The Top 10 Most Important Features Of Digital Dispatching

By Laura Dolan

Still haven’t made the switch from pen and paper to towing software? Maybe we can help nudge you in the right direction. Here are the Top 10 most important features of digital dispatching that empower tow truck companies to operate more efficiently, deliver superior services to their customers, be more profitable, and stay competitive in the overall towing industry landscape.

Automated Job Assignments: Automatically assigns incoming jobs to available tow trucks based on factors like proximity, capacity, and specialty requirements, eliminating manual allocation and reducing response times.
Real-time GPS Tracking: Allows dispatchers to track the location of tow trucks in real-time, enabling them to assign the nearest available vehicle to a job, reducing response times, and optimizing routes.
Integrated Communication: Enables seamless communication between dispatchers and drivers through in-app messaging, ensuring clear instructions and updates on job statuses.
Digital Job Management: Provides a centralized platform for managing all aspects of towing jobs, including job details, customer information, service history, and billing, reducing paperwork and administrative tasks.
Customer Notifications: Sends automated notifications to customers regarding job status updates, estimated arrival times, and completion confirmations, enhancing transparency and customer satisfaction.
Electronic Documentation: Allows for the digital capture and storage of essential documents such as invoices, receipts, and towing authorizations, improving record-keeping accuracy and accessibility.
Reporting and Analytics: Generates comprehensive reports and analytics on key performance metrics such as response times, job completion rates, and driver productivity, enabling data-driven decision-making and performance monitoring.
Robust Integration Capabilities: Integrates with other systems such as lien processing software, auction management software, even motor clubs, to streamline workflow processes and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Mobile Accessibility: Provides mobile access for dispatchers and drivers, allowing them to manage jobs, communicate, and access information from anywhere, anytime, improving responsiveness and flexibility.
Credit Card Processing: Allows towers to accept payments on the road or in the office in a convenient and secure way, as well as manage accounts, issue refunds, have access to credit card and ACH payments, and manage payouts all on one account.

Come Experience The TRAXERO Difference

This is where we come in. We offer all of the above and more on our fully-integrated towing software that helps towers get a complete overview of every part of their business to increase efficiency and profits.

Our reliable support team responds quickly and is always here to help you get set up and answer any questions about how it all works. You never have to go it alone.

To learn more about how you can start using TRAXERO’s tools to start improving your towing business, visit traxero.com or call us at 1-800-428-4715.

Increase Productivity and Deliver an Engaging Experience with Towbook

Darian Weaver

By Kendall Smith and Matt Wesley

As the use of technology continues to rise in the towing and roadside industry, so do consumer expectations. With the ability to use advanced technology at your fingertips, your customer expects to be informed and cared for every step of the way. Using Towbook creates this experience by doing the work for you!

Towbook not only promotes continuous communication with your customers, but also with your motor clubs, body shops, dealerships, police departments, and private property managers too!

Got a call from the motor club? Accept it with the click of a button!
Does your body shop or dealership want to send you a job? Our Web Request Portal can help them do exactly that with just a few clicks!
Impress your police departments with “Vehicle Lookup” technology that allows them to quickly see if a certain vehicle is on your lot!
Give private property managers a login to their account, so they can view all vehicles that were towed and sign for them as well!

All of the above actions and more, allow you and your staff to reduce time on the phone and maximize your performance and efficiency.

So, what does Towbook do? And why do you need it?

Improved Communication. Managers and dispatchers can communicate with drivers easily. Drivers can accept calls with all the details needed in order to do their job efficiently and update the status of the job from start to finish. You will also be able to chat with your drivers via their mobile applications or send them a text message to make them aware of last-minute changes (chat logs are always saved to the call for future reference).

Roadside.io Towbook’s Roadside.io solution, paired with our Customer Survey feature, delivers the latest customer experience capabilities to your fingertips, allowing you to provide an “Uber-like” experience for your customers.

With Roadside.io, you have the option of sharing information with customers while the service is in progress; helping customers understand what’s happening with their service without having to call you for an update. You also have the option of sending the customer a satisfaction survey once the job is complete. You can choose to push these surveys to your website and you can also direct them to your social media outlets where they can complete a review about the service they received.

Minimize Risk of Damage Claims. Drivers can upload photos of the vehicle to a call in real-time; we timestamp and geocode these photos for you along with categorizing them according to what job status the driver was in at the time. An additional precaution can be taken by creating a “Vehicle Damage Form” if there is extensive damage to the vehicle prior to servicing it. The driver can create a report on scene, take photos of the vehicle, indicate anywhere there is damage, and have the customer sign off on the damage form. This report will be saved for future reference and can even be emailed or sent via text to the customer with their receipt.

Built-in Navigation and GPS Tracking. You’ll be able to get turn-by-turn directions to your destination right in the application with just a tap!

If you aren’t currently using a GPS solution, Towbook is equipped with built-in GPS tracking which will automatically update the drivers’ location according to their app settings.

Towbook is also integrated with leading GPS companies like AT&T Fleet Complete, Azuga, DriverLocate, Samsara, US Fleet Tracking, Verizon Connect, and Webfleet Solutions; allowing you to send calls directly to the GPS unit in your truck.

Drivers can use the GPS unit to navigate to the service location, and when they update the status of the call on the GPS unit it will automatically update their status in Towbook. Your Towbook app can also use the GPS location from your trucks and display that on the map in Towbook. There are many other fantastic features of GPS units that help you manage and maintain your fleet.

Pre-Trip Inspection Management and User Check-In. If you want your team to inspect their trucks and other equipment before (or after) every shift, they can do that easily using the Towbook mobile apps and our Equipment Inspection tool. Each inspection report is time stamped, and managers will receive an email alert any time there is an Equipment Inspection failure.

Completed inspections are also available to open/view on mobile apps, so if drivers need to present a completed pre-trip inspection to a law enforcement officer they can do so right from their phone!

Our “User Check-In” feature allows drivers to check-in and out for work directly from their mobile application. This allows managers and dispatchers to know who is currently on-shift to accept jobs. You are also able to run a report to review check in/check out times for drivers.

Plate-to-VIN Technology. No VIN – no problem! Towbook’s plate-to-VIN feature saves time and eliminates mistakes. Simply enter the plate number and the state in which the vehicle is licensed, and Towbook will return the full VIN with the make, model, and year of the vehicle. You’ll also have the option of using our VIN scanner, which will populate the VIN in the call just by scanning the vehicle’s barcode.

Private Property Features. Alongside tagging accounts, two of our most notable private property features for the mobile applications include “On Scene Call Creation” and “Stickering”:

On Scene Call Creation: This allows your drivers to do their job as quickly as possible by allowing them the option to create a call by simply snapping a picture of the vehicle; the call will automatically populate the address they’re located at and will allow them to update any additional details later.
Stickering: One of Towbook’s fastest-growing features is our Stickering app. With Stickering, you can create a virtual sticker in Towbook and “tag” those vehicles that you might be able to tow after a few hours or a few days. When the sticker expires, you receive a notification that the vehicle can be towed.

Impound/Storage Lot Management and Vehicle Lookup. You’ll be able to track and release your current impounded/stored vehicles on your lot right from the mobile application. You’ll even be able to send the impound invoice via text or e-mail.

In using our “Vehicle Lookup” technology, your customers, police departments, and private property accounts will thank you! It makes it simple for them to look and see if you have a certain vehicle on your lot without calling.

Digital Dispatching. Whether you are a dispatcher or manager sending out calls or an owner/operator working in the field, you’ll be able to accept motor club calls while out of the office or on the road using Towbook’s mobile apps. Towbook is integrated with all the major motor clubs for your convenience! A couple of taps to accept the call and you’ll be on your way!

Paperless Invoicing. Save time by texting or emailing your customer an invoice right on-scene! If paper invoices are a must, we integrate with Zebra mobile printers to print your customers’ receipt on the spot.

Additional Information. On top of the many features we’ve already mentioned, your drivers will be able to add additional information to the call via their app according to the preferences setup by management, this includes:

Additional line items/charges.
Record payments received in the field.
Collect customer signatures for archiving and appearing on receipts.
Any additional notes regarding the service or customer.
Record vehicle odometer.
Add any company expenses, such as fuel along with a picture of the receipt for manager review.

Technology is causing a world-wide evolution and it’s important to find resources that can be of benefit to us. First it was computers, now it’s a little device in our pocket that we all rely on daily – whether for business or our personal lives.

Using software to manage your business increases efficiency and profitability but it’s also a great tool to woo potential clients; demonstrating that you are a forward-thinking towing/road service company and are interested in adapting to the ever-changing technological environment.

About Towbook

Towbook has become the unquestioned leader in cloud-based towing software, headquartered in Michigan, and has provided service for over 16 years. Integrating the industry’s most advanced and flexible software, Towbook supports all sizes and types of towing, recovery and roadside service operations.

We provide tools made possible by the latest technology, and we help companies to raise their level of service while lowering their operating costs.

Plus, our commitment to you will be never-ending! We take great pride in having the industry’s best customer support. Support is free and available 24/7/365—even on holidays.

Tow Professional Offer

Free Trial, Free Setup, Free Support.

Towbook offers a 90-day free trial for all Tow Professional subscribers, simply scan the QR code or visit: www.towbook.com/signup/towprofessional to use this offer!

Website: www.towbook.com

Inquiries: sales@towbook.com

24/7/365 Customer Support: (810) 320-5063

ParkingPass – Parking Management Made Easy

Darian Weaver

For the longest time, apartments, condominiums, and homeowner’s associations have been leaning on towing providers to clean up their properties and remove unwanted vehicles and unauthorized occupants with archaic systems that require vehicles to have physical parking decals that are hard to manage, and expensive for towing operators. Are you tired of having to give vehicles back because a decal sticker fell off or your enforcement team couldn’t see it properly during overnight hours? Do you want your sales team to focus on growing the business and stop wasting their time being a decal delivery service to the clients?

All of the headaches and costs that come with managing parking for private properties ends with ParkingPass.com. ParkingPass is the nation’s leading provider in paperless parking management, which eliminates the necessity for physical parking decals, offers better management for resident and guest passes, and puts the responsibility back on the residents of the community. Drivers and spotters shouldn’t have to worry or be confused when towing vehicles, which is why ParkingPass takes any of the guess work on permit statuses out of their hands and provides a clear process that these monitors can follow to effectively violate these vehicles, while having peace of mind that the system has their backs. ParkingPass utilizes state of the art mobile license plate reader (LPR) technology by leveraging integrations with mobile applications that do not require the use of physical LPR equipment…which can run several thousands of dollars to equip on one vehicle/truck. Your enforcement team can simply drive through the property scanning every license plate parked at the property, decreasing patrol times while increasing towing. With our real-time database sync, an alert will appear for any vehicles that have a parking status issue or not registered at the property. This makes it easy and quick to find PPI tows, without the need to search for decal stickers. Less givebacks, less risk, and more revenue.

When you work with ParkingPass to grow your PPI business, understand that you’re not working with just a software company, but a team that wants to forge a partnership with you and your organization. Since we are a national company, we can leverage and open doors with property management companies, that otherwise, a tow vendor may never have the opportunity to book. We work very closely with our towing vendors to ensure that all parties have a successful and positive experience with our program, and constantly soliciting feedback. Let us do all of the leg work of bringing the clients online. You and your team can focus on what you know best…towing.

Below are several key features about our ParkingPass system:

Paperless Parking Registration

Each community is provided with a unique keyword to organize all resident applications on our online website (www.parkingpass.com). Residents are only allowed to request approval for maximum number of resident vehicles permitted at the property.

Resident Approval Portal

A verification system that ensures that only authorized residents are issued parking permits. The management and association can now organize all renters with their proper lease expirations and ensure that all vehicle paperwork is up to date. Our system can be customized to require the attachment and upload of vehicle insurance, registration and a copy of the driver’s license.

Online Guest Vehicle System

Effortless guest vehicle registration managed directly by residents online (no paper to manage). In fact, properties can customize guest parking to be hourly, daily, free, paid or any combination that they see fit. This allows them the opportunity to keep out unauthorized occupants, while creating the ability to generate and boost property income through paid guest passes. Restrict the number of active guest passes per unit, and maximum number of guest pass days per license plate number or unit.

Why do insurance companies now demand you have telematics and cameras?

Darian Weaver

I have spoken to thousands of fleet owners, countless managers and the responses we get are predictable as you would expect. Many have used it for years and wouldn’t do business without it even though they may not always feel the benefits they get from telematics. Sometimes, it’s because they have a few drivers who, “they need to keep an eye on, but the majority are good.” Sometimes, it is purely a state mileage or IFTA report need, and sometimes it’s because their insurance company tells them that you must get a better rate or to have insurance at all.

So why? What do the real numbers say? Why do insurance companies and brokers send more referrals to Azuga than any other groups we know?

Philadelphia Insurance Companies did the work of looking at driver behavior and how Azuga Telematics system affected the results over an 18-month pilot. Here is what they found:

So, just the telematics system would reduce harsh braking events by 98%, acceleration by 97% and speeding over 15 MPH by 89%! Ask yourself, how would this help my bottom line? How much in fuel, maintenance, citations and how many upset phone calls from John Q public would this eliminate? Now think about it from the insurer’s point of view. How many claims would this prevent, and how would safer drivers affect a fleet’s insurance premiums?

Cameras have changed the game for insurers, and I firmly believe that there is coming a time, very soon, when you won’t be able to get fleet insurance without cameras at least facing forward and driver. For several years insurance companies have been forced to settle accident claims at a very high rate because aggressive attorneys have targeted commercial fleets and business-related vehicles. Basically, if you have a company name on the door of your vehicle you were being targeted. The burden of proof of who was to blame for an accident fell on the fleet owner, and without it, the insurance companies found it was cheaper to settle than risk fighting and losing. This of course created thousands of copycat law firms and a sharp increase in the cost of insurance for fleets, especially towing companies!

A properly saved video gives the insurance company a fighting chance to defend you and themselves. As they have started working with fleets using cameras, they have discovered that having cameras is great, but they need to be recording events along with telematics to help paint the picture. You need to have quick and easy access to the video and be able to easily email it to them when needed. Sometimes, you need to be able to access nonevent-based video around an event. You need to be able to see if the camera isn’t working before an accident happens. They have seen many times that a company had cameras they bought online, but they get into an accident, only to find out that their cameras haven’t been recording for over a month. The video quality must be clear enough to leave no doubt.

The newest fight that the insurance companies are fighting is distracted driving. I know there are some of you guys who don’t want to watch what your driver is doing inside the truck all day, and I don’t blame you. However, you must look if there is an incident where that is needed, and I will tell you why you want it. Now these aggressive attorneys have found a loophole with a super, high success rate. They instruct their new clients to always claim that “they saw the driver of your vehicle, and they were on the phone when the accident occurred.” It doesn’t matter whether your driver was or wasn’t at fault anymore as he was distracted driving. The burden of proof that he wasn’t falls on you!

On average, 26% of all car crashes involve cell phones, 20% for commercial fleets and the average claim cost is $70,000. This is why it is important for your insurer to have access to this in your fleet.

So why do insurers recommend Azuga, especially in Towing?

First, the internal testing they have done proves it works. The cameras have terrific picture quality and allow easy access to video whenever needed. You can access video nonevent related and can even access camera real time, if needed. Administrators can access camera health information at any time to confirm if there is anything not working, and all Azuga hardware has a lifetime warranty and free replacement.

The interior camera has AI and will notify you when drivers are on the phone while driving, distracted, not wearing a seatbelt, tailgating, eating, drinking, or smoking. It simply takes a picture and notes the telematics at that moment. As the administrator, you can customize this camera however you want, but your insurer will want it to catch cell phone events just in case.

The Azuga platform is specifically designed for towing companies. PTO notifications, state mileage reports, rear facing cameras for the back of your trucks, cameras that keep recording for an hour, even if you turn off the truck on the roadside, and internal ELD product if needed.

Azuga is a preferred provider for Towbook customers and allows customers to get updates in Towbook every 30 seconds rather than 2 minutes any other way. You also see speed, ignition status and idling time directly in Towbook. Azuga is also a preferred provider for HAAS alert which allows you to help notify oncoming traffic when you have a driver working on the roadside.

Towing is different from almost any other fleet we work with today. So, we have dedicated towing, customer success and towing technical support teams that know the towing business and can answer your specific questions.

The bottom line, Azuga gives your insurer what they want and can help you be more efficient while running your towing company. At the end of the day, the reason why insures refer you to Azuga is because it encourages safer driving, reduces the number and severity of claims, gives them access to quality video to defend their clients and can even be used to help protect the company drivers.

For More Information go to https://offer.azuga.com/towbook/ or call Tim Smith at 205-728-9135

Handle Any Leak or Spill with Spill Tackle

Darian Weaver

Seasoned towing and recovery professionals know to show up to an accident scene prepared to handle any mess. Front-end collisions and punctured fuel tanks tend to result in fuel spills and coolant leaks. How quickly they respond makes a huge difference, so an effective emergency response kit is typically the first line of defense.

In addition to plugs, socks, brooms, shovels and trash cans, tow operators should also carry a good amount of granular absorbent material. A top seller at Zip’s AW Direct is Spill Tackle, a lightweight organic compound made from reclaimed agricultural and forestry materials. Spill Tackle absorbs on contact and biodegrades along with the hydrocarbon fluids it traps.

Besides its environmentally-friendliness, Spill Tackle is also highly effective, much more so than traditional floor dry or kitty litter. In fact, its absorbent properties are four times more absorbent than other sweeping compounds, meaning you can do more with less. Just ask Chuck Anderson, operations manager for Valley Environmental Response at Neenah, WI.

“Using Spill Tackle has been a game changer for us. Sure, it costs more, but one 20-pound bag of Spill Tackle does the job of three to four bags of regular oil dry,” Anderson said. “It does not soak up water like regular oil dry does and is much lighter, so when you go to retrieve it and dispose of it, it is easier to recover and less expensive to dispose of.”

Safe for outdoor applications, Spill Tackle leaves no residue and can be disposed of at municipal landfills. Tests by the EPA show the compound doesn’t leach back, and the sustainable material is also “bio-preferred” by the USDA. Spill Tackle is extremely safe to use and is great for spill containment. The manufacturer stands behind their product and guarantees customer satisfaction.

At Zip’s, Spill Tackle is available in bulk quantities of 20-pound bags and is also sold in convenient response kits and handy five-gallon buckets. Smaller quantities are also available in two- and five-pound bags. The smaller sizes are resealable and can be easily stored on a shelf, under a seat or in a toolbox. The five-pound bag is also resealable and is just as effective as 30 pounds of clay.

If fuel and coolant leaks are common in your line of work, then make sure you keep Spill Tackle absorbent materials close by. Besides accident cleanup, this granular compound also works great around fuel islands and helps keep shop floors clean, dry and free from slip hazards. Learn more at Zips.com/shop-by-brand/spill-tackle.

UNLEASH THE HAZMAT HERO WITHIN!

Darian Weaver

Several articles have been published over past years relating to spill response and the professional tower. Certification is paramount regarding performing the task properly and takes more than a shovel and a containment drum. The Federal Government tasked the EPA, OSHA, and DOT agencies with creating certification requirements which include training in spill response measures. These directives make up what is identified by the OSHA standards for spill response known as Title 29 CFR 1910.120 or HAZWOPER.

This training delves into rules and regulations required for individuals engaging in spill response and covers respiratory and personal protection as well as chemical identification. Decontamination measures, proper containment, and disposal of contaminated and hazardous materials are also required. Documentation describing the release as well as the disposal methods are also required. Tow and Recovery Professionals across the country are summoned to accident scenes only to stand by until leaks, spills, damaged saddle tanks, or releases in cargo holds are addressed. This wait time is usually lengthy if a spill response company has a long distance to travel or needs to assemble a team to respond.

Tow companies, while not deemed first responders, must be available to respond quickly to accident scenes to clear the roadway. However, spills must be addressed first to prevent cross contamination that could be the result of vehicle removal. Taking time away from business is generally the hurdle most tow operators encounter. Hazwoper training requires an initial 40 hours to achieve certification, followed by 8 hours of annual update refresher training. Hazmat Responder Network offers training that uses hands-on tools and props for real-life scenarios to aid participants in training and is not limited to roadside releases. Spill response and clean-ups are needed in industry, truck stops, fuel plazas, and freight terminal shipping and receiving docks.

Insurance companies and government authorities are keen on companies that have the necessary certified training to ensure that the task is performed properly with documentation. Insurance companies are especially strict on paying response companies and want verification of training through a Verified Trainer or Entity. Hazmat Responder Network offers 40 Hour HAZWOPER Certification and Annual refresher training which includes topics of Incident Commander, DOT HF 126, Annual Hazmat Technician, and Cargo Tank Awareness. These 8-hour updates keep the technician in compliance with the HAZWOPER rules.

Proper tools and equipment necessary for the tasks must be intrinsically safe for use in different atmospheres. Ground and bonding become necessary when transferring flammable and combustible fluids. Knowledge of containers in which to store, transport, and label are covered. The 9 different Hazard classifications are identified, and their dangerous potentials are discussed. Introduction and use of ERG info is also part of the learning process. Different entities such as OSHA, NFPA, NIOSH, and ACGIH all have a part in Technician training. Understanding their roles and enforcement of the rules and regulations can be confusing but easily understood through the proper explanation covered in class.

HRN’s Cargo Tank Awareness training employs simulators that show the design and function of DOT 406, DOT 407, and DOT 412 tanks with participants performing tasks necessary in the field for the transfer of fluids before the vehicle recovery. HRN trains participants, using defensive and offensive methods to demonstrate different techniques to arrest spills and for remediation. Measurement and detection equipment for airborne contaminates, soil, and water test systems are shown with interpretation of use. Equipment, supplies, sublet contractors, proper insurance coverage, labs for analytics, and disposal sources are included in the covered topics.

FlowStop Products, equipment, and supplies were developed to streamline the quick and ease of use for hazmat response tools needed for roadside spill response. Training, along with FlowStop products for spill response is tailored to the towing and recovery professional by a veteran of the industry who possesses knowledge from “hands-on in-field” experience and many years as a Certified Hazmat Instructor. Let Hazmat Responder Network be your source for Certified HAZWOPER Training. Contact us at www.HazmatRN.com or call 877 356 9767.

About the author: Perry Beaty’s upbringing was steeped in the towing industry in Charlotte, North Carolina. Following a two-year military service stint in the early 1970s, he assumed control of the family business, Beaty Towing & Recovery. Under his leadership, the towing service reached new heights. In 1980, Perry became actively involved with the Towing and Recovery Professionals of North Carolina (TRPNC).

From 1992 to 1995, he served as the organization’s President, introducing a scholarship program for its members in collaboration with Wreckmaster. Notably, Perry was honored with the title of “Towman of The Year” by TRPNC in January 1992 and was recognized as one of the “Top Ten Wreckmasters” in 1997. Perry achieved multiple levels of Wreckmaster certification, and in the early 1990s, obtained HAZWOPER certification after recognizing the need for more efficient clean-up responses to highway incidents in the Carolinas, benefiting Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Fire departments, and his towing customers.

In 1995, Perry established the Piedmont Environmental Response Team (PERT) before eventually selling both of his towing companies. In 2004, Beaty founded Logos, Inc. intending to develop a lightweight, low-air pressure drainpipe plug featuring flow-through capabilities for HAZMAT operations. His innovative invention, known as the “Inflatable Flow Control Apparatus,” received a patent, and the name “FLOWSTOP” became a trademark.

In 2018, Perry furthered his expertise by completing the “HERS” Highway Emergency Response Specialist program through SERTC in Pueblo, Colorado, along with the HERS-Advanced, giving Beaty a total of 80 hours of cargo tank certification.

The Hazmat Responder Network expanded to offer Cargo Tank Awareness training, with a primary focus on transport tank trailers carrying Class 3, 6, and 8 materials.

So, unleash the Hazmat Hero within you!

Will-Burt Sets the Scene

Darian Weaver

Let us set the scene: it is dark, you cannot see far in front of you without a flashlight, but you need two hands to hook up the vehicle. What do you do?

Options:

Hold the flashlight with your mouth.
Place the flashlight on the truck pointing in the direction you need but it keeps rolling.
Deploy a light tower and see even more than what a flashlight could shine on.

When deploying a light tower, you can aim the light where you need it most without moving the tow truck. The Night Scan HDT light tower deploys in less time than it takes to watch a TikTok video and once the light tower is set in place, you are free to move about your work scene. Adjusting the light tower is as easy as a push of a button to rotate and tilt the light fixture and The Night Scan Powerlite HDT allows for 360° of scene illumination with dual tilt capabilities. A wireless remote is also available to keep with you as you are moving about the area, so you do not have to return to the truck to adjust lighting.

Another advantage to having a light tower is to bring scene lighting from above and not have the light in your direct line of sight. The light tower allows for maximum visibility over your entire workspace by concentrating light in the work area without you being blinded by it. While adding visibility, The Night Scan HDT also aids in warning oncoming traffic, reducing the risk of other drivers not seeing you.

Continuing to add on top of all these features, Will-Burt light towers can be integrated with cameras and DVRs to record activity from above for billing and insurance purposes.

Pi-Lit Smart Sequential LED Road Flares

One of the many hazards of towing is the risk of other drivers not seeing you. A new way to warn oncoming traffic includes the Pi-Lit LED Smart Flares that can be placed on the ground or atop cones which bring attention to drivers by flashing in sync and inline by order of placement. The flares are packed in a carry case that recharges them and can be stored easily under a seat if needed. As soon as a flare is removed from the carry case, it turns on and begins to flash with the light pattern chosen from the last deployment with a mode memory feature. As a second flare is removed from the case it automatically synchronizes with the first.

Pi-Lit Smart Sequential Road Flares can guide other vehicles around your work area by flashing in a line to direct traffic. Smart flares can also be placed away from your vehicle as well to assist in warning oncoming traffic around curves, hills, and freeways or to alert traffic of the upcoming scene.

New laws from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have allowed Pi-Lit Smart Flares to be used in place of fuses or liquid-burning flares as they achieve the level of safety equivalent to or greater to the level of safety provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Pi-Lit Smart Flares have also been deemed more environmentally friendly since liquid-burning or fuse flares can create a significant fire hazard, pollute water runoff, generate health hazards related to smoke inhalation, and cannot be used in spills of flammable materials.

NightSearcher

If you need portable lighting, NightSearcher rechargeable lighting products are trusted to get the job done. Most products are powered by no maintenance lithium-ion batteries providing longevity and reliability in temperatures from -4° to 140°F, as well as containing a battery management system to protect against overcharging. Along with dependability in extreme temperatures, these portable lights are designed to operate in other harsh environments including rain and snow. NightSearcher portable lights are quick and easy to set up and require small storage space on a truck.

The WorkStar Connect has an adjustable base to angle light as you need it. Featuring four magnetic feet, a hanging hook, and a fold flat design, the WorkStar Connect is extremely versatile in applications. Power tool adapters are included to use rechargeable batteries you already have from brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Black & Decker, Stanley, Bosch, and Makita.

The Light Wave 520 headlamp can be turned on and off by the wave of a hand, has options for spot or flood beams, and includes clips to become mountable on a safety helmet if needed.

Tradeshows we will be attending this year include the Work Truck Show, Florida Tow Show, American Towman Showplace, American Towman Tow Expo, and American Towman Expo.

For more lighting products or to schedule a demo, visit our website at www.willburt.com.

Beyond Visibility: TowMate’s High-Tech Answer to Roadside Hazards

Darian Weaver

Beyond Visibility: TowMate’s High-Tech Answer to Roadside Hazards

By: Chris Anderson

In the still of the night, when shadows blend into the asphalt and danger lurks with every passing vehicle, the safety of roadside workers hangs precariously in the balance. It’s not just roadside workers, but the safety of everyone on the road. The towing industry is one that is unique when it comes to these challenges. Operators work near fast-moving traffic, often in poor lighting conditions, making them particularly vulnerable. With that in mind, TowMate has dedicated a significant portion of its research and development efforts to crafting safety solutions that address these challenges head-on. Among their pioneering advancements, the Lifesaver cone-mounted warning light system and the creative use of non-visible light technology are the latest benchmarks in roadside safety technology.

Shadowed Highways

One cannot overstate the hazards faced by tow truck operators and other roadside workers at night. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), tow truck drivers are over 15 times more likely to be killed on the job than other private industry workers. This jaw-dropping statistic brings to light the immediate need for improved safety measures. The lack of visibility on the roadside is one of the primary culprits in most of these incidents. Traditional reflective vests and vehicle-mounted warning lights have been the standard, but as technology evolves, so too do the methods of enhancing worker visibility.

TowMate’s Commitment to Safety

In the past several years, TowMate, a leader in wireless tow lights and roadside safety solutions based in Rogers, Arkansas, has been at the forefront of creating additional layers of safety on the roadside, day or night, and truly, the proof is in the pudding. The introduction of the Lifesaver cone-mounted warning light system has been a testament to this innovative spirit. This system, which flashes red and blue lights with the ability to flash amber and white lights, offers the benefits of emergency vehicle lighting to tow truck operators, without violating federal regulations that restrict the use of such colors when in motion or mounted on vehicles. Since it is used in a stationary position, the Lifesaver can change the landscape in terms of roadside safety and is a real game changer when it comes to ‘work-zone awareness’ and the safety of workers within them.

The Evolution to Non-Visible Light

More recently, TowMate has spearheaded the development of the patented HINVII (High-Intensity Non-Visible Intelligent Illumination) technology with its inclusion in their SS470UVA light head and TM-LS-UVA portable cone-mounted warning light system (part of the expanding Lifesaver line of products). This new and breakthrough approach uses non-visible UV light to illuminate safety vests and select roadside markers. In turn, this creates a distinct presence that is highly visible to passing motorists but is largely invisible to the workers themselves which, in turn, prevents any distraction or impairment of night vision.

This is the true genius of the TM-LS-UVA and SS470UVA. The ability to use UV light to make safety vests glow intensely provides a level of visibility that is both unparalleled and non-distracting. This method addresses a critical challenge in roadside safety: how to make workers highly visible without impairing their ability to see or distract them with intense visible light. These two items highlight TowMate’s commitment to leveraging technology for safety.

TowMate’s Impact on Roadside Safety

There is a profound potential reach of this technology to create safer workspaces the world over. TowMate’s latest products not only create greater visibility of roadside workers but also pave the way for new safety standards across industries. The SS470UVA and TM-LS-UVA set a precedent for the use of non-visible light as a viable and effective means of ensuring worker safety in low-light conditions.

Wireless Tow Light Advancements: The TM22XR

It should come as no surprise that TowMate has been working on advancing other sides of its business in addition to the non-visible safety lighting products. Take, for instance, their release of the TM22XR series of wireless tow lights. These represent the economical way to get the benefits of lithium-powered wireless tow lights (i.e. lighter weight, 60+ hours of use on a charge, ‘up to 10 years’ of life out of the lithium battery) without breaking the bank. Further, TowMate underscores the fact that their product always holds value in their development of an upgrade module that will be plug-and-play with all older model TM22’s and bring all the benefits of the XR series with it.

TowMate’s Role in Shaping the Future of Roadside Safety

TowMate’s latest releases, from the Lifesaver system to the groundbreaking TM-LS-UVA and SS470UVA to the XR series wireless tow lights, highlight the company as a key player in the evolution of roadside safety technology. Not to be dismissed, the adoption of these technologies has the potential to dramatically reduce the number of accidents and fatalities among roadside workers. As awareness of these solutions grows, and as they become more widely adopted, the hope is that we begin to see the statistics change and the number of casualties decline.

In Summary

In closing, it is forward-thinking approaches like that of TowMate that will hopefully, in time, begin to lower the harm done on our roadsides. However, developing the products is just one part of the equation. To truly make the impact that all signs point towards being possible, these solutions must be adopted. Again, there is no ‘end-all’ that will bring risk down to zero. However, with each additional layer of safety put in place, the risks begin to be mitigated to a more palatable level and the likelihood of returning home at the end of the day, every day, goes up.

Prioritize Safety and Efficiency with Golight

Darian Weaver

Let’s face it, the Tow industry is dangerous business. According to NIOSH, Tow professionals are more than two times as likely to be injured on the job as workers in general. That statistic is no doubt bolstered due to the proportion of tow work done at night in low light areas. In those circumstances, perfectly positioned lighting is more than a convenience; it is a tool that greatly influences on the job safety. Golight has been designing precision remote control lighting to assist the working men and women of America for nearly 30 years, and we keep getting better!

Golight, Inc. is a privately held manufacturing company nestled in the heartland of the United States. In December of 1992, the idea of the remote control spotlight was born. After many engineering drawings, tooling refinements, and prototypes, the first Golight was available for sale in the summer of 1994. Since then, Golight has set the industry standard in remote control lighting. Our lights are in service around the world, lighting the way for everything from military vehicles in theater to snow plows in Alaska and everywhere in between.

In the past 28 years, there have been numerous upgrades to our original product line. Each update incorporates the latest technology to bring our customers the best possible product. Our commitment to quality and durability can be found in every detail of our lights. We take great pride in the industries we serve and the products we provide.

2022 is bringing some bright new changes to Golight with the introduction of the all new Wired Stryker ST. It incorporates all of the features of our Wireless remote ST units, but in a hard wired platform.

The Stryker ST stems from the original Stryker product line. It features
Multiple Unit Selector Function – Allows for control of 2 units with 1 remote, either independently or in tandem
Home Position Function – On-Command return to 0° home
New Control Technology Benefits – Simultaneous Pan + Tilt – no opportunity for wireless interference
Backlit remote buttons
2 speed rotation and tilt—fast for quick scanning, slow for precise control.
UV and Saltwater Resistance
Stainless Steel Mounting Bracket
5 year warranty.
Optional flood lens for wide area coverage.

The Stryker ST Series are available in LED or Halogen with our LED units now providing 32% more power boasting 544,000 Candela with a Max Beam Distance of 4,839 ft. They are both available in Wireless or Hard-Wired remote configurations and Permanent Mount or Portable Magnetic Mounting with 135° x 370° directional tilt and rotation.

Don’t take our word for it, here’s what tow operators are saying

Golight Ambassador Kevin Martinez said “After a year using the Golight GT SERIES light on my wrecker, it made life so much easier. This light has come in handy looking for disabled motorists in dark areas and bad weather to providing extra scene lighting on recovery. I, 100% recommend Golight to anyone looking for a light to help in the towing and recovery industry.”

James E. Lewis, a veteran to the tow industry, said that “The remotes were big enough and the buttons were manageable enough to where I didn’t have to take off my gloves to use them. That was a blessing in 16-degee weather and blowing snow.” He went on to say “I lost count of the number of times I reached into my pocket, paired the pair of lights together, and moved them in tandem to focus more of that radical lighting on our work scene… Even though it was 2 am we lit the place up like a football stadium… No slacking the lines to reposition the truck, no running up and down a 60-degree hill in a foot of snow. With the winch remotes on the tow units and the wireless remotes for the lights, we could get a safe distance away from our recovery trucks and the unit being recovered and make all the magic happen.”

Advantages and Benefits of Lite It Wireless Bars

Darian Weaver

Manufactured by Custer Products, there are many advantages and benefits of the Lite It Wireless towing light bar.

We are pleased to reveal some new features in this article. The first things you must have on your wireless light bar are LED lights. There are many advantages to having LED lights compared to incandescent lights. Some obvious reasons are that LED lights are brighter. They last longer and pull less amperage from your battery than incandescent lights. Less known facts about LED lights are that the life span is up to six times longer with unsurpassed reliability, and they have better tolerance to extreme weather, vibration, and shock. No longer are there fragile wire filaments in each light. Instead, they have light, emitting diodes (LED) that illuminate the products.

The corded tow bar options are available with LED lights and a polyethylene case. They’re made from the exact material of our wireless bars. You can see availability of all styles and sizes of website, www.custerproducts.com. The most recent, updated technology is in the wireless bars.

EXTERNAL BATTERY

The newest improvement introduced in the Lite It Wireless light bars is an external battery option now available. Recently, Custer Products launched a new line of wireless bars with an external 20-volt battery mounted on the bottom of the bar. This lithium battery option can be a game changer, especially for longer hauls, across state tows, and added hours of operation during the winter months. The battery slides into the battery plate and power restored! You can keep additional batteries charged without having to get inside the light bar. Simply slide off the discharged battery and put a freshly charged battery on the bottom of the bar. You are ready again, with minimal time lost.

Our new external battery plate is designed to use Custer Products 20 volt or the Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt style batteries. You may order our 36”, 48”, or 60” wireless light bars with or without the battery and charger. If you have your own, maybe from a power tool, etc., you can use it on our bars. It can save some money. The above-mentioned bars also have additional strobe or flasher options available.

So, you have one (or more) of our wireless light bars and want to know, “Can I convert my wireless bar to the external battery bar?” The answer is YES. Our LIW Team can convert your internal battery bar to an external battery bar. The cost is fair, and the upgrade is great. The bar you want to convert will have to be registered with Custer Products, or proof of purchase required. Our customer service team is ready to direct and help you with this process, give us a call today.

WARRANTY WORK

We require that all wireless light bars are registered by filling in the paperwork included with every LIW purchase and forward to our office. If you do not have the form to send in, you can download one from our website. It is important that the serial number on the bar gets documented for 2 reasons. First, this ensures that you can get warranty work done if needed within the terms of the warranty policy. Secondly, if you lose your bar, or someone finds it, you will be protected from someone else purchasing a transmitter to operate that bar. Our bars do not operate like the “other” bars, so the transmitters are not interchangeable. The independent programming prevents cross-talk with other bars on the same frequency which is another benefit of Lite It Wireless.

When your bar is registered with us, there is an advantage to having a warranty available to you from Custer Products. Since we manufacture the bars right here in our warehouse, we can assess and fix all problems quickly. After you’ve registered your light bar with us, we can perform warranty work for you at no charge or even with a minimal charge. If the serialized bar is within the proper warranty timeframe, we will do our best to fix any problems, replace broken parts, and get the bar back to you as quickly as possible.

As always, the customer service team is ready to process your order, answer questions, or send you more information so you can order the products that best meet your needs. You can place orders through our website, become a dealer, receive the monthly newsletter, or join our Facebook page for updates.

So, let’s get connected!

Look For the Helpers

Darian Weaver

Over the past 30+ years, and especially after a national disaster, Mister Rogers’ quote has been repeated in some form or fashion. Mister Rogers was a famous Childrens’ TV personality. I can remember my daughter, Erin, watching his show early each morning even before she started attending school. Here’s what Mister Rogers said. “When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the HELPERS. You will always find people who are helping.” To this day, especially in times of “disaster,” I remember my mother’s words and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world. Since we don’t know what you’re dealing with, 2024 could be a daunting year for you, but there are plenty of people who want to help.

Maybe your problem stems with your employees, cash flow or a health issue for yourself or a family member. So, think about what you have planned to achieve in 2024. Perhaps you’re worried that it won’t happen because you’ve experienced some business falling off or you’ve been diagnosed with a health issue for yourself or family member that’s consuming your time and energy. Okay, I get it. I’m going through something like that with my own health where my quality of life depends on me following a specialized treatment plan. I can’t quit, and you shouldn’t either. So, as towers how do we HELP each other to get them through the next few months? Certainly, we can pray for each other, and act upon it as directed by our Higher Power.

Take for instance, Elon Musk. He has made numerous enemies and friends during his business-building journey, particularly with his newly acquired platform, X (formerly known as Twitter). Hoping to stop Elon in his tracks, many disgruntled employees staged a mass exodus, but Elon didn’t give into their demands. He didn’t quit but made lemonade from lemons. Being a prayer-minded man myself, I would have been on my knees asking for divine help and afterwards, from others around me. I am positive that my Heavenly Father would have put the right people in my path to help me.

Speaking of that kind of advice, do you have the ear of a good listening person that can help you walk through challenges? Perhaps your challenge is a financial issue, an additional division, or maybe it’s just how to get your business to grow 10%. The person to point you in the right direction could be a pastor, a like-minded friend, another business owner or partner, a knowledgeable parent or even a local banker. Run your problems or thoughts by someone you trust.

Reading scripture can help because it’s helped me. I’ve seen answers to some of my business needs in scripture. In the past, when I was trying to get someone to help with advice, I would preface my request with, “Scott, I really need your help. And I’m hoping you can help me with some issues that I’m having with my business.” Using the word, “help” grabs their attention so they can offer their best solutions. Most people want to be helpful to others and will change their demeanor in a positive way when asked. A person willing to give advice is an invaluable mentor. Even if you don’t get the answer or suggestions that you were needing, it’s common courtesy to say, “thank you.”

If your problem is with employees, ask yourself this question. Do you have the right ones in place to make 2024 your company’s best year yet? Sometimes making changes in your staff is all you need to make 2024 better than 2023. Several years ago, I wrote an article about the difference in hiring turkeys and eagles. Turkeys repeat what they do and can’t help it if what they do is always wrong. They’re wired to gobble up a good atmosphere, cause chaos and can’t easily change. Eagles on the other hand fly high, keep climbing and are always trying to do better. Whenever an eagle has a crow riding on his back, the eagle will climb higher until the crow falls off due to lack of oxygen. Instead of fighting with the crow, the simple act of climbing higher removes the crow. If additional income is what you need, here’s a suggestion.

Recycling, coupled with towing, can work well together. Parts garnered from a tow can be recycled to bring more cash flow into your business. Ask a friend who has already added recycling to the business how it works for them. Certainly, get some professional advice from your CPA before committing to it.

Although it’s not a surprise to us already, the present US administration hasn’t helped our industry with its relentless push for electric trucks without being prepared for changes it would cause. I truly believe that due to those new challenges, towers across this country will need even more helpers in 2024. As in the words of Mister Roger’s mom, “Look for the helpers.” So, look for “helpers” within our towing industry. They’re out there, waiting to help. If you’re struggling right now and don’t know which way to turn, call 770-301-4122. I’d love to pray for you, your health, or your business because as Towers, we are in this business together. And, too, I might know someone who would love to help you.

See you on the next Tow Professional podcast.

Planning 2024

Darian Weaver

It’s that time of the year when you make all your new year resolutions and get your company ready for 2024. Then you hope that it all turns out like you planned. When I owned my tow company this time of year was fun. My wife and I would evaluate every part of the business. We looked at the following areas:

Staffing needs – Your staff is your best asset, so we looked at every employee and determined who was strong and who was weak. Based on our growth, we looked at positions we had to fill and figured out where to go to get the people we needed. This used to be easy, but now every position has salary issues. Then you must figure out where to find drivers.
Drivers – This is probably the toughest challenge you will have in 2024. First you must find the drivers. You can’t steal them from other companies because they don’t have any. It used to be tattoos were your biggest issue, but now you must worry about the color of their hair, how many piercings they have, and get them to work the hours you need covered.
Truck inventory – Evaluate your truck, which one needs repairs and which ones need replacing.
Storage yard – If you need a storage yard, or, if you have a storage yard, what repairs are needed to meet the requirements of the city or state in which you operate?
Travel – It was always important for us to go to at least two tow shows. We got to hook up with old friends and exchange war stories. At the same time, we looked at the latest technology and the new trucks that were hitting the market. We also used this as a mini vacation to enjoy ourselves and relieve some stress.
New Ideas – In talking with people at trade shows we always got new ideas for new lines of business. When you meet fifty new tow companies and pick their brains you have fifty people giving you new ideas to help you grow.
Money – Having a great business plan is no good if you don’t have the money to execute it.

When we started our latest company, TowTrax, we did a lot of research and came up with a strong business plan. We identified a need in the industry and developed a business to fit that need. We knew we needed working capital to get it off the ground, so I went looking for investors. Unfortunately, it was the same time covid hit, and all the big investors seemed to hide.

Finding money to address your changes will be a big part of your success, and finding money can be hard. I know when I was trying to raise working capital for my company, there were several places to turn to, most of which were not successful.

Here is what I learned about raising working capital:

Banks – I learned that if you don’t need money or have money, they will be happy to give you more. If you need money to grow you need collateral for everything they do.
Venture Capital – If you are looking for less than 10 million, they are not interested. My company was growing, and I had a great business plan that was successful, but they would not even talk to me because I was not asking for enough money.
Equity sources – They would loan you money if your company was making money and met certain criteria.
Brokers – This group was the worst. I would get an offer on Facebook from a broker who could get you approved for a loan. Once you respond to one ad, I would get phone calls and e-mails from brokers all with deals better than the last one. This group was worse than working with someone trying to sell you a timeshare. They would say anything to get your business. Make promises they can’t keep and lie when necessary to get you to listen to their deal. We wouldn’t even talk about the 30% interest rates they charge with high weekly payments, and they would hound you for months. Even after I found money, they would still hound you.

Don’t ever use brokers to find your money.

I ended up reaching out to the industry for help. Tow companies knew there was a need for what I was trying to do, and I found 13 tow companies willing to invest. Some purchased several hundred thousand shares of stock in TowTrax. This gave me a built-in board of directors that I could run ideas through and get the best results.

If you need money to grow, the best way is through your customer base. Look at your good customers and see what you can do to expand your services to them. Try to reward them in any way you can to show you appreciate their business. Then look at your bad customers and give them to your competitor.

I just had a meeting with my staff, and we covered all the points that are in this article. Even though we are a new company, we are not afraid to get rid of customers that are costing us money.

We finally have a few big investors looking at us, which makes 2024 very promising. It’s still not to late to purchase stock in TowTrax and be a part of our growing future.

Here’s hoping your year will be as good as ours. Most of all, work safe.

The Guilt Trip Is Real: Navigating the Highways of Mom Guilt, Work Guilt, and Everything In Between!”

Darian Weaver

Navigating guilt as a business owner, dispatcher, or towing operator, especially during the busy seasons, can be challenging for anyone. The guilt of leaving work to go home can be just as intense as the guilt of leaving your loved ones to fulfill work obligations! Let’s be real. The towing industry can be brutal. It’s a 24/7 industry that never ends, and you can find yourself working in extreme and dangerous weather and road conditions at any time of the year. Long hours are the norm, and the guilt can last even longer. If you are reading this, then I am not telling you anything you do not already know.

As I am writing this, Wisconsin has been hit for 2 weeks straight with snowstorms and then brutally cold sub-zero temperatures followed it. We have not seen weather like this in many years. I watched my guys get all excited for it and then watched them leave after exhaustion and crabbiness. It was hours longer than usual for everyone. No amount of planning gets you ready for this. I’ll be honest. I do not like it. I hate winter mostly because I do not like being cold. I do not like that it makes our jobs harder than they need to be. I do not like dangerous roads being even more dangerous for the operators working them. However, it is here, none-the-less, and no amount of dragging my feet, kicking, and screaming will do anything about it. We have all been working nonstop, and I feel tremendous guilt about the time I am missing with my family and loved ones. I am also feeling the guilt of leaving my teammates when everything is so busy at the shop. We hear the term “Mommy Guilt” all the time. It gets thrown around everywhere. But where is the “Daddy Guilt” or the “Spousal Guilt”? Moms are not the only ones to feel the pressures and the guilt of missing out on things. Men are just less likely to share how they feel about it but that does not mean that they are not experiencing it. How can the men and women in the towing industry navigate the guilt?

GIVE A NOD TO FAMILY TIME – where the real VIPs are!

Recognizing the significance of family time is crucial in fostering a positive work environment and employee well-being. As a leader, it is important to acknowledge that employees have responsibilities and commitments outside of the workplace, particularly in their family lives. Encouraging a healthy work-life flow by valuing and respecting family time can lead to increased job satisfaction and employee engagement. This can result in a more motivated and dedicated team, as individuals feel appreciated not only for their professional contributions but also for their roles and responsibilities beyond the workplace. Ultimately, a company that values family time contributes to a harmonious and sustainable work environment.

UNAPOLOGETIC INTENTIONALITY

Being intentional with the time you have and being present where your feet are is crucial for achieving a healthy work-life flow. In towing’s 24/7 fast-paced world, where work demands and personal responsibilities often compete for attention, making a conscious effort to prioritize and manage your time effectively becomes paramount. By setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, you create space for both professional growth and personal well-being. This involves establishing realistic goals, adhering to a well-defined schedule, and learning to say no when necessary. Striking a balance requires intentional choices, whether it’s dedicating specific hours to work, scheduling leisure activities, or spending quality time with loved ones. You can explore ways to involve family in your business or work life for a suitable blend. One of the best examples is taking the family to a towing convention or trade show with you. Being intentional with your time empowers you to make the most of each day, fostering an amicable blend of career success and personal fulfillment.

OPEN DIALOGUE UNLOCKS SUCCESS

In the challenging work of keeping a well-rounded work-life flow, communication takes the wheel as the undisputed captain, creating a seamless consistency between professional duties and cherished family moments. The ability to convey needs, establish boundaries, and highlight priorities becomes the secret sauce in sustaining a harmonious work-life rhythm. Just as a skilled operator maneuvers a recovery with precision, effective communication ensures a smooth haul through the demands of work and the joys of family, preventing any detours or breakdowns along the way. Clear lines of dialogue allow for mutual understanding between employers, colleagues, and family members, ensuring that expectations align and support systems flourish. This open dialogue becomes a lifeline, warding off guilt by creating a shared understanding of the demands and joys each facet of life brings. Just like a well-maintained tow truck, effective communication ensures a smooth journey, preventing breakdowns and detours.

SEASONS COME AND SEASONS GO

Accept all the seasons in this industry! Depending on your location, you may encounter various seasons throughout the year. Currently, in Wisconsin, we find ourselves in the busiest season—Winter, marked by hazardous road conditions and extreme weather. This period coincides with major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, leading to a peak in travel. Spring starts off relatively slow but becomes hectic as everyone prepares for the upcoming Summer. Farmers and construction crews gear up their equipment during this time. It may not technically be a season, but we have it here: Construction season, spanning from April to November, contributes to increased incidents on the road. Summer transforms into a tourist season, bringing a surge in travelers amid challenges of extreme heat and humidity. Fall generally slows things down, except during harvest season, which tends to elevate activity. The unique aspect is the potential overlap of these seasons, creating dynamic and sometimes chaotic times.

SEEK OUT PEER SUPPORT

Seeking peer support in the towing industry can indeed be beneficial for overcoming challenges and sharing experiences. Networking with fellow professionals allows you to gain insights into common issues, best practices, and innovative solutions. You can consider joining industry forums, online communities, or attending local and national towing association events to connect with others in the industry.

DON’T LET RESENTMENT CREEP IN

After managing the guilt, resentment tends to creep in. This is a terribly negative and wasteful emotion that you need to keep at bay. It serves no purpose and will rob you of time and energy. People tend to start blaming everything and everyone else for what they are missing. You need to look in the mirror and take ownership of what you let happen. Yep, I said it.

Ultimately keeping open, honest lines of communication about expectations and commitments with everyone will allow you to utilize the tools given here freely and have better success with managing guilt and keeping resentment out.

Zip’s Industry News

Darian Weaver

Goodall Start All Jump Pack

Are you one of many truck service providers looking for a portable jump pack that can start dead Class 8 trucks? We have the only true solution for you! This proven 10,000-amp jump pack breathes new life into dead battery systems with an industry-leading Goodall Start All Jump Pack from Zip’s AW Direct. Encased in a rugged plastic shell, this 10,000-amp portable unit features large metal clamps with 1/0 gauge jumper cables. Fully charged, the pack delivers an impressive 133,200 joules of energy in just five seconds to instantly start Class 8 diesel engines up to 16L. For jump starting large construction or agriculture type equipment, then you’ll need the 24V version to get the job done with up to 166,500 joules of output! With a flip of a switch you can toggle from 12V to 24V with just one jump pack! Both of these packs offer protection against reverse polarity, low voltage and short circuit for complete peace of mind, convenience and reliability. We even use them in our shop! Order yours today at Zips.com. Item #: JP-12-10000 and JP-12-24 for the 24V capability.

Collins G7 Hi-Speed Dollies

Whether it’s in town or the interstate, Collins G7 Hi-Speed Dollies can go the distance. The only dollies capable of interstate travel, the Collins brand is made to hold up. These durable dollies have no limit to towing distance. Plus, with the positive camber, the car will stay steady even over bumpy roads. Not to mention, it’s very lightweight, allowing it to be carried and set up quickly and without difficulty. So, pick yours up at Zips.com. Item #: CD-G7-H

RimSling Spliced Eye Synthetic Recovery Slings

RimSling Spliced Eye Synthetic Recovery Slings live up to their name every day. They are thin enough to fit through the holes on a truck rim yet strong enough to finish the recovery. Each sling features braided plasma fibers with an additional braided guard wrapped around the center portion of the sling guard for extreme durability and flexibility. Six-inch woven eyes at each end of the sling create strong lashing points, and a full-length Cordura sleeve protects against cuts and abrasions. With Working Load Limits to 10,960 lbs., these slings are approved for overhead lifting and are available in 11 colors, four diameters and lengths to 20 feet. Order yours at Zips.com. Item #: RIMSLING-ROPE.

Akron Mounts Slim – Grip Ultra Heavy Duty Drill Base Mount

ARKON Mounts has endeavored to provide mounts for a wide variety of different mobile devices and technology. Making life on the road a little easier, ARKON Mounts offers a mount for just about any screen you can think of. Whether it’s keeping your phone, tablet, or electronic log device hands-free with your eyes on the road, these durable and flexible mounts will make your driver seat or cab feel like an office. Now available at Zips.com, ARKON Mounts will always keep your devices safe and within reach. Item#: RM6AMPS2T

Hackney Partners with Worldwide Equipment

Darian Weaver

In the ever-evolving landscape of incident management, the collaboration between Worldwide Equipment and Hackney has given rise to a groundbreaking solution – the Hackney 6 bay incident management vehicle. This innovative vehicle redefines the industry standard by incorporating cutting-edge features that prioritize efficiency, sustainability, and safety.

At the heart of the 6 bay vehicle is its lightweight all-aluminum structure. This design not only contributes to the vehicle’s overall durability but also ensures a reduced environmental impact. The use of aluminum makes the vehicle corrosion-resistant, extending its lifespan and minimizing maintenance costs. This commitment to sustainability aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions in today’s business environment.

The tapered design of the incident management vehicle is a game-changer. This feature not only enhances aerodynamics but also prevents inventory from shifting during transit. The result is a more fuel-efficient vehicle that not only lowers operational costs for businesses but also reduces its carbon footprint.

One of the standout features of the Hackney 6 bay is its added strength floor stability. This element is crucial in situations where the vehicle may encounter rough terrain or heavy loads. The reinforced floor ensures the vehicle can withstand the challenges of real-world incident management scenarios, providing reliability when it matters most. The interior is designed to accommodate a variety of equipment and supplies with optimal organization.

Quick retrieval and accessibility are further enhanced by the intelligent layout of the vehicle’s storage bays. Every inch of space is utilized to provide a logical and efficient organization system. Built-in safety features elevate the vehicle to a new standard of excellence.

This vehicle is an exceptional solution in the form of the Worldwide Equipment and Hackney 6 bay incident management vehicle. Its lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and environmentally friendly design, coupled with features like tapered structure, added strength floor durability, extreme organization options, quick retrieval, and built-in safety features, set a new benchmark for incident management vehicles. This collaboration represents a leap forward in providing reliable, efficient, and sustainable tools for the industry.

For more information visit: www.wdelivers.com

How Pen And Paper Can Be Detrimental For Towers

Darian Weaver

By Laura Dolan

In the fast-paced world of the towing industry, where prompt and efficient service can mean the difference between minor inconvenience and disaster, some towing businesses are still finding themselves anchored to outdated practices.

Despite the technological strides made in the realm of towing software, many towing companies still rely heavily on pen and paper for their day-to-day operations. As many may be resistant to this change, the steadfast commitment to traditional methods comes with its own set of challenges and can prove to be detrimental for towing and roadside assistance businesses.

But there is a better way and we’re here to tell you how towing software helps you quickly and effectively manage your entire operation in a more organized and digital fashion. Say goodbye to gaps and inconsistencies in your reporting, longhand tasks, working longer hours due to paperwork, and piles and piles of boxes taking up space with old, outdated records. Here’s how going from pen and paper to digital software really makes a difference:

Effortless Digital Dispatching

One of the primary drawbacks of sticking to pen and paper in the towing industry is the impediment it poses to dispatch efficiency. Towing and roadside assistance demands swift response times, and relying on manual methods for receiving and dispatching jobs can lead to delays. Digital dispatching systems, equipped with GPS tracking and real-time communication features, offer a streamlined approach to managing service calls. With pen and paper, the risk of miscommunication, missed calls, and dispatch errors increases, potentially tarnishing the reputation of your towing business and compromising customer satisfaction.

Better Relationships With Customers

Another critical aspect where pen and paper may be a drawback is in customer relationship management. Towing and roadside assistance businesses thrive on repeat customers and positive reviews. Digital dispatching enables the logging of customer information, service history, and preferences all in one place, empowering towing businesses to provide personalized and efficient service. Pen and paper, on the other hand, make it challenging to maintain organized records, leading to potential errors, misplaced information, and a lack of insight into customer needs and preferences.

Easier Billing And Invoicing

Billing and invoicing processes also suffer when towing businesses cling to antiquated methods. Manual invoicing is prone to errors, and the delay in generating invoices can negatively impact cash flow. Digital billing systems streamline the invoicing process, reducing the risk of delays and errors, and enabling businesses to send invoices promptly. This not only enhances professionalism but also contributes to better financial management, helping your towing business be more responsible, which helps to build trust among your customers.

More Efficient Record Keeping

Regulating accurate compliance and documentation requirements in the towing industry is imperative. Using pen and paper for record-keeping can result in misplaced or incomplete documentation, leading to legal and regulatory complications. Digital record-keeping systems not only ensure compliance but also facilitate quick and easy retrieval of necessary documents when needed.

Come Experience The TRAXERO Difference

Our reliable support team responds quickly and is always here to help you get set up and answer any questions about how it all works. You never have to go it alone.

To learn more about how you can start using TRAXERO’s tools to start improving your towing business, visit traxero.com or call us at 1-800-428-4715.

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