PREVIEW GUIDE TO AT EXPOSITION IN BALTIMORE
The Road Calls
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UNLOCKING PULLEY POWER TEXAS TOWXPO ROUNDUP OVERCOMING CASH FLOW DELAYS TowIndustryWeek.com
SEPTEMBER 2026 AmericanTowman.com
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Contents
Cover Feature
Volume 50 Issue 9
56 September Superstar Wrecker
Photo by Danielle “Dani” Busey Spotlighting a flawlessly finished tow truck built on a long-running ’52 Chevy that became a bona fide celebrity on TV and at car shows.
Features
12
The Cash Flow Delay A Financial Strain That Undermines Driver Retention By Rich Holland
20
Unlocking Pulley Power Various Setups with the Mechanical Advantage to Get the Job Done By Terry Abejuela
66
2026 Departments 6 8 10 12 20 26 34 55, 71 56 71 72 81
The Walkaround News Share Road Tools Tow Business Hands-On Tech Towman Techniques Ad Index Supplier Scoop Towman’s Toy Towman’s Market My Baby Adventures of A.T.
Texas TowXpo Roundup
A Big Yee-Haw for a Successful Return to San Antonio By AT Staff
The American Towman staff continues to honor Steven L. Calitri, our Editor-In-Chief, who passed this last December. On the cover is a commemorative insignia, a tribute to a man who had a great passion for this industry and made a difference in the lives of so many towers. Intrepidus Imperator is a Latin phrase that translates to “Fearless Commander”.
4 • September 2026 | Towman.com
First on the scene since 1977
The Walkaround Skilled Recovery Pros You may have heard of the Masters of Chaos Awards, presented each year at TowXpo in Texas. If you haven’t, be sure to read this issue’s highlights of the major incidents handled by towing and recovery companies across the country. This year’s recognition also included several fire departments that worked alongside towing companies to Dennie Ortiz clear a particularly challenging scene. These are harrowing incidents and complex recoveries Publisher that demand precision and professionalism under extreme circumstances. They require competent teamwork, experience, and the ability to make sound decisions in the midst of turmoil. That is why American Towman recognizes these skilled operators as true Masters of Chaos. Being a recovery specialist is no easy task. Training, along with experience and an in-depth knowledge of the equipment being used are essential. In this issue’s featured recovery, the young crew from Atlas Towing & Recovery proved that age is just a number when faced with the daunting challenge of getting a huge mining truck back on its wheels. It took some rugged recovery tools, a few different approaches, and plenty of persistence before they finally nailed it. Speaking of training, the upcoming American Towman Exposition in Baltimore will offer three hands-on and classroom courses covering various types of rigging and recovery. There will also be classroom sessions focused on the equally important part of the job—getting paid for the recoveries! Keeping recovery on the mind, Randall Resch takes a close look at the challenges of handling end-dump trailers. He examines one tragic example in which a recovery went wrong, resulting in a fatality, and then drills down into the recommended techniques for working with this oversized piece of equipment as safely as possible. Coming full circle, we look at one of the most basic, but essential, tools in towing and recovery: the pulley. Terry Abejuela explains the fundamentals of various pulley setups, examining how they work and the simple cleverness of their design. More importantly, he shows how this basic tool provides a mechanical advantage that can make all the difference on a recovery job. So, from massive mining trucks to end-dump trailers and the simple pulley, this issue is a reminder that a successful recovery is about expertise, preparation, and teamwork, along with the skill to remain calm and professional when the scene is anything but that. Hope you enjoy the issue, and as always, stay safe out there!
Long Haulers While writing up our cover feature on the beautifully restored ’52 Chevy wrecker owned by Terry Davis, I was intrigued by the old warhorse he started out with, as shown in the layout. It got me wondering about other vintage tow trucks that are still out there, not necessarily handling recoveries, but still in running condition, as when Terry first Steve Temple came across his ’52 Chevy. Related to that, the Guinness Book of World Records Editor recently recognized the longest ownership of a vehicle since new, a ’57 Corvette acquired by Bill Hatch of Carlsbad, California. He’s now 94 years old, and still driving his veteran ‘Vette. Similarly, there must be plenty of senior tow trucks out there that are in working order, even if only on parade routes. We’d like to hear from our silver-haired readers about their beloved wreckers that they’ve kept since new or nearly new. These long haulers serve as a testament to the enduring dedication of seasoned towmen. Please feel free to send us some photos and some history of your old-hand wrecker to stemple@towman.com. We can’t guarantee it’ll end up in the Guinness Book of World Records, but we’d certainly consider featuring it in American Towman magazine.
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Dennie Ortiz Steven C. Calitri Ellen Rosengart Steve Temple Randall Resch Terry Abejuela David Kolman Mark Lacek Brian Riker George Nitti Henri “Doc” Calitri Paul Stephens
Publisher & President Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President Editor Operations Editor Field Editor, West Chassis Editor Repo Run Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor Contributing Editor
Editorial Board Tommy Anderson Bill Johnson Kurt Wilson Tasha Mora Ron Meyers
Dallas, TX South Hadley, MA Creve Coeur, IL Austin, TX Cambridge, OH
American Towman Staff President AT Expo Corp. Art Director Advertising Sales Mgr. Regional Advertising Sales iMarketing Manager Finance Manager Conferences & Events Sr. Mgr. Events Manager Publisher’s Assistant Registration & Subscription Mgr. ATTV Producer Customer Service
Henri “Doc” Calitri Anne Ruzsilla Dennie Ortiz Peggy Calabrese Ryan Oser Lisa Ciraldo Ilce Negri Bryna Stankiewicz Stephanie Marchese Andrea Richardson Emily Oz Henri Calitri
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 7
News Share NC Senator Pushes for Towing Reform North Carolina Senator Caleb Theodros is calling for changes to Charlotte’s towing regulations after a growing number of drivers reported paying steep fees to recover their vehicles. His proposal includes civil penalties for violations, a formal towing permit system, and public records documenting towing incidents. The renewed push follows a widely shared social media post by Yazan Humaideh, owner of Sip City in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood. Humaideh said his vehicle was booted after parking in a private lot and that he was forced to pay despite providing proof of his situation. He argues aggressive towing practices discourage customers from visiting local businesses. Current Charlotte ordinances limit police to keeping the peace during towing disputes, preventing officers from intervening. A 2014 court ruling also eliminated the city’s authority to cap towing fees. Source: kiss951.com
New Orleans Updates Towing, Booting Rates The City of New Orleans has implemented new rates for non-consensual vehicle towing, booting, and storage effective July 27, 2026, following a City Council ordinance that aligns municipal fees with the annual rate schedule established by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). Under the revised schedule, the booting (immobilization) fee increases from $121 to a flat $172. Light-duty towing will rise from $161.25 to $228.75 for the first 1.5 hours, with $76.25 charged for each additional half-hour. Medium-duty towing will cost $335 for the first hour, then $167.50 per additional half-hour. Heavy-duty towing will be $430.50 for the first hour, followed by $215.25 per additional half-hour. The new rates apply only to vehicles towed or booted on or after July 27. Vehicles already in impound before that date will remain subject to the previous fee schedule. Vehicle owners must pay all applicable towing, storage, and outstanding parkingrelated fees before a vehicle is released from the city’s impound system. The updated rates are based on the LPSC’s prescribed towing and recovery fee schedule, which took effect April 1, 2026. Source: wdsu.com
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Blue Safety Lights Expanded in Pennsylvania Roadside assistance vehicles in Pennsylvania will soon have greater visibility and protection while assisting stranded motorists under legislation signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on July 20. The new law, formerly House Bill 1830, expands the use of flashing blue safety lights beyond traditional tow trucks to include light-duty roadside assistance vehicles while they are stopped on the roadside providing service. The measure, sponsored by State Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton), becomes Act 33 of 2026. Previously, only tow trucks were authorized to display blue warning lights when responding to disabled vehicles. Freeman said roadside assistance operators face many of the same dangers from passing traffic and deserve equal
Pennsylvania’s new law allows roadside assistance vehicles to display flashing blue safety lights. safety protections. The legislation allows vehicles operated by organizations such as AAA to use blue lights while performing services including fuel delivery, battery replacement, jump starts, lockout assistance, flat tire changes, and vehicle recoveries from snow, mud, or other difficult terrain. Source: pahouse.com
Tow Industry and Repossession Training With more than 25 seminars professional repossession standards. featuring top speakers, the upcoming Repossession is far more complex American Towman Exposition, being than it may appear, and getting it right held November 19-21 at the requires knowledge, Baltimore Convention Center, preparation, and provides the tow industry’s professionalism. A twolargest educational program. hour seminar led by Topics reflect the issues and industry veteran Mark subjects that are important to Lacek, who brings the towing business owner to more than 50 years of help increase the bottom line. repossession business Specific conferences include AT Academy seminar led by experience, will cover Towing & Recovery, Business Mark Lacek covers the entire the repossession Operations, Building Revenue, repossession process. process from recovery and Safety and Insurance. assignments through Noteworthy seminar speakers include final delivery. Mark will introduce Jeff Mullins of the AAA Club Alliance, certification, credentialing, and training Brian Riker, Chief Compliance Officer programs available both online and infor Fleet Compliance Solutions, Eric person to train and certify employees Fouquette of Big Wheel Towing, and and drivers on the repossession process. Larry Oxenham of American Society This seminar is a must for tow for Asset Protection, among many other business owners and drivers to know tow industry experts. the ins-and-outs of repossession so they One particular topic of interest can avoid preventable harms, costly in the American Towman Academy settlements, and potential incarceration curriculum addresses the critical resulting from negligent acts and a lack issue for tow companies that perform of structured training. repossessions but do not adequately https://americantowman.com/ train or certify employees on legal and atexposition/#seminars
News Share
Niagara Police Approve Towing Contracts The Niagara Regional Police Board has approved a new three-year secure towing and impound contract with A Action Towing and Recovery Inc. and Parkway Towing Inc., both located in ON, Canada, despite strong objections from local towing operators who say the changes will significantly reduce their business. Jim Hatcher, president of the Niagara Towing Alliance and owner of Traffic Towing, urged the board to delay approval, arguing the revised towing policy is unfair to companies on the region’s tow rotation list. Based on six years of police towing data, Hatcher said the new system could reduce rotationlist calls by roughly one-third, diverting work to the two contracted companies. He called the change “unconscionable” and warned it could threaten the survival of independent, family-owned towing businesses. Under the updated policy, tow rotation companies will primarily handle collision and breakdown calls, while the contracted firms will receive most other
Tow operators warned the new contracting system could cut rotation-list calls by as much as 40 percent. police-requested tows, including many impound-related incidents. Police officials acknowledged the changes will reduce work for rotationlist operators—estimating a decline of about 40 percent—but said the new system follows industry practices adopted elsewhere and required two contractors to handle the increased workload. Following the vote, the Niagara Towing Alliance said it is consulting legal counsel to review the procurement process and explore options to protect its members’ interests. Source: stcatharinesstandard.ca
Auto Lending Accelerates as Borrower Credit Quality Slips Auto lending expanded during the second quarter of 2026, but data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York suggests lenders may be extending credit to borrowers with weaker credit profiles. Auto loan originations reached $211 billion during Q2, while outstanding auto loan balances increased $28 billion, or 1.7%, to $1.71 trillion. The median credit score for originated auto loans fell seven points. The shift comes as auto loan delinquencies remains elevated. The New York Fed reported that transitions into early auto delinquencies ticked higher during the quarter, although serious delinquencies remained stable.
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The median credit score for originated auto loans during Q2 fell seven points. The data does not indicate an auto lending crisis. However, rising originations, declining borrower credit scores, and delinquencies bear watching. Source: CURepossession.com
Illinois Bill Targets Fraudulent Tow Operators A bill aimed at cracking down on fraudulent tow truck operators has cleared the Illinois General Assembly and is awaiting the signature of Governor JB Pritzker. House Bill 4843 unanimously expands the Illinois Secretary of State’s authority to suspend or revoke registrations and special license plates issued to tow truck operators who obtained them fraudulently, illegally used tow truck plates, or violated vehicle registration laws. Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said the measure gives the state stronger enforcement tools to identify bad actors, revoke registrations, and remove unlawful operators from Illinois roads. The legislation also allows disciplinary action against operators who commit registration fraud, misuse tow truck plates, or fail to comply with vehicle transfer notification requirements. The bill builds on legislation that took effect earlier this year, preventing rogue towing companies from rebranding after violations. That law also authorizes impounding unregistered tow trucks, suspending registrations for unpaid Illinois Commerce Commission fines, prohibits monitoring police scanners, and bars liens on personal property left inside towed vehicles. Source: cbsnews.com
Towers Save Kitten by Dismantling Car A tiny kitten trapped inside the grille of a Honda nearly died during a sweltering July afternoon in Ames, Iowa. The cat was discovered by a woman waiting in line at Scooter’s Coffee on July 27. After hearing cries from inside her car, she and other customers tried to locate the kitten. Ames Animal Shelter officer Kathy Pike arrived but could reach only a few fingers through the grille. With temperatures reaching 96 degrees and the heat index hitting 118, the kitten was panting heavily and sticking out her bright-red tongue. Pike called Central Iowa Towing and Recovery for help. Tow operators Jordan McKnight and Cole Denning rushed to the scene and determined the car’s front end would have to be dismantled. Working carefully, the tow truck drivers took apart enough of the vehicle to reach the frightened kitten and free her.
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 9
Road Tools Storing Dollies Get ready to take recovery operations to the next level with the Pro Series Dolly Box from In the Ditch Towing Products. Designed specifically for car carriers and rollbacks, this premium, fully covered storage unit offers a rugged and weather-resistant enclosure that protects a dolly system on the safer, passenger side of a truck. Save time and strain when lifting dollies off truck beds with a tilting cradle design and low-profile access points that make lifting dollies off the cradle smooth and strain-free, all while being neatly stored and easily accessible. With complete storage for one full dolly set, plus extra room for other equipment, this industry-leading ergonomic design accommodates two dollies, two axles, a break-over bar, and ratchet straps.
intheditch.com
Extra Head Protection
A traditional Type 1 hard hat is designed only for direct strikes to the top of the head. Type 2 safety helmets add protection for the front, sides, and back. But neither can handle angled impacts that can cause rotational motion brain injuries. Ergodyne’s Type 2 Safety Helmet features the exclusive Mips (Multi-Directional Impact Protection System) Evolve Pro design. It not only reduces the risk of angled impacts, but also does it in a breathable and light hard hat. The Mips Evolve Pro system provides a more open configuration that reduces weight and increases air wicking with CoolMax padding. The result is a cooler, lighter system designed for more comfort on long work shifts.
ergodyne.com
Making Towing Easier Every tow operator knows the two calls they never want to get: the one where a tow truck driver is in trouble on the side of the road, and the one where a motor carrier fails to pay the bill. Easy Tow Trucks, a dispatch and management platform built for towing operations, takes aim at both of these. The platform’s Driver Safety Suite keeps watch over every driver on every call. An always-on SOS button on the driver’s phone reaches management instantly by text and email, even without a GPS fix. The phone’s motion sensors monitor any indication of a hard impact, and a sudden stop triggers an “Are you OK?” prompt on the driver’s phone. If there’s no answer by the respond-by deadline, dispatch is alerted automatically with the driver’s last known location on a map. Other features of the Suite include speeding alerts, stationary-driver check-ins, and repeat-offender flags. Dispatchers work from a live driver map showing every truck’s position in real time, with active safety alerts displayed right on the dispatch board. Customers waiting on the shoulder can follow along too, with a track-my-driver link sent straight to their phone. In addition, impound-yard management, motor-club job intake, tow boards, and per-truck inventory round out the Suite’s functions, with work orders, invoicing, time and mileage included.
easytowtrucks.com 10 • September 2026 | Towman.com
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 11
Tow Business operators and small fleets running on tight margins, carrying overhead costs that do not wait for payday. Fuel bills come due. A truck that needs a repair which can’t be postponed. The mismatch between daily costs and a delayed revenue stream is not just an inconvenience. For many owner/ operators, it is the primary reason that causes them to hesitate before accepting additional dispatches, expanding network partnerships, or even continuing in the business altogether.
THE RETENTION PROBLEM
The Cash Flow Delay Undermining Driver Retention in the Roadside Service Industry By Rich Holland
A
Rich Holland is the Chief Executive Officer of Nation Safe Drivers (NSD), a trusted provider of roadside assistance and vehicle protection solutions. Since joining NSD in the fall of 2023, Rich has focused on advancing technology-enabled services and strengthening partnerdriven growth across automotive, RV, marine, and powersports markets. He brings decades of executive leadership experience across automotive technology, finance & insurance, and high-growth organizations. www.gonsd.com
ll roadside service providers know the math. They roll out at midnight, change a tire on the highway, run a lockout call in the rain, haul a sedan off the interstate. Typically, near the end of the work week, most tow operators have racked up fuel, equipment wear, and hours of labor. And then the wait begins for the check to show up. This gap has become so deeply ingrained in the industry that most tow operators no longer recognize it as a deficiency. It has been accepted as the status quo. But that does not mean it’s acceptable, and it is certainly not effective. Much of the towing and roadside service industry is built on independent
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These individual apprehensions point to a broader industry challenge. The roadside service sector has a welldocumented driver retention problem. This is no secret. While its existence is widely acknowledged, far less attention is given to the underlying factors driving it. The issue usually involves wages and working conditions. All of this is real, but underneath, largely unexamined, is the financial dynamic: independent roadside service providers are running a dailycost business on a bi-weekly (or longer) payment cycle. An owner-operator takes dispatches, fulfills every call within spec, and builds the relationship. And for two weeks they float the costs out of their own pocket, relying on reserves or credit to cover the daily financial demands of the business. For operators with strong cash reserves or access to a line of credit, this shortfall is manageable. For a significant portion of the industry, however, neither option is available. As a result, it creates a persistent low-grade financial strain that influences nearly every operational decision—which dispatches to prioritize, the provider relationships to invest in, and ultimately, even whether to remain in the game. The bi-weekly standard was not intended to create this problem. It was just the way accounting systems worked when the industry built its payment infrastructure. The operational logic made sense in its era. While the era has changed, the standard has not.
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WHAT TOW OPERATORS ACTUALLY NEED
The mismatch between daily costs and a delayed revenue stream can cause some tow operators to hesitate before accepting additional dispatches.
Ask any experienced roadside assistance provider what they want from a partner relationship and the answers are consistent: steady dispatch volume, fair compensation, and/or technology that makes the job easier. Perhaps most critical, though, is a payment schedule that reflects the day-to-day realities of running a operation, where costs hit every single day. This factor carries more weight than the industry has traditionally acknowledged. The financial relationship between motor clubs and their service provider networks is not merely an administrative detail; it serves as a meaningful indicator of how that partnership is valued. When a motor club pays providers directly and in a timely manner, it signals respect for the operator’s cash flow and operational demands. Conversely, when payment is delayed for weeks while the tow boss has to absorb costs out of pocket, it sends a far different and less productive message about the nature of that relationship. The impact shows up in dispatch behavior. When two dispatch requests land at the same time, tow operators make a choice. That choice is shaped by which partner pays reliably, communicates clearly, and has demonstrated through actual behavior that it values the operator on the other end of the call. Payment speed stands as one of the most visible and consequential determiners in this dynamic.
DAILY PAY—THE EFFECTS OF A SIMPLE IDEA
This graphic shows a basic breakdown of what’s involved in a two-week payment delay.
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The concept is straightforward. Pay drivers for completed work each and every day, rather than hold payment for two weeks. Payment technology to support this is no longer the barrier to improving
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 15
The daily gap of having to float costs over revenue adds up quickly.
payment practices. The emergence of integrated roadside service platforms that connect dispatch management, service verification, invoicing, payment processing, and financial reconciliation into a single digital workflow has changed the industry to a point where immediate payment is a distinct and favorable reality. Instead of relying on multiple manual handoffs between operations and accounting, each completed service event can move automatically
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from dispatch to payment eligibility. The modern process consists of the following: a provider accepts a dispatch digitally, updates arrival and completion statuses in real time, and submits supporting documentation through a mobile workflow. Then, the system automatically validates the work against agreed pricing and service requirements, and payment is approved far more quickly than traditional batch-processing models allowed. Automated integrations
with accounting and payment systems eliminate much of the administrative delay that historically required providers to wait weeks before receiving funds. What is currently lacking is the willingness to update payment practices to align with connected operational capabilities, instead of relying on outdated accounting cycles. When payment aligns with the actual rhythm of the business, the numbers clearly improve. The gap between cost and cash disappears. Credit lines stop absorbing two weeks of operational float. The owner-operator who was hesitant to take on more dispatches now has a reason to lean in. Daily pay is not a loyalty incentive—it is a fundamental redesign of how the financial partnership works. This approach also builds on itself. A motor club with a dense, loyal, financially stable service provider
network can dispatch faster, cover more territory, and deliver more consistent service quality. In contrast, a motor club with a thin, high-turnover network does the opposite. The economics of driver retention and the economics of dispatch performance are the same, just viewed from different sides of the came coin.
WHAT THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE ASKING
The roadside service industry faces no shortage of challenges. The complexities of EVs are changing what roadside calls look like. Flatbed-only towing requirements and range-depletion calls are creating new demands on training and equipment. Driver recruitment is competing with industries that have invested heavily in benefits and working conditions which the roadside service profession has historically ignored. Against that backdrop, the question of when drivers get paid can seem secondary. But it’s not. It is the financial foundation of every other decision. A tow boss managing a persistent cashflow gap is not in a position to invest in training, expand coverage, or build the kind of network partnership that benefits everyone in the towing operation. Motor clubs and roadside administrators that want loyal, high-performing service provider networks need
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 17
It’s easy to see the negative impact of bi-weekly pay versus the benefits of daily compensation.
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to examine whether their payment structures are built for the operators they want to attract, or for the accounting systems they built 20 or more years ago. These two are clearly not the same. The limiting factor is not whether payments can move faster, but whether the underlying technology connects dispatch operations, provider workflows, and financial systems well enough to support near real-time payment authorization and processing. The roadside service industry runs on people who show up. Every dispatch, every midnight call, and every weather event that overwhelms the system can be impactful. The operators who keep showing up deserve a financial partnership built around the reality of their business. Daily pay is a start. The broader conversation about what genuine motor club partnership looks like is long overdue.
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 19
Hands-On Tech
The Power of the Pulley Simple Machines That Get the Job Done By Terry Abejuela
F
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.
or thousands of years people have searched for ways to move objects with less effort. From the construction of the ancient Egyptian pyramids to modern cranes and tow trucks, one of the oldest and most effective tools for this task is the pulley system. The pulley is one of six simple machines used by tow operators in performing their job—the lever, incline plane, screw, wheel, wedge and lastly, the pulley. As a towing and recovery instructor since 1982, I have done a lot of research concerning these six simple machines, and in particular the pulley, simply because of how often it’s used in the field. While pulley mechanics can be fairly complex let’s focus on the essentials, even though the full potential goes well beyond these basics. Whether uprighting a casualty vehicle, recovering a fully loaded tractor-trailer from a highway median, extracting a piece of construction equipment, or winching a bus from an embankment, understanding how the pulley system works is a fundamental skill for all towing and recovery operators. Even though today’s towing and recovery equipment is designed and engineered with advanced hydraulics, steel or synthetic ropes, sophisticated winches, and outrigger systems, the physics behind every successful recovery operation still relies on the same principles that have been used for centuries.
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In the towing and recovery industry, pulleys are used in a variety of ways: at the end of the recovery boom, on a car carrier deck, or in a snatch block to redirect or reduce the force required to move casualties. The pulley itself does not create energy, but instead changes how the force or energy is applied. In many pulley systems the amount of work performed remains the same, but the effort required by the equipment is reduced by increasing the distance over which the force is applied. One way to better understand this concept is the formula used to describe work. Physics defines work in one equation: Work = Force X Distance. Simply put, in order for work to occur, force must be applied to an object and then moved a distance. As an example: attach a rope to a 10-pound object and pull-up on the rope to lift it five feet off the ground. In physics, that requires performing 50 foot pounds of work (10 X 5 = 50 foot pounds of work). To make the work of lifting this 10-pound object easier, secure a pulley to a beam above the object and attach a rope to the object. Take the other end of the rope and run it through the pulley on the beam. Now pull down on the rope instead of pulling up on it. This way, gravity works for us, not against us. Although this made the work easier, it didn’t change the amount of work performed. It still requires the application of 10 pounds of force for a distance of five feet to move the object five feet up from the ground. This equates to the mechanical advantage being 1 to 1. The simple definition of mechanical advantage is the ratio of the input force to the output force of a machine. When moving a 10-pound object with 10 pounds of force, the pulley only provided a 1 to 1 mechanical advantage. This is a simple pulley system using a fixed pulley to redirect the force. A fixed pulley does not move with the object and does not provide improved mechanical advantage, but it does make the work easier. The real magic happens when a pulley system is used to gain mechanical advantage. To do this, more than one rope part attached to the 10-pound object is
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 21
needed. Begin by attaching one end of the rope to the beam above the object. Then, attach another pulley to the object and run the free end of the rope through the pulley. When pulling up on the free end of the rope to lift the 10-pound object, only five pounds of effort is required to lift it. But lifting the object five feet off the ground requires pulling 10 feet of the free end of the rope. The same amount of work has been performed, but effort is traded for distance. Consequently, 2 to 1 mechanical advantage has been gained by using this pulley system. This pulley moves with the load, so it is called a moving pulley, also commonly called a traveling or running pulley. A second pulley can be used on the beam to make this work even easier. Remember, it is always easier to have gravity working for you rather than against you. In a compound pulley system, the load still has to be lifted against gravity. If a second pulley is added to the beam above the 10-pound object, the free end of the rope can be run through the pulley attached to the 10-pound object and then through the pulley attached to the beam to re-direct the rope, allowing it to be pulled down. A 2 to 1 mechanical advantage still exists and gravity is working for us. To gain even more mechanical advantage, additional rope parts must be added to the load. When more rope parts are supporting the load, each rope part will support equal portions of the load. If there are 10 parts of rope supporting the load, each will support 1/10th of the load. The effort required to move the load will only be 1/10th of the load. If the 22 • September 2026 | Towman.com
A diagram from the U.S. Army manual on towing illustrates how a simple pulley system can provide a 4 to 1 mechanical advantage (MA).
load is 10 pounds, it will only require one pound of effort to move the load, but to move the load one foot it will require 10 foot of rope to be pulled in. This pulley system has a 10 to 1 mechanical advantage. In a simple pulley system, all running pulleys will move with the load toward an anchor at the same rate of speed. This is the most common type of pulley system used in the towing and recovery
Here’s a diagram of a compound pulley system with an 8 to 1 MA. With this type of pulley system, however, counting lines to the load doesn’t result int the correct MA. Start at the load and determine the line tension while working back to the effort, which is the winch. There are two lines attached to the load with the first pulley, and each one supports 50 percent of the load. One end of the two-part line is attached to the anchor. The other line is attached to the second pulley block. This line has
industry. In this type of pulley system, the mechanical advantage can be determined by counting the rope parts that are supporting the load. A pulley system with four rope parts supporting the load has a 4 to 1 mechanical advantage. A compound pulley system is when one or more simple pulley systems are acting on another simple pulley system. All of the running blocks still move towards an
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only 50 percent of the load when it is attached to the second. At the second pulley the 50 percent of the load is reduced to only 25 percent of the load on the two line parts from the second pulley. At the third pulley the 25 percent of the load is reduced again to only 12.5 percent of the load. Each of two parts of line from the winch rope are supporting 12.5 percent of the load, so the winch only has to provide 12.5 percent of the load for the load to move. Moving the load one foot requires pulling in eight feet of rope.
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anchor, but do not move at the same rate of speed. This is not as commonly used in the towing and recovery industry as the simple pulley system. A complex pulley system is when not all of the running blocks move in the same direction. In the towing and recovery industry snatch blocks are used to redirect or multiply the force applied by winches with winch rope. Snatch blocks are designed to be used without having to remove the hook at the end of the winch rope. The side plate of the block can be removed to place the winch rope in the pulley. As mentioned, a pulley system can be used to reduce the amount of effort required to move a load. A larger truck with a larger winch and appropriately sized rope could be used, but the system will eventually be limited by the rope’s size and capacity. Eventually, the size of the rope required to support the load will be too large and heavy for any tow operator to manage. Instead of using the pulley system to reduce the amount of effort required to move the load, it is used to reduce line tension so a smaller winch rope can be used and ultimately not exceed the Working Load Limit (WLL) of the winch rope. A winch rope with a WLL of 3,500 pounds will be capable of moving a 7,000 pound load using a two-part line with a moving snatch block. This won’t exceed the WLL of the winch rope because each line part of the winch rope is only supporting 3,500 pounds. Every successful recovery is a combination of planning, experience, equipment and physics. While modern recovery equipment continues to become more capable, it is still dependent upon the timeless principles of mechanical advantage. The use of snatch blocks in a pulley system remains one of the most effective ways for tow operators to maximize the 24 • September 2026 | Towman.com
Looking from left to right, this snatch block demonstration stand shows different pulley setups and their mechanical advantages (MA). 1. An old wooden block with three pulleys allows more than two lines to the load using only one block. 2. A snatch block with side plate open allows the winch rope to be attached without taking the hook off the end. 3. A simple pulley system with a fixed block allows uses gravity to assist in lifting the load. Pulling on the free end of the rope will require exerting a force equal to the load to move it. It is a 1 to 1 MA. Pulling 1 foot of rope in the load will move one foot. 4. This simple pulley system has 2 to 1 MA on the left shackle. The two shackles weigh the same but when a force is applied to the free end of the rope, only the left shackle moves. This is because when a force is applied to the free end of the rope it is applying double that force on the left shackle. If the shackles each weigh 10 pounds, applying five pounds of downward force on the free end of the rope applies 10 pounds of force on the left shackle so it starts to lift. The
performance of their equipment while minimizing the stress of winches, winch ropes and vehicles. Even if physics was the class that left more questions than answers, understanding pulleys and
rope continues and goes through another pulley that re-directs the force of five pounds to the right shackle which does not move because it weighs 10 pounds. 5. This is a compound pulley system with an 8 to 1 MA. The shackle weighs 20 pounds. Starting at the load the are two lines to the load. Each support will support 10 pounds. One end of the line is attached to the overhead beam and the other end goes to the second pulley in the system. One end of the rope to the second pulley is attached to the overhead beam and goes through the second pulley and then is attached to the third pulley in the system. Since that part of the line only has 10 pounds of tension, the second pulley will divide that in half and the next two lines only have five pounds of tension. The third pulley in the system adds two more lines and reduces the tension to just 2.5 pounds. When applying 2.5 pounds of force into the pulley system and moving 10 pounds of resistance, there’s an 8 to 1 MA (2.5 X 8 = 20). But moving the 20-pound shackle one foot requires pulling in eight feet of rope.
mechanical advantage allows towers to work smarter, improve safety, and move challenging loads with greater control and confidence.
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 25
Towman Techniques
Due to a top-heavy center of gravity, this enddump trailer tipped over, resulting in a fatality at a Utah County landfill.
Topsy-Turvy Troubles End-Dump Trailers at the Tipping Point By Randall C. Resch
T 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.
he tragic incident caught everyone by surprise. On July 1, 2024, while using a handheld, remote control device, heavy-wrecker operator Joe Martinez walked around the backside of a rolled end-dump unit at a landfill in southern California. As Joe was out of the direct view of the others on scene, it wasn’t initially known what happened to him. However, when local news interviewed Captain Carl Patterson of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, he stated, “Something gave way and the trailer fell back on top of him, crushing him to death.” A follow-up investigation added that, “The operator lifted the vehicle and was crushed when he went underneath the vehicle.” Industrial accidents like this one are fairly common at construction sites, gravel pits, landfills, and client deliveries. As the US Department of Labor’s, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) notes,
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between 2018 and 2024, 14 injury incidents occurred where over-the-road trucks tipped or rolled over while being dumped. During this same period, 28 mining haul trucks tipped or rolled over, injuring their drivers. Common to construction projects hauling dirt, sand and gravel, end-dump trailers use hydraulic cylinders to lift the front of the trailer’s bed skyward. Trailers like these reach tall heights to create a steep slide angle. Delivered typically by multiaxle semi-trucks, end-dump trailers rely on a vertical ram that causes material to flow through the trailer’s rear dump gate. With a large and lengthy carrying capacity, enddump trailers can handle a massive amount of product or debris in a single delivery.
RECOVERY CONSIDERATIONS
Perhaps the biggest challenge in recovering end-dump trailers, both during initial loading and subsequent dump delivery, is the truck’s overall length. The combination of a multi-axle semi and a trailer’s length can be as much as 40 feet. As such, end-dump trailers are far different than standard dump trucks, or trucks that dump from the side. Due to an extra-wide turning radius, end-dump drivers must be skilled in finessing a full turn, or threepoint turnaround. Another challenge of these trailers is just how unstable they can become as the dump process begins. To ensure safe unloading, the both truck and trailer must be positioned on level, solid ground. If a truck and end-dump combination parks atop loose soil, clay, soft sand, or grassy fields, when the trailer reaches maximum dump height, it can tip. (The same holds true for heavy wrecker placement, of course.) Trucking companies are generally tasked with delivering large qualities of product, or transporting construction debris to recycling centers and dump sites. Using these long trailers allows for delivery to narrow locations. In a perfect world where rocks, boulders, and sand products never jam up, trailers are emptied in a minute flat.
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Most tip-over scenarios happen while the truck’s hydraulic ram is fully extended, which can make the recovery procedure more difficult.
An unstable ground surface, along with a tilting dump bed, can create dangerous conditions, making the recovery susceptible to a rollover.
SIZE MATTERS
End-dump trailers are commonly used to transport heavy material, particularly when large quantities of loose material or boulders are unloaded at single locations. One of the biggest benefits of hiring this type of trailer is its capacity to haul heavy loads, notably 67.8 cubic yards weighing 40,000 to 50,000 pounds. Unlike side or bottom dump trailers, end-dumps have higher sidewalls that allow them to carry larger volumes of material per trip. There’s one big caution, however: higher sidewalls have a higher center of gravity. Tow operators are reminded that dump sites often consist of a stockpile mixture, with concrete and other surface materials creating unstable ground that can easily give away. As in all recoveries, an arrival assessment determines whether or not the recovery site allows for solid placement. To increase the heavy wrecker or rotator’s total stability, ground pads, cribbing, and side stabilizers (outriggers) will provide a solid footprint, This task is best assigned to an experienced towing and recovery company, whose safety managers can coordinate directly with the vehicle’s owner, job site safety personnel, or the responding incident commander. The initial discussion should focus on the recovery plan, along with any needs for specialized equipment or additional
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 29
This diagram clearly shows the potential dangers of an end-dump trailer tipping over. Even a slight slope increases the chance of a rollover when material gets stuck in the top of the trailer’s box.
personnel. In the event an injury or fatality occurs, OSHA or investigating agencies will expect to see photos, measurements, statements, and safety evidence that were collected before the recovery commenced.
prevent punching through pavement surfaces. As in all recoveries, every arrival assessment should include G.O.A.L.— Get Out and Look, to evaluate surface conditions.
METHODS AND TECHNIQUES
End-dump trailers typically tip over when hydraulic rams are nearly fully extended, and the tractor-trailer combination is positioned on a sloped roadway or on ground that gives way beneath the trailer. Raised trailer beds create an unbalanced center of gravity, much higher than normal. This situation must be corrected prior to working to roll the casualty vehicle back on its wheels. Lowering rams to the stowage position and closing raised beds are necessary, but challenges increase when underside frames are broken, bent, or heavily twisted. Determine if the bed’s hinges are intact, or if perhaps were sheared off during the roll. To collapse and stow raised dump beds, located the trailer’s fluid-relief valves on the hydraulic tank, situated inside the trailer’s frame, or near the tank’s mounted position. Opening the relief valve allows hydraulic fluid to flow freely, and operators should take precautions to collect escaping fluid. A well-equipped heavy wrecker should be outfitted with capture basins, absorbent litter, or spill tackle with absorbent pads to contain escaping fluid.
When a delivery results in rollover, the first priority is to assess the scene and determine what product is in the dump trailer box before starting the recovery. Best practices require removing remaining product to lessen the recovery weight, especially if there is any product lodged at the top of the trailer. Using a Bobcat or backhoe can help to speed the process, or if safe to do so, the wrecker crew can be assigned to shovel out the product. Construction sites and landfills often have uneven and unstable paths and roadways. Operators are reminded to ensure there’s a solid platform to prevent upsetting heavy wreckers to avoid a tip-over. Both left and right side stabilizers and downriggers should be deployed. When straight-line winch access isn’t possible, wrecker positioning is paramount in gaining the best mechanical advantage. Heavy planks, stacked beams, and commercialgrade stabilizer mats or steel plates provide a solid footprint and 30 • September 2026 | Towman.com
CLOSING THE BOX
Modernized end-dumps have gravity down valves. This hydraulic control component allows a cylinder to retract and lower a load using only the weight of the object, rather than active pump pressure. The valve opens an internal return path, allowing the fluid to drain back into the reservoir, while the physical load pulls the cylinder back down, without having to crack or disassemble valves.
CAREFUL ROUTING
To gain mechanical advantage, tow operators attach winch lines and looped chain to the tall, topside end, its mounting head, or to trailer frame rails. Because there may not be an attachment point at the hydraulic ram’s head, looped chain or recovery straps need to be carefully routed to minimize or eliminate damage as the dump’s bed gets winched to its closed and stowed position.
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If extra-wide recovery straps are being used, look for potential cut points under sharp frame components and atop bed edges when routing them. When winching-in commences, fluid compresses back to the hydraulic ram. If equipped with open-closing type valves, once the bed is closed, tighten the relief valve. In more serious recovery situations, hydraulic rams get bent and don’t collapse. If that’s the case, at the top and bottom mounting locations, there are pins that can be removed, or cut away with die-cutters, a rescue saw, or welder’s torch, to allow for disconnecting the rams. With the dump bed brought back to a stowed position, and before active roll begins, attach snatch blocks rated for the recoveries overall SWLL (Safe Working Load Limit). Position rated chains and binders to strategic locations on the semi’s air-ride
suspension to ensure the dump bed and semi-truck frame “become one” and remains solidly joined together during the final, recovery arch.
EASIER ACCESS
Disconnecting the driveline is easier when the combination is lying on its side, just before towing. As part of rollover rigging, an option in controlling a slow-roll-recovery is adding a second, heavy wrecker. Position it at the tractor’s front-end and rig a traveling snatch block attached to the semi’s front end. When the recovery boss gives the signal to winch, everybody should work in unison, using the same RPM speeds. As the primary heavy wrecker lifts and rolls the dump trailer’s bulk end, the second wrecker provides front-end lift as the combination travels through the total recovery arch.
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CALL FOR BACKUP
End-dump recovery is a dangerous activity. On-scene safety recommends that two heavy wreckers are deployed for obvious reasons. With two trucks and experienced tow operators working the controls, a precisely orchestrated recovery, resulting in minimal damage and complete safety, is a more likely result. Regardless of the existing conditions and positioning of the tipped unit, never, never get under a lifted load or between the casualty’s dump bed and collapsed frames. For dump trailers running dual tires, to prevent them from rolling off their rim beads (in the direction of pull), operators should insert small sections of 2x4 lumber between inner sidewalls. This also prevents flattening tires during a subsequent tow to the final destination. Adding catch-lines is another safety consideration in managing
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the casualty’s slow return to upright position. Operators using hand-held remotes are reminded to always be aware of their surroundings. This includes having an escape path should the unexpected occur.
FINAL CAUTIONS
Recovering end-dumps is an advanced task that many heavy operators might not be familiar with. End dumps aren’t readily available for training, so there’s much to remember about recovery safety. When end-dump recoveries occur, there’s a likelihood an OSHA inspector might just happenby to observe the operations. By all means, remember: • Wrecker participants should wear hard hats, ANSI-III vests, eye protection, and safety boots. • Ensure fire extinguishers are charged, in the green, safety pin in place, and properly tagged. • When involved in active recovery, ensure straps and chain
lay within cable hooks protected by fully functioning safety clips; not tied back with Zip Ties, duct tape, or wire. • For ladder use, spotters must be in place for climbing actions. • Some inspectors may inquire as to where operators received their training. As in all major recovery scenarios, operators are advised to place road cones to indicate active work zones. When heavy winching involves running recovery lines from the wrecker to the casualty vehicle, position cones outside the wire as a visual warning that winch lines are in place and active. There are many moving parts to end-dump recoveries. The best way to learn proper practices is to take heavy recovery courses from industryrecognized instructors. No matter what, when handling end-dump recoveries, there’s no room for shortcutting proper safety measures.
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AD INDEX
September 2026
Access Tools..............................................51
EZ Claw.....................................................28
Pine Hill Trailers.........................................19
Akins Body & Carrier Sales.........................27
In The Ditch Towing Products.....................13
Progressive Commercial Insurance...............3
All American Jerr-Dan Old Bridge.... N, S, M 75
James Murphy Co...................................W79
Quick Draw Tarpaulin System.....................16
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Jutland Truck Bodies..................................32
Rick’s Truck & Equipment...........................25
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Khasim Insurance Agency.......................W77
Santander Bank, N.A.................... Back Cover
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Tow Industries........................................W78
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Miller Finance Solutions.............................23
Towbook............................ Inside Back Cover
Autura........................................................29
Miller Industries................. Inside Front Cover
Utility Trailer of Texas..............................W79
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WARN Ind....................................................5
Chevron Commercial..................................55
New England TruckMaster......... N, S 77, M76
West End Service.......................................29
Crouch’s Wrecker & Equipment Sales.........21
North.........................................................11
Wrecker Warehouse................................W75
Custom Built MFG......................................31
Nussbaum Equipment................................17
Zermenos..................................................65
D&M Distributors.....................................M77
OMG Tow Marketing...................................19
Zip’s AW Direct............................................7
Dual-Tech..................................................34
Pacific General Insurance........................M78
Zips Outfitters............................................18
EdgeTec/Hook.........................................W76
Peak Wrecker Sales................................W77
Elizabeth Truck Center...............................58
Performance Advantage Company..............15
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Exhibitor Roster
Exhibits as of August 17: For up-to-date roster go to ATExposition.com APPAREL Excel Sportswear Masterman's Penny Pockets AUCTIONS Copart Equiplinc Auction Group IAA Holdings Peak Auto Auctions CALL PROVIDERS / MOTOR CLUBS 24/7 Dispatch AAA Agero, Inc. Allstate Roadside Cox Fleet GEICO Good Sam Roadside Assistance HONK 2.0 Nation Safe Drivers National Automobile Club Peddle Penske Truck Leasing Rivian Automotive Roadside Protect Roadsider COMMUNICATIONS Apache 2 Way Metrocom NYC pg. 18
PeakPTT R.P. Recovery COMPUTER SOFTWARE Autura pg. 29 Dolooma EFI Tow PRZM Towbook pg. Inside Back Cover Towboss TrxNow CREDIT CARD PROCESSING 360 Payments Benchmark Payment Networks Flute RoadSync Xpress-pay DISPATCH SERVICES Holly's Towing Dispatch Relay Tow Towing Forward Company TowPilot FINANCING / LEASING Alliance Funding Group Amur Equipment Finance AP Equipment Financing Ascentium Capital Beacon Funding Bidwell Equipment Finance USA Commercial Equip. Financing
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Customers Comm. Finance Huntington National Bank Integrated Leasing Intek Truck Finance Jerr-Dan Financial Solutions Miller Finance Solutions pg. 23 Santander Bank, N.A. pg. Back Cover TEL360 Verdant Commercial Capital GPS Azuga, A Bridgestone Company Envue Telematics OnCallGPS Video PatrolWorks USFT INSURANCE All in 1 Insurance & Permits Arnold Insurance Company Austin Insurance pg. M76 Brown & Brown Insurance Colstan & Associates iTow & Licona Insurance Grp. Marshall & Sterling Insurance Pruuvn R&A Insurance Robertson Ryan Insurance/ Tow Insurance Pros Zellner Insurance Agency
LIGHTS & LIGHTBARS Custer Products Ltd Federal Signal Helix Safety Essentials MAXXIMA Nite Beams Products Parts MT Safety Vision Star Safety Tech. TecNiq TowMate Voltexlights.com Whelen Engineering Co. Will-Burt MARKETING American Towman Magazine/Expos Heavy Duty Help Lift Marketing Group OMG Tow Marketing pg. 19 Stamp Works Towing.com TowingWebsites.com Whiterail Heavy Tow Marketing TOOLS / TOOLBOXES Allied Powers Bad Dog Tools Iver Tools JB Tow RC Industries
TOWING ACCESSORIES DOT Tie Down In the Ditch Towing Products pg. 13 J & R / DG Towing & Trucking Supplies Secure Tow TowToolz TRAILER MANUFACTURERS Contral Trailers Custom Truck One Source Doepker Trailers Fontaine Specialized Kalyn Siebert Landoll Company Pine Hill Trailers pg. 19 Talbert Mfg. pg. N78 Trail King Industries TRAILER DISTRIBUTORS Alpha HD Trailers Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel HD Trailers Pinnacle Trailer Sales WINCHES Arrowhead Winch Bloom Mfg. dp Winch Ramsey Winch Sepson USA Warn Industries pg. 5
Warrior Winches WRECKER & CARRIER MANUFACTURERS Custom Built MFG pg. 31 Dual-Tech pg. 34 Dynamic Towing Equipment Horizon Motor Jerr-Dan Metro Tow Trucks Miller Industries pg. Inside Front Cover Century, Chevron, Holmes, Vulcan NRC Industries Zacklift International WRECKER & CARRIER DISTRIBUTORS Akins Body & Carrier Sales pg. 27 All American Jerr-Dan in Old Bridge N, S, M 75 Atlanta Wrecker Sales Battelini Wrecker Sales Chevron Commercial pg. 55 Crouch's Wrecker & Equip. Sales pg. 21 Dickerson Custom Trucks East Coast Truck & Trailer Sales East Penn Truck Equipment Edin"Burg" Truck, ETS Hobby Shop Lynch Chicago Maryland Carrier & Wrecker Sales Matheny Towing Equipment Purpose Wrecker Robert Young's NRC Sales & Service West End Service pg. 29 Worldwide Equipment Sales Zip's AW Direct pg. 7, 18, 28
OTHER 5TH WHEEL ATTACHMENT Gitesa AIR CUSHIONS Matjack AUTO PARTS Car-Part.com BUSINESS CONSULTATION DRIVE Tow Broker CABLES, CHAINS, HOOKS, SLINGS B/A Products Co. TW Products CAMERAS MANTIS CLEANING/POLISHING PRODUCTS Star Blink Products CONTROLLER HOLDER IN-CAB Wrecker Stuff DIAGNOSTIC SCANNERS FCar Tech USA ELECTRONICS Lodar Ltd. EV COMPLIANCE Energy Security Agency FUEL CARDS Coast Guttman Energy HOME REMODELING Power Home Remodeling HOME SOLAR POWER Sunrun IONIC THERAPY The Pain Helper TNR Group
JUMP START / EMERGENCY STARTERS DeWalt 12V Automotive / Baccus Global Lokithor KEY FOB BUYER American Key Supply LEGAL & FINANCIAL SERVICES J. Alexander Law LIFTS & HOISTS Gray Manufacturing Co. LOCKOUT TOOLS Access Tools pg. 51 Steck Mfg. Co. pg. 30 MASSAGE STATION Time-Out Seated Massage Corner MOBILE EV CHARGERS EVchargeHERO OILS & LUBRICANTS Hot Shot’s Secret PipeBreak USA PAIN RELIEF OmniMed PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES ParkM Ynot Parking PTOS/CLUTCH PUMPS DewEze Mfg. REPO PRODUCTS/SERVICES International Recovery Systems ROBOTIC VEHICLES ResQTrack SIGNS & PROMO ROEDA Summit Graphics SPECIALTY KNIVES Cutco
TITLE/LIEN SEARCHES Auto Data Direct pg.17 Recovery Solutions and Title TOW DOLLIES Big D’s Fabrication pg. M78 Collins TOWING ASSOCIATION E.R.S.C.A. Garden State Towing Association TRAINING CVVFA/Responder Safety Institute WreckMaster TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS National Recovery USA TRUCK BODIES MFR. Jutland Truck Bodies pg. 32 TRUCK CAB MODIFICATIONS DC Modification TRUCK CHASSIS Ford Pro™ Hino Trucks TRUCK PARKING Truck Parking Club TRUCK STORAGE ACCESSORIES Iconic MetalGear VEHICLE WRAPS Illusions Wraps Razor Wraps & Designs WHEEL LIFTS Hidden Lift & Tow WHEEL POLISHER Aussie Rimshine WHEEL SIMULATORS Phoenix USA
Exhibitors that advertised in this issue are Highlighted with ad pages cross-referenced
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D i l em m a i n th e D e s e r t
Trial and Error in Uprighting a Downed Dump Truck By George L. Nitti
O
n a remote stretch of interstate outside of Elko, Nevada, a youthful recovery crew proved that adaptability can be as essential to a recovery as practical equipment and experience. When a fully loaded mining
George L. Nitti has written for American Towman since 2009. He started out as a news writer and now writes a weekly feature on TowIndustryWeek.com, Tow Illustrated, which spotlights the tow truck graphics.
dump truck blew a steer tire in late July, the driver lost control and the truck overturned, coming to rest on its roof. As the load spilled out, much of the cab was crushed beneath the truck, but the driver was fortunately unhurt. The call went
"There was really no traffic control when we got there," Taylor recalled. "I wasn't going to put my guys out on the interstate, so I had to find another way.” Rather than position the wrecker alongside the accident scene, Taylor backed into a roadside ditch, clearing sagebrush and rocks to create a workable platform. Even then, the wrecker could not get close to the overturned truck. Taylor had to run nearly 50 feet of wire rope to reach it, making both the rigging and the recovery more challenging.
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to Atlas Towing & Recovery, where 22-year-old operator Blake Taylor responded in a 2018 Peterbilt 389 equipped with a Jerr-Dan 35-ton wrecker. The first obstacle he encountered involved setting up safe operations on scene.
His initial plan was to rotate the dump truck onto its side and then upright it. But with the available attachment points limited to the upper frame rails, the truck wanted to roll all the way over rather than just partially rotate. "If it had come over where I had it rigged, it would have landed on my winch line," Taylor explained. "That could have shockloaded the cable, and things could have gone wrong really fast." Taylor made a second attempt using a synthetic sling beneath the wreck, but quickly abandoned that approach as well.
RESPONDING PERSONNEL Blake Taylor — Lead recovery operator Two Atlas Towing & Recovery crew members assisted Taylor at the recovery scene "There was too much torn metal hanging underneath. I knew I was going to cut the sling." After nearly an hour of re-rigging and reassessing the situation, Taylor changed tactics yet again. Rather than trying to rotate the truck on its side, he placed two winch lines on the backside to roll the dump truck directly where it lay. This approach worked better than expected. "It flipped once, flipped again in the same motion, and landed right back on its wheels. It was pretty mindblowing how smoothly it happened." With the dump truck upright, Taylor repositioned his wrecker onto the interstate, and winched the truck onto the roadway. Then he was finally
Since there was no traffic control on the interstate, tow operator Taylor backed the heavy wrecker into a roadside ditch, after clearing sagebrush and rocks to create a workable platform.
able hook it up for the tow back to Atlas Towing & Recovery's yard in downtown Elko. The cab had sustained extensive damage, particularly on the passenger side, but the dump body and frame remained intact. The truck also
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RESPONDING EQUIPMENT 2018 Peterbilt 389 with a Jerr-Dan 35-ton wrecker
Taylor had to run nearly 50 feet of wire rope to reach the casualty vehicle.
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retained air pressure, allowing Taylor to tow it without having to deal with additional complications. Recoveries involving mining equipment are common work for Atlas Towing & Recovery, which operates in one of Nevada's major goldproducing regions. A few different methods of rigging were attempted to figure out Owner Jeremy Muth the best and safest approach. purchased the company passes. Elko sits at approximately with his wife, Christy, in 2020. Since then, the operation 5,000 feet in elevation, and the highhas grown into a full-service, heavy- desert climate can bring temperatures duty fleet with three heavy wreckers, above 100 degrees in summer, and four medium-duty trucks, and four well below zero in winter. Atlas Towing & Recovery was equipment-hauling power units. The company also maintains loaders, skid recently selected for Wrecked steers, forklifts, sliding axles, dry and Rescued, a reality-TV project following the company's young crew vans, and traffic-control equipment. "When we go to a wreck scene, we as they tackle heavy recoveries in want everything we need with us," Nevada's mining country. The pilot Muth said. "We don't want to depend premiered in Elko on July 30, giving the company's operators a chance to on anybody else." That self-sufficiency is showcase their work to an audience particularly valuable in the rugged beyond the towing industry. "Our recoveries are rarely country surrounding Elko. Atlas simple," Muth said. "The terrain, regularly handles loaded ore-hauling the weather, and the weights make combinations weighing more than 200,000 pounds over mountain every job different." Taylor knows this firsthand. He was introduced to towing at 16 and earned his CDL after graduating high school. Now, at 22, he is part of a young Atlas crew that Muth says routinely handles work well beyond what might be expected of operators their age. For Taylor, the overturned dump truck demonstrated that even a relatively straightforward recovery can change quickly. The key, he said, is knowing when to stop forcing a plan that isn't working. "Sometimes you have to stop, rethink the rigging, and find the safest way to get the job done.” Which is the smart way to resolve With the dump truck back on its wheels, it was a dilemma. hooked up for a tow back to the Atlas yard in Elko, NV.
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After some trial and error, Taylor finally landed the mining truck back on its wheels in a cloud of dust.
Supplier Scoop
Miller Industries and Commercial Fleet Financing launch Miller Finance Solutions
Miller Industries, Inc. and Commercial Fleet Financing, Inc. announced the launch of Miller Finance Solutions. Built specifically for the towing and recovery industry, Miller Finance Solutions brings together Miller Industries’ market-leading equipment and dealer network with CFF’s financing expertise, expanded credit capabilities, and purpose-built technology platform. The program is designed to make financing towing and recovery equipment faster, easier,
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and more competitive. Through a streamlined application and approval process, customers will have access to a broader range of credit options, flexible financing structures, discounted program rates, and payment options designed to support the unique needs of towing businesses. Miller Finance Solutions will help towing operators move from equipment selection to financing and delivery with greater speed and confidence. Whether a customer is purchasing a first tow truck, replacing aging equipment, or expanding an established fleet, the program provides a financing experience built around the realities of operating and growing a towing company. “At Miller Industries, our commitment has always been to provide towing and recovery professionals with the highest-quality equipment and the support they need to succeed,” said
Vince Tiano, Vice President of Miller Industries. “Through Miller Finance Solutions, we’re making it easier for customers to access the financing they need to invest in their businesses and acquire the equipment necessary to grow and serve their customers more effectively.” “This is much more than a traditional equipment financing program,” said Erik Wong, President of Commercial Fleet Financing. “We have built a dedicated platform around Miller Industries, expanded our credit options, and put competitive rates and payment solutions in place to help more towing companies acquire the equipment they need. By combining Miller’s industry-leading products and distribution network with CFF’s technology and financing capabilities, we are creating a better equipment-buying experience for towing professionals nationwide.” Source: millerind.com
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 55
Towman’s Toy
Celebrity Wrecker
The Star of TV and Car Shows By Steve Temple Photos by Danielle “Dani” Busey and Terry Davis 56 • September 2026 | Towman.com
W
hat does it take to get your name in lights and all over the broadcast media? In the case of this stellar ’52 Chevy tow truck, owner Terry Davis says the transformation was a true labor of love, a massive rework of a wornout wrecker that took roughly 5,000
hours over two years to complete. It sports a new chassis built from scratch, plus GM’s supercharged LT4 crate engine, and custom-mixed Indigo Blue paint. Terry, a trained mechanic who founded Back on Your Feet Towing in Texas in 2011, has worked on all
The custom wrecker body is functional, but intended solely for show.
kinds of hot rods over the years. But this project is the first he’s ever had built for him as a showstopper, handled by Bill Carlton at Ekstensive Metal Works in Houston, TX. In addition to all the time, effort, and expense, Terry actually got some pushback about tearing into Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
The original engine in the ’52 Chevy was an 90hp inline six, but Terry’s now has prodigious power from a supercharged LT4 crate engine boasting 650 horses.
The cabin is finely finished in gray with blue accents by Twisted Interiors.
an old-timey tow truck, originally built at the Holmes factory. Seems that some folks didn’t want to see this seasoned, still-running veteran tampered with, despite looking a bit long in the tooth. Well, it turns out that this dilapidated rig was part of a collection
of three old tow trucks in Missouri that were offered only as a batch, not individually. A museum wanted just the ’52, but the proprietor of the collection wouldn’t agree to that, so Terry bought all three in 2019. (The other two are now on display at RPM Equipment in Texas).
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 57
Found in Missouri and still running, this aging ’52 Chevy’s wrecker body was originally installed The 24-inch Dropstar rims are wrapped with at the Holmes factory. Lexani rubber measuring 275/35R24.
Even though the truck was still drivable, Bill and his crew pulled the cab and front end off, and mounted them on frame fabricated from scratch, fitted with an AirRide suspension. The LT4 dropped right into the engine bay between the original fenders, but the tunnel had to be trimmed slightly to make room for the modern transmission. In the back, the wrecker body is also
58 • September 2026 | Towman.com
a custom unit, and fitted with a Warn 12,000-pound winch for synthetic line. This entire setup is functional, but not intended for any recoveries. “I’m afraid something might happen to it,” Terry admits. “If I get a chip in the paint, I’d have to redo it entirely.” Instead, he transports this shiny showpiece in a special enclosed trailer to events such as American Towman’s TowXpo in San Antonio,
Texas, held just this past July where Terry’s aptly named “Show Tow” ride was greatly admired by onlookers and attendees. “Everybody loves the truck,” Terry beams. “And it appeared on Motor Trend TV, too. I’m proud of what I have, and it’s a cool custom truck to represent my business.”
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 September 30
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 | September 2026 • 59
NOTE: All accounts must be verifiable through a third-party source (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, etc.)
Some of the Toughest Imaginable Recoveries By Stephanie Marchese
O
n the evening of July 16, 2026, the towing and recovery industry gathered for the Masters of Chaos dinner held during the TowXpo in San Antonio, TX. It was an unforgettable evening dedicated to recognizing true professionalism, courage, and dedication of tow companies and operators in the field. The evening honored 21 towing companies and two local fire departments for their exceptional response to 11 varying and extraordinary recovery incidents. Each one represented the most complex, demanding, and high-stakes work in a heavy recovery situation that demanded skill, teamwork, and composure under pressure. It was a powerful night of recognition for the pros who step forward when the call is at its most difficult. In a meaningful distinction, this year marked only the second time that American Towman included first responders from outside the towing industry in the Masters of Chaos honors. Fire departments who worked alongside towing teams
60 • September 2026 | Towman.com
on one scene were on hand and recognized for their partnership, bravery, and critical role in bringing an incident to a safe resolution. The 11 incidents honored this year truly demonstrated why this award exists. From large-scale recoveries that included two million bees streaming across a notorious curve, to a highly technical and dangerous scene where operators tag-teamed to extract a poisonous toxin before it contaminated drinking water and fish habitats. The stories also included whiteout conditions on an icy highway resulting in a pileup of nearly 30 vehicles; extreme surf conditions that capsized a commercial vehicle causing extreme hazmat concerns; a tragic incident involving 30,000 pounds of broken glass and the remnants of 11 mangled vehicles wreaking havoc on a Texas roadway; and another that included 40,000 pounds of fresh produce spilling over a bridge onto a busy roadway below. Also recognized was a scene containing a 60,000-pound lithium battery exploding on a busy freeway; ruptured fuel tanks leaking explosive chemical material into a hot engine and creating detonation concerns; and yet another where powerful winds slammed the western plains causing
brownout conditions resulting in a 30-plus vehicle pileup; and a major accident involving a train and a fully loaded car hauler that required a coordinated effort with the towing company, fire, and police. Each scene required exceptional skill, patience, and teamwork under extreme pressure. Throughout the night, speeches were given honoring the crews, sharing the stories behind the recoveries, and reflecting on what it means to answer the call when conditions are at their worst. There were moments of pride, emotion, and camaraderie as colleagues celebrated colleagues. Together, these incidents tell the story of what the Masters of Chaos truly means. It is not just about equipment handling casualty vehicles. It is about judgment under pressure, seamless coordination between towers and first responders, and an unwavering commitment to getting the job done safely. It is a tribute to the men and women who respond to the extraordinary, who put themselves at risk to restore safety and order, and who do it with unmatched expertise. It was truly a memorable night, honoring heroes of heavy recovery in the best way possible, surrounded by tow industry family.
DADSWELL’S SERVICE, MERJ FLEET SERVICES, RUSINIAKS SERVICE, MONTGOMERYS SERVICE BATAVAVIA NY – January 29, 2026 On January 29, 2026, a massive multi-vehicle pileup brought traffic to a standstill on the New York State Thruway (I-90) near Batavia, NY. What began as routine travel turned into a dangerous and chaotic scene involving 25 to 30 vehicles, including multiple tractor-trailers. The cause was a series of sudden, blinding snow squalls that created complete whiteout conditions. Drivers faced near-zero visibility, and the roadway quickly turned into what was described as “a sheet of ice.” These hazardous conditions triggered a catastrophic chain reaction, with vehicles colliding, semi-trucks jackknifing, and
multiple lanes becoming blocked. At least six people were transported to nearby hospitals, including one NYS Trooper. Emergency responders worked quickly to assist those involved, while officials shut down the interstate in both directions to ensure safety and allow crews to manage the wreckage. As part of a coordinated effort, Dadswell’s Service, MERJ Fleet Services, Rusiniaks Service, and Montgomerys Service worked tirelessly together in the freezing conditions to clear the wreckage and debris, and restore safe travel conditions as quickly as possible to stranded motorists.
CAPITAL TOWING SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX – October 26, 2025
Capital Towing’s Heavy Recovery Specialists responded to an urgent call on South Padre Island, TX after a commercial vessel overturned in the surf. The vessel had been actively operating
when unusually large waves struck, capsizing it and throwing its occupants into the turbulent water. Several individuals sustained injuries as the chaotic scene unfolded. As waves continued to crash over the vessel, the situation grew more dangerous. The hull rapidly filled with sand and water, drastically increasing its weight and making it unstable in the shifting surf zone. TowBoat US was first on scene but quickly determined that attempting a water-based recovery posed serious risks, including the potential
for their own vessel to overturn. In addition, environmental concerns were also substantial, as the vessel contained fuel, oil, and other fluids that posed an immediate threat to the Gulf waters and shoreline. Recognizing the danger, TowBoat US requested assistance from Capital Towing’s Heavy Recovery Specialists to conduct a land-based operation. Using specialized equipment and heavy recovery expertise, the team successfully completed the recovery, effectively eliminating a significant environmental and public safety hazard.
CHACON TOWING TRANSMOUNTAIN ROAD, El Paso, TX – May 8, 2025
On the afternoon of May 8, 2025, the Transmountain Road, known for its sweeping views over El Paso, became the scene of heartbreaking devastation. A local tow truck hauling a tractor-trailer loaded with about 30,000 pounds of
plated glass lost its brakes while descending the mountain. Out of control, the truck barreled through two stoplights, striking 11 vehicles before crashing violently into a rock wall. The impact ignited a massive fireball. Lives were lost, many were injured, and utter chaos consumed the roadway. Chacon Towing was dispatched into the unfolding tragedy. As their eight-person recovery team arrived, they were met with a horrific scene—crushed vehicles, scattered debris, and personal belongings, including children’s toys,
strewn across the road. Nearby families cried out, searching desperately for loved ones. Without hesitating, the crew focused on rescuing trapped victims, especially children pinned inside mangled vehicles. As firefighters battled the blaze, Chacon’s operators worked methodically through the wreckage and shattered glass. The recovery and cleanup took 18 grueling hours, and in the aftermath, the shaken crew leaned on each other for support, processing the trauma before returning to duty.
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 61
GERLOCK TOWING & HEAVY HAUL, ROGERS TOWING & TRANSPORT CASCADE MOUNTAINS, OR – December 14, 2024
At 7:00 a.m. on December 14, 2024, a call came in from a remote, snow-covered logging road deep in the Cascade Mountains near Sweet Home, Oregon.
A semi-truck hauling snail poison had rolled off the narrow roadway, coming to rest precariously on a steep slope just 10 feet from a creek supplying water to nearby communities. When responders arrived, the situation was considered a worst-case recovery scenario. The overturned trailer was unstable, slowly shifting toward the water, threatening both public safety and endangered fish habitats. Rogers Towing and Transport and Gerlock Towing and Heavy Haul were called to lead the recovery. Working alongside incident management teams, hazmat specialists, and firefighters to name a few, they faced one of the most difficult operations of their careers, and
which took several days to develop. The tractor lay twisted on its side, axles contorted, and inside 42,000 pounds of toxic pesticide had shifted, with the bags suspended against the trailer’s ceiling. Crews worked around the clock. Two recovery specialists at a time were secured by ropes, and then they carefully entered the trailer to remove the hazardous load piece-by-painstaking piece. Once the poison was offloaded, the crews again worked together to raise the trailer back up to the roadway. The precision and endurance of Rogers and Gerlock prevented a catastrophic spill that could have affected nearby communities for decades.
IRONSHARK TOW & TRANSPORT I-2 US83 FRONTAGE ROAD, PENITAS, TX – March 31, 2025
On March 31, 2025, a routine haul through Penitas, Texas turned into a complex recovery operation when a truck loaded with fresh vegetables,
ingredients destined for a tasty pico de gallo salsa, overturned on an overpass. The trailer broke through the guardrail and hung partially over the edge, its contents spilling below and across the roadway. The scene quickly became hazardous. Crushed tomatoes, onions, and peppers coated the pavement, creating slick conditions while the dangling trailer threatened to fall onto the roadway beneath. Ironshark Tow & Transport was called to handle the high-risk recovery. Upon arrival, their team assessed the precarious situation, noting the unstable trailer, as well as the portion of the load still remaining in the trailer that had shifted to one side, and severe
structural damage to the bridge, all of which complicated access. Using heavy-duty equipment and precision rigging, Ironshark’s crew carefully stabilized the trailer before attempting any movement. Every adjustment had to be deliberately executed to prevent the unit from tipping completely over the edge. Over several tense hours, the team slowly lifted and repositioned the trailer back onto the overpass. Debris cleanup followed, which included crews clearing tons of produce from both levels of the roadway. Through skill and coordination, Ironshark successfully completed the recovery, restoring safety and preventing further damage.
TEXAS TOWING FINESILVER CURVE, San Antonio, TX – January 16, 2026
On the morning of January 16, 2026, in downtown San Antonio, the notorious Finesilver Curve became the site of an unusual and dangerous recov-
62 • September 2026 | Towman.com
ery. An 18-wheeler transporting nearly two million live bees overturned while navigating the sharp turn, spilling hives across the roadway. The crash created immediate chaos. Broken hive boxes littered the roadway, and swarms of agitated bees filled the air. First responders quickly closed off the area, and Texas Towing was called in to handle the recovery under extraordinary conditions. Their operators had to work cautiously, coordinat-
ing closely with bee experts. The overturned trailer was unstable, and shifting weight from the damaged hives made the recovery even more challenging. After hours of careful coordination, the scene was finally under control. The busy roadway was reopened, the truck cleared and the cleanup compete. For Texas Towing, it was just another day on the job, though not many of their recoveries come with quite this much “buzz!”
ROADRUNNER TOWING SERVICE, CIBOLO FIRE DEPARTMENT, SCHERTZ FIRE DEPARTMENT FM 78 & SCHERTZ PARKWAY, Schertz, TX – November 2, 2025
In Schertz, Texas a tense recovery operation unfolded after a fully loaded 18-wheeler transporting vehicles stopped on the railroad tracks at the intersection of Schertz Parkway and FM
78. Moments later, a westbound train struck the trailer, causing significant damage and scattering debris across the crossing. Emergency crews quickly secured the area as the damaged car hauler remained partially on the tracks, creating a hazardous and time-sensitive situation. Coordination between Roadrunner Towing Service, the Cibolo Fire Department, and the Schertz Fire Department was essential to manage both safety and efficiency. Recovery began with crews systematically removing vehicles from the car hauler to reduce weight and stabilize the structure. Once the trailer was emp-
ty, a more complex phase began. To safely remove the heavily damaged trailer, the Cibolo Fire Department and Schertz Fire Department provided an aerial platform to assist with the elevated cutting operation. The trailer was cut in two designated locations, allowing for controlled separation. Roadrunner Towing then used specialized equipment to lift and haul away each portion of the trailer. Debris was cleared methodically as crews worked to fully restore the crossing. Despite the severity of the crash, the continuous communication between the agencies ensured a smooth recovery process.
PEPE’S TOW SERVICE 47 FREEWAY AT NAVY WAY, San Pedro, CA – September 26, 2024
Pepe’s Tow Service went on scene after a truckload of lithium-ion batteries exploded and blew apart a cargo container that had fallen on its side in a big-rig rollover crash near the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the Port of Los Angeles on September 26, 2024.
Twisted metal, scorched equipment, and fragments embedded in nearby structures made the situation extremely hazardous, as did the threat of toxic exposure. The crash and explosion led to a more than 24-hour closure of the bridge near the busy port. Traffic was at a standstill in and around the area, and port operations nearly came to a halt. Since lithium-ion batteries require copious amounts of water to extinguish, which could result in runoff contamination, the LAFD implemented an alternative plan. The trailer would be moved to an open lot to allow it to con-
tinue burning, while lessening the impact on traffic and port operations. Pepe’s Towing was called in to assist the LAFD the next day, and carefully coordinated lifting the container onto a trailer and transporting it to the vacant lot. Later that evening, Pepe’s returned to remove the overturned tractor and clear any remaining debris. The recovery was a coordinated, days-long effort to protect lives and stabilize a dangerous scene. Pepe’s stepped in with precision and urgency, working alongside the LAFD through every phase of the operation.
PINE TREE TOWING & RECOVERY I-77 SOUTH, Belle Valley, OH – March 25, 2026
Pine Tree Towing & Recovery responded to a high-risk incident on I-77 South in Belle Valley, OH involving a truck carrying explosive material. The truck had blown a tire, causing the
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driver to lose control, veer off the roadway, and roll down an embankment onto its side. When crews arrived, they found both fuel tanks ruptured, leaking large amounts of diesel. The situation was critical, as the explosive cargo was mixing with fuel near the hot engine, creating the potential for a catastrophic blast. Immediate steps were taken to limit the interaction of the chemicals and reduce ignition risk. Fuel containment proved especially difficult, as the overturned truck rested above a catch basin that drained into a nearby lake. The threat of en-
vironmental damage added urgency and the scene quickly escalated into a multi-agency response involving law enforcement, fire departments, EMS, and hazmat teams. A one-mile evacuation zone was established and I-77 was shut down in both directions. Pine Tree crews worked carefully to upright the truck, stabilizing it before removal. Once cleared, they coordinated with the EPA and Ohio EMA to contain and clean the contaminated area, ensuring both public safety and environmental protection.
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 63
RAY’S TOWING & RECOVERY I-25 SOUTH, Pueblo, CO – February 17, 2026 ditions. Powerful winds swept across the highway, blowing thick clouds of dirt that reduced visibility to near zero for drivers. Just after 10:00 a.m., vehicles began colliding in rapid succession. The crash ultimately involved several semi-trucks and more than two-dozen passenger cars. In the chaos, five lives were lost and 29 people were injured, turning the highway into a grim scene of destruction. Ray’s Towing and Recovery was just one of the companies called in to assist with the massive recovery effort. When
On February 17, 2026, the I-25 South near Pueblo, Colorado became the scene of a devastating 36-vehicle pileup triggered by sudden brownout con-
crews arrived, they faced a tangled field of wreckage including crushed vehicles, jackknifed semis, and debris scattered across multiple lanes. Working alongside emergency responders, the team began the complex process of clearing the roadway. Each vehicle had to be carefully separated and removed to avoid further hazards. Twisted metal and unstable loads made every step all the more challenging. Over several hours, Ray’s Towing used precision and coordination to help clear the scene and restore order to the devastated stretch of highway.
PINX WRECKER, LONESTAR TOWING, VELOCITY AUTO CARRIERS, TRIPLE J TOWING & RECOVERY, PRG ASSET RECOVERY & HOLDINGS, ALPHA TOWING, MISSION WRECKER SERVICE Kerr County, TX – July 4, 2025 In the aftermath of the devastating July 4, 2025 floods in Kerr County, Texas, the land look unrecognizable—roads torn open, trees uprooted, and Camp Mystic was reduced to silence and debris. The floodwaters had come without mercy to this young girls Christian camp, claiming the lives of 25 girls and several counselors who gathered for a few weeks of faith and friendship. As the waters subsided, towing and recovery companies from across the region began arriving to assist. Pinx Wrecker, Lone Star Towing, and Mission Wrecker Service were joined by Velocity Auto Carriers, Triple J Towing, PRG Asset Recovery & Holdings, Alpha Towing, and the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department, as well as may others, all mobilized crews and equipment without formal coordination or compensation agreements. They came because they were needed.
Their efforts focused on clearing debris-blocked roadways, recovering submerged and displaced vehicles, and supporting access for emergency responders. Operators waded through mud and wreckage, using their rigs to clear paths and remove hazards that impeded search and rescue operations. Some worked in silence, other offered quiet words of comfort to families waiting nearby. Every recovered item, whether a vehicle, a bag, or something more personal, was handled with care. At Camp Mystic, the work grew heavier. The tow crews assisted in delicate recovery efforts, their strength matched only by their restraint and respect. In a place marked by loss, these crews brought something steady and human. Not solutions, not answers, but presence. And for a community in grief, presence truly mattered.
Join us at AT Exposition in Baltimore during Festival Night on November 21, 2026 to meet the legendary recipients who have earned their place among the best in the business.
64 • September 2026 | Towman.com
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AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 65
The aisles were packed with towers checking out the latest products and services for the industry.
Texas TowXpo Roundup Recapping a Successful Return to San Antonio By American Towman Staff
A
s the old saying goes, this isn’t our first time to the rodeo. American Towman has plenty of experience in throwing a successful towing event. So when TowXpo returned to the Alamo City this past July, the show featured a record-setting number of wrecker pageant trucks and an attendance that demonstrated just why San Antonio is an ideal site. Despite some serious weather issues that included flash flooding and tornadoes in some of the outskirt areas of San Antonio earlier in the week, the total attendance surpassed last year’s show in Fort Worth as 3,819 attendees walked the aisles during the two-day trade show. (By comparison, 3,691 turned out in Fort Worth in 2025) Kicking off the events was the Masters of Chaos Awards Dinner, as featured in a moving tribute by Stephanie Marchese in this issue. A record turnout of more than 200 people were on hand to congratulate 21 towing companies who had demonstrated skill, 66 • September 2026 | Towman.com
professionalism, and grit in dealing with massive pileups and serious highway incidents. Each company received a Masters of Chaos award feting their efforts. Other special events featured the 10 Gallon Gala “Casino Night” which also boasted a record turnout on Friday night of the show, with games of chance resulting in prizes donated by exhibitors. It was a fun and lively night for all. Rounding out the events was the not to be missed “Big Smoke” annual cigar-smoking social that so many towers enjoy. Throughout TowXpo, a number of educational seminars were held, providing practical information on everything from towing techniques to tips on business management. On Saturday, the day started with a special meeting of the Southwest Tow Operators’ Legislative Champions program. In addition, the strong attendance from tow bosses kept exhibitors busy throughout the day, turning the show floor into an active business forum.
One big highlight of Saturday was the ACE Awards ceremony, held at 2:00 p.m. This event recognized tow companies nominated by motor clubs and call providers for being in the top 1% of towing operations for service excellence, reliability and professionalism. Recipients were presented with the exclusive ACE Belt Buckle Award by representatives of Allstate Roadside, Agero, and GEICO. The crowd loved Saturday’s free pie servings, an American Towman tradition of expressing appreciation to all those who traveled to the show. The show ended on a high note as a record-number of tow trucks were judged in the USA Wrecker Pageant. A total of 38 trucks took part in the largest TowXpo pageant ever assembled. A fascinating new development was the addition of off-road tow trucks, which turned out in force. “All in all, this was one of the best—if not the best—TowXpo show we’ve ever produced,” exclaimed Henri “Doc” Calitri. "It is testimony to the towing industry to push aside inclement and hazardous weather conditions and take the time out of their hectic schedules to attend the show. It is not an overstatement that they are to be praised for their dedication to this industry."
Nobody goes away hungry from TowXpo.
At the Masters of Chaos dinner, multiple tow companies each received an award for their extraordinary recovery efforts.
Who doesn’t enjoy a free piece of pie?
At the ACE Awards ceremony, tow companies were recognized by motor clubs and call providers for being in the top 1% of towing operations for service excellence, reliability and professionalism.
Entertainers and mascots wowed the crowds at TowXpo.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner! And more at the 10 Gallon Gala “Casino Night.”
San Antonio’s River Walk, tucked quietly below street level and only steps from the Alamo, A record-number of tow trucks participated in the USA is lined with cafes and shops, and provides a Wrecker Pageant. pleasant way to navigate the city.
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Informative seminars on towing techniques and business management were well attended by towers looking for practical tips.
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 67
Sponsored by
2026
WINNERS
SERVICE/SUPPORT CLASS
1st Ricky’s Towing 1998 Peterbilt 379 2010 Transcraft Trailer HazMat Support Trailer
2nd
Unlimited Towing 2022 Chevrolet Trail Boss LT 2025 H&S 24 Foot Enclosed Trailer Support Unit Killeen, TX
VINTAGE CLASS Tijerina Towing 1951 Ford R7 Ortiz Wrecker Dilley, TX
2
nd
1st
American Road Service 1970 Chevrolet C30 Holmes 500 Boerne, TX
OFF ROAD CLASS
1st
2nd
Miller Towing & Recovery 2023 Ford F350 1990 Century Twin Line Boom Willis, TX
Capital Towing 2003 STST 6X6 Ex-Military Vehicle 2003 Vulcan San Benito, TX
LIGHT DUTY WRECKER PRE-2026 CLASS
1st
Firstline Road Solutions 2024 Dodge Ram 5500 2024 Chevron 408 Buda, TX
68 • September 2026 | Towman.com
2nd
Quality Wrecker 2024 Ford F450 Limited 2024 Hi Tech Gen Sneaker Fresno,TX
LIGHT DUTY WRECKER 2026-2027 CLASS
1st Gritten Wrecker Service 2026 Dodge Ram 5500 2026 Chevron 408 Bellmead, TX
CARRIER CLASS
1st
2
nd
Keith’s Towing 2022 Freightliner M2 2022 Century Right Approach Conroe, TX
Firstline Towing 2025 Freightliner M2 2025 Century 12 Series LCG Buda, TX
MEDIUM DUTY WRECKER CLASS
1st
2nd Big Sky Towing 2022 Freightliner M2 2022 Vulcan V30 Odessa, TX
Unlimited Towing 2025 Freightliner M2 106 Plus 2025 Century 2465 Killeen, TX
HEAVY DUTY TANDEM AXLE WRECKER CLASS
2nd 1
st
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Campbell’s Towing 2026 Kenworth T880 2026 Century 9055 Angleton, TX
American RTS 2025 Peterbilt 589 2026 Century 5130 Braunfels, TX
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 69
Sponsored by
2026
WINNERS
ROTATOR CLASS
1
st
CTR Incident Management Specialist 2023 Peterbilt 389 2023 Century 1150 Dallas, TX
BEST WRAP Tow King of Waco 2026 Freightliner M2 2026 NRC 20TB Waco, TX
BEST WORKING CLASS Ricky’s Towing 1998 Peterbilt 379 2010 Transcraft HazMat Support Trailer Amarillo, TX
BEST IN SHOW ATX-VIP Towing 2027 Peterbilt 589 2027 Miller LCG 40 Series Austin, TX
70 • September 2026 | Towman.com
2nd BEST PAINT Keith’s Towing 2022 Freightliner M2 2022 Century Right Approach Conroe, TX
Firstline Road Solutions 2023 Kenworth T880 2023 Century 1150 Buda, TX
Towman’s Market
Supplier Scoop Tons of Towman Supplies
American Safety & Supply, a longtime prime supplier of protective clothing and safety accessories to the towing and recovery industry, has been acquired by Masterman’s, LLC of Auburn, Massachusetts. Both companies have long prided themselves on in-house customization, and this partnership brings those capabilities together under one roof. Combining American Safety’s deep industry experience and customization expertise with Masterman’s extensive product line and screen printing and embroidery services creates a powerhouse provider equipped to meet all your safety equipment needs. The product offerings include gloves, absorbents, PPE, flashlights and high-visibility clothing—including vests, T-shirts, bomber jackets, hoodies, rain gear, and much more. Customers now have access to an even wider range of economical and premium products, all customizable in-house. Members of the American Safety & Supply team will remain on board, allowing the combined company to offer an unmatched product selection, decades of industry experience, and highly competitive pricing. Together, American Safety & Supply and Masterman’s are ready to meet all of the towing and recovery industry’s safety equipment and protective clothing needs. Stop by and say hello to old friends - and meet some new partners - at booth #4900 at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore. Source: mastermans.com
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September 2026 • 71
My Baby
Purple Reign A Founder’s Legacy in Full Bloom By Randall C. Resch and Steve Temple
T
he shade of purple always held a special fascination for Joe Martinez. His son Max says, “It was my dad’s color, and represented the company.” Joe founded Today’s Towing back in 1994, starting from scratch by driving an old flatbed on the winding Grapevine 72 • September 2026 | Towman.com
Unique brass squirt nozzles spray water to reduce friction on the deck.
TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS Engine: Cummins ISX12 Transmission: Allison automatic Chassis: 2024 Western Star 47X Wrecker Body: 2024 Century 30 Series Graphics: Sal Elias and VTTR
In addition to all these dress-up items, Joe specialized in transporting construction equipment in the earlymorning hours. This service emphasis led to Joe’s tragic demise, though, when an end-dump trailer collapsed on him (described in Randall Resch’s Towman Techniques article elsewhere in this issue). As a memorial to their hard-working father, sons Max and Miguel added a purple-hued image of Joe to the reflective back of the cab, crafted by artist Sal Elias.
◀
A colorful carrier cruisin’ on the Strip.
route in Socal, helping out stranded motorists. “He was the definition of true grit,” Max points out. Over the years the company’s fleet expanded to heavier-duty carriers, including a Western Star fitted with a Century 30 Series flatbed. In keeping with his preference for purple graphics, Joe hired Eddie Vasquez of VTTR to embellish the carrier with a number of custom touches, giving him pretty much free reign over the visual treatment, since he had previously tricked-out a few other tow trucks for Today’s Towing. This carrier’s customizing includes purple lighting between the rear wheels, all around the undersides, and in the toolboxes. The carrier’s under-reach unit is painted purple as well. Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
Purple lighting prevails in the storage boxes for extension cords.
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • 73
A purple-hued image of Joe Martinez, crafted by artist Sal Elias, highlights the reflective headache rack.
Purple lighting pops up throughout the underside of the carrier.
The under-reach unit was custom painted to match the purple graphics.
A hard-mounted and wired refrigerator, as well as a coffee and water station in the forward box also includes a fire extinguisher and first aid box.
74 • September 2026 | Towman.com
Impressed by the quality of this carrier, Randall commented that, “In my many years as a wrecker pageant judge, this carrier is perhaps the best prepared and best shown of all carriers. The details and cleanliness, shown by the reflective headache rack and the organization, exhibits incredible attention to detail. It’s clean, conservative and well appointed. Congratulations are in order!” So, it was an altogether fitting tribute to Joe’s life that his carrier was a winner at American Towman’s ShowPlace in Las Vegas for 2026.
As a symbol of Joe’s life, a metallic purple rose is welded to the chassis between rear wheels.
Joe Martinez built his towing company from scratch with hard work and perseverance.
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • North 75
News Flash
Joseph Louis Skinner, 67, was fatally injured while loading an SUV onto a rollback.
Tow Operator Killed During Rollback Loading Incident
A Maryland tow truck operator was killed after the SUV he was loading onto a rollback rolled forward and struck him, according to the Charles County Sheriff's Office. Joseph Louis Skinner, 67, of La Plata, was securing an SUV on the rollback when the truck unexpectedly moved forward. As the bed shifted, the SUV rolled and struck Skinner, causing fatal injuries. Bystanders attempted to help before emergency crews arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not determined why the rollback moved on its own, and the case remains under investigation. Source: outhernmarylandchronicle.com
CHP Impounds Tow Truck After Finding Multiple Violations
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) impounded a tow truck in the Golden Gate area after discovering several serious violations during a recent enforcement stop. According to an August 10 social media post from CHP’s Golden Gate Division, the truck was found to be operating overweight and without valid insurance. Troopers also determined that the ve-
hicle’s operating authority had been suspended for several years. The tow truck was impounded as a result of the violations. CHP said the enforcement action reflects its ongoing efforts to identify unsafe and noncompliant commercial vehicles and hold operators accountable. “Commercial vehicle regulations exist to ensure companies and drivers operate safely and responsibly,” CHP said in the post. The agency added that its Commercial Operations Unit remains committed to removing unsafe commercial vehicles from the roadway and promoting safety for motorists and commercial operators. Source: newsbreak.com
A tow truck was operating overweight and without valid insurance.
Recovery Agent Assaulted in Stockton, CA
A recovery agent was reportedly assaulted by multiple suspects during a vehicle repossession attempt in Stockton, California, on the evening of July 29, according to the Stockton Police Department. Police said the 44-year-old recovery agent was attempting to repossess a vehicle when several individuals confronted him, pulled him from the recovery vehicle, and assaulted him before fleeing. According to investigators, two suspects drove away in the vehicle that was the subject of the repossession, while several others fled on foot. The recovery agent declined medical
North 76 • September 2026 | Towman.com
treatment at the scene. According to inquiries made with several repossession companies, none reported having employees involved in the incident. The recovery agent may have worked for an unlicensed repossession company, or the repossession may have been conducted by a used car dealership. Source: curepossession.com
Charlotte Towman Charged After Repo Incident
A Charlotte tow truck driver is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say he attempted to repossess a vehicle while two women remained inside. David Satterfield was arrested by Mt. Holly Police following the incident at a gas station in Mt. Holly, North Carolina. Surveillance video reportedly shows Satterfield striking the vehicle, pushing it into the roadway, then hooking and dragging it back toward the gas station with driver Joyce Bradley and her godmother, Shelby Graham, still inside. Bradley said she was behind on her car payments and had offered to surrender the vehicle voluntarily. She also alleged Satterfield smashed her cellphone and used pepper spray during the confrontation before she was able to drive away after discovering the vehicle had been improperly secured. Satterfield has been charged with two counts David Satterfield of felonious restraint, misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, injury to personal property, and simple assault. Prosecutors have also indicted him as a habitual felon, which could significantly increase any prison sentence if he is convicted. Source: wbtv.com
Fatal Repo Shooting Ends with 55-Year Prison Sentence
Three years after the fatal shooting of repossession company owner Jayson Click, the criminal case has reached its conclusion with a lengthy prison sentence for his killer. A Madison County, Alabama, judge sentenced Warren Siao to Warren Siao 55 years in prison on July 17 after a jury convicted him of murder in May. Prosecutors said Siao fatally shot Click while Click, owner of B&S Collateral Recovery, was lawfully attempting to repossess a vehicle on April 18, 2023. Circuit Judge Ruth Ann Hall ordered Siao to serve the sentence in the Alabama Department of Corrections. The case drew national attention
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
throughout the repossession industry, where Click's death became a stark reminder of the dangers recovery professionals face on the job. The prosecution was delayed by multiple court proceedings, including issues surrounding Siao's failure to appear, extending the case for more than two years. Following several days of testimony from investigators, witnesses, and forensic experts, the jury found Siao guilty of murder. Source: CURepossession
Towman Charged After Fatal North Carolina Crash
A Raleigh, North Carolina, tow truck driver is facing multiple felony charges after a crash involving a tow truck, two motorcycles and a sedan left one motorcyclist dead and four others injured early Friday morning on July 17. According to Raleigh police, the collision occurred around 2:36 a.m. at the intersection of Capital Boulevard and Trawick Road. Investigators allege Allan Guerrero, 39, was driv-
◀
A fatal early-morning collision involved a tow truck, two motorcycles and a sedan in Raleigh, North Carolina.
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • North 77
ing a tow truck southbound on Capital Boulevard when he ran a red light while turning left onto Trawick Road, striking two motorcycles and a sedan traveling through the intersection. One of the motorcyclists, 35-yearold Chandler Hodge, was pronounced dead at the scene. Guerrero, the second motorcyclist and two occupants of the sedan were transported to a hospital with injuries. Police charged Guerrero with aggravated felony death by vehicle, three counts of felony serious injury by vehicle, driving while impaired, driving while license revoked for an impaired revocation, failing to stop for a red light, and several traffic offenses. He also faces charges of drunk and disorderly conduct and resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer. Source: abc11.com
Bandit Tow Truck Driver Arrested After Tesla Tracking
A Tesla owner in Woodland Hills,
California tracked his stolen vehicle in real time and helped police arrest a tow truck driver accused of taking it. The owner used his phone to monitor the Tesla’s location and called 911 as the tow truck carrying it traveled southbound on the 101 freeway. He reportedly followed the truck, flashing his high beams to alert police that he was directly behind it. The live tracking information helped a police helicopter locate the truck and guide ground officers to it. Police stopped the driver near Sepulveda and Burbank boulevards in Van Nuys early Thursday and arrested him. The suspect’s identity and potential charges have not been released.
Towman Shot After Towing Disputed Vehicle
A New Haven, Connecticut man who shot at a tow truck driver after his car was being towed has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by 10 years of special
North 78 • September 2026 | Towman.com
parole. Jamar Boyd, 44, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault, and criminal possession of a firearm. The incident occurred Aug. 25, 2024. Prosecutors said Boyd had been warned and cited several times for parking without the required permit. When he learned his vehicle was being towed, he approached the departing tow truck and demanded that the driver stop. As the driver continued, Boyd pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired five shots. One struck the tow truck. Another crossed the street and struck a woman in the face as she played with her two children inside her apartment. The woman survived but suffered serious trauma. Boyd, a convicted felon, previously served time for a 2004 shooting that left another man paralyzed. Source: wfsb.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • North 79
As a Towing Professional, be recognized by your Police or Fire Chief for serving your community in an exceptional way
Have your Police or Fire Chief nominate you for
THE ORDER OF TOWMAN Should you feel you qualify, take this nomination form to your chief. •
For the past 17 years over 2,500 police and fire chiefs across the U.S. have nominated towing professionals for The Order of Towman, presented by American Towman Magazine in recognition of their supreme dedication to their communities and to the professionalism in their trade.
•
No one knows better than chiefs how towers rise to the occasion to face challenges at incident scenes or support their departments.
•
While American Towman Magazine mails nomination forms to chiefs nationwide, it may take more than one notice.
Deadline: September 30, 2026 for nominations. The ceremony presentation of the Cross of The Order will take place at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore.
NOMINATION FORM
Nominee(OwnerorManager):_______________________________________________________ NameofTowingCompany:_________________________________________________________
Email To: Bryna@towman.com
Address:__________________________City:_______________State:____ZipCode:_________
Fax To: 845-986-5181
PhoneNumber:____/____/_______emailaddress:___________________________________
Or Mail To:
NominatingPolice/FireChief:________________________________________________________
Bryna Stankiewicz
Police/FireDepartmentName:_______________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________ Position: _______________________Phone Number: ____ / ____ / _______ North Signature: 80 • September 2026 | Towman.com Chief’s _____________________________________________________
American Towman 2 Overlook Dr. Ste. 5 Warwick, NY 10990
Episode 63
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to capitano@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • South 75
News Flash
Joseph Louis Skinner, 67, was fatally injured while loading an SUV onto a rollback.
Tow Operator Killed During Rollback Loading Incident
A Maryland tow truck operator was killed after the SUV he was loading onto a rollback rolled forward and struck him, according to the Charles County Sheriff's Office. Joseph Louis Skinner, 67, of La Plata, was securing an SUV on the rollback when the truck unexpectedly moved forward. As the bed shifted, the SUV rolled and struck Skinner, causing fatal injuries. Bystanders attempted to help before emergency crews arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not determined why the rollback moved on its own, and the case remains under investigation. Source: outhernmarylandchronicle.com
CHP Impounds Tow Truck After Finding Multiple Violations
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) impounded a tow truck in the Golden Gate area after discovering several serious violations during a recent enforcement stop. According to an August 10 social media post from CHP’s Golden Gate Division, the truck was found to be operating overweight and without valid insurance. Troopers also determined that the ve-
hicle’s operating authority had been suspended for several years. The tow truck was impounded as a result of the violations. CHP said the enforcement action reflects its ongoing efforts to identify unsafe and noncompliant commercial vehicles and hold operators accountable. “Commercial vehicle regulations exist to ensure companies and drivers operate safely and responsibly,” CHP said in the post. The agency added that its Commercial Operations Unit remains committed to removing unsafe commercial vehicles from the roadway and promoting safety for motorists and commercial operators. Source: newsbreak.com
A tow truck was operating overweight and without valid insurance.
Recovery Agent Assaulted in Stockton, CA
A recovery agent was reportedly assaulted by multiple suspects during a vehicle repossession attempt in Stockton, California, on the evening of July 29, according to the Stockton Police Department. Police said the 44-year-old recovery agent was attempting to repossess a vehicle when several individuals confronted him, pulled him from the recovery vehicle, and assaulted him before fleeing. According to investigators, two suspects drove away in the vehicle that was the subject of the repossession, while several others fled on foot. The recovery agent declined medical
South 76 • September 2026 | Towman.com
treatment at the scene. According to inquiries made with several repossession companies, none reported having employees involved in the incident. The recovery agent may have worked for an unlicensed repossession company, or the repossession may have been conducted by a used car dealership. Source: curepossession.com
Charlotte Towman Charged After Repo Incident
A Charlotte tow truck driver is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say he attempted to repossess a vehicle while two women remained inside. David Satterfield was arrested by Mt. Holly Police following the incident at a gas station in Mt. Holly, North Carolina. Surveillance video reportedly shows Satterfield striking the vehicle, pushing it into the roadway, then hooking and dragging it back toward the gas station with driver Joyce Bradley and her godmother, Shelby Graham, still inside. Bradley said she was behind on her car payments and had offered to surrender the vehicle voluntarily. She also alleged Satterfield smashed her cellphone and used pepper spray during the confrontation before she was able to drive away after discovering the vehicle had been improperly secured. Satterfield has been charged with two counts David Satterfield of felonious restraint, misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, injury to personal property, and simple assault. Prosecutors have also indicted him as a habitual felon, which could significantly increase any prison sentence if he is convicted. Source: wbtv.com
Fatal Repo Shooting Ends with 55-Year Prison Sentence
Three years after the fatal shooting of repossession company owner Jayson Click, the criminal case has reached its conclusion with a lengthy prison sentence for his killer. A Madison County, Alabama, judge sentenced Warren Siao to Warren Siao 55 years in prison on July 17 after a jury convicted him of murder in May. Prosecutors said Siao fatally shot Click while Click, owner of B&S Collateral Recovery, was lawfully attempting to repossess a vehicle on April 18, 2023. Circuit Judge Ruth Ann Hall ordered Siao to serve the sentence in the Alabama Department of Corrections. The case drew national attention
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
throughout the repossession industry, where Click's death became a stark reminder of the dangers recovery professionals face on the job. The prosecution was delayed by multiple court proceedings, including issues surrounding Siao's failure to appear, extending the case for more than two years. Following several days of testimony from investigators, witnesses, and forensic experts, the jury found Siao guilty of murder. Source: CURepossession
Towman Charged After Fatal North Carolina Crash
A Raleigh, North Carolina, tow truck driver is facing multiple felony charges after a crash involving a tow truck, two motorcycles and a sedan left one motorcyclist dead and four others injured early Friday morning on July 17. According to Raleigh police, the collision occurred around 2:36 a.m. at the intersection of Capital Boulevard and Trawick Road. Investigators allege Allan Guerrero, 39, was driv-
◀
A fatal early-morning collision involved a tow truck, two motorcycles and a sedan in Raleigh, North Carolina.
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • South 77
ing a tow truck southbound on Capital Boulevard when he ran a red light while turning left onto Trawick Road, striking two motorcycles and a sedan traveling through the intersection. One of the motorcyclists, 35-yearold Chandler Hodge, was pronounced dead at the scene. Guerrero, the second motorcyclist and two occupants of the sedan were transported to a hospital with injuries. Police charged Guerrero with aggravated felony death by vehicle, three counts of felony serious injury by vehicle, driving while impaired, driving while license revoked for an impaired revocation, failing to stop for a red light, and several traffic offenses. He also faces charges of drunk and disorderly conduct and resisting, delaying or obstructing an officer. Source: abc11.com
Bandit Tow Truck Driver Arrested After Tesla Tracking
A Tesla owner in Woodland Hills,
California tracked his stolen vehicle in real time and helped police arrest a tow truck driver accused of taking it. The owner used his phone to monitor the Tesla’s location and called 911 as the tow truck carrying it traveled southbound on the 101 freeway. He reportedly followed the truck, flashing his high beams to alert police that he was directly behind it. The live tracking information helped a police helicopter locate the truck and guide ground officers to it. Police stopped the driver near Sepulveda and Burbank boulevards in Van Nuys early Thursday and arrested him. The suspect’s identity and potential charges have not been released.
Towman Shot After Towing Disputed Vehicle
A New Haven, Connecticut man who shot at a tow truck driver after his car was being towed has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, followed by 10 years of special
South 78 • September 2026 | Towman.com
parole. Jamar Boyd, 44, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault, and criminal possession of a firearm. The incident occurred Aug. 25, 2024. Prosecutors said Boyd had been warned and cited several times for parking without the required permit. When he learned his vehicle was being towed, he approached the departing tow truck and demanded that the driver stop. As the driver continued, Boyd pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired five shots. One struck the tow truck. Another crossed the street and struck a woman in the face as she played with her two children inside her apartment. The woman survived but suffered serious trauma. Boyd, a convicted felon, previously served time for a 2004 shooting that left another man paralyzed. Source: wfsb.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • South 79
As a Towing Professional, be recognized by your Police or Fire Chief for serving your community in an exceptional way
Have your Police or Fire Chief nominate you for
THE ORDER OF TOWMAN Should you feel you qualify, take this nomination form to your chief. •
For the past 17 years over 2,500 police and fire chiefs across the U.S. have nominated towing professionals for The Order of Towman, presented by American Towman Magazine in recognition of their supreme dedication to their communities and to the professionalism in their trade.
•
No one knows better than chiefs how towers rise to the occasion to face challenges at incident scenes or support their departments.
•
While American Towman Magazine mails nomination forms to chiefs nationwide, it may take more than one notice.
Deadline: September 30, 2026 for nominations. The ceremony presentation of the Cross of The Order will take place at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore.
NOMINATION FORM
Nominee(OwnerorManager):_______________________________________________________ NameofTowingCompany:_________________________________________________________
Email To: Bryna@towman.com
Address:__________________________City:_______________State:____ZipCode:_________
Fax To: 845-986-5181
PhoneNumber:____/____/_______emailaddress:___________________________________
Or Mail To:
NominatingPolice/FireChief:________________________________________________________
Bryna Stankiewicz
Police/FireDepartmentName:_______________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________ Position: _______________________Phone Number: ____ / ____ / _______ South Signature: 80 • September 2026 | Towman.com Chief’s _____________________________________________________
American Towman 2 Overlook Dr. Ste. 5 Warwick, NY 10990
Episode 63
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to capitano@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • Midwest 75
News Flash Tow Operator Killed During Rollback Loading Incident
A Maryland tow truck operator was killed after the SUV he was loading onto a rollback rolled forward and struck him, according to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office. Joseph Louis Skinner, 67, of La Plata, was securing an SUV on the rollback when the truck unexpectedly moved forward. As the bed shifted, the SUV rolled and struck Skinner, causing fatal injuries. Bystanders attempted to help before emergency crews arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not determined why the rollback moved on its own, and the case remains under investigation. Source: outhernmarylandchronicle.com
Midwest 76 • September 2026 | Towman.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • Midwest 77
CHP Impounds Tow Truck After Finding Multiple Violations
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) impounded a tow truck in the Golden Gate area after discovering several serious violations during a recent enforcement stop. According to an August 10 social media post from CHP’s Golden Gate Division, the truck was found to be operating overweight and without valid insurance. Troopers also determined that the vehicle’s operating authority had been suspended for several years. The tow truck was impounded as a result of the violations. CHP said the enforcement action reflects its ongoing efforts to identify unsafe and noncompliant commercial vehicles and hold operators accountable. “Commercial vehicle regulations exist to ensure companies and drivers operate safely and responsibly,” CHP said in the post. The agency added that its Commercial Operations Unit remains committed to removing unsafe commercial vehicles from the roadway and promoting safety for motorists and commercial operators. Source: newsbreak.com
Recovery Agent Assaulted in Stockton, CA
A recovery agent was reportedly assaulted by multiple suspects during a vehicle repossession attempt in Stockton, California, on the evening of July 29, according to the Stockton Police Department. Police said the 44-year-old recovery agent was attempting to repossess a vehicle when several individuals confronted him, pulled him from the recovery vehicle, and assaulted him before fleeing. According to investigators, two suspects drove away in the vehicle that was the subject of the repossession, while several others fled on foot. The recovery agent declined medical treatment at the scene. According to inquiries made with several repossession companies, none reported having employees involved in the incident. The recovery agent may have worked for an unlicensed repossession company, or the repossession may have been conducted by a used car dealership. Source: curepossession.com Midwest 78 • September 2026 | Towman.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • Midwest 79
Midwest 80 • September 2026 | Towman.com
Episode 63
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to capitano@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • West 75
News Flash
Joseph Louis Skinner, 67, was fatally injured while loading an SUV onto a rollback.
Tow Operator Killed During Rollback Loading Incident
A Maryland tow truck operator was killed after the SUV he was loading onto a rollback rolled forward and struck him, according to the Charles County Sheriff's Office.
Joseph Louis Skinner, 67, of La Plata, was securing an SUV on the rollback when the truck unexpectedly moved forward. As the bed shifted, the SUV rolled and struck Skinner, causing fatal injuries. Bystanders attempted to help before emergency crews arrived, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not determined why the rollback moved on its own, and the case remains under investigation. Source: outhernmarylandchronicle.com
CHP Impounds Tow Truck After Finding Multiple Violations
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) impounded a tow truck in the Golden Gate area after discovering several serious violations during a recent enforcement stop. According
West 76 • September 2026 | Towman.com
to an August 10 social media post from CHP’s Golden Gate Division, the truck was found to be operating overweight and without valid insurance. Troopers also determined that the vehicle’s operating authority had been suspended for several years. The tow truck was impounded as a result of the violations. CHP said the enforcement action reflects its ongoing efforts to identify unsafe and noncompliant commercial vehicles and hold operators accountable. “Commercial vehicle regulations exist to ensure companies and drivers operate safely and responsibly,” CHP said in the post. The agency added that its Commercial Operations Unit remains committed to removing unsafe commercial vehicles from the roadway and promoting safety for motorists and commercial operators. Source: newsbreak.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • West 77
Recovery Agent Assaulted in Stockton, CA
A recovery agent was reportedly assaulted by multiple suspects during a vehicle repossession attempt in Stockton, California, on the evening of July 29, according to the Stockton Police Department. Police said the 44-year-old recovery agent was attempting to repossess a vehicle when several individuals confronted him, pulled him from the recovery vehicle, and assaulted him before fleeing. According to investigators, two suspects drove away in the vehicle that was the subject of the repossession, while several others fled on foot. The recovery agent declined medical treatment at the scene. According to inquiries made with several repossession companies, none reported having employees involved in the incident. The recovery agent may have worked for an unlicensed repossession company, or the repossession may have been conducted by a used car dealership. Source: curepossession.com
Charlotte Towman Charged After Repo Incident
A Charlotte tow truck driver is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say he attempted to repossess a vehicle while two women remained inside. David Satterfield was arrested by Mt. Holly Police following the incident at a gas station in Mt. Holly, North Carolina. Surveillance video reportedly shows Satterfield striking the vehicle, pushing it into the roadway, then hooking and dragging it back toward the gas station with driver Joyce Bradley and her godmother, Shelby Graham, still inside. Bradley said she was behind on her car payments and had offered to surrender the vehicle voluntarily. She also alleged Satterfield smashed her cellphone and used pepper spray during the confrontation before she was able to drive away after discovering the vehicle had been improperly secured. Satterfield has been charged with two counts of felonious restraint, misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, injury to personal property, and simple assault. Prosecutors have also indicted him as a habitual felon, which could significantly increase any prison sentence if he is convicted. Source: wbtv.com West 78 • September 2026 | Towman.com
Work the non-traffic side - Stay Safe!
AmericanTowman.com | September 2026 • West 79
As a Towing Professional, be recognized by your Police or Fire Chief for serving your community in an exceptional way
Have your Police or Fire Chief nominate you for
THE ORDER OF TOWMAN Should you feel you qualify, take this nomination form to your chief. •
For the past 17 years over 2,500 police and fire chiefs across the U.S. have nominated towing professionals for The Order of Towman, presented by American Towman Magazine in recognition of their supreme dedication to their communities and to the professionalism in their trade.
•
No one knows better than chiefs how towers rise to the occasion to face challenges at incident scenes or support their departments.
•
While American Towman Magazine mails nomination forms to chiefs nationwide, it may take more than one notice.
Deadline: September 30, 2026 for nominations. The ceremony presentation of the Cross of The Order will take place at the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore.
NOMINATION FORM
Nominee(OwnerorManager):_______________________________________________________ NameofTowingCompany:_________________________________________________________
Email To: Bryna@towman.com
Address:__________________________City:_______________State:____ZipCode:_________
Fax To: 845-986-5181
PhoneNumber:____/____/_______emailaddress:___________________________________
Or Mail To:
NominatingPolice/FireChief:________________________________________________________
Bryna Stankiewicz
Police/FireDepartmentName:_______________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____ Zip Code: _________ Position: _______________________Phone Number: ____ / ____ / _______ West 80 • September 2026 | Towman.com Chief’s Signature: _____________________________________________________
American Towman 2 Overlook Dr. Ste. 5 Warwick, NY 10990
Episode 63
Copyright©2021 American Towman Magazine. Characters and stories are fictitious; no resemblance to real life characters is intended.
Send your thoughts/suggestions on the Adventures to capitano@towman.com or American Towman, 2 Overlook Dr #5, Warwick NY 10990