AMERICAN TOWMAN EXPOSITION XXXVII PREVIEW
PUBLISHING
The Road Calls
HAPPY 250 ANNIVERSARY USA! TH
COMMON CAR CARRIER DAMAGES ACTIVE LISTENING TACTICS THAT WORK EV FIRE SUPPRESSION KNOW-HOW TowIndustryWeek.com
JULY 2026 AmericanTowman.com
$10
EXHIBITOR ROSTER Exhibits as of June 22: For up-to-date roster go to TowXpo.com
*Supplier names in bold are display advertisers in this issue with their ad page number cross-referenced. Sponsors are in bold with their booth numbers. 5Star Specialty Programs Booth #928 AAA Texas Booth #428 -pg. 66-67 Access Tools Booth #820 Acrisure Booth #926 Agero, Inc. Booth #902 All American Jerr-Dan Old Bridge Booth #720 -pg. N,S,M 75 Allstate Roadside Booth #714 -pg. 74 American Towman Exposition Booth #532 Apache 2 Way Booth #601 Arrowhead Winch Booth #737 Ascentium Capital Booth #829 Austin Insurance Booth #724 -pg. W78 Auto Data Direct Booth #819 Autura Booth #500 -pg. 27 Builtbright Booth #635 Coast Booth #617 Commercial Equipment Financing Booth #324 Copart Booth #626 -pg. 3 Cutco Booth #636 DeWalt Automotive | Baccus Global Booth #423 DewEze Mfg. Booth #814 DFW Truck Booth #728 Dual-Tech Booth #936 -pg. 64 ECS Booth #925 EdgeTec/Hooks Booth #608 -pg. W79 Energy Security Agency Booth #1032
Envue Telematics Booth #1026 EVchargeHERO Booth #600 FCar Tech USA Booth #603 Federal Signal Booth #930 Flute Booth #1116 Fullbay Booth #929 Gaston & Sheehan Auctioneers Booth #710 GEICO Booth #817 Great Plains Partners Booth #406 Guttman Energy Booth #718 Heavy Duty Help Booth #933 -pg. 31 HONK 2.0 Booth #325 326 Horizon Motor Booth #1120 IAA Holdings Booth #619 Interline Risk Services Booth #836 iTow & Licona Insurance Group Booth #721 J & R / DG Towing and Trucking Supplies Booth #921 J. Alexander Law Booth #830 Janic King Insurance Booth #901 JB Tow Booth #1104 Kalyn Siebert Booth #616 -pg. 57 Landoll Company Booth #115 -pg. Inside BackCover Leaf Home Booth #605 Lodar Ltd. Booth #615 Lubnau Gonzalez Insurance Agency Booth #825 Marsh McLennan Booth #338
MAXXIMA Booth #323 National Automobile Club Booth #708 NDMR Payments Booth #1028 Nite Beams Products Booth #802 OMG Tow Marketing Booth #827 -pg. 20 OmniMed Booth #842 ParkM Booth #922 Peak Auto Auctions Booth #700 Peak Wrecker Sales Booth #218 -pg. W79 PeakPTT Booth #424 Phoenix USA Booth #729 PRZM Booth #742 R.P. Recovery Booth #736 ResQTrack Booth #1126 Richochet Fuel Distributors Booth #900 RoadSync Booth #725 RPM Equipment Company Booth #705, 805 Rush Towing Systems Booth #518 Safety Vision Booth #713 SaleQuick Booth #506 Salvato Booth #625 Southwest Tow Operators Booth #436 Stamp Works Booth #914 Sumitomo Equipment finance Booth #931 Superior Trailer Sales Booth #116 Texas Towing & Storage Assoc. (TTSA) Booth #400 The Almaraz Law Firm Booth #426
Sponsors
The Van Pelt Agency Booth #733 Tow Broker Booth #502 -pg. 68 Tow Buddy Booth #738 Towing Insurance Specialist Booth #607 TowMate Booth #1000 -pg. 73 TowPilot Booth #920 TowSmart Systems Booth #404 Truck Parking Club Booth #915 Truck Source Booth #229 & 228 TW Products Booth #828 UHS Hardware Booth # 638 Utility Trailer of Texas Booth #301 - pg. W81 Voltexlights.com Booth #425 VTS Systems Booth #704 Whelen Eng./John Wright Assoc. Booth #918 Whiterail Heavy Tow Marketing Booth #722 Winches Incorporated Booth #924 Wrecker Warehouse Booth #504 & 417 -pg. W75 WreckMaster Booth #823 Xpress-pay Booth #642 Ynot Parking Booth #609 York Insurance Services (fka) Hanks Insurance Group Booth #1013 -pg. W83 Zellner Insurance Agency Booth #602 Zion Outdoors Booth #741 Zip’s AW Direct Booth #604 -pg. 23
Contents
Volume 50 Issue 7
72
When the Eagle Flies By Steve Temple
Cover Feature
To celebrate 250 years of freedom, we came across an apt image of a bold American eagle in a patriotic display. The graphics are from Troy Davis of Vinyl Visions for Bi-Rite Auto Sales. Enjoy all the family fun and fireworks this July 4th!
Features
16
Car Carrier Damages
Tips for Preventing Customer Complaints By Terry Abejuela
22
Active Listening Tactics That Work Skills Every Towman Needs By Jessi Beyer
26
July 2026 Departments
10 12 14 15 16 22 26 30 34 56 68 71 72 N, S, M 81 W89
The Walkaround News Share Road Tools Zoom-In Hands-On Tech Tow Manager Towman Techniques Tow Business Ad Index Legal Matters Supplier Scoop Towman’s Market My Baby Adventures of A.T.
EV Fire Suppression Know-How The Risks of Reignition 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”.
8 • July 2026 | Towman.com
First on the scene since 1977
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 9
The Walkaround Freedom to Grow Through New Hazards As America marks its 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we at American Towman proudly join the celebration! The tow truck featured on this July cover was selected for its bold patriotic design, highlighted by the majestic bald eagle representing America’s Dennie Ortiz strength, freedom, and pride. Publisher Those same ideals are reflected in the towing profession. Towers take pride in a very demanding job that requires honor, courage, and respect, the same qualities that are highlighted and appear on our 2026 Exposition logo. This year, as we come together in Baltimore, we will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary and the men and women who keep our roads safe every day. We hope you’ll join us for this special occasion. Turn to page 35 for a sneak peek at what’s in store for Baltimore. While you’re at it, and if you’re looking for new ways to grow your towing business, be sure to read the article on property parking. We explore how parking lot management for both municipalities and private properties can create valuable opportunities for business growth and increased revenue. Along with expansion, keeping your business compliant and your operation running smoothly requires staying informed on ever-changing laws and regulations. In this issue, Brian Riker explains why driver qualification is more important than ever and outlines what every tow business owner needs to know about ensuring commercial vehicle drivers meet federal requirements. As government enforcement efforts increasingly focus on unqualified commercial drivers, all operators can expect greater scrutiny. Brian provides practical guidance and resources to help ensure your drivers meet the necessary standards and keep your company in compliance. In today’s towing environment, understanding how to safely handle electric vehicles is essential. From volatile recoveries to high-voltage transport, Randy Resch walks you through the unpredictable realities of electric vehicle recovery and transport, including the proper way to handle EV fires and other battery-related hazards. Also in this issue, we feature the remarkable recovery efforts of Bergen Brookside Towing following a dramatic accident in which an SUV plunged from a bridge into a river. The operation serves as a great example of first responders and towing professionals working together to achieve a successful recovery. We hope you enjoy this issue and use it to sharpen your strategy and strengthen your business. As always, stay safe out there!
Service With a Smile Several years ago, the owner of a restaurant chain shared one of the secrets to his success. He pointed out that just about any eatery can cook up a good steak, but they don’t necessarily know how to create a memorable dining experience. What he emphasized was the importance of thoroughly training his staff in customer care and attentiveness. Steve Temple The same holds true for an effective tow company. Editor Most operators know how to safely load a vehicle on a carrier (though we do have some cautions about that in this issue’s Hands-On Tech by Terry Abejuela). What sets a tower apart, though, is their communication skills and interactions with customers. Which is why we’re running an article on Active Listening Skills by Jessi Beyer, who’s a crisis mental health professional, SWAT negotiator, and suicide prevention trainer. She shares several practical approaches that can help a towman deal with a stressed customer. This even applies to more mundane areas such as parking lot management, as pointed out in the article on this topic that when handling parking policy violations, effective communication helps to minimize disputes and customer complaints. Not all parking violations are the same, and it helps to approach things from the “same side of the table” as the vehicle owner. This is the same technique a good server at restaurant uses as well!
10 • July 2026 | Towman.com
Dennie Ortiz Steven C. Calitri Steve Temple Randall Resch Terry Abejuela David Kolman Mark Lacek Brian Riker George Nitti Henri “Doc” Calitri Paul Stephens
Publisher & President Chief Executive Officer 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. Senior Account Exec. 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 Ellen Rosengart Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Lisa Ciraldo Ilce Negri Bryna Stankiewicz Stephanie Marchese Andrea Richardson Emily Oz Henri Calitri
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 11
News Share Ontario Introduces Tougher Rules The Ontario government in Canada has introduced new legislation aimed at tightening oversight of the province’s troubled towing industry, which has been linked to shootings, arsons, and dangerous driving incidents. The proposed Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act would strengthen regulations under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA). Officials say the changes are designed to improve safety, increase accountability, and close enforcement gaps that currently limit police and transportation officers. According to the Ministry of the Solicitor General, concerns have grown over tow operators positioning themselves near crash scenes to solicit business. The legislation would establish clearer rules for conduct at collision sites and allow officers to issue roadside tickets for violations. The province also plans to consult on setting maximum towing and vehicle storage rates across Ontario. Officials believe standardized pricing could reduce conflicts among operators and discourage dangerous races to accident scenes. The legislation follows several recent incidents involving tow truck operators, including crashes, arsons, and investigations tied to alleged tow truck turf wars across the Greater Toronto Area. Source: toronto.citynews.ca
Jacksonville Recovery Agent Killed The towing and recovery industry is mourning the loss of Oliver Lopez, a Jacksonville, Florida, repossession agent who was fatally shot during a vehicle recovery assignment on May 26, 2026. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred around 10 p.m. at the Sanctuary Walk apartment complex in Jacksonville’s Brentwood neighborhood. Investigators said Lopez had arrived to repossess a vehicle when a confrontation developed with the vehicle owner. During the altercation, a second individual allegedly arrived at the scene and opened fire, striking Lopez multiple times before fleeing. Family members and friends later identified the victim as Oliver Lopez. Lopez was also the owner of Oliver Towing I95 LLC, a Jacksonville-based towing company formed earlier this year. Source: curepossession.com
12 • July 2026 | Towman.com
Rotator Assists
with Restoration of Cemetery
Jeswald Auto Truck Service recently used one of its heavy-duty rotators to assist with the restoration of a historic 19th-century cemetery entrance in North Jackson, Ohio. The company was contacted by a local fabrication shop involved in rebuilding the cemetery’s entrance gates and stonework. Jeswald’s was tasked with lifting and positioning two large stone pillars weighing an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 pounds each. Chris Jeswald said the company used its 60-ton Jerr-Dan rotator mounted on a Kenworth T880 chassis to complete the delicate placement. Crews carefully rigged the textured stone pillars using heavy-duty fabric straps before slowly lifting them from a trailer and setting them onto prepared bases while workers applied mortar. The narrow roadway and aging cemetery driveway created additional challenges, requiring traffic control during the operation.
Jeswald’s Towing uses a 60-ton rotator to restore historic cemetery pillars in Ohio. “We like the oddball jobs,” Jeswald said. “It’s nice getting to do different things.” The restoration project is helping preserve a cemetery containing graves dating back to the mid-1800s. Source: TIW Interview with Jeswald
Fort Worth CVS Tows Investigated A CBS Texas I-Team investigation into parking enforcement at a CVS location in Fort Worth’s medical district has raised questions about drop fees, towing authorization, and possible refunds for motorists. The station documented multiple instances in which vehicles parked at the local CVS lot were loaded onto tow trucks after drivers left the property to visit nearby businesses. In several cases, motorists returned before the tow truck departed and were offered the opportunity to pay a drop fee to have their vehicles released on site. The report examined Texas regulations governing when a vehicle is considered “fully hooked up and ready for towing,” a designation that can determine whether a drop fee may be charged. Representatives from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and members of the towing industry offered differing perspectives on how the standard is applied in the field. The investigation took another turn when CVS corporate officials told the
A Lone Star Towing truck removes a vehicle from a CVS parking lot in Fort Worth, Texas. station they were unaware of and had not authorized towing operations at the location. Lone Star Towing CEO Cody Nicholson disputed that claim, stating the company had an agreement with local store management. Following the investigation, CVS removed parking enforcement signs from the property, stating that Lone Star Towing did not have authority to install the signs or tow vehicles from the site. According to the report, motorists who paid towing or drop fees may be eligible for refunds if it is determined that proper authorization was not in place. Source: cbsnews.com
News Share
Towman Charged After
Stolen Car Scrapped Within Hours
A Milwaukee tow truck driver has been charged with felony theft after authorities say he arranged for a stolen vehicle to be scrapped and sold for cash within hours of its disappearance. According to a criminal complaint, 30-year-old Derrick D. Hutchins is accused of taking a vehicle belonging to Teon Thomas and delivering it to Milwaukee Iron & Metal, where it was crushed. Prosecutors allege Hutchins signed paperwork affirming he had the legal right to sell the vehicle before receiving payment. Thomas said his vehicle disappeared after he left it with a flat tire caused by a pothole on May 1. After realizing he had left a pair of AirPods inside, he used the device’s tracking feature to locate the car at a Milwaukee scrapyard, where it had already been destroyed. Court records indicate police identified Hutchins through scrapyard documentation and surveillance
A Volkswagen was crushed after an alleged illegal sale to a Milwaukee scrapyard. evidence. Milwaukee Iron & Metal stated it followed required procedures and noted there is no statewide system for verifying whether vehicles have been reported stolen before being accepted for scrap. Hutchins is scheduled to make his first court appearance in June. If convicted, he faces up to 3½ years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Source: www.tmj4.com
CFPB Changes Draw Attention from Repo Alliance Recent changes at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are raising questions about the future of consumer finance oversight and its impact on the recovery industry. Created in 2010 after the financial crisis, the CFPB is consolidating operations in Washington, D.C., closing regional offices, and restructuring staff. Industry groups, including the Repo Alliance, are closely monitoring the developments. The Repo Alliance—a coalition of the American Recovery Association (ARA), California Association of Licensed Repossessors (CALR), Texas Accredited Repossession Professionals (Texas ARP), and Harding Brooks Insurance—advocates for the recovery industry at the state and federal levels. According to the organization, a reduced CFPB presence could lead to increased regulation by individual states, creating a more complex compliance environment for lenders,
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The Repo Alliance is tracking CFPB changes and advocating for the recovery industry. service providers, and recovery professionals operating across multiple jurisdictions. The CFPB has overseen autofinance issues involving wrongful repossessions, loan-servicing errors, credit reporting, and consumer disclosures. The Repo Alliance says it will continue monitoring legislation and educating policymakers about the recovery industry’s role as regulatory oversight evolves. Source: curepossession.com
Milwaukee Crackdown Nets $1 Million Milwaukee’s effort to crack down on unpaid parking tickets has already generated nearly $1 million in collected fines since a tougher enforcement ordinance took effect Jan. 1, 2026. The ordinance targets habitual violators, defined as drivers with five or more unpaid parking tickets that are at least 60 days overdue. Under the updated rules, motorists who fail to pay outstanding citations or arrange a payment plan can have their vehicles towed and impounded. Milwaukee’s Department of Public Works reported that approximately 20,000 citations have been paid since the towing enforcement began. Nearly half of the violators identified have also scheduled court appearances to resolve their cases. City officials said the goal is not only to recover unpaid fines but also to encourage drivers to address tickets before penalties escalate into towing and impound fees. The ordinance also allows towing for illegally parked vehicles. Through May 15, nearly 2,200 vehicles had been towed. Last year, city officials estimated Milwaukee was owed more than $17 million in unpaid parking citations tied to roughly 39,000 vehicles. Source: fox6now.com
Sentencing in Fatal Bulldozer Crash A Utah tow operator has been sentenced to prison following a 2024 crash in which a bulldozer came loose from his carrier and crushed a pickup truck, killing a company executive and his teenage daughter. Owner Michael Love of Love Towing, in MarriottSlaterville, Utah, received a prison sentence totaling four-to-23 years after being convicted on charges that included aggravated assault, negligent homicide, and obstruction of justice. The crash claimed the lives of Richard Hendrickson, CEO of Lifetime Products, and his 16-year-old daughter, Sally. Hendrickson’s wife and two other children were also injured. According to investigators, the bulldozer, weighing more than 30,000 pounds, was not properly secured. While negotiating a curve on SR-39 in Ogden Canyon, the machine broke free from the carrier and slid into oncoming traffic. Prosecutors also alleged Love attempted to alter the scene after the crash, and falsely stated that the bulldozer had been secured with the required restraints. Surveillance footage later showed the load was inadequately tied down. At sentencing, Love expressed remorse, stating he thinks about the crash every day. Source: newsbreak.com
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 13
Road Tools Wireless Advantage TowMate has released the Advantage wireless tow light (TM22-ADV). This next-generation evolution of the company’s 22-inch platform delivers enhanced visibility, smarter functionality, and uncompromising reliability. Built on TowMate’s proven wireless foundation, the Advantage introduces key performance upgrades designed specifically for towing professionals, fleets, and roadside operators who demand more from their safety equipment. The Advantage sets itself apart with sequential amber turn signals, providing clearer directional indication to surrounding drivers. This modern signaling approach improves reaction time and enhances overall roadside safety. A newly integrated battery status indicator provides instant visual feedback at startup. Using a 10-LED display, operators can quickly assess charge level, ensuring the light is ready before hitting the road. Powered by a 3000mAh lithium battery pack, the Advantage is designed for dependable, all-day operation. The unit charges via a 12V DC system using the included TowMate charger, ensuring safe and consistent performance in the field, with up to 1,000 feet of wireless range.
towmate.com
Access Tools Conquers Ford F150 Access Tools, a leading manufacturer of car-opening tools, has a new product called the Paddle Handle Max. It’s designed to handle those pesky paddle door handles on the Ford F150 and Expedition trucks. The Paddle Handle Max is a go-to specialty long reach tool featuring a pre-bent shape that makes it usable in most situations without any further modification. The StoreN-Go handle holds extra tips for the long-reach tool, and the scratch proof coating protects the vehicles finish while performing lockout service. The Paddle Handle Max is an ideal tool for towers working on late-model Ford F-Series trucks.
AccessToolsUSA.com
Remote Security The Control Holder by Wreckerstuff Square is a custom-fit solution for tow truck operators, designed specifically for the Jerr-Dan MPL line of wreckers, along with Dynamic wrecker remotes (4-function and 6-function). This new unit securely holds the controller for both Ford and Ram trucks. Built with durability and precision, it ensures a remote stays safe and accessible even on the toughest jobs. Never fumble around for your controller on the job again. Plus, it’s easily removable, allowing for passenger seating when needed. Built to last, the Control Holder keeps tow operators productive and in control on every tow.
wreckerstuff.square.site
14 • July 2026 | Towman.com
Zoom In
A Lower Angle Carrier Miller Industries has announced the VLA (Very Low Angle) carrier available for Century, Vulcan, and Chevron models, engineered to simplify loading and transport of low-clearance vehicles and job-site equipment. The VLA’s twin-motor, rack-and-pinion bed travel system allows the deck to roll nearly flat to the ground, delivering smooth, controlled loading with a minimal approach height. The new VLA features a 23-foot deck with a mere six-degree load angle and a 10,000-lbs. platform rating. The deck is available in either aluminum or steel for versatile, everyday transport. Standard equipment includes a 12,000-lbs. planetarydesign winch, a wheel lift rated at 3,000 lbs. with a 7,500-lbs. tow rating at full extension —all designed to balance capability with quick, intuitive operation. “Our new VLA is all about confident loading with a fixed approach angle,” points out Kipp Felice, Vice President of Marketing and Business Solutions at Miller Industries. “Customers asked for a carrier that handles low-clearance vehicles without drama but with everyday usability.” The new VLA car carrier is available now through Miller Industries’ distribution network.
millerind.com Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 15
Hands-On Tech
Car Carrier Damages Preventing Customer Complaints and Loss of Revenue By Terry Abejuela
M
any tow customers assume that when they request a car carrier to transport their vehicles, the risk of damage is nonexistent. However, an untrained, negligent or unprofessional carrier operator can cause significant damage to a vehicle. This article outlines the most common forms of carrier-related damages and how to avoid them.
A car carrier, commonly referred to as a flatbed or rollback, is a very versatile piece of equipment used in the towing and recovery industry to move equipment, containers, racing and vintage vehicles, motorcycles, electric and hybrid vehicles, exotic/luxury vehicles—along with everyday recovery of disabled and wrecked vehicles. Customers expect and trust that the car carrier operator will transport their vehicle from point A to Point B without any additional damages. The cost of damages goes beyond the financial impact of the repair, as it can lead to increased insurance premiums, additional administrative costs, customer dissatisfaction, and loss of business revenue. Understanding the common types of damages and the factors that contribute to them can help to reduce risk, improve operational practices, and protect the bottom line.
FIRST PRIORITIES
First and foremost, before loading a vehicle, tow operators must make documenting any previous damages part of their standard procedure. Always operate under the assumption that the customer has likely not conducted an inspection of their vehicle prior to the transport. Conduct a quick inspection of the vehicle before loading, and document any existing damages in writing and/or photos. Many tow companies use a phone app for this task. Also, make sure the customer is aware of these damages. Loading and unloading on the deck are among the most common high-risk phases of the transporting process. Vehicles are frequently damaged during loading when the
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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.
16 • July 2026 | Towman.com
To avoid damages to the lower body panels on the front of a casualty vehicle, obtain the lowest loading angle by fully extending the deck before tilting the deck to the ground.
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 17
can be damaged by J-hooks. When a loading bridle J-hook is attached to the lower control arm, the tip of the hook may contact the CV boot, tearing it open while the wheel is rolling up the deck during the loading process. During loading, ensure that the deck is planted firmly on the ground before the vehicle begins to roll on. If the deck is not properly set, the weight of the vehicle may force the deck down on the ground unexpectedly. Conversely, as the vehicle rolls off the end of the deck during unloading, the sudden unweighting can cause the deck to lift off the ground and make contact with the air dam or valance.
SAFE AND SECURE
Lumber can be used to create clearance for the winch rope and loading bridle. Using lumber ramps or manufactured ramps lowers the loading angle of the deck and raises the front end of the vehicle to avoid damage caused by contact between the vehicle valance and carrier deck.
approach angle of the car carrier deck is too steep, or when winch ropes and attachment bridles come into contact with bumpers, exhaust pipes or undercarriage components.
ANGLE OF ATTACK
Positioning the deck for the lowest loading angle and the use of lumber or ramps to improve the approach angle will avoid vehicle contact with the deck. Releasing air from the rear airbag suspension will lower the deck even more for a better approach angle. Extending the deck fully will also improve the approach angle. If these two options do not provide sufficient clearance, it is recommended to utilize lumber or manufactured ramps to improve the approach angle. Always ensure the ramps or lumber will not move out of place. When using lumber, this can be accomplished by placing the lumber under the approach plate of the deck and lowering the deck on top of the lumber to prevent it from moving. Lumber that is tapered at one end will work best. 18 • July 2026 | Towman.com
On low-clearance vehicles it may also be necessary to place lumber under the rear wheels for raising the rear end to avoid bumper or exhaust pipe contact with the ground during the loading and unloading process. Lumber can be your best friend when operating a car carrier, so carry plenty in varying dimensions. Lumber can also be used to create additional clearance for the winch rope and loading bridle. This prevents damage caused by contact with the air dam or valance panel, and the winch rope or loading bridle. Place a 4x4-inch piece across the loading bridle behind the air dam or valance panel so that it will contact a strong portion of the frame or suspension, and provide clearance.
HELPFUL HOOKS
Do not use a J-hook bridle to load front wheel drive vehicles on the deck facing forward on the deck. Use a T-hook, Mini J-hook or R-hook bridle instead. This is due to the location of the CV boot on the live axles which sits just above the lower control arm and
Another common phase where damage occurs is during vehicle securement. The most frequent causes of damage are the use of improper attachment points and the overtightening of chains or straps. Aluminum lower control arms are common on modern vehicles, but are not suitable for loading or securement. Using J-hooks on aluminum lower control arms may result in damage. Always use T-hooks, Mini J-hooks, or R-hooks in the designated transport slots instead. Many vehicles are equipped with T-hook slots designed for towing and transport. However, vehicle manufacturers also stamp other slots that are shaped like T-hook slots, but are not intended for securement. These openings are formed in sheetmetal only and are not reinforced to support securement load. Only use manufacturer-approved, reinforced tie-down points.
AVOID REAR-FACING TRANSPORT
In the towing and recovery industry, vehicles are usually transported on a car carrier facing forward on the deck. Transporting vehicles facing backwards on the deck at high speeds can cause damage to rear window louvers, pickup truck
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 19
bed covers or bed liners, sunroofs, and anything else aerodynamically designed for high-speed travel in a forward direction. To avoid such damages, transport vehicles facing forward whenever possible. If a tower must transport a vehicle facing backwards on the deck, inspect the vehicle for potential aerodynamic issues, and take necessary precautions to avoid damages. Ensure bed covers are securely latched and locked, and close sunroofs. Avoid traveling on freeways and drive at lower speeds whenever possible.
HANGING OUT THERE
When making a tight turn in a car carrier, make sure there’s enough clearance on the side so the deck swing doesn’t make contact with an object such as a vehicle, wall, or other nearby object. Making a wider, more gradual turn can prevent this from happening.
20 • July 2026 | Towman.com
Another potential source of damage involves vehicles not loaded on the carrier or objects in close proximity. While most car operators recognize this hazard in advance, some only become aware of it after an incident occurs.
The deck of a car carrier has a long overhang, with the distance from the rear axle to the end of the deck extending upwards of six feet or more. When a car carrier is making a sharp turn, the deck swings wide. If it’s close to a vehicle, wall, or fence on a tight turn, the deck may contact the object and cause damage. In close quarters, monitor the deck swing, and execute wide, gradual turns to maintain clearance and prevent contact. This article addresses only a portion of the damages associated with car carrier operations. It is highly recommended that tow bosses incorporate damage prevention and even case studies into regular safety meetings, allowing operators to learn from the experiences of others, rather than repeating costly mistakes. Always consult the car carrier manufacturer’s manual to understand working load limits and proper operational instructions.
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 21
Tow Manager state to a point where they can actually think clearly, regulate their emotions, and begin problem-solving toward a positive outcome. Just as important, this must be done quickly, as there often isn’t the luxury of extended time, much like the reality tow operators face in the field. That’s why, when it comes to verbal de-escalation, a tactical approach isn’t optional—it’s essential. This is not another surface-level discussion of active listening filled with theory operators can’t use. We’ll get into practical applications, equipping towers with a toolbox of seven specific skills to de-escalate a stressed individual.
1. REFLECTION
Active Listening Tactics Seven Skills Every Tow Operator Needs By Jessi Beyer
T Jessi Beyer is a crisis mental health professional, SWAT negotiator, and suicide prevention/de-escalation trainer for high-risk and high-impact companies. She is the #1 best-selling author of “How To Heal: A Practical Guide To Nine Integrative Therapies That Can Help Release Trauma.”
ow operators are often overlooked as first responders, yet they routinely face the same high-pressure scenarios as law enforcement and firefighters, frequently interacting with individuals in emotionally charged and unpredictable situations. While the majority of distressed individuals will not become aggressive, some might escalate to confrontational behavior. Proper de-escalation strategies can help support upset customers and ensure the safety of tow operators. While not directly in the tow industry, as a mental health professional, I’ve had the opportunity to respond to hundreds of crises alongside law enforcement as an embedded clinician and a SWAT negotiator. This experience has given me a unique perspective on verbal deescalation. It’s often been my role to guide someone from an irrational 10/10 crisis
22 • July 2026 | Towman.com
The first skill entails taking what someone says and repeating it back to them, while simultaneously labeling the emotion that’s underneath what they said. For example, if an angry customer comes to pick up their vehicle from an impound lot, claiming that they parked in a legal parking zone, a tower could reflect back to them, “It sounds incredibly frustrating to have parked in an open spot and then still have your car end up here.” The towman is reflecting back the basic facts of what’s been said—the irate customer believed they parked in a legal area, but their car was still impounded— and also expresses the emotions the customer might be feeling based on that situation. Feel free to get creative here and break away from the standard emotions of sad, mad, and irritated. Would it be better to describe the person as infuriated? outraged? devastated? panicked? The more precisely identified their emotional state, the more effective a reflection will be.
2. MINIMAL ENCOURAGERS
Sometimes, what someone needs to emotionally de-escalate is space to vent their frustrations. If that’s the case, minimal encouragers are a great tool. These are the sounds made when someone’s talking to let them know that a tower is listening without interrupting them: “yeah,” “mmhmm,” “wow,” and similar ones.
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 23
the defensive and they will escalate emotionally—or even physically. Open-ended questions invite the customer to share what’s important to them, helping a tower to defuse a crisis situation.
5. SILENCE
Minimal encouragers also include body language. Make eye contact and nod, while also making sure body position is towards them. Lean in when they divulge something meaningful, and lean back in surprise when they say something shocking. Every aspect of both verbal and nonverbal cues should express being engaged and actively listening, even when not much more than a word at a time is being said.
to keep talking. In this case, the teenager might reveal that their parents are really strict, or that their family is tight on cash, and this car was a huge investment. These little tidbits about someone’s story are often the key to understanding their full emotional landscape, which is essential for effectively de-escalating their emotions.
3. MIRRORING
Full-sentence questions, as opposed to simple mirrors, come in two main forms: open- and closedended questions. Closed-ended questions can be answered with one word, whereas open-ended questions require complete sentences. For example, “Did you have a good weekend?” is a closed-ended question because the answer can be either a yes or no. Conversely, “What did you do this weekend?” is an open-ended question, as the answer can be about the weather, the kids’ soccer tournament, and how well they played. In most instances, de-escalating a customer with open-ended questions is better than a barrage of closedended questions, which can feel like an interrogation, which puts them on
This favored active listening skill of mirroring requires minimal effort but allows a towman time to think about how to guide the conversation, and encourages the customer to share more about their experience without feeling interrogated. Mirroring’s beauty is in its simplicity. Just take the last three-to -five words that someone said, and repeat them back to them with a gentle question mark at the end. For instance, if a teenage driver ended up in a ditch, they might say something like, “Oh my god, my parents are never going to forgive me for this.” A tower’s effective mirror would then be: “Never going to forgive you?” In most circumstances, a good mirror will encourage the customer 24 • July 2026 | Towman.com
4. OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS
Not talking is one of the most powerful and difficult active listening skills, especially when someone is crying. Most people are uncomfortable with this level of emotion and want to offer a solution, provide a platitude, or redirect to something less heavy. Unfortunately, doing so can indicate a tower’s discomfort with the customer, which reduces trust and rapport. As a general rule, allow a full ten seconds of silence before saying anything. Alternatively, offer three minimal encouragers spaced a few seconds apart. If the customer still hasn’t said anything, circle back to an earlier topic with a reflection or open-ended question. In short, don’t rush the silence. Sitting in that moment with a customer without getting uncomfortable is incredibly healing and calming for them.
6. SUMMARY STATEMENTS
If someone is telling a complex story about how they ended up in a collision, or why their vehicle was impounded, it can be easy to lose track of the storyline. That’s where a summary statement comes in. A summary statement involves briefly pausing the customer, repeating back the key points and confirming that everything was understood accurately. In practice, this could be something like, “I heard you say that you were rushing to get to the veterinarian because your dog was sick, you didn’t know that it had been raining recently, and you swerved to avoid a deer, which is how you ended up running into this tree. Is that correct?” The customer will either affirm
that they were heard accurately or they’ll correct the narrative. Either outcome is good, since a tower is getting confirmation of successful listening, or getting a chance to realign with the customer and work collaboratively to solve the problem.
7. SCALING QUESTIONS
A summary statement is a great way to move someone from the rapportbuilding stage of an interaction to the problem-solving stage. After all, deescalation is only the first step. The issue still remains to figure out how to fix the problem that prompted the call in the first place. After delivering effective reflections, using well-placed mirrors, and confirming details with a clear summary, a tow operator should identify what needs to be done to resolve the situation. Now is the perfect time to introduce a scaling question. This is literally a question with three parts. For instance, a tower is called to the scene of a collision where a driver was rear-ended. Upon arriving on scene, the customer is ranting and raving about how unfair it is that their car got damaged when it wasn’t their fault. The towman realizes the car will need to be towed, and after a few minutes of active listening, should introduce the first scaling question: "On a scale of one-toten, how ready are you for me to hook your car up and get us out of here?” The customer will provide a number—let’s say five – at which point the tower follows up with the second scaling question: “How come you didn’t say a four?” The purpose of the second question is to unearth the customer’s internal reason for choosing the action they need to take. In other words, instead of telling them what to do, the tower guides them to recognize why the right course of action benefits them. After answering the question, it’s time for the final scaling question: “What would need to be true for you to Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
be at a six?” This question uncovers their barriers to action; usually, these are logistical barriers a tower can help them solve. Do they need to get a bag out of the car before towing it? Do they need to call a spouse or friend to give them a ride home? In many cases, once the tow operator helps address the immediate concerns, the customer is ready to resolve the overall situation so everyone can move forward safely.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Mental health counselors and towers alike chose a helping profession to solve problems and make people’s days better. Unfortunately, jumping too quickly to problem-solving before building rapport can negatively affect
emotions. In turn, this can lead to poor customer reviews, and even an increased risk of assaults on operators, with worse outcomes for everyone involved. These seven active listening skills are designed to help de-escalate difficult interactions, enhance safety, and result in faster, more effective resolutions. However, their value depends on consistent application. Rather than treating them as merely concepts, these techniques should be practiced, reinforced through training, and embedded in the culture of a tow company. When implemented effectively, they not only improve high-stress interactions in the field, but will also elevate effective communication both in and out of the workplace.
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 25
Towman Techniques
EV Fire Suppression The Risks of Reignition 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.
On a quiet Saturday morning in Houston, April 17, 2019, a Tesla Model S veered off a residential roadway into a stand of trees, causing the Tesla to explode in flames. Arriving firefighters blasted 30,000 gallons of water onto the Tesla’s fire, which burned for four hours. During post-fire investigation, investigators determined the vehicle was in autopilot mode and found two deceased males inside. Imagine being called to load and transport this casualty to an impound yard, only to have it reignite somewhere down the road? A vehicle catching fire on a carrier deck or on a set of dollies would undoubtedly be nothing less than catastrophic. Lithium-ion batteries can ignite suddenly and reach temperatures exceeding 2,000°F, producing toxic smoke and posing significant reignition risks even days after a fire appears to be extinguished. Traditional fire suppression methods
26 • July 2026 | Towman.com
often fall short, leaving towers vulnerable, and tow companies exposed to extended downtime and liability issues. Tow operators should follow very specific safety procedures when suddenly encountering a burning car atop a the company’s carrier. Typically, tow professionals respond to crashes post-fire, long after the casualty vehicle’s flames are thought to have been extinguished. However, reignition of battery packs are more and more frequent occurrences for tow companies. EV fire suppression includes several options. For firefighters, they may include the following methods: • Applying Lots of Water: “Normally a car fire you can put out with 500 to 1,000 gallons of water,” pointed out Austin Fire Department Division Chief Thayer Smith. “But Teslas may take up to 30,000 to 40,000 gallons of water, maybe even more, to extinguish the battery pack once it starts burning.” While water is effective for cooling, it requires significant resources, can damage equipment, and may create toxic runoff or flooding hazards. • Blanket Approach: ADV (Aqueous Vermiculite Dispersion) fire blankets offer prolonged protection to control lithium battery fires burning up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. AVD’s unique mineral-based chemistry works at a cellular level to interrupt thermal runaway — the chain reaction at the heart of every battery fire. While using an ADV blanket offers instant application, it requires two individuals pulling it onto a burning casualty. To apply a high-performance blanket, firefighters must be in close proximity to a burning vehicle, something towers normally don’t attempt. • Bury in Sand: This method might be an effective suppression effort since sand is a non-conductive material and a thick layer can smother an electrical fire. • Immersion Tank: The Firebox is an effective means of dousing an EV fire in an impound yard, but might not be readily available or feasible on scene. • Helicopter Drop: Where available,
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 27
fire choppers are a fast solution for an immediate, hard-hitting water drop from overhead, but unlikely to eliminate a smoldering EV. • Foam and Chemical Agents: They can coat the vehicle and limit oxygen exposure, but penetration into sealed battery packs is limited. Some agents interrupt chemical reactions, though most are less effective on fully enclosed battery cells. Of the options noted above, none of them are typically available to the average tow company. Once an EV is
delivered to the tow facility, ongoing fire suppression falls under the company’s oversight.
ON-SCENE DANGERS
Thermal runaway is a primary risk related to damaged lithium-ion battery packs. Aside from visual smoke and flame, runaway is a phenomenon in which individual battery cells enter an uncontrolled self-heating state. Runaway can result in an explosion of car windows and vehicle debris, and ejection of poisonous gasses called, “violent cell venting.”
“Stranded energy” is the remaining stored electrical energy in damaged battery cells caused during postincident collisions or fires. Impact often causes damage to protective battery cases and colored wiring harnesses. Towers must be aware of bright, orange-colored wires denoting locations and pathways to stored electricity traveling to the components they serve. Towers must be mindful of electrocution dangers associated with EV crashes.
RESIDENTIAL GARAGES AND PARKING STRUCTURES
Extracting burned EVs from low-clearance locations is a huge challenge for towers, especially when the vehicles are considered “still hot.” When towing vehicles on dollies from upper-level parking lots, be sure to attach safety restraints. For residential jumpstart services, perform the service outside the garage. Allowing an EV to remain parked inside a garage while recharging a battery increases the risk of an unintended vehicle fire, overloading a damaged EV system, or accidental exposure to toxic fumes. In minimal damage scenarios where lifting is part of the recovery plan, towers are reminded to work away from underside floorpans to avoid potential damage or punctures to battery packs. When recovering non-burned Tesla vehicles, best practices recommend towers avoid lifting through opened door/roof pillars with threaded endless loops. Instead, consider lifting with spreader bars and straps to the vehicle’s tires and wheels.
FIREFIGHTING STRATEGIES
Based on the absence of firefighting training, there’s little-to-nothing towers can do to fight a reigniting EV, which is only compounded by the lack of firefighting equipment carried on tow trucks.
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The best strategy in handling EV fires is to call 911 immediately and report the exact location of the fire. In emergency situations and where possible, situate a smoldering vehicle away from businesses, residences, and other fuel sources. And if possible, at the first visual sign of smolder or re-ignition, find the nearest hydrant source so responding fire units have accessible water sources to attack burning vehicles. It may be necessary to unhook or detach the EV from the wrecker or carrier’s deck in a cleared area, away from flammable ground sources like dry grasses. Leaving a burning vehicle atop a carrier deck will cause extensive damage to the carrier— but greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or killed while attempting to save a burning tow truck. This recommendation is based on the tower’s understanding of fire department protocol dictated by local fire departments. If a decision to disconnect or unload a burning vehicle is made, block vehicle tires to prevent rollaway once detached. At this point, flattening a burning vehicle’s tires might be a reasonable action. Towers are reminded that in the event of reignition during transport, attempting to fight EV fires is a dangerous practice. Equally important to know is when scenarios like this happen, fire can potentially reignite and burn at an accelerated rate of spread. Note: a common, ABC (sized) fire extinguisher found on tow trucks will likely have zero effect on burning Lithium. While Class-D powder extinguishers may work to some degree, direct high-pressure water volume (and plenty of it) is a proven, suppressive attack for managing fire or uncontrollable thermal runaway. Leave firefighting practices to the professionals who are specially trained and outfitted.
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RESOURCES AND REFERENCES
For recovery, transport and poststorage considerations, tow companies should refer to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s, online, “Emergency Response Guide”, specific to EV incidents. The guide’s intent is, “To provide first and second responders access to information regarding the safe handling of battery-, hybrid-, and fuel cell electric vehicles in emergencies and for towing and storing operations.” Found at, https://www.nhtsa.gov/
emergency-response-guides, NHTSA’s guide lists detailed information regarding 658 EV make and model vehicles alphabetized “A” through “ZOOX Sedan/Robotaxis.” This valuable guide is an important source tow company libraries and dispatch desks should possess. Tow bosses are strongly encouraged to consult with their local fire department regarding best practices for EV incidents. Understanding how to respond safely and minimize risk during EV emergencies is critical for all tow personnel.
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 29
Tow Business
Profiting From Private Property Parking A Management Roadmap to Business Growth By Steve Temple
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arking lot management involves monitoring and enforcing parking rules on privately owned land in order to maximize available spaces, ensure security, and generate revenue. This type of business consists of two basic markets, Private Properties and Municipalities: • Municipalities: local governments focus on “curb management”, often employing sophisticated analytics to allocate parking spaces to retail shops, delivery vehicles, and businesses. • Private Properties: lot owners seek to preserve capacity for parking, and eliminate on-site abuse or illicit activities. Professional, Private Property Impound (PPI) companies have opportunities in both markets, 30 • July 2026 | Towman.com
but there’s more potential for revenue growth in serving private properties (multi-family communities with pay-to-park lots), as described in this article. Extending a PPI business to provide end-to-end parking management can enhance the bottom line by delivering compelling benefits to owners in both segments. A tow company benefits from growing its customer base (e.g., more lots, more impounds) and generating new sources of revenue from the parking management services delivered.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS
When developing the growth strategy for a tow business, it is important to build on a platform that emphasizes long-term success.
Also, the integration of permitting and enforcement in a single system is an essential foundation. Without this, there’s limited functionality (that is, handling only vehicles with invalid permits). Any meshing of different systems risks errors such as “the impound from hell”—mistakenly impounding a vehicle and incurring the costs of the impound and vehicle return, and the consequences of irate property managers and vehicle owners. It’s far better to offer customers a system built on a single-source platform, rather than risk a business reputation on a “DIY integration” that bundles separate elements.
ELIMINATE STICKERS
Permit stickers, while common, are a costly hassle for property
managers to keep in sync with the intended vehicle over time. Residents contribute to the problem by giving their stickers to friends. Without a highintegrity permit system (which is rare), enforcement becomes error-prone. In contrast, digital permitting that relies on the vehicle’s license plate as the permit is a more costeffective, fraud-resistant approach to improve the permitting process. The most financially attractive model for digital permitting is paid parking permits (common in pay-topark applications). In a multi-family residential facility, paid permitting mimics the approach used in the airline industry—a traveler purchases a ticket (the apartment lease) and pays separate charges for baggage and seat selection (such as pet fees and parking fees). In this way, the property generates incremental cashflow, and the permit proceeds are shared to cover the costs of parking management, creating a new revenue stream. Since paid permitting is not yet common in multifamily lots, a cost-based digital permitting option is necessary, with the fees paid by the property or absorbed into the PPI/parking management service. Whatever digital permitting process is offered to customers, it is essential to retain ownership of customers and their data in order to maintain control.
Pro Tips • The worst impound is the one that should never have happened. Integration isn’t a feature —it’s risk management. • In whatever digital permitting process you offer to your customers, be sure you retain ownership of your customers and their data (i.e., maintain control over your own destiny). • The fastest way to win over onsite property managers is to eliminate parking-related administrative work – outsource the process for them! • Managing vehicles with invalid permits is necessary but NOT sufficient; All violations are not the same; Getting on the “same side of the table” as the property owner is an imperative. • Start with a smartphone. A powerful mobile app for enforcement is a pre-requisite. Scale to LPR. The right platform lets you grow without starting over. • Information visibility for residents is as important as management information. • Implement a solution that you can grow into, and will not grow out of.
ATTENDANT VS SELF-SERVICE
In pay-to-park applications, owners often install kiosks or employ attendants to collect payments. These costs can be replaced, though, by posting signs with QR codes which direct parkers to an online payment process. In a multi-family location, residents are commonly directed to a website to register their vehicle(s). This setup should enable residents to transfer approved parking permissions from one vehicle to another (e.g., for a temporary rental car) and to obtain/purchase guest permits, which eliminates trips to the office for a new/different sticker. Property managers can then redirect recovered administrative time to service improvements. Another timesaver is to use a browser connected to a “web app” on a mobile device that provides all the functionality needed without the need to install and update yet another app.
ENFORCEMENT ISSUES
Fostering compliance with parking policies is admittedly a challenge. Given past limitations, parking policy objectives have been compromised by the limitations of the implementation processes, with only invalid permits warranting the impounding
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In whatever digital permitting process offered, be sure you retain ownership of customers and their data.
of the vehicle. Any more complex requirements would prompt a call to the dispatcher or PPI manager. The requirements going forward are becoming broader in scope in order to improve a community’s “curb appeal” and discourage parking practices that detract from the activities of other residents. Policy objectives range from minimizing the presence of inoperable vehicles to those with expired registrations. In addition, residents might be encroaching on visitor spaces or spaces assigned to other residents. However, managers are encouraged to promote a sense of fairness in the community, so every infraction doesn’t result in the impounding of a vehicle. For example, a resident with an expired permit (e.g., the credit card used for the subscription process has expired) should be handled tactfully with the aim toward retention. A parking management system should have the flexibility to allow for low-burden outcomes (digital warnings or tickets), yet retain an option to escalate penalties if the violation persists. Not all violations are the same, and it’s important to get on the “same side of the table” as the vehicle owner. This need for flexibility, 32 • July 2026 | Towman.com
however, exceeds the capabilities of many permitting systems, and complicates enforcement if not fully integrated.
HIGH-TECH PATROLLING
If security and compliance with parking policies are priorities, then patrolling is essential. However, walking parking lots in search of vehicles without permits or with invalid stickers, or in violation of other policies, is not cost-effective, and can reduce the patrol frequency. While LPR (License Plate Recognition) is the ideal solution for scanning plates to identify permit issues, it is also costly, particularly when getting started. A parking management system needs to have a seamless transition to the longerterm deployment of LPR with low-cost patrolling using a mobile device. The mobile device should enable the patrol officer to roll from vehicle to vehicle, scanning plates from the driver-side window. The readout quickly indicates whether a permit is valid or not. Since the mobile device needs to be in constant communication with the parking management platform for real-time updates, it also equips drivers with information on appropriate steps to take, based on
the infraction procedures established by the property manager. The Violation Status indicated could be: • Ready to impound. • Waiting for any restrictions to be satisfied Operational approaches are also likely to vary, depending on whether a tow operator in their truck or a spotter car with LPR identifies violations (perhaps from a separate security company). In the case of a spotter, the violation information should be flowing automatically to the mobile devices of the enforcement team that will boot or impound the vehicle. Prior to taking any actions, the driver should verify the violation status of the vehicle, and even confirm whether the vehicle falls under the protection of SRCA (Service Member Civil Relief Act) . Using a powerful mobile app is
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a prerequisite for a winning longterm business plan.
AVOIDING DISPUTES
To promote harmony across the community, the visibility of realtime information is an indispensable asset. In a world where the internet is pervasive, the expectations are high for updates on mobile devices from both property managers and residents. Availability of information on permitting payments and status is necessary but insufficient. The more valuable (often missing) information centers on any infractions, and the specifics of the violation along with pictures documenting the relevant details. Making up-to-date information readily available in a single source on both permitting and enforcement—and for both property managers and residents on their
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computers and cell phones—is the key to reducing disputes. The consequences of policy violations are usually unpleasant, but with transparency there are fewer surprises and customer complaints. Direct communication with vehicle owners is far more valuable than management information. In sum, nothing ever gets accomplished without the initiative of a leader. Extending PPI business to Parking Management for profitable growth requires earnest effort, and employing an integrated and forward-looking parking management system.
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 33
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@ATE on July 7th s n e p O n o ti Registra
m xposition.co
Answering the trumpet’s call, towers from around the world gather at Ballmore’s Inner Harbor for the American Towman Exposiion. Stroll along the scenic harbor and visit some of the city's premier aaraccons, including the Science Center, the Naaonal Aquarium, and the historic USS Constellaaon.
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Hop aboard a Water Taxi and explore the sights along the Chesapeake Bay, including the charming waterfront district of Fells Point. With its cobblestone streets, lively pubs and taverns, live music, unique shops, and renowned seafood, it's one of Ballmore’s most popular dessnaaons.
Many towers have never missed an American Towman Exposition, and the Inner Harbor is a major reason why. This Maritime Seaport is home to tall sailing ships, historic submarines, and the last surviving warship to have served during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 37
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Call Providers & Motor Clubs
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Thursday, November 19, 1 pm - 5 pm Friday, November 20, 11 am - 5 pm Saturday, November 21, 11 am - 5 pm
With over 250 exhibitors, the exhibit oor is your one-stop destination for the industry's newest equipment, technology, services, and business solutions. From major wrecker manufacturers and towing accessories to dispatch systems, call providers, nance, insurance, and you'll nd the- products, business forward. Workmore, the non-traffic side Stay Safe!services, and connections to drive yourAmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 39
40 • July 2026 | Towman.com
7th @ ens on July p O n o ti a tr Regis
n.com ATExpositio
0 25 $150 ($225 on-site) gets you access to all the Academy seminars you are able to attend, and, complimentary breakfast Thursday, Friday & Saturday at the Convention Center.
At the AT Academy, more than 25 seminars led by industry experts provide the knowledge you need to run a more prootable operation. Included with your Seminar Passport, the AT Academy Breakfast (complimentary all three days) offers a great networking opportunity to meetthe new people and with industry peers. Work non-traffic sidereconnect - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 41
42 • July 2026 | Towman.com
TE July 7th @A n o s n e p O n Registratio
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ry.
Explore the pageant, take in the extraordinary artwork and custom details that make each truck unique. Cast your vote for Best of Show, then stick around Saturday afternoon to celebrate the winners and enjoy American Towman’s complimentary pie! Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 43
44 • July 2026 | Towman.com
m .coom ionn.c itio TEExppoossit A T A @ @ th 7 th 7 ly u ly J Ju onnOOppeennssoonn RReeggisistrtraatitio
Thank You To Our 2026 Sponsors!
From jugglers, stilt walkers, and balloon artists to the lively sounds of a Bluegrass band, there’s entertainment in every aisle of the show oor. And don’t leave early—stay through the close of the show for all the free pie you can eat! Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 45
Keep it rocking at the Miller Rocks b ash. Enjoy the hig you last on the el h spirited vibes, re ectric bull. gardless of
46 • July 2026 | Towman.com
.com AATTEExposition @ @ th th 7 7 ly ly u u J J nnOOppeennssoonn RReeggisistrtraatitioo
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The American Towman Exposition brings towers together through memorable networking events where tow pro’s can let their hair down, share stories, learn from one another, build friendships and business connections that last long after the show ends. Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 47
Honor an indust ry legend and to p recovery spec Chris Steakhou ialists while enjo se. ying a
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Recognizing th e industry's bes t as call providers hono r tow companie s for outstanding se rvice and profe ssionalism.
48 • July 2026 | Towman.com
n.com ATExpositio @ th 7 ly u J n Opens on Registratio
Pay tribute to th e bravery, dedic ation and spirit honors acts of h of the towing in eroism while bri dustry. This spe nging towers to high-energy so cial evening gether for festiv unds of a New O e entertainmen rleans brass ba t, and the nd. Across the coun try, police and re chiefs recogn unwavering dedi ize towers whose cation and servic e have earned th admiration of th e respect and e communities th ey serve.
It is a reeection of the men and women in towing who put themselves in harm's way to serve others. Our award programs honor those towers whose courage, sacriice, and achievements embody that spirit. In Baltimore we come together to pay tribute to towing's nest and Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe! AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 49 celebrate these achievements.
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Hani Shihada
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pens on July
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 51
A River Runs Through It
An SUV Plunges Off a Bridge By Steve Temple
52 • July 2026 | Towman.com
W
hen two vehicles collided on the night of May 18, 2026, things got real complicated. That’s because the accident occurred on the Route 80 East bridge over the Hackensack River in New Jersey. A Land Rover pushed a BMW SUV over the edge of the overpass concrete barrier, and the vehicle plunged into the murky waters below. This incident triggered a massive water and aerial rescue operation.
Bergen Brookside’s tow operators retrieved the sunken vehicle with a Jerr-Dan 60-ton rotator.
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Initially, first responders from the Hackensack Fire Department and the Ridgefield Park Volunteer Fire Department launched rescue boats and deployed drones with thermal imaging to locate the submerged SUV and search the swelling, polluted waters for any possible victims. Bergen Brookside Towing was called in to assist in the challenging recovery, hampered by the constricted area of bridge supports and exposed, rocky embankment of the shoreline. Fortunately, this tow firm, founded by John Salemme, has more than 40 years of towing experience, and a fleet of 30 trucks at its disposal. John’s sons Steven and Michael are both principals in the company as well, and aided in the operation. As for the accident victims, the driver of the Land Rover and a passenger sustained only minor injuries, and were transported to a local hospital. But the 32-yearold driver of the BMW swam from the vehicle on his own, and then fled the scene on foot. Later, after a canine search, he was found hiding under a nearby train by
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RESPONDING PERSONNEL Steve Salemme, Operations Manager/ HD recovery supervisor Michael Salemme, GM Justin Nikolski, rotator operator Rashawn Cawley, flatbed operator Ruben Cruz, flatbed operator Pete Morisco, flatbed operator
RESPONDING EQUIPMENT Jerr-Dan 60-ton rotator 3 Miller Century 12-series flatbeds The recovery was hampered by the constricted area of bridge supports.
Local fire departments launched rescue boats and deployed drones with thermal imaging to locate the submerged vehicle and check the dark waters for any possible victims.
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police, and then arrested and charged with assault by auto, resisting arrest by flight, and obstruction. In the meantime, Bergen Brookside Towing worked in close cooperation with the local fire departments, which had a ladder truck set up, along with a winch line secured shoreside. The firefighters brought the vehicle closer to land, about 20 feet away from the embankment. There were several rescue boats in the water as well. After the fire department completed its search, Bergen Brookside’s tow operators stepped in, and retrieved the vehicle using a Jerr-Dan 60-ton rotator.
Raising the SUV from the river first required checking the working load limits of the winch line to allow for the extra weight of the water inside the cabin.
The towers supplied a winch line to a boat in order to hook up the SUV. After rigging was secured, tow operators slowly began lifting the vehicle out of the river, letting water drain out for several minutes. Then the towers swung the vehicle over to dry ground where it was winched onto a flatbed. Another car carrier on the bridge towed the second vehicle involved in the collision, and a third flatbed served as backup. Steve Salemme, Operations Manager for Bergen Brookside Towing, had high praise for the cooperation between the first responders, water team, divers, and tow operators. After the SUV was on dry land, it was loaded onto a flatbed for transport.
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Legal Matters as interstate commerce, including the part within one state. A limited exception exists for wrecked and disabled vehicles, but it applies less often than many people believe.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES DEFINED
Operational Needs Driver Qualifications in the ICE Age By Brian J. Riker
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
H
aving a fully qualified driver involves far more than some tow bosses might realize. It takes more than just a trucking license, a clean record, and the proper training certificate. There is much more to it. In more than half of the United States, driver qualifications standards for commercial vehicle operators are governed by regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). While the FMCSA cannot directly impose driver qualifications upon commerce operations within a single state, most states adopt the agency’s regulations in their entirety as part of their state administrative or transportation codes. This means (except in a few states that only adopt specific parts of 49 CFR Parts 300-399) anybody that operates a commercial motor vehicle in furtherance of a business, even “not-for-hire” operations, must be properly qualified. Further, most towers engage in interstate commerce every day even if they never leave their hometown or state. If a load is destined to cross a state or international border, then the entire trip may be treated
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There is a misconception that driver qualification rules, among many other DOT regulations, only apply to big trucks that require a commercial driver’s license. This is simply not true. Specifically, the FMCSA statute 49 CFR §390.5 defines a commercial motor vehicle as: Commercial motor vehicle means any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle— (1) Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater; Therefore, almost any vehicle operated by a towing company today meets the threshold of a regulated commercial motor vehicle and requires a qualified driver. It is important to note that even a simple pickup truck, such as a Chevy 2500HD (which has a GVWR of 10,500 lbs.), must have a qualified driver. Even a light-duty truck such as a Ford F-150 or Toyota Tacoma, can be considered a commercial vehicle when used to tow a trailer for business purposes.
CRACKING DOWN ON UNQUALIFIED DRIVERS
While roadside enforcement of these rules on smaller trucks varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction, compliance remains mandatory. Until recently, this was largely treated as a strict liability issue but was unlikely to lead to serious roadside consequences unless there was a crash or similar incident. That changed earlier this year when U.S. Secretary of Transportation Duffy announced plans to crack down on unqualified commercial drivers. Although the focus of the media campaign might appear to be geared
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SPOTLIGHT SEMINAR Driver Qualification in the ICE Age
Join Your DOT Guy, Brian Riker, as he digs into what a qualified driver is, and why it is more important than ever to get it right today. From lawsuit liability to immigration enforcement, there is
towards non-domiciled CDL holders, the enforcement campaign extends to all commercial vehicle operators. This
much more to a qualified driver than just having a driver’s license. This is important for all types of drivers, not just your CDL operators. Brian Riker, American Towman. Saturday, July 18, 9 am
means that any commercial vehicle is subject to increased scrutiny during roadside inspections and other
formerly routine traffic stops. As such, this is a critical time to review driver files and ensure full compliance across the board.
WHAT IS A QUALIFIED DRIVER?
In states that adopt the FMCSA regulations for both intra-state and interstate operations, driver qualification requirements extend well beyond a valid driver’s license and criminal background check. Age, medical conditions, drug use, and even the ability to read, write and speak English are all relevant factors. Federal regulation 49 CFR §391.11 defines the basic qualifications applicable to all drivers of commercial motor vehicles while engaging in interstate commerce. Most states adopt these same rules for intrastate operations as well, and towers often engage in interstate commerce even when they don’t leave their hometown. As a result, tow operators are often required to meet the following minimum qualifications. General qualifications of drivers: (a) A person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless he/ she is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Except as provided in § 391.63, a motor carrier shall not require or permit a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle unless
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SOURCES FOR WORK VISA INFO: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ newsroom/trumps-transportationsecretary-sean-p-duffy-puts-safetyfirst-finalizes-rule-stop https://www.overdriveonline.com/ regulations/article/15819692/ trump-administration-effectively-ends-nondomiciled-cdls-starting-today https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/non-domiciled-cdl-2026-finalrule-faqs
58 • July 2026 | Towman.com
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that person is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. (b) Except as provided in subpart G of this part, a person is qualified to drive a motor vehicle if he/she (1) Is at least 21 years old. (2) Can read and speak the English
language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records. (3) Can, by reason of experience,
A Towman’s Tale of a Special Delivery It is often said that towing runs in our blood in this industry. For my youngest daughter, Elizabeth, that may literally be true. Elizabeth was born on the front seat of my tow truck 30 years ago this month, on July 15, 1996. It is an experience that my wife and I will never forget, and although Elizabeth doesn’t recall it first-person, she often tells the tale to anyone who will listen. Being our third child, we thought we knew what to expect. My wife Vicky went into labor late on the evening of July 14, while I was out running calls. I finished up an AAA call as quickly as possible and headed home to pick her up, along with our other two kids. Shortly after midnight on July 15, we began the 45-minute trip to the hospital. Now, anyone that knows my daughter will know she can be a little impatient, which she proved quite early in life by wanting to be born sooner rather than later. Less than ten minutes after dropping off the other kids, I made a radio call to Jack, a dispatcher with AAA, and requested they contact Hemlock Farms Volunteer Ambulance Service and have them meet me at the entrance to their gated community, as I realized we weren’t going to make it to the hospital. I arrived at their visitor parking area just moments before the ambulance did, and discovered Vicky couldn’t hold back any longer. The front seat of my 1988 Ford, with a Nomar Sling Shot on the back, was going to be the delivery room. I already had Elizabeth’s head and shoulders in my hands when the medic Bob Perricone arrived, who quickly took over the delivery, bringing a healthy baby girl into the world. Since the deliv-
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ery was completed prior to the ambulance arriving, the medic had to use a shoelace to tie-off the umbilical cord. Mom and daughter were transported the rest of the way to Wayne Memorial Hospital in Honesdale, PA, while I followed in the tow truck. In true towman fashion, once I knew they were safe and all was going to be okay, I hit the local self-serve car wash to hose out the cab of my truck (delivering a baby makes quite the mess) and headed back out to catch up on the backlog of calls holding. This was one heck of a way to gain some free publicity. The local TV news, WNEP-16 from Scranton, PA along with the Times Herald Record from Middletown, NY, heard of the story and ran with it. The phone rang off-the-hook for several weeks afterwards! Fast forward to today, Elizabeth is a mom of six kids ranging in age from ten to one, and also a successful optician who somehow finds a way to balance family and career. Perhaps it was her upbringing in the towing industry alongside me that contributed to her learning how to manage time effectively. In addition, her growing up around tow trucks and the garage helped her become self-sufficient to the point that she can work on her own car, including complex engine repairs, fix things around the house and is an excellent driver. No matter what else I have done in my career, helping to deliver my own daughter in my tow truck holds the top place as the most unusual—and the most special—thing I have ever done.
training, or both, safely operate the type of commercial motor vehicle he/ she drives. (4) Is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in accordance with subpart E - Physical Qualifications and Examinations of this part. (5) Has a currently valid commercial motor vehicle operator's license issued only by one state or jurisdiction. (6) Is not disqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle under the rules in § 391.15. (7) Has successfully completed a driver's road test and has been issued a certificate of driver's road test in accordance with § 391.31, or has presented an operator's license or a certificate of road test which the motor carrier that employs him/her has accepted as equivalent to a road test in accordance with § 391.33. It is important to note that the training referenced is not tow truck specific. Instead, it is safe driving, cargo securement, regulatory compliance, and other general truck driver training. As such, it is a recommended best practice for tow bosses to develop internal minimum qualifications based upon these regulations, among other transportation industry standards such as ANSI Z15, even when not required by any federal or state regulation. Key qualifications that tow fleets overlook include English language proficiency, medical qualification, demonstrated basic proficiency via a road test, and in the case of employing family members, the minimum age of 21. Motor carrier employers (which includes tow companies) are required to collect specific information prior to hiring a driver, and investigate each driver within 30 days of hire. While English language proficiency is currently the most prominently enforced issue, noncompliance of any regulation will
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likely result in severe consequences. With the DOT directive to remove unqualified drivers from our nation’s highways, and a heightened focus on immigration enforcement, drivers who cannot speak English well are likely to face increased screening. The only basic difference between a non-CDL and CDL commercial driver is the mandatory drug and alcohol testing. While drug and alcohol testing is not mandatory for non-CDL drivers, all drivers are still prohibited from using the same substances as a
CDL driver, including any form of marijuana, or any product that may contain THC.
IMMIGRATION VISA ISSUES
The U. S Government E-Verify website should be actively utilized by tow bosses to verify employment eligibility for all employees. While it is not unlawful to hire a driver that is in the U.S. with a valid work visa, employers must protect their company and set specific guidelines to ensure all drivers meet
employment eligibility criteria and driver qualifications. A motor carrier may only employ individuals in driving positions if they possess one of the required work visas or lawful presence documents as follows: -E-2 Treaty Investor visas are lawful employment documents and may be used to bring in tow truck drivers, if local workers are unavailable. -H2-A visas are for temporary agricultural workers and not eligible for tow truck drivers. It is important to make sure employees are working under an appropriately issued work visa. -H2-B is a temporary work visa issued when there is a shortage of qualified US Citizens to perform a specific job. This type of visa would not normally qualify for employment as a tow truck driver without articulating why there is a shortage of qualified citizens to employ. Per an updated Executive Order, effective March 16, 2026, no other class of visa is acceptable to obtain a CDL or CLP, therefore these holders can no longer obtain new employment as a commercial driver. It is important to always verify the current work eligibility of CDL drivers to ensure their CDL license has not been revoked. Historically, EB-3 visas were commonly used to bring in foreign nationals looking to immigrate to the U.S. and work as truck drivers. However, because some restrictions have recently been placed on the issuance and acceptance of these visas, and because eligibility rules may change, tow bosses should verify that continued employment is permitted before hiring or retaining anyone in a driving position who holds an EB-3 visa, including non-CDL roles. Another point to consider is that a B-2 visa is not a lawful work authorization for point-to-point work within the U.S. A driver holding a B-2 can enter the U.S. with a load,
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drop it off, and pick up another load, provided that load is leaving the country directly, and no local work is being performed within the U.S. This class of visa is specific for foreign truck drivers from Canada or Mexico entering the U.S. as part of international trade.
IMPORTANT DATES
The recommended approach to hiring tow operators is to first verify eligibility, then set a calendar reminder of when such eligibility expires. Also, when employing CDL drivers on work visas, always verify that the expiration of their CDL credential does not exceed the expiration date of their work authorization. It is unlawful for a state to issue a CDL that expires beyond the date that the holder’s work permit expires.
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Another standard practice for all drivers is to register them with a continuous real-time license monitoring service. This is actually mandatory for California-based employers hiring CDL holders. Real-time monitoring of a driver’s license allows transparency into potential issues that could result in an out-of -service condition if discovered at roadside. The last thing any tow boss wants is the negative publicity that comes from having a driver placed out of service, especially if a customer happens to be riding along. Meeting only the minimum of eligibility requirements is no longer sufficient. Today’s operating environment demands the strongest possible documentation of a driver’s qualifications, including verified skills in both truck driving and tow equipment operation.
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Supplier Scoop
Peterbilt Unveils Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589
Peterbilt Motors Company unveiled its Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589, a limited-production truck honoring the enduring spirit of America and the nation’s historic 250th birthday. With only 250 units available, this exclusive model combines striking patriotic design with reliable performance, making it both a collector’s item and a bold statement of Peterbilt pride. The Freedom 250 Special Edition showcases American pride from every angle. Unique exterior details include a Stars & Stripes sleeper badge available on 58”, 72” and 80” sleepers, Freedom 250 etched exhaust guards, a Texas square bumper, and an exclusive Freedom 250 three-color paint scheme featuring Freedom Red and Freedom Blue metallic paint.
In addition, the interior features custom, black leather seats embroidered with the Freedom 250 logo in the headrest as well as a Freedom 250 commemorative badge on the dash. The Freedom 250 Special Edition Model 589 is available for order now exclusively through authorized Peterbilt dealerships through the end of 2026. Visitshoppeterbilt.com
Agero and Hagerty Renew Partnership
Agero, a provider of digital driver assistance services and software for the majority of automotive and auto insurance companies, has renewed its multi-year partnership with Hagerty, a business that makes it easier and more enjoyable to be a driving enthusiast through insurance, buying and selling platforms, publishing and events. Building on more than two decades of collaboration, this renewal with Agero ensures that Hagerty Drivers Club members nationwide receive best-in-class roadside
assistance tailored to the unique needs of their specialty vehicles. Collector and specialty vehicles require a different level of roadside care, while today’s drivers expect faster, more transparent service experiences. This partnership builds on two decades of collaboration and shows how tailored, technology-driven assistance can support driving enthusiasts at national scale with intelligent dispatch technology, real-time service tracking, and an extensive provider network. Since 2017, Agero and Hagerty have developed a highly collaborative partnership that has delivered measurable results: improved service quality, higher member retention and stronger Net Promoter Scores. Agero's technology platform provides the real-time visibility that specialty vehicle owners expect, paired with personalized support. Agero’s tailored, member-focused solutions and industry expertise continue driving growth and member satisfaction. The partnership combines Agero’s specialized expertise with advanced technology to deliver consistent, reliable support through a nationwide network of trusted service providers covering all U.S. zip codes, ensuring that qualified help is always available with strict quality standards and performance oversight. To learn more about Agero’s industry-leading roadside assistance products and services for insurers and how you can partner with them, visit: https://www.agero.com/industry-solutions/insurance. Hagerty is a company built by drivers for drivers, protecting 2.8 million vehicles in the United States, Canada, and the UK. This firm makes it easier and more enjoyable for car enthusiasts to drive and celebrate the machines they love through innovative vehicle insurance products, live and digital auctions, engaging media and events and the Hagerty Drivers Club, the world’s largest membership community of car lovers. Visit: hagerty.com
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • 69
New CEO of Inventive Group
Clearview Capital and Vertikal Brands are pleased to announce that Thomas Bronz has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inventive Group, an Idaho-based manufacturer of innovative products serving the towing, offroad, marine, fishing, industrial, and work truck markets. Bronz brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across manufacturing, commercial vehicle equipment, product commercialization, business transformation, and operational growth. His appointment marks an important step in Inventive Group’s continued evolution as the company expands its capabilities, strengthens its operational foundation, and pursues long-term growth across its family of brands. Inventive Group is home to In The Ditch Towing Products, Razorback Offroad, Fish Fighter Products, and Inventive Products, each serving professional and enthusiast customers with purpose-built, American-made products designed to make jobs and lives better, easier, and more fun. Visit: inventivecareers.com
Truck Parking Club Adds Victor Westerlund as CFO
Truck Parking Club, a leading marketplace connecting truck drivers and fleets with reservable parking nationwide, recently announced the appointment of Victor Westerlund as Chief Financial Officer. Westerlund brings more than a decade of experience scaling high-growth companies, most recently
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serving as Vice President of Finance at Stax Payments. At Truck Parking Club, Westerlund will lead financial strategy and infrastructure development as the company enters its next phase of rapid expansion. Truck Parking Club is addressing the nationwide shortage of truck parking, which federal data links to hundreds of fatal crashes each year. Since launching, the company has rapidly scaled its marketplace by activating underutilized space on private property, recently surpassing 5,000 locations nationwide while helping hundreds of thousands of drivers find safe, legal, and efficient parking. "Truck parking is one of the biggest pain points in the logistics ecosystem, and the opportunity to solve it at scale is incredibly compelling," said Westerlund. "There's a large, underserved market here, and Truck Parking Club has built a strong foundation and a clear path forward." Westerlund joins Truck Parking Club at a pivotal moment, as the company continues to expand its marketplace and explore new goto-market opportunities, including deeper engagement with fleets and enterprise partners, with plans to grow to 10,000 locations by the end of 2026. Westerlund will focus on building a robust financial foundation to support and accelerate this growth. Truck Parking Club is a network of instantly reservable hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly truck parking locations throughout the U.S. Truck Parking Club connects truckers to parking via truckparkingclub.com and its mobile app. The network is made up of property owners with locations suitable for truck parking, including trucking companies, warehouses, truck repair shops, tow truck companies, storage companies, CDL schools, trailer leasing companies, industrial outdoor storage, real estate investors, truck stops, truck parking operators, and more. Visit: TruckParkingClub.com
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July 2026 • 71
My Baby
When the Eagle Flies Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom By Steve Temple
Troy Davis of Vinyl Visions removed all of the trim pieces and external hardware in order to do a really thorough wrap.
W
hile the 4th of July is a holiday for family fun and dazzling fireworks, this particular year is truly significant in marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Nationwide celebrations will range from multiyear historical commemorations to massive civic volunteering initiatives. Towns and historical societies across all 50 states are hosting their own events. To acknowledge this banner year, Jack Mullins, who founded Bi-Rite Auto Sales in Seaford, Delaware about 30 years ago, had a few different graphic themes in mind for his 2024 Ford F-450 with a Jerr-Dan MPL-NG aluminum wrecker body. Powered by Ford’s Gorilla gasoline engine, which is tuned specifically for commercial 72 • July 2026 | Towman.com
work, this more maneuverable truck is mostly used for handling lighter-duty warranty tows and roadside service, where the extra expense of a torquey diesel isn’t needed. Not a big fan of his Ford’s factory red color scheme, Jack was inspired to commemorate the birth of our nation with a fierce image of an American eagle set in a patriotic motif. He sent Troy Davis of Vinyl Visions in Felton, Delaware a few different ideas, who then had his designer, Matt Kalafut, come up with a fitting treatment in just a couple days. Once the design was approved, Troy set to work, removing all of the trim pieces and external hardware in order to do a full wrap. “Everything comes off so we can give maximum coverage,” he explained. He also prefers to use Avery Dennison’s thinner 1105 film that
conforms better to complex curves, and then finishes with a layer of clear laminate as extra protection. This thorough approach ensures a smooth, complete treatment with the Bi-Rite company logo in the proper position. “It’s more time consuming,” Troy points out, “but we want to make sure the graphics are perfectly lined up.”
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TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS Engine: 7.3L Gorilla gasoline engine; 430hp, 475 lb/ft Transmission: 10-speed AutoTorq Shift Wrecker Body: Jerr-Dan MPL-NG aluminum wrecker body Chassis: 2024 Ford F-450 Custom Features: Vinyl wrap with American eagle and patriotic graphics by Vinyl Visions (vinylvisions302.com)
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The American eagle’s intense, courageous stare is a big eye-catcher on the road.
This careful application helps the vivid imagery to really stand out. Jack says he never expected his wrecker to get so much attention,
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so he plans to repeat this theme on other trucks in his fleet. His driver, Matt Jester, says people are always checking out the truck
when he stops to refuel or handle roadside service. The most common comment overheard is “Man, I like the eagle!”
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • North 75
News Flash
Julian Ramirez with family members.
Towman Injured in Hit-and-Run Faces Long Recovery
More than three months after a devastating hit-and-run crash along Loop 410 in San Antonio, TX, 24-year-old tow truck driver Julian Ramirez remains in medical care as his family continues to focus on his recovery. Ramirez, a father of six, was critically injured while assisting stranded motorists shortly after 1 a.m. on Feb. 16 near Ray Ellison Boulevard. According to his mother, Brandy Salinas, Ramirez had finished helping two women with their disabled vehicle and told them they could head home while he completed the tow. Moments later, Ramirez was struck by a southbound silver sedan that fled the scene, according to San Antonio police. No arrests have been made. Salinas said her son suffered life-altering injuries, including a broken pelvis, fractured ribs, skull and facial fractures, and the amputation of a leg. Since the crash, Ramirez has remained in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities and has not yet re-
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turned home. The family hopes an upcoming surgery will allow Ramirez to continue his recovery at home. In the meantime, they are facing mounting financial pressure from medical expenses and child care costs, which Authorities are investigating tow trucks tied to Queens bodyshop Salinas said have owner David Borukhov. already surpassed $150,000. in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Source: ksat.com City officials say neither Borukhov nor
Bodyshop Owner Investigated in Towing Scheme
A Queens bodyshop owner known for flaunting a lavish lifestyle on social media is under investigation for allegedly operating illegal tow trucks throughout New York City. David Borukhov, owner of Nizo Motors, posted videos promoting the towing industry while driving unlicensed tow trucks and performing burnouts
his company currently hold valid towing licenses. The investigation follows growing concerns over illegal “chaser” tow trucks that race to crash scenes seeking lucrative repair and storage jobs. Officials estimate hundreds of unlicensed tow trucks are operating across the city. Borukhov, who frequently showcases luxury cars, helicopters and private jets online, has openly discussed aggressive tactics within the towing industry on podcasts and
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A tow operator claims police used excessive force.
social media. The report also references past federal prosecutions involving NYPD officers accused of providing crash information to tow operators. New York City officials say enforcement efforts against illegal towing operations are increasing, while lawmakers push for tougher regulations to crack down on rogue operators. Source: gothamist.com
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NY Tow Operator Sues Police Over Alleged Excessive Force
A towing company owner has filed a federal lawsuit against the Village of Freeport, Long Island and two police officers, alleging civil rights violations tied to the village’s vehicle seizure practices. The suit, filed May 4 in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, claims Daniel Donlon was unlawfully
tackled, injured, and falsely arrested during a traffic stop involving a repossessed vehicle. According to the complaint, Freeport uses a network of license plate readers, known as the “Ring of Steel,” to identify vehicles with expired or suspended registrations. Donlon alleges the system exists primarily to generate revenue through towing and impound fees. The lawsuit stems from an August 2024 incident in which Donlon and an employee were transporting a repossessed Honda CRV through Freeport when police stopped the vehicle after its expired registration was detected. Donlon claims Officer Martin Zimmer violently tackled him after he refused to surrender the keys, causing a concussion and facial injuries. The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $1 million per claim. Source: southshorepress.com
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.
SEND NOMINATIONS VIA MAIL TO:
Stephanie Marchese, American Towman 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990
OR EMAIL:
stephanie@towman.com
Submission Deadline August 1st
NOMINATIONS MUST INCLUDE:
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1. Nominee Name, Company, Phone, and Email 2. Your Name, Phone, and Email 3. Description of Incident
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • North 79
NOTE: All accounts must be verifiable through a third-party source (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, etc.)
Submit Your Recovery for the
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• Photos or Video of Your Recovery • Name • Company • Address • Phone Number • Email Address
WE MAY CONTACT YOU FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS Email: stemple@towman.com or Mail to: 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990 Choose the most challenging recovery that your company has performed with excellence
RE Presented by: CO B E VE E N RY P M 2 0 BET E RF UST 0 1 WE O R H & E N M E AV 2 0 80 • DJulyE2026 | Towman.com North 26
Episode 61
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 scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • South 75
News Flash Towman Injured in Hit-and-Run Faces Long Recovery
More than three months after a devastating hit-and-run crash along Loop 410 in San Antonio, TX, 24-year-old tow truck driver Julian Ramirez remains in medical care as his family continues to focus on his recovery. Ramirez, a father of six, was critically injured while assisting stranded motorists shortly after 1 a.m. on Feb. 16 near Ray Ellison Boulevard. According to his mother, Brandy Salinas, Ramirez had finished helping two women with their disabled vehicle and told them they could head home while he completed the tow. Moments later, Ramirez was struck by a southbound silver sedan that fled the scene, according to San Antonio police. No arrests have been made. Salinas said her son suffered life-altering injuries, including a broken pelvis, fractured ribs, skull and facial fractures,
South 76 • July 2026 | Towman.com
and the amputation of a leg. Since the crash, Ramirez has remained in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities and has not yet returned home. The family hopes an upcoming surgery will allow Ramirez to continue his recovery at home. In the meantime, they are facing mounting financial pressure from medical expenses and child care costs, which Salinas said have already surpassed $150,000. Source: ksat.com
Bodyshop Owner Investigated in Towing Scheme
A Queens bodyshop owner known for flaunting a lavish lifestyle on social media is under investigation for allegedly operating illegal tow trucks throughout New York City. David Borukhov, owner of Nizo Motors, posted videos promoting the towing industry while driving unlicensed tow trucks and performing burnouts in Flushing
Meadows–Corona Park. City officials say neither Borukhov nor his company currently hold valid towing licenses. The investigation follows growing concerns over illegal “chaser” tow trucks that race to crash scenes seeking lucrative repair and storage jobs. Officials estimate hundreds of unlicensed tow trucks are operating across the city. Borukhov, who frequently showcases luxury cars, helicopters and private jets online, has openly discussed aggressive tactics within the towing industry on podcasts and social media. The report also references past federal prosecutions involving NYPD officers accused of providing crash information to tow operators. New York City officials say enforcement efforts against illegal towing operations are increasing, while lawmakers push for tougher regulations to crack down on rogue operators. Source: gothamist.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • South 77
by Don Lomax
South 78 • July 2026 | Towman.com
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.
SEND NOMINATIONS VIA MAIL TO:
Stephanie Marchese, American Towman 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990
OR EMAIL:
stephanie@towman.com
Submission Deadline August 1st
NOMINATIONS MUST INCLUDE:
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
1. Nominee Name, Company, Phone, and Email 2. Your Name, Phone, and Email 3. Description of Incident
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • South 79
NOTE: All accounts must be verifiable through a third-party source (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, etc.)
Submit Your Recovery for the
2026 Donnie Cruse Recovery Award
S P R E C A LL E O QU CIAL VE RY AL I S I F Y TS
Co-Sponsored by: 2026
Winner
TAKE TH E CHALLE NG E SEND US:
• Photos or Video of Your Recovery • Name • Company • Address • Phone Number • Email Address
WE MAY CONTACT YOU FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS Email: stemple@towman.com or Mail to: 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990 Choose the most challenging recovery that your company has performed with excellence
RE Presented by: CO B E VE E N RY P M 2 0 BET E RF UST 0 1 WE O R H & E N M E AV 2 0 80 •DJulyE 2026 | Towman.com South 26
Episode 61
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 scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • Midwest 75
News Flash Towman Injured in Hit-andRun Faces Long Recovery
More than three months after a devastating hit-and-run crash along Loop 410 in San Antonio, TX, 24-year-old tow truck driver Julian Ramirez remains in medical care as his family continues to focus on his recovery. Ramirez, a father of six, was critically injured while assisting stranded motorists shortly after 1 a.m. on Feb. 16 near Ray Ellison Boulevard. According to his mother, Brandy Salinas, Ramirez had finished helping two women with their disabled vehicle and told them they could head home while he completed the tow. Moments later, Ramirez was struck by a southbound silver sedan that fled the scene, according to San Antonio police. No arrests have been made. Salinas said her son suffered life-altering injuries, including a broken pelvis, fractured ribs, skull and facial fractures, and the amputation of a leg. Since the crash, Ramirez has remained in hospitals and
◀
Midwest 76 • July 2026 | Towman.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • Midwest 77
Julian Ramirez with family members.
rehabilitation facilities and has not yet returned home. The family hopes an upcoming surgery will allow Ramirez to continue his recovery at home. In the meantime, they are facing mounting financial pressure from medical expenses and child care costs, which Salinas said have already surpassed $150,000. Source: ksat.com
Bodyshop Owner Investigated in Towing Scheme
A Queens bodyshop owner known for flaunting a lavish lifestyle on social media is under investigation for allegedly operating illegal tow trucks throughout New York City. David Borukhov, owner of Nizo Motors, posted videos promoting the towing industry while driving unlicensed tow trucks
Midwest 78 • July 2026 | Towman.com
and performing burnouts in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. City officials say neither Borukhov nor his company currently hold valid towing licenses. The investigation follows growing concerns over illegal “chaser” tow trucks that race to crash scenes seeking lucrative repair and storage jobs. Officials estimate hundreds of unlicensed tow trucks are operating across the city. Borukhov, who frequently showcases luxury cars, helicopters and private jets online, has openly discussed aggressive tactics within the towing industry on podcasts and social media. The report also references past federal prosecutions involving NYPD officers accused of providing crash information to tow operators. New York City officials say enforcement efforts against illegal towing operations are increasing, while lawmakers push for tougher regulations to crack down on rogue operators. Source: gothamist.com
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.
SEND NOMINATIONS VIA MAIL TO:
Stephanie Marchese, American Towman 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990
OR EMAIL:
stephanie@towman.com
Submission Deadline August 1st
NOMINATIONS MUST INCLUDE:
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
1. Nominee Name, Company, Phone, and Email 2. Your Name, Phone, and Email 3. Description of Incident
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • Midwest 79
NOTE: All accounts must be verifiable through a third-party source (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, etc.)
Submit Your Recovery for the
2026 Donnie Cruse Recovery Award
S P R E C A LL E O QU CIAL VE RY AL I S I F Y TS
Co-Sponsored by: 2026
Winner
TAKE TH E CHALLE NG E SEND US:
• Photos or Video of Your Recovery • Name • Company • Address • Phone Number • Email Address
WE MAY CONTACT YOU FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS Email: stemple@towman.com or Mail to: 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990 Choose the most challenging recovery that your company has performed with excellence
RE Presented by: CO B E VE E N RY P M 2 0 BET E RF UST 0 1 WE O R H & E N M E AV E 20 Midwest 2 6 80D • July 2026 | Towman.com
Episode 61
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 scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • West 75
News Flash
Julian Ramirez with family members.
Towman Injured in Hit-and-Run Faces Long Recovery
More than three months after a devastating hit-and-run crash along Loop 410 in San Antonio, TX, 24-year-old tow truck driver Julian Ramirez remains in medical care as his family continues to focus on his recovery. Ramirez, a father of six, was critically injured while assisting stranded motorists shortly after 1 a.m. on Feb. 16 near Ray Ellison Boulevard. According to his mother, Brandy Salinas, Ramirez had finished helping two women with their disabled vehicle and told them they could head home while he completed the tow. Moments later, Ramirez was struck by a southbound silver sedan that fled the scene, according to San Antonio police. No arrests have been made. Salinas said her son suffered life-altering injuries, including a broken pelvis, fractured ribs, skull and facial fractures, and the amputation of a leg. Since the crash, Ramirez has remained in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities and has not yet re-
West 76 • July 2026 | Towman.com
turned home. The family hopes an upcoming surgery will allow Ramirez to continue his recovery at home. In the meantime, they are facing mounting financial pressure from medical expenses and child care costs, which Authorities are investigating tow trucks tied to Queens bodyshop Salinas said have owner David Borukhov. already surpassed $150,000. in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park. Source: ksat.com City officials say neither Borukhov nor
Bodyshop Owner Investigated in Towing Scheme
A Queens bodyshop owner known for flaunting a lavish lifestyle on social media is under investigation for allegedly operating illegal tow trucks throughout New York City. David Borukhov, owner of Nizo Motors, posted videos promoting the towing industry while driving unlicensed tow trucks and performing burnouts
his company currently hold valid towing licenses. The investigation follows growing concerns over illegal “chaser” tow trucks that race to crash scenes seeking lucrative repair and storage jobs. Officials estimate hundreds of unlicensed tow trucks are operating across the city. Borukhov, who frequently showcases luxury cars, helicopters and private jets online, has openly discussed aggressive tactics within the towing industry on podcasts and
◀
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • West 77
social media. The report also references past federal prosecutions involving NYPD officers accused of providing crash information to tow operators. New York City officials say enforcement efforts against illegal towing operations are increasing, while lawmakers push for tougher regulations to crack down on rogue operators. Source: gothamist.com
NY Tow Operator Sues Police Over Alleged Excessive Force
A towing company owner has filed a federal lawsuit against the Village of Freeport, Long Island and two police officers, alleging civil rights violations tied to the village’s vehicle seizure practices. The suit, filed May 4 in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn, claims Daniel Donlon was unlawfully tackled, injured, and falsely arrested during a traffic stop involving a repossessed vehicle. According to the complaint, Freeport uses a network of license plate readers, known as the “Ring of Steel,” to identify vehicles with expired or suspended registrations. Donlon alleges the system exists primarily to generate revenue through towing and impound fees. The lawsuit stems from an August 2024 incident in which Donlon and an employee were transporting a repossessed Honda CRV through Freeport when police stopped the vehicle after its expired registration was detected. Donlon claims Officer Martin Zimmer violently tackled him after he refused to surrender the keys, causing a concussion and facial injuries. The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages exceeding $1 million per claim. Source: southshorepress.com
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West 78 • July 2026 | Towman.com
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • West 79
A Moose Gets in a Jam Rescued by a Canadian Towman By Steve Temple There’s a whimsical children’s book about how giving a moose a muffin can lead to all sorts of unintended consequences. The moose will want more muffins after the first one, and ask for jam to go with the muffin. And then the moose will create a mess while trying to spread the jam, and need napkins to clean up, and so on. This amusing chain of events is similar to what Clint Gottinger of Rebel Towing encountered last April near Kelvington in Saskatchewan
◀
After Clint Gottinger of Rebel Towing backed his NRC flatbed to the edge of the icy waters, he managed to wrap soft slings around the hind end of the mired moose.
The NRC flatbed served as a bridge between the road and the icy waters that had trapped the moose.
West 80 • July 2026 | Towman.com
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • West 81
province in Canada. Not only did he rescue a moose, but the story went viral, being broadcast on a number of TV and media outlets. They related how Clint was was on his way to a couple of tow calls when he happened upon the stranded moose near his acreage. The yearling had apparently broken through a patch of thin ice while running across a frozen body of water. Clint believed the hapless animal had been stranded in the ice for much of the day. “I looked across that big ditch full of water, and sure enough, there’s the poor fellow struggling. He was pretty tired, he’d given up by then, he was just sitting there,” Clint recalled. His tow calls would just have to wait—“I couldn’t leave him.” Using his NRC flatbed and soft slings, Gottinger positioned his tow truck as a bridge from the icy water to the road. But it took him a few tries in order to break the moose free. “He just sat there patiently while I put the sling around his butt
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West 82 • July 2026 | Towman.com
After rigging up the moose, Clint gently raised it onto the bed of his carrier.
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • West 83
After transporting the moose to his home, Clint’s wife provided some blankets.
and popped him right out,” Clint explained. “I then slid the NRC deck back up onto the road.” The moose was so exhausted that he just sat
West 84 • July 2026 | Towman.com
there the whole time, and during transport as well. On the way home with his weary cargo, Clint phoned the wife and
said, “Could you get some blankets please? I’m coming home with a moose,” he laughed. While the moose rescue was
◀
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AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • West 85
underway, Clint had to explain to customers the reason for the delay.
Clint spots the moose trapped in the ice.
West 86 • July 2026 | Towman.com
“They were very good about it, very understanding, and said,
‘Take your time, no problem.’” After setting down his newfound companion near his home, Clint made the creature comfortable after this undoubtedly traumatizing experience. But there were no muffins for this moose. “We did bring out some oats for him and put it in front of his face, but he wasn’t hungry yet,” Clint explained. The moose spent the next few days recovering before disappearing. In the meantime, the animal had calmed down enough to accept some affection. “He would let me go up and scratch his chin and rub his nose and his ears. He liked that; he would turn his head," Cliff smiled. "Hopefully, he comes back because he still has a tow bill!”
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.
SEND NOMINATIONS VIA MAIL TO:
Stephanie Marchese, American Towman 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990
OR EMAIL:
stephanie@towman.com
Submission Deadline August 1st
NOMINATIONS MUST INCLUDE:
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
1. Nominee Name, Company, Phone, and Email 2. Your Name, Phone, and Email 3. Description of Incident
AmericanTowman.com | July 2026 • West 87
NOTE: All accounts must be verifiable through a third-party source (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, etc.)
Submit Your Recovery for the
2026 Donnie Cruse Recovery Award
S P R E C A LL E O QU CIAL VE RY AL I S I F Y TS
Co-Sponsored by: 2026
Winner
TAKE TH E CHALLE NG E SEND US:
• Photos or Video of Your Recovery • Name • Company • Address • Phone Number • Email Address
WE MAY CONTACT YOU FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS Email: stemple@towman.com or Mail to: 2 Overlook Drive, Suite 5, Warwick, NY 10990 Choose the most challenging recovery that your company has performed with excellence
RE Presented by: CO B E VE E N RY P M 2 0 BET E RF UST 0 1 WE O R H & E N M E AV 2 0 88 • DJuly E2026 | Towman.com West 26
Episode 61
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 scalitri@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990