TowTimes

Isuzu North America Corporation and Gatik have agreed to collaborate on a project to develop and evaluate fully autonomous medium-duty trucks. Isuzu is a market leader in Low Cab Forward (LCF) trucks in the U.S. and Canadian markets. Gatik is the industry leader in automating on-road transportation networks for B2B middle-mile logistics. The collaboration will integrate Gatik’s autonomous driving technology into several Isuzu medium-duty N-Series trucks to produce SAE Level 4 delivery vehicles with redundant systems. The first vehicles will be deployed this year thanks to the cooperative efforts of Gatik’s and Isuzu’s engineering teams. “By bringing these two teams together, we can create segment-changing technology while positioning Gatik to safely commercialize autonomous delivery technology at scale,” said Gatik’s CEO and Co-Founder Gautam Narang. “Isuzu N-Series trucks have been best-sellers in their class in the combined U.S.-Canadian market for 35 consecutive years, making them an ideal fit for our solution. We are excited to combine our industry-leading expertise and bring a long-term, sustainable solution to the supply chain.” “As customer requirements for the medium-duty product evolve at an increasingly rapid pace, having the ability to collaborate with Gatik, an industry leader in autonomous technology is very exciting for our team,” said Takashi Sadaoka, President and CEO of Isuzu North America Corporation. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/tmfjna5EKUwView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

On April 5, Kenworth introduced a new medium duty conventional truck lineup ranging from Class 5 to light Class 8. The announcement came during a major virtual product reveal. The new models are the Kenworth T180 (Class 5), Kenworth T280 (Class 6), Kenworth T380 (Class 7) and Kenworth T480 (light Class 8). In addition, for customers needing FEPTO, full parent rails and fixed grille, Kenworth added the Kenworth T380V and Kenworth T480V with a vocational hood. The medium duty vehicles are designed to serve a variety of applications including cargo and reefer van, beverage, tow and recovery, utility and government, fuel oil and propane, landscaping, fire and dump and mixer. The trucks may be specified with either a standard low roof or a raised roof option. The low roof is 63 inches tall, 4 inches shorter than the raised roof for height-restricted applications. The new trucks offer three hood types – short aero hood (107.5-inch BBC) that accommodates front axles from 8K to 20K lbs., medium aero hood (109.5-inch BBC) for higher horsepower and AWD applications, and Kenworth’s vocational ‘sloped’ hood for the T380V and T480V. The shorter wheelbases produce a tighter turning radius and enhanced maneuverability for urban or vocational operating environments. Kenworth’s new medium duty vehicles are available with the model year 2021 PACCAR PX-7 engine rated up to 325 horsepower and PACCAR PX-9 engine up to 380 horsepower, depending upon BBC. With the introduction of the new medium duty vehicles, Kenworth offers — for the first time in its medium duty trucks — the near-zero emission Cummins Westport L9N natural gas engine that delivers up to 320 horsepower. Kenworth also launched the new PACCAR TX-8 automatic transmission as standard for the Kenworth T180, T280, T380 and T480. The PACCAR TX-8 serves a wide range of applications from pickup and delivery to utility service and a variety of vocational applications. When matched to the PACCAR PX-7 or PACCAR PX-9 engine, the transmission has a maximum torque rating up 1,000 lb.-ft. of torque and a 57,000-lb. GCWR. More than 500 people participated in design studies to help Kenworth define the dimensions and fine-tuned ergonomics of the new models, resulting in a new 2.1-meter cab 8 inches wider than the previous version. Three-person seating with the bench seat is standard for the Kenworth T180, T280 and T380 and optional for the T480. Customers also can select various seating options featuring high- or medium-back seats for a comfortable ride. The larger front windshield enhances visibility by nearly 17 percent – also aided by the hood’s steep slope – compared to previous Kenworth medium duty models. The new cab construction reduces interior noise by up to 50 percent. Kenworth also lowered the cab by up to 2 inches – depending upon configuration. Kenworth developed a new instrumentation cluster with a 7-inch high-definition digital display centered between four standard analog gauges — speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The integrated Kenworth Digital Display allows drivers to personalize information on the screen to match their preferences. The 20 physical tell-tales and variants support either standard or metric units. Additional ‘virtual tell-tales’ are available. Within the digital display, drivers can choose from a variety of screens that show specific vehicle information, trip information, gauges, and more. The display also enables drivers to customize the digital gauge layout view from the many accessory gauges, and intuitively integrates advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, when specified on the truck. Additional new medium duty features: Aero Grille: The new aero grille is constructed with bright, annealed stainless steel for increased durability and protection from the elements. Crowns are available in chrome or in-mold dark gray. An external winter front or bug screen can be attached to the front of the grille. Air Intake System: The new engine-mounted system features an automotive-style flat panel filter design with a one-piece intake pipe and optional, remotely controlled inside/outside air control. The system is compatible with a pre-cleaner/ember separator. The new design reduces cab noise, offers ease of service, and cuts the cost of replacement filter elements. Air-Assisted Hydraulic Clutch: This system for manual transmissions reduces driver fatigue through a pedal design that better matches a driver’s foot angle when engaging the clutch. Bumper: Kenworth offers three bumper types – the standard one-piece or optional three-piece breakaway “aero” bumper; a rear-mounted one-piece channel bumper; and a vocational bumper with options for a tow hook, fog lights, headlights, daytime running lights (DRL) and other mounts. DEF Tanks: The redesigned DEF tanks provide improved thawing time, which reduces emissions and helps to increase fuel economy. There are various DEF options for a variety of body types. Exhaust System: Exhaust options include right-hand, under cab DPF/SCR that optimizes cab access via a robust step and cover design. An underframe DPF/SCR is available for clear BOC and provides an improved diffuser design. Benefits of this configuration are a shortened wheelbase offering a gain of 5 inches and additional flexibility for under cab components. Hydraulic Brake: When pressed, it is similar to engaging a brake in a passenger vehicle. The brake better matches a driver’s foot angle to further reduce driver fatigue. Kenworth SmartWheel®: The optional Kenworth SmartWheel® steering wheel controls for the Digital Display provide automotive-level functionality. The multi-function wheel features scroll input that keeps allowing for quick fingertip control. Kenworth TruckTech+® Remote Diagnostics: This optional system enhances vehicle diagnostics by providing engine health information from new Kenworth medium duty trucks to fleet managers and Kenworth dealers. The system diagnoses the issue and provides the recommended solution to the driver and fleet manager. Steering and Front Suspension: Kenworth medium duty vehicles feature an impressive wheel cut angle for an enhanced turning radius. Maximum axle capability is 50 degrees (standard track) and 55 degrees (wide track). The axles are compatible with a wide range of tire sizes (225/70R19.5 – 425/65R22.5). Lighter weight mono-leaf front springs (8K lbs., 10K lbs. and 12K lbs.) are available. Steering Column: Standard in the new Kenworth medium duty models, the new steering column is designed to extend ergonomic range of motion, reduce driver fatigue and enhance overall comfort. It features full-tilt and telescopic position capability, self-canceling turn signal capability and column-mounted shifter. Throttle Pedal: The new durable, hanging throttle pedal offers an automotive feel to Kenworth’s medium duty trucks. The new pedal helps reduce driver-fatigue and features a slip-resistant surface. Transmission Shifter: The enhanced column-mounted shifter provides improved ergonomics over the former push-button controller. For more information visit www.kenworth.com. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/JvEMPNwI0IYView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Volvo Group and Isuzu Motors have completed the transaction whereby Isuzu Motors acquired UD Trucks from the Volvo Group for an enterprise value of JPY 243 billion (approximately SEK 19 billion) on a cash and debt free basis. The alliance within commercial vehicles between the two groups, aiming to capture opportunities in the ongoing industry transformation will also become operational. The transaction is estimated to have a positive impact on the Volvo Group’s operating income in the second quarter 2021 of close to SEK 2 billion and increase the Volvo Group’s net cash position by approximately SEK 19 billion. The alliance between the Volvo Group and Isuzu Motors is set to a build long-term relationship. Alliance work is now entering the next phase to derive potential synergies in areas that will encompass, but are not be limited to: • Forming a technology partnership, intended to leverage the parties’ complementary areas of expertise within both well-known and new technologies and creating a larger volume base to support investments for world-class technology. • Creating the best long-term conditions for a stronger heavy-duty truck business for UD Trucks and Isuzu Motors in Japan and across international markets by transferring ownership of the complete UD Trucks business from the Volvo Group to Isuzu Motors. • Exploring further opportunities for even broader and deeper collaboration within the commercial vehicle businesses across geographical areas and product lines for future urban logistics solutions. • Exploring cooperation in the areas of purchasing and logistics, leveraging common technology, as well as the geographical footprint complementarity and volume expansion. The Volvo Group and Isuzu Motors will establish a Joint Alliance Office, with facilities both in Japan and Sweden, which will be overseen by an Alliance Board comprising the Isuzu Motors President, the Volvo Group CEO and other key executives from the two groups. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/6iw9Spxs_UUView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Detroit Assurance 5.0 suite of active safety systems uses a sophisticated mix of fused radar and high-definition camera technology to automatically track objects and threats on the road, and then activate in real-time to mitigate collisions. Detroit Assurance 5.0 is spec’d in all of Western International’s fleet of more than 100 Freightliner Cascadia trucks. The optional Active Lane Assist (ALA) detects the reflective paint and raised reflectors in lane markers. While in cruise, ALA’s Lane Keep Assist actively and continuously assists the driver with keeping the vehicle within the lane. If the vehicle crosses the markers, the lateral steering assist motor – ALA’s Lane Departure Protection – will steer the truck back into the center of its lane and will issue a warning on the instrument panel. Additionally, Detroit Assurance’s Side Guard Assist (with full trailer sweep capability) automatically detects objects in the truck’s blind spot and along the full length of tractor and trailer to alert the driver to the presence of other vehicles, stationary objects, and even pedestrians in urban environments. According to accident research conducted by Bosch analyzing public crash data, injuries from class 7 and 8 truck crashes could be reduced by up to 23 percent and fatalities by up to 19 percent when they are the accident-triggering vehicle. Additionally, it is estimated that technologies like Active Lane Assist could reduce the property damage from class 7 and 8 trucks when those vehicles are the accident-triggering vehicle by up to 35 percent. Active Lane Assist is also a driver comfort feature. It dampens vibrations from rough roads and issues minimal directional adjustments, translating into significantly less strain on the driver’s arms, shoulders, and neck. Detroit® is a single-source trucking business solution that offers mid-range and heavy-duty diesel engines, ePowertrains, transmissions, axles, safety systems and connected vehicle services for on-highway and vocational commercial markets.For more information visit DemandDetroit.com. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/KHzQamarR-EView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Talbert Manufacturing, which manufactures heavy-haul trailers and specialized transportation equipment, has named Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel of Voorhees, N.J., as its top dealer for 2020. This award recognizes performance in trailer sales, service and parts on behalf of Talbert Manufacturing. This is Hale’s 13th consecutive time in the top spot. The dealership was also recognized as the top parts seller for the year. “Talbert Manufacturing is proud of Hale’s long-term commitment to our brand,” said Troy Geisler, Talbert Manufacturing vice president of sales and marketing. “It goes beyond dollars and cents. The top-notch customer service and dependability they provide to customers up and down the East Coast makes them an exemplary partner. We’re excited to award them top dealer recognition for an amazing 13th time.” Hale is a full-service dealership with 12 locations from Maine to Florida. The dealership sells new and used trailers and related equipment. Hale also rents trailers, sells commercial trailer parts and accessories and provides general trailer service and repairs. Talbert also named Leslie Equipment Company as the Most Improved Dealer of 2020 and one of the top 10 dealers overall. Leslie Equipment is a consistent top Talbert dealer, providing quality construction, forestry, mining and oil and gas pipeline equipment for more than 45 years. The company is recognized within the industry as an innovative leader in sale and product support. Eight locations serve customers in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. The remaining top Talbert dealers, based on 2020 sales, are in alphabetical order: Columbus Equipment Company, Columbus, Ohio. Coogle Truck & Trailer Sales, Otterbein, Ind. Freightliner of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Mich. Lucky’s Trailer Sales, South Royalton, Vt. Lynch Chicago, Alsip, Ill. and Waterford, Wis. Remorques Lewis of La Présentation, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada Reno’s Trailer Sales & Rental, Belle Vernon, Pa. Royal Truck & Trailer Sales & Service Inc., four locations covering norther and eastern Michigan. For more information about Talbert trailers visit www.talbertmfg.com http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/7RgTQpcbccUView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Board of Management of Daimler Truck AG has appointed John O’Leary as the next President and CEO of Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) with its brands Freightliner Trucks, Western Star Trucks, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and Detroit Diesel Corporation. Effective April 1, 2021, O’Leary follows Roger Nielsen, who retires effective April 30, 2021 after 35 years in the company, the last four years as its president and CEO. O’Leary started at DTNA with Freightliner in 2000. Since September 2020, O’Leary has been the Chief Transformation Officer for Mercedes-Benz Trucks in Germany. “John O’Leary has more than 20 years of experience at DTNA and knows the North American commercial vehicle business like no other. As CFO of DTNA and lately as Chief Transformation Officer of Mercedes-Benz Trucks he has proven that his experience and knowledge make him just the right person to successfully lead DTNA into the future,” says Martin Daum, president and CEO of Daimler Truck AG and member of the board of management Daimler AG. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/tDw65klOQrYView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From Geri Roskopf's Blog: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will be establishing and facilitating an advisory board to be known as the “Women of Trucking Advisory Board.” Their goal is to “promote organizations and programs that will provide education, training, mentorships or outreach to women in the trucking industry as well as recruit women into the trucking industry.” While the Women of Trucking Advisory Board will be tasked with identifying ways to support women pursuing careers in trucking, I think the towing and recovery industry could establish an advisory board with the same goals of training, mentorship, education and outreach programs for all careers in our industry such as dispatchers and tow operators. The advisory board would need representatives from large, mid-sized and small tow companies, along with state and national associations, tow operators, dispatchers, law enforcement, roadside service and insurance companies and industry trainers. While it might seem like a huge task to take for getting an advisory board together, I believe it would be well worth the effort. Just like the trucking industry, the towing and recovery industry is facing many of the same challenges in recruiting qualified employees. It would pay in the long run to research and find what strategies would be recommended, and how to adopt those strategies. My husband and I have what is called a “mom-and-pop” shop and I believe there is a shift in the industry to getting away from that type of business. Having some strategies for recruitment in the future would definitely help with that shift. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/v41Un-nBviM View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Tow Times March issue explores the topic of insurance captives and how towing companies are forming them to contain insurance costs and gain control. This issue also focuses on support equipment operators use to make heavy recovery jobs easier, quicker and safer. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) fires can create new challenges and possible hazards for responders, and this issue addresses tow operator considerations. And in our Recovery Review department, Wisconsin operators use two heavy-duty units to “clothesline” a vehicle from a ravine. Find all this and more in the Tow Times March issue. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/gSZwB_Wbf1kView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Peterbilt Motors Company has announced updates to the vocational Model 567 and 520 trucks. The key updates are found in the new VMUX electrical system, which delivers enhanced functionality and seamless integration with different types of bodies for vocational customer applications. Exterior updates to the Model 567 include a cab-mounted side mirror, bright air intake bezel option and increased DEF tank volume. On the inside, the Model 567 features the 15” digital display launched with the new Model 579. A fully customizable user interface (UI), delivers easy-to read information and full PTO integration. Operators can fine-tune the digital display information to suit their individual preferences through the easy-to-use controls on the all-new smart steering wheel. Fully customizable B and C-panels accommodate a wide variety of vocational needs. New driver comforts found inside include additional cabin storage, two permanent cup holders and options for 12V or USB charging ports. The Model 567 is available with the latest safety systems integrated into the digital display. Key technologies include lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with auto resume, speed sign recognition, side objection detection, safety direct integration, multi-lane emergency braking and highway departure detection. The Model 567, combined with the new 2021 PACCAR MX-13 and MX-11 engines and PACCAR transmission, sees a 2 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and delivers increased reliability and uptime. The changes to the Model 520 are highlighted by the all-new, best-in-class 7” digital display in the center of the instrument cluster, which includes conventional speedometer, tachometer and water and oil temperature gauges. Using an intuitive card system the display is able to relay important information to the driver at a glance, such as ADAS, PTO status, digital gauges, trip summary, drive summary and systems check. Drivers navigate through the different cards using a knob located to the right of the steering column. The Model 520 added electronic stability control in September 2020 and is now available with Bendix Fusion® with side objection detection, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control with auto resume, speed sign recognition and safety direct integration. For more information about Peterbilt, visit www.peterbilt.com. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/7XmOARVp38oView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

With the Florida Tow Show host hotel — the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace — filling, a second hotel has been added for those planning to attend the show: the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista. The Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista is just blocks away from the host hotel. The address is 1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 32830. Shuttles will run Friday and Saturday (April 9-10) to the show. To reserve your room at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, click the link below, or call 800-782-4414. Reservation Code: TOW Reservation link: https://book.passkey.com/e/50172230 For more information about the Florida Tow Show visit floridatowshow.com. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/pIq29OLR-TsView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. has announced that the Cummins B6.7 diesel engine will now be featured in the new 2022 Isuzu F-Series trucks for the U.S. and Canadian markets. This is the first product to come to market globally from the Isuzu Cummins Powertrain Partnership (ICPP) between Isuzu Motors Limited and Cummins Inc. that was formed in 2019. “The addition of the Cummins B6.7 diesel engine is one of many exciting developments for the Isuzu F-Series truck. Moving forward we believe the Cummins B6.7 will create broader appeal and will open up new sales opportunities for our dealer network,” said Shaun Skinner, President of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. The 2022 F-Series will now be available in two models – the Class 6 FTR (25,950 – GVWR) and the Class 7 FVR (33,000 – GVWR). Additionally, the line-up will include a de-rated Class 6 FVR. A total of eight wheelbases will be available for the FTR and FVR models. The low cab forward’s larger cab-to-axle (CA) space provides the Isuzu F-Series more cargo capacity versus conventional cab competitors with a comparable wheelbase. This gives customers more versatility with their body application choices to accommodate heavier or more spacious cargo loads. As with all Isuzu low cab forward trucks, the FTR and FVR will have enhanced maneuverability, visibility and comfort. Drivers will appreciate the 50-degree inner wheel cut that gives the Isuzu F-Series class-leading turning diameters between 43.7-ft (152-inch WB) and 65-ft. (248-inch WB). Great visibility is made possible by Isuzu’s low cab forward-designed cab and new LED headlamps. The new interior design has dual-tone trim and seating that enhances its visual appeal while adding to passenger comfort. The Cummins B6.7 is mated to an automatic six-speed Allison® RDS Transmission (2500 Series). With 260-hp and 660-lb.-ft of torque, this is the highest horsepower and torque available from the Cummins B6.7. “The Cummins B6.7 has a legacy that goes back almost 40 years, so we’re excited to see it in the Isuzu F-Series,” said Rob Neitzke, Executive Director of Cummins On-Highway OEM Business. “It gives Class 6 and 7 truck buyers in the U.S. and Canadian markets new ways to experience the B6.7, with configurations that don’t exist today.” For more information about Isuzu commercial trucks visit www.isuzucv.com. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/Er1JBobJdZ8View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From Geri Roskopf's Blog: I met a wonderful, young female tow operator the other day. I told her how proud I was of her to take the initiative to learn the towing and recovery industry and become a tow operator. It’s not an easy profession for anyone to come into, let alone a woman. As women in a predominately male profession, we face a few more challenges than just learning how to tow and recover vehicles. Guys, do you remember how you felt when you went on your first tow or recovery all by yourself? Do you remember the first time pulling up on an incident scene where law enforcement and fire department had their lights flashing? And those first responders were looking to you to quickly help clear the scene? Did you feel a bit anxious and perhaps a bit scared? Did you get some doubtful looks from the customer or police officer as if to say, “do you really know what you’re doing?” Now, just think about what it would be like for a female tow operator. I’ve been on the receiving end of “honey, let me talk to one of the guys” more times than I want to count. First, I’m not your honey, and if I can’t help you, I’ll direct you to one of the guys. After talking to this new tow operator, she reminded me of something I need to pass on to others, and this is where I’m asking a favor. Remember when you were the “newbie” at your job? There are plenty of others out there who will doubt, criticize or put someone down for being new, or a female, in this profession. We may be competitors, but let’s go out of our way to encourage and support each other. If we don’t, who will? . http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/vIWFaUTCtQg View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From Geri Roskopf's Blog: What kind of gift would you like to receive on Valentine’s Day? Flowers? Chocolates? Jewelry? Romantic dinner? Or the perfect I love you message in a card? Or maybe a night off without answering the phones, or being on call? Personally, I would take all of these. No, I’m not being greedy. And no, I don’t care about the dollar amount spent. What really means a lot to me is that my husband will take time to pick something out, or do something special for me. Not because it is Valentine’s Day and he feels obligated to do so, but because it shows he cares. The towing and recovery industry is tough on any relationship, and believe me, when you work with your spouse day in and day out, it’s even more challenging. I know many women feel that towing or work always comes before anything else – even them. While we understand how important a job can be, and how you can never really make any plans because of the job, it can’t be more important than the ones you love and care about. While Valentine’s Day is a day set aside to let that special someone know you love them, don’t stress about how much you’re going to spend or can afford. (Definitely don’t go in debt.) Relationships are and can be challenging. Loving and caring for someone is not always easy, but as they say, life is too short. Don’t miss the chance to let those you love know how special they are — every day — not just on Valentine’s Day. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/TsLN5V3vabA View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Garage Service Insurance LLC (GSI Tow Insurance) has announced that the company and NASCAR Driver Corey Lajoie have agreed on an endorsement contract. Under the contract, Lajoie will appear in various GSI Tow Insurance advertisements to endorse the company and its services. “We are very excited to have Corey join us as an endorsement partner,” said Skip Bargielski, owner of GSI. “We feel that Corey understands our brand and represents the hard work, dedication and winning spirit that we aspire to everyday. We look forward to a great working relationship.” As NASCAR fans know, Corey LaJoie is well-known in the racing world. His partnership with GSI will lend his own strong reputation in racing as well as a rich history as a third-generation racer to GSI’s upcoming marketing campaigns. Corey has made a name for himself by winning his way through the NASCAR Cup Series ranks. This includes several top 10 finishes including a P-8 at The Daytona 500. For more information about GSI visit https://towagents.com/ http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/-_JnyQK3W7QView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

A free driver training class by the American Towing & Recovery Institute will be held Friday, April 9, at the Florida Tow Show. The focus will be light and medium towing with an intro to heavy-duty. Topics will include: Towing of cars, trucks and RVs Methods to handle luxury vehicles damage-free Winching and recovery. There will be classroom and outside training by instructors Wes Wilburn and Dennis Richards, and drawings for free prizes. Sponsored by Hooks Towing & Recovery Supplies. Click here for free registration. The 2021 Florida Tow Show will be held April 8-10 at the Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace. For more information about the show visit floridatowshow.com. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/bYsA61MTTpEView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales, located in Portsmouth Va., has announced the acquisition of Atlantic Wrecker based in Manassas, Va. “As a premier dealer for Jerr-Dan Corporation, this acquisition represents an extraordinary growth opportunity for us to offer our industry expertise to the towing and recovery industry while giving us the ability to offer premium services to those in the northern part of Virginia and to further scale our services at an unrivalled pace. We welcome Marcus, Paul, Danny and Tony to the East Coast family,” states an East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales press release. This second location expands East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales’ inventory to over 200 wreckers, car haulers and roll-off trucks. Visit their website at www.ectts.com for up-to-date announcements and to view their full line of inventory for both parts and sales. East Coast Truck and Trailers Sales, located in Portsmouth VA, has been a dealer for over 25 years specializing in product lines for Cottrell, Jerr-Dan and Galfab. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/ft5JSasQuXYView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Tower’s With A Heart is a group of friends and co-workers coming together to protect those who are helping others on busy roadways. The organization works to raise funds to provide billboards and other highway signs to educate drivers about the Move Over law, and the hazards that can occur when motorists do not obey the law. One of the fundraisers Tower’s With A Heart conducts is the annual Move Over Law Charity Golf Tournament. This year the 8th Annual Move Over Law Charity Golf Tournament promoting Florida’s Move Over law will be held Saturday, May 8, 2021. The location will be the Boca Lago Country Club, 8665 Juego Way, Boca Raton, Fla, 33433. Phone 561-869-8840. Schedule: 11:30 am – Tournament registration. Driving range and putting greens will be open for players. A cash lunch will be available 1:00 pm – Shotgun start 6:00 pm (approximately) – Buffet dinner and awards Click here to register. Tower’s With A Heart Inc. is a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/cO5I8g0yO-AView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Tow Times is bringing back a column titled “Good Guys.” It will share stories of towing industry members who do good deeds. I believe people in the towing and recovery industry are generous, and go above and beyond to not only help motorists, but support and raise funds for worthy causes, and become involved in supporting their communities in numerous ways. I’m looking forward to reading about the good guys, and all of the wonderful works they do. Helping others is most often done out of the goodness of one’s heart, and not for any type of recognition. As Martin Luther King, Jr., said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Now — more than ever — let’s all be one of the good guys. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/i0_CLiXwmgI View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Hino Motors, Ltd. (“Hino”) has announced that there will be a “formal pause” of vehicle production at its plants in its consolidated subsidiaries in North America; the West Virginia plant at Hino Motors Manufacturing U.S.A., Ltd. and the Woodstock plant at Hino Motors Canada, Ltd., until the end of September 2021. The production pause was approved “following challenges in the required U.S. engine certification testing process for new model years of the A09C, J08E, and J05E engines for North America.” Production will be paused at the two plants described above in the United States and Canada. As a result, new model year vehicle sales in both countries have been postponed. Production will be paused until the end of September 2021. Vehicle production resumption and sales of vehicles containing new model year engines are expected in October 2021 in both the United States and Canada. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/YNzk1s3vnNcView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From the Blog of Geri Roskoph: As I was reading an article on how to recognize a professional tow operator, I was struck with what I thought was an oxymoron: “Your everyday, run-of-the-mill tow operator, above all else, is a professional, and treats you with respect.” I was curious of the exact definition of “run-of-the-mill,” because the way it was used in the sentence just didn’t sit right with me. The definition of something that is run-of-the-mill is a common, everyday, ordinary item that doesn’t stand out from the rest. Something or someone who is run-of-the-mill is probably not notable. For me, that does not describe professional tow operators — they definitely are not ordinary, or not notable. The towing and recovery profession has always had to educate the public about who and what a professional tow operator really is; they are trained, qualified, experienced and competent men and women. The public has to also realize that while a tow operator may start the day with a clean uniform, at the end of a long, hard day or recovery, it can get pretty dirty. It’s all part of the job, and doesn’t mean they don’t care, or are sloppy. Whether you call yourself a wrecker driver, tow truck driver or tow operator, and you provide a helpful and professional service for all clients, in my book you are definitely not a run-of-the-mill driver or operator, and, above all else, you are a professional. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/qc1c_nXpGig View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From Geri Roskopf's Blog: One of the greatest gifts we have is the gift of choice. Some choices are routine, and some are life-changing. We choose how we react to a situation. We choose to have a salad or a burger. We choose to buy a GMC or a Ford. We all make choices every day; some good, some not so good. In the December, 2020, issue of Tow Times, I read with interest Tim Jackson’s editorial titled, “Different, but the Same.” He wrote that no matter what country you’re in, “towing associations want to advocate for the best interests of towing company owners and operators, to raise industry standards, for their members to have a collective voice to the government and public, and to project a professional image.” When I was inducted into the Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame Class of 2018, I was invited to a luncheon with the other inductees. We were asked what we thought were some of the challenges facing the towing and recovery industry. One of the inductees, John Caldwell, was from the United Kingdom. After listening to the rest of the group, he agreed with everything we discussed, and echoed what Tim wrote: “We may be different, but we are the same, too.” I really don’t care for the phrase “now more than ever,” as to me it indicates that not a lot of effort to do a particular thing was done in the past. With that said, however, now more than ever, let’s make the choice — as Tim wrote — to have goals that will create a bond in our industry that is much stronger than our differences. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/IJUvJoX1gr4 View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From the Blog of Geri Roskopf: I recently had a phone call where, if I could have, I would’ve hung up on the caller. I was literally being screamed at. I’ve been in business long enough that I’ve handled these types of calls, and I’ve often found they result from a lack of understanding, or something was missed in communication. I did attempt to explain, but she didn’t want anything to do with it. I don’t like to leave a situation without it being settled to everyone’s satisfaction, but I guess sometimes you just can’t. A friend’s son – Bobby – has Down syndrome. Because of the virus, he hasn’t been able to go to work at the Threshold, an agency that supports people with developmental disabilities. His routine has been disrupted and he shows a lot more anxiety. Linda, his mom, says he watches for the mailman and lets her know when the mail comes and, like most of us (minus the bills), he loves opening mail addressed to him. So, I sent out a request to family, friends and fellow towers to send Bobby a card or note. I just received a thank-you picture card from Bobby. On the card were several photos of Bobby and all the cards he received. His mom wrote this message for him on the back of the card: “My collection of cards and letters continues to grow and cover the walls of my room. It has made me feel so special. Thank you for sharing your family and friends with me.” It melted my heart to see that Bobby signed the card. Of the two situations mentioned above, two words — “thank you” — helped offset the not-so-nice one. I know many New Year’s resolutions have been made; let’s add a resolution to say “thank you” more. That small gesture of kindness will make someone’s day — I know it did for me. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/CsTk06Pe--k View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Best wishes for a safe and prosperous new year. From the Tow Times staff http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/poBUiImRerQView the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From the staff at Tow Times magazine. http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Towtimes/~4/OHDhuV0Msw8View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Unfortunately, this type of fraud or embezzlement is more common than people think. See Tow Times story dated January 2019.