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Don’t Crush Your Cash: Sell Your Vehicle in Five Easy Steps

Don't Crush Your Cash

Towing & Recovery, Car on Flat Bed

Abandoned vehicles take up space on a towing lot and can be a big financial burden for those businesses. As an alternative to crushing a car, there are plenty of resources for tow companies looking to free up space in their lots.

Towing Auction

Many customers abandon their vehicles because they often think the process of selling their vehicle can be long and burdensome.  According to Ray Rodecker and Ron Walters of Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA), this is a common misconception. “We have developed a full-service solution, from title procurement to quick and easy payment options,” says Rodecker. Adds Walters, “This simplifies the process and helps companies get their vehicles to auction and turned into cash fast.”

Towing Stats

IAA says that customers can quickly turn their vehicles into cash through a simple process.  It starts with towers showing customers how IAA’s process works and what to expect when partnering with IAA. Educating customers on such resources has an added benefit for towers. Here are five easy steps:

  1. Contact IAA: First, contact a local IAA facility to learn more about locations and services nearby.  IAA has facilities in over 160 locations across North America.
  2. Secure Title: Securing a title can have the biggest impact and IAA’s Title Services division has developed an efficient, simplified and flexible suite of solutions, which help to reduce the length of time it takes to secure a vehicle title and sell the vehicle at auctions.
  3. Process Vehicle: IAA offers marketing and auction services to give sellers exposure to hundreds of buyers internationally – this in turn clears their lots fast and increases profits.
  4. Auction Vehicle: IAA’s model combines on-site and on-line buyers into one auction, which fosters a healthy, competitive bidding experience designed to give buyers the choice to manage their bids on the go. Through IAA’s mobile app CSAToday®, customers can also track the status of their vehicles and accept bids.
  5. Collect Money: Sellers can be assured that IAA is getting the best value on their sold vehicle and quickly turning it into cash. IAA Selling ServicesSM gives buyers flexible bidding options. Buyers can choose to bid on vehicles live and live-online through I-Bid LiveSM or purchase direct through IAA Buy FastSM.

Don't Crush Your Cash

IAA provides full services solutions to help towing companies turn their abandoned cars into cash.  Through its unique hybrid auction model — including live, Internet and proxy bidding – IAA auctions offer everything from highly repairable high grade vehicles to pure scrap vehicles, working in partnership with a range of sellers including insurance companies, dealerships, rental car companies, and fleet lease companies. IAA also sells directly to recyclers on behalf of those hoping to crush their vehicle and recently expanded its operations to include its Tow and Abandonments division, which helps towing companies’ clear abandoned vehicles from their lots quickly without draining their bank accounts.

As part of IAA’s efforts to assist tow companies in recouping the financial losses associated with abandoned vehicles, Rodecker and Walters have been hosting a series of free educational seminars for towing professionals. Towers learn about the advantages of the auction process, navigating the title procurement system and calculating the value of abandoned vehicles sitting on their lots.

For more information about IAA’s services or to learn about upcoming “Don’t Crush Your Cash” seminars, contact Ray Rodecker and Ron Walters at 888.825.2145 or towingandrecovery@iaai.com.

True Tilt 5th Wheel Quick-Tachaq

True Tilt 5th Wheel Quick-Tachaq
True Tilt 5th Wheel Quick-Tachaq
True Tilt 5th Wheel Quick-Tachaq
True Tilt 5th Wheel Quick-Tachaq

The True Tilt 5th Wheel Quick-Tach is a heavy duty under lift that has the most extension, most retraction, more lift and the most lifting capacity of any lift on the market. It has a lift rating of 45,000 pounds retracted and 24,000 fully extended. It has a clear extension of 140” to the center of the axle forks and nearly 160” to the center of the Heavy Duty Wheel forks when used. The unit will tilt the full rated load in the given positions.

The hydraulic hoses are all “hidden” in the unit, encased in a nylon tracking chain to keep them in place free from wear and tear. Our crossbar is made of a one piece solid steel casting made of 100,000 pound steel. The tongue it rotates in is also one piece cast steel (100,000 pound steel).

We have standard wireless radio built into the unit. The radio is a standard feature with a 6 function controller, which will control the lift for up-down; in-out; and tilt up-tilt down operation.

Our unit pricing includes either an electric/hydraulic pump or a valve pac to tie into your trucks PTO pump; the 6 function wireless radio control plus a 25’ hard wired remote control; 4 sets of axle frame forks; the parking stands; and all necessary hardware to mount to a road tractor.

www.triplekindustries.com
800-624-2892

Tow Shows: Western States Tow Show & Midwest Regional Tow Show

Tow Show 3

Tow Professional magazine, the Western States Tow Show, and the Midwest Regional Tow Show are proud to announce a partnership to help promote these association tow shows across the nation. The two association operated shows are planned and executed with the goal of raising money for the associations in order to further the industry, provide funds for lobbying, develop ongoing education programs, and foster safety in our dangerous profession. It’s exciting to be a part of this marketing program, as both shows already have a regional presence and their associations work to share information and resources with their neighboring states, making all stronger. We feel this will be a great opportunity for all. With the increased marketing, the two shows will bring an even larger variety of vendors to the shows with the latest equipment and knowledge for the attendees, and continue the outstanding events and social opportunities that the towing community enjoys. Expanding the attendees through the surrounding associations and the readers of Tow Professional will give even greater value to the vendors and help them grow stronger also.

Western States Tow Show
www.westernstatestowshow.com

Midwest Regional Tow Show
www.trao.org/tow-show

NationWide Towing & Recovery Group

Nationwide Towing
NationWide Towing & Recovery
NationWide Towing & Recovery

While working as a Claims Adjuster, one of my Trucking Company clients began ranting that ALL “Wrecker Service Providers” (WSP’s) were crooks! I disagreed! They were using a “Free Directory,” knowing they received a small percentage of the WSP’s Towing & Recovery Invoice, but felt like costs were still too high? What a shocker!  NTRG is a “DataBase of WSP’s” where the Trucking Company pays a fixed monthly Subscription Fee so that the WSP doesn’t have to mark-up their Invoice to cover any “small percentage.” When our Subscribers need help, they call the WSP direct, and say that they found your name on our website. All that means to a WSP is that they agree to bill the Trucking Company, using our Invoicing Software, as it already includes their hourly Rates. This was created to simplify the billing process…at no cost to the WSP, while also providing uniform Invoices for our Subscribers.

NationWide Towing & Recovery Group, LLC.
P.O. Box 3058
Springfield, MO 65808-3058
Phone (417) 595-0712
E- Fax (417) 501-4251
E-Mail ntrg4u@gmail.com

Loganville Ford Supplies Towing Industry with Volume Pricing

Loganville Ford

Loganville Ford

Loganville Ford has become a Industry leader in Volume Pricing, In today’s market where getting a Quick accurate price on Towing Equipment has become somewhat of a challenge Loganville Ford is setting a new industry standard! We will always present a price on every ad we run so the customer knows before they call what the price and all Fee’s will be. We do not charge a Doc Fee on any of our Towing Customers. The only amount above our selling price due is the customers Taxes in the area they will be registering the truck. We have a distinct advantage in being a Ford Dealer and also the Distributor that allows us to not only be the Industry price leader but also having multiple financing sources that are not available to much of the industry. Please call us with any questions.

Chris Chitwood
Commercial Sales Mgr
404-569-4723

Jerr-Dan’s Cab-Over Engine (COE) XLP

Jerr-Dan's Cab-Over Engine XLP
Jerr-Dan's Cab-Over Engine XLP
Jerr-Dan's Cab-Over Engine XLP
Jerr-Dan’s Cab-Over Engine XLP

With the increasing popularity of the (COE) chassis’, Jerr-Dan has engineered their low profile XLP carrier for the Isuzu NRR and Hino 195 COE chassis to provide a product that can be utilized by those towers who are in need of a carrier that provides the lowest load angle in the industry and a chassis that fits into those smaller areas such as the “tight” city areas.

The COE XLP provides a lower deck height and better load angle with improved visibility and maneuverability.

Jerr-Dan provides the most engineered chassis solutions for the widest variety of chassis in the industry, leading the industry in new product innovation.

They are now offering XLP carrier models on all of the following chassis:

  • Ford F650, F550
  • Peterbilt 325, 330
  • Kenworth 270, 370
  • Hino 238, 258
  • Freightliner M2 106
  • International Durastar
  • Dodge 5500
  • Isuzu NRR *featured
  • Hino 195 *featured

Standard features provided by the Jerr-Dan XLP carrier include:

  1. Load angle as low as 7.5 degrees
  2. World’s lowest maintenance carrier, including No-Lube™ technology for slide pads and pivot joints
  3. Industry’s strongest aluminum beds featuring exclusive, patented Galvanized Steel Beam Technology™
  4. On-board hydraulic pressure gauge allows for easy troubleshooting
  5. Single sheet decking on conventional and dual angle steel decks reduces weld joints and potential corrosion points
  6. Combination winch cable guide roller and tensioner plate
  7.  Manual or air-controlled winch free-spool
  8. Corrosion-resistant lighted dual-control stations
  9. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration DOT 393 compliant crash protection headboard
  10. Industry’s most advanced high performance hose and wire cable-tracking system
  11. Industry’s highest standard DOT reflectivity and lighting levels
  12. 12 key slots standard

Be powerfully present with R.A.I.L.™, Jerr-Dan’s exclusive Rear Awareness Indicator Lights. Bright amber LED strobe technology commands attention whether you’re working through dark, foggy, rainy, or high-traffic conditions. Random flashing light patterns project horizontally for increased rear visibility, especially when the deck is tilted for loading and unloading allowing you to work in confidence. R.A.I.L. is positioned rearward of carrier bed controls to minimize distraction for the operator and their robust, corrosion resistant mounting bracket provides unparalleled durability. Get noticed in a flash and have a higher level of confidence on the job with R.A.I.L.

“Jerr-Dan will continue to innovate and engineer solutions that provide our customers options when choosing a product for their particular application,” said Jeff Soldner, Jerr-Dan Product Director. “Expanding the XLP carriers to the Ford F550 and Dodge 5500 earlier this year filled a gap that customers were requesting. The introduction of the Jerr-Dan XLP for the Isuzu NRR and Hino 195 shows our commitment to the customer by designing our product for mounting on two popular Cab-Over chassis.”

For more information, visit Jerr-Dan online at www.jerrdan.com.

E – Z OUT STRAP

E – Z OUT STRAP

E – Z OUT STRAP

E – Z OUT STRAPS are used to get automobiles out of the ditch and clear the highway quickly. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

STEP #1 – RUN THE STRAP THROUGH THE WHEEL.
STEP #2 – WRAP THE LOOP END OF THE STRAP BACK TO THE HOOK.
STEP #3 – 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

Balldog Multiple Use Hitch Attachment Device

Balldog-Plus
Balldog-Plus

Balldog-Plus
Balldog-Plus

Patent# 7967353 (Additional Patents Pending) With the BallDog Plus, you have options!

There are multiple ways to connect and multiple applications for use with just one item, saving you both time and money. Made with Exclusive Twist Lock™ technology available exclusively through B/A Products distributors worldwide.

BA-Products
B/A Products Co.
8925 McGaw Court
Columbia, MD 21045-4725
(800) 327-3301
(410) 381-1700
www.baprod.com

WorkSafe USA, Inc. NO-JACK

Worksafe No Jack

Worksafe No Jack

A tow truck operator’s duties typically involve the use of a service jack for tire changes, repositioning broken ball joints and tie rods to prepare a tow, just to name a few. WorkSafe USA, Inc. is proud to present the NO-JACK vehicle lift system for self loading wheel lift wreckers. The JO-JACK system allows a self loading wheel lift wrecker to be utilized as an on-site automotive service jack, eliminating the need to carry service jacks and jack stands on the wrecker.

WorkSafe USA, Inc.
www.dump-lok.com
(217) 487-7045

TM50S Series Multi-Setting Marker/Flasher Combination Light

TM50S-AA with Chrome
TM50S-AA with Chrome
TM50S-AA with Chrome
TM50S-AA with Chrome

TowMate’s new 4.5” flush mount LED markers/flashers offer an intense burst of light increasing your visibility to motorists. Cycle through 8 flash patterns with the wave of a magnet over the light (no need to remove it to change settings at any point)! Each unit features four high-intensity LED’s and is available in amber, red, white, blue, or green. An optional chrome bezel is available to give it that finished look. Made in the USA. Lifetime warranty. Go to www.TowMate.com or call (800) 680-4455 for more details or to find a dealer near you.

TM50S
TM50S

Towbook Adds “Plate to VIN” Feature

Towbook Adds “Plate to VIN” Feature

Towbook Adds “Plate to VIN” Feature

Towbook recently announced the addition of a “license plate to VIN” feature in their web-based towing software. This new feature allows you to simply key in a license plate number and Towbook automatically returns the full VIN plus the make, model and year for the vehicle.

The plate to VIN feature is also available in Towbook’s mobile apps for iPhone and Android, so it’s a big time saver for drivers, too.

Towbook Adds “Plate to VIN” Feature

Towbook is the leader in web-based towing software. With no software to install, you can access Towbook from anywhere with Internet service, including iPads, tablets and smartphones.

With the lowest price in the market, no setup fees, free training and no contracts or cancellation fees, Towbook is hard to beat. You also get free support 24/7/365.

(888) 884-9598
www.towbook.com

MobileTRAQ Vue

Mobile Awareness
Mobile Awareness
Mobile Awareness
Mobile Awareness

MobileTRAQ Vue is the first highly integrated and field upgradeable, commercial-grade monitoring and maintenance system, designed to grow with fleets and changing industry demands. It is a rugged, flexible asset- based monitoring system for both connected and stand-alone truck & trailer monitoring. Featuring an intuitive, programmable color touch-screen display that allows the driver to see and hear warnings, the MobileTRAQ platform was developed to readily connect with Mobile Awareness wired and wireless sensors, the first of which is TireStat TPMS. TireStat TPMS is an innovative flow-thru tire sensor mountable inside the tire or externally on the valve stem. These unique TPMS sensors transmit data every 60 seconds to the MobileTRAQ monitor, with pressure and temperature events triggering the system to alarm in real-time. This rapid reporting is as much as 5 times more frequent than most other TPMS systems. With a battery life of up to 10 years and an operating temperature of – 40°F to 257°F (-40°C to 125°C), TireStat is the ruggedized sensor choice for commercial tire maintenance and monitoring.

www.mobileawareness.com
866-653-5036

Larson Electronics Offers Wrecker Lighting Solutions

TPM-2XLEDP3W-3 telescoping light pole
TPM-2XLEDP3W-3 telescoping light pole
TPM-2XLEDP3W-3  telescoping light pole
TPM-2XLEDP3W-3 telescoping light pole

The TPM-2XLEDP3W-3 is a telescoping light pole that can be mounted to any flat surface to allow operators to elevate a pair of included high intensity LED lights and adjust their height from 3 to 9 feet. Designed to be mounted via a 4 hole mounting plate, this telescoping light pole can be adjusted to various heights and locked into position as well as collapsed and removed from the mounting bracket for stowing. This design is ideal for wreckers where the convenience of easily deployed and stowed high power lighting is desired.

Larson Electronics, LLC
800-369-6671
www.magnalight.com
sales@magnalight.com

Don’t Get Clogged Up – Diesel Particulate Filter

Diesel Flat Bed Tow Truck

Diesel Flat Bed Tow Truck

DPF Filter

ECM on Black

In real world work applications, repeated short drive times at less than highway speeds are very common. Also, trucks are increasingly used as machines requiring long idle and extended use in PTO (Power Take Off) Mode. Both scenarios prevent a truck from properly going into its regen cycle which is supposed to clean the DPF filter.

This is where the trouble begins. A clogged DPF filter can result in diesel soot backing up into the engine, causing damage to the VGT actuator, turbo, fuel injectors and EGR solenoid. Also, the unburned fuel injected into the exhaust system, as part of the regen cycle, can go into the crankcase contaminating the engine oil.

The most common Cummins DPF related symptoms are clogged and cracked DPF filters; high cleaning / replacement costs; lost income due to truck down time; excessive regeneration cycles; and reduced power / limp mode in PTO. These DPF problems are so common that Dodge/Cummins owners have filed a class action lawsuit which has yet to be settled.

Jim Comack at ECM Performance says, “We can get any off road or export DPF equipped vehicle back to full reliability with our unique programming service and customer removal of the DPF filter. Most customers ship their ECM to us, but we can also send a technician anywhere in the world for onsite service.”

Customers unbolt the ECM from the engine block, unplug the harness connections and ship it to ECM Performance. The original engine data is read from the ECM and backed up three ways for the customer’s protection. A technician then modifies the calibration to shut off the after treatment system / DPF cleaning cycle. Within 48 hours, the new calibration is flashed to the ECM resulting in 100% Code Free operation. After the customer receives their ECM via next day air, they bolt the ECM back to the engine block, replug the harness connections. They must then remove the DPF.

Cummins Dyno Room

Alex M., a vehicle exporter under military contact said, “We exported 30 DPF equipped rollback trucks with Cummins 6.7 ISB engines. For 6 months, they were all sitting dead in some foreign yard due to clogged DPF filters. The DPF’s clogged almost instantly due to the use of high sulfur content diesel fuel. This caused the trucks to shut down or go into a limp mode. Though it was the end user’s fault for misreporting the fuel standard for that country, let me tell you, no one was happy about this situation. It held us up delivering additional vehicles to the same customer. We contacted Ecm Performance after receiving a recommendation from a local diesel mechanic that had a similar problem on a farm truck. After ECM Performance reprogrammed the ECM, the end user reinstalled it and removed the DPF. They were so happy that we had ECM flash all the trucks. Now the trucks are in the field, running great on the local fuel. Mileage and power were also increased.”

ECM’s Jim Comack said, “Alex’s problems with Cummins/Paccar DPF equipped trucks are very typical overseas, and very common here in the states for other reasons. Unlike Alex who is a bulk exporter, most owner’s are just trying to make a living with trucks that not reliable. The sole reason of the unreliability is the DPF Filter and a regeneration cycle that just doesn’t work in the real world. It doesn’t matter how many times you tow the truck back to factory service facilities. The only way to restore full reliability is to shut off the Regen Cycle through reprogramming the ECM. They can then remove the DPF. Like magic all their DPF related problems disappear & they can go back to making money.”

Cummins, Paccar, Ford, Peterbilt, Kenworth & Sterling Trucks do not endorse, have any affiliation or connection with ECM Performance or its services. All Product names & trademarks featured here are the property of their respective trademark holders. For export & off-road use only.

A Lot of Exciting Things Have Been Happening at Dynamic Since Expanding Their Location This Year

We are implementing new paint processes. Currently, we are adding new compressors and refrigerate dryers to handle a new sand blasting booth. We will be adding a new powder coating booth and system sometime after Baltimore.

With now having an in-house engineering staff, we are working and planning to have (in Baltimore) a new design rotating flatbed with a much better load angle, lower center of gravity, many less hoses and other moving parts. Also, in Baltimore, we will have a new rollback with what we think is the best linkage system for the towing industry. Plus, our service truck, Fusion, and our new, fast-selling 755, plus all of our proven line of wreckers and slide ins. Both with many improvements for service ability are in the works.

It will be a very exciting years at Dynamic!

The towers will see and feel the benefits of being a Dynamic customer. The original self loader just seems to be getting better and bigger.

Dynamic Towing Equipment and Manufacturing
800-831-9299
www.dynamicmfg.com

Agero RoadsideConnectTM: The Next Generation Arrives

Agero has officially launched the next generation of their Roadside ConnectTM mobile app for Android smartphones.

The newly designed app includes the same smart, useful features as the popular original version – including dispatch details at the driver’s fingertips, guided navigation, and job status management resources – but now also incorporates tools to benefit the mobile dispatcher.

Useful innovations offer practical benefits for dispatchers and drivers.

With the newly revised app, mobile dispatchers can now receive and assign Agero jobs to their drivers via smartphones. In addition, dispatchers can now locate and manage their drivers on a map in real-time. Since Roadside Connect now empowers the dispatcher to see where each of their trucks is located, dispatchers are now able to assign the best-qualified driver to a job based upon the driver’s equipment and current location.

Plus, with the new version of the app, drivers will see only the actual jobs that are assigned to them. The cleaner interface eliminates confusion and provides more focus on the job at hand.

The updated Roadside Connect app is FREE to Agero Service Providers.

Best of all, because the Roadside Connect app is free to Agero providers, now even small towing and recovery businesses can benefit from technology previously affordable only to larger service providers.

Agero
One Cabot Road
Medford, MA  02155
Phone: 781-393-9300
www.agero.com