Tow411

Topic Originally Created by miracle1 on Tow411 in April of 2013: For those that do not post their jobs,Why don't you post them? For those that do post their jobs,Why do you post them? My reasons for posting is that I'm for the most part a "textbook" type of person and can get the job done regardless of size but, I'm also a realist and know I don't know everything and haven't seen everything and there's always a better way or atleast a different way...My hope behind posting is to show others that may not know all while learning from those that may have a better safer quicker method or just something I've not thought of....It just seems lately that there are very few new topics and very little discussion about the ones that are new and I'm just curious why? I suppose I should have said a three part question or three separate questions.....either way....Thanks Kenny Old Signature Banner certifoedautomall NJ said: Personally for me its a combo of things some of my contracts dont permit pictures and the big thing is that theres always some know it all that has to say the job was done wrong! That to me is annoying. I am like you kenny i can get most jobs done regardless. I also know that i dont know everything but i know a good chunk of info. When i tow in a wreck for my PD i dont have the luxury of blocking the roadway and putting a 4 pt tie down on. Its winch it up 2 chains and were rolling. Should it have 4 pts yes it should but i cant block the road so im clearing it! mooresbp said: "Should it have 4 pts yes it should but i cant block the road so I'm clearing" Can't say that I agree with that Mike, if officer here told me to clear before I had four points I would move to a safer location then finish the job. As far as posting jobs I work by myself and don't always have ability to take action shots. Would like to post more because I usually learn something from some one. geb4towman said: I post some but I was raised in a truck by my dad and he always told me we don't have time for pictures, he's the hardest working guy I know and he wont slow down or let us a slow down to grab a picture. I guess I took it to heart because even when I work alone I don't think about pictures until its too late most of the time. GeorgeFulk said:. I post to get other people's reaction and critzim iv got broad shoulder and maybe someone will learn from me. miracle1 said: Thanks for the responses...I hope for alot more...I also have very thick skin nothing said gets to me,It can be said I did this or that wrong and I'll gladly show why my way was right or I'll learn something or someone else will...either way it's all good... We take pics of every scene..Our law enforcement is great they know why we take pics and have no issue.It's the same reason they take pics..... to document fact...I have noticed no issues with payment when pics accompany the invoice...I've also seen on large accidents the reconstruction experts will pay for a copy of the same pics that the insurance company has already paid for because they come from a separate neutral party.... I think what we need to understand in relation to proper securement is everyones location is different, areas like mine traffic is not a real issue,area's like Mike operates in there could easily be thousands of cars backed up and in that instance is it really worth getting hit to worry about attaching all four corners...Textbook is getting hooked up without getting killed.... Old Signature Banner BlackAutoload said: Most of my tows are boring . Bunch of no start tows to a shop. # of views vs # of responses ..... I dont get how someone sees something and has no comment . I only post an interesting job. So when i post , i want as many responses as possible. Even if it is a gripe / complaint. At least you had an opinion. certifiedautomall NJ said: Kenny you are 100% right When i have a major 2/3 lane road in our town blocked for even 5 minutes traffic is back 1 mile. Forget about when theres a major accident and the road is closed!!! 5towman said: For me it's pretty much a one man show. Being in the rural area, traffic is usually not an issue. However, I show up on scene, analyze the situation and get to work doing the recovery. And when it's all done and I'm on the way back, I realize the camera is still sitting there, having taken no pictures. I would have loved to have documented my first recovery with my new SP8000 side puller. It was a Chevy Blazer towing a U-haul trailer that hit 2 wild horses and then went off the road, rolling down a 30' embankment. Arrive on scene(after dark), stretch out the side puller cable. Roll everything back onto it's wheels. Winch the Blazer to the roadway and then load onto flatbed. Repeat with the trailer, but tow behind truck with the wheel lift. Normally this job would have required 2 trucks. But alas, when it's all said and done, there sits the camera... In Memory of NationalAutow who said: I really push my guys to take pictures. It is relatively new concept and few companies in my area do this. I have told them that, for example, if they tow a car with a busted ball joint, they MUST document the situation BEFORE loading AND AFTER DELIVERY. The discussion we had on this was that if we could not defend our "no damage" position, then they would be responsible for the claim. Regarding posting pics on here, we rarely get into anything worthy of conversation. That having been said, if you see one of our carriers loaded and he does NOT have a 4 point tie down, PLEASE take a pic and call me. I seem to believe that most people on this board are like most of the posters above. that being said they encourage discussion and realize that no matter how much experience they have, somebody may have a different or even better way of doing something. Unfortunately, the people that could benefit the most from this type of dialogue are likely already too knowledgeable to learn anything. JMO iwstower said: I for one enjoy seeing pictures of towing related situations. Car or truck on an auto loader, rollback, landoll etc, medium duty heavy duty wrecker. I was berated by an individual on here not only about my recovery methods, but my level of education in the towing world. This person was incorrect in his assumptions that were made and probably would have received a fist in his throat had he said it to me in person. That being said, this is a great site that i feel has a lot of useful information. I for one wish more would post pictures and write ups. Allan

Topic Originally Created by njChuck on Tow411 in October of 2012: Got a question, about 3 times in the last year, "JOE CUSTOMER" has called and said go to " ABC TOWING" and pick up car, truck, whatever, sure no problem! So when I get to "ABC TOWING" I say I'm here to pick up car, truck, whatever, and DISPATCHER/ OFFICE person says to me, I need your License & Registration. Now in 20 + years I have never asked ANOTHER TOW DRIVER that has come to my yard to pick up a vehicle for this info, SO WHY now, especially in this DAY & AGE of identity theft should we be giving out this info, or do some municipalities actually require this info to be given. Also this wasn't just in large cities , but in smaller township municipality's. Certifiedautomall NJ said: Well if its a tow company i know then ill just have the driver sign and write the name of the company taking it. If im taking a check from a tow company from out of the area that i dont know i take the drivers DL. But if its a local guy i dont take anything. njChuck said: Yea Mike I could see if maybe I was giving them a Check from my company, but in these cases the customer had already paid with a credit card, or I would have a check or cash in my hand from the company that I was picking up for. BlackAutoload said: I always call ahead before going to ANY towers location to get the low down. As i see it, you are screwing them out of their secondary tow. Agree / dis-agree Some make it easy to access and some a pita. HEFFY004 said: Chuck...if the invoice was already paid by the customer, a copy of your driver's license & signature is proof positive of who picked up a vehicle. Even in small communities, scams are tried by owners of towed vehicles. Especially with heavy duty trucks or trailers....we damn sure better have our I's dotted & t's crossed with who we released something to. All paperwork is secured in a "limited access office" daily, including all checks, credit card receits, etc. I don't care who comes into pick up anything...I just want / need documentation to cover my a$$ when any $hit might go down. HEFFY ... in da boon-docks of west Jersey. njChuck said: Thanks Ed, antoher point taken, like I said the security of my info is the biggest concern. miracle1 said: Seems petty.....When a RO comes in and pays the bill they sign the invoice and in the comment section it's written who to release the vehicle to and When that wrecker company shows they are met with no resistance only a helping hand if need be.....I treat them just as I want to be treated when I go to their yard.... As far as being screwed out of a 2nd tow? I really don't see it like that, If a person has a preference I have no issue with such....There's really enough to go around! JMT anaron said: Be glad you are not in Texas! If you came to my yard to pickup up Joe Blow's vehicle I would need the following to release it to you: 1. VSF 011 form "Removal and/or Inspection of a Motor Vehicle at a VSF" which must be signed by the vehicle owner and notarized authorizing you to pickup the vehicle. 2. Your valid driver license 3. Your valid tow operator license 4. Your state assigned tow truck registration number 5. Your tow truck license plate number If the vehicle owner was present for the release from my yard, I would still need everything but #1. Ron Burnes Brian991219 said: New Mexico is just like Texas, we need to take a photocopy of your id and a notarized release letter if the company didn't come in to sign the release. Even if the customer signed the release we are still required to take a copy of the dl. I agree with the op point, I hate giving out a copy of my license, you never know who is copying it and how secure they keep it. I especially hated this when I was hauling salvage and would give my dl out several times a day. In Memory of NationalAutow who said: We require copy of wrecker operator permit since our fair city has decided to require permits. If you do not have a permit, copy of insurance and DL. Most tow drivers would rather have us copy permit as there is much less personal info yet LE can easily trace them if necessary. In our city, possession of a valid permit is considered "prima facia" evidence of proper insurance etc. To Mr. McGovern: I apologize for the use of legal terminology without a law license.

Topic Originally Created by rdonchann on Tow411 in March of 2013: The insurance pool sends a contractor to do a pickup and it goes something like this: Young kid comes in the office wearing a white t shirt, jeans and white cloth tennis shoes and announces he is here for the pickup. They start on the paperwork and I look at his truck and see he has a FWD loaded on the deck and the back wheels are torn up. I ask him how he is going to take it since the Ford Ranger that he is picking up needs to be loaded because the front wheels are smashed and it is a RWD automatic. He says I don't know, the boss sent me and told me they both needed to be loaded but somebody has to be lying cause I can't load both of them and I have to take them both back with me. Kid says he will assess the Ranger and figure it out. We go out in the pen and he is looking at the Ranger and says this is front wheel drive right? I will just chain it to my wheel lift. I tell him no it is RWD, I have told you twice and I have told the three other people that called before you got here that it needs to be loaded. You are standing here looking at it and I have to tell you?! "I will call my boss," says the kid. He gets the boss on the phone and can't explain the situation to the boss so he asks me to explain. Boss is as bright as the kid driving the truck, says he will figure it out and call the kid back. I hand the kid his phone back. "This is front wheel drive so I can just pick up the front and tow it!", he tells me for the third time. I just look at him and ask how long he has been doing this. He stutters and pops then tells me 6 months but I can see in his eyes it is a big lie. Then he blurts out , " BUT THIS TOWING STUFF ISN'T ROCKET SCIENCE, RIGHT?" I tell him it might not be rocket science but he is sure having a hard time deciding which end of the rocket points up. He then tells me it is the boss' fault because they make him haul 40-60 cars a day. I shake my head and walk away knowing this kid could not look at 60 cars a day much less move em. He comes back into the office and says boss told him we can set it outside of the pen and he will get it later. I explain to him that if I have to move it, there will be a charge. I also explain that what ever happens to it once it is outside the fence is their problem because I will have the $$ and the vehicle is in their control. About 15 more minutes on the phone with the boss and they decide to deal with it another day. This kind of expertise is what the pools attract! 2 Buck Chuck is gonna get rich with the pool! Chuck is gonna kill somebody if he doesn't go broke first! I can rant and rave about what gives our industry a bad name and on and on but I am preaching to the choir. You guys know the drill. I just had to blow off some steam. mooresbp said: Why didn't he just pull the shaft? OCTOWMAN said: The salvage guys around here would pick it from the front and go. any additional damage is none of their concerns. had one thursday, wrecked caddy on the bed, drug a HHR onto the deck behind it and smashed the fronts together. wreckerman05 said: Id doubt that he had any tools--or knowledge on removing it---Ive had then tow out fwd,s backwards(vehicle hit in rear)--going 60 miles to drop-point-and usually on a rwd vehicle they hook-it and go with the drive wheels on the ground,shaft still in ronin said: If the kid doesn't know that a Ranger is RWD (or 4WD), and has been since they were born in '82... he certainly hasn't got a clue about removing a driveshaft. One of the first things I do when training a new guy is to have him walk around the yard examining vehicles so he can tell whether they're FWD/RWD/AWD/4x4 and where the hook up points are - you can't teach this in a day or two, they just have to learn it on their own. Writing down stuff on a chalkboard in a classroom won't do it, either. With that said, I won't hire a guy who doesn't know that most Audis are AWD, all Subarus after 1997 are AWD, and pickups with full frames are primarily RWD. rdonchann said: If he didn't have sense enough to know it was rwd he sure didn't have sense enough to pull the shaft. someotherplace said: Yeah - if he can't tell RWD from FWD and understand already why it matters, then I doubt he knows how to spin a wrench on the simplest of jobs. Richard hti said: its sad that you have to tell him its RWD but 3 times makes you wonder how he passed his driving test. Not that he has a CDL but just a plain old drivers license. VERNON75 said: They came to pick one up from me last week, he showed up with a 4x4 gmc pick up on the deck and a small fwd car in tow, it had to be a 26' deck or so, I didnt ask. He unloaded both vehicles put the small car he had with him on the back of the deck, hooked the winch to the focus he was getting from me and pulled that up while pushing his other car further on, they both wouldn't fit so he kept winching till they were both on but the bumper of the lead car was 2' past the winch (stationary headache rack). slid the bed up as far as he could , at least a couple feet before the bed locks. Chained the 4x4 gmc to the wheel lift put it in neutral shrugged his shoulders and off he went. The scary thing is it looked like he had plenty of experience doing things like that!! Brian B 11 said: Had one last week it was a AWD jeep and he already had something on the bed witch could be towed and I mentioned that to him and he who give a f*%* they don't pay me enough to unload and reload so he chains up the jeep to the wheel lift on the bed and takes off with all 4 wheels spinning going down the road.. ronin said: Those salvage towers don't care,If seen them hang AWD vehicles off the wheel-lift with J Hooks and tow them with the wheels spinning.Secondary Damage doesn't mean anything to them. FredsTowingNJ said: The only way they can even generate any kind of money(Not profit) is to hook and book. BOROTOW said: Had one Thursday come by in a 3/4 or 1 ton pick up with an old sling bolted in the bed. I asked if he had a tow permit, side stepped me and tried to change the subject. Asked 2X and then told him he better have one if he is going to tow out of my yard. Ask where his yard is, he says he is from the next town over, he tells me next to a competitor of mine, which I know is bullshit. Then ask again and tell him I wasn't born yesterday, get another bullshit address, and more double talk.Get the COPART check and meet him out back. He says you told me I could tow this car (99 Camry popped in nose), I say yes you can, he says "how, car is facing wrong way". Oh boy........ Now I look at truck, pass plates NO tow permit sticker, right ft wheel is falling off, wiped bearing, unsafe hunk of crap. I ask again, he blows up and says your refusing to allow me to take this car.................yup, sure am. He says F this shit Im going to go get my flat bed and burns out of our lot. Hour later another company comes to get the car.........I should have refused and charged extra, but this kid was a very nice kid who is in our yard often and only gets 40 bucks from my yard to Hillsborough CoPart. Amazing the ramifications of COPART, one poor bastard can't afford to be legal, and the nice kid is loseing his ass and doesnt know it yet. Shame on the bottom feeders who screw our industry.......this is what we get. Al Campbell Boro Collision & Towing WreckMaster 67A hookrite said: Heck I had one the other day that could NOT understand That he had to turn his truck around and back up to the vehicle......had to almost draw him a picture......... quigma1 said: not knowing the drive axle is one thing, not knowing how to hook and load in another, and how about not knowing how to write the check out for the towing and storage bill? Then you can get into the proper attire down to the footwear. Leaving car parts that belong to the vehicle on the ground and just take the car, yeah, we have that too and more. If the insurance industry really cared about their salvage, they wouldn't allow these haulers near their vehicles. Brings to mine when Copart had all their own trucks and drivers how they wedged the first vehicle on the deck with a second vehicle and winch the first into the headboard, with no tie down chains. Secondary damage was the norm for them, guess nobody at corporate or the insurance company cared.... Brian991219 said: It is not just the salvage haulers, they are usually some of the worst but I have seen many large, well known, and often respected tow companies that let their drivers run wild. I have a good friend who works for a large (60+ trucks at 5 locations) east coast company right now where it is the norm for flatbed drivers to use only one J-hook on the rear of a car, no safeties, use the wheel lift as a sling even on good cars, etc. They even have some drivers who think it is ok to just park a car on the deck if it is only a in town or short tow! Sad part is, the owner of this company is the president of the state tow association and all of these drivers are at least TRAA level 1 or Wreckmaster 2/3 certified, it is required to obtain their county tow permit, so they know better but just chose to disregard safety for a false idea of speed or efficiency. I know some of you will not believe it but Jim can testify as he worked and trained with me, I was a driver trainer for Copart in New York and we were pricks with regard to safety, pulling shafts, secondary damage. Our general manager, who is now a regional manager, the fleet manager, or the yard manager would randomly inspect trucks in the yard and on the road for proper hookup, log books, etc and if it wasn't right you were in big trouble. You would be fired on the spot if your wheel lift wasn't secured correctly. They were so bad our 7 car driver carried a touch up kit with him just in case he put scratches in the roof of a junker on his top deck. It is sad how the salvage transport industry has become full of bottom feeders, the same thing is happening to the used car transport industry and in some areas of our country even the regular towing industry. hookrite said: And if you say anything to them they look at you like you are crazy........ ronin said: Brian, you're absolutely right! I can't recall the manager's name.. Bruce? I was backing my four car into the spot for unloading, and was worried about the hard cut I had to make, so since I was waiting for another guy to finish dropping, I pulled my tow lights and safeties of the car on the wheel lift. He came over after I had pulled into position and lost his frikkin mind on me...I explained what I did, he was ok with that, I guess, but was pissed that there was just the possibility of shortcuts while towing. I see these one-chain Charlies and other hacks and it makes me mad.... Talked to one owner today - he said the only way he could get his guys to comply with two chains on the back (forget front safeties), was to tell them that the state police called. I asked him.. "why not just grow some testicles?" Brian Bell said: I had a 4car and picked up salvage for 6 years and less then a dozen times did I have already damaged parts of vehicles touching and that was on a 28ft bed... Trust me I learned an "Inch is as Good as A Mile" and I'm sure some folks thought I was crazy. I think I scuffed a good bumper one time and it made me sick!! I saw the Copart trucks do all kinds of damage to cars that may be returned to their owner before it was all said and done... But here are some pictures cause an "Inch is as Good as A Mile" and "A picture is worth a thousand words" This one was in front of my shop about a year ago... Yep thats no optical illusion.. it is through the windshield and got the roof. This happened last week to a local towing company that hauls for Copart... I've not heard officially what happened but was told that day the vehicle in tow had an electrical issue and caught on fire but when the driver saw smoke and stopped the flames caught the oil on his bed on fire and that caught the vehicle on the bed on fire which caught the rollback on fire... I love how the news says the two vehicles were a "total loss" ... Hell they were a "total loss" before and I'm sure the wrecker is Toast also... That same day this Know-It-All met his Father-in-law at my shop to pick up his vehicle after I told him several times it wouldn't tow... This is what he did... Keep in mind about 2 hours earlier that rollback was burning, my wife asked me if I said anything to him? I said NO he paid my bill let him figure it out for himself. ronin said: Maxima backwards on a car dolly? Wow. someotherplace said: Shoulda told that boy and his old man they both had promising careers as salvage haulers. forum_data/forums.to/tow4/tow411/smilies/689.gif They're clearly qualified! Richard ronin said: They came back today. The driver said the kid had been there a max of two weeks and after Friday he never came back to work. I blame the owner more than the kid. These guys who just toss the keys and tell them to go do it need to be horse whipped. Wes Wilburn said: But think about how much money the insurance companies are saving---- yeah right! Does the saying "you get what you pay for" come to mind? George Geissinger said: What's the difference if they ruin it on the way or after it gets there. I stoped buying from there years ago because of there A Holes on the fork lift. I had a bunch of good cars come with busted trans case and pan as well as good drives with bent floor pans and ripped off exhaust. someotherplace said: George - no doubt! I've flattened out more than a couple floors on auction cars we used to sell at our tote-the-note lot. People around there were so broke they didn't care the title said "salvage" on it. We didn't sell flood cars, just repaired wrecks. Obviously they weren't bad cars, no money in putting a ton of parts and labor into a hard hit and then attempt to resell it. Well, unless all your work is done half-ass by a bunch of illegals. We were doing the work ourselves. Simple formula, down payment is the amount you have in the car, if they never make a note on it, you haven't lost. Just go repo it and sell it again. Works great in small towns. Richard

As we are approaching the next installment of the Advisor, I thought I would add one more thing here to get some input. This letter to the editor came in from a member last quarter and we published it in the last edition of the Advisor. The member reaction has been limited and not what I expected. I would be very interested in the opinions of the Tow411 community... There are too many times I hear guys griping about smaller towing companies or motor clubs keeping rates so low we can't make any money. This is America! You have got to convince your customers that hiring you for the job is better than hiring the other guy. Bottom line: the cheap fly-by-nights will always be around… quit griping and do something about it! You have two choices: strip your company of its overhead or create value from your overhead. My insurance is high because I have a larger fleet than most of the other local towing operations. We have city contracts that require higher limits than companies have who charge $25 a hook. What do I do? I have started asking my customers why they don't ask for this insurance. What happens to them if I can't cover their butt if their customer's freight or car gets damaged? Or worse, their employee or customer gets hurt by me? I have a lot of trucks and therefore either high repair bills, shop costs or high debt service. There are lots of reasons to hire a company with a larger fleet. The local public bus company knows this all too well. They generally use a few companies that charge low flat-rate pricing. I have begged them to try our service for their account many times. No way are they paying $10 more per tow. Along came a bad storm. They called because their normal providers are giving them a two-day ETA. We told them they would need to fill out an account application and we would review it and get back to them the following week… we were taking care of our existing customers that day! It takes a strong back-office to manage a high volume operation. This takes good, well-paid folks with good equipment. There is no way you can pay for this with a $25 hook-up rate. You don't have to if you can convince your customers that your service is worth a little more. Does your customer want their statements or invoices e-mailed to them? Do they want to enter their own calls to your dispatch system or be able to search their calls with your company online when they have a question? Do they want to be able to call anytime, get a warm body and ask questions about invoices? Do they want to know there will be someone answering the calls that understand what they need instead of just an answering service? Do they want someone to send the right equipment to their stranded customer or driver rather than have him wait an additional 60 minutes because you have to send a different truck? Do they want terms rather than have to give your driver cash or a check? I may be worth it then! It's the rule of common sense: It's unwise to pay too much, but it's worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money - that's all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was supposed to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It can't be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder, it is well to add a little for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough money to pay for something better. John Ruskin (1819-1900) English art critic and writer The basic rule is that you get what you pay for. This then is what we need to communicate to our current and potential customers. There will always be customers for the low-ball guys. Hopefully they will learn without it costing them too much. Historically, my problem has been that I have wanted to compete with price so we lower our prices and try to offer the same quality standards. This just makes for miserable times because the bottom line gets way too small. Other companies who charge way too little are not to blame. We are! We need to have the guts to sell what we know is a fair price, provide service that is far superior and ask customers of other cheaper towers why they are risking so much for $10 - $15 a tow. If we act like we are worth it, the perception will be that we are. We will then have the additional cash to provide better service and our customers will be more loyal. We will gain business and then have even more cash to provide even better service… Hopefully, this translates into a little more for us! We have got to quit blaming the road services. They need us. They have sold us on the idea that we need them. The heck we do! The biggest problem is that it has taken us way too long to figure out how to compete with them. I think our national and state associations should redeem their purpose with this golden opportunity. Lets flood the media with a public campaign…maybe with a sign on the back of every one of our trucks is all we can afford: "Why call a road service and get second rate service? Ask your insurance company why they use non-certified tow truck operators? Want your car towed by someone who cares about your car? Use a professional." Then we need to give them an option that cuts out the middle man… You have options. It's your choice - be wise. Let's quit griping and do something about it. Let's sell our value and give the public a better option…for all of us! It is time to add strength to our industry, our individual operations and our bottom lines. This letter was submitted by the owner of a towPartners member company. The company name has not been published at their request but they did ask that we share the letter with our membership. The thoughts and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the towPartners organization. -Jeffrey Godwin @FTI Groups @Heffy004 said: Good article, Jeff....... And, that Tow Partner member is so right. JUST THINK FOLKS........ A part of every invoice should include the funds for up-grading equipment, training & certifying drivers, PROFIT, and most importantly......... The value of service to the customer & the readiness of /and availability to complete every component of any job function. Catch ya & C'ya HEFFY Mark Trueblood said: I couldn't agree more. It's frustrating to compete around and thru the "low-ball" companies, but this article is right on-target! We've had to adjust our rates for any new accounts concerning various services and equipment so that we can start seeing a better return for our quality of service and equipment we utilize for such. We're professionals. It's our job to convince the general public of this fact. Good article, thanks. @Interstow said: Great Article!!! Unfortunately it is tough to get the consumer to understand that they get what they pay for, and frankly most people don't care. I quote prices all the time for high dollar vehicles, and loose most because other people will move the vehicle for considerably less than I will. It takes alot to get the customer to see over the pricing and look at the quality of service. I know if I can get them over the dollars and have them try my service, I will continue to do business with them in the future. It needs to be harder to get into the industry than just having a truck and a butt to put on the seat. When new people enter the business they have no idea what it costs to operate and when they start running out of start up money they start to cut prices just to have the cash flow. Then they don't have the testicular fortitude to close the business and do something else. In Memory of DNDTWOINGCOM who said: We agree with your outlook on this.Our outlook for the most part, is that the accounts that use these low rate/cut rate get what they pay for and are usually more trouble than any amount of work they may send our way. We picked up a dealer body shop account from an older established low rate company due to the shops customers wouldn't open their front door much less let them tow their cars once they got a look at the drivers and the trucks. these guys looked like they lived under an overpass and didn't know what a bar of soap was and the trucks were just as bad. so if the company doesn't care about their public image, why are they going to care for your car?? ~Dann - D&D Towing, Inc. @InTowMan said: As always Jeff, great reading.... Den... Devin Straits said: Now let's all implement this idea... Devin @Steve Catlett said: I don't feel sorry for those that run there trucks for low rates. I have been in this business for 37 years, I got into the towing business to make a living for my family not to lose money. Over the course of my company's history I have seen many of these lowball company's come and go. But you know what I am still here and still working and so are my employees. I love this industry And yes I am a towing professional. And you know what I am Still here and still making a profit. Steve A Catlett Owner Steve's Towing Inc Indpls In

Topic Originally created by Jennings Towing on Tow411 in 2006: I would like to introduce myself. I am Joe Jennings. I along with my wife, Sylvia, and our three sons, Rick, Tony and Joe Jr. own and operate Jennings Tow and Repair in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Tow and Recovery is my thing. I love what I do. I enjoy the tow411 forum and hope it continues forever. hookrite said: Welcome from North Carolina Curtis auto rescue said: Welcome to the forum... moranmg said: Welcome aboard TOwBoY88 said: Welcome from West Central Illinois! MNPOOL said: Joe: Hello & Welcome from West Texas !! srxrick said: Welcome aboard. towee999 said: Welcome from the south coast of England Elliot... ed barker said: Welcome from Ohio David Boone said: welcome aboard Joe from North Texas. glad to have you with us. mrdmrd said: Welcome Joe. I look forward to seeing you and your family in Wisconsin Dells in June. Mike showtime9301 said: Welcome to Tow 411Brise Blackwell III

Topic Originally Created by mooresbp on Tow411 in 2006: I am not real new here but I never have introuduced my self, sorry about that but was unsure what I would find here. You people are the greatest. I am George Moore and my wife(Anita) and I own and operate Moore's BP Amoco, Inc. We bought the business from her dad 5 years ago. He had operated a full service station for 34 years, towing, repairs, car wash and fuel. When we purchased the business we remodeled the service bays into a c-store, updated the car wash and wreckers. We now have 3 trucks plus a service vehicle. One light duty 4x4, a med duty flatbed and a med duty wrecker. My wife works full time as a vets assit. and does a lot of bookwork for the store and towing. We enjoy country music, our kids,(2 boys 18 & 20),she loves to walk, and I love to spoil a walk after a little white ball. Love this forum, I seem to learn something everytime I stop bye. How much easier it is to learn from some elses' mishap than to have it happen to you. Great to be here and have enjoyed the posts. Still don't have a digital camera, but when I do will post all nite. George Moore Moore's BP We'll see you on down the road TowBoY88 said: Welcome from West Central Illinois! auto rescue said: Welcome to the forum... hookrite said: Welcome from North Carolina Curtis Towing247 said: Welcome from New York, John MNPOOL said: George: Hello & Welcome to TOW-411 from West Texas !! moranmg said: Welcome aboard srxrick said: Welcome aboard from Minnesota! David Boone said: welcome aboard George from North Texas. Glad to have you with us. Jared Allpoints said: welcome from eastern pa Waffco Joe said: Welcome to tow411,from N.W.Indiana, Joe mushspeed said: Welcome George from England and enjoy the ride http://www.tow411.net/images/emoticonthumb.gifBe Safe, Be Lucky. May all of your Punctures be little ones, 'cos it's only flat on the bottom. John Note: this is only a sample of the many welcome messages which were left in reply.

Topic Originally Created on Tow411 by hookedontowing on Tow411 bin March of 2010: Looking to do some radio commercials...Does anybody have any funny ideas, or anything that would attract some attention a little more. annettemcd said: We occasionally do some radio commercials which are made up by a local station as short public service type announcements with our company's name associated with it. For example, in May, congratulating graduates, urging cautious driving after prom and graduation parties, and then giving a plug for our company. I am not sure how effective radio commercials would be unless they were frequent enough and/or catchy enough that when someone did need your services, they would remember enough to be able to contact you. It is not like you can hope to convince them to get their vehicle towed when they hear your ad because they happen to need a tow just then. Blue Stripe said: Radio is one of the most expensive media you could advertise on, and to be effective, you need repetition! Plan on running a spot at least 3 times a day minimum to have any effect, and usually you don't notice a return until you're running it 10x per day. Keep in mind, ads can be $1 each up to $100. All depends on the station's ratings, target audience, when it runs, and how many you're buying. I use to buy radio advertising for a car dealership I managed, and we spent a fortune ($5000+ per month) and I honestly don't think it was worth it. Chris Flynn, WM 091008 Boardman Towing & Recovery

An Unknown Member Started this topic in February of 2007: I want to hear your best lines, stories or ? you get from vehicle owners when they call or come to get there vehicle. examples: I don't know how you sleep at night? You guys are only in this business to make money. You run some great little scam here. You steal cars, do you also kill people? If I didn't show up, in how many days do you strip my car? Where's all the cash that I left in the car? OK, now it's your turn - let's hear some of the good ones that you've been told by vehicle owners. AllCountyTowing said: I don't know how you sleep at night? - i dont.. i work nights You guys are only in this business to make money. - umm..yeah??? no question there? fairway said: I hope you enjoy that money, I had it shoved up my a** for the last 1/2 hour on the way over here. twinbulls said: ALL of the above plus You must be a millionair .. From your $100 bucks??? Does this make you happy? Sure Can you tow it back ?? NO or for $$$ You %&$#%$&$ loser you %^$#@* your &*&^$ Thats the best you got ?? HOW did you tow it ??? I parked it a certain way ?? We own TOW TRUCKS.. If you touch my car I will break your face.... OK how do you think it got here I know you pay a kick back to someone ??? for you to park on the grass?? Can I get a discount ?? ah NO !! I have permision to park there by I forgot his name.... oooK . I know about other people who park in the tow zone now I will call you to tow them .... Thanks.. I want a discount.... you owe me one...... ok??? NOT !!! I am calling help me Howard CH 7 news!!! GO right ahead.... I will call the cops and report YOU !! AND ..... Plus many more...... AllCountyTowing said: You %&$#%$&$ loser you %^$#@* your &*&^$ -yeah, but i got your money they tell me they're gonna call help me howard - i say, go ahead.. he lives 2 doors down from me(he actually does).. funny thing is that we've impounded his car before bones5k said: Why cant I use my AAA. You have no right to remove my car it is unconstitutional. I am a vietnam vetran. I am a police officer. w/ no ID. I am a fire fighter. I will sue you I own the property. w/ real owner standing next to me. I ll trade you a beer. I is my wifes car so you can tow it. You destroyed my e-brake. rear wheel drive lifted from the rear. OCTOWMAN said: Can i pick up my car now and pay you friday when i get paid? uummm? No TIM ibflat2 said: and when they are walking out to the vehicle after paying Can I have the keys now ? Hey you changed my tires ? Whats that sticker on the windshield ?? A good reputation is more valuable than money. Publilius Syrus (~100 BC) capptow said: My favorite is " I'm callinig the police" i say who do you think had the damn thing towed. Also heard racist, prejudice.or I am coming to get the car so you cant steal all the stuff out of it. I willget my car when your not there.. Our answer is "If you get over the fence and past the two pit bulls' you can have the car. ryan AllCountyTowing said: "how'd you tow my car, i set my alarm?" "how'd you tow my car, i had *the club* on it?" "according to the law" and when i ask them what law... they say "the law" with an attitude... i guess thats the insert your own law here law talmon said: the other towing company didnt charge me that much the last time i went to jail! YOU JERK!YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS Too! YOU CHARGE more per hour than me,and I own a jewelry store I love it the best when they think they turned off the cellphone,they didnt and you still can hear them run their mouth My cousin owns a tow truck and its illegal to charge that much,you cant tow a car without the owners permision The best is when they drive away and get on the road and call you back and threaten to file a lawsuit,whip your a**! One father picked his daughters car up after a dui and accused me of body damage to the paint,i told him he was mistaken,i was sorry his daughter was slumming in the projects and she probably done it at the bar she left at 5am he shut up,apologized it,i guess truth does hurt sometimes autoexpresstow69 said: why did you tow my car/................uh..i was bored and it seemed like the thing to do..... how about the 19 year old girls that show up 5 days later in a short denim mini skirt with no panties halter tops with no bras...and a couple of juiced up girlfriends saying what do ya think....... we just say nice.....your bill is still 300.00 can we work out a deal?........sure if she can do 50 push ups with her leggs in the air we will knock off 10 bucks...... I Have Your Car said: I am a police officer...are you still gonna charge me?(with ID) Well first of all, if it was your black and white, it would not have been towed. Second, I'm a citizen! are you still gonna give me a speeding ticket? How about," You towed my car 5 times already! This is the 6th time, can I get a discount?" "Sure," I reply, "Check this out. You go out and get 5 speeding tickets. If the judge gives you a discount on your 6th ticket, I will refund you 3 times the total amount you ever paid me."Raymond Ray Tow Zone Inc "I'm the guy the parking signs warned you about..." Placentia, CA unknown member said: That reminds me early in 05' Stripper with her girlfriend "How about a threesome and we call it even"? My response: My wife wouldn't like that very much and I'd rather get Paid, Not Laid! unknown member said: I was called every name in the book when i towed at Stonehill College normally by some guy in a 3rd floor window. Best one with campus cop next to me "You cant take my car!"...he says I have to. Or the kids that are in college that cant read a 20 min parking only sign. certifiedautomallNJ said: Never had it from towing a car but fixing them get the ok then they dont wanna till next week and want the care screaming and yelling they will take car at night i say go ahead if you get it ill drop the bill cause your going to jail for B and E (thanks for telling me you were coming and put it inside... but as some have shown some grls have no respect for themselves and will do that to get out of a bill... very sad who would want a girl like that????? definetly not meMike, Certified Auto Mall 5499 Rt 9 n Howell NJ Call if you need any help cell(732)620-3974 chip2830 said: I once towed this womans taxi she was parked in a fire lane "I was only there a minute" she says, was holding call for 45mins before I got there and she came out yelling and screaming at me in a language that I wished I could of pressed 1 so I could understand her, she ended up putting a vodoo curse on me.(thats why I cant get away from towing) hookrite said: What happened too my full tank of Gas Can you GIVE me a couple qts of oil Can You GIVE me some Gas Can You Jump start my Car (free) Can we do some Horse trading (have you got a Horse)? I'm going to write a letter to the IRS about you I only have $25.00 You can write off the rest The other towing service gave me a break when they towed my car Curtis oldtrucks said: From a kid with an Escalade "Did the cop's search it"."Tow them like you own them" Dlock13 said: "I don't have that kind of money. I'm going to get a lawyer." I'm sure the tow bill is a lot cheaper than a lawyer, but I guess that would seem too logical. Tropical Towing said: Done some impounds tonight, had a lady come to the lot to retrieve her vehicle, her commit, I work with wrecker drivers all the time and know you can give me a break. My response was, Yes I can but I don't like being called a F*&7g A$$ hole, I could but I'm not. Like I would have anyway. I have already contacted my attorney and you will be hearing from him. Have your attorney call my attorney and they will do lunch. This was at a veterinarian clinic that sets beside 3 yuppie restrants. She said she uses that vet for her dog. She is from the next county over, I hardly think so and the clinic was closed. Pulled an old man's car out, he was 88 years old, very confused, He should not have been driving at all, and I mean AT ALL!!! He and his wife were standing in front of their car and demanding that I take them to their car to inspect it, he was leaning on it. I asked him for his driver license, he gave me a credit card. I finally got his license and after I gave it back to him he demanded I give his license back stating that I was a theif and was going to steal his license. He told me he had fought in the war and did not think he should be towed. This is a new one. Had a fellow in a BMW, he said that the business was closed and he had the right to park their. I guess if you are not using your driveway I can use it? I had 3 call and ask "Just how do you think I am suppose to get their" DU CALL A CAB. The lady demanded that I return her car, for the same price as the original tow I will plus a fee. A lady with a suburbon walked up to her car, in a very dimly lit part of the tow yard, you could hardly see anything and about 10 feet from the left front said I dented her right rear quarter pannel. I never even looked just said boy you walked right to that did not you, hum look at the dirt all over that dent and the rust on it, boy don't things rust fast in Florida, like in 30 mins. I get a good laugh every day. towinguy said: A black lady came in the office to get her car and immediatly started accusing us of being racists. Using all kinds of language running down the white people. The driver that towed her car was in the out house and heard her yelling. He came out into the office and told her that he is the one that towed her pos car and proceeded to tell her to shut up in language that I cant use here. She shut right up when she realized the driver that towed her car was black also. Still laugh at that one.Gregg WM010022 unknown member said: I get all kinds of excuses and stuff... and my usuall response is "Thats a sad story...I don't care" one lady was in w/her son who parked the car on the street of a higher end development. We towed it but she had to come in because she was the reg owner of the newer Nissan Altama, (she drove a bmw...that already makes her better than me in her head I guess and she acted like it.) the closest guy avail to do the impound was in a flat bed and He got the car, but was caught doing it by the son. At the release she wanted to speak to the owner reguarding our, "questionable" practices. I asked, "reguarding...?" and se spouted off saying about how the other driver should have let him have it back since her son came out. I educated her saying that, that would had been impossible since she was the R.O. She responded saying she could have been there in 15 mins. I told her that I was not the driver out there that night but if I was, she would have got there about 14 minutes after I left. She did not like that and handed me a bussiness card that the only thing caught my eye was her name and, "Attorney at Law." She said give this to your boss. I responded give it to him yourself, I am not your courier, I carry other peoples cars not their bussiness cards. I called the boss the next morning, (since this was a little late) and warned him that I might have pissed off another one. He told me long before this, that as long as I don't violate the law reguarding impounds or their civil rights he doesn't care. unknown member said: I'm Philip Owen's (then city mayor)daughter! So? He'll take your business license! Fascinating. Are you going to pay for your car, or not? There's other people behind you that want service. And this chick was the most disreputable-looking thing, too. Tackle box contents imbedded in her face, dyed-black hair, etc., etc. The well-off kid trying to pose. No idea if she even was Owen's daughter. R/O of a car towed from BC Place Stadium during a football game.I'm a friend of Nelson Skalbania! He's the owner of the BC Lions! Then you'd better phone him now and see if he'll pay for it, before he goes bankrupt again. He didn't like that, either. I'm gonna sue you a**holes! Okay. What? I said, okay. Get in line. You're the sixth person tonight to say that. Well, f*** you!Slams phone down in my ear. At front counter: What's your license number? I don't know. It's a rental car. Look on the keychain. There's a tag with the plate on it. Oh. Yeah. Heh.Pays for vehicle, submits license for ID, gets receipts.Do you guys have the keys? Fine fellow clambers out of a taxi, and stomps up the front steps into the door.Gimme my f***ing car back! No. What? I said no. I don't come to work to get sworn at by people like you, and I don't get paid enough to put up with it. If you haven't got any manners, you can just get back in that taxi and go away, and not come back until you do have some manners. And I went back to my desk across the room, answering phones and doing data entry. He stood at the counter for a minute or so, looking very non-plussed, before wandering back outside to see the taxi back out of the driveway and leave. He sat on the front steps for a couple more minutes before coming back inside. He was very artificially polite, verging on incivility, but it was please and thank-you all the way._____________________ It's so hard to find good help nowadays. unknown member said: Had a new one, Where's my tires? You guys must have taken off my good tires and given me these crappy, bald ones!!! I almost died laughing - Are you serious, I said. Yes, I had better tires on that those, same brand though. ??? MTA415 said: This one is very very rare but had a Big Rigger (y'all know the type) with his red suspenders and all mad that we towed away his KW that was parked in the fire lane at the Flying J. Threatened that he was gonna come back with the original and I quote "boys in da hood" and burn my place down! Plus it oughta be a law that blacks should'nt be able to operate wreckers. ROTFLMAO!!! Me and the crew are so thick skinned that you probably could'nt crack it with a jackhammer. We laughed about him for about a month. He also added that he would never call us to tow his rig and he will let all of his friends know not to call us either. "You promise" was my response with tears in my eyes!!! You just never know sometimes!I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand. AllCareTowing said: When person asks about drop fee: driver: well I have good news and bad news owner: what? driver:the bad news is its going to cost $xx.xx to relase the car here, cash only owner: whats the good news? driver: I just saved a bunch of money on my car insurance by switching to geico MTA415 said: I done that last week dude, driver failed to find the humor in it. The man had no social grace whatsoever!!!I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand. AllCareTowing said: I got a new one today. mgmt calls to have us IP a VW jetta, nosed in against a wall....wait manual tranny and its unlocked, I open the door and the car alarm starts going off (good thing they have an alarm, someone might take thier car he he he). anyway the owner comes out as I'm getting out the dollies (wheels were turned hard right); I say "you must have heard the alarm huh" he says (and I quote) "thats what that was? I thought it was someones alarm clock" oklatom said: My favorite, from a woman popped for driving drunk. "When they towed my for being drunk in (next town west) they only charged me (half of my price, set by the state)" My reply: So get drunk there next time. SHERIDAN said: This is from a driver that just missed running into you at the scene of a road blockage accident after hitting the guard rail. "If you are with AAA I will let you change my tire." He ended up changing his own. oklatom said: I don't know how you sleep at night? <Usually on my left side so I can answer the phone with my right hand when I get calls to tow cars> You guys are only in this business to make money. <Why else would anyone be in any business? To lose money?> You run some great little scam here. <Thank you. We try.> You steal cars, do you also kill people? <Well, not yet, but I'm beginning to consider it> If I didn't show up, in how many days do you strip my car? <If you call and tell us you aren't going to show up, it would be much easier.> Where's all the cash that I left in the car? <You mean the three quarters on the floor board? It's still there.> unknown member said: i was only parked there for 5 minutes (we seen it there for 15) my friend lives here and said it was ok to park (where is the guest pass) i am a friend of management (i guess we are better friends) i am going to ram your gate (you haven't been the first to try it) chip2830 said: replie to I was only there for 5 mins. Well it took me 15 mins to load up and do the paperwork why didnt you say something than? unknown member said: What if it just jump the fence, it is my car anyways? Uh, sure go ahead I forgot to feed the dogs about 3 days ago... they will be glad you dropped in 🙂 !!! DennisMHDT said: My favorite, that i hear at least once a day... "But the police officer told me there was no charge" well then i guess he's going to come down and pay for it?? bigwinch1 said: had one a few years ago owner calls and asked canyou come pick me up at the jail so i can come get my car i responded with sure it will be $XX.XX for hook up and $xx.xx per mile he got a bit flustered hook up? i just need a ride told him i could do it for the price set or maby he should call a taxi taxie showed up about an hour later Lamb Towing said: When they want to write a check: "I guess you don't have a choice, I'm late for work and don't have time for your games". (Care to guess again?) localtowie said: Had a car in yard once belonged to a car dealer recovered stolen car..... He told me ..... '' Im not paying your price **** towing [then opposition] would charge $.. '' Ill get helicopter and fly it out'' I told him i go hunting in my spare time often wondered if twelve guage would take chopper out.... He rang back immediately asked for manager of tow service idiot driver was unreasonable i was siting at switch waitng for call.... He paid... kyresqtow said: Y'all release rental cars back to the people that rented them??? I know here they would have a fit if we did that... RO only. I love nothing more than getting back to the lot with a rental and contacting the company informing them the car is impounded and let them come get it.... then when the ppl that had rented it come to get it.... the look of where is our stuff is priceless. Car and it's contents are back with the RO. contact them. ChuckUD said: This lady called & stated when asked what the problem was, ""My car just stopped", arrived to find the front end demolished, asked her what happened...she replied " it happened when I hit that cow"...this is true..she's a regular customer of ours . BlackAutoload said: "Here's my card, I don't get paid for 2 weeks though" ChuckUD said: One of my favorites " my car stopped running & I need it towed asap", my reply " where are you located?". Response is"in my car"! I asked more directly "ok, where is you car located "? Customer replies " I don't know". MidnightMitch said: "Can I just sleep in my car at your shop tonight?" And my reply was, "Sure, shop rate is $80 per hour, but we don't have free breakfast or wifi." Gave him a ride to the hotel. Mitch Lopina Mitch's Auto Repair & Tow Oakdale, Ca. (209)303-0748

Topic Originally Create by Joetoww in July of 2007: This one needed Help Up The Hill. big load little engine so we gave him a boost 250,000+lbs w/ truck n trailer weight the baddest 1040b east of the Mississippi and the boniface interstater to help pop the top off this mamma jamma Eliminator II said: Now that was a long day , but it paid very well . autoexpresstow69 said: third pic ....even the sign was trying to get out of the way! Edstowing said: I don't know Joe...an old man once told me "everybody's bad until the bad man comes".... Nice job, where was that at? gentlyrotate said: Thats what KT Cummins motors are for...... 1,150 cubic inches, 19 liters for you folks in europe...... Nice job Joe, after reading your disclaimer and consulting with my legal team, I officially have to say, um, good lookin trucks dude! lol, on a more serious note, was was in the Western Star, that sure is a load, he run out of gears? newtotow said: Good job what was the load Did he not have the power or did he break down joetoww said: thanks for your comments guys Quintin i think it had an n14 cummins in it little hp 425 maybe,.... little trans,.. guy put super single tires on it, got himself a big trailer poof ,,,,,,instant heavy hauler.......Robert yes just ran out of motor could not get rolling again on the grade Dualie said: Probably running 425 in front of a 13spd with high way rears. I have no doubt that my lil 475Hp Heavy haul could have pulled the load up the hill at half the speed of smell in Low/Low might even pull it in 1st! with 52,000Lb 4.10 . There would be a pound of clutch dust on the ground if I had to stop on that hill though. I have always hated 2spd rears so no deep reduction on my truck. And the really big power house Cummins motors were the factory KTTA Cummins motors Twin turbo charged Aftercooled Cummins KT motors. Factory rated to 600HP.

Topic Originally Created on Tow411 by Martin Ganley in December of 2007: went up to new glasgow today to load some snow blowers part on a step deck trailer,every thing went well but I had to moved the wrecker all morning would have been easier to sit n spin,still had a nice morning out doors playing with my favorite toy MTA415 said: Good show Martin. My smart ass would have been like "why in the heck didn't y'all call for this BEFORE it snowed!" Guess that would have been too easy for ya... Martin Ganley said: i`m just glad he called today cause we had mild weather, yesterday was just too damn cold rotator60 said: Yes sir..Cold indeed..Thanks for sharing.. Unknown member asked: Did you pick the load then walk it to the truck? Martin Ganley said: yes I did, the heaviest piece was just under 9000 lbs so it was not really a challenge for the truck tator envy said: lol, I seen this and thought it had something to do with me! Martin Ganley said: orry,looks like youre not the only one who would like to sit n spin...LOL

Topic Originally Created on Tow411 by Woody39 in December of 2007: We got called for a loaded 4 axle dump vs. pole into ditch. We sent the 60ton rotator out 1st with an extra man. I was doing a winch out close by and was told to respond after I got finished. On scene we found the truck in the ditch still upright with the power lines resting on the truck. Once given the ok from power people we placed the rotator on the side of the truck, rotated the boom, strapped over the body to hold. As I placed my 50 ton in line with the truck, I winched the truck forward out of the ditch. As they held and rotated the rear of the truck. Amazingly this dump truck had no damage from the accident or the recovery. we inspected the undercarriage for any possible damage and couldn't find any. rahagg said: That looks like it could have be energizing. Looks good. Thanks for sharing rotator60 said: That could have gotten real ugly..Nice recovery..Thanks for sharing.. MTA415 said: dump driver lucky he didn't get the shock of his life! Had a recovery that the power co. confirmed they had shut down and half way thru the recovery a BIG spark and electricity arced over to the winch cable of our 7035! Didn't hurt the Pete but fried the power touch system. Had to get a whole new system installed at GVEC's expense but they didn't pay our 4 days downtime.... fts03 said: Nice job, looks a little to green in those pics to be a recent recovery. I am sure you were busy this past week end Thanks for sharing This is just a sampling of the numerous comments.

Original Topic From August 2012: Note Article Links are no longer active. POLICIES DESIGNED TO BE FAIR and equitable sometimes turn out to be anything but. Such, it would seem, is the case with the Orangeville Police Service (OPS) policy on the use of towing services when police impound vehicles. Under the policy, police are instructed to use the town’s 10 towing services on a rotational basis, so as to assure a relatively level playing field and avoid the spectre of several trucks racing to a crash scene. If the policy worked as it was undoubtedly intended to, all 10 operators would enjoy the prospect of occasionally earning between $600 and $900 for a single incident and up to $2,000 for a vehicle that is subject to a longterm impound. But in reality it appears that a large share of “impound tows” are by one of the 10 firms, Chambers Towing on Dawson Road. The apparent reason isn’t simply that Chambers has been around longer than some of the other firms or does a better job. Rather, it’s because Chambers has good storage facilities, including an indoor storage area. As we see it, every city, town or township should always try to have policies that are fair and equitable in both theory and reality. In the circumstances, we think the current OPS policy needs to be supported through the creation of a common storage area on Town property, ideally operated by either the Town itself or a body such as the Dufferin Area Tow Association, to which all 10 towing firms belong. Of course, any of the 10 firms might still have an advantage if they are accredited with the Canadian Automobile Association or another roadside assistance plan. RESOURCE LINK MISSING Tow truck drivers question OPS calls An area tow truck operator has spoken out, feeling his and many other firms are being left out of the loop when Orangeville Police call for vehicles to be towed. According to current Orangeville Police Service (OPS) policy, the 10 companies that are part of the Dufferin Area Tow Association are in a rotation, with the police calling the next on the list when a tow is required. But Richard Croft of TSN Towing says the police force seems to be ignoring the list and placing an inordinate number of calls to Chambers Towing, an established Orangeville company that has ample indoor storage for impounded cars. The OPS says that while it is committed to abiding by the rotation policy, police will put Chambers ahead of other tow companies when an enclosed facility is required for an impounded vehicle. “We do respect and use the practice of a rotating call list administered by the Dufferin Area Tow Association when and where it is appropriate to do so,” said Sgt. Scott Davis, the OPS communications officer. “We also respect the wishes of the registered owner of a vehicle if they request a specific tow company. For example if they have coverage through CAA or other specific Roadside Assistance Plans.” He added, however, that if a vehicle is seized by police and held in relation to an offence under the Highway Traffic Act such as Stunt Driving, Criminal Code offences such as Impaired Driving, or for expert examination to gather evidence, police use Chambers Towing because it has secure indoor storage. Mr. Croft countered that about two months ago, when the OPS pulled over a driver and impounded his vehicle, the driver specifically asked for TSN to do the tow and was informed by the officer that he had to use Chambers. Adding that TSN can store three vehicles indoors, Mr. Croft said he has hauled impounded vehicles for the OPP in the past and parked them outdoors in the company yard. He has also posted three videos on YouTube showing Chambers trucks performing jobs that, according to Mr. Croft, should have been done by other companies on the rotation list. Sgt. Davis said OPS Chief Joe Tomei and Deputy Chief Wayne Kalinski have reviewed the videos and are looking into the circumstances regarding those specific incidents. The rotation system, implemented by the OPP and the majority of municipalities across the province, is in place for a number of reasons. One is to discourage “chasing,” where drivers wait for calls on police band frequencies and rush to the scene. The result is often a number of trucks arriving and hindering police in the performance of their duties. Another is to eliminate any appearance of impropriety, where an officer points to one of several trucks to do the tow and raises suspicions he or she may be doing so out of personal preference; even if it’s most likely the officer’s first desire is to get the subject vehicle and the plethora of tow trucks out of the way. Mr. Croft, meanwhile, hinted that tow truck companies are in somewhat of a catch-22 situation when it comes to competing for the impound business. He says a company needs expensive facilities to capture the lucrative police business, but can’t afford such facilities without the police business. An impound call in Orangeville, said Mr. Croft, is worth between $600 and $900. Longer-term impounds could bring in as much as $2,000 or more. “I’ve been towing for 12 years,” said Mr. Croft, “but we can’t make the profits to build the big buildings.” A spokesperson said two of the 10 towing operators provide CAA roadside assistance. RESOURCE LINK MISSING

Topic Originally created by mrdmrd on Tow411 in February of 2004: I wrote a couple of posts on this topic and tried to point out what I thought OSHA's enforcement scheme was for the towing and recovery industry. They don't have one. They will treat towing like they treat all the others they regulate under the heading of "general industry". If you have an accident in your workplace that results in a fatality or serious injury to one of your employees, you will likely recieve a visit, particularly if the incident is highly publicized. If our industry has a significant number of incidents of a similar nature that result in employee fatalities or injuries, they may target our industry for inspections to see if a particular OSHA standard is being followed. For example, tow truck drivers are being injured while working on the roadside (hit by passing traffic). The question would be are the employers doing everything the can to provide a safe working environment, i.e. drivers wearing personal protective equipment (reflective vests or similar such clothing, working warning lights on the tow truck, warning devices present for on-coming traffic, etc.) Depending on what they find, there might be an increase in enforcement activity to insure compliance. OSHA has a huge job in insuring the workplace health and safety of all employees in all industries. They put their limited resources where they think there is a problem. I tend to think they are more reactive than proactive in this regard. Towing and recovery can be a very hazardous for those in the business, but there are lots of other industries with the same or a greater degree of risk in terms of health and safety. In this regard, I do not believe that OSHA will single out tow operators for any special consideration relative to more enforcement or additional regulations. I hope I am correct in these assumptions. Mike Hartland Service said: Mike, I think that where the confusion is coming from. There are some who want to invite OSHA in, a toe hold of sorts, even tried to have a contract signed for it. Again, OSHA can use the existing standards that pertain to employers, what I am talking about is not allowing them in at all, any more then they already are in. They did not recognize the logging industry, until a short time ago, now they have all kinds of requirements on loggers. OSHA will not prevent the motoring public from running over towers, heck they not stopping them from running over highway workers, or highway contractors. Our number one threat is the motoring public, not chains, straps, lights, shackles or any other tools we use. It is Joe head up butt driving 70 plus MPH. I will do my part to keep them out, and also at the same time do my part to work on the motorist. Jeff Towtrk1 said: In my eyes, OSHA is nothing more, realistically speaking, than an Advisory board. Like Mike said, they have all the rules they can think of, and even some to cover the ones they didnt think of yet. My opinion, OSHA will not get any further involved in our industry than where the rotators come into play. Simply because those, in CT anyway, and other parts of the country, want rotators to be classified as cranes. OSHA looks closely at the crane industry! If towers want rotators to be classified the same as cranes, I think OSHA will step in and say, "okay, you wanna be a crane, fine. This is how cranes play the game and so will you or else."... end of story, end of involvement in towing. They're not going to worry too much about the little guy towing cars and trucks off the highway. Maybe some involvement in the HD wreck scenes, but nothing more. Comparative to the 'J-walkers' down the street from the drug dealers. Who are the police paying more attention to? OSHA is worthy of keeping a half hearted eye on , but nothing to get wound up about. Bill Hartland Service said: Bill, We will agree to disagree......advisory boards can not take my money. Also, not sure if you caught it, but why would you want to sign a contract with OSHA, what good will it do, or why should we? In the big picture OSHA has bigger fish to fry I agree, but here in Vermont we have our own State Level OSHA, called VOSHA, and they enfore OSHA rules. If OSHA has no rules on towing industry, then why should we give them a chance to get in? Hello I am from the Government, and we are here to help you, good clue to run far and run fast............. Jeff Towbully said: Something else to consider is that not all states are OSHA regulated at all. Towtrk1 said: Jeff, Believe me, I am not for OSHA doing anything with me. I can police myself better than they can, trust me. And as far as signing anything, I don't sign a damn thing except my time card and my certification cards. Personally, I'm not going to worry about them. They're not going to regulate us anymore than we regulate ourselves. And we 've all seen just how good we are at that. I say "we", speaking as an industry in whole. Bill mrdmrd said: Good morning Jeff: The one thing we can agree on regarding OSHA regulations is that "less is more". If OSHA were to attempt to establish new rules, they would have to go through the same rulemaking process as other Federal agencies. There would be public notice of any new rules and an opportunity to comment. I am sure any such proposal would be fully scrutinized by the industry. You are right about OSHA not preventing the motoring public from running over towers. Its not their job. There job is to regulate employers of tow truck drivers to make sure they take every precaution to protect the safety and health of their drivers whether its a matter of roadside safety, shop safety, etc. I believe you to also be correct in your assessment that we need to work on the motoring public. I too worry about the careless and aggressive behavior of some drivers. I don't worry about OSHA. Mike January 2010 TowZone said: Back in 2002, 2003, 2004 etc. The talk on the board was not invoicing and training it was OHSA. There were those that stated the more you stir up OHSA the harder it is going to become to do business. Any Updates, kinda reminds me of stirring up the Crane Industry and now the Insurance Industry. Sometime I think we as an industry just want some other group to recognize the towing industry. Then when they do we get regulations and when they do many feel neglected. Wow, I enjoy bring topics back around. tator said: There is a member here who has had his chains and straps checked on scene before. Maybe he can come forward. Bud Freelance66 said: Nothing here. As I remember that post back then there were at least one tower whom made a mistake and wanted everyone else to conform to his way of "protection". Since here he wasn't taken too seriously the talk went to mandatory enforcement. Last I heard that is where it ended. Locally there are more than enough industrial "accidents" last few years OSHA opened up a local office, but I have never seen or heard of them except on the news at a major factory incident......

Topic Originally Created by twinbulls on Tow411 in October of 2003: I have been looking at alot of trucks and a few had the back up safety beeper on them. Seemed to be very loud and I asked it it had a switch to turn it on and off salesman said no was hooked to back up lights.. I don't like em but might use it if it had a on/ off switch. Just wondering http://66.221.140.243/userpics/confused.gif"> Auto Rescue said: My two Petes and the forklift have them without shut off switches, in the case of the big trucks they are for other peoples protection in case I might not see them when backing up. John R. Rod VT said: Both trucks got em. Rollback has a switch on the ground so I can keep from disturbing my neighbors at night. It's a project for the wrecker next. Freelance66 said: Law here, that is probably why dealer cannot/will not deal with a possible lawsuit. ibuytoys said: We have them on all of our trucks. The louder the better!! Forgivenone said: We have them on our trucks. Connected to the back up light circuit I think. Feel naked without it when it loosens, tighten up the ground connection and works like a charm again. I'd hate to drive a truck without one. Gale25yrs said: Got em on the big rigs. They're standard on the Jerr-Dan heavies. towscorpio said: Our entire fleet has backup beepers installed on them!C'ya In The Ditch! Kevin Stead WM#030058 6/7 santiam01 said: The Oregon D.O.T. requires all their vehicles & the vehicles of anybody doing work for them to have beepers. So the City of Portland requires beepers for all the tow contractors. Jerr-Dan has been selling all the factory built units with beepers. We have been doing an interupt switch for the guys doing repos & impounds. Towtrk1 said: I agree with having them installed with a cut-out switch. But as I understand it, it was DOT law that every commercial vehicle had to be equipped with one. Maybe not so, but makes good sense. I'd like to see alot of the medium and heavy wreckers start coming mandatory with back-up cameras too. Little kids dont always know where the sound is coming from, or just plain dont pay attention. Neither do adults for that matter. Don 29 Yrs aka THTDON said: All nine of my trucks have back-up alarms. None are equipped with toggle switches. I can see installing a momentary push switch, so you can hold it in and stop the beeping while you are backing up into your own driveway. Other than that, let it beep. Timco said: I only had one on my wrecker untill recently. I bought a box of 4 on ebay for 5 bucks!! All new & in the box..what a deal! dnh towing said: our insurance company requires them on our trucks.besides they can't hurt only help,unless your doing repo's then you need a switch. Interstate Towing said: We have them on all of our trucks from light to heavy, the new one has a 117 db alarm. Since it's the on call truck it has a switch so we don't disturb the neighbors when we leave or come home late at night. Towmaster B said: Our trucks have them but we disabled them. I don't want the city trying to tell me I can't park a truck in my yard because the neighbors might complain. A switch sounds like a good idea. I would rather have them for safety, but the cops like the quick response times because we take a truck home. Our trucks were just D.O.T. inspected in August and nothing was said about the back up alarms not working. I forgot to hook them back up for the inspection. Melville said: Have them on all of our trucks, everyone knows what that beep-beep means and keeps them away from the truck. I understand the hindrance that they will cause in repo's but for all other situations they are a valuable safety device that should not be altered. By installing a switch you put the burden of activating it on the driver and we all know that drivers never forget to turn off the beacons, or install safety chains, or put on towlights. I think that it should be left as intended and the annoyance is worth the effect. oklatom said: They cost a little more, of course, but the newest beepers listen to the background noise and set themselves to be "X" many dbs above the background noise. At the edge of the busy highway they will be LOUD. Your driveway at night they will be more quiet. Worth looking into. twinbulls said: On my future truck I will have a switch that can turn them on or off as with the back up lights. I like to switch everything. redwolf1357 said: It is something some people may not like but in Chicago its like herding cattle the beeper helps. the louder the better. After all you need to be louder then the walkman. The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking of those who created them........ Divor said: my new truck is being built as we speak and i have requested that the beeper not be put on for my neighbors sake ivor deloro towing Freelance66 said: Is someone showing their age???? CBdancer said: wouldnt be without one!!!!!! saved me several times and i would be afraid of forgetting to turn it back on wreckmaster#010474 A Big Toe said: Yep, we got em too Any one else have an african grey? Every time I walk out the front door...BEEP...BEEP...BEEP. It was funny at first...Any one want to buy a bird? Jeff Started Feb. 2004: smoffrd said: yep trucks got 2 one in the rear and 1in the grill for thouse that like to walk around the front while i'm trying to back a car up (ran over a guys foot as he walked in to my fender) @ the track and yes i have a 3 way switch its eather on even if truck isn;t in reverse off no matter what or on normal towinguy said: I think some insurance companies require them. I think every truck should have them. As for the neighbors, are they going to pay your bills if you run over someone?Gregg WM010022 wm97891 said: from what i understand OSHA also requires these, MO Tow said: For those that are concerned for their neighbors convience, safety always wins. There was a local tow truck operator the backed over a kid several years ago. A back up alarm would have saved a life.Adam Cardinal All-Hour Towing St. Charles, MO KingDragenWagon said: On all of our fourteen trucks they have back up-beepers On our city police contract it is a must, and highway patrol frowns if you don't have it. Was working a truck wreck with another company, and had the head of DOT there and has he backed up. There was no warning of him moving back wards and this official said, he would not be on our scene again. And yes we do have switches to turn them off when they are at their houses. Rod Midkiff said: I've done an install a few times.. a (on) (off) (momentary on) switch if you turn it on.. it turns the back up alarm on.. (full time).. and the alarm I installed had a third wire for a different (full volume) beep that was different then the back up beep beep.. (if when in this mode you also put the truck into back up the normal beep beep sounds (again full volume) (this was VERY handy for moving the truck with people around it.. they turn and look at the sound.. if you turn it off. the back up alarm sounds with the auto volume control if you turn it to momentary on if you put it in reverse first. the beep will sound until you push the button.. if you hold it to momentary on before putting the tow truck in reverse no sound it made at all.. and you do not have to hold the button... so you can still freely move and watch in both mirrors.. having to hold the switch strikes Me as unsafe..).. the momentary on on is a simple latching relay setup.. http://images.yuku.com/image/jpeg/31e15058db448b652f1c6dfb640329015b38b0d.jpg black box is a back up beeper.. (thought it was in the drawing but must have forgot to save) drew this up from memory.. you can build this with almost any relay.. top and bottom terminals are to the coil that turn's the relay on when power is put to it. the three though the middle.. with the coil turned off.. the back up light wire is connected to the beeper. and you hear the beep beep beep.. touch the momentary switch.. and how. the power from the back up light is now "latching" the relay on). and disconecting the beeper.. and you can back up in silence.. shift into neutral (or turn the key off). and turn off the back up lights.... then put the truck back into reverse. again.. you get the beep.. no need to remember to turn it back on.. as it will only be silent each time you press the momentery switch.. last install of this I did.. was in a KW.. and I had a spair marker light switch that worked perfect for this (on) (off) (momentary on) switch stay safe Rod school of hard knocks #10151968 WreckMaster #081557 capptow said: had to fix mine today. finally woarmed up enough to do something. i was in a gated com. and too many people didnt move when i backed up. 102 decibal. $55 @ NAPA wrekman0920 said: i have them on all the trucks and actually it bothers me when i dont hear other commercial vehicles with out them. tobtow said: all of our trucks have them in Maine you have to have them on any com truck. MTA415 said: on a repo truck I would disable it!!! Fo Sho Bro!!! Tobtow said: We have them on all the trucks. It seems like the FD guys like to get close to the action. When we put one in reverse they move!!!! Bob bytown tow said: It's the law here in Ontario and we have them on all our trucks and they are installed on every unit we build and sell !

Topic Originally Created on Tow411 in October of 2003: Hawktow said: Thought i would pass this safety tip along.when pulling shafts be sure all tension is off and shaft has movement. when i was pulling shaft it was in a bind,i was just going to take straps off of u-joint and move truck back-n-forth with lift to "pop"outshaft. when taking last bolt out of last strap the yoke on the rear-end busted!i was lucky all i had was a broke bone in my hand.. looking back on that job i should have done it differantly,but it was to late.my employer was more worried about who had to pay for bad yoke than his driver.so just be careful when pulling shafts they can bite... Gale25yrs said: This is a good subject to be reminded of. The motorhomes with the automatic park brake on the driveshaft seem to be the worst to be in a bind and the only way to release em is to roll back and forth or jack up a wheel on one side to free it up. Just last night I picked up a Volvo conventional that was stuck in gear on I 5. at the last second after pulling the bolts I got that feeling that I had forgot something, I checked and couldnt rock the shaft so I rolled away and had the O.O. step on the clutch and the shaft jerked a little and almost came out of the yoke by itself. Good thing I didnt pry it out while I was sitting with my head between the shaft and frame. letsplay2 said: Safety is everyone' concern and it should be on all of our minds each and every day that we go to work. I am glad that you didn't get too seriously hurt. A broken bone is painful but it also could have been a lot worse. Devin Hartland Service said: Another option I have used on RV's with the electric trans lock is to jack up one set of rear duals. Jeff wreckmster said: Which parking brake setup is this?? I dont recall having a problem with the GMC rental straights?? WM010544 said: I learned that one on a 2001 IHC 3400 mini bus. I don't know why I didn't remember to take off the tension before removing the shaft but it came out fast, I'm just lucky that I had moved from where it came out before it did!!!Ant hansonMA said: I personally know someone who had 25+ yrs in the towing biz and thought he had the tension off the shaft until it came out and broke his cheek bone,along with a couple of teeth and a sick black eye.You can never be too carefull.I think of how he looked everytime I crawl under a truck to pull a shaft. BE SAFE BE CAREFUL hawktow said: WRECKMSTR,it was 1999 (new at time) i.h ryder truck 3000 miles on it Curt Sharp said: Some of the GM units with the electric assist parking brakes have a manual release under the drivers side step area. These are similar to Ford style "cans" with the pin built in. Some do...some don't If it needs to be towed, it won't Murphy's Law! Curt Unknown Member said: I don't think you realize how Lucky you are to only have a broken bone in your hand few years ago when tow operators wer still the extrication experts in our area (before the fire DP took it over thank goodness) I got a call for a man pinned under a car a Cod three call with a police escort upon arrival I was informed that the victim was still under the car I positioned my truck and quickly stabilized the car and lifted the car about 8 inches as the medics requested and then stood by while they did their work about 5 minutes passed and I was told to stand by for the coroner as it turned out the owner of the car was going to change the u joint and the car moved wrapping the owner around the drive line this loss of life could have Ben easily prevented by the simplest safety steps BLOCK THE WHEELS RELEASE THE TENSION ON DRIVE LINE AND ANNY OTHER SAFETY STEPS YOU CAN THINK OF SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY

Topic Originally Created by Littletow on Tow411 in July of 2011: Does anyone have an established cross training with fire,police and towers out there? Let me add, that is NOT manufacturer of any product based? It can be an association or individual. Thanks! Wm99480 said: We don't at this time but that could be 1 of your first projects here at your new job at ABC Towing! nullstowing said: Yes we cross train on a regular basis. At least one "major staged" training event a year between the different departments and our company. Fastfreddie said: In Virginia at least in the Northern part, The firefighters are certified in a class called "Heavy Tactual Rescue". this is a advanced level class that has several other classes that they must attend before they can even register to take this class. The state Dept. of Fire Programs oversees this training and has only a handful of instructors that they will allow teach it. Now, for the Towers part in the training most instructors will invite two or three towing companies to the class. We set up / stage the accident(s) with under runs, overturns w/ entrapment's, school bus accidents with multi students pined inside ETC....One thing for sure the firefightes learn just how helpful a Heavy duty tow truck with a GOOD opperator can make there job of rescue much easier. .......If you are looking for a training syllabus that might be hard to get your hands on because it is the property of the State fire programs. Hope this helps ResQtator said: Check with Patrick Zozaya LASVEGASTATOR60 . He trains quite a bit with LVFD. There has been quite a few other members here training with FDs. Billy Leach, Jr. teaches a program involving firefighters and recovery operators called Big Rig Rescue that is excellent. Classroom presentaion, notebook/text, and hands-on with heavy vehicles. In memory of Don44Tows who said: ohio has cross trained with billy leach before. Littletow said: Thank you all for your responses. I am going to try and be careful how I approach this, as not to offend anyone. As an instructor who travels around teaching all responders in ITC, I find in all areas, there is a GREAT lack of cross training. I will say that I have been to different so called " cross trainings" that are not! Any time you seperate entities at a training you defeat the purpose. NOW, before some of you say that " we try to" or " our FD don't want to" or " the PD think they are too good" ( I have heard it all) there is always a way. It may take determination and a lot of patience but it can happen. I know for a fact, that we as an industry have to educate other responders to what our equipment is capable of, especially FD. They do not need to know how to run our equipment, but they do need to know that when it comes down to cribbing, or lifting especially in an expedited manner we are the ones they need! I was just curious as to what or if there were any "true" cross training programs out there. Not just for rotators, or heavy rescue but any tow truck, any size of company. If you are doing it in your area, I commend you for your efforts. (I don't consider donating a car to the FD cross training) I would suggest to all of who don't, fire up the grill, throw some burgers on and personally go invite the FD, PD, EMS, Hazmat companies to come by and set up a couple of scenarios, and show them how you can assist THEM, NOT how you roll over something, let them know of your trainings, certifications, etc.. If we don't make the effort to bridge the gap, shame of us! They won't know how professional we are if we don't show them! I just came from a meeting of the NFPA ( National Fire Protection Association) where I was the only tower selected to sit on this committee for ITC qualifications. If the National association can see the need to recognize, accept, and invite towing into their standards, so can everyone else. You can see what we are working on at www.nfpa.org/1091. I am not sure of the final release date but it will be open for public comments soon. Chet, I told you, you find me a place to stay IM THERE!!!! In Memory of Scooby aka Howard Eagan who said: I've said this before in other places. If one has a good curriculum, they aren't going to "give" it away. Over the last 5 years we have been approached by 3 entities to sell our curriculum. two offers where what I would deem substantial. As far as the manufacturer/sponsor statement, i would guess that is directed towards my training company in which I'm 1/3 owner. I'm not offended by it, but i will enlighten you and others. In reality, no manufacture owns our training company. Its a partnership owned by Jeff Martin, Mike Curry, and myself. We have backing by many manufactures. If it wasn't directed towards me, thats OK, many think its owned and ran by Matjack, so it allows me to clear the air. Training of this type is not cheap. The costs are astronomical. To offset costs and have the proper equipment necessary to properly conduct classes, sometimes call for the help of sponsors. Its no different then Miller supplying WM with trucks, or Miller helping Tommy. To travel with a team of 4, 5 sometimes 6 guys.. hotels, fuel, food..... expenses are allot. I have seen where people try doing this training with the thought that it can be done with 1 or 2 instructors and maybe use the local wrecker or fire guy to teach too. That philosophy does not work. I was personally involved in NJ on one of the state extrication teams back in the 90's, working under our team captain; Charlie Angelo. Every member of the team specialized in a particular station. They taught a primary station, and where back-up for another station in case of a absentee. There has to be a combined team to teach cross-training. The team needs to consist or both rescue and recovery personal. The personal needs to have a acceptable resume of field experience. When teaching large groups, especially in the rescue profession, having 1 or 2 instructors to teach 40/50 people is not acceptable, nor is it safe. Credibility and respect.. something the rescue service demands. Its much easier coming in to teach cross training when you have half the team instructors well respected in the rescue filed for their accolades. The cold hard truth is many towing companies have great operators and great equipment. The problem is they are not educators. They have problems professionally presenting. They stand in front of people and every other word out of there mouth is "a"...."um"...with their hands in, then out of their pockets. They are not rehearsed in putting together a proper course curriculum and agenda. The intentions are good, but when its presented, its not. Having a outside entity come in to do the training solves allot of these issues also. Courses can't be a one size fits all. Each course has to be customized for the particular recovery companies and rescue squads equipment and capabilities. Being a educator, requires one to be a entertainer. One must be able to hold the classes attention. One would have actuality have had to spend time on a rescue squad or equivalent to fully understand. Some of these squads spend allot of time training. For some its a requirement. They view the recovery service as not having the same educational standards as them. Fortunately there are a few recovery companies that are able to win their emergency personal over. Schlier's would be one, and I have also herd some good things about nulls over the last couple years. There are many others, and I don't mean to short-change them by not giving them a nod I've seen cribbing habits of towers, many are not proficient at it. In order for us to offer something, we must make sure we are good at it. By teaching the whole group together at the same time, one can address these issues. Thats what cross-training is. Separate entities working and training together. For the wrecker guy to respect the rescue, they must pick up that tool and do some cutting/spreading. For the rescue to appreciate the wrecker operator, they should operate the controls of the wrecker, and see how difficult it can be. they should be doing rigging, they should have a basic understanding of the rigging. Just some thoughts, I hope you don't take them the wrong way. I have been involved in cross-training, as well as having command on many large scale rescues from mid-air plane collisions to being sector command on such events as train derailments and so on. We started in the 80's doing this training, well before it became what it is today and is now a business for some.. me included. In fact, its big buisness, with everyone wanting to get on board. I'm a firm believer that anyone teaching this should have a resume of actual service/jobs performed, their "heart" is in it and have a genuine passion that drives them. It takes a special person to risk their own life to save another... knowing that they themselves might not come home if they put themselves unselfishly in harms way. On the other hand, it can haunt a man (or woman) the rest of their lives, by having the physical tools to save someones life, but not being educated/knowing, mentally being able to perform the task. I sometimes tell this story at some of the classes to get the point across to the non-believers. I had someone say those words to me one night.... the night he decided to take his own life. It haunted him not knowing what to do... and he had all the equipment in the world to do it. This is important training, the fact is, it might just save your own life. It's more then just a buisness to me. I can safely say that it is for every trainer on our team also Rodney P said: The heart,soul and mind is and seems to have been in the right place Scooby Thanks DodgeTowGuy134 said: Angela, Are you working on developing a "nationwide" model for a cross-training program? Our company is currently working on a program and I'm interested to hear more about what your getting into and getting going. I am a firefighter and rescue tech and also own/operate my towing/recovery company, Im in the ditches and on the FD trucks, so I see both sides of this and have been at scenes where tow trucks CAN make a MAJOR difference in the outcome of an incident. I'm in support of cross-training and looking forward to hearing more of whats in progress of development about this. Bill Leach said: I have been in the fire/rescue service for over 18 years now and have been in towing and recovery for just over a year. I think its a phenomenal idea and concept and have encouraged it for several years. Nice to see the NFPA is getting involved now. I too would like to see whats going to be coming up and get involved/certified in this as well. I have been a rescue technician for many years as well as an EMT and many other certifications involving the fire service. And I am also going for my wreckmaster cert in a couple weeks. Look forward to it! Cant wait to see the new protocol... Kyresqtow said: Every couple of years My father and I are co instructors at the state Fire school held here locally... We show them the importance of working together... and that we can be just as important in saving lives as they are... No matter how much equipment they stick on their trucks sometimes you just have to have something larger than air bags because they can only lift so high.... Taught a few instructors a thing or two over the years about the dangers of using bags in certain cases.... We volunteer our time much as do those fighting the fires in our communities... Scooby that is where I take exception to your statement of giving things away.... Men and women give their time to volunteer for fire service all over this country... some times.... you have to give them a little back. and yes I bet if you go back far enough you will find that even your little area even started as a volunteer department.... Littletow said: Scooobbyyyyyy..... I am not pointing fingers at anyone specific, let me say that first. I have been to a "cross training" that was not cross training, at least not by my definition. I do not need curriculum from anyone, and am not asking the question to receive any. It was asked of me at my NFPA meeting of cross trainings. I would agree with almost everything you say above and I appreciate the response. I just believe that more cross trainings need to exist and not so much at the level in which you are teaching. What about the smaller companies in rural areas? Not everyone, have several large trucks, and or airbags , etc... I covered all but 8 states in the last two years teaching and there are alot of entities that would welcome a great cross training. Knowledge is power and people are hungry for education. Some of the FDs have funding available for these kind of trainings. I would never fault anyone who puts out a great product for a decent price and the students get a lot out of it. As instructors, the last thing we want to hear is that your class sucked and was a waste of time... just saying! LOL This is not about pricing or people or specific operations, it is about great training for all responders as a whole. If the government can start to see us as part of the big picture then we as an industry need to step up and be a apart! You can trust me on this, if we don't start doing it, they are going to do it for us. It is happening in several states and if you will take a look at the states that have Incident Management Programs, the trainings are already there. I will support trainings that I have been too and believe in and I could not recommend any cross training to the fire personnel that were asking. In Memory of Scooby aka Howard Eagan who said: Like I said Angela, no offense was taken, but I thought I would take the time to clear the air on some things why the opportunity presented itself. Unfortunately, it may have been at your expense. Matjack is a great sponsor of the program. Mostly in part thru my business dealings with john as his factory rep/product trainer. He made the commitment many years ago to my personal agenda with the BTR stuff. W/O his support, we could have never got it to where it is today. In his defense, he has never tried to push any product agenda. BTR has a strict policy with all our sponsors that the classes are not going to be "product demo" sessions. All our sponsors are aware of this.. and its maybe why our classes have been successful for all these years. I think we can lay claim to having perhaps one of the longest successful training organizations of this type. I have seen many pop up over the years, but fall apart do to interior bickering or just plain bad curriculum's. There are probably a few other things I want to say, but would rather discuss it privately and in person. Kyresqtow, I've read my response below back to myself a few times Kevin, every-time I do, it comes off that I'm attacking you.. which I don't want to give that impression. I just wanted to defend what I/we do and what good is the result of it. I guess in a ironic way.. I do agree with your statement In all reality Kevin, I have given plenty. In fact.. I believe I have earned the right to own a training company and operate it for some sort of profit. I have been away from home, worked 21 hour shifts, slept 2 hours on a sidewalk and gone right back to work..... to do work that is to horrifying for many on this board to even grasp w/o the thought of puking. I have paid my own way for all emergency training and certifications over the years. Have given many many years of service to the rescue squad as a member and officer...... all for free I charter no thanks. I could careless about some award or a silly title below my name. I have deep convictions as to why I choose to do this. I have chosen this of my own free will. I have developed friendships/bonds with some people that I will hold special to me for my entire life. Collectively we have accomplished things I'm very proud of. At times I think we conquered the world.. saving what lives we could... one at a time. They will always be my brothers and sisters.... and if needed, they will receive my help at whatever the price. so for you to say, I should give a little back... heres a sampling of what I give back BTR does a course at no charge a year to a fire training facility of our choosing. BTR also supports certain foundations that offer treatment of post traumatic stress to emergency workers. Jeff has supported the tema conter foundation up in Ontario Canada for years. I have on numerous occasions attended a few of their support galas..... a note to everyone, if you the tower responded to a horrific incident, and are bothered by what you encountered. contact a officer from your fire/rescue/EMS department. They will make sure you get the help you need. In fact, make sure you are invited to the debriefing. Chances are.. on such wrecks, the IC recognizes that it has the potential for emotional problems and will automatically have a group come in for a debriefing. Make sure you attend. If you are to proud to do that even... pick up the phone and give me a call.. I personally will do what I can to help you thru it in complete confidence... because as they say at tema.. even heroes are human BTR also supports a annual walk/race for canine cancer research in PA. This year, I'm hoping to take on one of the title sponsorships. In case you don't know, many of our fury friends aided in the rescue efforts at ground zero, in addition to many other rescue work around the world. The hazards they are exposed to make them sept-able to this kind of disease. On numerous occasions, free memberships have been given to departments to our classes. (entry fees have been "comp'd) we have done numerous classes a year at no financial gain for educational symposiums put on by our various sponsors I personally do a free HP bag class in my community once a year So as you see, theres plenty of giveback. theres plenty I'm not even discussing, as to be honest, its nobody's business how we choose to "give back" I can say this, when people here plunk down their hard earned money to either attend a BTR class or a Matjack class. There money is also funneled towards helping. I'll go one step further, that when people purchase Matjack/jumbo safe lift products, their money goes towards helping. John spends lots of Matjack's money donating product to qualifying training institutions, paying Jeff's or my expenses to do seminars and lectures. When I leave to do this.. I don't get paid. So last I checked, the dentist for my kids braces doesn't say.. hey Howie, its all good, your a good guy doing noble stuff, don't worry about that 4 grand. My kids needs shoes.. the shoe dude isn't impressed. When I walk into Best buy for a laptop to do these free seminars, the geek squad doesn't say.. heres a 1200 dollar laptop Mr.Eagan... keep up the good work...... doesn't happen. Hopefully you see my point, Charging for the training of the curriculum we develop, does give back

This Topic was Originally Created in February of 2005 by: Jim at Preferred Towing & Recovery, Inc. Noblesville, IN We have a ghost in our shop. I have never met him before, but I know his name. All of my employees know his name too. I wouldn’t have known his name, but each one of my employees has told me his name at one time or another. Our ghost’s name is Notme. How do I know that his name is Notme? Well I will tell you. Notme is a very mischievous ghost. He makes messes and looses stuff all the time. Just like last week, the shovel off truck 8 was missing. I asked Jon the driver of truck 8 who lost the shovel. “Notme” he said. I can remember about a month ago I went to do a winch out with truck 1. Truck 1 is an International 4700 with dual winches and we normally have 2 snatch blocks on the truck, but one of them was missing. I asked Scott if he knew who lost the snatch block. “Notme” he said. I asked Thomas who lost the snatch block. “Notme” he said. I asked the new guy Steve if he knew who lost the snatch block. “Notme” he said. He’s new and he knows the name of our ghost already! Notme is really starting to drive me crazy. I was walking through the shop yesterday and I noticed a J-hook and chain lying on the floor in the shop. Why would one of the J-hooks be off of one of the trucks? I know what it’s like to go out on a call and something is missing off the truck when you get there. It always makes me really mad to find something missing when I need it. I asked Larry, one of the mechanics if he knew who took it off the truck. He looked at me and said “Notme”. I even asked Shawn the other mechanic if he knew who took it off the truck. You can guess who he said did it. “Notme” he said. Every time there is a mess that has been made somewhere around the shop guess who I find out made it. That’s right “Notme” made the mess. Guess who always has to clean it up. That’s right “Me” that’s who. I guess I’m not the only one who has a ghost though. I was talking to a friend of mine who runs a towing company across town this morning. He has a ghost named “Ididntdoit”. Do any of you have ghost’s in your shop too? Oklatom said: Mine is even worse. I go up a ladder with a screw driver I will need in my HAND, and when I get to the top, it's gone. Most of the time I'm alone in the shop when it happens. Or I will need one thing, one piece of hardware, and look everywhere. I go to the store, and of course there are 3 in the package. I use the one, and when I go to put the other 2 away for later, I find several packages of the same hardware that was NOT there when I looked the first time. It's obvious NOTME moves things around. Or perhaps he takes the original and leaves an exact duplicate? Stevo said: Ours is "Dont look at me" Choice Towing & Recovery Fredericksburg,Va If you neeed help in our area just call...804-586-3343 Oklatom said: I think he has a cousin named "Idonno" too. In Memory of Eagletow who said: Mine is ,"I DIDNT DO IT ". So one week I made out one paycheck and left it on the table for Larry, Moe and Curley . It was made out to "I DIDN'T DO IT" . When they whined about where their check was I told them "Hey whenever I asked who did some thing the "new guy " was the one you all said so I just figured since he did everything he should be the only one to get a check . pttowguy said: OH this sounds sooo familiar!! He must be good though, he sure gets around fast!http://www.tow411.net/images/emoticoncussing.gif Buddy Corgan said: Around here they call him "It was like that when I got here". Sometimes he stops by my house too and takes all the spoons. My Dad actually knows his real name...it is Kevin. He is the one to fail to empty garbage, fix stuff around the house, shovel walk...all sorts of neglected duties are Kevin's resposibility. Never met him, but I see he gets around. Peter Towmaster B said: Geez! These ghosts sure do get around! I have had all three of them here before. They all must haunt employees, because ever since I became a one man show, all the ghosts have left the area. On a more serious note, I do believe I have a real ghost at my house. I have seen doors move by themselves, things falling off tables and shelves. T.V.'s that turn themselves on and off and also change the channel as if looking for a good show to watch. On numerous occasions my dog has barked and growled at nothing as if something was indeed there. In Memory of Annonymoose who said: To be real serious . When we were in Detroit our one shop was huge and I was on a fire department that had a 1954 American LaFrance open cab fire truck in show room condition which they bought from Traverse City F.D. . They had no place to put it ,so I kept in my shop . We used it for parades and as a back up engine . It was a real cool truck to drive and use . Real strange things happened the day we brought it over to the shop. Funny noises when no one was there in the shop ,things moved around the engine and talking coming from the back room . One night I was in the office alone and thought I saw someone walk past the door into the shop ,but it was dark so I discounted it as nothing ,but in the next couple days other people saw it too ,But Laura saw it as she came in one morning but when she saw it she thought it was someone from the department checking the truck because he was wearing turnout gear .When she asked who was in the shop I told her no one and we went in back ,of course no one was there . Laura described the guy as wearing a trun out coat with the old day boots ,hmmmm we dont wear those anymore we wear turnout coats and bunker pants with short boots ,hmmmm?????? Ok,so a week or so about 5 troopers were at the office one night ,late ,after a bad wreck and were doing up the report and warming up drinking coffee when one see's a figure walk past the window in the shop . He got up and asked who that was . We all went in and I saw him walk around the engine in the rear . we came around the truck from both sides but no one was there and there was no way anyone could get in or out without us seeing them .Wow,we were absolutely sure we all saw the figure moving that night . The next day I called the Traverse City F.D. and talked to the Fire Chief . I asked him about the engine and if there was anything strange about it . He laughed and said I see you have met Roy ! Who da hell is Roy? It seems a fire fighter who was assigned to that engine in the early 60's was killed on duty while on a run with that truck and every so often he was seen (or thought to be seen )checking out his truck for the next run !!! Well Roy was at a new station now and we kept on seeing him every so often untill the day the department sold the truck to a collector . For a minute in time I thought we all had lost our minds ,but like they say I guess truth is stranger than fiction . "The most thoroughly wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed." Jim said: I'm happy to know that I'm not the only one with ghosts. Jim Preferred Towing & Recovery, Inc. Noblesville, IN In Memory of Annonymoose who said: I aint afraid of no ghost http://www.tow411.net/images/emoticonnerves.gif annettemcd said: http://www.tow411.net/images/emoticonwow.gif Moose, that is some story!!! I have only heard two other ghost stories like yours. One was a friend who was teaching in an Eskimo village. In the small villages there is a lot of visiting back and forth. She had something for a student and went to his house to deliver it. An older man answered the door and invited her in to warm up at the stove. She want in and talked to him for a while. Later she was talking to the student's mother and mentioned how she enjoyed talking to the old man. The mother looked at my friend and asked for a description of the man. Then the mother said that that was her father and he had died a few months before my friend had arrived in the village. The other story is that there are two boats built for the local barge company in 1952. The two boats were tunnel-hulled steel boats replacing the old wooden-hulled sternwheeler. They were identical boats named the Yukon and the Tanana. The only difference was that the Tanana always had a moose rack mounted on the front of the pilot house. (She still does.) The Yukon was always said to be haunted. I am not sure why. In the 70's, the Yukon was out on the river when it caught on fire. No one ever determined the cause of the fire. While it was burning, the crew who was on shore were sure that they heard and saw the ghosts on board. The boat burned down to its hull and the ghosts burned with it. letsplay2 said: I have one in our shop called "Idunno" and they are around every so often. I laugh every so often when I hear it's name. Devin Unknown Member said: This is almost the same as Personal Trucks v. Company Trucks. I DUNNO and NOT ME work here too. . . http://www.tow411.net/images/emoticoncussing.gif Ken said: We have the ghost named, DON"T LOOK AT ME! he gets around too, must be a family member to all the other ghost's. Ken. Stevo said: I wish our ghost would pick up a rag once in awhile,its funny how trucks get dirty even when everyone says they just cleaned them. Choice Towing & Recovery Fredericksburg,Va If you need help in our area just call...804-586-3343 Timco said: Mine was a female ghost. Her name was Ima. I had a salesman at the carlot who was always talking about her. As in ``I`ma gonna wash those cars tomorrow....or I`ma gonna sell that truck today.`` When I moved from that location, Ima & that salesman somehow got left behind.

Topic Originally Created by Rod VT in January of 2004: One bodyshop/garage in my town just dropped his insurance on his wrecker because he didn't run it enough (or profitably enough) to make it worthwhile (especially when he was in the middle of a repair). There are rumours that another tower not too far from me isn't going to be able to renew his insurance due to too many claims. Dougie says he is having a hard time finding anyone who will write him insurance on a start-up company. My question is: will the high cost of insurance be the downfall or the salvation of the towing industry? (no offense meant to you Doug). What I am thinking is that rates are low, due to too much supply (of towers). If the high cost of insurance eliminates "marginal" operations, won't that permit a corresponding increase in rates? I expect that it will be a cyclical thing, and that when rates establish themselves at a higher level, supply will eventually catch up to demand again. In the meantime, solidly established businesses should soon be able to start commanding higher rates! Any thoughts from you old timers with decades long perspectives on the supply and demand thing? Rod Rudy Smith said: Good post Rod. The fact is that the upward pressure on tower’s rates due to fuel, insurance & to a lesser extent labor has been having an effect for the last 2 years. The adjustments are very gradual and not seen by most towers. Although a 4% rise in price is not enough for a tower that is working at or below breakeven to survive, that same 4% is huge when looked at in terms of our current economic inflation indexes. As the marginal operations fall out there are fewer towers to service the same demand and that in turn puts additional upward pressure on price granting the stronger companies more than 4% over time. Smart business people watch the inflation indexes closely and adjust prices in small increments to protect their profits each & every year. If you wait on the others, you could find yourself in the group that fails. On the other hand if you act to early or over raise price, you could loose too much market share and could still fail. To complicate it more, you have to watch transportation & energy indices because those are the closest indicator of towing cost inflation and those sectors always lead general inflation. You are feeling it now but it started in early 2002 and won’t show up in general numbers until after the Presidential elections. By the time that the consumer price index starts rising, towers have already been in a cost inflationary period for over 2 years. If you have not already raised prices you have lost profit margin if not created overall losses. Look for more rapid inflation following the elections in the fall. To stimulate the economy and win reelection, the Republican controlled Fed is artificially keeping inflation in check until after the election. To do this they have had to allow the Federal debt and ”balance of payments” to climb. The day after the election, no matter who wins, the rules of the game will change. Greenspan will take the brakes off of inflation in order to bring the Federal debt under control. This will put even more upward pressure on tower’s costs and in turn more pressure on price. Supply & Demand rules all economies, everywhere, all the time. Even in our little towing industry. ROD Yes to Salvation. Yes to increased rates NO I AM NOT OLD! Rudy mid-rivers towing said: Rod i know you ment know offence and wanna say thankyou for making sure i knew that i know this is off topic but i wanna be able to help someone who may need insur and cant find it progressive will write just about anyone for towing insurance but they can be rather pricey i was only paying aprox $3500 a year for towing repo and full coverage insurance on one truck wich may sound like a lot but some quotes i was gettin was much higher than that then when i would go to get insur form the higher quoted places they would say oh we are sorry you dont meet are qualifacatons (not in biz long enough) you would think it would be illeagle for all these companie to be pulling this must be in biz for so long beings the govt madates we must have insur. beings it all goes back to my orignal post of how can you get insurance without being in business and how can you be in business for 3 years without insurance if i was an insurance co and saw someone come to me wanting to insur them and they hadnt had protection for 3 years i would wanna jack up there rates due to how unsafe are they if they dont even have insurance i know that last comment might not have made scence but im just trying to figure out why and how these people can get away with doing the must be in biz for so long stuff.......anyone need a gently used soapbox? im through with mine for a while Doug, Unknown Member said: Hey Doug, I'm going to borrow your soapbox, if you don't mind, for just a minute! And Rudy, I believe your right about your economic predictions. It doesn't matter who goes in, it will change drastically. Rod, it seems to me that this is a double edge sword. If rates rise dramatically, then yes a lot of people will be put out or prevented from coming in. But, if costs rise too far, and rates increase substantially, then there will be people or investment concerns that will begin to eye the towing business as one big apple tree. These are people that don't know the front from the back of a towtruck. But, they'll go in, buy existing tow companies, and then, from a office a 1000 miles away, some college graduate bean counter will come up with all these wonderful ways to save money. Sound familiar?? Haven't been involved very deeply with the towing business (roadwise, anyway), but hasn't this industry already seen something like this a few years ago? Besides the more it costs to play the game, the less players there will be. That is the trouble now, we've gotten away from the "Mom & Pop" concept. That is why there is no customer service and we have all just become a number to them. Most, if not all, the owners on this board, are directly involved with their business and have many years of experience. Their involvement, knowledge and ways of doing business gives their companies the individualism that is so desperately needed in all businesses. There is a certain amount logic in what you say, Rod, it's just that I don't believe it would be reined in before it got out of hand. I don't mean to start anything here, I'm just giving my observation in regards to the question and I most certaintly respect your thoughts and opinions. And, I like that knuckleboom loader. Alright Doug, I'm going to give the soapbox back to you. Thanks for letting me expound. John McRae Towing, Rod, Most likely this body shop has not been charging enough and offering free towing to feed his shop with work. He has probably found so many towers will tow for him cheaper than he can and he can do better staying in the shop. People like this come and go in our industry because they can. He has to keep up his garage keepers policy anyway so the cost of insuring the tow truck should not be a factor. The best way to stabilize the number of tow services is to have minimum standards and requirements for towers to meet. The tow company's need to be registered and the drivers need to be citified before things will change. I have been watching this cycle for over 25 years. As long as anyone can do this work with out paying a minimum entrance fee to get in it will be the same roller coaster we have been riding and only strong stomachs will survive. Thanks, George Oklatom said: We are approaching 1,000 members of this board. Is that not a substantial number of towing companies represented to get a discount break on insurance? Is there anyone there that can run with that idea and get us an agent that will work with us? In 5 years I have had no claims, yet my insurance cost has gone up close to 300% Rod VT said: Interestingly, Vermont is the captive insurance capital of the U.S.! We have very favorable laws, just like Delaware is the corporation capital. It can be done nationally easily enough, no individual state registration is needed if it isn't available to just anyone, the offerings have to be part of a "captive" market. It boils down to towers insuring themselves, and being responsible (as a group) for everyone's losses. You have to put up about a half a million dollars to get started. The intersting part is when them's that's in start deciding who else gets to come in, and who stays out....???? I don't think the captive could take on the workman's comp portion but maybe most everything else. John, I wish you would mean to start something here. This is our place to discuss national issues. Regarding consolidators forcing out the Mom'n'Pop's, it's a good issue to consider but since it failed big time a few years ago, it's doesn't seem real likely to happen again. Miller won't be trying again any time soon, and they were the only ones who might have had an edge financially over independant operations (cheap trucks). Doug, I am sorry about your "Catch 22". Maybe if you hold off a little while rates will climb enough for the numbers to be more possible for you. Rudy, Thanks for your insightful post, even if you aren't old. Maybe you would be willing to take on reporting on the indexes to us here on the board so we would know when to nudge our prices. It's a little hard to watch the markets when you are a small show and your choices of activities come down driving, eating, spending some time with family, and sleeping (if you are lucky). Thanks all, Rod Doug Fitzgerald said: Here is something that would help small towing co's like me if the ins co's would insure us by the amount of drivers (myself 2) and let us have more than 2 trucks but the insurance rotate to the spare truck,4X4 truck Large Truck Etc. To run a good small towing Co We need 2 Med Duty 1 Hd 1 Flatbed 1 4X4 etc I can afford more equipment but can't afford the insurance on those trucks that will only get used once a week or so. The ins co would have all truck vins on file and what ever truck we got in would be insured. They would have to have a clause that ONLY my 2 drivers could drive. what do everyone think about this ? Hartland Service said: Rod, In theory yes the stronger company should be able to command a higher tow ticket for similar service provided in the past. However, with the majority of the light duty market being price controlled with Motor Clubs, I do not anticipate a windfall. Also, in terms of the retail segment for MVA's, the insurance industry will work even harder to get the casualty out of the yard of the initial tower, in an attempt to reduce costs. The general public, still needs to be educated about towing and recovery costs, as they still expect the service to be provided with todays modern methods and equipment at histories rates schedules. So in many ways it is a two sided sword........ Jeff Unknown Member said: I don't know the answer to the problem of rising Towing insurance costs,but I have seen the results of rising malpractice insurance rates firsthand,Private Medical Practices in this area are dropping like flies! The main reason is insurance costs.As far as percentages go,I don't think the Tow Industry is far behind,I would expect to see some of the Tow Companies closing up for the same reasons.You can only raise your rates so much,flatbed car trailers and car dollies still rent for basically the same prices they used to and I have been seeing a lot of them on the road lately. The Insurance companies are quick to point fingers and blame anything from "lawsuits" to "rising costs of business" It strikes me as odd that the majority of the insurance rate increases took place just after the Sept.11th tragedy (where insurance companies lost major $$$) and the Major Losses suferred in the Stock markets (where insurance companies also lost major $$$) brian leibos towing said: It would be great if some vigil anti would start blowing holes in some of these major insurance companies front doors until they saw it our way. I can see paying stiff rates if you had alot of claims. But as far as I'm concerned what do you call paing $7500 year just to keep 1 truck on the road? without any accidents... RAPE! The same thing one of our customers would say if you tried to charge them $75 bucks to tow them less than a mile. Lt Duty Rate And people wonder why things blow up! LOL Brian THTDON aka Don 29 Years said: Doug, here in MA, we have a movable repair plate, rather than a commercial registration. I currently own 8 trucks. But I have 5 repair plates. And there are five of us, so we each have a plate. I use my plate on whatever truck I'm driving, although I seldom actually move my plate. I have four tow trucks and four flatbeds. The four flatbeds are used daily, as is the tow truck that I drive. That leaves a one ton Chevy wrecker, a Chevy 3500HD wrecker, and my International medium duty wrecker. These trucks are paid for long ago, and I keep them as spare trucks. But at least I am not paying for them to be on the road. Doug Fitzgerald said: That is great Don http://www.tow411.net/images/emoticonthumb.gif I wish we had that here in Tx Doug http://www.tow411.net/images/emoticondriving.gif Jeeper1 said: You should here what the two major players here are "Self Insured" What the H_ _ _ does that mean! If someone trys to get you for a driver making a ding in your bumper - they have to take them to court - The real insured companies have to deal with it.......I just don't get it. Does anyone else really understand how they can do this and still be on for city/county police towers, along with other major contracts? Laurie annettemcd said: Laurie, I would think that if the requirement is $300,000 (as an example) worth of insurance, then a self-insured company would have to prove that, if there was a claim against them, they would be able to pay $300,000. Without that proof, they should not be able to be on rotation.

This Topic Originally Created by Body Soother in January of 2005: While it is a couple of days early, I thought I would get a jump on it in case anyone wants to run out and get some Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage. Something says these could be in short supply this year. Body Soother said: I have heard since I was a kid, "Eat black eyed peas on the first day of the new year for good luck." Do any other parts of the country have anything like this? I was gone most of day, didn't have lunch or supper, so I guess this year I will not have good luck. Came in put a couple jokes on and had to leave again, just got in, now going to bed. +++++Jim Tow Zone said: Corned Beef, Cabbage, Corn Bread and Blackeyed Peas. Looking Forward to 2005 Oklatom said: I don't think it absolutely has to be on the first, just the first dinner meal you have in the new year. Get some black-eyed peas for dinner tonight and you will have all the good luck it brings. Annettemcd said: I have never heard that, but it sounds like a great idea. I think that I will fix black-eyed peas for lunch tomorrow. I have not heard of any other traditions like this, tied to the New Year, but I wonder if the Chinese have some traditions like this because they think that the New Year is so important. Body Soother said: I planted some of those this summer in the garden. In the summer I ate so many fresh that they should count for new tear. Planted 2 packs, thought they would never stop making. I got tired of shelling peas, at least it was cheap eating. ++++++Jim In Memory of Va Sue who said: In many parts of the south including Virginia we have "Hoppin' John" which is a concoction of black eyed peas and rice. Va Sue Mr. Waialae Chevron said: Here in Hawaii we light firecrackers to scare away evil spirits. This is an Oriental influence that crosses all ethnicities now. There was so much fireworks that the smoke blocked out Waikiki looking from the east. I have heard of the black eyed peas and actually had a bunch myself. I also ate some okra and Macaroni and cheese. I should have enough good luck and chased away spirits to last me until next year! Barney Robinson Annettemcd said: Well, we set off fireworks (bartered a tow for a neighbor for them) on New Year's Eve. This is a big deal because since it does not get dark on the Fourth of July and this past summer the entire state was burning up, so fireworks were banned. New Year's Eve is better for fireworks! Today I made black-eyed peas, rice, and corn bread for dinner. So I'm two days late. Doug Fitzgerald said: Jim We had Ham,Blackeyed peas,cabbage and corn bread. I did not get to eat mine untill 8 pm tonight. I had a local call then a 25 mile run and then a 130 mile run (one way mileage) Happy new year from the pineywoods Doug formally of Fitzgerald's Auto Service & Towing San Augustine,Texas 75972 Serving The Pineywoods Of East Texas Since 1974 budtow said: Southern Tradition. Corn Beef Black Eyed Peas - must eat one for every month! Corn Bread Cabbage Drinks Optional - Sweet Tea, Coke, and Root Beer I hate black eyed peas but wife says I have to eat 12 so I pick out 12 exactly. Love corn beef! Cabbage I can take or leave. Corn bread is ok but hard to spead butter when not taken out of fridge. Buddy Mr. Waialae Chevron said: Jim, I have some friends that know some Southern customs and have me over for these special food items: 1) Okra. The ones I had were pickled and quite tasty 2) Black eyed peas 3) Green Collards 4) Mac and Cheese 5) Roasted pork loin with gravy 6) Corn bread 7) Yams Barney Robinson Body Soother said: Barney Ain't green collards is collard greens. Ain't yams is sweet potato. If your gonna eat country, gotta talk country. This year was a little different from last, only 2 calls 1st day of year. One had a wore out lisence plate other was a honda crv upside down. Best of luck to everybody this year, don't forget to eat the blackeyed peas. +++++++++++++++Jim Unknown Member said: Everybody is forgitting the Grits. Nothing better the blackeyed peas, grits, hot cornbread, turnip greens, and a big glass of buttermilk.

Topic Originally Created by midday in March of 2010: found this little treasure in the woods a friend told me there was a tow truck in there so i went huntin. had to cut a road into the area as the trees and weeds had taken over. i was told that i could get the truck but had to remove the cars and boat first. so with help a chain saw and a friends camera we got them out. If anyone has ever heard of red arrow mfg company i am interested in finding out some history .thanks hope you like pics . Some Images of the recovery are missing from the archives. Ed Barker said: I know that's a 1965 Ford truck,,I've never heard of the bed but I bet there is someone on here that sure has heard of it. localtowee said: Love 65 Ford Tow Trucks..... A good friend had one for many years ..... His was black and yellow with lots of chrome.. dsc said: Great Find! jimmypinktruck said: Wow, thanks for posting the pics. Good luck with that project. Underdog said: Looked real bad in the woods....but it looks in pretty good shape now that you got it out. Good luck with it. Stay Safe, Rich. TomJr said: That's very cool. I would run it as is. A 100k $ tow truck cant get that shade of red Fords turn when they get older. I love it. Da Wash Boss said: very nice,,, never heard of them but would love to see more of them.

Topic Originally Created by Blkwill in June of 2006: This is one of those calls where the customer calls everybody. A fellow tow company was called for it as a tow and this what he found and when I got there in the wrecker we both worked and used both truck so no one had a wasted trip. How You do that!!!!!!!! Ed Barker said: Nice job. letsplay2 said: Nice job... How in the world can anyone think that with your truck leaning so hard that all they need is a tow? Yikes... Deivn sweiljr said: Nice team work. Steven Weil jr wreckmster said: nice job..... They come out easier if you winch from the low side. Doing it this way gives a partial vertical lift and a forward winch. nullstowing said: Nice job Will, you wont know how to act with a real big truck. BLKWILL said: Steve, I wanted to get down to that low side but the rad. was only about 3" from the ground and I didnt want the chain near it at that angle. You may see it in this pic. Yes Jarad I got the fever for a BIG Winch.Will Cain Chesapeake Service 410-287-2666 MTA415 said: Good execution Will. Is that you "conducting" on the scene?I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand. BLKWILL said: Yes Trevor that my fathers son. Me Will Cain Chesapeake Service 410-287-2666

Topic Originally Created in September of 2008: just a few pics. of some of our equipment we use for the Georgia t.r.i.p. program . we are one of five companies certified by the state to work major truck wrecks in metro Atlanta.

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