First Quarter Update from Jerr-Dan: Momentum, Market Outlook and Planning Ahead

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As we begin 2026, I want to thank you for your continued trust in Jerr-Dan and share a brief update on what we’re seeing in the market, what’s ahead for the year and how we’re supporting you moving forward.

We are entering the year with strong momentum. Market forecasts remain positive, driven by continued pent-up demand and increased customer interest in pre-buying equipment in 2026. Much of this activity is tied to anticipated cost increases in 2027 associated with upcoming EPA changes impacting Class 4–8 trucks.

These changes could result in engine surcharges of up to 20%, making early planning more important than ever. Therefore, we strongly encourage customers to plan accordingly to help reduce future financial pressure on your businesses and the industry as a whole. Our team is ready to work with you now to evaluate needs, timelines and options that best position you for the years ahead.

We’re also looking forward to seeing many of you in person again soon. Jerr-Dan will be at the Orlando Tow Show this April, where we’ll be showcasing our new JD35/40T Rotator. The response to this unit at the Baltimore Tow Show in November 2025 was extremely positive, and we anticipate similar excitement in Orlando.

Looking ahead to 2026, Jerr-Dan is rolling out several initiatives to support your operations. You’ll see immediate updates as new parts are added to our parts catalog, along with new service and operator training classes scheduled throughout the year. These efforts are designed to help keep your fleets productive, safe and profitable.

Finally, we’re proud to continue advocating for the industry. Jerr-Dan will be participating in Hill Day on February 24-25 in Washington, D.C., where we’ll meet with congressional leaders to discuss key industry issues, including insurance challenges, the “Slow Down, Move Over” campaign and efforts to secure emergency responder status for towers.

Thank you again for your partnership and dedication to this industry. We look forward to working with you throughout 2026 and seeing many of you on the road and at upcoming events.

Happy New Year,
Bob Nelson
Vice President and General Manager, Jerr-Dan

Community First: Taking the Tow Family on the Road

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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.

Getting Tow & Storage Paid Starts with Knowing the Whole Claim

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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.

Towers Want a Healthy Business Life Too

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It’s been said that people who have a healthy business life also have a successful career. As towers, all of us strive for a successful business life. Some make it happen, and some don’t. A healthy business life means taking the time to learn what’s needed taking the steps required to have a healthy towing business. A professional tower must commit to the cultivation of strong attitude, foster a growth mindset, and maintain unwavering persistence.

Frankly, anyone within the towing business these days should want a positive mindset and attitude so they can overcome any challenge they face. They should also have a reaction plan for anything that might happen no matter whether simple or intricate. However, just in case you don’t, I would like to cover the traits you will need to master for a healthy business life. An attitude of “stay hungry” approach encourages continuous learning. Besides reading the Tow Professional magazine, here are some traits that you’ll need for a healthy business life.

Customer Focus: Consider customer focus with everyone who calls or enters your yard. Creating a unique value proposition that solves problems for EVERY customer who needs a tow is vital for building loyalty. You’ll have them for life if you show your value. So, be the person they can count on when they need your help.

Problem Solving: Try adding problem solving, operational strength, to your business. Spending some time focusing on building a strong team, adding some effective marketing, and sound financial management should be top priority for every tower. If any of those traits are missing in your business, make sure that you’re always working toward them. You might not have all of them from the very start but always be working on solving any business challenge you face. Since you’ve committed to always working on your business, you’ll be surprised how soon it could REAPPEAR if you lose them at some point.

Exhibit Discipline and Adaptability: Successful businesspeople often exhibit discipline, continuous learning (which you should be doing anyway), and the ability to adapt to new information or feedback. These traits are also important for business health. Consider adding discipline and adaptability to whatever comes your way. If you need new equipment, then try your best to get it. Law Enforcement as well as the locals will appreciate you being on top of your business. So, give yourself a healthy towing business by taking steps right now while you juggle everything.

Maintain Balance: Speaking of juggling…when a juggler works his magic, he takes a consistent amount of energy and balance to make sure he doesn’t let anything fall to the ground. He makes what he does look so easy to do. But it’s not. It takes a balancing act to keep all those balls in the air so none of them drop to the floor. It’s the same in your towing business.

Achieving long-term success requires balancing between hard work, family, and teamwork. It could be that you need to take a short break from business, and too, sometimes you must compromise or do whatever needs to be done later. That’s how you avoid burn-out and stay healthy. Attending tow shows or Hill Days gives you the opportunity to be away from the job while you learn.

In all my years on this earth, I’ve heard some people say that they ran out of energy and quit what they supposedly loved to do. Hearing that made me sad. They quit the very thing that brought them joy and success because they “burned out”. Being towers in today’s market takes energy, passion and hard work, but it’s also okay to take a break from what you love. If taking a break keeps you sane, then take a break. You’ll return to it refreshed and ready for whatever happens.

I want you to join your state association and TRAA, your national association for towers. Protecting your mental and physical health is important because you want to be around for those special moments with your family, friends and team members. Always maintain balance.

Enlarge Your Territory: Enlarging your territory can be done by what you put into the business each day. If you’ve started your towing business from scratch without previous generations helping you, then God bless you. You’re truly an entrepreneur and probably want a healthy business life. Keep striving for it to be better than yesterday. It won’t be long before your towing business is a healthy one.

A state association and TRAA will help you get to where you need to be. Remember, you might know your business, but your state association will help you GROW your business. Personally, first thing I would do is make sure you read Tow Professional magazine. Then pass the magazine around to your team members to read.

In the words of Jelly Roll, a country western singer and song writer, “The windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason.” Keep looking ahead and don’t dwell on what’s behind you because you can change and get better.

See you next time or on the next Tow Professional podcast.

A Legacy in Motion: The Heart Behind T-Miller Wrecker Service

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An Interview with Megan Ferril of T-Miller Wrecker Service
By: Michelle Sukow

If towing were a personality, it would be equal parts of grit and grace with a healthy dose of “figure it out and keep moving.” Megan Ferril fits that description perfectly. She is proof that you can run a serious operation, hold a legacy together, and still keep your sense of humor intact. Sometimes all at once.

Megan Ferril is the Office Manager at T-Miller Wrecker Service in Amarillo, Texas, and while she has officially logged 17 years on the books, the truth is she never really had a choice. She was raised in towing. This industry didn’t just shape her career. It shaped her.

One Truck, One Family, One Heck of a Legacy

T-Miller Wrecker Service began in 1958 with one custom-built 4½-ton wrecker and two men who believed hard work could build something lasting. Ray T. Miller ran daytime operations while Lonnie Ferril, also an Amarillo police officer, handled evenings. From the start, this wasn’t a nine-to-five operation. It was a way of life. After purchasing the business in 1964, Lonnie and Joyce Ferril invested in manufactured wrecker beds that propelled the company forward. The addition of Cherry Avenue Auto Salvage the following year marked another step in their long-term vision.

Today, T-Miller remains family owned and operated by the fourth generation of the Ferril family. Lonnie and Joyce, along with their sons Jr. and Byron and daughter-in-law Jeni, helped modernize the wrecker industry while earning respect the old-fashioned way. Their impact landed Lonnie and Joyce in the Texas Towing and Storage Association Hall of Fame in 2004.

Then life delivered one of those moments that changed everything. In 2005, Jr. Ferril passed away unexpectedly. He was later inducted into the TTSA Hall of Fame in 2010, and his absence is still felt daily. Leadership transitioned to Jeni and Byron, who continue to guide the company today with the support of David, Megan, and Trae Ferril.

When Your Mom Calls, You Go

By 2009, Megan was firmly established as a branch manager at a bank, fluent in numbers, expectations, and predictability. Then her mom called. “I need you here.” Megan returned to T-Miller, recognizing that family legacy sometimes calls you back before you realize you’ve left it.

No Such Thing as a Typical Day

T-Miller has grown from one truck to a fleet that includes nine light-duty wreckers, two medium-duty, four heavy-duty, one rotator, two tractors, four trailers, and a roll-off truck. The company employs 28 people, between T-Miller Wrecker Service and Cherry Ave Auto Parts. And Megan? She keeps the whole thing moving.

Her official role is Office Manager, handling accounts payable and administrative operations. Unofficially, she is a dispatcher, customer service rep, incident response coordinator, negotiator, mediator, and occasional referee. Towing doesn’t believe in job descriptions. It believes in whoever can handle it right now.

Nana First, Always

Outside of work, Megan’s most important title is Nana. Her granddaughter Baylor turns two in March and, according to Megan, runs the show. With her son Trae and his fiancée Kailee getting married in June 2026, Megan is happy to help wherever she can, as long as everyone understands one thing clearly. Nana duties are non-negotiable.

Family Business Means Family Everything

At T-Miller, family isn’t branding. It’s the backbone of the operation. Megan works alongside her mother, brother, and son in the office. Her uncle runs the junkyard and checks in regularly. She is quick to point out that while working with family is rewarding, it also takes strong dispatchers, managers, and a reliable team to keep things running, especially during tough seasons. And the end of 2025 tested everyone.

Industry Friends Who Feel Like Family

Megan credits the towing industry itself for much of her strength. Over the years, she has built deep friendships and mentorships, including a close bond with another woman helping run her family’s towing business in Odessa, Texas. Known around the industry as the “Texas Girls,” they share advice, laughs, and the mutual understanding that comes from living this life. She also treasures hearing stories about her father from others in the industry. It is a reminder that his legacy didn’t end in 2005. It just changed form.

Advice, Motivation, and Internal Commentary

When it comes to work-life balance, Megan doesn’t sugarcoat it. You can do hard things. Every day won’t look the same, but every day brings opportunity. Do not get complacent. Life moves fast, and the good stuff does not wait. Her personal motto sums it up neatly: “I’m fine. It’s fine. Everything is fine.” And for the doubters? She rarely says anything out loud. In her head, the response is much more colorful and usually ends with her proving them wrong.

Changing the Towing World, One Bill at a Time

In March of 2025, Megan moved to Austin to serve as the Government Affairs Representative for the Texas Towing & Storage Association. She lived in a camper on a tow yard, studied for months with her committee, and learned quickly how policy gets made. By the end of the 89th Legislative Session, her team helped pass legislation improving the notification process in Texas and supported additional industry bills. Not bad for someone who claims she just wanted to help.

The Hardest Season

Megan is currently living through the most difficult chapter of her career. In August of 2025, her brother David, the person she planned to run T-Miller alongside, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. She describes sitting in her office, needing him to be in his, and having to learn how to believe in herself in a new way. Through faith, prayer, and time, she has found strength she didn’t know she had. David is still there. Still guiding. Still supporting. That matters more than words can say.

Final Pull

Megan Ferril’s story is what happens when legacy meets backbone and refuses to back down. It’s family, faith, fire, and the kind of leadership that doesn’t need applause to keep going. If you are wondering what she never leaves home without, besides her phone, the answer is simple: a purse and a koozie. Even when the weight is heavy, sometimes perspective fits best in your hand.

INSIDE THE ENGINE ROOM: A CONVERSATION WITH THE HEAD OF OPERATIONS AT WORLDWIDE EQUIPMENT

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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.

George Kuntz Ace 24 hr Towing – Safety Corner – HAAS Alert

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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 GREATEST “FAMILY” TOW SHOW IN THE US – Midwest Regional Show

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You ASKED…they HEARD…It HAPPENED…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. In Sept of 2025 the loyal exhibitors and attendees returned to Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio for our 47^th Annual Midwest Regional Tow Show!!! The show returned with a “BANG”, with many speakers, training and great events. This 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. The vendors and tow professionals support made the 1st year back at the Great Wolf Lodge a great success!

There was something for everyone to take part in at this show. TRAO brought the golf event back, which is always a great time for all! This show has it all: Light shows, live auction, seminars, safety fashion show, a tremendous beauty contest, lil towers events, its all there!!! Mark my words 2026 will be a banner year in participation and attendance, make sure you drop by the Tow Professional booth and say hi, Tow Professional has been a proud sponsor of this event for 14 years and its our favorite family show!

In 2026 TRAO will be back with the 48^th Annual Midwest Regional Tow Show. The dates in 2026 will be September 24^th-26^th, and I will guarantee you do not want to miss it! Make sure you and your family mark your calendar, and plan to attend the greatest family Tow show!

Save the Date…September 24^th -26^th, 2026. I can’t wait to see everyone there!

Mid Atlantic Tow Expo 2025

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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

Rebuilding Unity in the Towing Industry: Change Must Start at the Top

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The towing industry stands at a crossroads. For decades, those within the field have worked tirelessly, day and night, in every weather condition, to respond to emergencies, assist stranded motorists, remove hazards, and keep roads safe and open. Yet despite its importance and sacrifice, the industry remains fractured from within. Publications compete with other publications; trade shows undermine other trade shows; manufacturers and vendors struggle against each other for dominance in a market that should have more collaboration and innovation than territorial battles. And after all this infighting at the top levels, the message sent to the towers, the operators on the road, the men and women working the dangerous white line, is somehow that they are expected to get along, cooperate, and elevate the profession. There is a deep irony in that contradiction.

We cannot expect unity at ground level when fragmentation at the top fuels division. Today, the towing community is often asked to operate as a brotherhood and sisterhood, to share knowledge, support fellow operators, champion safety, and present a professional image to the world, all while the leaders who influence the culture of the industry appear embroiled in their own rivalries. Towers are asked to lead with professionalism, yet the leadership ecosystem is not consistently modeling the example they should follow.

If we want this industry to shed the “dirty reputation” that outsiders often unfairly assign to it…if we want cooperation between companies to be possible…if we want safety, training, communication, and respect to improve, then the change must begin where influence begins. Unity must become the standard at the top before it can ever become the culture at the bottom. Competition, when healthy, drives innovation. It produces modern technology, more efficient processes, better equipment, and higher levels of customer service. But competition becomes toxic when it stops being about growth and becomes about supremacy; when it shifts from “be better” to “stop them.” Unhealthy competition creates consequences the entire profession feels:

Fragmented communication: There is no single voice the media listens to — therefore, the public narrative remains confused.
Lack of shared standards: When one event refuses to acknowledge another, or one publication refuses to collaborate with industry progress, uniformity collapses.
Diluted advocacy: Legislators are far less likely to create favorable laws when organizations representing towers are not unified.
Mistrust among operators: If leadership behaves like rivals rather than collaborators, operators adopt the same posture.

In many ways, the infighting at the top strengthens the negative stereotypes the industry has been trying to overcome for decades. When the public sees an industry divided, it assumes the worst, and perception becomes reality. Tow operators already face misconceptions: that they are predatory, opportunistic, or solely interested in profit. Those narratives persist partly because the industry lacks a unified platform to combat them.

A divided leadership cannot successfully negotiate nationwide safety initiatives, federal training standards, or PR campaigns that reshape the public understanding of towing work. Without unity, every voice becomes background noise. Every industry has a cultural chain of influence. Whether we acknowledge it or not, the mentality held at the leadership level becomes the mentality within the workforce. In towing:

Tow shows influence what companies value
Publications influence what the public sees
Manufacturers influence what technology looks like
Associations influence what regulations get attention
Vendors influence what operators feel supported, or abandoned

If these groups compete more than they collaborate, that identity becomes part of the tower’s experience. But imagine the opposite:

Tow shows highlight each other rather than ignore each other
Magazines share contributors rather than protect silos
Vendors invest in joint innovation rather than proprietary secrets that stall progress
Industry leaders sit at the same table and plan 10 years ahead, not three months ahead

That kind of leadership does not just change perception, it changes morale.

When leaders model collaboration, operators extend collaboration.
When leaders show respect, operators adopt respect.
When leaders champion safety as one voice, policymakers listen.
When leaders present towing as a profession rather than an afterthought, the world must respond accordingly.

The towing industry has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine itself, not as a fractured network of competitors, but as a unified national profession with dignity, standards, courage, and economic influence. But that change will not rise from the bottom. It will not be achieved through scattered efforts. It must be intentionally built, deliberately led, and boldly demonstrated from the top. The reality that outsiders rarely acknowledge is this:

Tow operators save lives.
Tow operators stand inches from traffic traveling at highway speeds.
Tow operators recover vehicles under crushing weight and unpredictable risk.
Tow operators work behind the scenes of every storm, crash, and emergency.

Many tow operators never make the news, except when tragedy strikes. So, when towers are portrayed as opportunists instead of responders, it is not only incorrect, but also offensive to the sacrifice these men and women make. But images are shaped by messages and right now, no one message exists. Without unity, the industry has no megaphone. Cleaning up the name of towing is not a branding job; it is a cultural shift. It requires:

Consistent training, recognized nationwide
Public education that shows what towing really is
Safety campaigns with unified messaging
Industry publications highlighting accomplishments, not simply products
National storytelling around heroism, sacrifice, and professionalism

It requires showing the next generation, children of towers, new recruits, future industry leaders that towing is a profession worth entering with pride. And pride begins with reputation. But reputations are not rebuilt by silence, they are rebuilt by leadership that speaks loudly together. There is no longer room to wait. The challenges facing the industry, safety, legislative action, insurance costs, workforce shortages, public misunderstanding, are accelerating faster than leadership is unifying. If the towing industry continues to operate like several small competing industries instead of a single national profession, progress will slow to a halt. And when progress stops, people get hurt not in boardrooms, but on roadsides. Every month we wait:

Legislators write laws without towing experts at the table.
Media reports stories without accurate context.
Other industries get priority at federal safety levels.
Towers risk their lives while the industry debates coordination.

The clock is ticking loudly! The towing industry does not need another sales pitch. It does not need another expo hall with limited deals. It does not need another editorial arguing why one organization is better than another. What the industry needs is a shared mission, a shared voice, and shared respect. The question is not whether change is possible. The question is whether those in the highest seats manufacturers, publishers, show organizers, association leaders, are willing to lead change rather than wait for it.

Unity is not achieved through speeches.
Unity is not achieved through slogans.
Unity is achieved when those with power use it for progress.

If the leadership of towing can demonstrate cooperation, respect, and vision, the towers will follow. If leadership cannot, the division deepens. It really is that simple. The future of this industry depends on whether we are willing to put collective progress above individual rivalry. The public image of this industry depends on whether we are willing to clean our own house before asking the world to see it differently. The towing industry deserves better. The towers deserve better. And the time to fix this is not someday — it is now!

Now, is the moment to change the future of towing. If you are a publisher, a manufacturer, a show organizer, an association leader, or a vendor — the eyes of this industry are on you. The next generation of towers is watching how we treat each other, how we communicate, and how we build our future. Let us be the leaders who chose unity over ego. Let us be the decision-makers who sit down at one table, not competing tables. Let us prove, not through speeches, but through actions, that the towing industry is stronger together than it could ever be on its own. It is time to raise the standard, shape the message, and stand together with one voice. The future of the towing industry is waiting, and it will belong to those with the courage to lead it. Enough is enough!

If you lead an association, event, publication, or product that influences this industry, then you are responsible for its culture. Division starts at the top, and so must unity. That means collaboration, communication, transparency, and shared objectives. Stop fighting battles that do not advance the industry. Stop playing for territory. Stop expecting unity from operators when leadership refuses to practice it. Sit down. Talk. Partner. Plan.

If the leaders of this industry will not act, then they must stop asking operators to do what they themselves are unwilling to demonstrate. It is time to prove leadership with action or stop calling it leadership. Unity does not mean giving up individuality, innovation, or competition. It means respecting the shared foundation beneath us. It means understanding that while we may compete in business, we must collaborate in identity. So here is the call:

Let publications open their pages to perspectives beyond their own networks
Let show organizers support each other’s successes and align dates and agendas for the benefit of the industry, not the detriment of competitors
Let manufacturers and vendors champion joint innovation, not guarded isolation
Let associations advocate with one unified message, not several diluted ones

We all want the same outcome, a safer, respected, advanced towing industry. The only question is whether we are willing to pursue it together. The first step is simple: get to the same table. The next step is listening. And the ultimate step, the one the industry has been waiting for, is action!

To Our Friends in the Towing and Recovery Industry

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As we close out 2025, I wanted to take a moment to share an update and a few reflections on where we stand today — and where we’re headed in the new year.

A Strengthening Market
We’re seeing clear signs that the towing and recovery market is getting healthier. Inventory levels at our dealers are diminishing, retail sales are picking up and the overall mood across the industry feels more optimistic. It’s encouraging to see increased activity heading into 2026, with customers gaining confidence and taking advantage of available opportunities, including year-end tax incentives, to add new equipment to their fleets.

Training and Support
Jerr-Dan recently hosted its last large rotator truck training class of the year, and it was a great success. While that event wraps up our major sessions for 2025, our team continues to conduct smaller, one-on-one trainings through Q4 to support recent purchases and dealer needs. Looking ahead to 2026, we’re refining and expanding our training programs to better support the needs of both heavy-duty and light-duty operators alike.

Delivering the Trucks Customers Want
Our dealers remain well stocked with new Jerr-Dan^® trucks, and our manufacturing teams continue to deliver units built to customer specifications. The focus remains on building each truck to meet the performance, reliability and quality standards operators expect from Jerr-Dan.

A Strong Finish to 2025 — See You in Baltimore!
The Baltimore Tow Show in November was an important pulse check for the industry and a great opportunity to connect before heading into Q1 2026. One of the highlights of the show was the debut of our all-new JD35/40 Ton Rotator Truck, officially announced on October 17. This was the first opportunity for many to see the truck in person, and we were excited to showcase it with a strong Jerr-Dan presence — our engineering, sales, marketing, customer support and dealer teams will all be on-site to support the launch.

And yes — by popular demand — Jerr-Dan socks were back as our giveaway item this year! We enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces (and plenty of those socks) around the show.

Looking Toward Winter and Beyond
As winter approaches, we know the season tends to bring its own surge in demand; after all, as we like to say, “When it snows, we tow.” We’re preparing for that increase in activity and stand ready to support our customers as they respond to the challenges and opportunities the season brings.

We’re also already looking forward to reconnecting with many of you at the Orlando Tow Show in April 2026, where Jerr-Dan will bring even more trucks, accessories and options to explore.

On behalf of the entire Jerr-Dan team, thank you for your continued partnership, dedication and trust.

Here’s to a strong finish to 2025 — and a bright 2026 ahead.

Best regards,
Bob Nelson
Vice President and General Manager, Jerr-Dan

9TH Annual Slow Down, Move Over Rally

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On December 7^th, Wes Passmore of Classic Towing & Automotive held the 9^th 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 Hueytown, Al 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, Goodyear Towing, Allstate Roadside, Agero, Copart, Classic Towing & Recovery, Goodyear Towing, 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!

Moving On Up!

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BLP MEDIA

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Every time I hear the phrase “moving on up”, I remember the iconic show, The Jeffersons. They were in the dry-cleaning business. Mr. Jefferson desperately wanted to make it big, so he moved from the slums to the Eastside of the city. With some hiccups, the Jeffersons were well on their way to making it big in the dry cleaner’s world. Mr. Jefferson was determined to do better than he had done in previous years, and he took the steps to make it happen.

Speaking of moving…if you’ve ever moved before, whether it was for your business or your home, you know exactly what I’ve been going through for the last 30+ days. It’s been challenging at times, especially because of my health issues. However, things are looking up because my daughter is in a better place with her life now. We had to do it quickly just to move forward.

When moving, all the pieces have to be planned so everything gets done in a timely manner. Usually, a backup plan is needed just in case something doesn’t get done like it was planned.

Utilities must be shut off and turned on again at the new place. All the moving pieces seem to be never-ending because you’re working around the clock, while working ahead of what’s needed to get everything completed by the deadline.

However, good things don’t happen to those who wait. I know that’s not the correct quote, but it is so true. If you wait, nothing gets done. And certainly, now on cue. Now I don’t have to climb 22 steps up nor 22 steps down the stairs because I can just roll into my house. I thank my wife for her decision while I was in the hospital battling irregular heartbeat, a fib, heart murmur and a UTI at the time.

As I thought about myself during this move I couldn’t help but think about the end of the year what I’ve accomplished, and for that matter what I plan for my business in 2026. People remark that I have a good outlook even with my recent diagnosis of CIDP diagnosis (ugly stepsister to GBS).

In reality, your business is your life and for that reason your business goal should be very important to you too. It will be your road map for a successful 2026, and you’ll want to review what you were able to accomplish in 2025. What do you expect to accomplish in 2026? Maybe you want to spend more time with family next year. Perhaps you have to spend more time with your business because you don’t have the help in place that you will need to get through next year just yet.

Maybe you need more parts, trucks or a bigger facility. Whatever it is, if you decide to grow your business, you should be putting it down on paper, giving it a timeframe of when you want to accomplish that particular part of your goal.
Discuss what you want to accomplish in the new year with your team members who want to be alongside to watch it grow. They will appreciate knowing what you’re working toward. The decision is ultimately yours, but they may have some suggestions that could help get you where you want to be in your business quickly.

A word of caution though. I would discuss it only with those that think like you do. If there isn’t such a person at your business, then seek the advice of someone outside the business: whether banker, financial person, or a wise person that can help you strategize. Its’s most important to avoid opinions from any Negative Nancy or Nathans you know when seeking advice. They’re talented at throwing cold water on warm ideas, and you don’t need that when you’re trying to move up.

Remember that the first sale is for your family. You must sell them on what you want to do first. If you’re moving on up, then move up with help from those that care.

I will see you on the next podcast.

Towing More People: The Power of a Perfect Script

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It was a bright, sunny day full of promise when I sent my wife into the doctor’s office to get paperwork needed to start my new treatments. One inaction led to another and before I knew it, we were told to go home, relax, and wait. They had everything handled. After hearing that they had everything handled, I no longer wanted to play their waiting game. My subsequent arrival at the Emergency Room involved a series of questions that I had to answer before I could take my place in line. Those questions were used to separate emergency situations from secondary needs. That series of questions reminded me of when I ran a phone training company for car dealerships, training their sales, service writers, and parts reps on the right questions to ask customers.

Like the various departments in a dealership, I have no doubt that you have several departments in your towing business, each with different tasks. When an accident happens or someone has a breakdown, a team member takes the call. They answer the phone, take the initial request, and then start the process of helping. Knowing what questions to ask helps to start the process with clarity and efficiency. If the caller sounds stressed, using a soothing, calm voice on the phone not only helps the caller to settle down but also helps you to focus on delivering your questions to get the crucial answers you need.

When I started my training company, we did the phone training and supplied mystery shopping calls. This backed up whether the service writers, parts, and salespeople were using the training for which they were paying. Sometimes it was a revelation for the business owner because they could hear a call that proved a rep was not using the training. Most of the time, it was affirmed that they were using the training to secure a discovery ride, pick up a part, or have service done on a particular vehicle. The point is that accountability and clear procedures work.

Knowing what your people say when your staff picks up the telephone is paramount to your business’ success. A great opening sets a professional, helpful tone. Always answer each call with something like this: “Thank you for calling ABC Towing, how may I direct your call?”

This works especially well if you have a towing and recycling business on your lot, as it immediately handles routing. If you say, “how may I direct your call,” they will usually respond that they just need a tow. If the call is from the local authorities or police department, they will certainly let you know the situation right away.

I have compiled a series of essential questions that can help you bring the right equipment to the accident or breakdown, ensuring you are prepared to complete your tow or doing a difficult recovery. Using this type of structured inquiry will cut down on guesswork and wasted time, which saves you money and gets the customer back on track faster.

Include these types of questions in your interactions with your customers. (This also applies to road authorities or law enforcement, who often have limited information but need quick, accurate service.)

“What kind of help do you need?” (A simple open-ended question that gives the caller a moment to explain their primary concern.)
“What is your exact location? Perhaps a mile marker or a subdivision? And are there any intersecting streets?” (Getting multiple data points helps your driver pinpoint the scene quickly, especially in areas with poor GPS service.)
“What’s the type of vehicle or something else that needs to be towed? (Please provide the Year, Make, and Model of the vehicle.)” (This is crucial for determining weight, clearance, and any special towing requirements.)
“Is this an electric or fuel engine?” (If electric, you will be able to deploy the right equipment and might ask for other specific information later, as EV towing and recovery require special safety and equipment considerations.)

Once your driver arrives at the scene and talks with the driver and/or those in charge, they can finish with a crucial set of questions. It could be that more equipment is needed than the authorities or initial callers realized to transport the vehicle or complete a complicated recovery. Giving your driver this part of the script allows them to contact the office for additional resources and provide the owner with your business card, acting as an on-the-spot customer service representative.

“If it can be repaired, are you planning on having it repaired?” If they say, yes, then ask, “What address should it be towed to?” (This solidifies the tow destination and helps manage the customer’s expectations for the next steps.)
“You could store it at our lot so an adjuster can review the damage before it is repaired. Is that good?” (This offers a convenient, immediate solution and can secure additional storage revenue for your business.)
“And what is your number? I can text you now so you can easily find our store when heading here. What is the best number to use?” (Ask this question if you are dealing with the owner or driver of the vehicle while at the scene.)

In addition, getting a name and phone number from the caller helps to create a client list for down the road. People tend to remember whom they have worked with in the past when they need help again. Asking these questions will help get a customer’s name and phone number so you can enter it into your client list system. If you have other questions specific to your area of operation or specialized services, then add them! The script is a living document designed to maximize efficiency.

With digital dispatch, your dispatcher’s initial call script shifts its focus:

From Manual Data Entry to Verification: The dispatcher is no longer keying in the address; they are verifying the GPS location pulled by the software.
From Discovery to Empathy and Assurance: The focus of the conversation moves to empathy. The dispatcher can use the time saved on logistics to use the empathetic line: “I’m so sorry this has happened. I see exactly where you are and the nearest heavy-duty wrecker, Truck 4, has been dispatched and is 12 minutes away. You will receive a text message in 60 seconds that lets you track the truck in real-time. I will stay on the line until you confirm you received the text.”
From Reactive to Initiative-taking: Instead of waiting for the customer to call back for an update, the system manages the updates for you, reinforcing a modern, professional, and highly efficient company image.

Whenever possible, finish your call with this kind of statement to reinforce your company’s professional, caring image: “I am so sorry this has happened. (Shows empathy.) You can expect someone to be there within a few minutes.”

You are controlling a series of questions that must be asked to quickly discover what assistance the customer needs before arriving on the scene of the accident or breakdown. This systematic approach helps to avoid multiple trips by bringing extra equipment to the scene, saving you time and money. However, by asking the right questions initially, you will also be better prepared for those unavoidable situations where you will need extra equipment brought to the scene, as you will know about it sooner.

No one wants to hear that someone is having a bad day while on the telephone. Make sure anyone who receives the call remembers your company image with right verbiage and keeps it positive, professional, and upbeat. I have always thought that someone who is tasked with answering the phone should be able to clearly state how they can help with the questions they are prepared to ask each caller. Bear that thought in mind when anyone answers the phone. If you need to put a mirror on the counter and smile at yourself or take a deep breath before picking up the phone, then do it each time you answer a call until you do not need a reminder anymore. A smile, even unseen, comes through in the voice.

I am feeling much better now because the ER asked the right questions to get me the help I needed. Having the right questions, your dispatcher, and every team member can help bring more repeat customers into your towing business. A clear, empathetic, and efficient process is the best marketing tool you have.

If you feel you need help refining the questions your team should be asking customers to improve your efficiency and customer retention, I would love to help.

Billing for Safety: Why the Firebox Is a Justified and Essential Charge

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Towing professionals operate in one of the most demanding sectors of transportation. With the rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs), that challenge now includes managing new levels of risk, specifically, the fire hazards and containment requirements of compromised EVs.

A damaged EV isn’t like any other vehicle. It can enter thermal runaway hours, days or even months after an incident, turning an ordinary storage yard into a potential hazard zone. Traditional storage methods simply aren’t designed to address these risks.

That’s where the Firebox comes in, and why billing for its use is not only reasonable but necessary. The Firebox isn’t a modified container or temporary workaround; it’s a purpose-built containment system engineered to isolate, contain, and safely store compromised EVs. For towing companies, it represents more than a safety upgrade. It’s a liability shield, a risk-management solution and a revenue opportunity.

Yet some operators hesitate to bill for Firebox use, often due to concerns about insurance disputes or capped storage rates. That hesitation, while understandable, is misplaced. The Firebox is not general storage. It’s a specialty safety and mitigation service, and it’s absolutely billable.

When questioned, the best response is to redirect the conversation to compliance. You’re not inflating costs. You’re following recognized safety procedures designed to protect property, people and insurers themselves.

This is where the Energy Security Agency (ESA) becomes your strongest ally. ESA is the national authority on EV fire risk and compromised EV handling. They provide free, on-scene guidance to towing, recovery and fire service professionals, offering detailed protocols for how EVs should be handled, transported and stored safely.

If an adjuster or customer challenges your invoice, your answer should be straightforward as follows: “We are following ESA-recommended safety and compliance procedures for handling a compromised EV.” You should then be able to bill accordingly. Here are three examples of billable line items for use of the Firebox.

Standard Vehicle Storage: Your normal daily rate applies to every vehicle in your care.

Isolation and Containment: A separate line item for the Firebox itself, representing its specialized safety function. This is not ordinary storage; it’s controlled containment.

Additional Mitigation Measures: Any added precautions, such as thermal imaging, smoke detection or live monitoring, can be billed separately or bundled as a safety package tied to the Firebox’s purpose.

In addition to fair compensation, the Firebox delivers two major advantages:

Preserved Storage Capacity: Without containment, a compromised EV could require a 50-foot safety perimeter, taking multiple storage spaces out of use. With the Firebox, you safely isolate the vehicle while maintaining full yard capacity and revenue.

Enhanced Reputation: Using the Firebox demonstrates to your community, safety partners and insurance carriers that you prioritize risk management and lead with best practices. It positions your company as forward-thinking and safety-first.

As EVs become more prevalent, the question isn’t if you need a containment solution; it’s when. Waiting until after a catastrophic event happens isn’t an option. Investing in Firebox now protects your employees, your property and your bottom line.

The Firebox remains the only truly compliant, scalable and effective EV containment system available today. It’s a smart business decision that combines safety with profitability, and it deserves to be billed accordingly.

For more information about the Firebox, contact the experienced sales team at Zip’s by calling 800-222-6047.

Midwest Truck_Ron Pratt Copy of Safety Corner- Tow Professional- HAAS Alert

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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 Ron Pratt, Vice President of Midwest Truck Sales & Service in Scott City, MO, to learn more about the importance of Safety in the towing, recovery, and roadside assistance industry.

TP: Tell us about yourself and your company.

RP: I have been in the towing and recovery business since 1985, starting with a diesel repair shop and a Holmes 750 with a first-gen Zack lift. I was hooked, pun very much intended, from the very beginning. I am a second-generation tower, and our company now has four generations working alongside each other, and we will be celebrating our 40th anniversary this year.

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

RP: I was performing a roadside assistance call for a driver who had punctured a fuel tank. It was raining, nighttime, and the driver had pulled too far over on the side of the road, and I wasn’t able to get my equipment under the vehicle. So while I was underneath the truck, another semi came flying by us, didn’t slow down, and didn’t move over, and passed so close that it rocked the truck I was working underneath, which then kicked the jack from under the truck and knocked out all of my front teeth. When my wife, LaDonna, met me at the hospital, I took my teeth out of my pocket and handed them to the doctor.

While this is a close call that I will never forget, the unfortunate reality of being a roadside responder is that I deal with close calls as a common part of doing my job. As any towing or roadside professional will tell you.

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

RP: There are so many aspects to Safety. First thing: head on a swivel, pay attention to your surroundings. I always say, “Equipment can be replaced, you can not be.” Proper PPE, proper training, ride-alongs, and constant, habit-forming in-house and industry professional training.

TP: Tools or tech you never work without?

RP: The tools and tech that we would never work without are lighting, traffic control devices of all types, the HAAS Alert Safety Cloud® system, all industry standard PPE, and the must-have camera systems.

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

RP: I don’t think that there is simply one change that is going to make our job safer; it is a combination of things. Our job is inherently dangerous. With that being said, I believe that enforcement of the “slow down, move over” laws should be increased. I believe that cellphone use, of any kind, while operating a vehicle, should be illegal. And I hope that the motoring public realizes their responsibility to slow down and move over for any responder working the roads, so everyone can go home safe to their families.

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.