rreschran

I was scheduled for four tow shows and the Wall of the Fallen Memorial, but realized this Covid thingy was just too dangerous to risk. We're on hold waiting to see what the future brings and we'll jump off that bridge if the time comes. I'm trying to stay in-touch on TowForce and the other means. Accordingly, I've got too much time on my hands. R.

File this under, "Are You Kiddin' Me", a driver I know called asking if I could help find him a job. He said he got in a huge argument with the tow company's manager because the tow truck's air-conditioning didn't work. He said they exchanged stupidities, he walked off the job. I'm sure he regrets quitting, but the damage is done. While companies around here struggle to make ends meet with this Covid mess, I calmly told him I didn't companies actively looking for drivers. Personally, from my youth as a young tow truck driver with no AC, if it was hot, I recall my dad saying, "Roll the truck's window down and stick yer' head out like a dog." While his way wasn't the warm and fuzzy way to create Kumbayah, it was his silent way of saying, "Suck it up and git' back ta' work." So, that being said, and just for fun, how would you approach a driver's reasonable complaint especially when temps surpass 100-degrees? How would you handle his complaint and is it a valid one at that? R.

Imagine cleaning all that dirt and gravel the conventional way ... one scoop and sweep at a time? Hey Eric ... how much would that come to give or take a few cents? Power brooms are the bomb for sure. R.

This topic is something that's waaaay out of the norm and something I stumbled-on during research for a Wall of the Fallen project. For all these years, I never knew that one of six victims, murdered by Son of Sam, David Berkowitz, April 16, 1977, was a twenty-year-old tow truck driver trainee, in Bronx, New York. I was shocked. Alexander Esau (20) and girlfriend, Valentina Suriani (18) had gone to the movies. Around 3 AM, both were sitting in Suriani's car in a Bronx neighbor close to Suriani's house, and, not far the same are where Berkowitz had already shot and killed Donna Lauria a year earlier. Berkowitz fired through the car's window where shots struck Suriani killing her instantly. Berkowitz fired two additional shots into Alexander Esau's head where Esau died at an area hospital hours later. Berkowitz was utimately captured and was sentenced to over 300-years in prison. I watched with great interest Berkowitz being interviewed where he blamed the murders on the Devil and that he had, "A break in reality." And, in that, because Alexander Esau wasn't involved with towing work at the time of his tragic death, he doesn't qualify for the Wall of the Fallen, yet his loss has claimed a place in my heart. Bye the way ... Berkowitz only has 258-years left to serve. R

In a perfet word Ron, a true statement indeed. The difficult part is the prosecutions case to prove intent necessary to convict. In the trial against the female who killed Alabama tower, John Hubbard, December 2016, they didn't prove intent and the jury determined she didn’t do anything wrong to cause a criminally negligent action. Although prosecutors said she was driving 93-mph when she collided with a parked car that struck Hubbard, that jury acquitted the female of criminally negligent homicide. Was there wanton and willful disregard that caused John's death? One would think that driving a vehicle far beyond the speed limit IS a gross violation. However, speed wasn't said to be the cause of that crash. Was she aware that her actions would present a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm? Go figure. And, in this crash that killed Will Ellis, I read some news report that suggested, "someone", cut the pickup truck's driver off. Could this too end with the same acquittal that suggests the crash was a simple accident. It'll be a few years before we'll know. R. Look at the attached link to read some similarities. https://www.cbs42.com/news/local/woman-found-not-guilty-in-2016-death-of-truck-driver-in-tuscaloosa/

Nice job guys ... this is a daily occurance in the Rubicon Trail. Having all those rocks and spare Holmes Trees makes for an easy recovery. Never say never right? Thanks for sharing. R.

A new to be tow business owner called and asked me what equipment should be on a tow truck or carrier when applying to the highway patrol and law enforcement? The California Highway Patrol is quite specific regarding what basic equipment should be on the truck for tow trucks serving their contract. I find their list quite extensive and specific to law enforcement towing. I recommend towers download the CHP’s, Form 234B, Tow Truck Inspection Guide; Link: https://www.chp.ca.gov/ResearchAndPlanningSectionSite/Documents/Chp234B_052017.pdf The equipment requirements for law enforcement, FSP, highway patrol providers and LE towers is extensive; these requirements are what most California law enforcement agencies require as they refer back to the CHP being the expert entity for police towing. Keep in-mind, if an item is listed on 234B, it must be in maintained and operable condition i.e., all lights work, a broom has to have a handle, a flashlight has to have working batteries, a fire-extinguisher has to be, “in-the-green”, mounted with safety pin and an inspection tag, chain must be rated with a tag, winch-controls have to be labeled, 100-feet of cable must measure 100-feet or more, etc. Go to the provided link and download the two-page 234B and see what a well-equipped tow truck and wrecker should have based on the class towing and recovery it serves. Obviously, these are basic requirements and don’t be afraid to add specialty tools, equipment and accessories to the truck as you choose and afford. Happy shopping. R.

Hey RTR40 ... I don't know if you found spacer blocks (best used with the sling) and 4x4 lumber across the top of the tow chains. Here's a link to a Miller Catalog where they show spacer blocks, scroll to page 25 Link: https://www.millerind.com/parts/pdfs/acc_catalog.pdf R.

I don't think this sign's wording is specific to emergency vehicles based on its wording. This sign is vague requiring motorists to move-over for parked cars with four-way flashers? In the sign's limited space, perhaps it should read, "Slow-Down Move-Over for stopped Emergency Vehicles." There was a California sign that read, "Slow-Down for Pedestrian Workers." But, I guess some reminder is better than no reminder at all. R.

Mr. Ed ... if I need to experience the cold as demonstrated in the first pic ... I'll stick my big head in the freezer. Congratulations on another great example of what professional tow equipment should look like. Great look. R.

Luigi ... Being the cable-notzee I tend to be, I really like your idea of adding truck mirrors to the winches so to monitor cable wrap. Great idea. R.

I remember the useability of my early 480 Holmes wrecker. In the age appropriate years of twin booms, "Splitting the Booms", enabled the operator to go full-spread to tie-off to an object on one side of the road and winch using the other side. At times, when heavy pull was necessary, cable could be taken-out of the boom's head where pull went straight to the mast. If I remember correctly, this was a key feature of all twin-boom wreckers all they way to 850. R.

TopKick's and Kodiak's were beasts. They really look and play the part of a working truck. I had one in my company's early years minus the sleeper. I bought it cheap and it served me well for several years where I sold it for the same $4,500 I paid for it. Thanks for sharing. R.

I remember seeing a similar of same truck last year outside of Indio, California, north of Palm Springs, parked in a commercial lot. The truck I saw wasn't for sale, but was a solid, rust free unit. If the truck was used by the school district, be assured that is wasn't used much. R.

I'm hopeful that Deputy Constanzo is able to recover fully from his injuries and return to duty. While his physical recovery means lots of work, there's always the after effect of a mental block. As far as no charges being filed as of yet, these investigations sometimes take years before any charges are filed. The civil liability in this case is huge and involves many parties also hoping that the untimely loss of Will Ellis will be compensated. Personally, I don't think this crash was an, "accidental happening", and there should be some level of accountability. R.

Now THAT'S a hard hit. I hope the tower is okay.. R.

Another sad incident and a life taken needlessly. I'd like to know whether or not the driver of the Dodge was texting or not. So sad. Christine and I send our prayers to the tower's family and the company he worked for or owned. R.

In December, 2016, NY tow operator, Sal Brescia, was struck and killed by a hit and run motorist. From evidence collection left at that scene. only three small fragments of plastic were collected by evidence techs. But, from those three small pieces of plastic, detectives did a reverse investigation and ultimately back-tracked to a suspect. I followed this case really carefully and wanted to share the outcome of what good investigative work means. There's real value in the careful and thorough collection of forensic evidence that suggests, any crash you work can have solid evidence as part of the crash scene. The Brescia case is an example of good police work. The suspect, Anthony Mangano (51) of Queens, was arrested and since charged with Brescia's death. Here's the link: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/crime/2017/05/04/i-95-tow-driver-death-arrest/101287164/

I salute Certified Towing for their theme truck that raises awarness on the topic of suicide. Our family too has been affected by a loss due to suicide. Great article bye the way in American Towman's, September issue, written by Brian Riker. The effects of suicide are real. R.

Happy Birthday Ron. Christine and I send you best wishes from Southern California. R&C

Who ever would have thought I could have learned something from the TV? Mr. Miyagi said ... "No such thing as bad student ... only bad teacher." I think Mr. Miyagi emphasized the importance of good teaching while requiring Danielsan to take advantage of his words and the value of life's lessons. R.

Hey Wayne ... I made it all the way through the video. I'm not so sure this is a great video promoting the trucking industry let alone for tow truck operators. Like YodaBen comments, plenty of towers were the product of teenager's being raised in their mom's n' pop's tow company starting out as beginners. Stuff like responsibility, being on-time, respectability, accountability, learnability, etc, are associated factors that were taught by responsible parents. No matter what the trade or profession ... kids either have it or they don't right? But, if the applicant can go to war to fight for their country ... they should be able to get into a truck. Not every 18 year old is irresponsible or lacking of skills. Proper training and guidance is the key to anyone's success fi you have the patience to see it ... and then follow it up. Perhaps the responsibility is on that of the mentor and their ability to motivate, demonstrate and initiate? R.

Hey Brian ... everything reads good herein up-until you write ... "Towers are not legally obligated to split a non-consent towing bill." You said, "The lien process would be for the truck and trailer only," so ... how does the tow company justify the lien process for the pickup and Mazda that were physically towed/tranported and NOT as an attached unit of the transport truck and trailer? After the 3rd day in storage, how does Bill of Ladening over-ride state lien sale? Aren't these two seperate issues? OK ... would you agree that there could be other legal rammifications based on per-state laws that don't necessarily recognize Bill of Ladening? What I'm feeling is the potential of a huge battle for payment initiated by multiple parties as noted by your narrative. Do you try and get paid via one invoice or do you get sued where it costs more to defend? What's the better choice? R.

For argument's sake, I'm not so sure about a single bill for the entire recovery. For legal reasons, I believe splitting the bill is a better process. I'd bill each individually like Grumps said. Because each vehicle has its own VIN and registration information, I'd bill individually to include hourly (portal to portal here for CHP) labor, storage and whatever other fees are reasonable to the allowed rates set by the initiating agency. Additionally, what if the transport company or their insurance agent argued the, "all inclusive invoice", and refused to pay because it was too high? What about the other owners who have the right to get their vehicle's back? What if they came to get property out of their vehicle? You can't hold the other owner's vehicle ransom for the transport company's error. What if the trailer remains in your facility for two weeks because of a rate dispute? Are you going to charge the insurance company seperate lien fees on the single invoice? Without the individual invoice per vehicle, how can you start a legal lien if there's no invoice for services rendered; especially if you tranported any of the damaged vehicles using seperate tow trucks and carriers? I'd first look real close as to what is allowed by agency and by state lien laws. R.

Hey Grumps ... could the lost key debacle be that rental companies oftentimes put ALL of the keys to the same car and fob on the same swaged loop with no way of seperating them? I hate when they do that. R.