As we approach the midpoint of 2026, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an active and encouraging first half of the year across the towing and recovery industry.
We had a busy stretch on the road this spring, highlighted by two of the industry’s biggest events: The Orlando Tow Show and the Las Vegas Tow Show. Both events delivered strong attendance and meaningful engagement, reinforcing the resilience and commitment we continue to see across this market.
In Orlando, we had the opportunity to showcase our JD35/40T rotator, complete with live demonstrations. These demos were a great platform to highlight not only the unit’s capabilities but also what truly differentiates it in today’s market. The response from operators and owners alike was extremely positive, and it’s clear there’s strong interest in equipment that pushes performance and versatility forward.
Las Vegas offered a different, but equally valuable, opportunity: A customer event to celebrate our partnerships. These relationships are so critical, and the conversations we had there were so meaningful. They give us real insight into what the industry is experiencing day to day and will help us shape how we can better provide support.
From a market standpoint, things remain steady. Our distributors are actively working through inventory, and overall activity is up year over year. Inventory levels are healthy, backlog remains strong and we’re seeing what looks like a return to more normalized consumption patterns across the industry. At the same time, we’re all keeping a close eye on interest rates and how they may impact purchasing decisions, as well as trade-in values and the used truck market.
Out in the field, one thing is clear: Towers are busy. Vehicles on the road are aging, and with that comes increased breakdowns and higher service demand. The volume of work is there.
However, that doesn’t mean the environment is without challenges. The cost of doing business remains high. Fuel and insurance, in particular, could cause significant headwinds. Many operators are evaluating fuel surcharges to offset rising pump prices. At the same time, we recognize the complexity of that conversation, especially in an industry where getting paid can already be a challenge, and pricing is often negotiated on-site. It’s not an easy balance.
On the advocacy front, February’s Hill Day in Washington, D.C. was a strong and productive effort in partnership with the TRAA. It’s critical that our industry has a voice, and we were there with four key priorities in mind. First, we focused on reinforcing the importance of enforcing existing laws — specifically the “Slow Down, Move Over” initiative — to improve safety for operators working roadside.
Second, we discussed outdated DOT regulations, particularly those related to truck weights and dimensions. Equipment continues to evolve, but regulations haven’t always kept pace. That gap needs to be addressed.
Third, we brought attention to concerns around predatory rate pressures. Unlike EMS, fire or police services, towers rely on billing customers directly, which often leads to on-site negotiations and downward pressure on rates. The industry’s priority should be clearing the scene safely and efficiently, not negotiating compensation in the moment.
Finally, we discussed the potential for towers to obtain first-responder status. Given the risks towers face and the role they play on accident scenes, this is an important step toward aligning safety classifications with reality.
It’s also worth noting that others in the industry, including our largest competitors, were present at Hill Day as well. While we compete in the marketplace, we share a responsibility to support and strengthen the industry. That united front is something we hope to continue building on.
As always, I want to thank you for the work you do every day. This industry plays a vital role in keeping roads safe and traffic moving, often under challenging conditions. We remain committed to supporting towers with the equipment, advocacy and partnership needed to succeed.
Stay safe out there,
Bob Nelson
Vice President and General Manager, Jerr-Dan
