Understanding CAB and SAFER Scores and Their Impact on Towing Insurance Rates

More and more insurers are utilizing CAB and SAFER scores to assess risks and establish rates for towing insurance. Your scores significantly affect your risk acceptability and your insurance premiums.

What are CAB and SAFER Scores?

The CAB report is produced by the Central Analysis Bureau (CAB). CAB compiles millions of data points into a database for all federally filed transportation companies. DOT inspections and violations, mileage, etc. are logged into their database. CAB compiles your data into your CAB report, which compares your company against all your peer group companies.

The FMCSA Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system compiles a concise electronic record of a company’s identification, size, and safety information, including the safety rating of roadside out-of-service inspection summary and crash information.

Insurers use the scores and data to assess the likelihood of future claims and set insurance rates based on the perceived risk.

Impact on Insurance Rates

Towing companies with higher CAB and SAFER scores or Conditional/Unsatisfactory ratings will face higher insurance premiums. Insurance companies believe that companies with higher scores or conditional/unsatisfactory ratings indicate a higher risk of future claims. Insurers offset the risk by charging higher premiums.

Improving Scores and Lowering Rates

While CAB and SAFER scores can influence insurance rates, towing companies can take steps to improve their scores and potentially lower their insurance costs. Implementing robust safety protocols, investing in driver training programs, and a well-maintained fleet can all contribute to a positive claims history, which may lead to lower scores and more favorable insurance rates over time.

Conclusion

Understanding your CAB and SAFER scores is essential for towing companies seeking cost-effective insurance coverage. By proactively managing risk factors and maintaining a strong safety record, towing businesses can improve their scores, mitigate potential liabilities, and safeguard their operations in the competitive towing industry.

If you are interested in learning more or talking with a Wichert Insurance Towing Specialist, use the QR code below to visit our blog and website.

UC-5000 Ultra Coaster

Darian Weaver

Sold in pairs

Rated at 5000 pounds per coaster, our Ultra Coaster is an essential tool for loading large and small vehicles onto a variety of carriers. Our six wheel design eliminates the need for additional ramps and makes for the smoothest, hassle free loading experience on the market.

Rated at 5000 pounds per coaster/ 10,000 pounds combined
Open platform for use with any size tire
Allows easy loading of electric vehicles, casualties with broken suspension, and machinery or containers lacking it’s own wheels

The Buffalo James Lynn Hurst

Hurst Towing was established on January 16, 1987. On January 25^th, 2021, life changed in a moment for James Lynn Hurst, Owner of Hurst Towing in Fultondale, Alabama. Hurst Towing was leveled by an F3 Tornado. In mere seconds, the business was swept away, 16 trucks damaged and another building collapsed. Operator, Blake Whisonant held onto the driveshaft of the heavy wrecker as the building collapsed upon them. Blake’s life was spared by the hand of God. When night became day, it was easy to see that the only things Lynn and his loving wife, Debbie had left were faith and their towing family.

It didn’t take long before towers across the state started showing up to help. Many people came to encourage and just be there. Jimmy Shatz, Opie, and Shannon of ABC came out that night. Kevin Goodyear of Goodyear Towing dropped 2 trucks at his Hayden location, saying the keys are in them, use them however long you need to use them. Greg Hinds of Austin Hinds Motors dropped off new units only days after the loss, saying, “We can horse trade later. Your business and family are my # 1 concern.” Miller picked up our rotator, delivered it to their facility where the M100 is built and made it their #1 priority! ABC Towing, Weil Wrecker Service, Kirkland, and Bambarger came to our aid.

The outpouring from the tow community was Lynn and Debbie’s answer that God had a lot more in store for them! This community and our faith gave us the strength to rebuild. The devastation made us rethink many things where we were deficient. When this tornado hit, we had 200 + cars on our lot, checks and paperwork out for end of day, and keys to cars just hanging on hooks.

Administrative paperwork, laptops, desktop computers, checks, keys etc. were gone, and some were recovered from other counties. We were underinsured as many. Who thinks about extra coverage for fences? We do now after $40k of fence was destroyed. So, this disaster brought about many changes. Lynn stated, “I say underinsured because now many years later replacement cost, materials, inflation, and new building regulations drove the price sky high, making a previous $900,000 building now $1.4 million to replace.”

We have had hard times; this type of pain can bring out the best and worst of you. Just like purifying aluminum, you get sloth that comes to the top. If you don’t get that sloth on the top it stays in and ruins the product. Lynn stated, “I used to write down my offenses to God and had a list of over 30, until I heard God say, when are you going to stop counting your offenses and start counting your blessings?” These are moments in life that will change you, and it goes back to your foundation. Ours was built on the Rock of Jesus. What is yours built on?

Skip, our operations manager passed unexpectedly, and his passing rocked our world again! Skip was not just an employee, but a dear friend and a key person in our day-to-day operations. We walked by faith through the rebuilding process that took patience from Debbie, and the hard work of our dedicated team for a little over 2 years!

During the rebuilding process, the building was coming along when an Ernest T Bass type of fellow came in and commented on a Facebook live where I shared my faith in God. He continued with his thoughts on the rebuilding process and told me I reminded him of a buffalo. His story theme was when a heavy storm approaches, wait through it. A herd of buffalo will purposely run into a storm to limit the time and duration of pain while running during the storm which takes courage. He said, “Lynn you keep being a Buffalo, my friend!” His statement stuck with me, and we restored the #44 truck, placed a buffalo on its hood and showcased it at the Chattanooga Tow Show. It felt like my story had come full circle with the building of this truck which helped bring some closure to a tough chapter of life.

These tough losses changed our procedures. We now have lock boxes. Everything is locked away, i.e.: titles, checks and paperwork before leaving. We have a secured wall-mounted key box for all client’s car keys, coverage for TOTAL replacement of our fences, and more building coverage to absorb raising future costs.

We have done something special for our employees as well. I watch them through their probationary time like any company does a new hire. After they have shown their work ethics and commitment to the job, they receive a bag with a custom patch Buffalo Soldier. This has been an awesome way to reward our employees by showing them that we see them, and they are now part of our Hurst family!

Taking from what we learned the hard way, look at your policy. Don’t delay. Do it today. What would it cost to rebuild it all tomorrow? 20%, 30%, 60% or more? Always be prepared, and make sure your foundations are built on a Rock!

Jerr-Dan Financial Solutions—Towers Helping Towers

Darian Weaver

Exterior of the Oshkosh Global Headquarters on October 25, 2019 in Oshkosh, WI.

JDFS, Jerr-Dan Financial Solutions, takes a unique approach to finance. Its identity goes beyond generic capital equipment finance. In fact, JDFS is made up of tow truck operators as well as sales and finance professionals who know the towing and recovery industry inside out. Todd Chase, of JDFS, often tells new clients, “We speak your language and understand the challenges tow truck drivers face every day. That’s why you can count on our flexible and fast process to help you identify and finance the tow trucks you need.”

Of course, as is true when using any financial services for leasing or purchasing equipment, using Jerr-Dan Financial Solutions to finance towing and recovery equipment offers the standard advantages versus cash. The buyer improves cash flow, may protect their creditworthiness, and saves on “soft costs” like tax, shipping, and installation when financing 100% of the purchase.

However, Chase points out that the power of the JDFS program results in wider credit availability, diverse and creative options to help customers that would be turned away from other entities, and an application process that is described by the company as “hassle-free.”

JDFS has found that their clients appreciate the sense of partnership that is part of all stages of their financing program. The focus is on a simple, quick process. In fact, customers can apply online and receive a credit decision within 24 hours– guaranteed. Once approved, the team will work with the customer directly to customize a financing solution that meets the specific needs of their business.

Chase said, “We make it easy to grow our customers’ businesses with competitive interest rates and no down payment for qualified buyers. We offer flexible options, with up to 100% financing, because every customer is different. We match the right lease or loan package to each unique business, with terms from 24 to 84 months.”

JDFS is a one-stop shop for leases and loans on both new and used Jerr-Dan equipment.

CSTH LLC Acquires Dynamic Towing Equipment & Manufacturing

Darian Weaver

Cynthiana, KY – Commercial Specialty Truck Holdings LLC, (CSTH) has acquired Dynamic Towing and Equipment Manufacturing of Norfolk, Virginia.

CSTH LLC, the parent company of E-Z Pack Trucks, Continental Mixers, and One Source Parts is excited to add another specialty body platform and will look to develop and expand Dynamic’s existing business.

“Dynamic has had a history of innovation and success in the towing industry,” said Frank Busicchia, CEO of CSTH. “They are an ideal ﬁt with CSTH, and our approach to the custom body markets.” CSTH LLC plans to continue operations in Norfolk, Virginia, and expand rapidly by utilizing the growing footprint of One Source Parts, (OSP). With locations in Florida, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Texas, OSP provides additional installation capability and product support for the towing and recovery markets.

Dynamic is the creator of the Original Self-Loading Wheel-Lift that has become the most sought-after technology in the towing industry. CSTH will continue to offer the excellent customer care that has made their operator-owned approach successful at E-Z Pack and Continental. Dynamic customers, many of them owner-operators, will continue to have direct access to company leadership.

The former owner, Anthony Gentile, will be staying on with the new company in a senior capacity. “I am thrilled about this new opportunity that CSTH has presented for Dynamic Towing, and I am excited for the future. With our new footprint, we can take care of more customers and continue what makes Dynamic great.

NEW Wireless Tow Light Bar –LED Light Bars with external power pack battery

Darian Weaver

Bright, dependable lighting plays an important role in ensuring both safety and compliance for tow operators. When it comes to high-quality, reliable lighting solutions, Lite-It Wireless stands out in the market with our innovative LED Light Bars. In this article, we will highlight new cutting-edge products, designed by Custer Products, that are now available through a network of distributors for purchase. You can find all the wireless light bar information at WWW.CUSTERPRODUCTS.COM

LITH36

The LITH36 is our 36” wireless light bar with game-changing new technology. It’s the same great 36” wireless light bar but now comes with an external power pack battery. The LITH36 is ideal for the individuals looking for powerful, long lasting battery options for extended run times.

LITH36STR

The LITH36STR is our 36” wireless light bar with additional strobes and it also is equipped with the same external power pack battery as the LITH36. The LITH36STR is ideal for the individuals looking for powerful, long-lasting battery options for extended run times with the added safety of the strobes.

LITH48 / LITH60

LITH48RFS with flashers

LITH60RFS with flashers

The larger bars designed for longer hauls or for wide loads, require more lighting and are available with or without extra flashers for added visibility. The external battery option is also available for 48” and 60” wireless light bars. The ratchet straps and bungees help secure the light bar during the most rugged tows.

External Battery Power

Lite-It-Wireless introduced a new External Power Pack Battery light bar at the 2023 Tennessee Tow Show. The 20-volt lithium battery slides into the battery plate externally mounted on the bottom of the light bar, protecting it from moisture. Once locked in place, and turned on, your bar now has power. It is easily removed and placed into the battery charger included with the light bar. The charger plugs into the standard 110v outlet and the battery locks right into the charger. This external power pack is perfect for towing longer hours without worrying about frequent recharging or having to cord the bar. You can purchase the Custer Products’ Battery and charger with your light bar OR if you have a DeWalt style or M18 style battery, you can use one you already have.

Convert your Wireless Light Bar to the External Battery Option!

So you want to know, “Can I convert my Wireless light bar with internal batteries to an External Battery option?” The answer is yes!! We would be happy to make the conversion for you. Simply call the office and we can get your bar scheduled for conversion. Fair cost and great upgrade. Give us a call for details. Do NOT Attempt to convert your bar by yourself. You will void the warranty and may ruin your lithium battery.

Tow Light Bar Versatility

For those who already own the M18 or DeWalt style batteries, Lite-It Wireless offers the flexibility to use your existing battery with our lightbar. There is no need to purchase a light bar with the battery, you can simply order the light bar and save a few dollars. The transmitter is always included. When your battery runs low, you can swap it out with a charged battery and continue with the towing service you are providing.

The new external battery pack eliminates the need for changing the batteries from inside the light bar. You eliminate any interrupted performance and delays. Having a spare, fully charged battery on board, will make your tow operator very happy. It is easy to replace a discharged battery and keep on going.

Other Features

Each Wireless light bar is individually programmed with its’ own frequency to prevent any cross-talk with other vehicles, especially in your own fleet. Registering your wireless light bar will provide us the information we need to honor any warranty work for you. It is required.

Choose Custer Products’ Lite-It Wireless light bar with the NEW External Battery pack and experience the difference in lighting technology today! Made in the U.S.A!

Call us for a Tow Light Distributor listing for your state! 800-490-3158

PatrolWorks with LPR Private Property Parking Management – Reimagined From PPI to Parking Management

Darian Weaver

Ranger’s innovative solution – PatrolWorks with LPR – resets expectations for effective private property parking management. It puts the pieces together with advanced permitting capabilities AND LPR enforcement in a single, fully integrated solution.

You now have a new, exciting opportunity for growth – extending your PPI business by offering your customers a single-source outsourcing option for their parking management. An option that delivers increased revenues and returns on their parking assets.

PatrolWorks with LPR equips you to be a full-service Parking Management Company that delivers exceptional value to your customers while increasing your own revenues and profits. You become your customers’ “go to” resource for parking — managing the process from feature-rich paid permitting to “arms-length” LPR patrolling to responsible enforcement (ticketing and/or impounding).

You can serve more customers and lots, share in permitting processing fees, and benefit from more impounds without investments in more trucks.

PatrolWorks with LPR targets owners in two markets: 1.) Multi-Family Residential properties (apartments, HOA’s, campuses), and 2.) Pay to Park lots. Using the vehicle license plate as the permit enables the use of advanced license plate recognition technology for more efficient patrolling to identify vehicles in violation. A fully integrated mobile application – Co-Pilot – compliments the LPR system. Co-Pilot adds functionality to record any policy violation (not just permit related) such as expired vehicle registrations or flat tires. It can also be used to further document a violation detected by the LPR system by taking additional pictures that are automatically merged with the pictures from the LPR cameras.

Owners of Multi-Family Properties can achieve multiple objectives:

Improve Safety and Security: Replacing stickers with License Plates as the permit enables frequent (mobile) LPR patrolling. This in turn discourages illicit activity in the lot (reducing risks/liabilities) and provides greater management control of the vehicles in the community.

Increase Revenue and Property Value: PatrolWorks makes paid permitting simple. Parking becomes an easy add-on service, much like baggage fees on an airline ticket. Flexibility to differentiate pricing (e.g., carports, garages vs. surface lots) and to charge for guest permits adds to the upside potential.

Save Time at Properties: PatrolWorks includes mobile-friendly web apps (portals) that enable automated workflows, and for resident “self-service” management of their parking permission. Residents are able to transfer permits to a newly purchased vehicle or a temporary rental car and purchase permits for guests, This frees more time for managers for sales and marketing priorities.

Increase Resident Satisfaction and Convenience: The security improvements add to the comfort and peace of mind of residents in a societal environment where security has become an ongoing anywhere and everywhere concern. In addition, the self-service capabilities for permitting eliminates trips to the office.

Most owners of Pay-to-Park Lots are aware that their assets are not realizing their full revenue-generating potential. PatrolWorks enables owners to address the two most prevalent shortfalls:

Plugging Revenue Leaks: Lost revenue from vehicle owners who choose to Not Pay or Overstay are minimized. In contrast to most approaches, PatrolWorks replaces “hope” as a strategy by coupling permitting with frequent LPR enforcement. Vehicle owners scan a QR code and enter their LP to purchase a parking permit. LPR Enforcement then ensures policy compliance. Enforcement is typically impounding (vs. immobilization) such that the vehicles in violation are no longer consuming revenue generating spaces.

Capturing Pricing Opportunities: Many conventional offerings are limited to “fixed” pricing. It becomes too cumbersome or labor intensive to adjust to demand patterns. PatrolWorks accomplishes this digitally. For example, an owner of a pay-to-park lot in KC was able, digitally, to increase permit prices to $25/hr. for the Super Bowl celebration – from their computer!

And many pay-to-park opportunities are waiting to be discovered – such as employee lots after hours, and truck stops.

The Integrated Solution

PatrolWorks features web applications (portals) for both Property Managers and Permit Holders (residents). This design makes the functionality available on a computer or mobile phone and creates information transparency across the community. The fully integrated architecture provides the foundation for success:

❶ A web application (portal) for property managers to digitally enter and approve permits (LPs), to view a portfolio of management reports, AND to approve pending impounds – digitally

❷ A self-service web application (portal) for permit holders for vehicle registration, obtaining permits for themselves and guests, and transferring parking privileges to a different vehicle

❸ Highly efficient detection of unauthorized vehicles using the LPR system for permitting violations – with the complementary mobile app: Co-Pilot

❹ Impounding, along with optional, multi-step enforcement protocols that could immediately require impounding, or begin with one or more notification and/or ticketing steps

The PatrolWorks software integrates all components into a complete parking management solution. Capabilities include configurability for the policy preferences of individual properties by lot: violations and consequences, permit pricing, grace periods and capacity caps for guest permits.

So What’s In It For Me?

PatrolWorks with LPR enables you to grow with a business model that generates high returns for you. The required LPR investment is NOT like repo. There is no need for a camera system on every truck. Typically one LPR spotter vehicle is all that is needed to patrol many lots. (No more walking lots on an “Easter Egg hunt”.) Identified violations are sent automatically from the spotter vehicle to the Co-Pilot app in a nearby tow truck. The payback on the LPR camera system is generally measured in months and financing is available.

You share in the processing fees for paid permits, can serve more lots, and complete more impounds!

You have an exclusive market, and you control your own destiny. You negotiate permitting fees and your share of the processing fees. For multi-family properties, you manage the property’s share of the permit proceeds – using them to offset lot maintenance priorities such as restriping. You provide patrolling through a company that is not conflicted with impounding. You contract with multiple impounding companies to expand enforcement capacity (lowering the asset intensity of your operations).

Detailing the benefits:

Multi-Family Residential Properties: If you are impounding 200 vehicles per month, the population of vehicles in the lots will be around 20,000. If properties implement paid permits at $10 per month, the annual gross revenue would be $2.4 million. This would more than cover your parking management fees. It would generate a reserve that you could manage (for a fee) on behalf of the property for maintenance expenses such as resurfacing, striping, lighting, and/or snow removal. This reinforces your “parking management” role and avoids any funds flowing directly to a property manager which could be misconstrued.
Pay to Park Lots: Managing downtown “in and out” and special event lots could generate gross revenue of over $1,000/space per month (10 hrs. per day x $4/hr.). A portfolio of 20 lots, each with 20 spaces could generate over $6 million of gross revenue. With enforcement, the lot owner would realize higher returns, even with you earning an above average management fee.

Could PatrolWorks with LPR be an opportunity for you to win and grow in your market with your customers? PatrolWorks is the future of private property parking management. You can be the leader with exclusivity in your market — profitably serving more customers and more lots, generating more impounds and new revenue sources.

To learn more, invest a few minutes to watch these videos:

Call for more information (440) 498-1495 …. Or Visit … https://info.rangersst.com/

The Top 10 Most Important Features Of Digital Dispatching

Darian Weaver

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.”

1...567...54 Page 6 of 54