TowTimes

Geri Roskopf Starting a business in no small feat. They say roughly 20% of new businesses don’t make it past the first year. Do the benefits of small business ownership outweigh the negative? After facing a few challenges each day, I usually say (sarcastically), “Oh, the joys of owning a business!” While my husband worked for his family-owned business since he was 12, I had no clue of what owning and running a towing business would all entail. While you know you need a lawyer, insurance agent and banker to get you started in those areas of the business, you really can’t afford to hire any employees and so you become the office manager, dispatcher, bookkeeper, etc. Owning your own business means you are in control, but the risk and reward of financial gain or loss falls on the shoulders of the owner(s) as well. It requires sacrifice, determination, resilience and long hours, and it comes with lots of stress and administrative burdens. The towing and recovery industry is a round-the-clock business and does not offer a healthy work/life balance. Because of the long hours, little rest and fatigue, there were times when I was ready to give up. Although starting a business requires great sacrifice, it can also bestow many great rewards. Owning your own business means you’re the boss with lots of independence, flexibility, power and control, along with the satisfaction of seeing the fruits of your labor and, with your beliefs and values, the growth and success. You get to go to work every day doing what you enjoy, and know you are providing a service that is helping others. Worry, anxiety, anger, frustration and feeling overwhelmed are surely emotions you may feel almost daily, but there are joys in owning a business: having great employees, a network of helpful towing colleagues, appreciative customers and a supportive community. That’s what keeps me going. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. has announced that Matthew A. Mesick has been appointed as the company’s first Director, EV Strategies. The creation of the position comes just two months after the company announced that its first all-electric truck for the U.S. and Canadian markets will begin production late in the first quarter of 2024. “As electric vehicles will play an ever-increasing role in our future, having resources focused 100 percent in this area is necessary for our organization to support everyone’s efforts properly,” said Shaun C. Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America and Isuzu Commercial Truck of Canada. “This all-new position will focus on EV growth and supporting our dealers with necessary information concerning EV regulations, trends, subsidies and more.” Mesick has been with Isuzu Commercial Truck of America for 11 years and has held both service and sales positions. Most recently he has served as Director of Western Regional Operations for the company. In addition to Mesick’s appointment, the company announced that two other key directors have been promoted to assistant vice president roles. Ed Crawford has been promoted to the role of Assistant Vice President, Sales Operations, where he will continue to focus his energies on the areas of production, distribution, and sales-related activities. Crawford has been with Isuzu for over 24 years. Brian Tabel has been promoted to the role of Assistant Vice President, Marketing. In his 28 years with Isuzu, he has worked in field service and sales positions and has led the marketing team for almost 14 years. Most recently, Tabel became the first representative of an import chassis brand to be appointed to the board of NTEA, the association for the work truck industry. “I strongly believe Isuzu has never been in a better position in the medium-duty marketplace and we will continue to look for ways to better serve our dealers and customers,” Skinner said. “These changes will put us all in a prime position for success now and in the future.” View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Towing and Recovery Association of America press release: TRAA has joined the list of national organizations opposed to truck size and weight increases coordinated by the Coalition Against Bigger Trucks (CABT). Several of our traffic incident management partners have already signed on including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, National Sheriffs’ Association, National Troopers Coalition, Western States Sheriffs’ Association, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. As an industry, our concerns are two-fold: Responder Safety – First and foremost, leaders in TIM disciplines are concerned that longer trucks increase the risks to roadside responders and motorists due to the increased stopping distance required. This view is confirmed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Final Report to Congress published in 2016 that found Double 33s take 252 feet to stop — 22 feet longer than twin-trailer trucks on the road today. Weights & Measures Restrictions – The towing and recovery industry has the unique role of recovering and transporting these trucks. Towers across the nation are already combating restrictive regulations that limit their ability to recover these vehicles and permitting any increases in length or weight would only burden the industry further. While we don’t agree on everything, TRAA is happy to work with the CABT and its supporting organizations to advocate for highway safety and sound transportation policies. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Nation Safe Drivers press release: Nation Safe Drivers (“NSD”) and Questx has announced they have completed a strategic business combination to form one of the nation’s largest and most innovative leaders in roadside assistance and mobility services. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 1962, NSD is ranked the #1 motor club by North American service providers, with a platform that services 1.5 million events a year on behalf of leading automotive OEMs, rental car fleets, tire distributors, insurance companies, and other affinity organizations. Founded in 1988, Questx, is a leading provider of best-in-class roadside assistance, first notice of loss, and glass administration solutions to insurance carriers and vehicle service contract providers. The combined company will draw on NSD and Questx’s 90 years of collective experience and complementary strengths to deliver bespoke roadside assistance and mobility solutions to its customers. It will benefit from increased scale, broader scope of mobility services, a greater geographic footprint, and new capabilities including Questx’s next generation technology platform which will provide transparency, reporting and access to data. Taken together, this will position the combined company to offer customers an expanded portfolio of products and services, best-in-class service-level agreements, and leading on-time arrivals, backed by a national network of leading service providers. “We are thrilled to partner with Questx to help set a new standard for roadside solutions,” said Jac Alvarez, Chief Revenue Officer, NSD. “Under its experienced leadership team, Questx has had immense success building a strong network of service providers, deep customer relationships, and a world-class tech stack. Importantly, our companies share a strong customer-first culture, which we will harness to quickly bring together our two talented teams and deliver a superior customer experience for drivers, fleets, insurance partners, and the broader automotive ecosystem.” Pat Gilbert, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Questx, said, “We are excited to partner with NSD and BDT Capital Partners who bring tremendous experience, expertise, and resources to enable us to execute on our goal for being the best-in-class mobility services partner for all of our clients and most importantly for the end customer.” Funds managed by BDT Capital Partners, LLC (“BDTCP”), an affiliate of BDT & MSD Partners, acquired a majority interest in NSD in 2019 and will remain a significant majority owner in the combined platform, providing long-term partnership and financial stability to the company as it executes against its strategy. “We are excited to help bring together NSD and Questx to build on their respective strengths and leadership in the roadside assistance category,” said Rob Verigan, Partner at BDT & MSD Partners. “We believe the combined company is well positioned to execute on its significant opportunities ahead, and we look forward to supporting it in this next phase of growth.” Lincoln International LLC served as the exclusive financial advisor to Questx. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

AAA press release: As AAA prepares to rescue more than 483,000 drivers nationwide with car trouble this Memorial Day weekend, it will also provide a free service in effort to keep impaired drivers off the road. The Auto Club Group is activating its Tow to Go program in select states (see below), offering a safe ride for would-be impaired drivers and their vehicles. 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 driver and 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. Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Friday, May 26th to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 30th. Free confidential rides available to AAA members and non-members. “By providing this program, AAA gives drivers no excuse for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol or impairing medications,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “However, we remind people to treat Tow to Go as a last resort. Instead, make advanced plans for a safe ride home, because you do not want to be remembered on Memorial Day as the person who made the fatal mistake of driving impaired.” 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 Guidelines: Provided from 6 p.m. Friday, May 26th to 6 a.m. Tuesday, May 30th. 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. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Geri Roskopf I was heading out to do errands, and as I was going out the door, I shouted to my employees that I was leaving for about an hour and to call if they needed anything. Half way to my first stop, I realized I forgot my phone. At first, I was going to turn around to get it and then thought, forget it, I would be wasting more time. It happened to be a sunny and warm spring day and after my first stop and I was getting back into my vehicle, I just felt giddy knowing I didn’t have to worry about getting or making a phone call. I thought, Oh, what a feeling – freedom. It was just a joyous moment and made me realize how much I am tied to my cell phone, almost like it’s an extension to my hand. Cell phones have become a necessity and have radically changed the way we work, socialize, organize and entertain ourselves. Here’s a list of some of the benefits of having a cell phone: communication, small and convenient, photos and video, texting, fashion and self-expression, entertainment, notes and reminders, video in real time, calendars and organization, maps, navigation and travel, online banking and finance, address book and contacts, remote working, emergencies, watches and alarm clocks, calculator, flashlight, news – sports and live events, crime prevention and evidence gathering and learning and research. Cell phones have changed the way we work, socialize, organize and entertain ourselves. Cell phones can be useful in an emergency and getting help quickly and possibly save a life or they can have some negative side effects like the dangers of being used while driving, being used for harassment or taking away precious time in our lives with family and friends. Take it from me, put the cell phone away and enjoy a feeling of freedom. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

TowMate®, a leading manufacturer of LED lighting and roadside safety solutions, has announced the release of its new product, the TowMate Wireless Trailer Light Controller (P/N: TBOX-M18). This device is designed to provide wireless control of stop, tail, and turn signals for trailers of disabled semis in tow, or otherwise, facilitating greater efficiency and safety for tow truck operators. The Wireless Trailer Light Controller features a plug-and-play system, simplifying its use and speeding up the set-up process. Built to withstand diverse weather conditions, the unit’s robust housing ensures it remains a reliable tool for roadside service providers regardless of the environment. The device employs TowMate’s proprietary “red antenna” receiver, which guarantees signal reception from a distance of over 1,000 feet. This feature, combined with its compatibility with any TowMate red-wire transmitter, maximizes operational flexibility for users. The unit is equipped with a built-in 7-pin plug and a mount for the Milwaukee M18 battery (battery and wireless transmitter not included). The TBOX-M18 is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty on electronics. However, it is not recommended to use with incandescent lights, as it could add wear to the receiver electronics. The TBOX-M18 is available for purchase through TowMate’s extensive network of authorized dealers across the country. For more information visit towmate.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Each year the WTRAA Scholarship Fund, under the TRAA Education Foundation, Inc., awards thousands of dollars in scholarships to the children and grandchildren of TRAA regular members to assist them in completing their postsecondary educations. Scholarships are awarded based on merit, financial need, and the candidate’s overall character, community involvement, family service, etc. Scholarship Requirements*: • Recipient must be a regular member of TRAA (as defined by TRAA bylaws) in good standing, or a child or grandchild of a regular member of TRAA in good standing. TRAA regular members must have 36 months of consecutive membership. • High school or college GPA of 2.8 or higher • Evidence of financial need • Demonstration of leadership qualities • All application questions and requirements are completed • Applications must be emailed or mailed and postmarked by July 31, 2023. Download the application by clicking here. Questions? Click here to submit your inquiry via email. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Source: AAA press release: AAA – The Auto Club Group applauds Florida lawmakers for passing HB 425, which strengthens the state’s Move Over law. For years, Florida drivers have been lawfully required to slow down and move over for first responders on the roadside. With the expanded law, Florida becomes the 15th state requiring motorists to also move over for a broken-down vehicle on the roadside. Once signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, HB 425 would go into effect July 1, 2023. According to the bill, drivers would be 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 began advocating for a stronger law late last year with our ‘Move Over for Me’ campaign,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We are extremely grateful that Florida lawmakers took this necessary action to enhance protection for all motorists, in addition to the first responders who come to their aid.” Historically, the roadside has been a dangerous place for disabled motorists and emergency workers. From 2016-2020, an average of nearly 350 people per year were struck and killed while outside a disabled vehicle on the roadside. On average, two emergency responders, including tow workers, are struck and killed every month by a driver who fails to obey the law by moving over to an adjacent lane and allowing the roadside rescuers the space to operate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roadside crashes are notably deadly for tow workers. Government data shows that tow operators are killed at a rate of almost 43 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to just three for all other industries. “These heroes put their lives on the line every time they rescue someone on the roadside,” said Jenkins. “We ask that drivers minimize distractions and constantly pay attention to the road ahead of you. Doing so could save lives.” View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Volkswagen of America has issued a recall on select Model Year 2018-2021 Atlas and 2020 Atlas Cross Sport vehicles due to faulty occupant detection systems in the front passenger seat. Owners are urged to not let anyone sit in the front passenger seat until the vehicle is repaired. The recall affects 143,053 vehicles. According to the manufacturer, the passenger occupant detection system may experience a fault in the wiring, which could deactivate the front passenger air bag even when the seat is occupied. A deactivated air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the front seat passenger. Until the free recall repair is developed and completed, owners should not allow anyone to sit in the front passenger seat. Volkswagen is currently developing a remedy and will notify affected owners as soon as the repair is available. Vehicle owners can visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter their 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if their vehicle is under recall. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

TRAA press release: Mark your calendar for the Towing and Recovery Association of America’s 6th annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day. Next year’s event will run from Tuesday, March 5 to Thursday, March 7, 2024. This premium event 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 entire towing community and have fun with industry friends while doing it. Save the date — registration opens in August. 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. Register for TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day 2024 at traaonline.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Jerr-Dan press release: Jerr-Dan, an Oshkosh Corporation company (NYSE: OSK), formally inaugurated its renovated training facility and updated heavy-duty rotator training program in the fourth quarter of 2022. Featuring an outdoor hands-on training yard next door to a spacious, modern classroom facility, Jerr-Dan’s new training center hosted 25 industry veterans in the 2022 October class. Many of the students had attended earlier versions of the class in previous years, and others had only recently ordered their first Jerr-Dan rotator. This particular class consisted of advanced-level training for experienced operators. Six trainers, including two from Jerr-Dan’s engineering department, led the classes. Classroom instruction included an emphasis on “the math,” to quote the attendees’ comments in post-training interviews. “I’ve taught hundreds of operators in my career,” said one participant. “But I like how this class brought us all back to ‘the math,’ which is fundamental to proper rigging.” The classroom training included intensive sessions, accompanied by practice worksheets, that covered how to calculate sling stress, tension factors, angle factors and much more. Training was also provided in the use of Jerr-Dan’s new Tow Link™ app, which streamlines the process with a rigging calculator and a tow performance calculator. Another attendee commented on the helpful combination of making the calculations in the classroom and then going outside to the training yard to see those calculations applied in a real-world setting. That hands-on training seemed to be appreciated by all the students. One attendee encapsulated the general consensus when he said, “I like the hands-on experience because a lot of people, including myself, learn better and faster that way. You can tell me how to do something, but I’m not really going to remember it unless you put the remote in my hands and let me do it.” According to Jerr-Dan’s Richard Guttmann, Jerr-Dan’s lead instructor in the training program, feedback received from the industry veterans attending the Q4 class will definitely lead to even more improvements in the curriculum to be used in future classes. Regular classes will be held beginning in May of 2023. Learn more about attending the next rotator training at jerrdan.com/operator-training. For more information, visit www.jerrdan.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Tow Times May issue focuses on heavy-duty towing and recovery. The feature article “Under-lift Towing Procedures” covers methods for attaching a casualty to the towing vehicle, “Heavy-duty Towing Fork Selection” addresses considerations for fork selection, position and securement. “Handling Shipping Containers” deals with issues that arise when loaded containers are involved in accidents or have overturned. “Tow Dolly Considerations and Use” focuses on dolly lifting and mounting, vehicle weights, tires and ratings and more. And we’ll review key points of air cushion recovery in the recovery of a collapsed semi-trailer. The Recovery Review department features three heavy-duty recoveries tackled by tow companies in Ohio, California and Pennsylvania. Find all this and more in the Tow Times May issue. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Spring brings much hope to us in what Mother Nature offers in the blossoming of flowers sprouting from the ground, which not too long ago where I live, was covered with snow. It brings a true meaning to the phrase, April showers brings May flowers. This is also the time of year when gardeners and farmers plant seeds to later harvest a variety of food. But what about planting seeds to grow something else? I took a leadership class a few years back and was given a card with the following quote by Nelson Henderson: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees; under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” Here are are more quotes about planting different kinds of seeds: If your vision is for a year, plant wheat. If your vision is for ten years, plant trees. If your vision is for a lifetime, plant people. — Chinese Proverb Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seed you plant. — Robert Louis Stevenson Whatever our dreams, ideas or projects, we plant a seed, nurture it and then reap the fruits of our labor. — Oprah Winfrey My mind is a garden. My thoughts are the seeds. My harvest will be either flowers or weeds. – Mel Weldon We can’t change people, but we can plant seeds that may one day bloom in them. – Mary Davis If you plant junk, don’t expect to harvest jewels. — Luke Taylor A person of words and not deeds is like a garden full of weeds. ~Unknown Our industry can bring a lot of stress. Digging in the dirt and planting seeds and flowers always helps me relax. And after the hard work, I get to see the fruits of my labor. What kind of seeds are you planting to help you grow in your garden, in people and in your life? View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Woman of Towing: Stephanie Unruh from the May 2023 Issue of Tow Times Magazine Stephanie Unruh has been around trucking all her life but, in one of life’s funny twists and turns, she stumbled into towing and recovery. Unruh answered a blind ad for a dispatcher and it turned out to be a towing company, Auto House Inc. Towing & Recovery in Galva, Kansas. “I went in for an interview and realized it was a towing company, which I knew nothing about,” she recalls. “I thought, it can’t be that hard to dispatch tow trucks versus semis.” That was in 2010, and it has been quite an evolution for Unruh, 47. The Arkansas native had been in Kansas only a year when she landed the towing dispatcher job. Six months into the new job, she asked to go along on a tow. “[Her boss] showed me how to run the levers. He walked me through it.” Five years later, in 2015, she obtained a CDL, opening up more opportunities. She had always wanted to get a CDL, after all Unruh’s mom and dad own a trucking company back in Arkansas, but she was also scared of the idea. “I was afraid of backing up. You got these big trailers that you have to reverse into these little holes” for loading and unloading. With lots of encouragement, though, Unruh made the grade, and has not looked back since. Towing pumps Unruh’s adrenaline. She likes to go out on the heavy recoveries, the semis that drive into the wheat fields. “That’s the fun stuff,” she says. She loves the spontaneity of towing. “It kind of messes up long-term plans, but you run into so many different people and situations,” Unruh says. “You never know what you’re getting into.” Galva is one of the largest wheat producers in the nation, providing plenty of opportunity for semis to roll into wheat fields. In addition, towing a tractor-trailer in Kansas requires two people, per state regulations. “In Kanas they will not let you tow a tractor and trailer together anymore,” Unruh explains. “You have to split them. Now when you do semi tows, it takes two people to do them.” The town is smack in Central Kansas, strategically located near Interstates 70 and 135, and U.S. 8. The towing company does a lot of heavy-duty hauling. Unruh explains that COVID made Kansas “pretty desolate,” so Auto House Towing shifted gears to do more over-the-road work, hauling grain. “We go to the elevators, feed lots, and farms,” she says. “I haul all this stuff out to these various places.” Today the company’s operations are split 50-50 between hauling and towing and recovery. On the towing side, Auto House Towing has 15 tow trucks alone. Launched in 1984 by Galen and Sharon Unruh, Auto House Towing has four locations, and currently is owned and operated by sons, Eric and Chris, who is married to Stephanie. Together they have four children, including son Jared who is interested in towing. “We stay on the same wave length,” she says of husband Chris. Unruh conquered her fear of reversing a 72-foot long semi truck in order to get a CDL. Her short stature also hasn’t held her back, allowing her to reach places where larger towing operators cannot, she says. “Size will get you into places that men cannot get to. Sometimes it takes a smaller person to help out.” According to Unruh, pride and confidence, and a positive attitude go a long way in the towing industry. “If you’re confident about what you’re doing it makes people look at you in a different light.” After her “blind” start in towing, Unruh now says, “Follow your dreams. If you can dream it, you can do it.” View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From left front: Bill Dolan, Senior Provider Network Manager, Allstate Motor Club, Presenting Sponsor; Jeffrey Godwin, Survivor Fund Co-Chairman; Tom Tedford, ITRHFM Board; Maggie Ramos, ITRHFM Board From left back: Mike Porter, ITRHFM Board; Danny Horton, ITRHFM Board; Tom Parbs, Senior Director, Haas Alert, Presenting Sponsor; Kevin Fox, ITRHFM Board This year’s 15th Annual Survivor Fund Golf Classic raised close to $35,000 for the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum’s Survivor Fund, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, players and others in attendance. The event, held Thursday, April 13, in Orlando, FL, in conjunction with the Florida Tow Show®, drew well over 100 players and a large list of sponsors and other participants. The day was perfect for a four-person scramble and the teams had a blast playing and winning prizes as well as bragging rights, all while raising money for the industry’s Survivor Fund. “We are so proud of the generosity of the golfers and sponsors, who over the years have faithfully supported the Survivor Fund,” says Jeffrey Godwin, Survivor Fund co-chairman. “Not only is this a great event, benefiting a great cause, but the fun, laughter and camaraderie throughout the day makes it an event to plan for every year.” Over 60 road service professionals are killed each year assisting stranded motorists on the side of busy roadways. The Survivor Fund assists the families of those who have lost their lives while performing these critical services. “The amazing industry support through events such as the Survivor Fund Golf Classic have allowed the fund to increase distributions to $15,000 for families of museum supporters or supporting companies,” Godwin stated. The Survivor Fund is managed by the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum, based in Chattanooga, TN. It was founded in 2006 to offer financial support to families who lost a loved one in the line of service within the industry. Since 2006, the Survivor Fund has assisted hundreds of families in their time of need due to tragic accidents. Learn more at https://internationaltowingmuseum.org/survivor-fund/ View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

The Tow Times April issue includes a focus on the state of the electric vehicle industry and options to consider when moving/transporting them, how online auctions can be a powerful method to attract buyers of excess storage vehicles, what Google is looking for when ranking your company website, and the benefits of company uniforms. In our Recovery Review department, two Michigan towing companies team up to recover a pickup and trailer loaded with construction materials from a creek. Find all this and more in the Tow Times April issue. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From Geri Roskopf's Blog I often refer to working with my husband as a two-way street. He goes his way (towing) and I go my way (office). Most of the time, this keeps both of us busy, out each other’s way, and sane. As many of you know, it’s not easy working with your husband 24/7/365, or for that matter, working with any member of the family. Lately, I haven’t been able to keep up with all of my work, so I asked my husband if he would make some phone calls for three things I needed answers on. I thought it would be simple — call the companies involved, advise what the situation was, and get an answer for what I needed to do. I should have known better. He made the phone calls and then told me what was discussed. Some of what I was being told, didn’t sound right, so I started asking questions. It didn’t go well, as he didn’t have any answers for those questions and somehow, our voices seemed to escalate a bit. I might have grabbed the paperwork and said through gritted teeth, “I’ll handle it.” I do appreciate that my husband tried, and while I thought I had given good directions, according to him, I guess I didn’t. Lesson learned: When working with my husband, he needs to stay on his side of the street to handle what he does best, and I need to stay on my side of the street to handle what I do best, thereby avoiding any incidents along the way. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. In 2020, distracted driving killed 3,142 people. At least eight people a day are killed in distracted driving crashes. Cell phone use — specifically, texting, talking, and social media use — has become the most common distraction. Other risky actions include adjusting the radio or GPS, applying makeup, eating and drinking. By driving distracted, motorists rob themselves of seconds they may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash. Tow operators are especially at risk from distracted driving when they service vehicles on the roadside. Every April, the National Safety Council observes Distracted Driving Awareness Month to prioritize roadway safety. For more information about Distracted Driving Awareness Month and how to promote its awareness, visit nsc.org. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Talbert Manufacturing, a North American leader in specialized heavy-haul solutions, has completed a customized version of its 70SA-RC-RA trailer for Atlas Crane Services Inc. of Aurora, Ill. The trailer was custom-engineered to incorporate multiple axle configurations based on customer requirements for optimum versatility. Talbert recently featured the custom-built 70SA-RC-RA during CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023, March 14-18, in Las Vegas. The trailer’s design features a flip extension to accommodate a tri-axle jeep dolly, allowing for maximum load configurations. Talbert’s E3Nitro™ self-tracking axle extension accommodates a 3+3+3 configuration to enable proper weight distribution and weight transfer. The trailer maintains a 70-ton rating at half the deck length and offers a 6-inch loaded road clearance. The 70SA-RC-RA features a wide center bolster for axles 1 & 2 and 2 & 3 as well as a rear half bolster with a lightweight design of axle 3 to ensure even weight distribution from the truck to the rear of the trailer. The specialized trailer can run with 3, 4 or 5 axles in a row and offers a 120-inch swing radius with a gooseneck extension for up to a 222-inch swing radius. The trailer comes complete with lightweight components and flexible, lightweight fenders over axles 1, 2 and 3, which ensures Atlas Crane’s ability to conform to weight regulations without sacrificing the durability required for heavy loads. The 70SA-RC-RA comes with Talbert’s heavy-duty T-1, 100,000-psi minimum yield steel for durability and longevity and Valspar R-Cure® 800 paint with clearcoat to prevent corrosion. “We needed a trailer that could withstand the demands of transporting cranes to construction sites or maintenance equipment to wind energy locations, and Talbert listened by designing a trailer that is versatile and adaptable to meet the needs of our operations,” said Todd Sauer, director of operations at Atlas Crane Services. To learn more about Talbert’s heavy-haul trailer offerings and services, visit www.talbertmfg.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Source: NTEA press release On March 9, 2023 at the National Truck Equipment’s Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, Ind., David Scheitlin, director of operations at Holman – Manufacturing & Distribution (Roanoke, Indiana), was installed as 59th Board chair of NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry. He accepted the position from immediate past Board chair Tina Albright, vice president of human relations & safety at Truck Bodies & Equipment International Inc. – TBEI (Lake Crystal, Minnesota), a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation (Oak Brook, Illinois). “For nearly 30 years, I’ve seen how important our industry companies are where we live and work,” said Scheitlin. “It’s been an honor serving our vibrant commercial vehicle community as part of NTEA’s Board, and I’m excited for this next chapter serving as Board chair.” Scheitlin’s industry career began in 1994 when he joined Auto Truck Group (now Holman), working to learn the business in operations and in the engineering department. In 1996, he relocated within the organization, becoming operations manager of Auto Truck Group LLC – Fort Wayne (formerly Fort Wayne Fleet Equipment). Three years later, he helped start Louisville Truck Equipment, while retaining his responsibilities at the Fort Wayne facility. Throughout his career, he helped start two other new facilities and is currently director of operations with responsibility for three production facilities. His educational background from Purdue University (West Lafayette, Indiana) includes a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and aerospace engineering and a master’s of science in management. Since being elected to NTEA’s Board in 2018, Scheitlin has worked to further Association and industry progress. In addition to serving on the Executive Committee, in recent years he’s chaired the Services Committee, Finance & Investment Committee, Data Committee and Board Development & Recruitment Committee. In addition, he’s been involved with the Education Committee, Chassis Liaison Committee, Business Development Working Group and MVP Task Force. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Flagman, an organization that promotes awareness for Slow Down, Move Over laws and towing operator safety, has announced its first international supporter, Slowdownmoveover UK. Founded by Paul Anstee, Slow Down Move Over UK shares Flagman’s vision to “build a culture of awareness for all road users, so when they are presented with a temporary hazard on the road network, it will assist them in taking the appropriate action to avoid danger,” a Flagman press release states. International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum 2019 Hall of Famer John Coupland has joined Anstee in promoting Slow Down Move Over in the UK. “Together we will work to bring the Flagman K-12 education outreach program to the United Kingdom,” the release states. For more information about Flagman visit FlagmanSafety.com. For more information about Slow Down Move Over UK visit https://www.slowdownmoveover.uk View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

From Geri Roskopf's Blog It was 4:15 last Friday afternoon. I received a call from a woman who needed her car towed A.S.A.P. She needed to get the vehicle to a dealership within the next half hour because she didn’t know if the service department closed at 5:00 because of St. Patrick’s Day. She also said she needed a car because she had many things to do. One thing she mentioned had me a bit puzzled. She needed to visit her sister because she just learned her sister had a heart attack three years ago. Huh? I advised her that because of the holiday, and late Friday afternoon traffic, I would not be able to get her vehicle towed to the dealership’s service department if they indeed closed at 5:00. She started yelling and said, “You’re a 24-hour towing company, aren’t you? I need someone out here right now!” With all of her ranting and yelling, I couldn’t a word in. I get it, she was upset. I finally told her to call the dealership to see how they could help her. I try very hard to help the motoring public in a timely manner. But sometimes I want to tell them that I, and my employees, do not have a magic wand, superhero cape or a flying tow truck (although that might be coming in the future). Lots of factors figure in timing such as traffic, time of day, construction and weather. If anyone is selling a superhero cape, I’ll buy it. I think it would be a good addition to my uniform. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Kalyn Siebert has introduced a new, fully galvanized sliding axle trailer that offers protection from harsh road and sea salt. With top-to-bottom corrosion resistance, the trailer is suited for towing and recovery operations in the Midwest, New England and Gulf Coast, as well as any other area of the country. The trailer is available in lengths of 48, 50 and 53 feet. It features a low 7-degree approach angle for low clearance maneuvering. The standard, 20,000-lb., neck-mounted winch loads equipment onto the deck. For more information visit kalynsiebert.com. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

AAA press release: AAA will be working to keep impaired drivers off the road this St. Patrick’s Day. The Auto Club Group is reactivating its Tow to Go program for the holiday period, providing safe transportation for impaired drivers and their vehicles. Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17 – 6 a.m. Monday, March 21 It’s available in selects states/locations (see below) Should be treated as a last resort AAA Tow to Go has removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the road. When called, a tow truck transports the would-be impaired driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10 mile radius. The service is free, yet AAA asks that it be treated as a backup plan. Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes every day – that’s one person every 52 minutes. “Driving impaired doesn’t only endanger yourself, but risks the lives of all the adults and children you share the road with,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Although AAA is proud to provide this life-saving program, we urge people to identify a safe ride home. Tow to Go Service Areas: FL, IA, MI, ND, NE, TN, WI, CO (Denver), NC (Charlotte), IN (Fort Wayne/South Bend), and Georgia (excluding Savannah) Tow to Go number to call: (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246 Tow to Go Guidlines: Provided from 6 p.m. Thursday, March 17 – 6 a.m. Monday, March 21. 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 miles radius. AAA service vehicles are limiting passengers to one (1) per vehicle, in accordance with established COVID-19 safety protocols. Additional passengers need to make other arrangements. 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. 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. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com