Advantages and Benefits of Lite It Wireless Bars

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

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.

TowMate® Launches TM36MDW Wireless Light Bar – The New Standard in Roadside Safety, Now with Dual Battery Compatibility

Darian Weaver

Rogers, Arkansas, [Dec. 15, 2023] – TowMate®, a leader in LED lighting solutions and automotive safety, proudly unveils its latest innovation: the TM36MDW Wireless Light Bar. Building on the success of its predecessor, the TM36MDW sets a new benchmark in the towing industry with its dual battery compatibility, operating seamlessly with both Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt MAX20V batteries.

Key Features of the TM36MDW:

– Dual Battery System: The TM36MDW’s standout feature is its versatile compatibility with two of the most popular battery systems in the market, Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt MAX20V. This advancement offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility, allowing users to leverage the power of batteries they already own.

Enhanced Lighting Capabilities: The TM36MDW maintains TowMate’s commitment to safety with its 36″ light bar that includes stop, tail, turn signals, side marker lights, and central DOT lights, ensuring maximum visibility in all working conditions.
Extended Operational Time: The integration of these powerful battery systems ensures prolonged usage, reducing downtime and increasing efficiency in the field.
User-Friendly Design: True to TowMate’s ethos, the TM36MDW is designed for ease of use, featuring an intuitive transmitter and easy mounting options, making it suitable for a wide range of towing scenarios.

Chris Anderson, Vice President of TowMate, comments on the launch: “The TM36MDW represents a leap forward in our product line. By embracing dual battery technology, we’re not just innovating; we’re responding directly to the needs of our users, who seek versatility and reliability in their equipment.”

The TM36MDW is a testament to TowMate’s dedication to continuous innovation and its commitment to providing solutions that resonate with the evolving needs of the towing and emergency services industries.

Available now through TowMate’s extensive network of dealers and distributors, the TM36MDW is set to become the go-to choice for professionals seeking efficiency, reliability, and flexibility in their roadside operations.

About TowMate:

TowMate, LLC, based in the USA, specializes in the design and manufacture of high-quality LED lighting solutions and safety equipment for the automotive sector. Renowned for their innovation and durability, TowMate products are the preferred choice for professionals in the towing and emergency services industries.

For more information on the TM36MDW and other TowMate products, or to find a TowMate dealer near you, visit www.TowMate.com/dealers or call (800) 680-4455.

Jerr-Dan Announces Addition of MPL-60 Wrecker to Integrated Medium Duty Line

Darian Weaver

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (Jan. 24, 2024) — Jerr-Dan, an Oshkosh Corporation company (NYSE: OSK), has introduced its new integrated medium-duty wrecker, the MPL-60. The MPL-60 is a 12-ton wrecker with a 6,000-pound rated underlift. Key features include a modern, modular aluminum body designed with optimal storage and deck space, fully proportional, dual side electro-hydraulic (EH) controls, and hydraulic rear spades with a multi-position, ground compacting foot design.

The new Jerr-Dan MPL-60 model is provided with an integrated recovery boom that has an extended capacity of 8,000 pounds and a retracted capacity of 24,000 pounds. The underlift boom is rated at 5,000/6,000 pounds with L-Arms/Forks retracted or extended. The MPL-60 comes with a standard adjustable auto-level stop assist system. With this feature, the underlift will automatically halt when it is level to the ground. This alerts the operator to extend the self-locking L-Arms at the necessary level to complete the pick. Setting the underlift and L-Arms to be aligned at the perfect level is always essential and even more critical during negatively sloped recovery situations.

The Jerr-Dan MPL-60 model offers either single or dual winch options with a winch capacity of 10,000/12,000 pounds.

Wired or wireless remote controls are available as options.

For more information on Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com. For more detailed information on the new MPL-60, please go to www.jerrdan.com/equipment/wreckers/medium-duty/integrated.

About Jerr-Dan

JerrDan, LLC, an Oshkosh Corporation [NYSE: OSK] company, is a leading manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment. Its full line includes light-, medium- and heavy-duty carriers and wreckers, industrial transporters and multi-car carriers. The company is headquartered in Hagerstown, MD., and its products are backed by industry leading warranties and a strong service network dedicated to the towing professional. To learn more about Jerr-Dan, visit www.jerrdan.com.

About Oshkosh Corporation

At Oshkosh (NYSE: OSK), we make innovative, mission-critical equipment to help everyday heroes advance communities around the world. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs approximately 17,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. Oshkosh products can be found in more than 150 countries under the brands of JLG®, Hinowa, Power Towers, Pierce®, MAXIMETAL, Oshkosh® Defense, McNeilus®, IMT®, Jerr-Dan®, Frontline™ Communications, Oshkosh® Airport Products, JBT AeroTech and Pratt Miller. For more information, visit www.oshkoshcorp.com.

®, ™ All brand names referred to in this news release are trademarks of Oshkosh Corporation or its subsidiary companies.

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that the Company believes to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s future financial position, business strategy, targets, projected sales, costs, earnings, capital expenditures, debt levels and cash flows, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “should,” “project” or “plan” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include the overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition; the duration and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and others to address or otherwise mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on global economies and the Company’s customers, suppliers and employees; and the cyclical nature of the Company’s Access Equipment, Commercial and Fire & Emergency markets, which are particularly impacted by the strength of U.S. and European economies and construction seasons.

Tow Professional Quarterly – Q4 2023

Darian Weaver

Heavy Hauling & Accident Claims

Darian Weaver

by Kelsea Eckhert

It’s a well-known fact throughout the trucking industry that four wheeled vehicles are usually the at-fault party in traffic accident between semis and cars.

The Windmill Example of an Oversized Load:

Owner Operator, David, has a small but profitable trucking business. He and his wife own one heavy haul truck and trailer, designed specifically to haul oversize loads like windmill blades. Last month David and a pilot car were transporting a windmill blade across Oklahoma when a young girl in a small car ran right into the side of David’s trailer. By the grace of God, she wasn’t hurt, and neither was the cargo. But David’s heavy haul trailer was damaged enough to not be drivable until fixed.

The transfer of the windmill blade to a substitute driver’s equipment was expensive, as well as the tow of the trailer to the repair shop. While David’s truck wasn’t damaged, it wasn’t very useful without the trailer that was married to it.

Mitigation Problems for Heavy Haulers

David did everything he could to get the repairs moving quickly. While he knew the odds of finding the type of heavy haul trailer he needed were almost futile, he emailed rental shops asking if they had the equipment he required. The answer was always “no”, but it was good David took these steps because the insurance adjuster for the young girl’s insurance company asked for proof of mitigation. David was able to forward the rejection letters from the rental companies, showing no comparable equipment was available for rent.

Crazy accidents happen, including one in 2020 between a cattle hauler and a truck carrying a wind turbine blade in Wyoming. Ice may have been a factor in that accident.

Remember to stay safe out there!

As we go into the winter season, be extra cautious of those drivers around you. While you may be a very safe driver, you and your equipment are a big target for others not paying attention.

As always, if you need a lawyer to assist you with a trucking insurance claim, choose a trucking lawyer experienced in trucking claims. We at Eckert & Associates, PA focus on trucking claims and the men and women of the trucking industry. Please call us with your next claim, and we will be happy to discuss your matter at no charge.

Giving Back to the Brave: Warrior Winches’ Commitment to Towing Community

Darian Weaver

Warrior Winches, a leading manufacturer of heavy-duty winches and hoists, today announced a pledge to donate 1% of all online sales to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivors Fund. This fund provides critical financial assistance to towing and recovery operators injured or killed in the line of duty, helping families facing unexpected hardship.

“At Warrior Winches, we believe business should be more than just profits – it should make a positive impact on society and support local communities,” said Jeff Bimson, CEO of Warrior Winches. “That’s why we made the commitment to support the Survivor Fund. This cause perfectly aligns with our company vision and our philosophy of a business based on family values.”

“As a supplier into the industry we recognize the danger that towing operators face every day, we salute their commitment to keeping other people safe, whilst risking their own safety. Tragically this can result in incidents that can have major impact on the operators and their families. If our donation can offer some kind of support to even just one person then we believe it’s worth it. This pledge reaffirms our commitment to using our success to serve others.”

Lauren Colón, Executive Director of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, welcomed the donation. “This generous pledge from Warrior Winches will help provide crucial assistance to families of fallen tow operators when they need it the most,” she said. “We’re thankful for partners like Warrior who are dedicated to our mission of honoring towing professionals.”

Tow Professional Quarterly – Q3 2023

Darian Weaver

Friends in the Towing Industry

D.J. Harrington CSP

Last month, I received a call to help a dear family in the recycling business that needed some big-time help and they needed it fast. They were desperate to remove a Jeep from one of the areas that was in the pathway of the worst damage to hit from a recent hurricane in South Florida.

It was late in the afternoon when I received their anxious text message, “Is there ANY WAY you know someone in towing in South Florida that can move Jeff and Janice’s Jeep?” The text was from Roger Schroder. Roger co-founded Car-part.com along with his brother Jeff.

Car-part.com and the Schroders family are two of the best things that have happened to this old man. I’ve come to know the Schroder family as a kind and generous group of people. Many years ago, when my daughter was getting married at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, I was just shy of raising enough money to cover the deposit. The Schroder family saved the day for us and sent an early wedding gift which covered what I couldn’t at the time.

When Roger texted, he told me that they had been notified by the marina that the hurricane in South Florida mostly likely would take their Jeep for a ride with no-one in it. All tows being done were “Emergency only” tows. Unless it was life or death to get it moved, that Jeep was as good as gone. Not a great response in a time of crisis, huh? So, I texted back, “I’m on it!” and got to work making it happen. My first call was to my dear friend, Todd Stepp, of Stepp’s Towing on his private cell number. When I told him the story, Todd immediately sent information to Mike McArthur, his Director of Towing Operations. Mike has been with Stepps 24 years. Within minutes Mike called me, “DJ, we are 2 and a half hours from where the Jeep is located. But, if we can’t find a fellow tower within the next hour, we will send a truck and store the Jeep here in Pinellas County until the hurricane passes.” Upon hearing this, we both got to work. Surely someone who was closer could help.

This is important to understand. The first call, near the Jeep’s location, the tower I spoke to said, “First, we are only doing emergency tows, police directed, plus we don’t store any vehicles at our facility.” The next guy said that he stored vehicles, but his truck was out of service. Both calls couldn’t help me.

Then, I called a big-time tower that all of us know and the dispatch service informed me that the owner was not there, “but was smart by hunkering down for the hurricane.” I must admit that her additional answer made my mouth drop when she said, “they should have thought about moving the Jeep 3 days earlier. I guess your friends are not that smart. Sir, kiss that Jeep good bye,” and then hung up on me.

So, after a few more calls, I spoke with Gay Rochester, President of INA Towing Network, you know the big group that tows for Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, Red Cross, etc. Gay knows the Schroder family from back in 2017 when Car-part.com had to move 56 cars out of the flood zone during Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas. Gay’s company, INA, moved all the vehicles in less than 42 hours. Many towers, when pushed to the limit, can perform extraordinarily well during emergencies. So, Gay took the information while I also kept dialing.

I spoke at Jim Stepp’s memorial service back in April of 2017. Jim was Todd’s dad and started Stepp’s Towing back in 1960 from a gas station in Temple Terrace, Florida. Now Stepp’s has over 150 trucks. Many locations later, Jim’s memory lives on. I carry Jim’s coin of remembrance in my pocket and recently showed it to his grandson at the Florida Tow Show.

Mike at Stepps told me to call Prompt Towing, located in Charlotte County, Florida and ask for Joey. All of us know Joey Saladino. A great guy! The man who answered my call was Edward Canfield. I told him, “I’m calling from Atlanta, Georgia. My name is DJ Harrington…” and stopped me mid-sentence, “The same guy that writes for the Tow Professional Magazine and does podcasts for the magazine and the one for Wes Wilburn?” Shocked at his response, I said, “Hell, yes, the same one!” I knew I liked Edward right off. I told him about the Jeep and the need to move it quickly, but he said, “Tell the Schroder’s that just this past Monday, we ordered a Chrysler 300 Bumper from Car-Part.pro, one of their divisions. This former police officer and Eagle Scout, had the Jeep back in his yard within 2 hours.

Here is a picture of the Jeep, safe and sound the next day. Edward called to say that he had spoken to Janice, Jeff’s wife, and said that she was very nice lady who appreciated their great service. Edward knew Janice had to be a special person because they were bringing the Jeep back to their towing yard. When INA called him to tow the same Jeep, it was already on the truck. So, he told Janice that she must be some kind of a celebrity.

Thank you goes to Edward and the whole team at Prompt Towing for their swift service. I certainly, don’t want to forget the President of Prompt Towing, Sharon Murray along with Mike and Todd Stepp. As you would expect, the following day I received a thank you from Roger, Jeff and Janice Schroder. Jeff said that he was glad that all of my towing friends got involved with moving a Jeep without the help of keys because it truly was stuck on a marina, destined for destruction from a monstrous hurricane.

In my book, Edward Canfield deserves the Most Knowledgeable Tow Person of the Year award. Most importantly, having great friends is invaluable when you really need them.

See you on the next podcast.

No Insurance

Dan Messina

Last month, I wrote about gas prices and how they affect everyone’s business, and I told you some things you might do to save money. I hate to be the barer of bad news, but I am going to tell you about how difficult it could be to get insurance in the future. My wife and I are in the process of moving. We called our insurance agent to have him get an insurance estimate on our new house.

He explained how hard it is now to get insurance, because there are fewer and fewer companies. He is an independent agent who takes our policy request and gives it to ten different companies to get the best price. Because insurance companies are paying more claims with larger amounts, lots of the companies are merging with bigger companies or cutting back on what they are insuring. He told me that he would usually have 10 companies supplying a quote, but now it’s down to 3 companies. He said car and truck insurance will be even harder in the future.

You know how hard it is to get insurance on your trucks now and the future will be worse. I was talking to a large company, and he told me that 4 other companies got together, and each threw a million in the pot to help cover each other if only one got hit with a major claim. Most companies are just too small to think about doing something like that. As the price of insurance goes up there are ways to cut your costs. Here are a few ideas to think about:

Reducing your coverage to lower your premium.
If your trucks are older, you may want to drop collision and comprehensive coverage and carry liability only.
If you have a truck that you don’t use often, you may want to reduce coverage during slow times.
If you are leasing trucks, see if the lender has policies that would allow you to lower your payments.
If the trucks are old, just get rid of them and save money.
If you have money in your savings, you can lower the coverage and you pay for damages from your savings.
If you have a good driving record, you may not need extensive coverage.
You may have insurance that offers you a rental replacement.
Consult with an insurance professional to see if you need all the insurance that you are currently paying for.

Most companies will not turn in a claim if it’s lower than a certain amount because they know their insurance will go up the next year, or even worse they could be dropped.

I had a friend of mine that owned a large tow company and for years she never had any problems. Then time caught up with her, and one of her drivers was in an accident. It was bad, and she lost her insurance. The company she used for years dropped her, and she could not find anyone that would sell her insurance. She almost lost her business and the stress caused health issues. She finally got insurance, but you know she paid dearly for it.

My wife has a health issue she will have forever. She was paying vary high health insurance premiums along with treatments that also cost a fortune. She needed a replacement for her insurance until her Medicare kicked in. She found a company out of California called Medashare where the patients would self-insure themselves. Hundreds of participants would throw money into a pot, and if anyone had a major problem the insurance would pay for it. She saved close to $500 a month in premium payments, and she never had to fight with them to pay a claim or worry about getting canceled.

This got me to thinking, why don’t I start an insurance company that would provide the following:

Low monthly premiums
Never worry about being canceled because you turned in a claim.
No long-drawn-out procedures when you do submit a claim.
Rebates if you go for a year without any claims.
No strict procedures to see if you qualify.
Up to 10% off what you are paying today when you register.

Imagine running your company, knowing that you will always be insured even when times are slow. I am working with some industry experts to see what I must do to start an insurance company. I must see if there are certain financial requirements before I bring in a customer. I must be able to cross state lines when adding tow companies. When I open the doors, tow companies are all I will insure. I have associations that will help me find tow companies that need insured, and I have some other means for reaching out to tow companies to get them on board.

I would like to have this going by the 1^st quarter if possible. I will be reaching out to you with a survey to complete. I would like to know some of the following information:

How many trucks do you have?
Do you have any heavy-duty trucks?
Do you have a storage yard?
Approximately how much do you pay today?
How many claims did you turn in last year?
Did you have any claims over one million dollars?
How often do you pay your premiums?

If you think this is a good idea and it will help the industry, let me know. If you would like to be a part of helping me set this up let me know.

I can be reached at 469-774-0340, or email me at dan@towtrax.com.

Ya’ll be safe out there!

Towers Just Do

Darian Weaver

Have you noticed that TOWERS JUST DO? They don’t find excuses.

They get a call to move something no one else can do and it doesn’t matter. They just do it. Haven’t done it yet? Doesn’t matter. They just figure it out. It’s extremely difficult. Doesn’t matter. They just get it done. Someone else tried and made it worse. Doesn’t matter. They just figure out a better way. Towers just do.

TGIF??? Right….

Anyone else dread the weekends? I mean, I enjoy not having to get out of my pjs and go into work right away in the morning. Who doesn’t?

But let’s be real here, TGIF doesn’t mean the same to us in the towing industry as it does to just about everyone else. Am I right? While everyone else is making plans or not worrying about a single thing except what they plan to do, we are worrying about who is on call, who is answering phones, what is happening on the roads, and whether there is cell phone coverage where we will be. If a recovery comes in, it’s all hands on deck whether you are on call or not. Don’t get me wrong, there are times when I just don’t want to do something, and it comes in very handy to have the “I’m working” excuse. You, too? I know, right! I always wonder if the person on the other end of the phone knows I’m on the toilet or in the shower when they call……Don’t roll your eyes. I can’t be the only one. It is just so second nature to answer that phone that it doesn’t matter what is happening at that moment. Towers just do….

THE BEST LAID PLANS….. mhmmm…

How many times have you been ready to leave, and the phone rings and everything changes? You can already feel the disappointment in your family or friends before you even look at them. While it teaches great adaptive skills, it still can break your heart and disappoint people. How about if someone calls in sick? Even with the best employees; it will happen. Someone must do it, right? And, it almost always falls on you to do it! Even if that isn’t exactly true, it sure feels like it. It doesn’t matter if you had plans or even if you are sick. You always step up and do it.

Towers just do.

BLESSING OR A CURSE? You tell me…

Do you remember the days of no cell phones? That was when call forwarding and an off-premise extension were your best friends. I remember family events when you would have to drive separately to switch the phones to a different landline. One would leave ahead to get there and take any calls while another one would leave early to disconnect the forwarding so the other could leave. Then came cell phones…… wow!

Can you say FREEDOM??? Until it wasn’t. You weren’t stuck to a landline anymore but boy anyone at any time could reach you. Anyone else wish we could go back before cell phones? Technology is a blessing and a curse. Today, it feels like you can’t ever unplug–the curse. However, being able to travel and attend events while still taking care of business–the blessing! We can’t be fully present and are usually distracted by phone calls. And those phone calls only come at the most inopportune times.

Doesn’t matter though. Towers just do….

HIGHWAY HEROES…..

What makes towers do what they do? Are they born this way or trained this way? Maybe a little of both? Towers are a special kind of person.

Wouldn’t you agree? They are strong, brave, street smart and maybe just a bit crazy too. You either love towing, or you hate it. There is no in between. These heroes don’t wear capes; they wear reflective uniforms.

They will get out of a warm bed and leave their families to take care of a stranded motorist in the coldest of weather, in the middle of the night. They will climb in ditches with vehicles screaming past over 70 miles an hour to rescue a driver. They will miss family time to save another family from being stuck on the side of the road that broke down. They have been known to miss a meal or two and even a family function or two. It matters this time, but Towers still do…..

GIVE THEM SOME LOVE & RESPECT

I have multiple ways to break all this down and give you some great mentorship but that wasn’t what this article was about. These highway heroes deserve the respect and admiration of the jobs they do every single day. It is one of the most dangerous jobs out there. They are sacrificing on many different levels and yet they get up every day and just do.

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