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Western States Tow Show

After spending 3 years in sunny and beautiful San Diego, the Western States Tow Show is returning to some familiar ground. The Grand Sierra Resort (formally the Reno Hilton), will be our host for the 2015 Western States Tow Show. The Grand Sierra Resort has just completed a massive multi-million dollar remodel and it shows! The WSTS team and the California Tow Truck Association is extremely excited for all of our attendees and vendors to enjoy the Grand Sierra and everything they have to offer!

The 2015 Western States Tow Show (WSTS) is THE place to be for owners, operators and staff from towing and recovery companies. Produced by the California Tow Truck Association, the WSTS is the longest running Western regional tow show. We take pride in presenting a show that is beneficial for not only our members but our attendees and exhibitors by bringing them together in an atmosphere that fosters both personal and professional relationships and networking.

The Western States Tow Show is produced by the California Tow Truck Association (CTTA) and benefits the CTTA’s mission to improve and protect the Towing Industry. The Western States Tow Show is created and coordinated by volunteers from the CTTA Board of Directors and CTTA Members. Beyond helping financially support the CTTA, the Western States Tow Show is a platform for the CTTA and other Towing Associations to share their mission, all while seeing the newest technologies and equipment that our vendors have to offer.

The newly renovated Grand Sierra Resort (formerly Reno Hilton) features over 2,000 rooms and suites of different levels to accommodate all budgets. With a state of the art casino, 12 restaurants, spa, fitness center, shopping and several onsite activities for all ages, there are plenty of things for you to do once the show wraps for the day. Or better yet, plan to stay a few days after the show with your family and enjoy everything the Grand Sierra has to offer.

The WSTS team is hard at work making sure our attendees not only have a great time at the show but leave with knowledge, information and tips to help their business prosper. Keep an eye out for news about what to expect this year from an improved seminar program, new exhibitors and more education and training. We are also excited to have Miller Industries back for a live demonstration and customer appreciation event in addition to CTTAā€™s Driver Training course(s) offered at discounted rates for those attending the show and staying at the Grand Sierra.

So, start planning your trip now and joins us for the 2015 Western States Tow Show! Visit www.WesternStatesTowShow.com for more information and took book your stay!

Tru-Balance

When mounting hub-piloted wheels, all the weight of the wheel and tire rests on the top pilots,
creating a gap in the bottom pilots, leaving the wheel off center. A small gap the size of a
business card can result in an off center wheel and an “egg-shaped” motion upon rotation. This
uneven motion results in tire vibration and irregular tire wear. Even if you balance the tires, the
wheel is still off center.

The TRU-BALANCE products bypass the hub-pilots and center the wheels back to the wheel
studs, which is the true center of the wheel. When the wheels are properly centered, the result is
increased tire life, increased fuel mileage and an unbelievably smooth ride.

Contact us at 866-686-9285 or visit us online at www.tru-bal.com.

TowMate New Advanced Worksite Perimeter Safety System

TowMateā€™s dedication to increasing roadside safety is evident with their latest improvement to their Safety Alert System. They have created peace of mind on the roadside with their addition of the new Personal Safety Device to the system. The device, about the size of a deck of cards, can be worn around the ankle/arm or clipped to a belt and will vigorously vibrate and send a high-frequency tone through the included earbud when it receives the signal from the trip hose. This indicates that the worksite perimeter has been breached. This, in addition to the rechargeable horn/light assembly, creates the awareness necessary to seek safety in the event of a vehicle presenting a threat. The rechargeable Safety Alert System with a hardshell case starts at $450 with the Personal Safety Devices priced at $115 a piece. Everything is made in the USA and carries a lifetime warranty on electronics. For more information or to find a dealer near you, visit www.TowMate.com or call 800-680-4455.

Saftey_Alert_System_combo_01

Three Pā€™s (People, Process, Product) of Successful Business Growth

Have you ever considered developing additional streams of income in your business using your existing
equipment and staff? Additional streams of revenue create much needed security and stability in a
business as it faces changing economic conditions, increased costs, decreased profits, and seasonal
fluctuations.

One of the best ways to grow your business is through diversification. Diversifying can be risky but does
not have to be. To avoid becoming another overextended small business story, you simply need a tool
to help evaluate the legitimacy and potential of your diversification options.

Every worthwhile diversification option must pass the ā€œ3 Pā€™sā€ test: People, Process, and Product.

  • People: Mary Kay Ash is quoted as saying, ā€œPeople are definitely a company’s greatest asset. It
    doesn’t make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as
    good as the people it keeps.ā€

The ā€œrightā€ people make you profitable, the wrong generally donā€™t.

Evaluation Question: When diversifying, does your diversification opportunity possess the right people to execute your potential product with excellence?

  • Process: Success on any scale is all about the process. The process starts with the product and then advances the company as it defines and streamlines the hiring of employees, marketing, accounting, expansion, etc.

Evaluation Question: Does your potential diversification opportunity have clearly defined processes to execute the product as advertised with consistency?

  • Product: The product must be equally excellent and relevant. Products that outperform their peers have three differentiators: they inspire, they possess the potential to be the leader in the
    market, and they create trust with their customers.

Evaluation Question: Does your potential diversification opportunity have a product that excites you and also has the ability to stand out in the market?

With a passionate and determined focus on these ā€œ3 Pā€™sā€, Snappy Box has created a new way for Tow Operators who already have rollback trucks, drivers, and extra space on a secure lot to diversify by adding portable storage to their existing business. Owning and renting portable storage containers allows Tow Operators to tap into a $3 billion industry. The Portable Storage industry was created to provide a more convenient option for customers with self-storage needs. The portable storage container is brought to the customerā€™s home or business where it is packed. Once packed, it can be stored at the customerā€™s property or brought back to a portable storage companyā€™s secure outdoor storage lot.

Snappy Box provides a good source of high quality, light weight containers that are specifically designed
to be moved loaded with rollback trucks. They also bring their 11 years of industry experience to offer a
turn-key management program that runs all aspects of the portable storage business and allows the operator to continue to focus on their towing business.

Letā€™s take a look at how their focus on the ā€œ3 Pā€™sā€ is benefiting Tow Operators that are looking for new
ways to generate revenue.

People:
Combining the Snappy Box staff with a towing operation is a powerful combination. Anybody can say they have the best people in their company. Snappy box has the statistics to prove it. With a 90% customer satisfaction rating and customer acquisition rates double industry standard, it is clear that the Snappy Box staff are passionate, friendly, team oriented people that make service a priority.

Product:
Snappy Box has set itself apart in the industry with a quality product that stands above the competition. Snappy Box containers are extremely durable, typically have a 30-year life cycle, are waterproof, secure, can carry up to 10,000 lbs and withstand winds up to 120 miles an hour. They come in two sizes, 8ā€™x16ā€™ and 8ā€™x19ā€˜. These containers are uniquely designed for the towing industry and have four wheels that allow the containers to roll on and off your truck without damaging the bed.

On average, a portable storage unit will rent for $175.00 per month and stay rented for an average of 6
months. When towing a portable storage unit, you are paid for the transport and collect recurring revenue from the monthly rental. Multiply this by 50, 100, or 200 containers and towing operators can generate significant profit.

When you diversify with Snappy Box you are able to strategically scale the growth of your business with a manageable initial order quantity because Snappy Box can ship container in groups of 12 at a time. Tow operators can break even with as few as 6 containers rented and this factors in the cost of financing. With snappy box, you not only get the safety of scalability, but you get the added bonus of diversifying your business.

Process:
With positive growth yearly for 11 straight years, Snappy Box knows how to rent containers. With your towing experience, you know how to tow containers. Working together with your experience, Snappy Box rents the containers while you focus on transportation.

Snappy Box is here to help you use your existing resources to safely and slowly

build on what you already do well ā€“ towing ā€“ whether towing a car or a container. Snappy Box uses tried
and true processes applied to a sales-focused call center, online lead generation, marketing plan, billing/collections system, dispatching, social media campaign, website with quote system, landing page, and operational software that are used to make your operation as successful as itā€™s own.

If you are looking for a way to diversify your towing business, create additional revenue for your business and utilize your trucks and drivers through the slow times, then Snappy Box Moving and Storage may be a great solution for you. To find out more about their services, check them out at www.snappybox.com/towing or call 888-363-2720.

Next Generation Tool Co.

Portable Automotive DVR
“Your Digital Eye-Witness”

This new item is a must-have for recording what actually happens during driving incidents. Features include: HD Quality; Loop Recording and Motion Activation; Wide Viewing Area; Excellent Night Vision; Color Screen. Multi-functional as a DVR, Digital camera and Microphone; Both 12v and Battery Operated; Auto ON/OFF. Excellent for insurance, legal claims and new drivers. Know where your drivers or family is going. 1 yr. Mfr. guarantee. Call us today at 1-800-874-5625.

S & J Manufacturing, Inc.

DIG OUT CHAINS
Dig Out Chains are used on trucks when you are stuck in the snow, ice, or mud. You can use them off road, in truck docks, or parking lots to gain traction effectively. Easy to install, easy to take off.

** NOT FOR HIGHWAY USE **
** DO NOT USE HOLE WHERE THE VALVE STEM IS. THIS MAY CAUSE DAMAGE**

E ā€“ Z OUT STRAP
E ā€“ Z OUT STRAPS are used to get automobiles out of the ditch and clear the highway quickly. Itā€™s as easy as 1-2-3.

STEP #1 ā€“ RUN THE STRAP THROUGH THE WHEEL.
STEP #2 ā€“ WRAP THE LOOP END OF THE STRAP BACK TO THE HOOK.
STEP #3 ā€“ HOOK THE WINCH LINK TO THE RING IN THE END OF THE STRAP TO WINCH OUT.

S & J Manufacturing, Inc.
203 Commerce Drive
Cuba, MO 65453
Phone: 573-885-4460
Fax: 573-885-3351
www.sjmetalcubamo@yahoo.com

Larson Electronics

Larson Electronicsā€™ LEDP5W-30-TP1-50CR is a portable LED light tower that comes complete with a 150 watt LED light head, aluminum quadpod and 50ā€™ retractable cord reel. Operators can easily stow this collapsible light tower after using it for temporary scene lighting. The LED floodlight creates a total of 14,790 lumens of bright white light that provides coverage for an area 540ā€™ long by 480ā€™ wide, and retractable cord reel keeps the cord clear of trip hazards.

800-369-6671
www.magnalight.com

FlowStop

FlowStop has launched its newest product, a football shaped, polyurethane impregnated, wateractivated
foam plug. Its revolutionary qualities will temporarily stop the flow from a leak in anything from a pipe, to a tanker, to a rail carā€”even a boat hull! What makes the ā€œFootballā€ so unique is that it starts as a pliable plug that can be easily inserted into a void. Then it quickly expands and hardens to fill the void, taking the shape of a small childā€™s football. The versatile repair plug can even be applied below the water line!

The FlowStop Football offers many significant benefits to the spill containment and marine industries as well as fire departments, HazMat teams, first responders and clean-up crews. Itā€™s ready to use immediately, with no mixing or other prop work required. The application is fast, simple and mess-free. Most important of all, it sets rock hard in under three minutes – and works for all types of accidents, punctures and leaks.

ā€œWhen a leak needs to be stopped fast, the Football Plug is the most reliable product available today,ā€ says Perry Beaty, president of FlowStopā€™s manufacturer, Logos Inc. ā€œIt saves valuable time in avoiding crisis situations more effectively than anything else on the market. Weā€™re amazed by its ease of use and are pleased to be adding it to our product line of unique pipe plugs.ā€

The Football Plug Kit includes five ā€œFootballsā€ that come in a 3 Ā½ gallon portable plastic water bucket with lid along with step-by-step instructions and protective gloves. Each Football foil packet is approximately 7 inches by 7 inches. Once submerged in water for just 5 seconds, the yellow-foam is used to plug the holeā€”curing in less than three minutes in temperatures ranging from 32 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Remaining Footballs can be easily stored in the bucket for future use.

The Football Plug provides excellent resistance to gasoline, kerosene, diesel, formaldehyde and other urethane chemicals and toxins.
To order, call 877-356-9767 or visit www.FlowStop.net.

TWIST LOCKā„¢ SLIP HOOKS

B/A Products

Features & Benefits
ā€¢ Strongest latch ever designed for use on a slip hook.
ā€¢ Eliminates out of service equipment because of broken flip latches.
ā€¢ Latch is constructed of heavy gauge steel and designed to withstand adverse conditions.
ā€¢ Latch conveniently swivels 360 degrees.
ā€¢ Helps prevent accidental hooking or catching onto other objects.
ā€¢ Come in 5/16ā€, 3/8ā€ and 1/2ā€ sizes for use with Grade 70 chain.

AVAILABLE WHEREVER B/A PRODUCTS ARE SOLD!
WWW.BAPROD.COM

AW Direct

PUP20_3NJJ4_AA01
Ultratech Pop Up PoolĀ® Containment Pool
Item# PUP20
Containing a spill can be a difficult and messy job, which is why Ultratech designed the Pop Up PoolĀ® Containment Pool. A patented foam ring runs through the lip of the pool, allowing it to rise along with the level of the spilling liquid. Simply shake out the pool to expand it for use and keep liquids from spilling on the ground. The 10-mil polyethylene pool provides chemical resistance for fuels, corrosive acids and caustics.

HVG60XL_6DLG9_AS01
Youngstown Titan XT Work Gloves
Item# HVG60XL
With reflective 3M Scotchliteā„¢ and TPR smash- and pinch-protection, these heavyduty work gloves are designed to help keep you safer from cars passing you on the roadside and from objects that can injure your hands and fingers as youā€™re working. Titan XTs also feature a form-fit design and neoprene cuff with an adjustable closure for improved fit, comfort and dexterity.

NCR Warning & Violation Stickers

When having a duplicate of your warning is necessary, try our NCR (No Carbon Required) Stickers that utilize the liner of the label as your copy. Our warning stickers are made from the strongest adhesive on the market. You can choose from several of our fluorescent colors or any color of your choice.

NUMBER 2:
TOWING
SIGNS
Anchor Graphics Offers Chorplast (corrugated) or aluminum signs in all shapes, sizes and colors. State Compliant
Now offering Reflective signs!

ā€¢Aluminum
Durable Rust proof .040
ā€¢Chorplast
High density fluted polyethylene
ā€¢Variety of colors available
Anchor Graphics Labels & More ā€¢ 800.875.7859 ā€¢ www.anchorgraphics.com

ZACKLIFT FIFTHWHEELER

Inexpensive to buy
Inexpensive to operate
Simple to install

Zacklift FIFTHWHEELER owners report paying for the equipment in 6 months. The FIFTHWHEELER keeps
operating costs down with low insurance costs, lighter weight for less fuel consumed and less tire wear.
Buyer-friendly finance terms make it possible to make profit, not big payments.
The FIFTHWHEELER arrives ready for hook-up. Loads and drops just like a semi-trailer. Every possible
step of installation is factory completed.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
+ Hydraulic valve with both levers and remote control
+ Quality viper red paint
+ Glad-hands and third pneumatic tool line
+ 5 sets high-tensile cast steel frame forks
+ Multi positional fork receivers
+ Second receivers, 12ā€ reach extenders + LED stop, tail, turn lights
+ Front leveler stands
+ Built-in fork rack
+ Quick disconnects for hydraulic lines, air and electrical
+ Rotomolded valve cover

OPTIONS
+ Industryā€™s only FIFTHWHEELER STIFFLEGS
+ 20,000 and 30,000 lb Warn planetary winch with roller guide
+ Custom gullwing tool boxes
+ Industrial quality wireless remote control
+ Tire Lift, SUV through 24.5
+Trailer 5th Wheel Hitch, Locking Spring Forks, 5ā€ & 10ā€ Risers, 5ā€ & 8ā€ Steertek Forks +more (Darian,
make two lines as needed)

SPECIFICATIONS
+ 32,000 or 40,000 lb lift rating
+ 84,000 or 100,000 lb tow rating
+ Reach past tailboard 131ā€ or 147ā€
+ Retracted distance 60ā€ or 67ā€
+ Weight 2800 lbs or 4100 lbs
+ 30* Tilt Range, 78ā€ or 101ā€ (Darian, use degree sign)

For information, contact:
Zacklift International, Inc.
509.674.4426
Toll-free 844-ZACKLIFT
www.zacklift.com

VTS Systems Software

ā€œWithout doubt, technology is changing our industry; whether you are operating server or cloud-based
management software, or maybe clinging to pen and paper, change is inevitable. This technology freight train is coming through your town. ā€œYou have a choice, jump on, or get left behind.ā€ As harsh as this last statement sounds, it is a terse reality, as a business owner or tow company employee, you cannot afford to be left behind. This harsh reality applies to all aspects of our industry, including efficient software, the threat of third party dispatching, non-consent police tows, private property towing, and consent motor club tows. No one, company has the resources to be all things to all people; the answer is to collaborate with others whose added-value features enhance your companyā€™s offering. We encourage you to join, support and collaborate with your stateā€™s towing Association, get involved and become informed. This ultimately benefits your companyā€™s competitive advantage, and its long-term profitability, and or survival.

VTS Systems collaborates with other like-minded companies to bring you a better and more cost effective
product. An example of collaboration, for our larger clients, and those who require more than simple
bookkeeping, VTS Systems offers optional integration with QuickBooks. Here is why it makes good business
senseā€¦ Beyond basic accounts receivable and tracking driver commissions, enhanced general accounting and
payroll features are not considered part of towing and storage lot management. From engineering concept to
final product, all things are enhanced with software, and the requests for new software features are neverending. However, money and resources are not bottomless, and it is important that basic towing software be affordable. Offering expansion options and collaborating with other companies to provide integrated value-add services is a cost-effective method of providing more features for companies with the need, and deeper pockets.

To meet the varied needs of large or small towing companies, VTS Systems offers VTS Lite and VTS Classic,
server and PC-based applications. VTS Lite is a comprehensive, yet low cost software application designed to meet the needs of small family towing businesses. VTS Classic caters to larger organizations that may operate under multiple names, and manage one or multiple storage facilities. VTS Classic offers in-house options, including a heavy-duty towing package, and a fully integrated auction package. Our collaborated offerings include, USPS compliant fully automated electronic certified mail, multistate access to more than 28 state DMVā€™s and nationwide access to the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVITS), and enhanced GPS telematics. Collaboration with global Telematics leader, TomTom provides in office WEBFLEET
management and in vehicle turn-by-turn routing instructions and vehicle/driver performance monitoring.

VTS Systems supports towers in all 50 states and Canada, but our specialty is Texas, the most regulated towing state in the nation. In 2015, VTS Systems will step boldly into the future, offering the next generation of cloudbased software, and there are benefits to both server/PC and cloud technologies that need to be explored. VTS Systems is more than just a software company, we provide tier 1 and tier 2 online PC and server support, alongside our renowned, every day Client software support, and tow business consulting. With North Koreaā€™s recent state-sponsored hacking of Sony Pictures and last year hacks of Target, Home Depot, and Chase bank, among others, it is time to review your PC/office network security. Although it is highly unlikely that statesponsored hacking will directly affect your business, alarm bells should be ringing, as your business is considered low hanging fruit, by less skilled hackers. VTS Systems, supports hundreds of towing and VSF companies across the US and Canada, no questions are left unanswered, our management team has years of experience operating in senior technical, marketing and managerial positions with fortune 500 companies. Call today, and experience the difference. VTS Systems 281.373.3072, extension 3 or www.vts-systems.com.

Is It Time to Computerize Your Business?

Have you thought about looking into software or mobile solutions for your business?

While an investment in computerization can be extremely beneficial (if you choose good software), you might find it hard to take this leapā€”it may even feel more difficult than buying a new truck, a decision that requires a substantially larger financial commitment.

Thereā€™s good reason for this hesitation: you want to make sure you buy something that will truly help your business, and you may not know exactly what that looks like. If you have found yourself wanting to improve your business by adding customized software but do not want to 1) pay too much or 2) end up with an underpowered solution, then read on!

Tracker Management was founded on the belief that all money is actually made in the office. What you do in the office either makes or breaks what happens on the road and with your customers. The founders of Tracker also recognized that most business owners do not enjoy paperwork, so Tracker created a software package to fill the unique needs of tow operations companies.

After 28 years of development, along with input from several thousand users, we have a software solution that delivers what you need for your tow operation. We know you only want to invest in computerization once, so our system is designed to flex and grow with you over the years.

Here are some great questions to ask when evaluating different software packages for your business:

Does this fit the way we do business?

How are storage rates figured for each account?

What about base, hourly, day, and night pricing?

How much time is required to learn and execute the software?

Once you have answered these questions and thought about your specific business needs, call usā€”we can help you review your requirements and determine the best solution, whether it is Tracker or something else.

Give Tracker a call today at 800-445-2438.

We will listen without trying to sell. Our number one goal is to help you find what you need.

This is our promise to you.

TOWMATEĀ®

TowMate

TowMateĀ®, is a company that was started out of necessity. After spending countless nights on the side of a dangerous road or in inclement weather conditions, Towing/Salvage professional Bryan Anderson, now President/Owner of TowMateĀ®, had an epiphany.

ā€œOne night in the cold of winter, I was needing to connect some tow lights, and it didnā€™t work. I was
thinking, Good griefā€¦ We put men on the moon, I suppose there should be some radio controlled tail lights out there somewhere, and if not, Iā€™ll be the one to make them,ā€ said Bryan Anderson on his recent appearance on the television show ā€œWorldā€™s Greatestā€. Bryan started right away, gathering resources, family and friends, and built what is now the worlds most popular Wireless Tow Lighting Systems Manufacturer, TowMateĀ®.

Starting on his first wireless lighting bar in 1989, Bryan built TowMateĀ® around the idea of creating a
company that provided safety and security for the working professional. Bryan spent the next two decades developing the technology, sourcing higher quality components, and finally developing his own in-house electronics manufacturing. The TowMateĀ® headquarters, now located in beautiful Rogers, AR, is home to the entire TowMateĀ® Family, and now outputs over 1,000+ light bars per weekā€¦ and thats not even counting TowMateā€™sĀ® innovative new technology, Power-LinkĀ®.

Moving into the industrial, law enforcement and fire/emergency industries, TowMateĀ® has quickly become the professional/municipal industry standard for reliability and ease of use. Power-LinkĀ®, TowMateā€™sĀ® newest technology, has revolutionized vehicle lighting installation. Capable of operating on existing power wires, Power-LinkĀ® allows the user to control all the lights on the vehicle. From bright visible strobing, to a powerful work light, the user can be safer, and work more efficiently than ever before. With this simple installation, your fleet is ready faster, installation costs are lower, and your overall reliability and ease of use is increased exponentially.

The future is very BRIGHT with TowMateĀ®, as they continue to develop new and more cost effective technologies. Not surprising, the TowMateĀ® product line covers a very wide spectrum of uses, from TowMateā€™sĀ® #1 top selling wireless tow light bar, the TM22G, also known as the ā€œLimeLightā€ developed as our entry level system, all the way up to the 122ā€ inch Power-LinkĀ® light bar, the PLC122, specifically designed for the Large Scale Construction/Municipal Industry. The TowMateĀ® RV and Mobile Home Lighting systems, the new Handheld TMPRO-3-1 strobe/flashlight, and the ever popular SAS-RC roadside safety system are a few of the other products TowMateĀ® proudly sells. With the introduction and wide acceptance of the smartphone, TowMateĀ® has developed a full set of Bluetooth controllable options for the TowMateĀ® product line. With the ability to control your lights from your phone, you donā€™t have to be inside your vehicle to control your lights; extremely helpful for law enforcement and towing professionals.

TowMateĀ® will continue to bring new technologies to the safety lighting industry. Bryanā€™s steadfast vision
of providing a safe, easy to use product to the public and his strong sense of creating family values
within his company has helped to ensure TowMatesā€™Ā® continued success. Along with word of mouth and a reputation that competitors strive for, TowMateĀ® backs up every product with a Lifetime Warranty. All
electronics and lights are covered, and if there ever is an issue our professional tech staff will happily
assist you in repairs or replacement. Find out why TowMateĀ® has become the worldā€™s most popular wireless lighting system manufacturer. To find a dealer near you and for more information about TowMateĀ® wireless light bar or full featured Power-LinkĀ® light system, you can visit us online at, www.towmate.com, or give the friendly and experienced sales staff at TowMateĀ® a call at, 800-680-4455.

Integration: A Smart Strategy for Towers

By Dan Smith & Matt Gunzenhaeuser

Tow operators need greater levels of visibility and control over their business to increase efficiency and profitability. And they need it to be delivered via a simple and fast solution designed especially for their tow operation. Today, this means realtime visibility into what your drivers are doing ā€“ and the ability to access the information whether youā€™re in the office, or in the field.

Controlling Costs: Fuel, Maintenance, Repair and Insurance
Fuel costs are among your biggest line items. What if you could save up to 15 percent on fuel every month? By integrating your towing management system with an in-vehicle telematics solution, you can greatly increase visibility into what your drivers are doing ā€“ and give them the tools to do their job more efficiently.

If you know where your drivers are, and what they are doing, you are better able to guard against unauthorized mileage and excessive idling. And if youā€™re able to integrate GPS and traffic avoidance solutions, youā€™ll cut down on these costs even more. Over the course of a year, fuel savings can really add up considering towers are spending on average $2,500 per vehicle each month.

Technology can also help reduce maintenance costs ā€“ and liability. The right solution can in effect, put you in the passenger seat of every one of your trucks, allowing you to see if drivers are speeding, driving erratically or engaging in other unsafe habits. With real-time visibility into driversā€™ habits, you can train them in better habits, resulting in increased safety and decreased maintenance costs.

Tracking Mileage
From providing an accurate billing record for auto clubs to understanding where your drivers have been, tow operators can also benefit from the accurate mileage counts delivered by an integrated tow management and telematics approach. With the ability to track exact mileage, you have an accurate record for billing and can track whether drivers have put unauthorized miles on a vehicle. You can even define boundaries for a vehicle and get instant alerts if drivers go outside those areas. All of these capabilities result in cost savings and smoother operations.

Smarter Dispatching
The right technology can help you choose the closest truck for a job in terms of time to a job, instead of distance. The ability to dispatch the driver that can reach the customer the quickest depends on a number of factors. The best solutions use the best and freshest maps, historical traffic patterns at any time of day, and real-time data on live events such as accidents, weather delays, lane closures and trafficslowing construction.

Making it All Work
So what does an integrated solution look like? For our joint customers, Towbook uses TomTom WEBFLEET to make dispatching communication easier, safer and more efficient. View all of your jobs and trucks on a map and make the best decisions. Calls can be directly dispatched to the TomTom PRO device in the truck,
which provides turn-by-turn navigation to both the call location and destination. Drivers update job status with TomTom, reducing time communicating with dispatch.

As technology continues to evolve, the cost of ownership versus the return on investment for combined dispatch and in-vehicle navigation and fleet management solutions is impossible to ignore. The ability to see your whole fleet from the dashboard in your office or your mobile device when youā€™re on-the-go, understand exactly what your drivers are doing and where they are, and assign jobs based on a mix of factors can make a huge difference in your business. We have customers who are realizing 20+ percent savings and similar increases in efficiency today ā€“ the possibilities can only grow from here.

Matt Gunzenhaeuser is Sales Director, TomTom Telematics, Dan Smith is Founder and CEO , TowBook.
The companies have integrated their solutions to provide tow owners with a comprehensive technology solution.