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ITRHFM Adds 28 Names to Its Wall of the Fallen

By
Darian Weaver
-

The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum added twenty-eight new names to the Wall of the Fallen during its recent annual ceremony honoring towing and road service operators who have died in the line of service.

The names include those from previous years as the details of fatalities become known. In all, the Wall of the Fallen now has over 450 names of men and women who have lost their lives while serving the motoring public in the towing and road service industry. (See below for complete list of towing operator names added in 2019.)

The Wall of the Fallen ceremony seeks to honor towing operators whose lives were cut short and the Survivor Fund provides a one-time gift to the families. Survivors’ families also receive a Certificate of Honor at the ceremony.

“It is with great sadness that we find ourselves in a position that requires the Wall of the Fallen,” stated Jeffrey Godwin, Wall of the Fallen and Survivor Fund co-chairman.  “Despite the tragedy represented, we do find comfort in honoring our fallen operators and in serving their families in their time of loss.”

The annual ceremony also aims to boost motorists’ awareness of Move Over laws in effect in all 50 states that require drivers to move over one lane and/or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle.

Annually, the motoring public’s failure to slow down or move over, in addition to drunken or negligent driving, unnecessarily claims many towers’ lives.

2019 Wall of the Fallen

(in alphabetical order)

Honoree Name State Year
Phillip F. Amsden IN 2010
Patric Noel Barrio TX 2019
Michael Charles Buffington MS 2019
Patrick Cisneros NM 2019
Garold L. Cline WV 2018
Jerry E. Davenport AR 2018
Ernest Linden Dean KY 1945
Steven E. Eldridge NC 2019
Erwin Mendoza Geremillo CA 2019
Trevor A. Haas IL 2018
Richard Arturo Hernandez CA 1999
Jesse Hettmann WI 2019
Keith Holt, Sr. TX 2019
Elwood Allan Humphries VA 2018
Clarence C. Jones, Jr. PA 1963
Charles C. McGough TX 2018
Juan Manuel Morga CA 2018
James Robert Morris CA 2019
Terrell Dean Pack TX 2019
Willie J. Passmore, Jr. NE 2011
Edgar Arthur Pilon Canada 1954
Kevin B. Raasch KS 2019
Clarence Hugh Souther, Jr. GA 1962
Benny G. Sprinkle NC 2019
John L. Stewart MO 2018
Paul Wayne Taylor, Jr TX 2018
Jason Stuart Throne IN 2019
Michael R. White OK 2018

 

About ITRHFM

The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Chattanooga, TN, houses an array of displays and exhibits showcasing the history of towing and recovery. The rotating collection includes early equipment by Manley, Holmes, Vulcan, and Weaver. The Hall of Fame honors individuals who have significantly advanced the industry. The Museum includes a theater, a library, and a gift shop selling souvenirs related to the towing industry. On the outside grounds is the Wall of the Fallen memorial, dedicated to towers who died in the line of service. The ITRHFM Survivor Fund assists the families of the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of service by providing a uniform financial gift at the time of their loss. ITRHFM is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and accepts donations for its programs and operations from individuals, corporations and groups.

Learn more at www.towingmuseum.com

TRAA Joins Coalition to Halt Four Bills with “Burdensome” Unfunded Mandates

By
Darian Weaver
-

The coalition sent a letter on Sept. 16 to Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), chairman, and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington), ranking member, of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), chairman, and Rep. Sam Graves, R-Missouri, ranking member, of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

The four bills are:

• The Stop Underrides Act (H.R. 1511/S. 665): which would require the installation of front, side and rear underride guards on all trailers with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) that exceeds 10,000 pounds and all single-unit trucks with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds and a carriage that is more than 22 inches above the ground.

• The Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act of 2019 (S. 2033): which would mandate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) over 26,000 pounds to be equipped with speed limiters set to 65 mph.

• The Safe Roads Act (H.R. 3773): which would require new CMVs to be equipped with and utilize an automatic emergency braking (AEB) system.

• The INSURANCE Act (H.R. 3781): which would increase the minimum liability coverage for motor carriers from $750,000 to over $4.9 million. This increase would apply to all businesses transporting property, not just long-haul trucking operations.

In addition to TRAA, the other members of the coalition are: the Agricultural Retailers Association; Agriculture Transportation Coalition; American Dairy Coalition; American Farm Bureau Federation; American Pipeline Contractors Association; American Pyrotechnics Association; Associated Equipment Distributors; Associated Oregon Loggers; Association of Professional Towers of Ohio; Corn Refiners Association; Distribution Contractors Association; Mid-West Truckers Association; National Asphalt Pavement Association; National Association of Small Trucking Companies; National Cotton Council; National Cotton Ginners’ Association; National Council of Farmer Cooperatives; National Grain and Feed Association; National Hay Association; National Ready Mixed Concrete Association; National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association; National Utility Contractors Association; National Wildfire Suppression Association; NFIB; North American Millers’ Association; Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association; Police Towers of America; Power and Communications Contractors Association; Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute; and United States Cattlemen’s Association.

Dynamic’s New Service Truck – A Solid Towing Industry Solution!

By
Darian Weaver
-

Dynamic Towing Equipment and Manufacturing has another solid towing solution to the industry!  Dynamic worked with motor clubs and towers across the country to design a service truck specifically tailored to satisfying the customer’s needs.  We spoke directly with those who already owned our trucks and even spoke to our potential customers who are considering them.  Listening to what they said, we then turned their feedback into features that empower them to work more efficiently and quickly resulting in higher revenues and lower costs of operation.  Specifically, we found that an effective service truck needs plenty of storage, additional recovery capabilities, and increased safety, so here is what we did to design a service truck that delivers what our customers need:

WE CREATED PLENTY OF STRATEGIC STORAGE SPACE.

The Service Truck is equipped with four rollup-door storage compartments for safe and easy curbside access totaling an amazing 80-cubic feet of usable space. The fenders are poly, so no more rust, and they are lighter, so you can carry more cargo weight without the risk of being overweight.  These huge compartments can be delivered with an optional adjustable rack system for vehicle batteries and can provide safe stowing of up to 36 batteries in large boxes able to hold enough batteries to cover most vehicles on the road. The boxes have adjustable shelves with tie-downs, so the batteries are always secured while in motion.  In addition, both sides of the Service Truck have wide toolboxes and another large storage compartment on the deck for a total of seven compartments. Accompanying deck space measuring 54” x 85” allows for plenty of space for dollies, go jacks, and additional storage options.

Also, tool-box compartments are installed to accommodate all normal roadside assistance tools and equipment as well as an air compressor with front and rear quick disconnects to allow the tech complete flexibility to service vehicles in all positions. Even with the additional storage boxes, the center deck is still open for additional storage of equipment, when equipped with out stealth unit.

WE INCREASED OUR TRUCK’S RECOVERY CAPABILITIES ELMINATING THE NEED FOR MULTIPLE VEHICLES.

We originally started with a 4000-lb. lift, then went up to a 5000-lb. under lift.  We decided to add a 5000-lb. wheel lift with a recovery boom and an 8000-lb. Ramsey winch. A front push bumper is also available with an optional winch. We did this because after speaking to our customers, we found that they were wanting one vehicle to do as much as possible, so now you can do everything from a battery boost to a battery replacement to a tow or all the way up to a recovery with one vehicle.  The service technician can test the disabled vehicle’s battery and electrical system to get the vehicle running under its own power. If necessary, the tech can install a new battery in the vehicle at the breakdown site. However, as in many cases, the battery is not the cause of the breakdown.  After eliminating all the things a Service truck can do to assist the stranded customer, all you must do now is hook up the car.

Consequently, because of the increased capabilities of our Service truck, we don’t have to dispatch a tow vehicle to complete the service call and tow the customer to their repair facility; our Dynamic service truck can handle the job. The customer does not have to wait for another vehicle to arrive, and you as an owner do not have to send multiple vehicles to the same breakdown location.  We improve operational efficiency saving on fuel, vehicle wear and tear, and overhead while still providing the same high level of service our customers have come to expect.

WE IMPROVED SAFETY THROUGH OUR STORAGE-COMPARTMENT DOOR DESIGN.

Our units have roll-up doors that do not swing out into the path of traffic, but rather roll up into the truck. This eliminates the possibility of passing vehicles catching an open storage compartment door and creating a traffic incident with the service truck endangering the life of the tower or customer.

Now even though utility and safety for our customers are premium values to us, we didn’t sacrifice aesthetics–we wanted our trucks to look good. As a result, the sleek body style makes this service truck a definite eye-catcher on the road and within the industry.

Dynamic’s new service truck is truly a solid towing solution to the needs of the industry with its practical and spacious storage compartments and enhanced recovery capabilities, all while providing more protection for the lives of towers. It’s a Dynamic solution!

FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 4-year warranty
  • Designed to us a 60CA OR 84CA chassis with an additional 24-in. tunnel box
  • All poly-fender construction
  • 4 large roll-up door compartments with shelving
  • 3 fold-down door compartments with plenty of additional storage
  • Optional adjustable batter racking system
  • Optional 5000-lb. wheel lifts with or without winch and recovery boom.
  • Open deck space to store dollies, go jacks, cones, and fuel and water tanks.

 

“Best Tools” You Can Depend On

By
Darian Weaver
-

Best Tools is a family-owned and operated business which started over 35 years ago handcrafting lockout tools in the USA striving to have the best quality lockout gear in the industry.   From day one, all Best Tools lockout-tool equipment was, and still is, 100% made in the USA along with using raw materials right here in America.  Every lockout tool we make is produced from scratch right here in Northwest Arkansas. Because quality means durability, “our lockout tools take a lickin’ and keep on pickin’.”  In addition to support businesses here, we are committed to learning from and growing with the ever-changing needs of all the industries we serve.

In the last 5 years, Best Tools decided to make a jump to carefully rebrand and re-market the image and expand the product line outside of what we manufacture. We started hitting the streets getting the name out there and by request from a variety of customers, Best Tools grew.  After diligently picking only the elite manufactures out in the market, we wanted to grow with only the best from wireless tow lights, emergency lighting, rigging and recovery equipment, tie-down straps, skates, transport and trucking products, wire rope, winches, and industrial radio wireless remote controls, suspension enhancement products to much, much more. The list will always be evolving to serve the customer in the best way.  Best Tools offers a full domestic line with an imported option to satisfy every customer throughout all the different industries we serve.  To this day, some of the dealers and relationships we have made with customers throughout the variety of industries we serve are still with us growing together.

Also, in the last five years, we invested in a van that would hit the ground fully stocked with all kinds of products calling on industries from towing companies, mechanic shops, dealerships, body shops, construction companies, trucking companies, police and fire stations to municipalities. If we feel you could use Best Tools products, we will stop and see you, now that we have two vans hitting the streets. Talking to customers face-to-face and establishing a relationship, we have modified and improved our lockout tools and have designed new products to help the towing industry. Just to name a few items, our Silver Snatcher lockout tool (our version of the Axle chain and Steering Wheel strap) has been a huge hit in the market.

Now for us, it’s not just about success in the past making tools that that match the variety of needs, it’s also about being relevant to today’s challenges, so there is always something new we try to bring to the industry every year.  In the last year, so far, we have developed a hand full of newer products by high demand requests from our customers:  One is the “Mega Bag,” a bigger air wedge with a strong insert to get through the toughest doors in the market. Another is the ” Average Joe” which is a smaller version of the very poplar standard magic wand for those who have a shorter reach and need something more versatile. The “Extra Long Magic Wand” is great for big trucks with a 70″ reach.  Also new is the “Slim-Picker” which is great for mustangs and convertibles with a slightly smaller diameter than the magic wands.

So, you can not only get dependable, quality lockout gear from Best Tools, but now you can also get top notch rigging and recovery equipment, transport and trucking straps and restraints, emergency lighting and strobe light heads, truck accessories and work lighting, safety gear, wireless tow lights and wireless control systems, skates, winches, wire-rope and synthetic slings to much more. All of this is from a company committed to providing cutting-edge technologies inspired by direct customer feedback.  Best Tools has always been a “grass root” business focusing on reaching out to the customer in a personal way.  Remember, “When People Rely on You – You Can Depend on Us!”

You can check out their products through your local dealer, check them out online www.besttoolsusa.com or give us a call 800-541-8568. Maybe we will even see you a trade show!

Ian Wallace Hero Nomination

By
Darian Weaver
-

During  August 2018,  while in the course of his shift as a heavy-vehicle recovery driver, 34 yr. old, Ian Wallace,  who works for R. D. Avery Recovery of Romsey, Hampshire, was despatched at approximately 11:00 am  to attend and recover a broken-down, 44-ton articulated vehicle.

He arrived at the scene at the junction of the A34 and A 303 to find the vehicle totally blocking the exit road.  He met the Man service technician who he knew as John and who was already on-scene and attending the initial breakdown of the vehicle with his technical service van; however, the breakdown was a major component failure, and it was necessary to have the vehicle towed to the workshops for repair.   While waiting for the heavy-recovery vehicle to arrive, John started making the necessary preparations that are required to make the vehicle ready for towing. He had removed the drive shaft and had lifted it into his van.

When he arrived, Ian manoeuvred his recovery vehicle into position to enable him to lift the front of the truck which was ready to tow. He connected the necessary airlines in from the recovery vehicle to the casualty vehicle’s braking system.   Because of the dangerous position they were in with trucks and cars passing only inches away at speeds up to 70 mph, John said, “Let’s get out of here!  Don’t worry about lights on the trailer; I will follow you back to the workshops with my emergency lights on.”

They got underway and proceeded along the A34 southbound.  Because of the extreme length of the recovery vehicle towing the articulated vehicle, Ian decided to pull into the service truck area at Sutton Scotney anyway to put on the lights.  On arrival at the services, Ian got out and walked to the rear of the vehicle with his light board and cable over where John was parked in his van with the engine running and all the emergency lights on.  Without looking up, Ian called out to John, “Where do you want me to put this in the lot when we get to your garage?”   There was no reply. He looked up and noticed John was slumped over the wheel. He shouted out, “JOHN!“  There was no reply; so concerned, he ran up to the van not knowing what was wrong.   His first thoughts were, “Was the handbrake on?”  “Was it in gear?”  He opened the driver’s door and turned the engine off and placed the vehicle in gear.

He raised John’s head off the steering wheel as he took his last gasp of air before he stopped breathing!   He shouted to the driver of the truck he was towing, “CALL AN AMBULANCE! HE’S GONE!”  The driver immediately did that, but at that time, did not come over to see what was happening.

Ian pulled John out of his van onto the tarmac.  (He was not the smallest of people.) He laid him on his back and began CPR.  It was something that just came to Ian after seeing it on TV.  John was turning greyer and greyer as several onlookers had gathered.  The emergency services were now on the speaker phone talking him through the CPR procedure.  This went on for seven and a half minutes until the ambulance arrived shortly followed by the air ambulance. They got the defibrillator and shocked him. They asked Ian to carry on with the compressions until the next shock. They shocked again and again, and then John resuscitated after 10 minutes since Ian had started CPR.

John was transported to the hospital and placed into an induced coma for the next 10 days.   Ian kept in touch with John’s company to check on his progress. It was not looking good, but then on day 11, Ian received a phone call saying that John had come out of the coma and was responding well–even sitting up, eating, and drinking!  Ian was shocked and relieved that John was going to be okay.

Ian had occasion to tow another vehicle into the same Man dealership a few weeks later only to be informed that John was back at work!   Ian was in disbelief.  Wow!  It seemed much too early, but there John was!  Ian went into the workshops to see him, and the first thing John said was ”Ian, you broke my ribs!!“  John was laughing at the time, so after they both embraced and shook each other’s hands.  Ian replied, ” No Problem, Any Time!”

The only effect John has from his ordeal is a loss of a few weeks’ memory which proves to Ian that miracles can and do happen!  At the time of the incident, Ian had never had any first aid training and could not believe that he saved a man’s life!    He has since taken first aid training and fully believes everyone should do a course in basic First Aid.  Here is a hero for you—Ian Wallace.

John Copeland Background Info:

He was born in the UK in 1946 and has been in the towing and recovery industry for 58 years along with his wife, Aileen, and his sons, Matthew and Graham. He established one of the largest towing and recovery operations in south of England, operating over 100 vehicles out of 5 locations.

He is currently involved in organizing and presenting numerous recovery and rescue demonstrations to the industry, fire and police authorities and the general public. He is strongly committed to raising the public awareness of “Slow Down Move Over” and the dangers that the recovery operators face at the roadside. He is also active in several trade councils working on raising of standards of training, safety, and public perception of the towing and recovery industry.

Concerning honors: in 2019, he was inducted into the Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame in Chattanooga.  In 2013, He received a Fellowship from the Institute of Vehicle Recovery for services to the Recovery Training programs.  Also, in 2013, he received the UK Towing and Recovery Industry Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding services to the recovery industry.  In 2007, he received an honorary lifetime membership to the Association of Vehicle Recovery Operators, for services rendered to the association.

Tow Professional– “A story will soon follow on this remarkable man, John Copeland.”

PROTECT YOURSELF WITH SITUATIONAL AWARENESS!

By
Darian Weaver
-

In the past few weeks, a tow driver in Texas was shot and killed by two men at an apartment complex in Houston.  Another driver attempting to perform a private-party impound (PPI) and aggressively defending his “catch” was shot but survived.  Another driver was shot while being robbed.

There are several subjects that immediately come to mind when I hear of an unfortunate chain of incidents like this.  First and foremost, I think of ways we can avoid putting ourselves into scenarios where we might be in danger.  Danger is common in the repossession and PPI areas of the industry, but it can also crop up during much more routine tows.  The other issue is very complex – carrying a weapon. You need to know your legal rights to do so or not, to know how to handle yourself in potential high-risk situations, and to know that carrying a weapon can land you in jail or be used to legally defend yourself.

We often work alone in our industry.  You have communication via a radio, phone, or satellite system, but none of those methods can truly help you if you are confronted with violence or an otherwise threatening situation.  In high-risk areas or on high-risk tows, perhaps you can use the buddy system and have another driver work in an “overwatch” position able to respond to your location easily or at least call for help.  I performed PPI towing in San Antonio and Denton, Texas, and PPIs and repossessions in the greater Philadelphia area.  We ran in packs of two or three trucks or rode with two people in a single unit, consequently and thankfully, we avoided trouble.  There’s a safe way to do an unsafe job, but you must plan and keep your head on a swivel.

Tow Professional magazine isn’t a forum for gun rights or the Second Amendment, so I’m not about to get on my soapbox about what we should or could do out there.  I know from my background in law enforcement and as a licensed concealed/open carrier via my state concealed- carry license and my federal Law Enforcement Officer’s Safety Act (LEOSA) carry-permit, there are still huge restrictions, even with the latter’s 50-state reciprocity.  There are many places you already can’t carry a weapon, like government buildings, hospitals, and any business with proper signage prohibiting weapons.  With that said, and I’m sure some will argue, there is absolutely no restriction for carrying a weapon in a commercial vehicle, unless prohibited by laws in your state or city.  As long as the law allows it and your company allows it, and you’re properly licensed and trained, you may carry.  Please think again about the restrictions, and the notion that merely showing your weapon as a matter of threat or intimidation is a felony in most jurisdictions.  To cut a complex idea to simpler terms, you can’t pull your weapon unless confronted with an equal threat.

There have been many arguments about the “weapons in commercial vehicles” subject, and after years of debate, I figured out where this notion came from.  According to 18 USC 926a, when transporting weapons or ammunition as cargo, weapons must not be transported with ammunition, and said weapons or ammunition must not be accessible from the passenger compartment.  The most important aspect of that directive are the words “as cargo.”  Transporting a load of shotguns to a sporting goods store isn’t the same as carrying your personal weapon. This 18 USC reference is supported in FMCSA 49 CFR.

One last thing, other than keeping your head on a swivel – if you’re remotely thinking about carrying a weapon, please understand that just because your uncle was in Vietnam, and he taught you to shoot a .22 rifle into a tree when you were 12, that doesn’t count as training and experience.  Training and experience are far more valuable than a weapon itself – get some decent marksmanship safety training and spend significant time at the range before considering carrying a weapon.  Most people who attempt to defend themselves without proper training and familiarity or brandish a weapon due to ego and lack of experience and knowledge, end up dying or seriously injured or in jail.  Check your ego, get some training, and be careful.

Technology and the Towing Industry – The TowTrax Solution

By
Darian Weaver
-

Since we are talking about the motor clubs and dispatch systems, let me point out a few things I’ve discovered as I deal with many service providers.  I have contacted no less than 25 service providers, and most of them are fighting the same problems:

  1. Pricing – This industry is very competitive as motor clubs fight to survive. As they fight for their share of the market, they must lower their tow fee as low as possible to win business.  As I look at some of the pricing, I can see why they have trouble getting tow companies to take calls.  I talked to a tow company last week, and he told me that he was the 32nd company the service provider called to get someone to run the call.  I was asked by several providers not to put their names on the tow for fear that the tow company would not take the call if they knew who it was. We can make the call look like a TowTrax call and not display the service provider.
  2. Remote Areas – One motor club asked me if I could cover their remote areas. I asked them what they considered a remote area; they told me Milwaukee.  That surprised me since Milwaukee is a large city.  When TowTrax looked at 50-mile radius in Milwaukee, we found 72 tow companies.  We registered over 30 in the Milwaukee area, so if any service provider needs help in that area, let us know.
  3. Change – The service providers have been operating for years doing what they do today. They are 20 years behind in technology, and they know they must change but there is a fear factor.  When I first developed TowTrax, one of my partners told me there is no way you will get these service providers to change the way they do business because the change would be too hard compared to what they do today.  It’s interesting that the service provider wants to change, but no one wants to be first.  They can’t afford to disrupt the poor service they offer today.
  4. Poor ETA’s – Some service providers admitted that their ETA’s were over an hour on average. A girl in the office was telling me she waited over two hours when she broke down and called her service provider.  She was in the Dallas area which makes it worse.
  5. Their Tow Network – The service providers go to tow shows and try and register tow companies to service their calls. There are over 70,000 tow companies nationwide, but it’s the same 15,000 tow companies that go to all the shows.  These are usually large tow companies that use the tow shows to see what is new in the industry.  These companies don’t use many service providers for their main line of business.  They do police rotation, body shops, and other sources as their main source of business.   As a result, the motor clubs struggle with their towing network.
  6. Multiple Contracts – When service providers sign contracts with tow companies, they may offer one company a price for light or medium duty with a per-mile fee after 5 miles. Then they go to a second provider and offer that tow company different prices for the same area.  The service provider ends up managing multiple contracts with multiple tow companies. Then, when they get in a remote area, the service provider will call anyone to take the call.  Even if there is no contract between the service provider and the tow company.
  7. Fees and Credit Cards – When a service provider can’t find a tow company to run a call, they are forced to pay double the fee to get a company to run the call. When the tow company takes the call, they ask for a credit card to make sure they get paid.
  8. No Resources – I talk to several providers that want to use TowTrax but have no technical staff available to work with us. They will continue to lose money and provide a poor service until they make time to upgrade their technology.

The new problem for many service providers is the new companies that are entering the industry.  They have plenty of money and tech staffs that can that can develop whatever is needed to support their business.  They advertise on their websites that they are here to put the old service providers out of business.  When you have money and resources at your disposal, you can do whatever is needed to win the business.

I know for a fact that several major customers that are currently with a service provider have gone to them for some changes, but the service provider ignores them for reasons I don’t understand.  It will not be long that new technology will start to take customers away from some service providers.

A message to the service provider: you can’t continue to do busines

s the way you do today.  A lot of companies have developed something that connects with the consumer.  Remember you can’t service a call without the tow truck.  At some point in time, you will have to improve your technology if you want to compete in the business.  TowTrax makes it simple and provides a service like no other.  The change in your business is made easy with TowTrax.

Preliminary Injunctive Relief Regarding the Massachusetts State Police (“MSP”) Request For Response (“RFR”)

By
Darian Weaver
-

The Towing and Recovery Association of America, Inc.® (TRAA) has joined the Statewide Towing Association, Inc. of Massachusetts, and several Massachusetts towing companies, in filing a request in Federal District Court seeking preliminary injunctive relief regarding the Massachusetts State Police (“MSP”) Request For Response #SP20-TOW-X81 (“RFR”). The MSP RFR is a bid request for companies to provide towing, recovery, and roadside services for the MSP relating to law enforcement actions, accidents, roadway clearance, and disabled motorist services and would replace the current Tow Service Agreement (“TSA”).

The RFR includes several areas of concern from tower safety, tow company appeal rights, onerous equipment requirements, and contradictory educational requirements for tow operators. TRAA has signed on as a party to protect not only our own interests with the National Driver Certification ProgramÂŽ but also our many member towing companies and certified towing professionals within the state.

For more information, visit Statewide Towing Association, Inc. of Massachusetts

TomTom Telematics Officially Renamed Webfleet Solutions

By
Darian Weaver
-

From today, the company previously known as TomTom Telematics is operating under the new name Webfleet Solutions. Webfleet Solutions will continue to provide exactly the same market-leading products and services TomTom Telematics was known for, including WEBFLEET, NEXTFLEET, LINK devices and the range of PRO Driver Terminals.

While no longer a business unit of the TomTom Group, having been acquired by Bridgestone Europe in April 2019, Webfleet Solutions will remain a key business partner of TomTom and continue to utilize its award-winning “Traffic and Maps” in its services.

“20 years ago, we launched our WEBFLEET fleet management solution from our original office in Leipzig, Germany”, said Thomas Schmidt, CEO and Managing Director, Webfleet Solutions. “We were forerunners in using cloud and internet technologies to help fleets and companies with commercially used trucks, vans and cars to boost productivity, increase safety and sustainability, enhance customer satisfaction, and increase the overall efficiency of their fleet operations.”

“Today, we serve more than 50,000 customers with vehicles driving in 100 countries. As Webfleet Solutions, we will go further than just providing telematics solutions. Bridgestone gives us the perfect platform from which to do so, supporting us to create a wider scope of services for more customers across the world. With us, Bridgestone EMEA now manages 1.2 million mobility and fleet management subscriptions.”

 MORE ON WEBFLEET SOLUTIONS

Webfleet Solutions, known as TomTom Telematics until October 1st 2019, is one of the world’s leading telematics solution providers, dedicated to fleet management, vehicle telematics and connected car services. Its main Software-as-a-Service solution WEBFLEET is used by businesses of all sizes to improve vehicle performance, save fuel, support drivers, and increase overall fleet efficiency. In addition, Webfleet Solutions provides services for the insurance, rental and leasing industries, car importers and companies that address the needs of businesses as well as consumers.

Webfleet Solutions has over 50,000 customers worldwide and services drivers in more than 100 countries, giving them the industry’s strongest local support network and widest range of sector-specific third-party applications and integrations. Our customers benefit every day from the high standards of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certified service, re-audited in November 2018.

Webfleet Solutions was formerly known as TomTom Telematics and was part of the TomTom group until 1st of April 2019 when it was acquired by Bridgestone Europe NV/SA (“Bridgestone”), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world’s largest tire and rubber company. Bridgestone operates in 38 countries across the EMEA region, with some of Europe’s most advanced factories, world-beating technology and leading R&D investments. For further information, please visit webfleet.com.  Follow us on Twitter @WebfleetNews.

For more information about Bridgestone in EMEA, please visit www.bridgestone.eu and Bridgestone newsroom.

TRAA Coordinating Move Over Law Awareness Among States

By
Darian Weaver
-

The Midwest Regional Tow Show 2019 in Mason, OH hosted the TRAA’s most recent State Association Forum Breakfast. This was the third forum for affiliate state associations TRAA has held this year, and it was just as well attended as the other two with leaders from 15 individual state associations participating. The primary goal of the Ohio forum was for state associations to share their initiatives and ideas for promoting Move Over Law awareness with the motoring public.

TRAA is asking all state associations to join our incident management partners in supporting FHWA’s National Traffic Incident Responder Awareness Week (NTIRAW) from November 10-16, 2019. Whenever possible, states are asked to coordinate their Move Over Awareness initiatives during or leading up to FHWA’s annual week in November for maximum exposure and impact outside of the towing community. By synchronizing our efforts, we’ll also be sending a clear message of inclusion with and support for our IM partners.

TRAA also mentioned their backing for the Move Over Law Day Resolution (H. Res. 373). Since the resolution does not include a date, if passed, we’re hopeful that the legislators will select a November date to coincide with FHWA’s established National Traffic Incident Responder Awareness Week (NTIRAW).

Of course, one of the best ways to gauge the effectiveness of these Move Over events is to review the struck-by and near-miss data for tow operators. The Towing Traffic Incident Reporting System (TTIRS) is the only reporting system for the towing industry. TTIRS is recognized by FHWA, the National Academy of Sciences’ Transportation Research Board (TRB), and many of our incident management partners. The collection of this data is essential for pushing the enforcement of Move Over Laws.

What is your state association doing to promote Move Over Law awareness to the motoring public? We challenge you to get involved!

To learn more, visit: http://www.ttirs.com/.

LIMITED TIME OFFER ON IN-STOCK 25-TON WRECKERS

By
Darian Weaver
-

Don’t miss this limited time offer on in-stock 25-ton wreckers and kits.

  • Available for immediate delivery
  • Flexible lending options
  • 100% financing with zero down up to $330,000*
  • Simple application process

This offer is only available while supplies last!

Contact Todd Chase for more information.
E: jdfs@jerrdan.com P: 281-883-0112 C: 978-992-8001

SDMO Gear Launches New Site for Products

By
Darian Weaver
-

SDMO Gear, LLC announced today the initial launch of its new online store offering fresh designs in Slow Down Move Over branded items to consumers.  The business is about raising awareness of the issue from the inside of a for-profit business model while being tasteful and respectful of those professionals in the industries most impacted by the public’s lack of awareness or concern for those in harm’s way.  SDMO Gear also plans to help the families of those who tragedy befalls by supporting the non-profits who are dedicated to specific groups whose constituency is on the roadside taking the risks every day as they pursue their careers.

The company has chosen to focus on numerous public safety disciplines and to identify some specific groups who are highly impacted by the lack of compliance with the existing Slow Down Move Over laws in all 50 states.  Primary responders like Police, Fire, Towing, and EMS were the most obvious choices due to the on-demand nature of their response and the additional dangers of being on the roadside in situations where your presence is unplanned.  Additionally, SDMO Gear has specifically called out the Mobile Mechanic role, Road Construction workers, and Flaggers, all of whom face many different types of situations and deal with the same driving public as the others.  There are certainly more to be recognized but SDMO Gear is also working to setup the relationships with the best organizations offering support to the various groups.

Simply put, SDMO Gear aims to raise awareness, save lives, make money, and support those left behind when tragedy strikes.

Learn more at www.sdmogear.com.

GPS Fleet Management Solutions

By
Darian Weaver
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GPS Fleet Management Solutions, which is headquartered in Raleigh, NC, has been distributing and supporting fleet telematics since 2000. Their full-featured solutions help businesses better manage their drivers and assets by extracting accurate and actionable intelligence from real-time and historical data.

The Geotab GO9 allows you to lead your fleet into the future w.th expanded capacity for further native vehicle support, improved fuel usage support, electric vehicles and global expansion.

GPS Fleet Management Solutions serves and supports hundreds of fleets of all sizes, and thousands of assets of all types and makes world-wide.  They are a turn-key solutions provider, offering onsite installation services, company account development, personnel training, and unrestricted access to all available support services. GPS Fleet Management Solutions provides business owners with unfiltered data, provide absolute awareness, ensure efficiency and cut waste from its source, increase profits and promote driver safety.

GPS Fleet Management Solutions’ relationships are centered upon a handshake agreement. They do not have contracts or term limits to define a relationship and they work hard to ensure flawless product performance while providing the support to make certain that your solution is utilized to its capacity. Simply put, this is the way they have always done it and the way it should be.

GPS FMS’ Free Demo Unit program, which they reference as “Proof before Purchase”, allows customers to try a device for 14 days and they state,  If you’re not convinced that this is the most efficient solution to ensure employee accountability and live asset management, we will send a call tag to pick up the unit. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

For More Info Contact:
Renee Depuydt, Director of Sales
GPS Fleet Management Solutions
616-550-2812
renee@gpsfms.com
www.gpsfms.com

HINO TRUCKS COMMEMORATES MILESTONE TRUCK DELIVERY TO PENSKE TRUCK LEASING

By
Darian Weaver
-

Just one day after Hino Trucks held the grand opening of their new manufacturing facility in Mineral Wells, WV, they celebrated another milestone – the 20,000th truck delivery to Penske Truck Leasing (PTL).  In a ceremony held at the plant to commemorate the delivery, members of Hino Trucks, including President and CEO Shigehiro Matsuoka were on hand as Hino Motors Ltd president Mr. Yoshio Shimo presented the key to the 20,000th truck to Roger Penske.

“Hino is an important supplier of trucks to our leasing and rental business”, said Penske Truck leasing Chairman Roger Penske.  “I am honored to accept delivery of the 20,000th truck produced by Hino in the United States on behalf of Penske Truck Leasing and would like to congratulate the entire team at Hino on the achievement of this significant milestone.”

The 20,000th truck is a 2020 model 268A a part of Hino’s line-up of Class 6 & 7 conventional trucks that have garnered an industry reputation for providing the lowest cost of ownership in its class.  Hino’s 268 model is specifically well suited for the lease and rental market segment where Hino has grown to 10 percent of the market. The 20,000th truck will be a part of Penske Truck Leasing’s commercial rental fleet.

“This has been a landmark week in the history of Hino Trucks.  We have officially opened the doors of our new 1 million sq ft manufacturing plant, and are commemorating a milestone delivery to our longstanding partner Penske Truck Leasing.  They continue to guide and support our growth in North America and we look forward to continuing to provide them with best in class trucks,” said Shigehiro Matsuoka, President & CEO for Hino Trucks.

“We’re honored to receive the 20,000th Hino truck into our fleet. We congratulate the entire Hino and Toyota organizations on achieving this milestone,” said Brian Hard, President and CEO of Penske Truck Leasing. “Hino is a valued and trusted supplier and we appreciate their ongoing support and collaboration in our work together.”

About Hino Trucks:

Hino Trucks, a Toyota Group Company, manufactures, sells, and services a lineup of Class 4-8 commercial trucks in the United States. Hino Trucks is the premier heavy & medium duty nameplate in the United States with a product lineup that offers fully connected vehicles with low total cost of ownership, superior fuel economy, unmatched reliability and maneuverability and the most comprehensive bundle of standard features in the market. Headquartered in Novi, Michigan, Hino has a network of over 230 dealers nationwide committed to achieving excellence in the ultimate ownership experience.

Learn more about Hino Trucks at http://www.hino.com or follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and YouTube.

About Penske Truck Leasing:

Celebrating its 50th year in business, Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P., headquartered in Reading, Pennsylvania, is a partnership of Penske Corporation, Penske Automotive Group and Mitsui & Co., Ltd. A leading global transportation services provider, Penske operates more than 326,000 vehicles and serves customers from more than 1,100 locations in North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Product lines include full-service truck leasing, contract maintenance, commercial and consumer truck rentals, used truck sales, transportation and warehousing management and supply chain management solutions.

Visit GoPenske.com to learn more.

What Do We Face in the Future?

By
Darian Weaver
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Two weeks ago, I was invited to the Montana State Association tow show.  They paid my expenses, and I was a guest speaker at their dinner and held a 3-hour seminar on towing business in general.  Some of the topics were:

  1. The Owner – As an owner, you wear many hats, and you better be prepared to fit in each one of them.
  2. Leadership – Some people were not meant to be leaders, yet, as the owner, you are expected to lead.
  3. Business Plans – It is important to have a business plan, so what does it take to create one?
  4. The Budget – Following a good business plan, we created a budget and discussed at length the importance of knowing your business.
  5. Avoiding Burnout – How many times have you woken up and said, “I do not want to go to work today” especially in an area where the climate might be below zero or over 100 degrees. I guess no matter where you are, there is always something.
  6. When to Sell – This is a topic they wanted to talk at length on. It was not that they were ready to sell but knowing how to sell would make their business better. Here are a few things we discussed:
    1. Know when to sell the business. Timing is everything.
    2. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to help you put together the sales package. It was the best $500 I spent when I sold my business.
    3. Don’t have high expectations. You can get what you think it’s worth, but you must work to get there.
    4. Tell your employees what you are planning and make sure they are happy.
    5. Make sure your customers are happy and let them know you may be selling.
    6. Pay off as much debt as possible. The first time someone wanted to buy my company I was disappointed because they offered me almost nothing.  They showed me how they evaluated my company.  For the next 6 months, I prepared to sell based on what I was told.  When I sold, I got more than I was asking.
    7. Have a good list of assets.

Even though the tow companies were not ready to sell, our discussions gave them things to work on to improve their business.  I got the feeling towers are in it for the long haul.

I’ll say one thing about the tow companies in Montana–they all were like family.  Their show was small with maybe 500 towers, but they covered a lot of information.  They held several classes besides mine and made valuable information available.  It seemed like we were always eating or drinking.  Their hospitality was 2nd to none, and I can’t say enough about the state of Montana.  I had all day Sunday to explore, and we did.  My wife and I put over 800 miles on the car just on Sunday.  What a beautiful state even if they just got 40 inches of snow!

Let’s get back on track.  The major part of our class was our discussion about employees, especially drivers.  I learned over the years how tow companies are constantly complaining about their drivers.  I never understood that because that’s the biggest asset you have.  I tell everyone in my classes that we all have the same trucks, dispatch software, and we can go after the same accounts.  The only difference between you and your competition is your employees.  I talked to a lot of tow companies and for some reason, they don’t like their drivers or get along with their drivers.  When I ran my company, I would hug my drivers every chance I got.  They made me money, and I treated them like gold.

One of the main topics we discussed for over an hour was “Where do we find the driver of the future?”  We had 40 tow companies in the room, and the discussion was awesome.  It seems like all the associations worry about training, and not the next generation of towers.  Just about every tow company needs drivers.  We talked about things like:

  1. Starting some type of classes in high school like mechanics or anything relating to mechanics will help students transition into tow-related jobs. When I ran my business, I went to a high school in Dallas and took 2 students twice a week for a half a day and let them work at my storage yard.  I ran my own auctions, so they started cars for me.  They got school credit, made a little money, and were happy to be at my storage yard.   My company got recognition for helping the Dallas school district.  Keep in mind that not every student is meant for college.  I recently paid a plumber $145 for an hr. to fix my toilet.  There were two tow company owners in the class that had college degrees, but they were not using them.  There are no degrees in towing.
  2. The second topic of discussion was a trade school for towing. If 40 tow companies in Montana came up with an idea for a trade school for towing, think what a few associations could put together if they tried.  Take three retired towers, pay them a small salary, and let them work with high schools and trade schools to create drivers for the future.  If the national association backed a program that created drivers, it would get the support of all the associations nationwide.
  3. The president just initiated a program to take ex-convicts and find them a good job in society. Since they all have tattoos anyways, let’s make them tow truck drivers.  If we worked at it, we could probably get some government assistance to pay for their education.  We could work with truck manufactures and let the government help buy trucks.  Now you have an educated driver with his own truck ready to make you money.

As an industry, these are the things we should be discussing rather than more testing.  I’m ready to take this to the next level if anyone is with me.

Worldwide Equipment Sales, LLC Selects Jeffrey Irr as New CEO

By
Darian Weaver
-

Pritchard Companies, parent company of Worldwide Equipment Sales, LLC, announced Jeffrey Irr as the company’s Chief Executive Officer.

The selection of Irr compliments the goals and core values of Worldwide Equipment Sales, LLC, a nationwide tow truck and recovery business delivering first class customer service for sales, parts, and service.

Irr has been in the transportation industry for 31 years. Prior to his new role with Worldwide Equipment Sales, LLC, Irr spent 5 years with Jerr-Dan Corporation, a Division of Oshkosh, where he managed sales, marketing, and day-to-day operations. Among his career achievements at Jerr-Dan, Irr grew sales and developed the current JDFS Financial Solutions Program. His leadership and knowledge of the Class 6-8 truck and towing markets ensured Jerr-Dan’s position as one of the top manufacturers in the towing industry. The addition of Irr will ensure the successful future of Worldwide Equipment Sales, LLC.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Jeff Irr’s caliber and experience leading us into the next era of growth,” said Pat Winer, Founder of Worldwide Equipment Sales, LLC.

Irr graduated from Eastern Nazarene College in 2003, with an MSM and B.S. in Business Management. He lives in Greencastle, Pennsylvania with his wife, Amy, and their three sons, Ben, Sam, and Zach. They enjoy staying involved in their community and in youth sports.

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