – Tow Ticket and Damage Report
New Private Property Impound Features
Over 50 New or Updated Reports

Updated Integration Between Dispatch Anywhere and TowLien

Beacon Software has improved the integration between Dispatch Anywhere and TowLien! Now, users can automatically send vehicles from Dispatch Anywhere to TowLien, reducing entry of current charges and vehicle information! The improved integration also automatically stops the notification process if a vehicle is released from impound.

TowLien is the preferred owner/lienholder notification and impound management software in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia! If your state isn’t currently listed on our website, Beacon will help you create a TowLien statewide compliant lien notice, so you can start using TowLien to mail your letters.

First Search Free: TowLien is One of Two FL Approved 3rd Party Vendors

Attention Florida! TowLien is an official Florida State Approved owner/lienholder notification and mail service. Beacon Software’s TowLien keeps towers, mechanics, and body shops compliant with TL-25 & TL-26! Get your first vehicle search free! Visit TowLien.com to learn more about TowLien’s digital lienholder notification services, including 24/7 lien processing, email and text reminders, and live support.

Ready to Make the Switch? Beacon’s Team of Experts is Here to Help

The team at Beacon wants to thank all of their customers, who have offered nothing but positivity, kind words, and useful feedback during this unexpected year. If you’re still curious about if Beacon Software is right for you, try the 30-Day Free Trial of Dispatch Anywhere for customers who sign up during October, so Beacon can get you started with advanced, efficient, and secure dispatch software. You’ll see why Beacon’s customers say that Beacon Software is their next Employee of the Year.

Learn more at BeaconSoftCo.com!

The undisputed leader in lockout tools

Darian Weaver

Access Tools products make your job easier and more professional when working as a Tow Truck Operator or Repossession Agent. The process of Car Opening can either be easy and profitable, or difficult and costly. Access Tools products are designed to make every lockout efficient and professional whether the technician is a seasoned pro or novice.
Access Tools makes a wide variety of Long Reach Tools in all different lengths and for a variety of vehicles. The popular Quick Max Long Reach Tool shares many of the same features as the other Long Reach Tools, such as:

• a protective vinyl coating that prevents damage to a vehicle’s delicate painted surface;
• a special EPDM rubber tip that provides excellent grip for manipulating buttons and switches;
• a Store-N-Go Handle that holds extra tips for the long reach tool as well as a place to clip the accessory bag;
• precise bends that put the tool in the right position for any job.

The One Hand Jack and Super One Hand Jack are unique wedges that function as pry-bars grabbing just the lip of the door frame avoiding any contact with the weather stripping or other delicate parts of the door typically damaged by traditional wedges.

Each of the four sizes of the Air Jack air wedges from Access Tools are manufactured of ballistic nylon, which makes them extremely durable. They feature unique rounded edges, which in combination with the internal stiffener, make any Access Tools air wedge easy to insert into a vehicle without risk of damage to the delicate weather stripping. The extremely durable ballistic nylon is double sealed at all seams, making them leak proof and strong enough to last for many years without failure.
The Glassman Wedge is designed specifically for frameless window vehicles such as high-end BMWs, Mercedes, and other convertible vehicles. These vehicles are susceptible to easily broken windows when using traditional wedge methods, and so the Glassman Wedge functions as a protective double-sided wedge that distributes the force of your long reach tool over a wide surface of the glass, reducing the chances of shattering an expensive window.

Access Tools has compiled its tools into various sets or kits of tools. Access Tools makes a set of tools for every budget and level of expertise making unlocking any vehicle from a Toyota to a Jaguar a cinch. The addition of specialty accessories and tools is another thing that makes Access Tools unique.

Taking things one step further, Access Tools has developed the Ultimate Long Reach Kit. This tool set is designed to include a wide variety of long reach tools and accessories to make entry into any vehicle an efficient and damage free process. This 21-piece kit is the most comprehensive and complete long reach tool set ever made. This kit includes one of Access Tools top selling specialty accessory tools, the Glassman Wedge. This wedge was designed specifically for frameless window vehicles such as BMWs and Mercedes Benz’s. Vehicles with frameless windows are a real danger with automotive glass known to shatter with just the slightest wrong move. This Glassman Wedge puts a protective layer of material between the long reach tool and the window glass, all while creating the space needed to safely insert the tool into the vehicle ensuring no damage is done to the delicate glass. With this kit in your toolbox, you will never need any other tools to perform world class professional lockouts..

www.AccessToolsUSA.com | 800-323-8324

This Podcast Is for You!

D.J. Harrington CSP

Months ago, I didn’t know what a podcast was nor how to do it. It wasn’t until I met a radio producer, air personality from the Atlanta market by the name of Chuck Camp, that I knew how easily it could be done. Not really understanding anything about podcasts, Chuck explained to me the process and suggested doing podcasts with him from his Atlanta studio. I agreed it was for me, started the first one and have become very successful in a short amount of time. I thank the good Lord that Chuck knew all the ins and outs of this new and successful media venue. My industry knowledge is what Chuck needed from me. You’re probably thinking that you don’t have the stuff to make a podcast happen.

As he explained it to me, Chuck already owned over $1800 worth of “Bumper Music” that we needed to complete our podcasts. Music is a tremendous addition to any podcast. Chuck also had all the podcast equipment, and he is an ACE editor. So, if you say something and want to fix a line or two, Chuck knows exactly how to edit, and it’s done by an expert. What’s it like working with Chuck Camp? It’s like having your own mini, 25-minute radio show each week and having fun while you’re doing it. You might think you don’t have the right equipment to do a podcast. However, anyone who has a mobile phone can get a podcast right on their phone because it’s an app that comes standard with all mobile phones.
Now, I call Wes and April Wilburn. Wes is a 38-year towing veteran and founder of American Towing and Recovery Institute. Having been published over 100 times in major towing publications, Wes has also produced and conducted training and certification programs for leading towing companies, equipment distributors, towing association like Florida this year, and this year’s Mid-west Tow Show. He also does DOT, Fire Department/Rescue, as well as military installations across the USA. Wes has provided insight as a main speaker for over 29 years at more than 850 training sessions and has been recognized as one of America’s greatest towing trainers. His straightforward but down-to-earth teaching style made that happen.

Together, every week, we do a podcast. I’m the Co-Host as the “Tow Doctor” and Wes is the other Co-Host, “The Expert,” who brings all the knowledge to the podcast as well as friends, his fellow towers. We have completed 35 podcasts so far and have covered the Tow Show in Florida and the Mid-West. We did a great one on the International Towing & Recovery Museum.

Do me a favor. Please listen to Episode 29. You’ll hear a great one if you do. Pete Ashenden, Jr., Wes’s dear towing, trainer friend, joined us as we went to Louisiana to visit with Jared Varnado from Varnado and Son’s Towing. Here’s a picture of Jared with his dad, Gary, and Jared’s three sons: Liam, Waylon, and Emmitt. We need more towing families like the Varnados. You can see all their many beautifully, painted trucks sporting the US flag. As you drive around the state of Louisiana, their trucks can’t be missed because the flag covers every truck.

If you like what you hear or want to be a guest on the podcast, call our hot line and leave a message at 706-409-5603. Please leave your name along with your company name. We had a great tip left on the hotline last week. The caller requested a safety tip should be added to each episode or least once a month. No name was left so we can’t give them credit for this helpful tip.

Other podcasts that I liked were done by Randy Muscarello and Nate Buckler. Episode 31, like Jared, Randy Muscarello is a 3rd generation tower, also from the state of Louisiana, who works on legislative processes and getting laws changed that will improve working conditions for towers. You won’t want to miss the Episode with Nate Buckler who is both a fire fighter and towing operator. Cross training the two professions is also discussed in that episode. Very informative.

Before I end this article, another podcast that you shouldn’t miss is Episode 15 with Sean Van Lingen and Marc Rivas from California. That was a good one. There are so many that I could recall and each of them last 20 to 30 minutes in length. If you have feedback, we would love to hear it. Our weekly podcasts average between 1,000 and 1,200 listeners each week, and I would like to add you to our list of podcast talent that reaches and helps our listeners. So easy to do each week, this podcast opportunity is really for you. So, take the first step and consider trying it at least once. Go to American Towman & Recovery Institute podcast and let me know how you feel. See you next time.

Spurs Player & Mach1 Investor, Lonnie Walker IV Took Photos with 300 Fans At The UTSA Roadrunner Game on 9/11

Darian Weaver

September 22nd, 2021 – San Antonio, TX – San Antonio Spurs player, Lonnie Walker IV took photos with 300 fans at the University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) Roadrunners vs. Lamar game on September 11, 2021. Fans also received an autographed mini-poster and a chance to win his autographed basketball.

The event was sponsored by Mach1, Lonnie Walker IVs recent, off-the-court investment. Mach1 is an on-demand roadside assistance app, without membership fees. The technology is similar to Uber in that it automatically dispatches the closest roadside assistance provider without call center intervention. It is veteran, minority and woman owned and based in San Antonio, TX. “San Antonio has embraced me as a member of their community, and it’s only natural that my first company [to invest in] is based right here in San Antonio,” said Walker.The pair partnered with UTSA for the event to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

Lonnie Walker Meet n Greet at UTSA vs. Lamar University

Mach1 Services offers an on-demand, direct to customers model, where providers can set their own prices without the price haggling or bidding.
The automated dispatch system locates the closest provider to the customer, and sends the request to them first. There is no call center that coordinates, asking for the lowest bid, or ETA’s. The closest provider can either accept or decline the call. If they decline it, it will go to the next closest provider, and so on, until the call is accepted.

Mach1 providers service customers across the U.S. To learn more about becoming a Mach1 service provider, please visit mach1services.com/service-provider/ or contact the provider support team at 844-511-0002.

TowMate Utilizes Robust Manufacturing Capabilities To Take On New Products!

Darian Weaver

TowMate, Inc. has been rapidly adding to their product offerings in 2021 through new product development as well as exclusive manufacturing and distribution rights on other new items in the market. Two of the latest examples include ‘The Life Saver’ traffic cone warning light system and the LED illuminated ‘AirBar’ work zone boundary system.

The Life Saver (P/N: TM-LS) has changed form from its original design of a traffic cone with strobes mounted to it and housing a battery internally. It is now a self-contained unit that is universal to any traffic cone and features two LED strobes, lithium battery, and over 24 hours of runtime. This allows the user to continue to store cones by stacking them as well as move it from truck to truck with ease. The system itself is designed to be a quick deploy solution to get traffic moving over by placing it on the lead cone in advance of your work site. The standard model comes with two red and blue LED strobes that are sure to catch motorists’ attention. The light is not considered truck lighting and is not intended for use in motion and as a result has been widely accepted for use in such scenarios. However, other color options are available.

The AirBar system has been on the market in the UK for some time as the company that invented it, Nuvech, is based there. TowMate and Nuvech have teamed up and TowMate now manufactures the electronic portion of the system in Rogers, Arkansas where they are based. They are also the exclusive distributor for the US market. This system simply requires power and air in order to deploy the LED illuminated inflatable arrow from the side of a truck. Regardless of bed position or a casualty being hooked up, the Airbar extends outward from the truck and defines a boundary for the work area close to the truck body. Being inflatable, one can simply walk right through it instead of having to go around and into the lane of traffic to get around the vehicle. When installing, connect the activation wire to the PTO directly so that it automatically deploys when engaging in a job and retracts upon finish.

TowMate continues to expand upon their line of products that enhance the notion for drivers to ‘Slow Down, Move Over.’ Check with your local TowMate dealer for options and pricing. Not sure where to look? Go to www.TowMate.com/dealers to find a dealer near you today!

2021 Midwest Regional Tow Show…

Darian Weaver

The year was started with the PWOF association’s Florida tow show, an absolute success showing that owners were ready to hit the market after 16+ months of covid. With the Empire State show, Vegas, and others following show, the industry is showing a growing resurgence in the market. Don’t get me wrong I certainly understand we are all still burdened by looming shortages across the board. The fellowship enjoyed, relationships made, time spent gaining knowledge will help us forge through these trying times!

I arrive in Mason, Ohio at the Great Wolf Lodge and there was a cool snap in the air, and beautiful blue skies! There was no better time to have a show! Some of the nation’s top product and service providers descended on Mason, Ohio, and the Great Wolf Lodge Sept 26th for a weekend of fellowship education, replenishing and acquiring assets have been needed after a tough season through covid. TRAO did a fantastic job top to bottom on this show. The Midwest regional is truly a family show.

TRAO hosted trick a treating party, and interactive programs for the kids while mom and dad had time to enjoy the show. TRAO association hosted a Candlelight vigil honoring our fallen men & women and was a touching memorial not to be missed. The traffic was steady Friday & Saturday to very busy at times.

I walked the show and was very excited to gain feedback from all the vendors that I spoke with. The show is very important not only for meeting with friends and customers, but for the good it does for the industry. TRAO uses the proceeds from the show to fund driver training, lobby for legislation, and improve driver safety throughout their state! The only sad news to report is that any companies that missed this show this year, missed a Baltimore like experience per many vendor quotes! Make sure you get your booth early for the 2023 Midwest Regional, I promise you will not want to miss it

Midwest Regional Tow Show
513-831-7469

TRAA Legislative Update: Van Hollen Amendment to Regulate Consensual Towing

Darian Weaver

We’ve received questions from members regarding the amendment introduced by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) on August 3rd. The amendment in question sought to revise the existing Federal Authority Over Interstate Code (49 USC 14501) and return the state’s right to regulate all towing operations, not just non-consensual, by striking the words “performed without prior consent or authorization” from 49 USC 14501 (c)(2)(C). As your national association, we fully understand the negative impact that the regulation of consensual towing would have on the entire industry.

Given all the conflicting information out there, we’ve gone straight to the source. Please see the statement from TRAA’s federal lobbying team, Tremont Strategies Group LLC:

Dear TRAA Members,

We understand there has been confusion about the issue among some of the state associations. In short, due to efforts by TRAA, the amendment that would have allowed states to regulate consensual towing was NOT included in the bipartisan infrastructure bill that passed the Senate. We do not expect it to be included in the final bill that passes the House and ultimately gets to the President’s desk.

As you know, Senators Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-V A) offered this amendment on August 3rd while the Senate was debating the bill which, to make matters more confusing, was numbered HR 3684 (the termed used for the Senate Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill even though it technically originated in the House). When the Committee staff saw the proposed Van Hollen/Kaine amendment, and its impact on the towing industry, they reached out for TRAA’s feedback. We were able to communicate our concerns to Senate Commerce Committee staff and other key staffers – many of whom are familiar with and supportive of TRAA given the many meetings conducted during our annual Hill Day and in subsequent follow-up. When the Senate passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan on August 10th, the Van Hollen amendment was NOT included, and this was emailed to TRAA’s membership on August 13th along with other legislative victories and efforts TRAA championed in the bill.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan is now under consideration before the House for and will likely move in conjunction with the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package. We expect that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan will pass the House and amendments will NOT be accepted.

The House is also in the process of drafting another infrastructure bill, the $3.5 trillion reconciliation package. This bill will be focused on so-called “soft” infrastructure such as childcare, health care, and the environment. While this is unlikely to be a vehicle where another attempt could be made to insert this language into a bill, we have proactively reached out to relevant committee staff and key Members of Congress. Many of whom have over time, and in large part due to the relationships we have built during TRAA’s legislative days, have become advocates for towers to make them aware of this effort, and proactively voice our concerns. According to staff on the relevant House committees, this is NOT expected to be something the House considers as part of the second infrastructure package.

We remain actively vigilant in keeping our ears to the ground about potential advocacy efforts to revive this amendment and are coordinating our efforts with like-minded organizations such as AAA National.
Again, congratulations go to TRAA for their efforts to defeat this measure, and we hope this clarifies any confusion within the industry.

We look forward to continuing to represent towers on behalf of TRAA in Washington DC. We’re happy to answer any questions you or the TRAA membership may have.

Sincerely,
David J. Garriepy
Vice President, Government Affairs

We appreciate your concern and engagement on this important federal legislative issue and encourage you to register for TRAA’s annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day in March 2022. Until then, we’ll be here guarding the gate. We appreciate the support of every member; we couldn’t do this critical work without you!

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