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PWOF Hino Giveaway Truck

By
BLP MEDIA
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Frank Ennis many know and have come to love from seeing his smiling face and his wonderful wife Lisa’s at a tow show near you. Frank Ennis starting his love for towing and this industry in 1978 working for Baum’s Towing in Callicoon, Ny. Frank would work part time towing, and part time as a butch, his father’s trade, during those early years. When asked what brought you from Ny to Florida? Frank said “ I started the wood heater every morning, and then shoveled the snow from the drive for the plow truck to recover it 10 minutes later. I was done with the cold!

Fast forward to the early 90’s Frank was done with the snow, and Florida was the destination! Frank started working for L&J towing driving during the day and working in the shop. This kept the fire burning and Frank joined the PWOF and began working his way up the ranks. In 2005 Frank Ennis was appointed to Area Chairman for Pinellas County. In 2006 Frank departed from L& J Towing to start Franks Towing & Transport. Lisa Ennis was always a cherished part of the company and has worked side by side with Frank in the business for the last 20 years.

Hino donates a cab and chassis yearly to the PWOF Association, and Miller Industries donates a carrier. This truck is auctioned off, and the PWOF uses the funds directly towards: Legislation, and training within our industry.

In 2008 Fran and Lisa Ennis began touring the nation going from one association show to another trying to give as many towers as possible the ability to change their life for just a $10.00 entry. The passion Frank and Lisa Ennis have for promoting the Hino truck I haven’t seen most employees that have a high paying job! The short of it is, this is a volunteer position, there is no pay for the hours on the road, and time on the show floor. Frank does this because that is who he is, a man of great character that loves this industry and the people in it.

In 2019 Frank Ennis was appointed as the Regional Director of the PWOF over 6 counties in region 6. The PWOF presents an award to members that go above and beyond their stated duties, and yes Frank Ennis has been the receipt of this prestigious award in the past. Don’t take my word for it, catch him at a show and talk with him or Lisa for 5 minutes and you will know why! Frank and Lisa love this industry and the benefits the hard work has for all in towers Florida, is the very reason he is so happy to do what he does.

Frank Ennis, Tow Professional salutes you for the passion, pride, and example you are for our beloved industry!

Kevin Goodyear Honored in the Towing Hall of Fame

By
BLP MEDIA
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Kevin Goodyear, Enterprise AL, took over the family business at age 19, and built the largest towing company in the Wiregrass area with multiple locations in Alabama and Florida. He has worked with the Alabama legislature to improve the state’s lien and Move Over laws. “We need towing operators who are striving to make a difference day in and day out. Kevin is just such a man, a leader who has and continues to positively impact this industry.”

Kevin Goodyear was officially recognized at a formal ceremony on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Westin Hotel Chattanooga during the organization’s annual Museum Weekend scheduled for September 27 – 29, 2024.

The Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame was launched in 1986 to recognize individuals who have made substantial contributions to the towing and recovery industry. “The industry realized it was time to display the roots of the profession,” according to the museum. Over 300 towing professionals have entered the Hall of Fame to date.

8TH Annual Slow Down, Move Over Rally

By
BLP MEDIA
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On December 8th, Wes Passmore of Classic Towing & Automotive held the 8th annual rally for “Slow Down, Move Over to honor fallen towers and raise awareness with the public. The rally, like many years before, started in Hueytown, Alabama in honor of John Hubbard, and to grow support behind “Slow Down, Move Over.” Tow Professionals from all over the state came together to promote awareness. Santa was on hand, along with food trucks, live music and a parade of 100 + trucks gathered and drove from  to Tuscaloosa, Alabama raising awareness along the way.  Today, the event continues to grow and brings in not only towers, but police, fire, and EMS, all of which attended this event to honor and promote towing safety.

This year’s event was sponsored this year by: Towbook, Kevin Goodyear Towing, Insurance Hub, Allstate Roadside, Knox Auto Parts, Passmore Logistics, Agero, AESOP, Copart, Progressive Insurance, My Company Funding, Progressive, Classic Towing & Recovery, C.P. Wrecker Service, Eastern Diesel & Auto Wrecker Service, Alabama Towing Recovery Association, and Tow Professional Magazine.

The support is appreciated and goes a long way towards educating the public, raising awareness, and as always, this shows our tow professionals that we have their backs! Thanks again for all that supported and attended the rally! We hope to see you next year!

The Greatest “Family” Tow Show in the US

By
BLP MEDIA
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You ASKED…We HEARD…It’s HAPPENING…As most of you know, through no fault of our own, we had to relocate the Midwest Regional Tow Show in 2023 for two years. Our loyal exhibitors and attendees have been asking to return to Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio. I truly care about the thoughts and feelings of everyone so I worked diligently to see if this could happen. It took many calls and emails over several weeks with compromise on both sides. With all of this being said…We will be returning to Great Wolf Lodge in “2025” for our 47th Annual Midwest Regional Tow Show !!! We want to return with a “BANG”, so we plan to have many speakers, training and great events. Our show is an association show and the funds from the show go back into the Towing Industry, fighting for the rights of our family of towers and not going in pockets. We ask that you show your support for us and the Towing Industry by participating in the upcoming show. We believe in supporting those who support the Industry! Save the Date…September 25th – 27th, 2025. I can’t wait to see everyone there !

Bruce Bender
Show Coordinator
Bruce@trao.org

Warrior Winch Check for Survivor Fund

By
BLP MEDIA
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Spotlight on Bimson Power

Bimson Power’s generous donation to the Survivor Fund.

Jeff Bimson, President of Bimson Power, committed 1% of online sales to the survivor Fund. This is something that is near and dear to his heart and was championed throughout the company.  Darian Weaver, President & Publisher of Tow Professional was on hand to record this event. Graham Leather, Sonya Frasier of Bimson Power / Warrior Winch presented the check to Jeffrey Godwin & Lauren Colon of the International Towing Museum. Bimson Power is happy to bring support and give back to the families of the fallen, honoring those that gave all to serve others!

Donnie Cruize Award: Hurst Towing & Recovery – Birmingham, AL

By
BLP MEDIA
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Daniel Johnson WM – 172290
Hurst Towing & Recovery – Birmingham, AL

In the summer of 1999 at the age of 6, I climbed into a truck with my dad for the first time. He was a driver for Weil Wrecker and operated an F-450 rollback with a 19.5 ft bed. After that I quickly fell in love with the towing industry.

As the years went by, I learned to operate everything in the fleet and learned anything I could in business. Outside of my dad, I owe a lot of my skills and knowledge to Darryl Burrell and Steven Weil Jr. Those two pushed me to my limits to learn everything there is about this industry. From running a truck, to dispatching and everything in between.

As I got older, I was introduced to the side pull rollback by my supervisor George Fiffles. I was immediately hooked after that. I wanted to learn everything there was to know, and George went right to teaching me.

October 12, 2016, I came to work for Lynn Hurst at Hurst towing and recovery, to run his side pull rollback, and became his light duty supervisor. As each year has gone on, I have pushed myself to learn all I can about the unit and push it to its potential in this industry.

After 8 years, 3 side pull trucks later, and many head turning recoveries, ranging from light duty vehicles to heavy recoveries and various equipment. I have received a Donnie Cruse recovery award for a 25k plus recovery for a piece of equipment off the side of my roll back using 5 lines to the load.

I owe everything to my dad for bringing me into this industry and always standing beside me. My mentors Darryl Burrell, Steven Weil Jr, George Fiffles, Scott Aey, Kurt Wilson, Howard Kritzer, Scooby & Casey Burrows, and finally, Lynn Hurst. For the last 8years of standing behind me and always pushing me to be the absolute best of myself. Allowing me to spec out and build two top notch side pull trucks to my liking. Supplying me with everything I need and more to do my job, and even a little extra to push it to its limits from time to time. Lynn has been one of my biggest supporters and fans when it comes to my recovery skills, while trusting me to go out and take care of his customer base. I am truly blessed to have such an amazing boss, and work for an amazing family- owned business.

Now at the age of 31, receiving this award is a huge honor and humbling experience in career. There has been a ton of emotions after receiving the phone call from Justin Cruse, it still feels like dream. This is a memory I’ll cherish and be grateful for.

Hal Kresser Memorial

By
BLP MEDIA
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By Scott Fowler

Hal was born May 12, 1949. He grew up in the city of Mt. Healthy, Ohio where he spent his time building hot rods and drag racing on Colerain Avenue much to the annoyance of the local police. In High School he earned extra money running a wrecker for Hardert’s Garage which planted a seed of love for the towing industry. After graduation, like his father before him, he joined the Navy. After serving his four years, he mustered out and got his first cop job in Santa Rosa County, Florida as a Deputy Sheriff. A few years later he moved back home and took a job with Colerain Township Police. During those years, Hal also had his own body shop. When the Colerain force was disbanded, he landed a job with the Union Township Police Department in Butler County which is now West Chester Township. He retired from that career in 1989 after being injured in an on-duty vehicle collision.  He hated leaving a career that he loved but wasn’t going to sit around. Instead, he started an insurance agency. He didn’t forget his roots though and built a large commercial clientele in the towing industry as well as the repair and body shop industries. He built that into the thriving agency it was in 2023. At that point he sold the agency and retired yet again.

Hal worked tirelessly to help the towing industry in general, and the Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio specifically where his Agency was an Associate Member for many years. He was an invaluable resource for members and advised them on claims handling and dealing with the insurance industry that was so frequently at odds with the towing industries’ goals. They respected him and considered him one of theirs to the point that they elected him to be President of Ohio Region 8 serving southwest Ohio. He served in that post for six years.

On the home front, Hal was married three times and raised 4 kids and 3 step kids. He used to like to brag that he had kids born across 3 decades. Those 4 kids and 3 step kids spawned 20 grandchildren.

Outside of work, Hal had many passions and hobbies. He loved photography in the days when cameras contained film. He also liked developing his own film in the makeshift darkroom in his garage. He was an avid wood worker and was always building something. Another passion which stayed with him from his youth was racing. He loved going to NASCAR and NHRA races as often as he could and when he couldn’t he caught as many as he could on TV.

Hal passed away peacefully, October 28th after battling an illness. The Towing and Recovery Association of Ohio turned out in force for his funeral and honored him with a tow truck procession leading his hearse to the cemetery.

Finally, it’s over!

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

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

Here are a few things that could happen:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kristen Klemenz-Westervelt

By
BLP MEDIA
-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do I Have a Deal for You

By
BLP MEDIA
-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you on the next podcast.

Lanes Towing Accessories – Trailer Recovery Plate

By
BLP MEDIA
-

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

Tow Professional Quarterly – Q3 2024

By
BLP MEDIA
-

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

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

Proof that it is possible for new towers to be successful

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lanes Towing Accessories New Product Launch

By
BLP MEDIA
-
Lanes Towing Accessories New Product Launch

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

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

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

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

Towing Best Practices….Equipment Hauling

By
BLP MEDIA
-

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

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

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

  1. Accurately measure the height of a load with reliable tools:
  • Measuring poles: These telescopic poles are designed for easily measuring tall loads.
  • Laser measuring devices: These provide precise and quick measurements.
  • Tape measures: While basic, a tape measure can be effective for smaller or more straightforward loads.
  1. Measure from the Ground

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

  1. Double-Check the Load’s Stability

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

  1. Document the Load Height
  • Record the measurement: Include the exact height in documentation or transport logs (i.e Towbook).  If multiple loads are being carried, each load’s height must be recorded.
  • Capture photos: Take clear photos of the load and the measuring process. These can serve as evidence in case of disputes or inspections by authorities.
  • Update the shipping manifest: Include the load height in the manifest or any official documentation handed over to the driver or hauling company.
  1. Check your route and Comply with Legal Height Limits
  • Familiarize yourself with the legal load height limits for the regions you travel through. In most U.S. states, the maximum height limit for vehicles is 13 feet, 6 inches, although this can vary by location. Check for any special permits required for oversized loads.
  • If your height exceeds the legal limits, obtain the appropriate permits for oversized, over height, over width loads.
  1. Recheck Before Departure

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

Conclusion

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

Zips New Products

By
BLP MEDIA
-
Zips New Products 2024

EZ Claw Line Saver Kit

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

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

Grote 6 Diode HINVII LED Directional Light

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

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

SafeAll Armor Angles

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

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

Stellar 8 Drawer Toolbox Systems

Organize your shop or truck with Stellar toolboxes.

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

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