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discussions
34 topics in this forum
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- 1 follower
- 9 replies
- 601 views
OK ... it's mush-time and a beautiful Saturday morning coming from the Southern California mountains. I want to share with you that this week, I proudly completed my 600th article over 23-years in writing for American Towman and Tow Industry Week On-line. That number doesn't include what I post here, yet, it's been a really long, fun and interesting journey. Accordingly, I've covered all kinds of topics based on what I've read on TowForce or where ever my searches take me. It's led me to get friendships both personally and professionally at home and internationally. I give thanks to my best pal Christine and my kids for all the hours that they'v…
Last reply by dperone, -
- 0 replies
- 545 views
Topic Originally Created by Brian991219 in June of 2011: Hi. I do not usually post much as I have been working in the background for the last few years but not actively towing anymore. I have seen a lot of talk about gypsy towers stealing away work with low prices, cutting corners and so on. My question is, what makes a small service a fly by night service? I understand the guys running out of their house, who lied to their insurance company about their truck, pretending it is a pickup not a commercial vehicle and such. How about a trained professional who is a one man show, running an older, well maintained and paid for truck? He can run for much less…
Last reply by Tow411, -
- 3 replies
- 330 views
Q: Charles Reed from Chino expressed concern about discarded front vehicle bumpers scattered around local freeways left there, apparently, by tow truck drivers after an accident. Tow companies are charging to tow disabled vehicles and they should be cleaning this up, Reed said, adding that he believes this is a significant hazard on the 10, the 210 and the 60 freeways. Reed asked why the tow truck drivers aren’t picking up the bumpers. A: California Highway Patrol Officer Dan Olivas of the Inland Division said the tow trucks usually do take away the loose bumpers and other large pieces of vehicle debris from an accident. He added that any time the CHP is on th…
Last reply by yoBdaBenO, -
- 0 replies
- 323 views
I saw this narrative on another TowForce link, but I also read it in my new's alerts of a common, industry problem. Is it Auto Theft or Surplus Metal? Every city and town has one of these. Wikipedia defines the word, "junk", as, "old or discarded articles that are considered useless or of little value." If someone's 2016 Honda isn't new and it's abandoned on the highway, isn't that an old car that's been discarded? What to do? Oh know ... what's right and wrong? https://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Perfect-timing-Tow-truck-driver-stops-would-be-thief-from-stealing-stalled-vehicle-on-interstate-567573691.html Wow ... the news report is timely as I'm wr…
Last reply by rreschran, -
- 3 replies
- 469 views
I'm not sure where this topic should be, but I'll sound-off and Ron can decide what to do with this narrative. In many of the past topics or responses I've participated in, I've noticed that, once I've completed a thought or idea and have sent it forward, I've oftentimes returned to the same thread to re-read my narrative. There's a plain and simple reality that I've have to return to my submissions to correct spelling in nearly all of my posts. Perhaps it's because I have limited time in-which I can spend on TowForce, and I want to be as complete as possible. But, likened to the concept of Quick Clear Programs, when speed in on-scene operations goes up, safe…
Last reply by yoBdaBenO, -
- 53 replies
- 3.4k views
Hi All. I’m including this narrative I’ve written and sent to American Towman for consideration. After two, back-to-back tow operator fatalities that announced incoming 2020, I’ve had trouble sleeping as those events keep running over and over in my mind. This narrative is timely. Because my business is that of tow operator training, safety and survival, I’m beginning 2020 in a proactive manner searching new ways to curtail the senseless operator deaths; many caused by the same, repeated mistakes made by tow operators. I came to a challenging realization to suggest we towers carry a huge responsibility in the reality of today’s industry. This narrative is lengthy. I prese…
Last reply by rreschran, -
- 30 replies
- 1.3k views
I had an at length discussion with Quinn Piening this past week with the idea of stepping up to professionalism. We discussed perhaps having a face to face meeting with state legislators. I think it's a great idea. But a meeting with state representatives is something that should happen after some kind of game plan in initiated. At the moment, if professionalism or certification is to remotely look anything similar to NFPA 1500 standards, shouldn't there be ideas or a concept of what needs are to be focused upon? In another post, I posted my opinion and mentioned that TRAA already has a nationwide certification program in-place. They have powerful leadership a…
Last reply by TowZone, -
- 6 replies
- 952 views
This Topic was Originally Created on Tow411 in December of 2010: Just wondering what your definition of Towing Verse Recovery This is The Louisiana Public Services Definition Tow Only - is defined as a routine/standard tow that does NOT require special techniques or special equipment as defined in Recovery. Tow Only equipment is considered normal use of a tow sling, wheel lift, or winch cable to winch a vehicle onto a tilt bed tow truck. Tow Only rates as met in this definition shall apply whether the vehicle is either mobile or immobile and is in contact of the roadway surface Light Duty Tow rate $102.00 per hour Recovery - is define…
Last reply by yoBdaBenO, -
- 3 replies
- 353 views
A member of a popular Facebook Group Recently asked this question: DE: Thoughts on people (family or customers) telling you to be safe? Personally, I hate it TZ Asked: Why? DE Replied: superstition maybe... I don't know it just rubs me the wrong way TZ said: to understand you must flip the table. From their prospective they hear of tow operators being injured or killed on average once a week. All they are doing is showing they care and while they know this is the life you live. Just maybe those words make you think safety more then if they were to say nothing at all. My daughter would likely be distraught had she not wish me well and told …
Last reply by yoBdaBenO, -
- 2 replies
- 551 views
With the current on going discussions. This topic from 2005 may actually be relevant. Keep in mind these comments are from as early as July of 2005: Who are the Industry Leaders? Who do you see as industry leaders or who do you think is an industry leader? Do you want to know who has the interest of your future in mind? Do you care who holds such positions within the industry? Note: We have active Industry Leaders within our Network. I expect each and every member here to show them common courtesy. If you take issue with something keep it civil and within context. The same applies to e-mail and phone conversations. Trust me! I will use m…
Last reply by yoBdaBenO, -
- 2 replies
- 454 views
The purpose of this club level forum is to continue in depth discussions from various other forums. As well as Archive Tower Down Notification Topics rather than simply move them into the state forum which which represents the sate the loss of life occurred. There are no requirements to read topics in this club level forum. However, only club members can respond to these topics. To join this forum, simply request to join and that's it. Oh, you will need one post in regular forums... Preferably an Introduction post as you may be asked for a company name prior to being able to respond in this forum. No, there is No Supporter Level Requirement and whi…
Last reply by TowZone, -
- 1 reply
- 462 views
Ken Cruse Created this Topic on Tow411 in October of 2002: “The Professional Look” - Food for thought We live in a fast-paced world and sometimes I am not sure if I like it that way. We all have a choice; we can go along with the crowd or cut out and go our own way. At first, pierced ears were only on females. Then there was one earring on guys. Now, some guys & grils look like they had a fishing tackle box blow up in their face. Again, that’s a choice. Still when working with the public, as we do in this industry, we should be aware that some of this hardware could be and should be left at home before you come to work. Dress code. Do we still hav…
Last reply by yoBdaBenO, -
- 0 replies
- 337 views
Jerry Riggs Created this Topic on Tow411 in January of 2004: Can you make a difference in this world. YES you can, I challange each and every board member to step up and make a difference in this world. Start with your self, family, business, then tackle the industry. It has been proven in 2003 that 1 man or woman can make a difference. BUT you have to become a group sometimes. One of the BIG things in 2003 for the towing industry was the Grand Opening of the International Towing and Recovery Museum and Hall of Fame, and Learning Center. They just did not buy a building and move into it, we had some very long days getting it ready. It was ready because a G…
Last reply by Tow411, -
- 1 reply
- 190 views
Hey All ... as a reminder ... TODAY ends another bout of Day Light Savings where we, "fall back". I don't know about you, but it really messes with my mind and my ability to get work done as the day wears on. Some states like Hawaii and Arizona don't recognize it, but, whatever the change means to you, please be reminded that all of the industry's, "darkness related dangers", come about one hour sooner. Here's wishing you all continued safety into the winter months. R.
Last reply by ESC, -
- 7 replies
- 709 views
Does your company fly the American Flag? In an time when many businesses have chosen to take down the American Flag, those businesses that proudly Fly the Flag stand out. Noticing that several flags were missing from businesses on a busy roadway. I asked a manager at convenience store about the missing flag from their pole. He said that corporate had the flag taken down as it may be offensive to some customers. Asked if it would be up for the Fourth of July and he could not answer that, even though he was standing by red white and blue packaged fireworks for sale. …
Last reply by Turbo4whl, -
- 1 reply
- 485 views
Can you believe I actually had a Marketing Representative with a Major Chassis Manufacturer throw that line at me. I suppose I could have given this person the reality in my response. But, the silence was enough since I obviously was not going to change the mind of this person and more than you're going to change someones political views. They then said the Towing Industry is just Too Small to direct a significant advertising dollars towards. I guess that's why we don't currently see them in publications and never see them at shows. I should have said "Think About That The Next Time You're Stuck In Traffic & Waiting" But, next year there will be a differen…
Last reply by Hessco Innovations, -
- 3 replies
- 583 views
Did you know that TRAA has a committee specifically aimed at enhancing the communication and cooperation between towers and motor clubs? Heading into it's 5th year, TRAA's Motor Club Communication Committee (MCCC) is a positive and solution-oriented committee with representation from towers and all the major motor clubs. By openly discussing issues for both parties we believe an amicable solution is often attainable. Now the MCCC wants your help! If you have struggles or concerns when working with motor clubs, bring them to the MCCC intake meeting during the Florida Tow Show. What? Intake meeting for the Motor Club Communication C…
Last reply by Jim B, -
- 8 replies
- 1k views
Driver dies after his tow truck hits a tree in Newport News Newport News emergency crews extricated the driver from the tow truck, but he died at the scene. NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — A tow truck hit a tree killing the driver early Thursday morning, Newport News police said. The call of a vehicle crash came in around 1:59 a.m. at Menchville Road and Warwick Boulevard. Assistant PIO Brandon Maynard said a tow truck hit a tree and when emergency crews arrived the driver needed to be extricated from the truck. The man died at the scene. The department's Crash Team is investigating the crash. The intersection of Menchville Roa…
Last reply by mooresbp, -
- 0 replies
- 321 views
Holden aims to prevent problems from cement-mixing and tow trucks Councilman Bob Holden (D-Middle Village) has been bothered for years by gravel and mounds of concrete spilled on roadways as well as speeding tow trucks. Now he’s got a series of bills to do something about it. Int. 1354 would require cement-mixing trucks to install certain spillage prevention equipment to avoid materials falling into the roadways. Holden says without the spillage bags, materials like cement and gravel can fall out of trucks and make for dangerous mounds and hazardous conditions. “When driving around the city, it is common…
Last reply by TowNews, -
- 0 replies
- 283 views
CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) - Nick Vitalone, of Vitalone’s Towing, has been towing cars about as long as he can remember. He’s had some close calls along the highway when drivers have refused to move over as he worked to load up a car. "We've had incidents here. We've had a guy clipped as he was on the side of the road hooking up a car. A lot of times we've had instances where our drivers are hooking up, someone gets too close to then and they have to jump out of the way in between the truck and the car or off the road just to not get hit," said Vitalone. With temperatures and wind chills set to plunge way below zero, chances are …
Last reply by TowNews, -
- 1 reply
- 402 views
Just for fun ... If you follow national news and (for sure) Tow Force, there's been a rash of carrier involved incidents and accidents; into houses, over-turns, trains, vehicle collisions, highway strikes, etc. Perhaps it's because there's a larger number of companies running carriers? Any ideas? As tow owner, what practices do you use for training your drivers on carrier operations? Safety Meetings? Carrier topics beyond load and go? R.
Last reply by brian991219, -
- 0 replies
- 316 views
Just a reminder to everyone... when you see a service vehicle with their lights on on the side of the Road. SLOW down! We are so lucky and blessed that there were no critical injuries, it could have been much worse. People have got to start taking responsibility for their driving. These are our families out there on the roads helping others. PLEASE SLOW DOWN!!!!!! Source Liberty Hill Towing & Recovery FB Page
Last reply by TowNews, -
- 3 replies
- 349 views
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - A trooper and a tow truck driver were struck by a car on Interstate-95 in Wakefield early Tuesday morning while attending to a disabled car. State Police Media Relations Director Dave Procopio said both had to be taken to the hospital, but they're expected to be okay. But many officers and tow operators aren't so lucky. According to Jeremy Procon, the western director for the Statewide Towing Association, 12 tow truck operators have been killed across the country just in the first three weeks of 2019. Massachusetts has had a Move Over law in place since 2009, but Procon said too many drivers ignore it. …
Last reply by goodmichael, -
- 9 replies
- 1.1k views
Reports have been coming in all morning concerning a Tow Truck Operator who was struck and killed yesterday. At this point we are unable to confirm this death via news reports which only state a pedestrian was hit and killed on I-41 in Ashwaubenon Friday afternoon. The Brown County Sheriff's Office says it appears the victim was attending to a stalled vehicle along the northbound lanes and ventured into the lanes of traffic. No one else was hurt. The crash happened at about 1:30 p.m. That section of highway reopened at about 6 p.m. Although authorities closed the northbound lanes from Main Ave. in De Pere to Oneida St., traf…
Last reply by GRUMPS The Towman, -
- 6 replies
- 1.1k views
Over the next week we will open the 2018 Motor Club Rankings for discussion prior to making the list final. 2018 TOP TEN LIST 1. NATION SAFE DRIVERS (NSD) 2. GEICO 3. ALLSTATE 4. TESLA 5. HONK 6. AAA 7. PINNACLE 8. AGERO 9. SWOOP 10. NATIONAL AUTO CLUB (NAC) OTHER MOTOR CLUBS THAT WERE RANKED 11. ROAD AMERICA 12. AUTO HELP LINE (AHL) 13. URGENTLY 14. USAC 15. QUEST 16. NETCOST 17. ALLIED PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO REVIEW THIS LIST AND RESPOND WITH YOU AGREEMENTS OR OBJECTIONS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE LIST PLEASE EXPLAIN THE REASON FOR THE OBJECTI…
Last reply by TowNews, -
- 0 replies
- 346 views
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The highway was pitch black. The roads were icy and a state police officer needed assistance. Tow truck driver Pat Cisneros was there to help. “At the end of the day he was a hero,” said Tony Romero, a friend who also worked at the towing company. “He jumped out of that truck that morning wanting to help somebody.” That morning, while trying to make sure someone else got home safely, 50-year-old Patrick Cisneros didn't make it home. “I got up to work to get ready and Pat wasn't there,” said Tessa Ci…
Last reply by TowNews, -
- 0 replies
- 480 views
A SUV driver died after striking the back of a tow truck early Wednesday morning on Interstate 4 in Volusia County, according to a Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman. The incident occurred at mile marker 108 at about 2:45 a.m., Lt. Kim Montes said. After loading a vehicle involved in a previous crash, a tow truck driven by Daniel Soderlund, 36, of Crescent City was headed east in the right lane, from the right shoulder, when the 2016 Nissan SUV hit it, Montes said. The SUV’s driver, Adolfo Lopez, 35 of Deltona, was pronounced dead at the scene. Soderlund and passenger in the tow truck sustained minor injuries. The crash shut down the right and…
Last reply by TowNews, -
- 4 replies
- 1.4k views
Another tow operator fatality is all over the news from Grand Prairie, Texas. The news reports a 41-year-old tow operator stopped to assist a motorist around 11:30 PM and was struck by a vehicle. The vehicle fled from the scene. A news photograph showed that the wrecker had its over-head amber lights activated. According to my numbers, that's 4x tow operators killed in the last 13x days in highway related events. I'm really getting dull seeing these operator fatalites happen over and over and knowing there's no end in sight. Christine and I send our prayers and condolences to the family and company of the tower killed. His name has been released and no suspect is in custo…
Last reply by Doreen ur Finance Lady, -
- 13 replies
- 1.2k views
Here's sad news of a tow operator fatality that occured early this morning making this the first fatality of 2019. According to the news, tow operator, Pat Sisneros, of Madrid Towing, was struck and killed as he attempted to assist a NM state police officer. According to State Police, a semi-truck crashed into a State Police vehicle just before 1 a.m. Police say Pat Sisneros stopped to assist the officer when another semi collided into Sisneros' tow truck, killing him. All lanes on I40 Eastbound MM 157 were closed due to the motor vehicle accident involving the second semi-truck. It was also reported that 20-degree temperatures caused lanes to be were extremely icy.…
Last reply by GRUMPS The Towman,
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