THE GUIDE TO AT EXPOSITION 2026 IN BALTIMORE
PUBLISHING
The Road Calls
OFF-ROAD RECOVERY CLASS DROWSY DRIVER DANGERS GETTING PAID PROMPTLY WORKPLACE SAFETY TRAINING
TowIndustryWeek.com
AUGUST 2026 AmericanTowman.com
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Contents
Cover Feature
Volume 50 Issue 8
52
Off-Road Recovery Class
August 2026
By George L. Nitti and Steve Temple Photos by Christopher Walker When a Jeep tumbled off an eroded cliffside, the odd-angle rescue turned into an impromptu classroom for a group of students.
Features
12
Getting Paid Promptly The Battle for Fair Compensation By Brian J. Riker
22
Workplace Safety Training
Creating Excellence From Within By Terry Abejuela
28
Departments 6 8 10 11 12 18 22 28 34 58 64 71 72 81
The Walkaround News Share Road Tools Zoom-In Towing Legislation Tow Business Hands-On Tech Towman Techniques Ad Index Repo Run Supplier Scoop Towman’s Market My Baby Adventures of A.T.
Drowsy Driver Dangers
Sleep Matters for Safe Operations By Randall C. Resch
The American Towman staff continues to honor Steven L. Calitri, our Editor-In-Chief, who passed this last December. On the cover is a commemorative insignia, a tribute to a man who had a great passion for this industry and made a difference in the lives of so many towers. Intrepidus Imperator is a Latin phrase that translates to “Fearless Commander”.
4 • August 2026 | Towman.com
First on the scene since 1977
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AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • 5
The Walkaround The Beat Goes On There’s an old saying about “beating a dead horse,” but at American Towman, it’s a drumbeat that we’ll continue to pound: the importance of training for tow operators. In this issue, Terry Abejuela makes a compelling case that formal training is essential for establishing industry standards, while emphasizing that ongoing in-house trainDennie Ortiz ing is an equally valuable complement. Terry contends that this type of instruction builds confidence, reinforces safe Publisher operating procedures, reduces risk, and strengthens your entire operation. Terry’s message is simple in that training should not be viewed as an expense, it should be considered an investment in your people and your company’s future. The drumbeat continues with another critical topic—safety. This month, Operations Editor, Randall Resch, examines the dangers of sleep deprivation behind the wheel. He begins by recounting a tragic case of a tow operator who fell asleep while driving, resulting in a fatal crash that ultimately led to a manslaughter conviction. Randy follows up with practical guidance on recognizing fatigue, detailing how to reduce the risks of drowsy driving, and even recommending what to do if you or one of your operators is involved in an incident or faces a citation. Across the country, towers continue to face the continuing challenge of getting paid for the services you provide. Brian Riker reports on a significant legislative victory in Maine, where a new law guarantees minimum towing and storage payments from motorists’ insurance companies when a vehicle is towed at the request of law enforcement. Brian rightfully applauds the efforts of the Maine Towing Association in securing this important legislation, and encourages tow companies to support their state and national associations. Brian advocates that strong industry representation is essential to advancing legislation that protects towers and strengthens the industry’s voice. Staying with the topic of getting paid, contributing author Jim Luff explains why choosing the right payment provider can make a meaningful difference. He highlights the advantages of working with a payment partner that offers specialized services tailored to the towing industry. Jim draws a clear distinction between basic credit card processors and providers that are more like partners that help streamline operations to improve cashflow and better manage your business. You really can learn something new every day, and we hope this issue offers plenty of ideas you can put to work in your own operation. Enjoy the rest of the summer, and as always, stay safe out there!
American Towman Milestones It’s been five years since I first joined American Towman as Editor, after attending TowXpo in San Antonio, Texas. That event was a revelation for me, as I came away impressed not only by the extensive display of tow trucks and equipment, but more important, by the quality of towing pros who I met. Hearing their dramatic experiSteve Temple ences quickly became a source of fascination, and continues to hold my rapt attention. What inspires and motiEditor vates an editor is having good stories to tell, and towers have them in abundance. Sadly, during my tenure our founder Steve L. Calitri passed away, and I wish I had gotten to know him better, but I do see the remarkable results of his devotion to the towing industry. And we’re certainly glad to have his son Steve C. Calitri carrying on the torch in a very capable manner. Along with the rest of our staff, several of whom have served at AT much longer than me, we will continue to work hard to do justice to all you dedicated towers.
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Dennie Ortiz Steven C. Calitri Ellen Rosengart Steve Temple Randall Resch Terry Abejuela David Kolman Mark Lacek Brian Riker George Nitti Henri “Doc” Calitri Paul Stephens
Publisher & President Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President Editor Operations Editor Field Editor, West Chassis Editor Repo Run Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor
Editorial Board Tommy Anderson Bill Johnson Kurt Wilson Tasha Mora Ron Meyers
Dallas, TX South Hadley, MA Creve Coeur, IL Austin, TX Cambridge, OH
American Towman Staff President AT Expo Corp. Art Director Advertising Sales Mgr. Regional Advertising Sales iMarketing Manager Finance Manager Conferences & Events Sr. Mgr. Events Manager Publisher’s Assistant Registration & Subscription Mgr. ATTV Producer Customer Service
Henri “Doc” Calitri Anne Ruzsilla Dennie Ortiz Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Lisa Ciraldo Ilce Negri Bryna Stankiewicz Stephanie Marchese Andrea Richardson Emily Oz Henri Calitri
American Towman Media Headquarters 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990 800-732-3869 or 845-986-4546
E-Mail: President Editor CEO Subscriptions
dortiz@towman.com stemple@towman.com capitano@towman.com subscriptions@towman.com
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Copyright ©2026 American Towman Magazine is published 12 times a year by American Towman Media, Inc.
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All material published through American Towman Media (AT), to include American Towman Magazine, iTowman.com and TowIndustryWeek.com, including advertisements, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. However, AT accepts no liability for any errors or omissions, and does not endorse any companies, products or services that appear. AT does not test or review products submitted for inclusion in its publications. AT does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of content, warranties or claims made or implied by its advertisers. The views expressed are the authors’ alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of AT. The act of mailing or delivering a letter, email or article to AT shall constitute permission to publish that letter or article or any portion thereof. AT reserves the right to edit any and all material submitted. No part of the magazine or websites may be reproduced without prior written consent of AT. AT reserves the right to not publish advertisements that disparage competitors or call into question the integrity of a competitors product or service.
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AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • 7
News Share Towers Called to Clear Blighted Industrial Site City officials in Warren, Michigan, conducted a large-scale cleanup operation at RSG Industrial Repairs after the property owner failed to comply with a court-ordered deadline to remove vehicles, equipment, and debris from the site. Dozens of local tow trucks, accompanied by police and city crews, arrived at the industrial property to remove disabled vehicles, forklifts, and other materials stored outdoors. According to Warren Director of Public Services David Muzzarelli, the action followed a court order requiring property owner Ron Gerst to clear the site by June 1. Muzzarelli said the cleanup was prompted by longstanding complaints from nearby residents and that the business lacked a valid site plan for outdoor storage. Gerst disputed the city’s actions, claiming his small business was being unfairly targeted despite efforts to comply. City officials said they will continue monitoring blighted properties as part of ongoing efforts to improve neighborhood conditions. Source: wxyz.com
Tow Company Sues Over Unpaid Judgment A Montana towing company has filed suit against both Intact Insurance and Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, alleging the carriers failed to defend a trucking company involved in a crash, and are now refusing to pay a $377,660 judgment stemming from towing and storage charges. According to the lawsuit, Iron Horse Towing responded to a tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 90 in December 2023 and provided recovery, towing, and storage services required under Montana law. The company claims it repeatedly notified the insurers of the claim but received little response. After months of unsuccessful collection efforts, Iron Horse sued Destiny Motor Freight in state court. The trucking company never appeared, and a Montana court entered a default judgment in October 2025 for $377,660 plus interest. Iron Horse alleges insurer representatives later acknowledged they were aware of the claim and failed to provide a defense for their insured. The towing company contends that both the policy and a federally required MCS90 endorsement obligate the insurers to satisfy the judgment. The case was filed June 10 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. The allegations remain unproven, and no court has yet ruled on the merits of the claims. Source: insurancebusinessmag.com
8 • August 2026 | Towman.com
AAA Adds Electronic Signs to Tow Trucks
AAA is taking a more direct approach to improving roadside safety by equipping tow trucks with electronic message boards that remind motorists to “Slow Down, Move Over.” The initiative comes as roadside workers continue to face serious risks from inattentive drivers. According to AAA, all 50 states have Move Over laws requiring motorists to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency and service vehicles stopped on the roadside. Yet only about 30% of drivers consistently comply. The new variable message signs are designed to grab drivers’ attention and provide a clear, easy-to-read reminder as they approach a roadside incident. “Look at it. Read the message. Slow down and move over,” said AAA’s
Two towmen reiterate benefits of electronic message boards John Palumbo, who noted that video footage has shown motorists changing lanes much earlier when the electronic signs are displayed. AAA has distributed more than 100 message boards to tow trucks across five states and plans to expand the program in an effort to make roadside recoveries safer for workers and stranded motorists alike. Source: wbko.com
Towman Remains Hospitalized After Shooting
A tow truck driver shot during Valley Hospital Medical Center. a violent confrontation on Southern The suspect was later located, California’s 210 Freeway leading officers on a pursuit on July 3 remains in that ended at a Covina gas critical condition as family, station. After reportedly coworkers and the towing brandishing a handgun, the community continue to pray suspect was shot by CHP for his recovery. officers and later died. Jorge Arias Mayen was Mayen has worked for working his final service Jan’s Towing for 20 years and call of the night for Azusais described by family as a based Jan’s Towing when hardworking man who often he was attacked on the right Jorge Arias Mayen stopped to help stranded shoulder of the eastbound was attacked on motorists even while off duty. 210 Freeway shortly before July 3, 2026. The sole provider for his wife 3:00 a.m. Authorities said an and 15-year-old son, Mayen unidentified driver confronted Mayen, now faces mounting medical expenses produced a handgun and shot him as his family asks for continued prayers multiple times before fleeing. Family and community support. members also told local television A GoFundMe campaign has been station KTLA that Mayen suffered stab established to help Mayen’s family wounds during the assault. with mounting medical expenses. Witnesses called 911, and California Donations can be made at: https:// Highway Patrol officers found Mayen www.gofundme.com/f/support-forcritically injured. Television footage jorge-arias-mayens-recovery-dahm9. showed officers performing CPR Source: youtube.com and before he was transported to Pomona sgvcitywatch.com
News Share
TRPNC Co-Founder
Rodney Clark Dies at 95
The towing industry is mourning His decades of leadership helped the loss of longtime leader and pioneer advance professionalism, safety, and Rodney Clark, who cooperation throughout passed away June the industry. 27 at his home in Owner of Clark Motor Lexington, North Company, established by Carolina. He was 95. his father in 1931, Clark Clark was one expanded the family of the founding business by adding figures of the modern towing operations in 1956. towing profession That decision launched in North Carolina. a lifetime of service to He co-founded the the industry and forged Towing and Recovery Rodney Clark stands beside one of friendships that endured Professionals of the meticulously restored vintage for generations. North Carolina gas pumps. TRPNC called (TRPNC), served as Clark “the oldest living its president, and was also a co-founder founder” of the association, noting that of the Towing and Recovery Association his vision and dedication helped build of America (TRAA), where he the organization into what it is today. represented the Southeast as a director. Source: davidsonfuneralhome.net
New Title for Ellen Rosengart It is with great pride that we announce Ellen Rosengart will now serve as Senior Vice President of American Towman Media. For nearly 36 years Ellen has been at the heart of the company and an essential part of the growth of both American Towman magazine and American Towman Expositions. Ellen began her journey with the company in 1991, selling subscriptions and ads for the company’s Road Service Directory. From there, she moved on to become AT Expo Event and Reservations Manager. Ellen admits though, “My true passion was sales and administration. I was more interested in growing both the magazine and the Expo.” As the chairperson and presenter for the ACE Awards, Ellen encourages motor clubs/call providers to nominate and recognize their service partners. “Ellen has been an integral part of American Towman’s growth and success,” said Dennie Ortiz, President of AT Media. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to serving our team, our
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clients, and the towing and recovery industry. Her leadership has been instrumental in our magazine’s editorial development and production, expanding advertising and trade show booth sales, and building the enduring connections with advertisers, exhibitors, and industry partners that have helped define our success.” Steve C. Calitri observed as well that, “Ellen Rosengart has dedicated 35+ years to building lasting relationships with tow industry leaders, adding to the growth of our expo exhibitors and magazine ads on our sales team, while serving as an advisor to American Towman magazine, playing a notable role in our company’s growth. It’s my honor to announce Ellen’s promotion to Senior Vice President of American Towman Media, where her experience and expertise will continue to contribute to the future of American Towman as a whole.” Ellen modestly adds, “My role in the company has always been a part of the silent support team in the background, dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s. But after 36 years, I’m not so quiet!”
NYPD Bars Unlicensed Tow Trucks The New York Police Department is stepping up efforts to combat illegal towing operations by preventing unlicensed tow trucks from accessing its Queens auto pound, according to a report by Gothamist. A memo sent to towing companies warns that trucks lacking proper New York City towing medallions, New York State “TW” plates, or operating with out-of-state license plates, will be turned away from the Springfield Gardens facility. The auto pound serves as a storage site for vehicles seized by police and abandoned vehicles removed from city streets. The action follows complaints and investigations involving unlicensed towing operators. According to Gothamist, illegal tow trucks have become increasingly common in New York City, with hundreds reportedly operating without required licenses or medallions. Towing company owner Denis Koufos Sr. told Gothamist that the new policy has helped reduce the number of unauthorized trucks using the auto pound. However, he said illegal towing activity remains widespread on city streets. Source: gothamist.com
Kentucky Tow Operator Killed in Loading Accident Randall “Randy” Kuntsman, 65, of Independence, Kentucky, was killed while loading a vehicle onto his tow truck on eastbound I-275 in Taylor Mill. According to the Kenton County Police Department, officers were called to the scene around 9:15 a.m. after reports of what was initially believed to be a pedestrian-involved collision. A subsequent investigation determined Kuntsman’s death resulted from an accident while he was recovering a vehicle from an earlier crash. Police said Kuntsman was in the process of loading the vehicle when the tow truck began rolling downhill. The incident ultimately led to fatal injuries. Authorities reported that no other vehicles were involved and that no suspicious circumstances are suspected. The Kenton County Police Department’s Bureau of Investigations is continuing to examine the incident. Source: linknky.com
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Road Tools A Winch in Time Miller Industries has introduced a standard winch upgrade across the company’s car carrier lineup. Effective immediately, all models (Century, Vulcan, and Chevron 10-Series, 12-Series LCG, and 16-Series LCG) will feature a new 12,000-lbs. worm-gear unit from DP Winch, replacing the previous 8,000-lbs. winch—a 50% increase in pulling capacity. This new winch configuration is exclusive to Miller Industries. The new DP worm-gear winch is a purpose-built, heavy-duty unit engineered to handle the demands of daily professional use. Key highlights include: • 100% Bronze Worm Gear—Provides superior heat dissipation over bi-metal designs, keeping internal components cooler under sustained loads and more resistant to premature wear. • Oversized Worm Shaft—Eliminates shaft flex under tension, maintaining proper gear alignment and reducing binding and heat buildup. • Exclusive 4-Year Warranty—Gives tow operators added peace of mind, reflecting both DP Winch’s confidence in the product and Miller Industries’ commitment to long-term reliability.
dovertwg.com
The new, stronger DP worm-gear winch provides a 50 percent gain in pulling capacity.
millerind.com
Lights, Camera, Action!
mastertailgaters.com
Snatch Block for Synthetics When a tow operator needs to redirect a line, exert force, increase pulling power, or solve an unusual problem, a synthetic snatch block can make the job possible and safer for everyone involved. TowToolz Xtreme XRP Snatch Block Pulley, measuring 10 inches in diameter, is the world’s largest winch pulley, yet is a lightweight alternative to traditional, heavy snatch blocks. For use only with synthetic rope, the XRP Snatch Block Pulley works in conjunction with TowToolz’ Xtreme soft shackles.
towtoolz.com 10 • August 2026 | Towman.com
The Master Tailgaters Wireless Tow Light Bar, featuring an integrated camera, is designed to make towing safer, easier, and more reliable. Available in 24-inch and 36-inch models, each light bar features a rugged all-metal housing that provides superior durability compared to plastic alternatives. Powerful magnetic mounting feet and adjustable pivoting bases ensure secure placement and optimal camera positioning. The integrated HD camera wirelessly transmits live video to the included seveninch recording monitor, allowing drivers to clearly see behind the towed vehicle. The monitor records footage directly to an SD card, creating valuable video documentation that can help reduce liability, support insurance claims, and improve driver confidence. Bright LED stop, turn, and running lights increase visibility, while the wireless design enables fast installation without cumbersome wiring. Built for professional towing, transport companies, dealerships, and roadside assistance, the Master Tailgaters Wireless Tow Light Bar delivers dependable performance and peace of mind.
Zoom In
Rare Rotator
The new Jerr-Dan 35/40 ton rotator fills a gap in the current product line where a smaller size is preferred. Legal in all 50 states without a permit (unlike many larger rotators), the 35/40 is suitable for use as an everyday tow truck, not just as a specialized piece of recovery equipment. While smaller, the 35/40 does not lack performance. The 37.5-foot, three-stage boom provides a reasonable extension, allowing the truck to reach over the nose and load a car onto a waiting flatbed carrier without closing a second lane of the highway. Where the 35/40 also shines is in its ability to continuously rotate the boom 360 degrees without stopping, which is rare in the rotator world. This truck also has a new outrigger design that saves weight while still providing stability. The operational difference between the new design and including extendable rear outriggers would only have a negligible difference in capacity (approximately 6%), so the decision was made to save weight behind the rear axle (and thus improve the ability to scale legal). Which makes this unit a good balance between recovery truck and tow truck, ideal for when a tow operator occasionally needs a rotator, but doesn’t necessarily need to bring out the 60- or 75-ton rotator. And it also fills a need for a truck that is economical to
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use as a daily driver/everyday heavy wrecker for routine towing and winching jobs. This new rotator is compatible with all 500 Series underlift options, and features multi-position, multi-direction compacting spade feet, and both dual main and auxiliary winches, along with a 50K planetary drag winch. Jerr-Dan has also expanded its heavy-duty product lineup with two new low-profile underlift offerings: the 350XLP and 500LP. Designed to address the increasing prevalence of lower front bumpers, air dams and aerodynamic designs, these new low-profile underlifts enable tow operators to get underneath
modern vehicles more easily. The new 500LP expands the company’s 500 Series of underlifts and is available across multiple Jerr-Dan heavy-duty platforms, including the JD50 Ton Integrated Heavy-Duty Wrecker, JD60 Ton Independent Heavy-Duty Wrecker, JD35/40 Ton Rotator and JD50/60 Ton Rotator. Depending on the configuration, the 500LP underlift delivers a 50,000lb retracted lifting capacity, 17,000-lb extended lifting capacity, and up to 148 inches of reach past the tailboard with forks at ground level.
jerrdan.com
AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • 11
Towing Legislation
The Battle for Fair Towing Compensation
Pennsylvania is not alone in this challenge. Towers nationwide face these same challenges day in and day out. In a recent conversation with Luke York, President of the Maine Towing Association, he provided a glimmer of hope regarding payment for towing and storage charges in the form of a Maine law enacted in 2023. The towing association fought hard for this statute: Maine Revised Statutes Title 29-A § 1605-B. Towing and Storage Charges A motor vehicle liability policy issued for a motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in this State must provide coverage in an amount up to $500 per accident for the reasonable towing and storage charges incurred as a result of an accident involving the insured vehicle if the vehicle is towed at the request of a law enforcement officer. The coverage required by this section applies only to the reasonable towing and storage charges of the insured vehicle. This section does not apply to a policy insuring more than four motor vehicles, nor to any policy covering a garage, automobile sales agency, repair shop, service station, or public parking place.
By Brian J. Riker
MINIMAL PAYMENT
Case in Point
Brian J. Riker is a thirdgeneration towman, with 30 years of experience in the ditch as a tow operator, and president of Fleet Compliance Solutions. He specializes in helping navigate the complex world of federal and state transportation regulatory compliance. He can be reached at brian.riker@ fleetcompliancesolutions.net
I
t is widely recognized that towers are the sole highway emergency responders who operate without a dedicated budget to ensure compensation for their services. As the private entity in a public-private partnership, this creates an inequitable arrangement, with an average of 40% of all non-consent (police ordered) tows going unpaid. Consequently, responding to a police dispatch request for a crash response or impound tow presents a significant financial risk. As the Legislative Director for the Pennsylvania Towing Association, I see this firsthand daily. Pennsylvania is one of many states that does not impose meaningful penalties on drivers or vehicle owners who abandon a vehicles to avoid paying reasonable towing and storage charges. Further frustrating the issue is that the Insurance Commissioner refuses to consider making insurers responsible for this lapse. This leaves only legislative action to form a solution.
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While $500 may not seem significant, especially when a new light-duty wrecker or carrier can cost anywhere from $125,000 to $150,000 today, it is better than nothing. Considering the time and expense required to process abandoned vehicle paperwork just to obtain a title for scrapping a vehicle (along with the cost of maintaining extra storage space) a $500 guaranteed payment is a win for light-duty crashes tows. Not only will this typically cover the actual cost of the service call, but also enable a towing company to dispose of the vehicle more quickly. The insurance company will either pay the tow bill and haul it away, or at a minimum, release the title so the vehicle can be scrapped. The long turnaround time to obtain a title to an abandoned vehicle is problematic in Maine, Luke points out. He has seen it take up to 120 days, with typical processing time of 60 to 90 days. Across the nation the issue is the same. Often towers are forced to choose between
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AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • 13
wage war against towers on 50 fronts at once, and it’s working. They’ve also realized that towers are weakest when they are divided. To combat this divide-and-conquer effort, towers need to communicate with each other throughout the industry, openly sharing what’s happening in their own states, and asking what issues others are facing.
FLAWED PROPOSAL
holding a vehicle in hopes of being paid, filing litigation to force payment, or taking a loss and processing it as an abandoned vehicle. The dwell time (how long a vehicle occupies space in a yard) can be more costly than taking a smaller payment, and being able to turn the storage space quickly.
FIGHTING HARMFUL LEGISLATION
Having even small payment amounts guaranteed, when the vehicle has coverage, is a huge step in the right direction. Based on Maine’s legislative success, working with lawmakers is critical for any industry, and towing is no exception. The difficulty lies in that many towing companies are mom-and-pop operations, and it is hard for owners to step away from their businesses and take the time to travel to their state capitol to fight for favorable legislation. This is where associations shine, when they have active membership and financial support. Lobbying lawmakers is not cheap, and without a lobbyist it is difficult to get anything meaningful accomplished. The overall process applies to any legislation requiring attention. Most people fail to realize is that trade associations and lobbyists prevent more harmful legislation than they receive credit for. 14 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Blocking bad bills at the outset is probably the single most important responsibility of any trade association. Keep in mind that lawmakers have limited knowledge of any specific industry, nor do they fully understand how different industries fit together. It is the law of unintended consequences, what may seem like a feel-good measure can be very damaging to downstream industries. The key task for members of the towing industry is to educate lawmakers on relevant issues. Most don’t recognize a problem until towers alert them to it. Furthermore, towers cannot approach legislators solely with complaints or problems alone. They must also present solutions and acknowledge what is working well.
A JOB WELL DONE
The representatives of the Maine Towing Association have done an excellent job in this regard. They have worked hard at building relationships not only within their state, but across the country. Without state associations and fellow towers talking to one another nationwide, harmful policies can take hold. There is a calculated assault on the towing industry underway in statehouses nationwide. Special interests, led by fleet operators like rental car companies and major insurers, have discovered they can
One such example is the “Enterprise Bill,” named after the large rental car company that is championing the issue. There are several versions of this proposed legislation, fine-tuned to each state’s unique laws, but overall the concept is the same: reduce the number of days a tower has to notify any commercial fleet operator when one of their vehicles is impounded. Then, cap the amount of money owed. Versions of this bill have been introduced from California to Pennsylvania and just about everywhere in between. The overall concept is simple: secure favorable legislation in a few key states, and then leverage those wins to encourage neighboring states to follow suit. Once this model of legislation gains momentum it spreads rapidly. The towing industry’s responsibility is to halt that, and that requires consistent engagement with and education of lawmakers. If towers don’t know what is happening across the country, they can’t get ahead of the issues with their own legislators. As Benjamin Franklin wisely stated nearly 290 years ago, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This saying is especially true with proposed legislation. If towers educate lawmakers before a concept is introduced, they can shape the response and ensure it aligns with the industry’s needs. This holds true regardless of the issue, or who introduces it. Basically, the first voice in the room has the advantage.
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AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • 15
SPOTLIGHT SEMINAR As a Tow Owner, What Are Your Biggest Risks? Join Brian Riker, Chief Compliance Officer for Fleet Compliance Solutions, as he explains where towing companies face their greatest risks. The exposure to
STAYING CONNECTED
Today’s world is more connected than ever, yet most people feel very isolated. It doesn’t need to be that way. While social media can be overwhelming, and is quite often full of misinformation, but it is still a
16 • August 2026 | Towman.com
lawsuits, dangers on the roadway, labor relations and even compliance with DOT regulations all expose your company, and you personally, to great risks. Brian Riker, American Towman Thursday, Nov 19 10 AM
good way to get to know folks within the industry from different parts of the country. The key is taking that first introduction offline and developing a real connection. True, towers don’t usually have a lot of time for idle chit-
chat, but deliberately taking a few minutes each week to connect with a handful of fellow towers across the country will more than pay for any “lost” time. In addition to staying abreast of pending litigation, as well as the latest trends in how insurance companies are attempting to deny coverage, just having a peer to vent frustrations to, or celebrate successes with, can be illuminating. Collective wisdom is a great way to scale anything, including business or political influence. Beyond social media, events such as trade shows, tow shows, truck shows, and other in-person events are great places to network. Simply stopping by a shop while traveling just to say hello often builds meaningful connections. Obviously, a tower’s state towing association is also a great way to connect with fellow towers, but also consider joining the towing associations of in neighboring states. The world is very small today, and most operators often tow into neighboring states. It’s good business sense to support those states so that towers can continue to do work into and out of those states while staying informed of any important changes. This also gives towers influence in neighboring states. As noted earlier, states often adopt each other’s legislation. If a problem or solution, emerges next door, it could quickly appear in a nearby state. The challenges and politics of today’s industry bear little resemblance to those of just a few generations ago. Networking, connection, and cooperation are critical to success. Besides the legislative and regulatory pressures faced by towers, there are also changing purchasing habits, increased competition from thirdparty resellers of towing services, and a changing labor market. The best way to prepare for all this is to have friendly colleagues, not competitors, that towers can turn to when they need guidance and support.
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AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • 17
Tow Business
Moving Money What a Real Payment Provider Does for a Tow Company By Jim A. Luff
R
Jim Luff is a Relationship Manager with Flute, a fullservice Payment Provider delivering the financial infrastructure that powers embedded commerce for small and mediumsized businesses. Jim specializes in serving the towing industry. For more information, contact Jim Luff, Association Relationship Manager Phone: 661-7067955 Email: jluff@flute.com
ecovering a vehicle is only part of a towman’s job. Getting paid reliably, securely, and on fair terms is the other part. For many tow services, though, the payment side of the business gets far less attention than it deserves. Payments can feel like a mysterious black box. A tow manager signs up with a processor, swipes some cards, and money shows up in the company account a few days later. But behind that simple-looking process is a whole world of tools, fees, and features that can work for or against a tow business. To avoid the latter, it’s wise to select a payment provider that makes it possible to accept credit cards, debit cards, and other forms of electronic payment. They sit between a customer’s bank and a tow company, making sure money moves safely and correctly. But that’s just the basics. There’s a distinct difference, however, between a basic credit card processor and a true payment partner, which shows up in cashflow, time saved, and customer satisfaction, along with protection against fraud.
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A great payment provider goes beyond moving money, providing efficient tools to get paid faster, protecting revenue, and ensures a business isn’t leaving money on the table. This provider can: • Manage how to get paid • Protect from fraud • Improve cashflow • Enhance the customer experience
NEEDED BUSINESS TOOLS
The specific tools that matter most depend on how a towing business operates. These six are the most common: 1. Payment Links: A payment link is exactly what it sounds like: a link sent to a customer by text or email that they simply click to pay, with no terminal or in-person visit needed. Towing services around the country use payment links regularly. A stranded motorist can provide payment before a tow truck is even dispatched. Payment links handle it all. If a tow company’s current provider doesn’t offer payment links, it’s allowing easy sales revenue to slip away. 2. Recurring Payment Plans: Many independent tow companies offer inhouse payment plans, but collecting those payments manually takes extra time. Tracking who paid, following up on missed payments, re-running cards are administrative tasks that add up fast. The best payment provider will help by setting up recurring billing so a tow manager can automatically charge the customer’s card or bank account on a preset schedule. Just configure it once, and a tow boss won’t have to worry about chasing down payments. Recurring
payments also improve cashflow as there’s no waiting for customers to remember to pay. The money comes in consistently and timely. 3. Digital Invoicing: Whether billing for a routine tow or a heavy-duty recovery, digital invoices are faster and cleaner than paper. The best provider will create and send invoices by email or text, with a builtin payment option so customers can pay directly from the invoice. This keeps company records clean, speeds up collections, and gives customers a professional experience. This really matters when building up a solid business reputation. 4. Multiple Ways to Accept Payments: Today’s tow customers expect to pay but they want to use credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. These aren’t luxuries, they’re expected. Modern terminals handle all of these in one device, whether that’s a countertop unit, a handheld reader, or even a smartphone. A good payment provider should be able to match hardware that fits with how a tow company actually operates. 5. Real-Time Reporting: A tow manager needs to know how much money was collected each week—and daily if possible. And also which payment method customers use most. Great providers offer a dashboard that tracks every transaction. This visibility helps to manage a business, spot problems early, and make better decisions. It also makes end-of-month reconciliations a lot less painful. 6. Security and Fraud Protection: Card fraud is a real risk for any business that accepts payments. Chargebacks happen when a customer disputes a transaction and they can result in losing the sale amount plus additional fees, even if the charge was legitimate. Fraud protection should be built into a payment platform and include tools that capture digital signatures, provide real-time Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
receipts, and flag suspicious activity. These protections are not optional. They’re part of what a tow manager is paying for.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT FEES
Processing fees are a fact of life when accepting card payments. However, there are ways to manage them that many tow operators are unaware of. One option is called dual pricing. With this approach,
Credit Card Processing Advertisers North .............. 31 Xpress Pay ..... 27
display two prices: one for paying in cash (or by debit), and one for paying by credit card. Customers who pay by credit card cover the processing fee themselves, while cash buyers receive a slight discount. This is completely legal and increasingly common with
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At A Glance— What To Ask Payment Providers • Do they offer payment links that can be sent by text or email? • Can they set up automatic recurring billing for installment customers? • Is digital invoicing with built-in payment links included? • Do they offer a robust reporting dashboard? • What fraud and chargeback protection is built in? • Is dual-pricing or cashdiscounting available? • Is support U.S.-based and available when needed?
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tow services. (But be sure to check local laws governing credit card processing fees, as they can vary and charging them incorrectly may lead to penalties.) It’s worth asking a payment provider whether this is an option for a tow business. Depending on business volume, the savings can be significant.
MEANINGFUL SUPPORT
Payment problems don’t happen on a convenient schedule. When a terminal goes down on a late afternoon, or a customer’s payment fails at closing time, a tow boss needs immediate access to live support. Many large payment processors route support to overseas call centers with long hold times and representatives who follow scripts instead of actually solving problems. Finding a payment provider that understands a tow
business, and staffs U.S.-based support can make a real difference.
THE BOTTOM LINE
In summation, the ultimate payment provider should be doing more than just processing cards. They should also help: • Collect deposits faster • Manage installment customers without the manual work • Send professional invoices • Protect from fraud • Offer zero-cost options like dual-pricing • Give clear visibility into transactions If a tow company’s current provider isn’t doing all of those things, it’s worth looking into other options. The gap between a basic processor and a real payment partner shows up in cash flow, time savings, and customer experience.
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Hands-On Tech
Tow bosses know that training can dramatically improve safety and operational performance, as well as increase customer satisfaction and minimize damages.
Team Building Creating Excellence From Within By Terry Abejuela
D Field Editor Terry Abejuela has 40-plus years of light-duty towing and recovery experience. He is also a light-duty Level 1 instructor for the California Tow Truck Association.
eveloping an effective in-house training program for employees of a tow company does not require a large budget or an extensive training department to implement. With thoughtful planning, consistent execution, and frequent performance evaluations, towing companies of any size can create a training program that produces competent, confident, and professional tow truck operators. The towing and recovery industry has never been more complex. Today’s tow truck operators are expected to navigate busy roadways, comply with regulations, operate increasingly sophisticated equipment, interact with customers, while simultaneously planning and performing towing and recovery work safely, often under challenging conditions.
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Conduct an after-action debriefing with a reenactment to discuss and document what worked well, and identify opportunities for improvement.
FORMAL VERSUS IN-HOUSE TRAINING
While experience remains invaluable, successful tow bosses realize that training can dramatically improve safety and operational performance, as well as increase customer satisfaction and minimize damages. However, inhouse training doesn’t take the place of formal training classes from an industry recognized and qualified organization. The investment in formal training
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Tow truck drivers learn by doing. Show them how something works in addition to providing examples in a structured presentation. A teaching aid that’s very effective is to invest in a load cell. The type in this picture is relatively inexpensive and clearly demonstrates the reduction in line tension.
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Proficiency testing should be part of any in-house training program. Employees should be able to demonstrate proficiency on all equipment they are expected to operate.
classes is essential for a sound educational foundation, and sets the tone for the importance of training in a tow company. In-house training programs serve as an essential supplement to reinforce formal training. As soon as possible after an employee is hired, formal training should be implemented. But availability, scheduling conflicts, tuition cost, and travel expenses often pose obstacles to timely attendance. In-house training can fill-in any gaps and provide continuous education. The first thing to do when developing an in-house training program is to conduct a training needs assessment. Take a performance snapshot of how employees currently function on the job, identify deficiencies that should be addressed, and develop a vision of areas where progress is needed.
NOTING NEAR MISSES
If not being done already, start documenting damages to customer vehicles, customer complaints, traffic collisions, damages to company equipment, on-the-job injuries, and close calls. Encourage drivers to report the details of 24 • August 2026 | Towman.com
all close-calls in order to develop training, policies, and procedures than can reduce the potential for injuries or other negative incidents. Every towing company faces challenges such as recruiting qualified operators, controlling insurance costs, reducing equipment damages, and meeting or exceeding customer expectations. A welldesigned in-house training program directly addresses these challenges. Safety-related incidents are the most significant risks facing towing companies, and can have severe financial consequences. Training prepares tow operators to recognize hazards, follow established procedures, and make better decisions under pressure.
IMPORTANT INVESTMENT
Training also contributes to employee retention. New hires who receive structured training tend to gain confidence more quickly and feel more supported by their employer. Investing in employee development sends a powerful message that the company values its employees. In an industry with a high turnover rate, many employers feel investing in employee training is of paramount importance.
When developing in-house training programs, as a general guide, always follow industry standards, equipment manufacturer recommendations, and local, state and federal laws. Review equipment manufacturers’ safety and operation manuals to ensure compliance. Other informed sources for clear and specific core training areas consist of the following: • Company Orientation • Traffic Incident Management • Personal Protective Equipment • Defensive Driving Techniques • Wheel-Lift Operation • Car Carrier Operation • Recovery Methods • Equipment use and Working Load Limits • Equipment Inspections • Customer Service • Administrative Duties Once these core areas are designated, develop more detailed information to be covered. As an example, for the core area of recovery methods, include planning, calculating total recovery resistance, equipment stabilization, effective use of snatch blocks, winching principles, and environmental hazards, to name a few. For the core area of customer service, include conflict resolution, customer safety, appearance standards, and effective communication. All core areas should also emphasize safety considerations. Also, the company orientation should include company history, mission and values, staff introductions, policies and procedures, facility orientation, and documentation requirements.
REAL WORLD LEARNING
Another advantage of developing an in-house training program is the ability to customize content based on actual company experience and
culture of continuous improvement and education while reinforcing key concepts.
FOLLOWUP PROCEDURES
Operators must know the working load limits of the equipment. Include in training where to locate the rating plate for the towing and recovery equipment on tow trucks and how to apply ratings in the field.
equipment. Close calls, customer complaints, equipment and customer vehicle damages, and both successful and unsuccessful recoveries become valuable learning tools. Conduct an after-action debriefing to discuss and document what worked well, and identify opportunities for improvement. The development of an inhouse training program should not be considered a one-and-done project. It should be looked at as a living program that is always in development mode. As equipment changes, techniques improve, and new learning from past experiences develops an in-house training program must reflect these changes. Conduct monthly safety meetings while recent incidents are fairly fresh to discuss lessons learned, not only for those present at the incident, but also for those who were not. Each safety meeting can also include one technical subject that can be elaborated on, such as “proper use of tow dollies.” These safety meetings help create a Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Develop a method to evaluate the effectiveness of an in-house training program. Training is not complete because an employee attended it. Verify learning through written tests and proficiency testing. Conduct monthly proficiency tests to ensure employees continuously demonstrate competency. Consider launching friendly competition with incentives for top performers. It is also important to conduct random ride-along evaluations. This will enable a tow boss to determine if an employee is practicing proper and safe techniques on a daily basis, or is struggling to handle them correctly. Random inspections of the trucks will also provide insight into how well employees are conducting their daily inspections and maintaining the equipment. Make sure to document in writing any and all training and evaluations conducted for employees. Include any customer feedback reviews. This
will serve as valuable documentation for insurance carriers, regulatory agencies, and legal proceedings if necessary.
TRAINING THE TRAINERS
Not every experienced and competent tow truck operator is automatically an effective trainer. The most successful trainers possess strong technical knowledge, excellent communication skills, patience, and a strong commitment to company standards. Choose trainers that can serve as positive roles models. Send trainers to as many formal training classes as possible. Not only to gain more technical knowledge, but also to learn teaching techniques from other experienced trainers. A “Train the Trainer” course will improve effectiveness by helping trainers understand adult learning principles, coaching techniques, and performance evaluation methods. Leverage technology to assist with in-house training, using PowerPoint presentations, instructional videos, computer-based programs, electronic checklists, mobile applications, and live online webinars in order
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Practice is the best of all instructors. The more training days that can be scheduled in a controlled environment, the better tow operators will perform in the field under pressure.
to enhance and complement the programs. The towing and recovery profession remains highly practical in nature, and tow operators must still demonstrate hands-on competency in real-world environments. Successful towing companies encourage employees to continue developing their skills through industry certifications, conferences, tow shows, workshops and professional association programs. When employees view learning as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event, the entire towing organization benefits.
USEFUL REFERENCE MATERIALS
Many towing companies subscribe to an industry magazine like American Towman, and receive a monthly copy in print at the shop. Attach a routing slip on the front cover, with all pertinent employees names on the list, and a space for employees to initial that they reviewed that issue. Do this with any articles or videos that would benefit employees, and either the tow company owner or designated company trainer should review any information that is routed, and at a safety meeting at the end of the month (allowing time for everyone to review the materials). As a reminder, quiz employees about important information.
MOTIVATIONAL MANAGEMENT
No training program will succeed without leadership support. Owners, managers, supervisors and dispatchers must consistently reinforce training experiences through their actions and decisions. When leadership demonstrates a commitment to safety and professional development, employees are more likely to embrace the program. As vehicles become more
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technologically advanced, and the roadside environments grow increasingly complex and more dangerous, the demands placed on tow truck operators will continue to increase. An effective in-house training program that reinforces formal training classes will help to create safer operations, competent employees, and improve customer satisfaction. It will demonstrate a commitment to excellence that customers, employees, insurance companies, and industry partners will recognize and value. Training is not just a support function, it is a strategic asset. Tow companies that invest in developing their employees today will be best positioned to succeed in the increasingly demanding towing and recovery industry of tomorrow.
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Towman Techniques most towers, makes it difficult to stick to a regular sleeping schedule and often cuts into the deep REM sleep the body needs for recovering from irregular work hours. When working at night or on extended shifts, towers fall into a dangerous category, especially true when sleep is interrupted by family interaction, social activities, job stresses, and responding to calls. Nightshift tow operators should be monitored by management since a company can be held vicariously liable for employees’ actions.
SLEEP SCIENCE
Drowsy Driver Dangers Sleep Matters for Safe Operations By Randall C. Resch
Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired California police officer and veteran tow business owner, manager, consultant and trainer. He writes for TowIndustryWeek.com and American Towman, is a member of the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and recipient of the Dave Jones Leadership Award. Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.
I
n October 2022, a 26-year-old Missouri tow operator running a flatbed carrier loaded with two postal service trucks crashed into and killed an 82-yearold motorist. The tower was arrested, charged and convicted with involuntary manslaughter. Upon investigation by Missouri’s Highway Patrol, they determined that the tower fell asleep while driving. Consider the trail of liability in learning somebody was injured or killed as a direct result of tow truck driver falling asleep at the wheel. The tow and recovery industry involves aroundthe-clock operations with the obvious potential for this type of accident. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, “General drowsy driving causes 72,000 crashes, 44,000 injuries and 800-fatalities a year.” Additionally, the CDC points out that, “Commercial truck drivers are far more likely to drive drowsy or fatigued than other drivers.” The reason for this problem is obvious. Night-shift work, a job requirement for
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Sleep disorders, as defined by modern medicine, affect approximately 30 to 40 million Americans. Conditions typically consist of insomnia, sleep deprivation, and even narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that disrupts the brain's ability to control sleep and wake cycles. It causes overwhelming daytime sleepiness and sudden, uncontrollable "sleep attacks" that can happen at any time. Narcoleptic episodes are especially dangerous when they occur while driving or operating machinery. Finding the right balance between work and sleep is difficult when you work nights. The human body isn’t wired for daytime sleep, so people on night shifts have to rework their routines to get enough quality rest and avoid constant fatigue. Experts suggest that achieving deep sleep patterns may be as simple as changing one’s routine, regardless of which shift is worked or time of day sleep is introduced. Building a healthy sleep routine comes down to a few key factors. Here are seven to consider: • Sleep must be a priority for people working nights, which can mean making changes to family routines and social plans. In homes with kids, explaining that mom/dad is sleeping during the day helps everyone respect that rest time. • Mask disruptive sounds with calming background noise. Use music/sounds like waterfalls, gentle rain, and ocean waves at a soft volume to help signal that it’s time to rest.
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• Avoid smoking, heavy meals, caffeinated drinks, and alcoholic beverages before sleep. • Create ideal sleep surroundings. Darkness and quiet are key factors in an effective sleep environment. Try different setups to see what works best, such as changing pillows, black-out curtains, no phones, and cooler temperatures. • Avoid exercising before sleep time as it signals the body to stay alert instead of winding down.
BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES
While most drivers aren’t cited for drowsy driving, if falling asleep causes a crash, injury, or death, it’s typically prosecuted as reckless driving, negligent homicide, or vehicular manslaughter. For tow truck drivers, it gets stricter, because they’re usually classified as commercial drivers and fall under federal and state Hours-ofService rules. For tow operators, a prodding inner voice sometimes says, “I’m not that tired and there’s only a few more miles to go!” While this might ring true in local towing, to continue on may be a deadly factor versus stopping to rest. Also, during winter driving, a common contributor to towers falling asleep is a warm environment when the truck’s heater is turned up. A warm cab from closed windows and the heater can make drivers feel sleepy and less alert.
Sleep Deprivation Symptoms The following terms and classifications describe common sleep-related problems, written in layman’s terms so they may vary from clinical definitions. Medical research describes several different types and causes of insomnia. • Adjustment insomnia: Stressful situations create an inability to fall asleep or reach deep-sleep, lasting a few days or until stress is overcome. • Insomnia and medical conditions: Individuals don’t obtain deep sleep due to breathing disorders, medical and or mental complications, including injury-related pain. • Psycho-physiological insomnia: People who react to psychologically stressful situations by developing physical discomforts or complaints. This insomnia is secondary to other problems. • Paradoxical insomnia: Those who can’t fall asleep show no outward physical or medical symptoms or causes that stop an ability to sleep. • Insomnia from mental disorders: Caused by a psychiatric disorder where sleep may improve or worsen mental illness. • Insomnia due to poor sleep patterns
Combat fatigue by getting off the highway road and take a break. Tow operators can also try these tips: • Drive to a safe area and park, and get some rest. Shift the transmission to a parking gear or neutral, and apply the emergency brake. • A 20-minute, speed nap may help—but some people don’t do well with napping as it can cause additional fatigue. • Lower the heater’s temperature, open the cabin windows draw in
SPOTLIGHT SEMINAR Developing Your Company’s Safety Training
There’s sad reality knowing few tow companies send operators to formal industry training. Although tow personnel may receive in-house training, many companies’ disregard the importance of monthly or periodic training. For tow owners seeking best practices, periodic training complies with OSHA and acceptable industry teachings.
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Towman’s, long time, Operations Editor, Randall Resch, focuses on how-to develop periodic safety training. A takeaway handout listing 170+ safety topics is provided. Don’t risk OSHA fines, explosive settlements, or tower incarceration for negligent acts as direct result of no training or lack of periodic safety meetings. Randall Resch, American Towman Thursday, Nov 19 11 AM
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and/or habits: A tower’s roundthe-clock routine isn’t favorable to falling asleep or sleeping soundly. Ingesting caffeine products, alcohol consumption, or exercising too close to bedtime affects sleep. Insomnia from drug or substance use and/or abuse: Sleep disruption is caused by medications and food types such as caffeine, prescription medications, recreational drugs, illegal substances, cough/cold medications, and alcoholic beverages. NOS insomnia: Not Otherwise Specified insomnia can be related to mental, behavioral, or psychological factors. Physiologic insomnia: May be caused by other medical disorders, mental conditions, alcohol or substance abuses. Idiopathic insomnia: This lack of sleep occurs when other causes of insomnia are excluded or when no known insomnia is identified. Sleep Deprivation: Affects millions of adults. Common symptoms are frequent exhaustion, fatigue, and lack of physical energy.
cold, refreshing air. • Exercise vigorously to get blood flowing and increase heart rate. • Consume caffeinated products. • Avoid drugs and alcohol.
SLEEP RESPONSIBILITIES
Asleep-at-the-wheel incidents in Australia and the United Kingdom are regarded the same as intoxicated driving. Drivers involved in sleeprelated crashes can be sentenced to two- to ten-years imprisonment if convicted. Although it might seem harsh to be imprisoned for this type of situation, if incarceration saves another person’s life, it may be key to acknowledging the responsibilities of operating a motor vehicle. Knowingly driving a tow truck while drowsy can establish legal intent. Prosecutors only need to show that the driver chose to drive in that condition, not that the driver intended the outcome. For towers assigned to third-shift positions, there’s a definite safety
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responsibility owed to themselves, their company, and that of the motoring public. It’s important to get sufficient sleep prior to working all night or on extended shifts. Towers must make every effort to establish effective sleep patterns during off-duty hours. This means prioritizing sleep before any other extracurricular activities. Sleep problems can also occur from job stress. Towers must learn how to manage their work and sleep patterns, and how to adjust to their effects. Managing sleep deprivation is critical for driver and public safety.
WORST-CASE SCENARIOS
Tow company managers should be acutely aware that night- and extended-shift employees are susceptible to illnesses or temperrelated behaviors that surface when fatigue takes over. If a typically energetic and personable employee demonstrates a change
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in work productivity, or doesn’t get along with dispatchers and other employees, perhaps a review of shiftrotation is in order. Many towers prefer a night shift because they don’t have to deal with the motoring public as much as during the day. Those volunteering to work nights should be allowed to do so, but only if they’re able to manage sleep responsibilities. Towers are reminded that when disputing an unsafe moving citation, avoid admitting to drowsiness. Such an admission only helps to establish negligence or recklessness, and as noted previously, prosecutors only need to prove that a conscious decision was made to drive while impaired by fatigue. Night shift towing is demanding, but no deadline or dispatch is worth driving drowsy. Driver and public safety depends on knowing when to stop. As the old saying goes, “Stay alert, and you won’t get hurt!”
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AD INDEX
August 2026
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Exhibitor Roster Exhibits as of July 22: For up-to-date roster go to ATExposition.com
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Beacon Funding Commercial Equip. Financing Customers Commercial Finance Huntington National Bank Integrated Vehicle & Equip. Leasing Intek Truck Finance Jerr-Dan Financial Solutions Santander Bank, N.A. TEL360 Verdant Commercial Capital GPS Azuga, A Bridgestone Company Envue Telematics OnCallGPS Video PatrolWorks USFT INSURANCE Arnold Insurance Company Austin Insurance Brown & Brown Insurance Colstan & Associates iTow & Licona Insurance Group Marshall & Sterling Insurance Pruuvn R&A Insurance
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Robert Young's NRC Sales & Service West End Service Worldwide Equipment Sales Zip's AW Direct OTHER 5TH WHEEL ATTACHMENT Gitesa AIR CUSHIONS Matjack AUTO PARTS Car-Part.com BUSINESS CONSULTATION DRIVE Tow Broker CABLES, CHAINS, HOOKS, SLINGS B/A Products Co. TW Products CAMERAS MANTIS CLEANING/POLISHING PRODUCTS Star Blink Products DIAGNOSTIC SCANNERS FCar Tech USA ELECTRONICS Lodar Ltd. EV COMPLIANCE Energy Security Agency FUEL CARDS Coast Guttman Energy HOME SOLAR POWER Sunrun IONIC THERAPY The Pain Helper TNR Group
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JUMP START / EMERGENCY STARTERS DeWalt 12V Automotive / Baccus Global Lokithor KEY FOB BUYER American Key Supply LEGAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES J. Alexander Law LIFTS & HOISTS Gray Manufacturing Co. LOCKOUT TOOLS Access Tools Steck Mfg. Co. MASSAGE STATION Time-Out Seated Massage Corner MOBILE EV CHARGERS EVchargeHERO OILS & LUBRICANTS Hot Shot’s Secret PipeBreak USA PAIN RELIEF OmniMed PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES ParkM Ynot Parking PTOS/CLUTCH PUMPS DewEze Mfg. REPO PRODUCTS/SERVICES International Recovery Systems ROBOTIC VEHICLES ResQTrack SIGNS & PROMO ROEDA SPECIALTY KNIVES Cutco
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Cliffside Classroom Recovery Lessons from the Edge By George L. Nitti and Steve Temple Photos by Christopher Walker
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Snatch blocks, redirected winch lines, and carefully selected pulling angles allowed the crew to control the load of the casualty vehicle.
RESPONDING PERSONNEL Carl’s uses his ’98 Dodge, fitted with a Century 502, exclusively for off-road recoveries.
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fter a Jeep veered off a narrow road in New River Canyon, Arizona, off-road recovery operator Carl Girard found himself leading an impromptu classroom. As owner of Wild West Off Road Recovery in Phoenix, Arizona, Carl takes his wrecker where most tow trucks rarely venture. "We only do off-road work," he explains, in contrast to urban towers that might decline to go beyond the edge of the pavement in order to avoid potential damages to their wreckers. Conversely, ”If you call with a flat tire or a broken-down transmission on the side of the highway,” Carl notes, “We’re going to refer you to somebody else." How Carl got into exclusively handling off-road work is a story in Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Carl Girard, Owner
itself. Wild West Off Road Recovery was founded in 2008 by Joe Osuch. In 2017, Carl, an Arizona native, was camping and came across a vehicle that had rolled off a trailer. He used a drone to video the mishap, and offered it to Joe, who was retrieving the casualty vehicle. They became friends, and Carl later found that he became more interested in doing hands-on recoveries. Sadly, a few years later Joe came down with Covid, and before passing away, transferred the company and truck over to Carl, who continued handling off-road recoveries as a tribute to his old friend. “I’m keeping Joe’s memory alive,” Carl relates. “And I like helping people out. It makes me feel like a hero.” He also has a knack for tracking down casualty vehicles in remote desert locations. Carl’s expertise was put to the test in February 2025. A Jeeper misjudged
the narrow edge of a shelf road running alongside a seasonal wash. Although the weather was dry, years of monsoon flooding had eroded the dirt trail's outer edge. As the Jeep crept too close to the shoulder to pass another vehicle, the ground gave way, sending the vehicle tumbling ten feet below, where it came to rest upside down. Even though the Jeep was damaged, fortunately the owner was not seriously hurt, and was able to get a ride out. As luck would have it, veteran recovery instructor Nena Barlow was conducting a training class only a few miles away. Carl, who has worked alongside her on other technical recoveries, saw an opportunity. "If your students want to see a real recovery," he told her, "we're just across the road." What followed became a class, as Carl and Nena turned the scene into an object lesson in off-
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Students in the recovery class had to carefully analyze the casualty vehicle and surroundings before initiating the pull out.
road recovery operations. They challenged students to think through the task with a myriad of practical questions: Was the shoulder stable? Could it continue to collapse? What would happen if the Jeep shifted unexpectedly? Every question reinforced the first rules of recovery: understand the scene you are working in. And above all, stay safe! "Nena asked the students why they think we're doing something in particular," Carl says. “And there would be a small discussion before we moved on." The recovery itself demanded creativity. There were no suitable anchor points directly above the Jeep, and the unstable road surface made it impossible to position the Dodge tow truck directly over the 54 • August 2026 | Towman.com
The students were part of the operation as well, positioning a vehicle in front of the wrecker to serve as an anchor.
casualty. Instead of attempting a straight uphill pull, Carl studied the terrain and then traversed a section of road that curved back toward the hillside. "There was no way to get a vehicle directly above it," Carl explains. "We actually had to use some interesting angles and leverage to make the recovery work." Using his twin-line Century 502 wrecker, he first worked the Jeep closer to the roadway, carefully rotating it back onto its wheels before beginning the final extraction. Snatch blocks, redirected winch lines, and carefully selected pulling angles allowed the crew to control the load while keeping the wrecker safely positioned on stable ground. “I employ mechanical advantage
RESPONDING EQUIPMENT ’98 Dodge 3500 with a Century 502 and a 24-valve Cummins turbodiesel, customized Zip’s Forged Clevis Pear Links with 10-inch chain loops and hard shackles over brute force,” Carl explains. “By using multiple snatch blocks and ‘mechanical sympathy’ to avoid breaking equipment.” The students became part of the operation as well, positioning a vehicle in front of the wrecker to serve as an anchor, preventing it from creeping forward under load.
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Using his twin-line Century 502 wrecker, Carl first worked the Jeep closer to the roadway, carefully rotating it back onto its wheels before beginning the final extraction.
Turning a Recovery Into a Classroom When Wild West Off Road Recovery owner Carl Girard invited veteran recovery instructor Nena Barlow, owner of Barlow Adventures, to bring her students to the New River Canyon recovery, he created a unique teaching opportunity. A certified master trainer in technical vehicle recovery, Nena was conducting a recovery class just across the highway when Carl called. “He said, ‘We’ve got a rolled Jeep if your students want to see a real recovery,’” Nena recalled. “Of course they all said ‘yes!’” The class consisted of recreational off-road enthusiasts learning recovery techniques they might one day use on the trail. The overturned Jeep gave them the chance to apply those lessons Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
in a real-world setting. Nena began with a “scene size-up,” having students assess the Jeep’s stability, the eroded roadway, and the surrounding terrain before anyone approached the vehicle. “The first question is always whether the scene is safe,” Nena points out. She then led the class through a “stuck analysis,” identifying what prevented the Jeep from moving before discussing recovery options. Throughout the operation, Carl and Nena challenged students to think through every decision—from selecting anchor points to resetting the rigging, instead of rushing the pull. “The discussion was just as
important as the recovery,” Nena notes. By the end of the afternoon, the Jeep was safely back on the road, and the students had witnessed firsthand how experienced recovery professionals combine planning, patience, and teamwork to solve a complex off-road recovery. Nena is involved with ISOWTA (International School of OffRoad and Winter Training Academy). This professional training organization specializes in off-road driving, vehicle recovery, overland travel, and winter driving instruction. Its curriculum emphasizes safe recovery techniques, rigging, winching, risk assessment, and instructor development.
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Every step prompted another discussion. Why this angle? Why redirect the line? Why use leverage instead of simply pulling harder? For Carl, every recovery is different. "The terrain changes. The vehicles change. The anchor points change," he says. By the time the Jeep was safely back on the roadway, the students had watched experienced professionals assess risk, adapt to changing terrain, communicate as a team, and solve problems methodically under real-world conditions. For Carl, that's what makes the work worthwhile. "I enjoy what I do," he says. "My office is outdoors. My worst day out here is better than my best day sitting in the office." Once the job was done, Carl hung the Jeep on a sling and took a longer, easier route to back to town. Even though the vehicle was a total loss, it couldn’t be left behind due to legal liability. And Carl says insurance companies will typically pay for off-road recovery work. Instead of attempting a straight uphill pull, Carl studied the terrain and then traversed a section of road that curved back toward the hillside.
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Youtube link: https://youtube.com/@wildwestorr
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Repo Run forwarders has been around for about 25 years. The assignment forwarding model has virtually remained untouchable from the many wrongful repossession lawsuits filed over the years. But the model might be significantly affected by a recent U.S. Supreme court’s 9-0 decision on the definition of a “Broker.” The U.S. Supreme Court decision of Montgomery v. Caribe Transport LLC could place repossession assignment forwarders in a precarious position. Consumer protection attorneys now have stronger grounds to pursue claims that could significantly raise forwarders operating costs or even drive some forwarders out of business.
THE MONTGOMERY DECISIONS
Ruling on Repo Forwarders Reshaping Vetting Standards By Mark Lacek
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Repo Editor Mark Lacek has over 35 years of recovery experience. He is the former editor of “Professional Repossessor” magazine. Lacek is a sought-after repossession expert witness and has been retained by law firms across the country in many repossession-related lawsuits.
recent U.S. Supreme Court decision could result in significant changes for professional repossession firms and tow companies. The focus of this article is on the business of forwarding repossession assignments. For those who are not aware of what repossession forwarders are, they act as a middleman for repossession assignments. The lienholder sends the assignment to the forwarder, and the forwarder then chooses which repossession company to “forward” the recovery assignment to. Forwarders often hire repossession vendors based on lower fees instead of quality of service and professional credentials. The practice of utilizing repossession
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Under 49 U.S.C. § 13102(2), a "broker" means a person (other than a motor carrier or an employee or agent of a motor carrier) who as a principal or agent, sells or negotiates for transportation by motor carrier for compensation. The Montgomery decision makes clear the definition of a “broker,” reconfirming a repossession forwarding intermediary fits the federal broker definition. To better understand this issue, the following comments are from some of the nation’s most respected consumer protection attorneys: Nathan DeLadurantey of DeLadurantey Law Office and Robert W. Murphy of The Murphy Law Firm. ”The Court’s decision will help correct the “race to the bottom” that the intermediaries have created,” notes Murphy. “While economies of scale have helped secured creditors recover collateral more efficiently, the forwarders have also caused more risk to the creditors as well. Under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), the lender has a non-delegable duty to repossess without a breach of the peace. As recovery agents are losing revenue because of the involvement of intermediaries, some agents may not follow best practices to avoid harm to person and property (including the collateral itself).
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To make matters worse, the squeezed recovery businesses may be forced to hire less experienced employees and to forgo training and oversight.” DeLadurantey adds that, “Montgomery confirms what we have always known: companies that profit from arranging repossessions cannot hide behind subcontractors when consumers get hurt. The Supreme Court rejected the idea that middlemen are untouchable and that lenders can subcontract away their liability. Forwarders and lenders who chase the cheapest agent now face real accountability for whom they put in the field.” The opinions of Attorneys Murphy and DeLadurantey deserve close attention, especially as forwarders try to strengthen their defenses against wrongful repossession litigation.
GOOD NEWS FOR REPO AGENTS
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This discussion would not be complete without the perspective of Vaughn Clemmons, a Texas repossession industry leader and agency owner. Vaughn is the immediate past president of the American Recovery Association (ARA) and owner of Automobile Recovery Bureau (ARB), one of the largest and most respected repossession companies in Texas. “The Supreme Court's recent ruling should be viewed as good news for our industry,” Clemmons observes. "For too long, recovery agencies have carried most of the risk while others exercised influence with limited accountability. Shared liability should lead to shared standards. Membership in recognized national associations and adherence to established industry standards should become mandatory, not merely recommended. Greater accountability requires greater
investment, and stagnant rates must reflect the true cost of professionalism, training, and compliance. As I have long maintained, accountability should follow influence, and professionalism must become everyone's responsibility, not just the recovery agent's burden.” By way of background and providing full disclosure, Carl “Wes” Carico of Professional Recovery Press, who published the white paper “The Blind Spot Closes,” provided the foundation for this piece. Wes is the founder of Artis Recovery, and a friend and colleague in the repossession industry.
NOT THROWING ANY STONES
The intent here is to provide industry perspective, not to singleout repossession assignment forwarders. Repossession assignment forwarders handle
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thousands of assignments each month for the nation’s largest auto lenders. Lenders with all types of collateral sent more than ten million repossession assignments in 2025, with up to 80% of those assignments going to the forwarders. Like any service provider, some perform well, some do not, and others fall somewhere in between. There are forwarders who partner with repossession firms that emphasize consumer safety first, compliance, safety, training, and national association membership. Less diligent forwarders will select agencies based solely on low fees and disregard professional standards. One would hope a repossession assignment forwarding company would apply the same selection criteria when choosing a repossession agency, as the lender used when choosing the forwarder.
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This is not always the process. The forwarding company must exercise reasonable care in selecting, qualifying, and monitoring its field agency network. Montgomery v. Caribe LLC might cause less conscientious forwarders to re-think their vetting process. Many repossession forwarders will likely wait until a forwarding company is drawn deeply into a wrongful repossession lawsuit and ordered to pay significant damages before taking action. The Montgomery v. Caribe Transport case will serve as an important reminder to consumer protection lawyers who understand the U.S Supreme Court’s definition of a “broker” and who qualifies as one. Readers of the Court’s decision will recognize that the towing industry also has similar forwarders stepping up to create a towing forwarding model.
There’s no doubt that, sooner rather than later, a wrongful repossession lawsuit will name a major national repossession forwarder as a defendant in a high settlement case. Bigdollar settlements have a way of spreading the word on neglectful practices across the country, which in turn will create a snowball effect on how forwarders vet recovery agencies on compliance, training, and knowledge. As general advice to repossession assignment forwarders, it is time to rewrite vendor vetting policies and increase wrongful repossession coverage. Those who are in the business of repossessing collateral, the best choice now is to learn as much as possible about the selfhelp repossession process, become licensed, get certified, and attend seminars and conferences. These steps will all be beneficial.
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Supplier Scoop
Agero’s Summer Hustle ‘26 rewards outstanding towing and roadside assistance providers.
Agero Launches Sixth Annual Summer Hustle Program
Agero has launched its sixth annual Summer Hustle program, recognizing top-performing towing and roadside assistance providers during the year's busiest travel season. Running from June 28 through September 5, the 10-week initiative rewards service providers that demonstrate outstanding operational performance, customer service and compliance with Agero's performance standards. More than $24,000 in cash prizes and branded merchandise will be awarded, with six winners selected each week. Cash awards range from $200 to $500. "Across more than 14 million events every year, our service providers are the people who make it all possible," said Dave Ferrick. "Summer Hustle is our way of recognizing that dedication and thanking them for the vital role they play." The program is open to contracted U.S. towing and roadside assistance providers in good standing with Agero. Eligible U.S. service providers can learn more about the program, rules and eligibility requirements by visiting Agero's Summer Hustle information page at: https://info.agero.com/agero-summer-hustle Source: Press Release from Agero
Test Results of NRC’s New EV Carrier
Unveiled in June 2025, NRC’s E-20TB was installed on a Mack MD Electric truck for the fleet of Remor64 • August 2026 | Towman.com
quage Boissonneault in Granby, QC. Designed as a real-world proof of concept, the project set out to validate whether an electric carrier could meet the day-to-day demands of a professional towing company. One year later, after regular use through all four seasons—including a particularly cold Quebec winter—NRC announced that the field validation phase has been successfully completed. The E-20TB has completed more than 1,100 towing operations, representing close to 5,500 minutes of hydraulic usage and about 14,290 miles traveled in urban areas, all without breakdowns or major issues. The unit has demonstrated that an electrically powered carrier can deliver the same performance, reliability, and usability operators expect from a conventional NRC 20TB, while offering a quieter and cleaner alternative. The E-20TB uses an electric power take-off (ePTO) system in place of the conventional PTO that is mechanically driven by the engine and powers a hydraulic pump. On the E-20TB, this function is handled by an electric motor connected to an equivalent hydraulic pump. Power is supplied by a dedicated battery pack that feeds the electric motor. This battery pack is recharged through the low voltage batteries system (12V/24V), which itself draws power from the vehicle’s high-voltage batteries. The E-20TB concept can be adapted to either an electric truck or a diesel truck. Source: nrc-industries.com
Isuzu Launches National Veterans Apprenticeship Program
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. (ICTA) is launching a program to strengthen America's workforce and support the future of the commercial transportation industry. The Isuzu Veterans Apprenticeship Program (IVAP), is a nationwide initiative to connect transitioning U.S. service members with high-demand technician careers. Developed with ERS Elite, a leader in veteran talent development, IVAP creates a structured pathway from military service to civilian careers through paid employment, hands-on experience, mentorship, and OEM-aligned technical training. The stated goal is to build a disciplined pipeline of highly skilled veteran technicians for Isuzu commercial truck dealerships across the United States. Veterans bring a unique combination of technical aptitude, leadership, discipline, and commitment to excellence. IVAP harnesses those strengths through a framework designed to deliver measurable results for Isuzu dealerships and meaningful career advancement for apprentices. For Isuzu dealers, the benefits extend far beyond recruitment. By developing technicians through a structured and repeatable process, dealerships gain access to a reliable source of talent that can improve shop productivity, support service growth, reduce hiring risk, and strengthen long-term operational performance. For veterans, IVAP provides more than a job. It provides a career pathway within an industry that keeps America's economy moving—one that offers technical advancement, professional development, financial stability, and the opportunity to continue serving communities in a new capacity. Veterans interested in apprenticeship opportunities, as well as Isuzu dealerships seeking technician talent, can visit www.IsuzuVets.com for more information and to register in the program.
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Kenworth T680 Features the TourAmerica Commemorative Paint Scheme
Kenworth recently announced the launch of a special edition paint scheme created in celebration of the Freedom 250 initiative, a nationwide effort honoring our nation’s 250th birthday and highlighting the spirit of American trucking. The new design pays tribute to the iconic mid-1990s TourAmerica T600 paint scheme, reimagined and refined for modern production while preserving its recognizable heritage. The commemorative paint scheme is now available to order on the Kenworth T680, W900L, W990, and T880 models equipped with sleepers. Developed in collaboration with Kenworth’s design and engineering teams, the refreshed look blends classic styling
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with contemporary finishes, offering customers a unique way to celebrate trucking history while supporting a meaningful national milestone. As part of its commitment to the Freedom 250 Tour, Kenworth donated a T680 with a 76-inch integral sleeper to support the event’s fleet of Mobile Museums, known as “Freedom Trucks,” which will travel throughout the United States in 2026. These historical trailers deliver interactive and inspiring educational content to students, families, and communities nationwide. Kenworth’s donation underscores the company’s long standing dedication to the trucking community, veterans, and organizations that strengthen and support drivers across the country. www.kenworth.com
ATAA Insurance Captive Partners with Kapnick Insurance
The American Towers Advocacy Association (ATAA) Insurance Captive
is a strategic initiative designed to deliver meaningful cost savings and enhanced insurance protection to towing companies of all sizes. Participation in this program is available exclusively to current ATAA members in good standing, and provides access to the advantages typically available only to large fleets. Through the Captive, participating companies can expect more competitive insurance rates, broader coverage options, and greater control over their risk management and insurance programs. The Captive structure also offers the potential for long-term dividend returns based on favorable loss experience, creating an opportunity for members to directly benefit from strong safety and claims performance. ATAA has partnered with Kapnick to develop and administer this program. Their extensive experience in captive insurance and the transportation industry will be instrumental in designing a program that is both financially sound and accessible to the Association’s diverse membership. Source: kapnick.com
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Ford Super Duty Tops Heavy-Duty Truck Segment In Initial Quality
Ford’s Super Duty topped the large heavy-duty truck segment in the 2026 J.D. Power U.S. IQS, beating out the Chevy Silverado HD, and posting its second consecutive segment win in this study. The 2026 J.D. Power IQS is based on the responses of 78,514 purchasers and lessees of new 2026 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership, and also incorporates repair visit data based on hundreds of thousands of real-world events reported to franchised new-vehicle dealers. It leans on 227 questions and repair data, which is organized into 10 categories (infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance; interior; seats; powertrain; driving experience; and climate). Source: ford.com
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AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • 69
a e t a n i m o N
o r He Risking their life to save another while on the job; Exhibiting courage under fire; Overcoming adversity and inspiring an industry.
HERO Risking their life to save another while on the job.
SILVER STAR Overcoming adversity and inspiring an industry.
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Stephanie Marchese, American Towman 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990
OR EMAIL:
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Submission Deadline August 1st
NOMINATIONS MUST INCLUDE:
70 • August 2026 | Towman.com
1. Nominee Name, Company, Phone, and Email 2. Your Name, Phone, and Email 3. Description of Incident
NOTE: All accounts must be verifiable through a third-party source (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, etc.)
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August 2026 • 71
My Baby
A Fitting Mascot Wise Papa Smurf Smiles Over a Century M100 By George L. Nitti
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ew tow trucks can stop people in their tracks before the engine is even started. But Beltsville, Marylandbased Hannan Towing & Recovery's new 2026 Peterbilt 589/Century M100 rotator does exactly that. The graphics, created by Dendy Hill Graphics of Lafayette, Georgia, are irresistible eye candy, with kinetic visuals that draws spectators to this impressive machine.
George L. Nitti has written for American Towman since 2009. He started out as a news writer and now writes a weekly feature on TowIndustryWeek.com, Tow Illustrated, which spotlights the tow truck graphics.
Like a summer sky ablaze with color, the rotator's explosion of bright colors—electric green, cobalt blue, violet, purple, orange and yellow—race across the truck in sweeping ribbons that create the illusion of motion even while it's standing still. Oversized chain graphics flow the length of the body, signifying strength and recovery, while visually tying together the truck's many compartments. According to owner/manager Umair Shahid, every painted component—from
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the underlift and boom to the stabilizers— was incorporated into the original vision. "The colors and painted components were planned from the start," Umair said. "We wanted everything to work together." Adding further personality to the design is Papa Smurf, the wise elder of Smurf village whom everyone turns to for guidance, reassurance, and sound judgment. Wrapped prominently on both the hood and body, the mascot has become one of the truck's most recognizable features.
The custom hood artwork features the legendary Papa Smurf.
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
The custom wrap flows uninterrupted from front to rear, combining vivid color, oversized chain graphics, and the Hannan name.
"Children absolutely know it's the Smurf," Umair said. Complimenting the rotator’s spectacular graphics, polished sheave heads, gleaming D-rings and countless polished details sparkle from nearly every angle. The Canadian-built Herd bumper adds both protection and presence, engineered to withstand heavy impacts from wildlife impacts, protecting the truck. Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
After dark, hundreds of LED lights transform the rotator into a rolling light show. The truck has become far more than a conversation piece. "We've actually received calls because people recognized the truck," Umair said. He points out that the rotator’s visual presence immediately elevated the company's image. "People look at it and know we had to be a successful company to
Engine: Cummins X15 Chassis: 2026 Peterbilt 589 Wrecker Body: Century M100 (100-ton) Distributor: West End Service Graphics: Dendy Hill Graphics, Lafayette, Georgia Custom Features: Canadian-built Herd bumper, extensive polished chrome package, LED lighting throughout, custompainted boom, underlift and stabilizers even own a truck like this." As striking as the flagship unit is, appearance wasn't the reason Hannan invested in the Century M100, acquired through distributor West End Service. Exceptional lifting power allows operators to perform recoveries and heavy lifts that would otherwise require multiple pieces
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The front of Hannan Towing's Peterbilt 589 is fitted with a polished Herd bumper, adding both rugged protection and a commanding presence.
of equipment—or simply couldn't be done. "This truck doesn't just rotate 360 degrees, it slides, too," Umair explained. "At zero degrees, it can lift weights that other trucks simply can't." In addition to heavy-duty recoveries, the truck’s versatility is proving useful for other applications. "We move generators and engines out of buildings," Umair said. "Before, contractors had to cut holes in the roof to remove them. Now we can take them out through regular doors." The ability to remove massive industrial equipment without dismantling buildings has opened entirely new opportunities for the company. The M100 is being marketed for work involving data centers, industrial machinery, railroad recoveries, airport operations, military installations, and other specialized heavy-lift applications throughout Washington D.C’s metropolitan region. This means that running one of the towing industry's most sophisticated recovery vehicles requires ongoing education. "We're still learning," Omar admitted. The company continues advanced instruction through Miller Industries while collaborating with the Towing Academy on heavyrecovery techniques. In addition, the company has begun hosting hands-on recovery classes using the M100 itself. "People want to get their hands on this truck," Omar said. "Our first classes are almost full." Behind Hannan Towing stands a growing family enterprise built through years of determination. The business is operated by four brothers—Naveed, Omar, Umair and Danish—whose operations extend well beyond towing. Omar alone operates approximately 17 automotive repair facilities, each with 15 to 20 service bays. Together, the businesses encompass heavy recovery, collision repair, automotive repair, and Maryland state inspection services under one umbrella. Hannan Towing was named after the family's first child—Umair's nephew, Hannan, Naveed's son. Today, the 18-year-old is studying business at the University 74 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Viewed from the rear, the Century M100 showcases its impressive custom-painted underlift and neon-green stabilizers.
On display with its boom extended, Hannan Towing’s Century M100 demonstrates its heavy-duty capabilities.
The Hannan Towing team proudly stands alongside the company’s new 2026 Peterbilt 589 equipped with a Century M100.
of Maryland while working part-time in the family business. The long-term vision is for him to help guide the business into its next generation. "We want to grow more, and we want to give this to our next generation," Umair explained. “We believe in working as a family and as a team. That's how we'll continue to grow." Backed by a family committed to investing in people, training and the next generation, the M100 serves as the foundation for Hannan Towing's next chapter. Papa Smurf smiles with fatherly approval, knowing that teamwork has once again prevailed.
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News Flash
Owners Gary and Brenda Crawford’s towing business dates back to 1976.
Rideout’s Tri-State Towing Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
Rideout’s Tri-State Towing & Recovery is celebrating a remarkable milestone as owner Gary Crawford marks 50 years in the towing and recovery industry. Since purchasing the Henderson, Kentucky-based company in 1976 with his wife, Brenda, Crawford transformed a small operation with five aging tow trucks into one of the Midwest's premier heavy-duty recovery companies. Today, the company operates a fleet of approximately 50 specialized trucks serving Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. Rideout’s has earned national recognition for its expertise in complex recoveries, including multiple cover stories in American Towman magazine. Among its most notable accomplishments are the award-winning recovery of a 163,000-pound mining truck, the successful extraction of a partially submerged 70,000-pound cement truck, and the recovery of an overturned 78,000-pound semi-trailer using advanced air cushion technology. Crawford credits the company's success to investing in quality equipment, continuous driver training, and a commitment to professionalism. Now responding to more than 1,500 service calls each month—including ap-
proximately 700 through AAA—Rideout’s Tri-State Towing & Recovery has become a trusted regional leader. After five decades, Crawford remains passionate about the industry, saying the variety of challenges and opportunities to help people have made towing "a great business." Source: the-hendersonian.com
Arkansas Tow Owner Charged with Forgery, Theft
The owner of Prestige Towing in Paragould, Arkansas is facing dozens of criminal charges. Authorities alleged Heather Patterson, 45, orchestrated a scheme involving illegal vehicle repossessions, forged documents, and fraudulent title transfers. Patterson was charged with 30 counts of second-degree forgery, 27 counts of filing false title or registration documents, one count of theft of property, and 89 counts of falsifying business records. The investigation began Heather Patterson, owner after a vehicle of Prestige Towing owner report-
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ed Patterson repossessed her car despite no repossession order being issued by the lienholder. Investigators allege Patterson later submitted paperwork falsely claiming the vehicle had been abandoned and recovered from water, while using an incorrect vehicle identification number to facilitate a fraudulent title transfer. A search of Patterson's home uncovered numerous towing records allegedly stating vehicles were towed at the request of Greene County Dispatch, despite records showing Prestige Towing had not been on the county's rotation list since January 2023. Authorities also allege Patterson sold paperwork and a temporary license plate for a motorcycle later determined to be stolen. She remains jailed on a $100,000 bond pending further court proceedings. Source: kait8.com
Tower Faces Attempted Murder Charge
A Memphis tow truck operator is facing an attempted second-degree murder charge after authorities say a vehicle repossession dispute turned violent. According to police, 29-yearold Taylor Douget was operating a tow truck for Memphis Towing and Recovery when he was confronted by the Taylor Douget is alleged owner of a 2002 to have attacked a Chevrolet Tahoe vehicle owner. that was being repossessed. The encounter occurred at an intersection and quickly escalated into a heated argument. Investigators allege Douget exited his truck carrying a heavy metal pipe later identified as the handle from a two-ton jack. Court documents state that Douget knocked a phone from the vehicle owner's hand and struck him during the confrontation. When the victim's girlfriend be-
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gan recording the incident, Douget allegedly hit the man in the head with the metal bar. The victim was knocked unconscious and suffered serious injuries, including two fractured vertebrae and a deep laceration above his ear that required stitches. During questioning, Douget admitted arming himself with the metal pipe but denied striking the victim. He was arrested and booked on the felony charge pending court proceedings. Source: pressreader.com
Motorola Sued Over LPR Data
Motorola Solutions is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit that could have significant implications for the future of license plate recognition (LPR) technology and the industries that rely on vehicle-location data. Filed in Illinois on behalf of California motorists, the lawsuit alleges Motorola improperly collected, stored, and shared location information generated through its LPR systems, including access by federal agencies and organizations outside California. The claims center on California's License Plate Reader Privacy Act,
which restricts how LPR data may be accessed and shared. Motorola denies wrongdoing and will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations in court. The case follows similar legal actions against other LPR providers and reflects a broader national debate over privacy, data ownership, and vehicle tracking technology. Privacy advocates argue that LPR networks create detailed records of individuals' movements, while supporters maintain the technology is a valuable tool for locating vehicles and supporting investigations. Source: curepossession.com
Car-Mart Debt Troubles Concern Repo Agencies
America’s Car-Mart, one of the nation’s largest Buy Here Pay Here auto lenders, is facing mounting financial pressure as it negotiates with creditors over nearly $900 million in debt. The Arkansas-based company recently disclosed that it expects to violate several financial requirements tied to its lending agreements, including liquidity and collateral coverage standards. While lenders have temporarily agreed not to accelerate the debt,
Motorola Solutions has become the latest LPR provider to face a proposed class-action lawsuit.
North 78 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Car-Mart has hired restructuring firm Houlihan Lokey and formed a special committee to evaluate options that include refinancing, debt modifications, mergers, or other strategic transactions. For repossession agencies, the situation raises concerns about unpaid invoices and vendor exposure. Industry veterans remember similar challenges involving distressed subprime lenders such as TriColor and Automotive Credit Corporation, where agencies were left waiting for payment on completed work. Source: curepossession.com
Tow Owner Sentenced for Vehicle Theft Scheme
Sherral Crawley, owner of No Limit Towing & Recovery, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted in a scheme involving unauthorized vehicle tows, vehicle thefts, and fraudulent business practices. The investigation began in late 2022 after complaints that vehicles were being towed from locations where No Limit Towing lacked authorization, and that customers were being overcharged. A 2023 search of the company’s property uncovered evidence that some vehicles taken from private lots were later sold or demolished without proper legal procedures. During sentencing, prosecutors presented testimony from law enforcement officers and several victims. One victim testified that vehicles belonging to her late father were improperly removed and never recovered. Another said she and her husband paid nearly $22,000 for a van sold by Crawley but never received a title, later learning the vehicle had been reported stolen. The court ordered Crawley to pay $21,749 in restitution. Time already served on a separate Caroline County conviction will be credited toward her sentence. Source: wric.com
As a Towing Professional, be recognized by your Police or Fire Chief for serving your community in an exceptional way
Have your Police or Fire Chief nominate you for
THE ORDER OF TOWMAN Should you feel you qualify, take this nomination form to your chief. •
For the past 17 years over 2,500 police and fire chiefs across the U.S. have nominated towing professionals for The Order of Towman, presented by American Towman Magazine in recognition of their supreme dedication to their communities and to the professionalism in their trade.
•
No one knows better than chiefs how towers rise to the occasion to face challenges at incident scenes or support their departments.
•
While American Towman Magazine mails nomination forms to chiefs nationwide, it may take more than one notice.
Deadline: August 30, 2026 for nominations. The ceremony presentation of the Cross of The Order will take place at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore.
NOMINATION FORM
Nominee(OwnerorManager):_______________________________________________________ NameofTowingCompany:_________________________________________________________
Email To: Bryna@towman.com
Address:__________________________City:_______________State:____ZipCode:_________
Fax To: 845-986-5181
PhoneNumber:____/____/_______emailaddress:___________________________________
Or Mail To:
NominatingPolice/FireChief:________________________________________________________
Bryna Stankiewicz
Police/FireDepartmentName:_______________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________
American Towman 2 Overlook Dr. Ste. 5 Warwick, NY 10990
Position: _______________________Phone Number: ____ / ____ / _______ Work theSignature: non-traffic_____________________________________________________ side - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • North 79 Chief’s
North 80 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Episode 62
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to capitano@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • South 75
News Flash
Owners Gary and Brenda Crawford’s towing business dates back to 1976.
Rideout’s Tri-State Towing Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
Rideout’s Tri-State Towing & Recovery is celebrating a remarkable milestone as owner Gary Crawford marks 50 years in the towing and recovery industry. Since purchasing the Henderson, Kentucky-based company in 1976 with his wife, Brenda, Crawford transformed a small operation with five aging tow trucks into one of the Midwest's premier heavy-duty recovery companies. Today, the company operates a fleet of approximately 50 specialized trucks serving Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. Rideout’s has earned national recognition for its expertise in complex recoveries, including multiple cover stories in American Towman magazine. Among its most notable accomplishments are the award-winning recovery of a 163,000-pound mining truck, the successful extraction of a partially submerged 70,000-pound cement truck, and the recovery of an overturned 78,000-pound semi-trailer using advanced air cushion technology. Crawford credits the company's success to investing in quality equipment, continuous driver training, and a commitment to professionalism. Now responding to more than 1,500 service calls each month—including ap-
proximately 700 through AAA—Rideout’s Tri-State Towing & Recovery has become a trusted regional leader. After five decades, Crawford remains passionate about the industry, saying the variety of challenges and opportunities to help people have made towing "a great business." Source: the-hendersonian.com
Arkansas Tow Owner Charged with Forgery, Theft
The owner of Prestige Towing in Paragould, Arkansas is facing dozens of criminal charges. Authorities alleged Heather Patterson, 45, orchestrated a scheme involving illegal vehicle repossessions, forged documents, and fraudulent title transfers. Patterson was charged with 30 counts of second-degree forgery, 27 counts of filing false title or registration documents, one count of theft of property, and 89 counts of falsifying business records. The investigation began Heather Patterson, owner after a vehicle of Prestige Towing owner report-
South 76 • August 2026 | Towman.com
ed Patterson repossessed her car despite no repossession order being issued by the lienholder. Investigators allege Patterson later submitted paperwork falsely claiming the vehicle had been abandoned and recovered from water, while using an incorrect vehicle identification number to facilitate a fraudulent title transfer. A search of Patterson's home uncovered numerous towing records allegedly stating vehicles were towed at the request of Greene County Dispatch, despite records showing Prestige Towing had not been on the county's rotation list since January 2023. Authorities also allege Patterson sold paperwork and a temporary license plate for a motorcycle later determined to be stolen. She remains jailed on a $100,000 bond pending further court proceedings. Source: kait8.com
Tower Faces Attempted Murder Charge
A Memphis tow truck operator is facing an attempted second-degree murder charge after authorities say a vehicle repossession dispute turned violent. According to police, 29-yearold Taylor Douget was operating a tow truck for Memphis Towing and Recovery when he was confronted by the Taylor Douget is alleged owner of a 2002 to have attacked a Chevrolet Tahoe vehicle owner. that was being repossessed. The encounter occurred at an intersection and quickly escalated into a heated argument. Investigators allege Douget exited his truck carrying a heavy metal pipe later identified as the handle from a two-ton jack. Court documents state that Douget knocked a phone from the vehicle owner's hand and struck him during the confrontation. When the victim's girlfriend be-
◀
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • South 77
gan recording the incident, Douget allegedly hit the man in the head with the metal bar. The victim was knocked unconscious and suffered serious injuries, including two fractured vertebrae and a deep laceration above his ear that required stitches. During questioning, Douget admitted arming himself with the metal pipe but denied striking the victim. He was arrested and booked on the felony charge pending court proceedings. Source: pressreader.com
Motorola Sued Over LPR Data
Motorola Solutions is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit that could have significant implications for the future of license plate recognition (LPR) technology and the industries that rely on vehicle-location data. Filed in Illinois on behalf of California motorists, the lawsuit alleges Motorola improperly collected, stored, and shared location information generated through its LPR systems, including access by federal agencies and organizations outside California. The claims center on California's License Plate Reader Privacy Act,
which restricts how LPR data may be accessed and shared. Motorola denies wrongdoing and will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations in court. The case follows similar legal actions against other LPR providers and reflects a broader national debate over privacy, data ownership, and vehicle tracking technology. Privacy advocates argue that LPR networks create detailed records of individuals' movements, while supporters maintain the technology is a valuable tool for locating vehicles and supporting investigations. Source: curepossession.com
Car-Mart Debt Troubles Concern Repo Agencies
America’s Car-Mart, one of the nation’s largest Buy Here Pay Here auto lenders, is facing mounting financial pressure as it negotiates with creditors over nearly $900 million in debt. The Arkansas-based company recently disclosed that it expects to violate several financial requirements tied to its lending agreements, including liquidity and collateral coverage standards. While lenders have temporarily agreed not to accelerate the debt,
Motorola Solutions has become the latest LPR provider to face a proposed class-action lawsuit.
South 78 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Car-Mart has hired restructuring firm Houlihan Lokey and formed a special committee to evaluate options that include refinancing, debt modifications, mergers, or other strategic transactions. For repossession agencies, the situation raises concerns about unpaid invoices and vendor exposure. Industry veterans remember similar challenges involving distressed subprime lenders such as TriColor and Automotive Credit Corporation, where agencies were left waiting for payment on completed work. Source: curepossession.com
Tow Owner Sentenced for Vehicle Theft Scheme
Sherral Crawley, owner of No Limit Towing & Recovery, has been sentenced to five years in prison after being convicted in a scheme involving unauthorized vehicle tows, vehicle thefts, and fraudulent business practices. The investigation began in late 2022 after complaints that vehicles were being towed from locations where No Limit Towing lacked authorization, and that customers were being overcharged. A 2023 search of the company’s property uncovered evidence that some vehicles taken from private lots were later sold or demolished without proper legal procedures. During sentencing, prosecutors presented testimony from law enforcement officers and several victims. One victim testified that vehicles belonging to her late father were improperly removed and never recovered. Another said she and her husband paid nearly $22,000 for a van sold by Crawley but never received a title, later learning the vehicle had been reported stolen. The court ordered Crawley to pay $21,749 in restitution. Time already served on a separate Caroline County conviction will be credited toward her sentence. Source: wric.com
As a Towing Professional, be recognized by your Police or Fire Chief for serving your community in an exceptional way
Have your Police or Fire Chief nominate you for
THE ORDER OF TOWMAN Should you feel you qualify, take this nomination form to your chief. •
For the past 17 years over 2,500 police and fire chiefs across the U.S. have nominated towing professionals for The Order of Towman, presented by American Towman Magazine in recognition of their supreme dedication to their communities and to the professionalism in their trade.
•
No one knows better than chiefs how towers rise to the occasion to face challenges at incident scenes or support their departments.
•
While American Towman Magazine mails nomination forms to chiefs nationwide, it may take more than one notice.
Deadline: August 30, 2026 for nominations. The ceremony presentation of the Cross of The Order will take place at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore.
NOMINATION FORM
Nominee(OwnerorManager):_______________________________________________________ NameofTowingCompany:_________________________________________________________
Email To: Bryna@towman.com
Address:__________________________City:_______________State:____ZipCode:_________
Fax To: 845-986-5181
PhoneNumber:____/____/_______emailaddress:___________________________________
Or Mail To:
NominatingPolice/FireChief:________________________________________________________
Bryna Stankiewicz
Police/FireDepartmentName:_______________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________
American Towman 2 Overlook Dr. Ste. 5 Warwick, NY 10990
Position: _______________________Phone Number: ____ / ____ / _______ Work theSignature: non-traffic_____________________________________________________ side - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • South 79 Chief’s
South 80 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Episode 62
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to capitano@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • Midwest 75
News Flash Rideout’s Tri-State Towing Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
Rideout’s Tri-State Towing & Recovery is celebrating a remarkable milestone as owner Gary Crawford marks 50 years in the towing and recovery industry. Since purchasing the Henderson, Kentucky-based company in 1976 with his wife, Brenda, Crawford transformed a small operation with five aging tow trucks into one of the Midwest’s premier heavy-duty recovery companies. Today, the company operates a fleet of approximately 50 specialized trucks serving Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. Rideout’s has earned national recognition for its expertise in complex recoveries, including multiple cover stories in American Towman magazine. Among its most notable accomplishments are the award-winning recovery of a 163,000-pound mining truck, the successful extraction of a partially submerged 70,000-pound cement truck, and the recovery of an over-
◀
Midwest 76 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • Midwest 77
turned 78,000-pound semi-trailer using advanced air cushion technology. Crawford credits the company’s success to investing in quality equipment, continuous driver training, and a commitment to professionalism. Now responding to more than 1,500 service calls each month—including approximately 700 through AAA—Rideout’s Tri-State Towing & Recovery has become a trusted regional leader. After five decades, Crawford remains passionate about the industry, saying the variety of challenges and opportunities to help people have made towing “a great business.” Source: the-hendersonian.com
Arkansas Tow Owner Charged with Forgery, Theft
The owner of Prestige Towing in Paragould, Arkansas is facing dozens of criminal charges. Authorities alleged Heather Patterson, 45, orchestrated a scheme involving illegal vehicle repossessions, forged documents, and fraudulent title transfers. Patterson was charged with 30 counts of second-degree forgery, 27 counts of filing false title or registration documents, one count of theft of property, and 89 counts of falsifying business records. The investigation began after a vehicle owner reported Patterson repossessed her car despite no repossession order being issued by the lienholder. Investigators allege Patterson later submitted paperwork falsely claiming the vehicle had been abandoned and recovered from water, while using an incorrect vehicle identification number to facilitate a fraudulent title transfer. A search of Patterson’s home uncovered numerous towing records allegedly stating vehicles were towed at the request of Greene County Dispatch, despite records showing Prestige Towing had not been on the county’s rotation list since January 2023. Authorities also allege Patterson sold paperwork and a temporary license plate for a motorcycle later determined to be stolen. She remains jailed on a $100,000 bond pending further court proceedings. Source: kait8.com
Midwest 78 • August 2026 | Towman.com
As a Towing Professional, be recognized by your Police or Fire Chief for serving your community in an exceptional way
Have your Police or Fire Chief nominate you for
THE ORDER OF TOWMAN Should you feel you qualify, take this nomination form to your chief. •
For the past 17 years over 2,500 police and fire chiefs across the U.S. have nominated towing professionals for The Order of Towman, presented by American Towman Magazine in recognition of their supreme dedication to their communities and to the professionalism in their trade.
•
No one knows better than chiefs how towers rise to the occasion to face challenges at incident scenes or support their departments.
•
While American Towman Magazine mails nomination forms to chiefs nationwide, it may take more than one notice.
Deadline: August 30, 2026 for nominations. The ceremony presentation of the Cross of The Order will take place at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore.
NOMINATION FORM
Nominee(OwnerorManager):_______________________________________________________ NameofTowingCompany:_________________________________________________________
Email To: Bryna@towman.com
Address:__________________________City:_______________State:____ZipCode:_________
Fax To: 845-986-5181
PhoneNumber:____/____/_______emailaddress:___________________________________
Or Mail To:
NominatingPolice/FireChief:________________________________________________________
Bryna Stankiewicz
Police/FireDepartmentName:_______________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________
American Towman 2 Overlook Dr. Ste. 5 Warwick, NY 10990
Position: _______________________Phone Number: ____ / ____ / _______ Work theSignature: non-traffic_____________________________________________________ side - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • Midwest 79 Chief’s
Midwest 80 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Episode 62
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to capitano@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • West 75
News Flash
Owners Gary and Brenda Crawford’s towing business dates back to 1976.
Rideout’s Tri-State Towing Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence
Rideout’s Tri-State Towing & Recovery is celebrating a remarkable milestone as owner Gary Crawford marks 50 years in the towing and recovery industry. Since purchasing the Henderson, Kentucky-based company in 1976 with his wife, Brenda, Crawford transformed a small operation with five aging tow trucks into one
of the Midwest’s premier heavy-duty recovery companies. Today, the company operates a fleet of approximately 50 specialized trucks serving Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. Rideout’s has earned national recognition for its expertise in complex recoveries, including multiple cover stories in American Towman magazine. Among its most notable accomplishments are the award-winning recovery of a 163,000-pound mining truck, the successful extraction of a partially submerged 70,000-pound cement truck, and the recovery of an overturned 78,000-pound semi-trailer using advanced air cushion technology. Crawford credits the company’s success to investing in quality equipment, continuous driver training, and a commitment to professionalism. Now responding to more than 1,500 service calls each month—including approximately 700 through AAA—Rideout’s Tri-State Towing &
West 76 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Recovery has become a trusted regional leader. After five decades, Crawford remains passionate about the industry, saying the variety of challenges and opportunities to help people have made towing “a great business.” Source: the-hendersonian.com
Arkansas Tow Owner Charged with Forgery, Theft
The owner of Prestige Towing in Paragould, Arkansas is facing dozens of criminal charges. Authorities alleged Heather Patterson, 45, orchestrated a scheme involving illegal vehicle repossessions, forged documents, and fraudulent title transfers. Patterson was charged with 30 counts of second-degree forgery, 27 counts of filing false title or registration documents, one count of theft of property, and 89 counts of falsify-
◀
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • West 77
ing business records. The investigation began after a vehicle owner reported Patterson repossessed her car despite no repossession order being issued by the lienholder. Investigators allege Patterson later submitted paperwork falsely claiming the vehicle had been abandoned and recovered from water, while using an incorrect vehicle identification number to facilitate a fraudulent title transfer. A search of Patterson’s home uncovered numerous towing records allegedly stating vehicles were towed at the request of Greene County Dispatch, despite records showing Prestige Towing had not been on the county’s rotation list since January 2023. Authorities also allege Patterson sold paperwork and a temporary license plate for a motorcycle later determined to be stolen. She remains jailed on a $100,000 bond pending further court proceedings. Source: kait8.com
West 78 • August 2026 | Towman.com
As a Towing Professional, be recognized by your Police or Fire Chief for serving your community in an exceptional way
Have your Police or Fire Chief nominate you for
THE ORDER OF TOWMAN Should you feel you qualify, take this nomination form to your chief. •
For the past 17 years over 2,500 police and fire chiefs across the U.S. have nominated towing professionals for The Order of Towman, presented by American Towman Magazine in recognition of their supreme dedication to their communities and to the professionalism in their trade.
•
No one knows better than chiefs how towers rise to the occasion to face challenges at incident scenes or support their departments.
•
While American Towman Magazine mails nomination forms to chiefs nationwide, it may take more than one notice.
Deadline: August 30, 2026 for nominations. The ceremony presentation of the Cross of The Order will take place at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore.
NOMINATION FORM
Nominee(OwnerorManager):_______________________________________________________ NameofTowingCompany:_________________________________________________________
Email To: Bryna@towman.com
Address:__________________________City:_______________State:____ZipCode:_________
Fax To: 845-986-5181
PhoneNumber:____/____/_______emailaddress:___________________________________
Or Mail To:
NominatingPolice/FireChief:________________________________________________________
Bryna Stankiewicz
Police/FireDepartmentName:_______________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________
American Towman 2 Overlook Dr. Ste. 5 Warwick, NY 10990
Position: _______________________Phone Number: ____ / ____ / _______ Work theSignature: non-traffic_____________________________________________________ side - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | August 2026 • West 79 Chief’s
West 80 • August 2026 | Towman.com
Episode 62
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to capitano@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990