TowTimes

A tow operator was struck and killed Sunday, November 12, on I-80 in Urbandale, Iowa. Operator Joshua Villa, 45, of Adel, Iowa, was assisting a motorist with a disabled vehicle at approximately 10 p.m. As he exited his truck on the right shoulder, he was hit by a semi-truck driven by Dmytro Prysich of Hamtramck, Michigan. Villa was pronounced dead at the scene. News reports state that an Urbandale police officer was on the scene as well as a Highway Helper with an electronic sign directing traffic to move to the left to avoid the scene. The Iowa State Patrol said Prysich failed to move over, left the road and hit the operator and his tow truck. After the crash he left the scene and was stopped by police. Prysich showed signs of impairment during field sobriety testing, police said, and a breath test revealed his blood alcohol level was in excess of .08. Prysich was arrested on charges of homicide by vehicle-OWI, leaving the scene of a deadly accident and failure to change lane upon approach to emergency stationary vehicles – death. He is being held on a cash-only bond of $500,000. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Crash Responder Safety Week, November 13 – 17, 2023, is a nationwide observation to spread awareness of the dangers emergency responders face every day while working in or around live traffic. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is joining emergency responders statewide in reminding motorists that everyone plays a role. Their motto and message to the motoring public is, “Protect Those Who Protect You.” To honor emergency responders during Crash Responder Safety Week, Milwaukee will be “Lighting the Hoan.” The Hoan is a major bridge crossing with mega lights all along the bridge. Monday, the Hoan Bridge will be the color Yellow for Towing and Recovery Tuesday, the Hoan Bridge will be Blue for Law Enforcement Wednesday, the Hoan Bridge will be Red/White for Fire/EMS Thursday, the Hoan Bridge will be Orange/Green for DOT/Highway Friday, The Hoan Bridge will be Gold for Communications Last year when the Hoan Bridge was lit with yellow lights, we took two tow trucks down to the lakefront and took photos of the two trucks with the bridge in the background. The photos were then posted with The Crash Responder Safety Week motto, “Protect Those Who Protect You.” We as an industry need to continually educate the motoring public to be aware of all emergency responders working on the side of the road, which definitely includes tow operators. Thanks to the Wisconsin DOT for helping get the message out in bright lights. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Muncie Power Products, Inc. has made two personnel announcements. The company has announced Mike Krieger as the regional sales manager for the Western region as well as Mexico. Krieger will focus on leading the field sales team in the West. In this position, he will put an emphasis on understanding customers needs and creating a positive experience through relationship building, opportunities, and growth. Josh Reimer has been named the regional sales manager of the Eastern region. Reimer will focus on leading the field sales team in the East. In this position, he will put an emphasis on understanding our customers’ needs and creating a positive experience through relationship building, opportunities, and growth. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Source: U.S. Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration: Image: International Association of Fire Chiefs Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) takes place November 13 –17, 2023. This Federal Highway Administration (FHWA )-sponsored initiative communicates the simple steps everyone can take to keep roadway responders and the public safe around traffic incidents. Every minute of every day, law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), public works, transportation, towing, and other responders work roadside to make roadways safe for all road users. These traffic incident responders put their lives at risk when clearing each of the nearly 7 million annual motor vehicle crashes or the broader range of incidents such as stalled vehicles or roadway debris. CRSW is an opportunity to promote road user awareness and adherence to Move Over laws and Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training for all traffic incident responders. FHWA has established, in cooperation with the CRSW National Committee, a Campaign Toolkit with strategic CRSW outreach themes. FHWA encourages national, State, and local organizations to amplify the visibility and message of this important week by using the Campaign Toolkit calendar to align your promotion, press outreach, and social media engagement with others across the country. By following the calendar, supporters can speak with a common voice, all using the same hashtag, #CRSW. The theme for CRSW 2023 is “Protect Those Who Protect You,” emphasizing the traveling public’s role in keeping responders safe while responders make roadways safe for all road users. The following are common strategies executed by State and local agencies to commemorate CRSW: Social media campaigns across multiple platforms Mass TIM responder training events State or local proclamations (e.g., Governor’s Proclamation) and proclamation-signing events In-person tours of Traffic Management Centers Ride -along events with traffic incident responders Television, print news, and podcasts featuring stories or interviews Slow down, move over safety messages on highway changeable message signs Slow down, move over law enforcement campaigns Departments of motor vehicle offices sharing CRSW video, image, or print materials Highway visitor plazas and rest stops sharing CRSW video, image, or print materials Demonstration events at highway visitor plazas or other significant public venues Testimonial from responders Review the following resources to learn more about how your State, local agency, or national association can help promote CRSW. CRSW 2023 Campaign Toolkit Social media posting tips and tricks National Operations Center of Excellence (NOCoE) CRSW Resources To learn more about CRSW, click on the links in the following list: CRSW National Committee How Did CRSW Come To Be? CRSW 2022 Highlights CRSW 2021 Highlights CRSW National Committee The following associations serve on the Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) National Committee, led by FHWA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) American Public Works Association (APWA) International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) National Association of State EMS Officials (NASEMSO) National EMS Management Association (NEMSMA) National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Tow Times November issue features the annual Tow Times Fleet Survey, a look at industry trends from over 500 participants nationwide, how custom lighting can turn work trucks into show trucks, what to consider when determining weight ratings and the weights of tow trucks and equipment, and a review of this year’s Museum Weekend held September 28-October 1. Plus, our Recovery Review department will take you into the action as operators from IMRT Towing and Heavy Truck Repair of West Long Branch, NJ, take on a complex challenge to rescue a Komatsu 1250 excavator from a beach sinkhole. Find all this and much more in the Tow Times November issue. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Geri Roskopf The government is famous for using acronyms — abbreviations from the initial letters of words — for many of their agencies, programs, etc. For example, some acronyms we are familiar with are the FMCSA, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and DOT, Department of Transportation. Sometimes acronyms drives me crazy, especially if they’re used without an explanation of what they stand for. Many times, someone who uses an acronym in correspondence assumes the person reading it knows what they are talking about. You can sometimes figure it out because of the name of the company, or the type of industry, but there are times when you are at a complete loss. A tow lady friend and I were talking about the different duties and skills that someone who works in the office of a small towing company would need. Like her, I do many of the jobs of personnel who are employed by larger companies such as dispatchers, office assistants, managers, payroll and accounting clerks, receptionists, etc. A little while after our conversation, she sent me an email with an acronym that I liked, and I got a chuckle out of it: TOW – The Office Worker! A very appropriate acronym for what she and I do, don’t you think? View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Saturday’s National Move Over Day, held the third Saturday each October, was recognized with news stories and events across the country in states including Ohio, North Carolina, Montana, Nevada, Idaho, Wisconsin, Arizona, Washington and New York. Emergency responders, fire/rescue, law enforcement, tow operators, EMS and roadway workers gathered to promote awareness of the laws, which require motorists to move over and slow down for emergency vehicles, and in some states for any disabled vehicle on the roadside. News stories featured comments from tow operators urging motorists to follow the laws for their safety, and the safety of all roadside workers. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Tow Times October issue covers topics that include what towing accessory suppliers say are in current demand, a review of significant court cases involving towing operations, a look back at tow show photos from the early 1990s, and winch selection and maintenance. We also feature a story about a daughter who follows in her father’s footsteps in the towing industry, and operators work to figure out a recovery puzzle involving an excavator wedged under an overpass in our Recovery Review department. Find all this and much more in the Tow Times October issue. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

On a day-to-day basis in the towing industry, we are all pulled in many directions and asked to do many different things, which sometimes makes our stress level reach an explosive level where we are angry, short-tempered and not nice to be around. I’ve been in the office only one day in the last two weeks, and with the mess on my desk of so many things that need attention, my anxiety level is at a 10-plus, but today at a Zoom meeting with some fellow tow ladies, I was reminded to take a deep breath and put things in perspective with the saying, First Things First. The worry I was feeling about not getting anything accomplished was almost paralyzing. Those simple yet great words of wisdom finally gave me concrete direction to move forward. I found some great quotes with regard to worry: “Our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment.” – Dale Carnegie If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn’t ask me, I’d still have to say it.” – George F. Burns “If you treat every situation as a life and death matter, you’ll die a lot of times.” – Dean Smith “Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but never gets you anywhere” – Erma Bombeck When you begin to worry and feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and do first things first, and as the song by Bobby McFerrin says: Don’t worry, be happy. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Leaders from Agero were on hand to present a $15,000 donation check to representatives from the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund on Wednesday, Oct. 4, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Source: Agero Agero has announced a $15,000 donation to the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund. Towing and recovery is one of the most dangerous professions in the world, with operators working on the side of the road near high-speed traffic and facing the dangers of impaired, inattentive and distracted drivers. Established in 2006, the Survivor Fund provides immediate financial support to the families of the approximately 60 towing operators who lose their lives in the line of service each year. Agero will match its donation, which it delivered on Wednesday, Oct. 4, with an additional $15,000 at the Baltimore Tow Show in November, bringing the company’s total contributions to the Survivor Fund to $135,000 since 2019. Agero understands the sacrifices made by towing operators who ensure the safety of others on the road. The company recognizes the towing and recovery industry’s tremendous contributions and is proud to support the Survivor Fund in providing immediate assistance to the families left behind by these brave individuals. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Agero partners with more than 7,000 towing providers around the U.S. to respond to over 12 million dispatches for help each year. The company has a longstanding commitment to both the Museum’s Survivor Fund and the State of Tennessee, where it employs more than 700 workers in Clarksville and the surrounding area. To mark this occasion, leaders from Agero were on hand to present the donation check to representatives from the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund. The Museum, located at 3315 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37408, opened at its current location in 1995. Chattanooga is credited with being the birthplace of the tow truck. To learn more about the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, visit: https://towingmuseum.com/ To learn more about Agero, visit www.agero.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Source: AAA Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are the eyes and ears motorist’s vehicles. They use sensors and cameras to detect potential hazards, warn drivers, and can take corrective action automatically. These safety systems are common on new vehicles, and have the potential to save lives by preventing crashes – but how many? New research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that available ADAS technologies could prevent approximately 37 million crashes, 14 million injuries, and nearly 250,000 deaths over the next 30 years. This would represent 16% of crashes and injuries and 22% of deaths that would otherwise occur on U.S. roads without these technologies. Click to view the report summary. “The findings from this latest study on the AAA Foundation’s work in emerging technologies suggest that ADAS have the potential to transform road safety,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation. “However, the full safety benefits of ADAS will not be realized unless they are fully understood by the consumer, used properly, and widely adopted.” The future safety benefits of ADAS could be larger or smaller, depending on many factors, including the rates of consumer uptake, use, and the future development of these technologies, as well as many other factors. But technology limitations still exist, and while ADAS may save 250,000 lives over the next 30 years, nearly 900,000 lives will be lost on our roads if current trends continue. So how do these systems work? Here are a few of the most common ADAS features: Forward Collision Warning: Detects a potential collision with a vehicle ahead and alerts the driver. Some systems also provide alerts for pedestrians or other objects. Adaptive Cruise Control: Cruise control that also assists with acceleration and braking to maintain a driver-selected gap to the vehicle in front. Some systems can come to a stop and continue, while others cannot. Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects potential collisions with a vehicle ahead, provides forward collision warning, and automatically brakes to avoid a collision or lessen the severity of impact. Some systems also detect pedestrians or other objects. Lane Departure Warning: Monitors vehicle’s position within the driving lane and alerts the driver as the vehicle approaches or crosses lane markers. Lane Keeping Assistance: Provides steering support to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle in the lane. The system reacts only when the vehicle approaches or crosses a lane line or road edge. Blind Spot Monitoring: Detects vehicles in the blind spot while driving and notifies the driver of their presence. Some systems provide an additional warning if the driver activates the turn signal. Unlike full automation, which is not yet commercially available, ADAS works to form a vehicle’s “safety net.” The study found that the safety benefits of ADAS will vary depending on the type of system and how it is used. Last year, AAA engineers examined automatic emergency braking systems, which effectively prevent rear-end crashes but less so when encountering bicyclists or vehicles crossing paths. “While these systems can be helpful for drivers, they are not perfect. So it’s important that drivers be aware of their vehicle’s limitations and remain fully engaged while behind the wheel,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. According to recent Foundation research featuring Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), drivers may initially lack the appropriate knowledge to use it properly. This can lead to misuse or mistrust, especially in situations beyond the system’s capability (i.e., edge cases). But with time and exposure to various edge-case events, drivers may better understand and use ACC more effectively. The Foundation’s research reinforces the importance of the Safe System Approach (SSA). It’s a strategic way of leveraging the engineering and behavioral countermeasures proven effective at preventing traffic crashes and the injuries that can result from them. “The future for ADAS is bright, but it’s not a cure-all,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy. “While these technologies offer substantial safety benefits, we cannot engineer our way out of traffic injuries and deaths on U.S. roads. Investments in a diversity of proven traffic safety measures, including but not limited to vehicle technology, is in order.” AAA urges automakers to adopt a standard naming convention for vehicle technology to ensure drivers understand the capabilities of catchy, marketing-driven branded names for popular systems. Please refer to the Foundation report for methodology details. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Happy retirement – The International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum bids goodbye to Cathy Brumgard, who is retiring as office manager, a position she has held for the past 6 years. "During her time with the museum, Cathy was hands-on with day-to-day operations, assisted with the Survivor Fund and Wall of the Fallen activities, gift shop curation and more."

The October issue of Tow Times magazine is out! Tow show throwback! Popular accessories! Trending legal topics and more! READ the digital edition. It's FREE. Click: https://towtimesdigital.com/1023tt/index.html

Source: Peterbilt press release: Peterbilt celebrated production of the 100,000th Model 389 at its Denton, Texas, manufacturing plant on September 7th. The Model 389 was introduced in 2006. As part of the celebration, Peterbilt presented the milestone truck, equipped with the limited-release Model 389X special edition package, to Massey Motor Freight, a nationwide freight shipping service based in Nacogdoches, Texas. “We are extremely pleased to present the 100,000th Model 389 to Massey Motor Freight,” said Jason Skoog, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “Troy Massey is a longtime Peterbilt customer who recognizes the craftsmanship, performance and durability of the Model 389 and is the perfect customer to receive this milestone truck.” Founded in 2016 by Troy and Abby Massey, Massey Motor Freight operates a total of 325 units along with Tri-State Vacuum & Rental, also owned by the Masseys. “It is a great honor to receive the 100,000th Model 389 and celebrate this milestone with Peterbilt,” said Troy Massey. “Massey Motor Freight’s long-standing relationship with Peterbilt is based on the common values our companies represent and our commitment to exceed customer expectations.” The Model 389 will end its production run at the end of the year. Its successor, the new Model 589 introduced earlier this year, is now available for order through any of Peterbilt’s 425+ dealer locations in North America. Model 589 production begins January 2024 at Peterbilt’s factory in Denton, Texas. Learn more about the Model 589 here: Peterbilt Model 589 | Peterbilt. For more information about Peterbilt visit Peterbilt.com View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

This year’s Tennessee Tow Show, held on September 27-30 in Chattanooga, TN, was a resounding success. There was record show attendance, exhibitor spaces were filled, training classes sold out, record beauty competition trucks (over 35) and over 250 attendees at this year’s Southern Hospitality Night street party. The Tennessee Tow Show thanks all who joined us for the fun, and a special thanks to the exhibitors and supporters who made it such a special event. Mark your calendars for next year’s show, which will be held Sept 25-28 at the Chattanooga convention center. Watch for upcoming 2023 show highlights and information about next year’s show at tennesseetowshow.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Geri Roskopf Vince Lombardi, Jr., son of the famous Green Bay Packers coach, Vince Lombardi, wrote a book titled What It Takes to be Number One. The book is a short read and contains quotes from Coach Lombardi and lots of photos of the coach in action. The table of contents of the books lists: What it takes to be number one: commitment, discipline, excellence, mental toughness, habit, faith, passion, results and truth. Each chapter is a reflection of the philosophy of the coach and what it means to be number one. Here are some great quotes from coach Lombardi: “Runing a football team is no different than running any other kind of organization – an army, a political party or a business. The principles are the same.” “Winning is not a some time thing, it is an all the time thing. You don’t do things right once in a while …. you do them right all the time.” “Once you have established the goals you want and the price you’re willing to pay, you can ignore the minor hurts, the opponent’s pressure and the temporary failures.” “They call it coaching, but it is teaching. You do not just tell them …. you show them the reasons.” “Confidence is contagious and so is lack of confidence, and a customer will recognize both.” “Morally, the life of the organization must be of exemplary nature. This is one phase where the organization must not have criticism.” “Winning is a habit.” Watch your thoughts, they become your beliefs. Watch your beliefs, they become your words. Watch your words, they become your actions. Watch your actions, they become your habits. Watch your habits, they become your character. The football season has begun. Cheer not only the players out on the field, but the most important players on your team – your employees. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

TowMate® has announced the launch of its TM36M18 Wireless Light Bar, which integrates with the Milwaukee M18 battery system. The TM36M18 provides users with a seamless blend of TowMate performance alongside the convenience of Milwaukee’s widely adopted M18 battery system. This strategic integration allows users to forgo the need for specialized batteries, tapping into the power of a battery many already possess. Product Highlights: Milwaukee M18 battery compatibility: A built-in adapter in the handle ensures a solid connection with the M18 removable battery system. Versatile lighting: The 36-inch wireless bar provides stop, tail, and turn signals along with side marker lights on each end and three central DOT lights. Extended usage: The power of the Milwaukee M18 battery ensures prolonged usage times, keeping users operational for longer periods. User-centric design: The TM36M18 is user-friendly, with an intuitive transmitter and easy-to-use bungee straps for mounting the bar. Chris Anderson, Vice President of TowMate, comments, “With the TM36M18, we’ve taken a significant leap forward in redefining wireless tow lights. By integrating with a battery system that’s already popular and trusted, we’re enhancing user convenience and addressing a long-standing need in the market.” The TM36M18 is now available for purchase through TowMate’s network of dealers and distributors. For more details on the TM36M18 and to find a dealer near you, visit www.towmate.com/dealers View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

“Tow Trucks for Tots” is a non-profit organization made up of the towing community, its suppliers and the volunteers who raise toys for children during the holiday season. The goal of the event is to bring much-needed toys to deserving children. Toy donations must be new and unwrapped. Please — no guns, swords, stuffed toys or products with lead-based paint. There is a shortage of toys for ages 0-4 years and 12-18 years. Parade departs at 9:00 a.m. from Hollywood Casino Joliet, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Joliet, IL 60436. Visit TowTrucksForTots.com or call 630-878-9887 for directions, updates, donations or volunteer opportunities. All toys and monetary donations collected from this event will be donated to various charitable organizations. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

TRAA press release: Registration is now open for TRAA’s 6th annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day. The event is scheduled to run from Tuesday, March 5 to Thursday, March 7, 2024, and is the towing and recovery industry’s only national “hill day”. Each year we focus on particular topics that align with TRAA’s legislative priorities. During the event, we work collaboratively during constituent meetings with our members of Congress to secure co-signers and essential support for bills that will help all towers be safer and operate more efficiency. Plus, the group collectively meets with influential regulators, members of Congress, and professional staff on committees of jurisdiction such as the House and Senate Transportation & Infrastructure Committees. This is your opportunity to make real, substantial change for the whole towing community and have fun with industry friends while doing it. Early Bird Pricing Non-Member: $699 TRAA Member: $499 ($200 Member Discount) New for 2024, the host hotel will be the new Royal Sonesta Washington DC, Capitol Hill. Steps from the U.S. Capitol Building, Senate office buildings, Union Station, National Mall and local restaurants, this luxury hotel is larger with more amenities. The discounted room rate is $355/night plus applicable taxes (the nightly amenity fee is also waived). We only have a limited number of discounted rooms, secure your room via the reservation form now. Click here to register. Tentative Event Schedule Tuesday, March 5, 2024 10:00 am Registration and Event Check-In 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Legislative Workshop (Part 1): Opening Session and Overview of Legislative Priorities 12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch 1:00 – 2:00 pm Legislative Workshop (Part 2): Roadside Safety Focus 2:00 – 4:00 pm Open House with Members of Congress & Guest Speakers Wednesday, March 6, 2024 “Hill Day” 9:00 am – 12:00 pm Constituent Meetings with Members of Congress (meetings facilitated by TRAA’s federal lobbying team) 1:00 – 5:00 pm Constituent Meetings with Members of Congress (meetings facilitated by TRAA’s federal lobbying team) 5:00 – 7:00 pm Private, Member-Lead Tour and Group Photo Thursday, March 7, 2024 9:00 am – 10:00 am Breakfast 10:00 am – 12:00 pm Open House with Members of Congress and Guest Speakers 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Lunch 1:00 – 2:00 pm Legislative Workshop (Part 3) 2:00 – 4:00 pm State Association Panel View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Tow Times September issue features the annual SourceBook buyer’s guide, and explores what towing companies are doing to market their companies, which car carrier bed material is best for the application, and considerations of attitude and training. This special issue also contains an expanded Recovery Review department with four pages of operators tackling challenging recoveries. Find all this and much more in the Tow Times September issue. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Geri Roskopf Plans to take off for the weekend. Yahoo! Finally everything is working out — extra coverage for tow operators and phones, vehicle filled up with gas and checked over, bag is packed and I’m ready to go! Him: Hmm, no not yet. Me: What do you mean, not yet? Him: Have to tow a concrete mixer. Me: Okay. That shouldn’t take too long. I’ll keep working on getting caught up with my book work. Him, three hours later: The pump that they were going to use to flush out the mixer isn’t working. Going to try Plan B. Me: What’s Plan B? Him: Not sure yet, and I still don’t know where I’m towing it after they figure that out. Me: Okay. This will put us a couple of hours behind. I’ll keep working. Him: five hours later: Finally in tow. Me: Big sigh. It is now an hour past lunch time and he won’t be cleared from the tow for another three more hours, and that depends on if everything goes right. Me: Seven hours later. Decided I should probably eat my lunch. I should have known that even the best laid plans often don’t work when you’re in the towing industry. It seems there is always one more tow to do. Guess I should put together my own Plan B! View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

AMSOIL has added a 10W-30 diesel oil to its Commercial-Grade family of products. New AMSOIL 10W-30 Commercial-Grade Diesel Oil is designed for those seeking an upgrade over conventional and other synthetic-blend oils in heavy-duty equipment and vehicles. It is a synthetic-blend product with greater than 50% synthetic content to help keep trucks and equipment operating at peak performance. AMSOIL 10W-30 Commercial-Grade Diesel Oil provides 2X better wear protection* to help reduce maintenance costs and promote equipment longevity. It features a low rate of volatility that helps reduce oil consumption and contributes to fewer combustion-chamber deposits. AMSOIL 10W-30 Commercial-Grade Diesel Oil flows dependably in cold temperatures while maintaining power and fuel efficiency for reliable startup and engine protection. “There is a growing demand for 10W-30 diesel oils in the commercial realm,” said AMSOIL Market Manager – Heavy-Duty Brett Granmo. “Our Commercial-Grade line provides a great solution for commercial operations looking for upgraded protection for their equipment without increasing costs.” AMSOIL 10W-30 Commercial-Grade Diesel Oil meets the latest API CK-4 diesel-oil specification and is compatible with other conventional and synthetic oils. *Based on third-party testing in the Detroit Diesel DD13 Scuffing Test for specification DFS 93K222. For more information or to order, contact your nearest AMSOIL Dealer or visit AMSOIL.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Lauren Colón ITRHFM press release: The Board of Directors of the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum has announced that Lauren Colón will be its new executive director. She will join the museum by September 1, 2023. As executive director, Colón will work with staff and the Board to execute our mission and strategic plan. In her new role, she will lead all aspects of the museum including its collections and programs as well as marketing, sales and growth responsibilities. “We are pleased to have Lauren join our work at the museum,” said Bill Gratzianna, president of ITRHFM. “Our future is bright and with the addition of Lauren to the team, we can accomplish so much more for our constituency.” Colón joins the museum team from Tow Times magazine, where she has held a leadership position for the past nine years with roles and responsibilities including production management, marketing, IT, event management, sales and project development. Her background in leadership, marketing and technology optimization will benefit the museum, and she demonstrates an unwavering passion for the industry. She will join the museum just under a month ahead of the annual Museum Weekend events. “Lauren’s work ethic and her passion for the industry are contagious. She is innovative and ready to lead the charge to the future,” stated Jeffrey Godwin, ITRHFM 1st Vice President. The Chattanooga area is growing and the museum has many opportunities ahead. The board of directors has added the Executive Director role to spearhead strategic items related to our growth. New fundraising and grant pursuit programs are needed, and the museum needs executive leadership for its future assimilation into the evolving Chattanooga landscape. ITRHFM Museum Weekend events are held September 28 to October 1, 2023. Learn more about the museum, the Survivor Fund and the Wall of the Fallen at www.towingmuseum.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Geri Roskopf My granddaughter is just starting to learn to print. For my birthday, she decorated an envelope with Disney princess stickers, drew numerous hearts and wrote “Grandma” on it. The front of the pink card with a crown printed on it read: “On this day a queen was born, and the inside message was: “We call her grandma, and we lover her with all our hearts.” Twenty years ago I was honored to be awarded the WTRAA’s (Women of the Towing and Recovery Association of America) 2003 Tow Woman of the Year Award. Since then, towing colleagues and my family have dubbed me The Tow Queen. Through the years I’ve been given lots of queen-related gifts. My office is filled with things such as a snow globe with a gold crown inside, and a headband with the word “queen” spelled out in jewels. I think the professional women in the towing industry have many of the traits of royalty: intelligence, curiosity, bravery, hope, faith, respect, a sense of adventure, tolerance, strength, big dreams — and most of all — they show how to be kind to themselves, others and everything that surrounds them. I’ve told everyone they can stop with the queen thing, but when I pulled out this year’s birthday card my heart just melted. It felt good to be called grandma queen for a day. On this day, I proclaim all women in towing to be regal and royal. Straighten up those crowns ladies! View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Beauty contest entries arriving by 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, can park inside the Chattanooga Convention Center, space permitting. Trucks arriving after the Thursday cut-off, or overflow trucks, may require parking on 13th Street adjacent to the Convention Center. 2023 Beauty Contest information: • Entry fee of $60 per truck. Enter as many trucks as you like. • Seven categories: Light-duty Tow Truck, Medium-duty Tow Truck, Heavy-duty Tow Truck, Rotator, Car Carrier, Antique/Classic and Traffic Incident Management Truck/Van/Trailer • First and second place winners from each category will receive a trophy. First place winners will appear in Tow Times‘ Tennessee Tow Show recap. Judging occurs Saturday morning, September 30. Winners will be announced Saturday, September 30 at 3:30 p.m. on the show floor. Each winner will receive a plaque and cash prize. Click here to register your truck(s) Questions? Contact Evan Mealer, emealer1@yahoo.com, 901-334-8418. The Beauty Contest is sponsored by Kapnick Insurance Group, Matthews Garage Inc. and Phoenix USA Inc. Tennessee Tow Show training classes will be held September 27 – 28. Exhibits open September 29 – 30 in the Chattanooga Convention Center. Visit TennesseeTowShow.com to check out the schedule, reserve your hotel room, pre-register for the show and register your truck for the beauty contest. Schedules are updated regularly so visit often. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com