TowTimes

Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) press release: [On Tuesday, February 27] in [Washington] D.C., TRAA met with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Chief Legal Counsel Brian Stansbury and other senior leaders to discuss the anti-towing comment Acting Deputy Administrator Sue Lawless submitted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the agency’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking creating 16 CFR Part 464: Unfair or Deceptive Fees Trade Regulation (88 FR 77420). During the 45-minute meeting, the TRAA team, including lobbyist and legal representatives, reviewed the many policy and legal issues with the content of FMCSA’s letter and their request that the FTC include the nation’s towing industry in their “Junk Fees” Rule. After much educating and reminding them of roadside safety policy the administration already has in place, we were able to discuss alternative mechanisms for addressing FMCSA’s concerns regarding “predatory” towing practices. One option is to create a towing taskforce within FMCSA in which towers would have a seat at the table to review bills and discuss potential policy. We expect to hear from FMCSA shortly on potential next steps. In the meantime, TRAA members will be discussing this critical issue with 100+ members of Congress and their staffers next week during TRAA’s annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day. A big thank you to all three representatives for TRAA at today’s meeting: Bill Johnson, TRAA’s Legislative Chair, Liesl Sheehan, Partner at Tremont Strategist Group, and Katherine Funk, attorney with Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC. In closing, this assault on our industry is being responded to by the TRAA. Now is the time for all to get involved with TRAA and your state association. The trucking associations and insurance industry are powerful adversaries. As the adage goes, divide and conquer. United we will prevail! Want to support TRAA as we defend the industry? If so, donations to our Lobbyist Support Fund are greatly appreciated. To donate click here. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From left: SS470UVA glow vest, TM-LS-UVA traffic-cone light head TowMate has announced the launch of two safety lighting products incorporating patented HINVII technology: the SS470UVA and the TM-LS-UVA. These products are designed to enhance the visibility and safety of roadside workers without compromising their fields of vision. The SS470UVA, a UV light head, is designed to dramatically increase the visibility of roadside workers’ vests. It employs patented HINVII technology emitting a non-visible light that makes workers’ vests glow intensely, ensuring they are visible to passing motorists. While the vests appear brilliantly lit to drivers, the light is non-distracting and non-visible to workers, allowing them to focus on tasks without impairment to their field of vision. The light head also features amber LEDs that can be set to alternate with the HINVII LEDs for greater visibility in varying conditions. The TM-LS-UVA is a traffic-cone mounted system. It features the SS470UVA light head and is rechargeable and portable, ensuring the benefits of worker visibility can be realized where they are needed and not just limited to around the truck. The HINVII light capability ensures maximum visibility in various lighting conditions and traffic scenarios. For more information about the SS470UVA and TM-LS-UVA visit TowMate.com or contact your local dealer. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

I had to have a hard talk with myself in regard to not coloring my hair anymore and leaving it go gray. While my age tells me it’s time to let go of my vanity, my head says “I’m not there yet!” My hair stylist tells me I’m “in transition.” The welcome outcome of finally making the decision to go gray is that it helps with not having to pay for the coloring service anymore, and I’ve had many people tell me they like my new look. We’ve all heard the saying don’t judge a book by its cover, where you shouldn’t judge someone or something based only on what you see on the outside. This hit home with me as I hope people would judge me on my character and not my outward appearance — especially the gray hair. This saying can be linked to the motoring public’s image of a tow operator. They might conclude that someone who wears dirty, unkempt work clothes and is unshaven is a shady character. What they don’t realize is that tow operator was given a call at two in the morning, didn’t have time to shave, and started out with a clean uniform, but then worked an incident scene of a jack-knifed tractor and trailer that was in a ditch filled with water and muck — and that was just the start of his day. I think we are all in transition many times in our life, transitioning from one thing to the next either in action or state of being. Hopefully, people will not look at just our outward appearance, as we all know there is more to that hard-working tow operator. And there’s more to me than my transitioning to gray hair. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From left: Danny Landholm – Peterbilt director of dealer network development, Jake Montero – Peterbilt assistant general manager, sales and marketing, Blake Jackson – Jackson Group Peterbilt CEO, Jason Skoog – Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president and Leon Handt – Peterbilt assistant general manager, operations. Peterbilt has announced Jackson Group Peterbilt (JGP) as the 2023 North American Dealer Group of the Year at its annual dealer meeting in Palm Springs, CA, held February 5-7. The Dealer Group of the Year recognition is awarded to the dealership group that best exemplifies Peterbilt’s commitment to class, achieves the highest scores in Peterbilt’s rigorous Standards of Excellence program and leverages effective management practices to promote brand advocacy. “We’re proud to recognize Jackson Group Peterbilt as the 2023 Dealer Group of the Year for their dedication to achieving excellence,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “This dealer group invests in world-class facilities, sells the full lineup of Peterbilt vehicles, offers excellent parts availability and provides superior service and support to our customers.” “We are incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Blake Jackson, Jackson Group Peterbilt CEO. “This achievement and success would not be possible without the efforts of our valued employees who are committed to exceeding customer expectations in all that we do.” Jackson Group Peterbilt operates 31 dealership locations across eight states. This marks the 4th Dealer Group of the Year award for Jackson Group Peterbilt who took home this honor in 2020, 2013 and 2008. Additionally, Jackson Group Peterbilt also received recognition as a Best-in-Class Dealer Group and 12 of their locations were honored with Platinum Oval awards at this year’s award ceremony. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Source: Isuzu press release: Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. has begun celebrating the 40h anniversary of Isuzu trucks in the U.S. market. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America—then called Isuzu Truck of America, Inc.—was founded on March 16, 1984. The first Isuzu truck, the KS22, arrived in the U.S. in November 1984. The 87-horsepower truck was quickly embraced by American truck buyers. In 1986, barely a year after its stateside launch, Isuzu became the best-selling low-cab-forward truck in the United States, a position held for 37 consecutive years. Isuzu commands nearly 80% of the U.S. low cab forward truck sales. “Isuzu trucks could not have enjoyed this level of success without the support of a loyal customer following and a strong dealer network,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “I am proud to say that, of our nearly 300 dealers nationwide, four have been selling Isuzu trucks for the entire four-decade Isuzu history here, and we share this celebration with them.” The four longest-standing Isuzu dealerships are: Green Isuzu Truck, Greensboro, North Carolina Midway Isuzu Truck Center, Phoenix, Arizona Pierre Isuzu Trucks of Everett, Everett, Washington Chapman Isuzu, Tempe, Arizona “In addition to our dealers, we owe our success to a product lineup that has always been in tune with our customers’ needs,” Skinner continued. The company’s current lineup includes: Class 3, 4 and 5 N-Series models powered by a 6.6-liter gasoline V8 Class 4 and 5 N-Series trucks featuring Isuzu’s famous 4HK1-TC turbodiesel Class 6 and 7 F-Series models with a Cummins B6.7 diesel under the cab “But we have never rested on our laurels,” Skinner said, “and we are not about to start now.” During the first half of 2024, Isuzu will introduce its first all-electric production model to the U.S. and Canadian markets. The 2025-model-year Class 5 NRR EV will feature a full 19,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating, an Isuzu-developed battery electric platform, and an all-new cab design. “There used to be a saying, ‘Life begins at 40.’ And although Isuzu trucks have had an amazingly successful first 40 years in the U.S. market, this really is just the beginning,” Skinner concluded. “The new NRR EV electric truck, our completely redesigned cab, our new suite of advanced driver assistance features and more prove that—while we are thrilled to be celebrating this milestone anniversary—we are really focused on the future. I have said many times that I believe Isuzu is better positioned for success now than at any time in our history.” View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Geri Roskopf I ain’t got no college degree. I ain’t no doctor or pro-athlete, but I still see myself as a professional in the towing and recovery industry and the work I do every day. Just because I don’t have a piece of paper saying I graduated with a degree in something, doesn’t mean I’m not qualified, trained, experienced, efficient, competent, skilled or resourceful at the many jobs I do. My higher education has come with a lot of hard work, long hours, getting through many ups and downs and never-ending learning experiences. I met some friends for coffee at a local McDonald’s and I was quite shocked with what I saw and how I was treated. I haven’t been inside a McDonald’s in a while, but I was always impressed with the staff. They wore uniforms, and were polite, fast and efficient. The restaurant and bathrooms were always very clean. Not so much this time. I stood at the counter for a bit. Not complaining about that, but two employees looked at me and turned away, not even offering an “I’ll be right with you,” or even acknowledging I was there. I noticed that none of the employees wore uniforms. Their hair wasn’t tied back. One of them came around the corner commenting to another employee that they were both wearing the same Hug fashion boots. I noticed that tables needed to be cleaned, and garbage bins needed to be emptied. Do I think the employees needed uniforms or smiles to make them be more professional at their jobs? No, not necessarily, but it would help. It doesn’t matter if you work at McDonalds, are a tow operator or a pro-golfer, how you treat others is a big factor in being a professional. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Left: SS470UVA lighted vest. Right: TM-LS-UVA light. TowMate has announced the launch of two safety lighting products incorporating patented HINVII technology: the SS470UVA and the TM-LS-UVA. These products are designed to enhance the visibility and safety of roadside workers without compromising their fields of vision. The SS470UVA, a UV light head, is designed to dramatically increase the visibility of roadside workers’ vests. It employs patented HINVII technology emitting a non-visible light that makes workers’ vests glow intensely, ensuring they are visible to passing motorists. While the vests appear brilliantly lit to drivers, the light itself is non-distracting and non-visible to the workers, allowing them to focus on tasks without impairment to their field of vision. The light head also features amber LEDs that can be set to alternate with the HINVII LEDs for greater visibility in varying conditions. Complementing the SS470UVA, the TM-LS-UVA is a rechargeable, traffic-cone mounted system. It features the SS470UVA light head and is rechargeable and portable, ensuring the benefits of worker visibility can be realized where they are needed and not just limited to around the truck. The HINVII light capability ensures maximum visibility in various lighting conditions and traffic scenarios. For more information about the SS470UVA and TM-LS-UVA visit TowMate.com or contact your local dealer. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From left: Jeff Bimson, CEO of Warrior Winches, Lauren Colón, executive director of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, and Lee Marriott, commercial director of Warrior Winches Warrior Winches, a manufacturer of heavy-duty winches and hoists, has announced their pledge to donate 1% of all online sales to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund. This fund provides critical financial assistance to towing and recovery operators killed in the line of service, 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, and we salute their commitment to keeping other people safe while risking their own safety. Tragically, this can result in incidents that have major impact on operators’ families. If our donation can offer support to even one person, we believe it’s worth it. This pledge reaffirms our commitment to using our success to serve others.” Lauren Colón, executive director of the 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.” View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Left to Right: Joe Tebo, FHWA, Paul Jodoin, FHWA, Cynthia Martineau, TRAA, Joanne Blyton, TRAA, Emily Wade, TRAW, Karrie Fogg, TRPNC, Sergeant Tammy Perkins, MHP, Jim Austrich, FHWA Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) press release: Traffic incident management (TIM) stakeholders from across the country convened in October 2023, for the FHWA National Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Leadership, Technology, and Training Symposium at the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, MD. Joanne Blyton, TRAA president, and Cynthia Martineau, TRAA executive director, represented the industry along with Emily Wade, executive director for the Towing & Recovery Association of Washington, and Karrie Fogg, president of the Towing & Recovery Professionals of North Carolina. The symposium was an opportunity to share the latest in all things TIM including information on updates to the national TIM training program coming next year, and emerging technologies such as retro-reflective materials to better direct traffic flow, synchronized flares, debris removal systems, SMART lighting, and drones. Joanne Blyton gave a presentation on the Power of Proclamations highlighting their use to gain exposure for FHWA’s annual Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) and Slow Down Move Over (SDMO) awareness. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Tow Times February issue focuses on acquisitions and consolidation in the towing industry, some of the go-to equipment used for recovery, possible legislation to address perceived predatory towing, and 10 options and accessories to optimize car carrier performance. In our Recovery Review department, tow operators use training, experience and specialized equipment to recover a loaded tractor-trailer straddling a creek in a swampy location. Find all this and more in the Tow Times February issue. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

This year marks the publication of the 35th Edition of the Z-Tool Grand Master System Manual. The Z-Tool System Manual is updated each year after a thorough review of every new make and model of vehicle that will be on the road in the USA. An updated Z-Tool System Manual is a must have for the auto lockout professional. “By doing the research on new makes and models each year and publishing an updated Z-Tool System Manual, we’re able to limit the number of tools needed in our tool kit. Our goal is to make things as simple and efficient as possible for the professionals out there in the field,” said Slide Lock Tool Company owner Trey Ourso. For more information, go to www.z-tool.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Guardian Fleet Services, a leading provider of towing, recovery, and specialized transportation services, has announced the successful acquisition of Roberts Heavy Duty Towing Inc., based in Lexington, KY. The acquisition is Guardian Fleet Services’ first location in Kentucky. Founded in 1999 by Lee Roberts, Roberts Heavy Duty Towing Inc. has evolved from a one-truck operation into a robust enterprise with 66 trucks and 75 employees. Roberts will remain involved with the business as the director. Roberts Heavy Duty Towing Inc. offers a comprehensive range of services, including 24-hour live dispatch, light-duty towing, heavy-duty specialty transport and towing, and more. The company’s service footprint spans across Lexington, Louisville, Mt. Sterling, Richmond, Somerset, and surrounding areas. “After a long thought process and several opportunities, I am honored to have the Guardian team lead Roberts into the future,” Roberts states. “It was clear in the process that leadership shared the same core principles and practices that made us so successful over the years.” “We are honored to continue the legacy of Lee Roberts and welcome Roberts Heavy Duty Towing Inc. into the Guardian Fleet Services family,” said Scott Crockett, president of Guardian Fleet Services. “Lee’s commitment to safety, training, and customer service perfectly aligns with our values, and we look forward to building upon the strong foundation he has laid.” Headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL, Guardian Fleet Services provides towing, recovery, and specialized transportation services to municipal, state, and federal agencies, and commercial enterprises and is the largest provider of towing, recovery, and specialized transportation in the United States. Guardian Fleet Services was formed in 2017 as a consolidator of towing, recovery, and specialized transportation companies in Florida. Today, Guardian Fleet Services consists of 30+ locations throughout Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Texas. The affiliated companies have 200+ years of combined experience, over 600 employees, and more than 550+ assets in their specialized towing and transportation fleet. For more information about Guardian Fleet Services visit guardianfleetservice.com View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The New Year is a great time to set some personal and/or business goals. For many, though, these new resolutions only last a couple of weeks or, if you’re lucky, a few months. I think the key is to find a mentor or an experienced and trusted advisor to help you achieve the end goal in mind. Mentors are valuable sources of knowledge, whether you want to take some college classes, change careers or learn a new hobby. Mentors have experienced similar milestones and can give you the best insight because they’ve already been through it. They can advise you on things such as how to save money, reduce your stress of trying something new, and be more efficient. While nobody wants to receive criticism, a mentor offers constructive criticism to strengthen the areas of your life that needs improvement or personal growth. Drawing on their past experiences, they look for teaching moments that help you grow along the way. Mentors also give you an extra boost of confidence because of the support and words of encouragement they offer when life gets tough, or you want to give up. Mentors are great motivators to help you keep trying to do your best despite challenges. Many times, working with a mentor is life-changing because they can help you achieve awareness and understanding of who you are and what you want to become. I’m sure many of you could name a mentor, advisor, counselor or teacher who has helped you with either a personal or business goal. I know I’ve learned a lot from other women not only in the towing and recovery industry who have helped me along my career path. My goal now is to give back and be a mentor to others. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Sunshine State Towing Association (SSTA) has released the election results for its 2024-2026 executive board. President: Brett Holcombe, vice president: Amanda Balboa, second vice president: Kelly Barrett, secretary: Alexis Margaret Ramos, treasurer: Crystal Griffin. The SSTA thanks the McGovern Law Firm for facilitating their election. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Tow Times January issue explores the current state of truck chassis availability, insight on what the insurance scenario may look like in 2024, boosting cash flow with digital payments, and winter maintenance recommendations for heavy-duty truck chassis. We’ll also address the reasons for industry rules and regulations, and in the Recovery Review department, Colorado operators recover a wrecked snow plow on a narrow mountain road. Find all this and more in the Tow Times January issue. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

AAA press release: With the start of the new year, new laws go into effect including Florida’s enhanced Move Over law. Floridians have long been required to move over for first responders, tow trucks and municipal vehicles. Now, drivers are required to move over for a disabled vehicle displaying either its hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signage. Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $158. “AAA has advocated for a stronger move over law through our ‘Move Over for Me’ campaign, and are glad to see it come to fruition,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The roadside is a dangerous place for anyone, whether it’s a first responder or a daily commuter. We hope this enhancement to the current law will save lives by reminding drivers to give extra space when passing anyone on the roadside.” View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

My Mom used to yell at us as we were running out the door to catch the bus for school to “learn something today!” I did the same thing to my kids as they were heading off to school. Education, whether it be in a school atmosphere, work related or every day life’s lessons, helps us become better people. The old saying of learn something new every day can be a great way to improve your life in many ways. According to lesoned.com, learning can help you improve your skill and knowledge base, better problem solving, and even earn you a job. Lifehack.org suggests that learning helps us more easily and readily adapt to new situations, feeds innovation by inspiring us to think creatively, and deepens our character. BBC explains that learning a new skill will give your brain a workout in ways that are measurable, and can reduce stress, create new brain connections, get your body in a state of flow, release dopamine, make you happier, better at juggling tasks and potentially smarter. Learning also expands and stimulates our mind as we gain new knowledge, which can sharpen our critical thinking and help us understand the world better. I am aware of the value of learning something new every day when I am babysitting my grandchildren. I see the determination in my youngest grandchild as she tries to do something over and over again and when I ask if I can help, she tells me; “I do myself.” Or when I see the wonder in her eyes as she discovers something new and exciting, like getting to hold her one-month-old cousin and gazing into his eyes to see a real-life doll. The new year always brings the opportunity to set some goals to learn something new. I think the key to keeping those goals is to be like my granddaughter, having determination to just do it and then discovering the wonder and excitement of “I did it!” View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Source: Will-Burt Company press release The Will-Burt Company, designer, manufacturer and seller of mobile telescoping mast, tower, and integrated trailer systems, has announced the acquisition of Clark Masts Systems, LTD. Clark is known globally for their field and vehicle deployed telescopic pneumatic mast systems. “We are pleased to add the high-performance Clark Mast range of mobile pneumatic telescopic mast products to the Will-Burt portfolio,” stated Richard Lewin, CEO and President of The Will-Burt Company. “The Clark Mast brand is well-known around the world for delivering high-quality products backed by exemplary service. The Will-Burt and Clark organizations have great mutual respect for one another and similar cultural beliefs that we expect will deliver increased value to our customers.” Clark Masts, first introduced in 1954 by Alec Clark, are lightweight, quick-erecting field masts that are highly versatile with commercial and defense variations. Clark also offers a range of larger telescopic pneumatic masts that can be vehicle or field mounted and will complement the existing Will-Burt range of pneumatic masts. Clark production operations will continue to be located on the Isle of Wight, England and Simon Bennett, Managing Director of Clark Masts, will assume the role of General Manager of the operation to assure a smooth and successful transition. The business financial and accounting functions will be merged with Will-Burt UK located in Alton, Hampshire, England. Customers and suppliers are welcome to contact either Will-Burt or Clark personnel in their region of the world to receive prompt attention. The Will-Burt Company is headquartered in Orrville, Ohio. Visit willburt.com View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Jerr-Dan press release: Jerr-Dan, an Oshkosh Corporation company (NYSE: OSK), capped off their in-booth social event at the recent towing and recovery trade show in Baltimore by donating $20,000 to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund. The Survivor Fund was established in 2005 to provide immediate financial support to families of towing operators who lose their lives in the line of service in our industry. “As a company, we are honored to have the opportunity to again support the Survivors Fund with our donation tonight,” said Bob Nelson, vice president and general manager of Jerr-Dan. “We also want to urge all who can to participate in the museum’s continuing supporter program. Anything our industry can do to lessen the financial impact a family endures following the loss of a loved one is appreciated.” Jerr-Dan is committed to supporting the families of those impacted and continues to explore potential features that may help mitigate future incidents. The donation was presented by Nelson and the entire Jerr-Dan team attending the show to the Survivor Fund Board of Directors. For more information on the continuing supporter program, visit towingmuseum.com. For more information about Jerr-Dan visit jerrdan.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

AAA press release: AAA is working to keep impaired drivers off the road this holiday season. Friday night, the Auto Club Group will activate its Tow to Go program in Florida and other select states. Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Friday, December 22nd to 6 a.m. Tuesday, January 2nd. Available in FL, GA, IA, MI, ND, NE, TN, WI, CO (Denver), NC (Charlotte), IN (Fort Wayne/South Bend). This is the 25th year The Auto Club Group has provided the Tow to Go program. When called upon, The Auto Club Group dispatches a tow truck to transport the impaired person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius for free. Since its inception, Tow to Go has removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the road. About Tow to Go: Free and available to AAA members and non-members. Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating. In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home. Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions. Service areas: FL, GA, IA, MI, ND, NE, TN, WI, CO (Denver), NC (Charlotte), IN (Fort Wayne/South Bend) Phone number: (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246 View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

I’m not sure why kids love to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas, because for me Jim Carrey – who plays the green and mean Mr. Grinch, looks pretty scary. My grandkids love the lyrics in the song You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch, especially the words, You’re a three-decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce! While Mr. Grinch may have a heart that is an empty hole, the true meaning behind the story is quite heartening. I had someone today tell me outright that they don’t like this time of year and called themselves a Grinch. I was taken aback a bit as this person is not normally like that. I agree, though, with one person who was quoted as saying: “… between the commercialism and cynicism of an overdose of holiday merchandise, marketing and social media, there is an increasing apathy toward the brouhaha being raised over the mindless expenditure and consumerism.” I am not sure how or if you celebrate the holidays this time of year, but what the Grinch discovered was that the true spirit of love and joy “doesn’t come from a store.” It is a joyous feeling, a state of mind, and any gift giving should come straight from the heart and should be received with an open heart. I’ve learned that many people find things to complain about, but many do not express any gratitude. I left a doctor’s appointment today and I received some great news. I was smiling and I think I skipped back to my car. On the way back to the shop, I noticed a banner on the boulevard waving the word “Joy.” That is exactly what I felt in my heart and I know the mean, green Mr. Grinch finally felt it too. The Grinch story is a lesson in point if you don’t want to become a Grinch. Focus on the spirit of gifting joy, love and humor to your loved ones. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. press release: Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. has announced that its U.S. team of service technicians placed second in the 18th Annual Isuzu World Technical Competition, also known as the I-1 Grand Prix. This marked the fourth year that Team USA won the silver medal in the prestigious event, a grueling, multi-stage competition requiring outstanding performance on written examinations and in hands-on tests of vehicle diagnosis and repair skills. Prior to 2017, no U.S. team had made the top three in the championship’s history. The event was held on November 1 by Isuzu Motors Limited in Yokohama, Japan. Thirty-three countries from six continents competed. Japan took the gold medal, while the team from New Zealand earned third place. The Isuzu Commercial Truck of America (ICTA) team consisted of two of the top three technicians from the 2023 Isuzu North America I-1 Grand Prix, selected in August: Anthony (AJ) Parrilli of Rush Truck Center—Elk Grove in Elk Grove Village, Illinois Sebastian Fitzgerald of MHC Isuzu Truck—Raleigh in Raleigh, North Carolina Candido DeLeon of Rush Isuzu Trucks—Dayton in Dayton, Ohio During three weeks of intense training leading up to the global contest, Parrilli and Fitzgerald won the right to comprise Team USA. DeLeon attended as an observer and as an alternate in the event Parrilli or Fitzgerald had been unable to compete. In addition to their second-place team finish, Fitzgerald placed sixth and Parrilli placed tenth in the individual competition. The team was coached by Justin Ridings, ICTA technical training manager. This was the third time Ridings led a team that placed in the top three globally. The competition rules state that a coach may achieve a podium finish of third place or higher a maximum of three times in a lifetime. According to Micah Embry, executive director of Centers of Excellence operations for ICTA, “This means Justin is now retired from the competition as coach since he succeeded in attaining a top three finish in all three attempts in which he participated. Quite impressive!” “We couldn’t be prouder of our team,” said Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “AJ’s and Sebastian’s diagnostic and repair skills represented ICTA beautifully and once again proved that Isuzu service technicians in the United States are among the very best in the world.” Skinner, Embry and Ridings also attributed the team’s success to ICTA’s investment in state-of-the-art Center of Excellence training facilities in Pittston, Pennsylvania, and Anaheim, California. “As I’ve said before, our training programs, our Centers of Excellence, and events like this improve the skills of all Isuzu service technicians,” said Skinner. “They help us reach our objective—to provide world-class service to every Isuzu customer.” View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Source: Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) press release. The Move Over Law Resolution passed on November 29, 2023. TRAA celebrates the passage of the Move Over Law Resolution (S.Res.476) in the U.S. Senate. The resolution supports the goals and ideals of Move Over Laws and urges relevant Federal and State agencies, as well as nongovernmental organizations involved in traffic incident management response, to promote the existence of and adherence to State Move Over laws. TRAA is proud of our part in assisting with several of the cosponsors and generating support for the resolution. The passage of S.Res.476 will undoubtably increase public awareness of Move Over Laws and the need for drivers to slow down and move over when they see any incident responder on the side of the road. Note, “simple resolutions” are entirely within the prerogative of one chamber or the other. They do not require the approval of the other chamber or signature by the President. An almost identical resolution, H.Res.1463 passed the House last November. TRAA deeply appreciates the support of every stakeholder who contributed to making the passage of this resolution possible. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Tow Times December issue features a look at towing and recovery equipment and applications across the globe, the right clothing and gear to make winter jobs easier and safer, and a review of this year’s Tennessee Tow Show and the winners of the tow truck beauty competition. Plus, we’ll report on the Towing and Recovery Association of America’s 2023 Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day, and the Recovery Review department focuses on how a British towing company used a light-duty wheel-lift to free a van from a retaining wall. Find all this and more in the Tow Times December issue. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

A Massachusetts court has ruled that the assessment of administrative fees as a percentage of a vehicle recovery invoice violates the Consumer Protection Law. In a ruling handed down on November 3, 2023, in the case of Commerce Insurance v. Big Wheel Truck Sales, the judge said that the towing company’s 10% fees, “have no relationship to the amount of time spent on administrative time … and are arbitrary and grossly excessive.” For more on this case, see Michael McGovern’s Legaleze column in the Tow Times January 2024 issue. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com