TRAA Hill Day has been a fantastic event allowing tow professionals face-to-face interaction with the lawmakers that can protect or affect their business. Hill Days gives tow professionals and industry leaders the opportunity to put a face and a voice behind our industry. This year TRAA had a new Executive Directo behind this event, Bruce Bender, at the helm with gears changing adding a new management team (Tow Professional Magazine) took over the tasks of sponsorships and getting the word out to tow professionals across the nation. This year the event grew immensely from 10 to 17 sponsors, and attendance jumped from 72 to 104 registered. TRAA’s Bruce Bender and the entire board of directors knocked it out of the part this year. Tremont Strategies group, the lobbyist for TRAA, planned a day of strategy educating all on the proper ways to introduce topics, educate and provide our asks to our lawmakers.

Prior to this event an OEM Partners roundtable was organized by Tow Professional Magazine owner Darian Weaver and held over zoom. Custom Built Manufacturing, Miller, and Jerr-Dan attended the call to work together on a united front sharing idea, and resources to effect legislation that is affecting you. The consensus of the meeting was 4 top concerns for our owners:

1. Insurance
2. Weights and Measures
3. Roadside Safety
4. EV’s fires & remediation

Attendees of Hill Day Event were given a form to choose which of the 4 was most important. All 3 OEM Partners: Jerr-Dan, Custom Built, and Jerr-Dan agreed to take on the top need to promote unity and to increase effectiveness for all.

Day one included a fire side chat with FMSCA Administrator Derek Bars, Jim Jennings (Guardian Fleet) and Brian Riker (Worldwide Equipment). This was very candid and informative talk enjoyed by all. Tremont held a Legislative workshop with an overview of legislative priorities, policy presentation and Hill Day preparation. TRAA also incorporated a State Association Sharing allowing Association presidents, key members to discuss laws and regulatory concerns effecting their business on the state level. This year 31 of all 50 states were represented and were excited to take the needs to Capitol Hill.

Legislative priorities for 2026 Hill Day centered around policies that will enhance roadside safety, strengthen enforcement and promote awareness of Slow Down, Move Over laws.

The legislative priorities that members took to the Hill in 2026 were:

• Surface Transportation Reauthorization: Emergency Towing Exemptions: Congress recognized towing’s public safety role with the Fast Act in 2015. TRAA is asking Congress to clarify the weight exemption and extend it to length
• Clarifying Insurance Reimbursement and advancing Transparency for Safety -Critical Towing: TRAA supports congressional attention on this issue and encouraged creating a Towing Services Transparency Task Force (TSTTF).
• Clarifying the coverage for Mandated debris cleanup: This critical service is needed to clear crash scenes and reopen roadways, family-owned business frequently faces denied or disputed claims. TRAA is working with USDOT raising awareness and looking for clarity FMSCA to better align insurance frameworks with modern TIMS practices.
• Considering Towing Industry concerns with Electric vehicle Policy. TRAA supports the Responder and Recovery Safety in EV Fires Act.

This event was made possible by the gracious sponsors that step-up year after year to support the Tow Professionals in this industry. I have listed all sponsors below of the 2026 Hill Day Event. These sponsors are your true Industry Leaders that stepped up because of their heart and passion for this industry and did so for the support of the wonderful people in our great industry!

• Guardian Fleet Services
• Fleetnet / Cox Industries
• Peak Auto Auctions
• Auto Data Direct (ADD)
• Towbook
• Azuga
• Zips
• Copart
• HAAS Alert
• Allstate
• Miller Industries
• Custom Built Manufacturing
• Jerr-Dan Corporation
• INA Towing
• Worldwide Equipment
• Tow Professional Magazine
• International Towing Hall of Fame Museum

This event was a tremendous event and has shown the most growth this year since its inception! I again want to thank the Board Members of TRAA and Executive Director Bruce Bender taking the reigns and putting tremendous work ethic, heart, and passion behind the efforts.

This event is not to be missed from the HAASpitality Cocktail hour, to wrapping up the work done at the Hill with a trip to the famous “The Prime Rib,” in D.C. This was a meal sponsored by INA Towing and fantastic ending to two days of powerful meetings! We urge our tow professionals not only to mark your calendar for this event in 2027 but encourage the next generation of towers to attend. We are counting on our children and theirs to carry this industry forward, let’s get them to D.C. and educate them on how to interact with our elected officials,  and the importance of advocating  for or against,  laws and regulations  to protect and safeguard their business in the future!

Looking to get your employees trained & certified in today’s industry, you need to contact us!

Beau White embarked on his towing career in 1998, starting with a flatbed truck. Over the years, he steadily advanced through various levels of expertise, moving up to a twin-line wrecker, then a 16-ton medium-duty vehicle, followed by a 25-ton and a 35-ton wrecker. His journey continued with a 50-ton straight stick, a 40-ton 1140 rotator, and finally, a 50/60 Jerr Dan rotator.

Throughout his career, I have embraced every opportunity to grow and learn. I have never skipped a step; each transition has been vital in deepening my understanding of the craft. To ensure that I remain at the forefront of the industry, I have completed numerous training courses, both professional and in-house, to refine my skills and enhance my knowledge. Some of my notable certifications include:

• TRAA Certified Master Tower
• Wreck Master 8/9R
• Jerr Dan Rotator Course
• TIMS (Traffic Incident Management)

Beau’s true passion lies in teaching and empowering others within the industry. I am driven by the belief that safety is paramount, and I strive to make our profession safer, one operator at a time.

To further this mission, Beau founded Towing & Recovery Academy, an initiative created specifically with tow operators in mind. My aim is to provide a comprehensive learning experience that equips operators with the essential skills and safety measures needed to thrive in this demanding field. At Towing & Recovery Academy, we focus on practical training and real-world scenarios, ensuring that every participant leaves with the confidence and expertise to excel in their roles.

By fostering a culture of continuous learning and safety, I hope to inspire a new generation of towing professionals who are not only skilled operators but also advocates for safety and best practices within the industry. Together, we can elevate the standards of towing and recovery, ensuring a safer environment for all.

DLM has a long-running partnership with Chant, which delivers a variety of its load cells, load monitoring, and cable working equipment to the point of use, including telemetry shackles, a high-strength, marine-grade wireless load cell that incorporates a high-tensile stainless steel load pin. The shackles present an ability to transmit to multiple handheld displays; boast a line-of-sight range of 800 m (2,625 ft.); and are made from stainless steel.

DLM is a specialist in the design, manufacture, repair, and calibration of load cells, load monitoring, and cable working equipment for the offshore, marine, subsea, and lifting and rigging industries. Chant, meanwhile, also of British heritage, is a diversified engineering company that designs, manufactures, services, and calibrates testing machines, systems, and related accessories for industrial and military customers.

Chant has distributed DLM’s standard tensile load links, and shackle cells from 1 ton up to 50 ton capacity and wireless handheld displays to the U.S. since 2015, and further penetrates the market via a distribution network. One major difference between industries is the type of equipment used. Tow trucks typically use hydraulic systems to lift and recover vehicles and equipment.

Shackle load cells and load links play a crucial role in the tow truck industry. Tow truck operators often find themselves in emergency situations where they need to secure a vehicle quickly and safely for recovery. These tools provide a secure connection between the tow truck and the vehicle being recovered, making them essential to fully understand the forces being applied to all of the rigging.

When it comes to towing and winching applications, using shackles to connect equipment is common practice; shackles are commonly used in the tow truck industry to secure vehicles during recovery application. Specifically, shackles are used to connect the tow truck’s winch line to the vehicle being recovered. Shackles are necessary for recovery of different types of vehicles, such as cars, trucks,equipment and Tractor Trailers. The size and weight of the vehicle being recovered determines the size and strength of the shackle required. When installing a shackle it can be substituted with a Shackle Load Cell to measure the forces being applied to all of the rigging based on where it is located in the lay up. Load Cell Link Bars can also be installed in your rigging lay up where ever you choose to install. They can be at the load to determine the total load forces you’re trying to recover. Once you determine the total load force you can safely understand if your rigging lay up is sufficient.

However, it is crucial to approach the rigging process with caution and expertise to prevent damage to the equipment and ensure safety. Before rigging a shackle, it is essential to carefully select the appropriate size and weight capacity for the application. Additionally, the shackle must be checked for any defects or damage prior to use.

Get in contact with RP Recovery for all your Load Cell needs.

rprecoveryconsulting@gmail.com  or Call 315-730-6566

By Jason Giddens

In the towing industry, “family” is a word that gets used a lot. For me, it’s not a slogan—it’s reality. I call the people I work with my Tow Family because that’s exactly what they are. The operators who support JB Tow Truck Accessories are the same people who support my household. Without them, JB Tow wouldn’t exist. And just like your own family, you show up when it matters.

That belief is what put me on the road.

Built to Go Where the Tow Family Is

Our mobile unit is a fully outfitted step van, packed wall to wall with products this industry truly needs—securement equipment, safety gear, lighting, lockout tools, and recovery equipment. Shelves are stocked. Products hang where you can see them. Lighting is displayed and powered up. Operators can touch it, inspect it, and understand exactly what they’re investing in.

I chose a mobile unit instead of a traditional storefront for one simple reason: I can bring the products to the Tow Family instead of making them come to me. Not everyone across the country can travel to our shop in Tampa—but I can travel to them.

More importantly, I get to meet entire crews, not just the one person who stops by a parts counter. That changes everything.

Nobody does it like JB Tow. We don’t just sell products—we show up. We shake hands. We give hugs. We break bread. We create content together. We build real relationships with the people who keep this industry moving.

What I Saw Missing

The biggest gap I saw in the towing parts world was the loss of personal communication. Too much business has become faceless—online orders, shipped boxes, no conversation.

In an industry built on trust, that’s a problem.

Showing up matters. Sitting down for lunch matters. The high-fives, the quick stories, the small moments—those matter more than people realize. When operators step into the truck and see equipment right in front of them, it often reminds them of something they forgot they needed—something that could make their job safer or more efficient. That experience can’t be replaced by a website.

“Tow Family” isn’t marketing language for us. It’s how we operate. We love this industry because without our Tow Family, we wouldn’t be here.

Real Moments on the Road

One Friday afternoon, a Tow Family member called and said, “My cable is broken. I’m not going to make any money this weekend.” Without a cable, his flatbed was done.

I told him to come to my house. I had one in my truck.

He showed up, we installed it in minutes, and he was back on the road making money for his company and his family all weekend long. That’s what being present looks like.

Another time, a gentleman traveled to Tampa to purchase a truck and stopped by to grab supplies. Before long, we were sitting at a local lunch spot breaking bread. Yes, he bought parts. But more importantly, we built a relationship. Those conversations are what last

Where the Road Has Taken Us

So far, our road trips have taken us across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Louisiana. We attend shows, visit training schools, stop by shops, meet operators roadside, and support Tow Family wherever we can.

I’ve opened the shop on Sundays. I’ve met operators during rotations. If I’m nearby and someone needs something, we do everything possible to make it happen.

We now have a larger, more comfortable truck coming that will allow us to expand even further—pulling a trailer and running a box truck at the same time. After this winter, we’ll broaden our footprint and travel across much more of the country. The road is only getting bigger.

Products, Education, and Hands-On Demos

We carry everything from straps and dollies to safety lighting and LED road flares. One of the biggest advantages of being on the road is hands-on demonstration. Operators can hold products, see how they function, and understand why they matter—right there in front of them.

That kind of education lowers liability, increases efficiency, and makes operators safer.

What operators ask for most isn’t even a specific product. They ask us to bring the truck to their town. They want to see it. They want to hang out. They want connection. That tells me we’re doing something right.

The Bigger Issue—and the Fix

The biggest challenge I see right now is a lack of training and safety focus. No matter what anyone says, those two things are the foundation of long-term success. Proper training raises revenue and lowers liability—both critical for survival in this business.

I also see a lack of unity. There’s more than enough work for everyone. We should be lifting each other up, not tearing each other down. I believe strongly in bringing unity back to the towing community—helping each other, supporting each other, and moving forward together.

I’ve been in this industry for 26 years, working everything from light duty and repossessions to heavy duty. Towing is a vital service that keeps communities moving. What we do matters.

Why I Keep Going

These road trips aren’t easy. They’re hard on me and hard on my family. I spend days away from home, and I couldn’t do this without the support of my beautiful wife, Melissa. I’m grateful for everything she sacrifices so I can serve this industry.

I keep going because I believe in going the extra mile for my Tow Family. The giveaways, the raffles, the content we create together—it all strengthens the industry.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one thing I want readers to take from this, it’s simple: you can always reach out to JB Tow. We will always do our best to show up for our Tow Family.

Support each other. When you see an operator on the roadside, slow down and move over. When I first got into this business, everyone was ready to help each other. We need to bring that back.

Slow down or move over—it’s the law, and it’s one of the simplest ways to save a life.

The semi had been sitting in the back corner of the tow yard for weeks.

A small sedan had made a bad lane change, crushed the semi truck’s side, and put it out of service. The police report was clear: not the truck’s fault. The tow company did everything right- fast response, safe recovery, and secure storage. By the time the paperwork was done, the tow and storage bill was almost $25,000.

And then… nothing. The sedan’s insurance adjuster stalled. “We’re reviewing it.” Days turned into weeks, and weeks into silence.

The truck owner showed up every week, hands in his pockets, staring at the rig he couldn’t afford to release. He wasn’t hauling and he wasn’t earning. His own insurance didn’t cover the loss. And the tow company was sitting on a massive receivable with no check in sight.

This is the part tow companies know all too well. What many don’t realize is why these bills get stuck—and how to fix it.

The yard manager had seen this pattern before. Insurance companies often move slowly. But they move much faster when they’re forced to deal with a full commercial loss with claim parts that are spiraling upward in cost.

So instead of waiting again, the manager said something different this time to the customer:

“You know this isn’t just about our claim. You’re losing income every day that truck sits. And even after repairs, that truck is worth less. That’s downtime and diminished value—and the at-fault carrier owes for all of it. You might want to talk to a trucking lawyer to find out all you’re due.”

The truck driver hadn’t considered the idea of pursuing these losses. No adjuster had mentioned downtime or lost profit. No one had explained diminished value. He thought his only option was to wait, hope and take what they gave him.

With nothing left to lose, he made the call. This time, the claim didn’t just demand payment for repairs, towing, and storage. Payment was also demanded for:

• Lost income (downtime/loss of use)
• Diminished value
• Out-of-pocket expenses like hotel, transfer of cargo, rental car, and deadheading costs

Now the insurance company couldn’t ignore the claim. It was bigger and growing with each day. The steps took pressure and persistence. But the effort worked – payment was made. The settlement covered the full tow and storage bill, paid the trucker’s losses, and got the rig out of the yard and back on the road. The truck was earning again, the tow company got paid, and the trucker stayed in business.

And here’s the part every wrecker company should remember:

This Applies to Your Trucks Too

When a tow truck or wrecker is hit and taken out of service, the losses are no different than a semi:

• You lose revenue while your equipment is down
• You still have payroll, overhead, and contracts to meet
• Your equipment is worth less after repairs
• You have out-of-pocket costs related to getting back on the road

Downtime, diminished value, and loss of use: these aren’t “trucker-only” issues—they apply to any commercial vehicle, including wreckers.

Helping your customers pursue the full claim doesn’t just protect them -it protects your ability to get paid. Insurance companies are far more likely to release tow and storage funds when the adjuster feels the pressure from several parties and the entire loss is being properly presented and pushed.

Sometimes, getting your invoice paid starts with pointing out a simple truth: After a not-at-fault accident, commercial operators, including tow companies, have real rights. And knowing them makes all the difference.

In the world of heavy-duty trucks and commercial equipment, precision isn’t optional—it’s the standard. At Worldwide Equipment, that precision is shaped every day by the steady leadership of its Head of Operations, a role that sits at the crossroads of logistics, customer experience, and the nonstop demands of a rapidly evolving industry.

I sat down with John Pens, the person responsible for keeping everything synchronized, teams supported, and customers—ranging from owner-operators to national fleets—powered and on the road. What followed was a candid look at the heartbeat of a company built on hustle, grit, and unwavering service.

A Day Built on Momentum

Operations at Worldwide Equipment is less about routine and more about responsiveness. When asked what a “typical day” looks like, John laughed knowingly.

“There’s no such thing as typical. Our job is to stay ahead—whether that’s forecasting customer demand, improving shop efficiency, or making sure our customers get the uptime they depend on.”

He describes his days as a constant rhythm of problem-solving, team support, and strategic planning. “My goal is to streamline operations,” he said. “If our teams can focus on serving customers, we’re winning.”

Supporting Good, Hardworking Customers

Something became clear early in our conversation: the operations team feels a genuine connection to the people they serve. Worldwide Equipment’s customer base is built on hardworking families—fleet owners, technicians, drivers, and small businesses keeping America moving.

“These folks don’t have time for excuses. They need reliability, and we owe them that. Everything we do—from inventory accuracy to shop flow—is about respecting their time and their livelihood.”

Building Systems That Scale

As the company continues expanding, the operations team is focused on creating systems that grow with it. Technology, training, and communication aren’t buzzwords—they’re necessities.

“We’re investing heavily in process. He emphasized that operations is never just about efficiency; it’s about clarity. “People do their best work when expectations are clear, tools are easy to use, and communication is tight.”

Leading Through People, Not Processes

What stood out most was his leadership style. Despite overseeing massive operational infrastructures, he speaks not in terms of spreadsheets or workflows, but of people.

“Our biggest strength is our team. We have some of the most dedicated people in this industry. My job is to make sure they feel supported, heard, and appreciated.”

He believes accountability and trust go hand-in-hand. “When you invest in people, they take ownership. And when they take ownership, customers feel it.”

What’s Next for Worldwide Equipment

Looking ahead, he’s focused on three priorities: elevating customer experience, strengthening inter-department cooperation, and continuing to refine operations as the company grows. “The future is about being proactive. Our customers’ needs are changing faster than ever. If we stay adaptable and keep our team strong, we can meet those needs and exceed them.”

A Company Moving Forward

Walking away from the interview, one thing was clear: operations at Worldwide Equipment isn’t just a department—it’s the backbone of a culture built on doing the right thing, staying organized, and serving the people who keep America running.

And thanks to the steady leadership steering the ship, the company is driving into the future with purpose, discipline, and a whole lot of heart.

Thanks for tuning in to this issue’s Safety Corner powered by HAAS Alert. Remember: SAFETY IS NOT A FEATURE, IT IS A RESPONSIBILITY!

Today, we are speaking with George Kuntz, owner of Ace 24 Hr Towing in Bismarck, North Dakota, TRAA President, North Dakota Towing Association President, and Inductee #335 to the International Towing & Recovery Museum and Hall of Fame, to learn more about the importance of Safety in the towing, recovery, and roadside assistance industry.

TP: Tell us about yourself and your company.

GK: I have been in the industry for 42 years and have owned and run my own company for 36 years. We specialise in the Heavy side of the business. We run 27 trucks, and 13 of those are dedicated to Heavy work alongside the interstate. I love this occupation and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I am also a big proponent of the importance of safety in our industry.

TP: Closest call you’ve had on the roadside?

GK: This is a hard question, because as a Towing professional, we deal with close calls on a near-daily basis. One example that sticks out to me was in 2001, on Christmas Day, we were providing a service to change a tire on a snowmobile trailer. I had my truck turned around, facing traffic, and the beacons were on. It was a cold day, but very bright and with good visibility. As I am kneeling down working on the trailer, I hear the customer yell, “ Look out!” A minivan was barreling down at us, didn’t slow down, didn’t move over, and I had to jump on top of the trailer and then dove onto my wrecker to get out of the way. The minivan missed us, but took out the mirror on the customer’s vehicle.

TP: First thing you teach a new operator about safety?

GK: The first thing I teach a new operator is to pay attention to their surroundings at all times. Think ahead, keep your head on a swivel. You MUST wear your protective gear on all calls, at all times. Everything we do, from the moment you start working with our organization, is safety-focused. And it doesn’t matter how much time you have in the industry, you will be on a probationary period where you are put through the full gamut of safety training in the yard, then on the roads, and we certify you ready to go out on your own because you have passed all of our safety criteria.

TP: Tools or tech you never work without?

GK: We never work without all of our safety gear, and we have a mandated safety inspection form filled out each morning before anyone hits the roads. We also use tracking services on all of our equipment. Our dispatch and safety employees are always paying attention to the calls our employees are running, and do check in calls with them when they are out on a job. We also believe towing companies should look at the technology that communicates directly with the motoring traffic that gets them to slow down and move over before they get to us working on the roads.

TP: One change that would make the job safer tomorrow?

GK: There are a lot of things we can do as an industry to be better and safer. The main thing I would like to see is enforcement. The motoring traffic is not paying attention; they are not slowing down or moving over. Our Police counterparts are also stretched very thin. Enforcement isn’t just about writing tickets and

going to court. We could pull them over and provide them with education materials, educate them on what “Slow Down and Move Over” means and what the law is. And if there are repeat offenders, then we can start ticketing and fining and using the courts. And while we are educating the drivers, we can bring this education to the schools. Influence the children and the kids before they get behind the wheel to create good habits when they start to drive.

Tom Parbs is the Vice President at HAAS Alert. Safety Cloud® by HAAS Alert is the largest and most trusted advance warning, digital alerting platform available worldwide. Utilized by several thousand organizations to alert motorists to slow down and move over to protect those who work the roadways every day.

The North Carolina Tow Show this year was a blast! After being held indoors for last 3 years, this one was a great success! TRPNC‘s Mid-Atlantic Tow Expo is held in Raliegh, NC at the Jim Graham Center. This show was a game changer that has brought many companies in from across the nation. The entire board of TRPNC knocked it out of the park with this show, and their attention to detail was evident. This year the show had 70+ vendors and over 900 attendees. It was a huge step in the right direction, and from the feedback from attending vendors, it was a great success for them as well!

The Jim Graham building is a beautiful facility that has lots of room for growth, but affordable rates that allow vendors to make the most of their efforts! TRPNC did an awesome job again with the Silent Auction, raising funds to pour right back into our industry for training, legislation, and support. The show floor consisted of 70+ booths, a wrecker beauty pageant consisting of 40+ gorgeous trucks, representing all manufactures within the industry, and an area set aside for kids to enjoy a host of activities.

The Kids’ Corner consisted of tables for coloring, painting, face painting, and a huge blown-up bouncy house for all the kids to play. Families were able to sign their kids in, visit vendors, look across the show floor, and see their kids having the time of their life supervised by certified professionals.

There was also a night at the Drive Shack. This was an awesome event for all, lots of laughs, food, drinks and time to just enjoy our friends in the industry. TRPNC did an awesome job aligning fun, and family friendly events, all within minutes from the show.

This will be a great opportunity for vendors to expand their earnings in 2026 and reach more tow professionals throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We hope to see you there at the Mid-Atlantic Tow Expo in 2026!

The Towing and Recovery Professionals of NC (TRPNC) were proud to present this Year’s NC Tow Truck and Trade Show for our members and the men and women who work in the towing industry.  Lots of planning and hard work have gone into this event, to bring you top-notch training, access to the industry’s top vendors and to encourage networking with your peers.

Plan now for next year’s 2026, TRPNC Mid-Atlantic Tow Show!

N.C. State Fairgrounds
September 11th-12th, 2026
Jim Graham Building
1025 Blue Ridge Rd
Raleigh, NC 27607