Digital Edition
The Week's Features
Jerry's Wrecker rescues large delivery truck from Oklahoma ravine.
Essential Tips for Safe Forklift Transport
Niche focus drives 64 Motor Cars' exotic car success.
Uncovering lost treasures, reuniting families with memories.
Events
Baltimore, MD.
Nov. 21-23, 2024
Las Vegas, NV.
April 23-25, 2025
Fort Worth, TX.
June 26-28, 2025
Fort Worth, TX.
June 27-28, 2025
Premiere of "Home of the Brave" with lyrics • Click here to play
American Towman Magazine Presents the Week in Towing November 06 - November 12, 2024

Battelini Garage to Show Vintage Trucks

Battelini Garage will treat show visitors to a couple of vintage tow trucks in the American Wrecker Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey. One is a 1956 Reo with a home built unit built by Albert Battelini’s father in 1960. The second one is a 1949 Ford with a Manley hand crank unit and a home built center boom. The third one is a 1961 B-61. See them alongside other beauties in this year’s American Wrecker Pageant at the American Towman Exposition in Atlantic City Dec. 5-7. Battelini Wrecker Sales will be exhibiting, displaying new NRC heavy-duty wreckers and Trail-Eze trailers at the American Towman Exposition.

batteliniwreckersales.com


American Towman Today - November 12, 2024
American Towman Today - November 12, 2024
Click here to read more

Trump Win Poised to Reshape U.S. Energy Policy

Published: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Donald Trump’s presidential victory is set to transform U.S. energy policy, with implications for oil production, offshore wind, and electric vehicle (EV) markets. Trump has pledged to dismantle regulations supporting EV adoption, including EPA tailpipe standards, which require automakers to increase electric and hybrid vehicle production. “This is about getting government out of the way of American energy,” stated Dan Eberhart, CEO of oilfield services company Canary. “We’re looking at a return to ‘drill, baby, drill.’”

Under Trump, oil drilling may expand rapidly, with fewer restrictions on fracking, pipelines, and offshore leases, benefitting the oil and gas sectors. His administration could also limit tax credits for clean energy, prioritizing fossil fuels and potentially altering provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act. Energy companies, particularly in oil and gas, are likely to profit from relaxed federal oversight.

Additionally, Trump’s stance on renewable energy could affect offshore wind projects, with possible restrictions on new leases. “We expect a dramatic pivot on green initiatives, especially offshore wind,” noted an industry analyst. Trump’s proposed regulatory rollback would extend coal plant operations and shift focus away from renewables, reshaping the U.S. energy landscape and slowing clean energy growth.

Source: https://www.ttnews.com



President-elect Donald Trump outlines plans to overhaul U.S. energy policies, prioritizing oil and gas production over green energy initiatives.

Killed by a 600-Pound Bounding Missile

Published: Wednesday, November 06, 2024

Loose Tire Wheel small 718c2
By Randall C. Resch

Providing tow and services on high-speed highways creates great hazards along the way. That’s something we’ve come to know in more than 108-years since the wrecker’s inception. It’s not that towers have plenty of danger to worry about, but have you ever considered the remote possibility of getting struck and killed by a tire and wheel that’s ejected from a car, truck or commercial vehicle?

Imagine being so “unlucky” to be struck by a six-hundred-pound bounding missile? No matter how safe you might work and at what speed your head is on that proverbial swivel, a loose semi tire and wheel is one that you’ll likely never see coming. The opening video (see link) depicts a loose tire that was milliseconds from slamming the front windshield of a vehicle in traffic.

The internet has plenty of incidents documenting a vehicle’s tire (and wheel) coming off an at-speed vehicle as they travel high-speed highways. A loose tire and wheel are capable of bounding through traffic, over a median’s K-Rail and into the windshield of unsuspecting motorists. If you’re a tow and service company conducting tire change services on high-speed highways, this narrative should be of interest to you.

It's Bound to Happen

Let this narrative serve as a safety reminder for tow companies who change tires on highway shoulders. While the prospect of being responsible for a loose tire and wheel isn’t a daily occurrence, tow owners should have an inkling as to what possibilities exist? According to “Inside Edition”, they stated as many as 1,500-people were killed by runaway tires and wheels in the last three years.

Because a bounding tire and wheel is nothing less than a rolling missile,  consider the following scenarios that were the result of either mechanical failure or that of improper installation:

January 18, 1979, 52-year-old Julien Chabot, a tow operator in Bennington, Maine, was killed when the tire of a semi-trailer came off as he was assisting a motorist near Lewiston.

In California, the highway patrol fielded calls reporting a bouncing tire that slammed through the front of a school police officer's car. The CHP reported the tire likely came from a trailer traveling in southbound lanes. The tire bounced over the center median’s K-Rail and then planted in the window of a Los Angeles School Police Department’s vehicle. The tire destroyed the car’s windshield and embedded in the roof, nearly missing the officer, escaping what could have been an instant death.

In yet another incident, April 2019, a Maine state trooper was struck and killed by a loose tire and wheel, that came off a semi-truck. The trooper was legally parked on I-95’s shoulder near Bangor, assisting a motorist that had spun out in the rain when the tire and wheel bounded into where he was standing. In this incident, the semi-truck involved allegedly had equipment and inspection issues that resulted in later convictions.

Ignore the Possibility?

On the working end, conducting tire services requires tow operators or technicians to remove and replace a vehicle’s when by loosening and tightening the vehicle’s lug nuts. To prove a point; how many towers have attended formal schooling regarding the proper procedures in tire changes, most specifically, knowing the proper factory specifications” necessary to torque lug nuts? How can towers guarantee a vehicle’s lug nuts are tightened to manufacturer’s specifications if you’ve not attended formal schooling?

In today’s litigious society, when tires and wheels “self-eject” from vehicle hubs, there’s likely a mechanical malfunction, maintenance issue, or that of a technician’s installation error. When not properly tightened down according to manufacturer’s specs, lug nuts may not be sufficiently tightened to keep a tire on the vehicle causing it to eject. When these considerations are accurate, the deadly duo makes their way into the front windshield of a non-suspecting motorist’s car.

Regardless as to what motor club you’re providing services for, your contract typically makes you the vendor, where you assume liability of whatever actions occur under your tow business and its employees. In the event a loose tire and wheel injures or kills a motorist or pedestrian, will “they” (the motor club) represent (and could be held financially liable) for whatever actions that took someone else’s life?

This topic is a discussion you should have with your corporate attorney? For my sanity and business accountability, it’s my choice to not change tires on the highway noting more than 50-tow operators killed providing tire change services dating back to the 1940’s. In the best interest of your operator’s safety and survival, I recommend no tire changes are conducted on the highways to decrease the potential of becoming a tow industry statistic.

Who’s Getting Blamed?

To increase better odds of not having a tire and wheel come loose due to improper tightening of wheel lugs, I recommend vehicles are towed, transported, or dollied to tire shops, service stations, or dealerships. Let the shops take the responsibility in getting lugs tightened to manufacturer specs.

In the same manner towers shouldn’t and don’t replace driveshafts removed from vehicle’s towed; the same or similar liability applies here. Call it what you may, the odds of this kind of “freak accident” are fifty-fifty. They’re not the odds I’m comfortable taking. Owners, consider what direction your personnel should take when it comes to conducting tire services?

Personally, I shan’t be blamed for not tightening wheel lugs to spec, more importantly, I’m highly adverse to being the victim of some tire and wheel dropping from the sky.  

Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired, veteran, California police officer, former tow business owner and industry advocate. As consultant and trainer, he authored and teaches tow truck operator safety courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. For 55-years, he has been involved in the towing and recovery industry. In 28-years, he has contributed more than 760-safety focused articles for American Towman Magazine, TowIndustryWeek.com and is a frequent seminar presenter and wrecker pageant judge at tow shows. In 2014, he was inducted to the International Towing and Recovery Industry Hall of Fame, was the 3rd recipient of the industry's "Dave Jones Leadership Award," and is a member of American Towman’s Safety Committee.

Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.

 

Witness the Magic of the American Wrecker Pageant 2023 Trucks; Catch the 2024 Display in Person at the American Towman Exposition
By Don Lomax
Click to enlarge


Do you support "blue lights" legislation allowing rear facing blue lights on tow trucks?
Yes
No
Answers are anonymous
homediv
Managing Editor: George Nitti
ATTV Editor & Anchor: Emily Oz
Advertising Sales (800-732-3869):
Dennie Ortiz x213
Site Progr., Graphics & Video: Ryan Oser
Operations Editor: Randall C. Resch
Tow Business Editor: Brian J. Riker
Tow Illustrated Editor: George L. Nitti
Safety Editor: Jimmy Santos
November 13 - November 19, 2024
The exterior of Wyatts Towing.

Wyatts Towing to Pay Restitution for Unlawful Towing Practices

Published: Friday, November 08, 2024

Wyatts Towing will pay restitution to thousands of Coloradans after reaching a $1 million settlement with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office over alleged illegal towing practices. The AG’s investigation found that between 2020 and 2023, Wyatts Towing and its affiliates unlawfully towed vehicles, charged illegal fees, and withheld funds from consumers, impacting more than 5,000 people across the state.

No action is required from recipients, who will receive checks ranging from $75 to $164 in the coming days. “Though these checks may not make everyone whole, they are relief for those who were harmed by Wyatts’ illegal actions,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser.

According to investigators, Wyatts Towing towed vehicles without proper authorization, increased storage fees on higher-value cars to retain more funds, and discouraged drivers from exercising their rights. While Wyatts denies wrongdoing, the company attributed these issues to “administrative errors” that it claims have since been addressed by regulators.

Under the settlement, Wyatts will not only pay restitution but has also agreed to forgo collecting $236,000 in outstanding debt from consumers. Colorado lawmakers have scrutinized Wyatts’ practices for years, citing the company as a repeat violator in towing regulations. Eligible consumers may receive additional checks in January, and more information is available at coag.gov/wyatts.

Source: https://www.denverpost.com

AT Will Honor Eleven with the Towman Medal

Published: Wednesday, November 06, 2024 American Towman announced that it will honor eleven towmen for their acts of bravery at the annual Festival Night, during the American Towman Exposition in Baltimore, MD on November 23, 2024.

Among those receiving towing’s highest honor, is one tow operator who intervened in a domestic altercation and faced down a knife-wielding boyfriend to protect a terrified victim. Another risked his life on a perilous highway, ignoring the relentless flow of cars and trucks to pull two police officers to safety after a high-speed collision. And yet another road warrior suffered burns, bruises, and even lost his beard rescuing trapped passengers from a fiery wreckage. All eleven Medal recipients put their lives at risk, saving another human being.

Since 1989 American Towman has honored 408 men and women for their exceptional acts of bravery while working the White Line. This November’s Festival Night promises an evening of recognition, camaraderie, and celebration. There will be surprise entertainment and the Mike Corbin Band.

NJ Launches Mobile CDL Testing with $2M Federal Grant

Published: Wednesday, November 06, 2024

New Jersey received a $2 million federal grant to launch mobile commercial driver’s license (CDL) testing units aimed at rural areas, officials announced on Nov. 1. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) funds will enable the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to buy vehicles and expand CDL testing access statewide.

“We want CDL testing to be accessible to anyone willing to learn and earn that driver’s license,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Vinn White. “There’s no better example of that than the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s mobile testing unit.”

The initiative will improve testing access for aspiring bus and truck drivers, and a portion of the funds will help upgrade CDL skills test sites to accommodate larger commercial vehicles.

“This investment reflects our commitment to building a stronger and safer driving community in New Jersey,” added Gov. Phil Murphy.

State Assemblywoman Andrea Katz emphasized the benefits for rural areas, stating, “These mobile testing units... will help ensure our CMV drivers have the knowledge to drive safely.”

The program will deploy two teams offering CDL skills and knowledge tests throughout New Jersey, coordinating with over 550 school districts and driving schools. “This is going to be a game changer,” said Jim Ferguson of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission.

Source: https://www.ttnews.com

Towman Downed in Paterson, NJ

Published: Tuesday, November 05, 2024

A tow truck driver was tragically killed late Sunday morning on Route 19 near the Valley Road exit in Paterson. The incident occurred shortly before 11:40 a.m. in the southbound lanes, according to law enforcement officials.

The victim, identified as 64-year-old Manuel Perez, a resident of Paterson, had stopped on the highway to load a disabled vehicle onto his tow truck. As he was working to hook the vehicle, a Toyota sedan traveling southbound struck him, said Rob Rowan of the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, who serves as a spokesperson for the Paterson Police Department. The impact caused the Toyota to collide with the tow truck before overturning.

Emergency responders pronounced Perez deceased at the scene. The driver of the Toyota, whose name has not been released, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to St. Joseph’s University Medical Center for treatment.

The Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that the investigation into the accident is active and ongoing. 

Source: https://dailyvoice.com

Tragic Multi-Vehicle Crash Outside Lansing, MI

Published: Monday, November 04, 2024

Four people were killed and 17 others injured following a devastating multi-vehicle collision late Saturday night on I-96. The crash occurred around 11:42 p.m. near M-52 in the Webberville area, 20 miles east of Lansing.

Michigan State Police (MSP) reported that the westbound lanes of I-96 had been closed for a DTE Energy crew to string power lines across the highway. Shortly after the highway was reopened, traffic remained backed up when a semi-truck pulling a trailer crashed into the stopped vehicles, resulting in a fire that engulfed the semi and multiple other vehicles.

Investigators believe the semi-truck driver failed to notice the traffic backup and was unable to stop in time, involving around 15 vehicles in the collision.

The victims have been identified as a 29-year-old Carson City man driving a Ford F-150 and three Lansing residents: a 20-year-old woman, a 43-year-old woman, and a 47-year-old man. Seventeen individuals with serious injuries were taken to the University of Michigan Health-Sparrow and McLaren Hospitals in Lansing.

Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash.

Source: www.wilx.com

Towman Charged in Fatal Equipment Crash

Published: Friday, November 01, 2024

Towman Michael John Love, 52, is facing serious charges, including manslaughter and aggravated assault, following a fatal crash on July 6 in Ogden Canyon, Utah that claimed the lives of Richard David Hendrickson, CEO of Lifetime Products, and his daughter, Sally. Authorities allege Love failed to properly secure equipment on his tow truck, leading it to dislodge and strike the Hendricksons' SUV on a sharp bend along SR-39.

An investigation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) into Love Towing uncovered critical safety violations. The FMCSA reported that the company failed to maintain necessary driver qualification files, did not require drivers to prepare duty status records, and lacked a proper alcohol and controlled substances testing program.

Love has previous citations for theft, speeding, and providing false vehicle registration evidence, which added scrutiny to his case. The crash also left Hendrickson’s wife and two other children with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Source: https://kutv.com

homediv homediv homediv tow411
homediv
Rate how they handled this recovery
Great job on a challenging recovery.
Hit all the basics on this one. Thumbs up.
Creative approach on this recovery. Good job.
I would approach this recovery differently.
Vehicle(s) could be rigged more efficiently.
More trucks were needed.
November 13 - November 19, 2024

Michigan Multi-Crash Cleanup After Fatal Pile-Up 

Published: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

cover e4d45
By George L. Nitti

As dawn broke over a Michigan highway, the scent of burned metal permeated the wreckage from a violent pile-up that had taken several lives. The incident, which occurred just before midnight on a Saturday, began when a semi-truck crashed into a line of vehicles stopped on the highway. The vehicles had been halted temporarily by Consumers Power and Michigan State Police to allow power lines to be moved safely across the roadway. But as traffic was set to resume, a semi barreled down the road, colliding with multiple cars, creating a devastating chain reaction. 

The semi-truck burst into flames upon impact, with its trailer—loaded with bananas en route from Delaware to the Myers Distribution Center in Lansing, MI—completely consumed by fire.  

The emergency call for recovery went out at 4:00 a.m., and two lead operators from Lansing-based PJ’s Towing, along with Randy’s Towing from Fowlerville, MI, responded with a massive fleet to begin the arduous 12-hour cleanup process. In total, six flatbeds, two rotators, industrial carriers, and a skid steer with a grapple bucket were deployed to handle the debris. 

Working under the guidance of the Michigan State Police, PJ’s Towing and its team undertook the somber task of extracting vehicles, including one trapped beneath the trailer. This initial extraction was necessary for firefighters to use the Jaws of Life to free the victims. “We brought out our heavy equipment and started coordinating efforts with Randy’s Towing to clear the debris,” said PJ Daly, owner of PJ’s Towing and Recovery.  

“It was one of the toughest scenes we’ve worked on,” Daly reflected, adding that while there were no technical challenges, the scope of the debris required careful disposal and handling.  

Once the accident scene was cleared, the towing companies transported the damaged vehicles to the Michigan State Police post for further investigation. Hazmat teams were also called to the scene to manage fluids and other contaminants on the roadway, while the Michigan Department of Transportation repaired damaged guardrails. 

Despite the grim circumstances, the towing crews remain proud of their work. “Our team did a fantastic job, and I couldn’t be more proud of them,” Daly said. 

Into the Ravine...

Published: Wednesday, October 23, 2024

IMG 7064 copy 23dd4
By George L. Nitti

In the early morning hours, between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m., a tractor-trailer delivery truck veered off the road, leading to a challenging recovery for Jerry's Wrecker Service of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Dispatched shortly after the incident, the crew arrived at the scene about 18 miles from their location, where they found the truck severely damaged, lodged in a steep ravine.

The driver, a young man, fortunately survived the crash, although it was unclear whether he fell asleep or not. He was taken to the hospital, but according to owner Jerry Jones, he later showed up at the scene of the wreckage, indicating he was ok.

Much of the vehicle had broken apart due to the impact. "It wasn't incredibly hard," said Jerry, "but the way it fell apart and the incline made it time-consuming." The job took approximately six hours to complete, largely due to the need to pull the vehicle, in pieces, back up the slope.

For the recovery, Jerry's team used two trucks: a 35-ton Century wrecker and a 25-ton Vulcan trailer wrecker. The tractor and trailer were initially pulled up together to act as counterweights and to ease the process of getting them back onto level ground. Once at the top, the two parts were separated, making it easier to manage.

Traffic management also played a role in the recovery, with the road needing to be reduced to one lane during the pull. Despite the steepness of the slope and the vehicle's disrepair, the recovery team was able to efficiently use their equipment to bring the wreckage up without incident.

Once recovered, the remains of the truck were taken to Jerry's storage facility, before eventually being sent to an insurance auction for salvage. The vehicle was beyond repair, with much of it being sold as scrap metal.

Reflecting on the operation, Jerry credited his son, Jason, along with other crew members, who played a vital role in ensuring the job was completed smoothly and safely. 

Windmill Base Recovery

Published: Sunday, October 13, 2024

On September 27th, a challenging recovery operation unfolded in Caldwell, Kansas, about three hours west of Pittsburg. A tractor-trailer carrying a windmill section weighing 160,000 pounds had overturned after the driver misjudged a curve on a narrow two-lane county road. Exceeding the speed limit, the driver lost control, sending the massive windmill base crashing into a ditch. 

The responsibility for this colossal recovery fell to Bean’s Towing and its owner Matt Bean, who took the lead in assembling a team to recover the base. "We’ve worked with this company before, including a tower rollover last year," explained Bean.  

Assembling the Recovery Team 

Given the enormity of the load, one wrecker alone wouldn’t suffice. Bean called in reinforcements that included equipment from Strickland Road Service, led by Jason Strickland, who brought a 1075 rotator, a telehandler 40 ton Wrecker, a Landoll and a crew of 5 laborers. Bean also called in Lamb’s Towing, led by Billy Green, who brought an NRC HIM (heavy incident manager). Bean would utilize their own 1140 rotator. "We needed three wreckers due to the weight of the windmill section," noted Bean. "The job required precision, as there were multiple pieces, and the narrow road limited our working space." In addition to the wreckers, a well outfitted service truck was called in to S & S Recovery of Jasper Missouri.  

Though the accident had occurred two days earlier, the recovery team wasn’t dispatched immediately. Local authorities had conducted their investigation, and because the windmill wasn’t obstructing traffic, the recovery could be scheduled for a more manageable time. 

The team convened at 8:00 AM. With the narrow road shut down to traffic, they had full access to work safely. "Thankfully, the windmill wasn’t blocking the road when we arrived," Bean added, explaining how this minimized delays. 

Executing the Recovery 

The recovery started with removing the windmill’s support structures, known as "jeeps." Two rotators worked at one end while another tackled the opposite side, carefully lifting the jeeps and detaching them from the windmill section. "It was crucial to evenly distribute the weight while we pulled the pins and slid the pieces out of the trailer," Bean explained. 

To lift the windmill base itself, special equipment was required. The team employed J-hooks, each weighing 500 pounds and rated to lift 60 tons. With the aid of a telehandler, they positioned the hooks while a team member on a ladder bolted them into place. Once secure, the rotators were swung into position, and the massive windmill section was slowly hoisted out of the ditch. 

But it wasn’t just a matter of lifting—the windmill tube had filled with dirt during the crash, adding significant weight and complexity to the recovery. 

The Dirt Dilemma 

"When the windmill tipped, the front section filled with dirt," Bean said. "It wasn’t packed tight, but there was enough to cause trouble." Despite the availability of heavy machinery, the team was not allowed to excavate the dirt with equipment. Instead, they resorted to hand-shoveling the dirt out. 

For six hours, five crew members labored in the heat, shoveling out approximately two dump truck loads of dirt. "It was back-breaking work, but we tackled it as a team," Bean recalled. 

Overcoming Unexpected Challenges 

The team faced additional hurdles during the recovery. Temperatures at 96°F, it caused the asphalt to soften beneath the weight of the trucks. Cribbing and crane mats had to be placed strategically to stabilize the rigs. "We brought in as much equipment as we could for the limited road space," said Bean. "We had to ensure our trucks didn’t damage the soft asphalt." 

Lifting the windmill base also required careful coordination between the three rotators. The massive tube structure needed precise rigging, and the J-hooks, standard in the windmill industry, were secured to lift the windmill onto the road. 

In addition to the windmill base, the crew also had to handle the trailer, a 30,000-pound "jeep" that was too large for a standard lowboy. "The trailer alone required heavy-duty handling, so we had to tow it back separately," said Bean. 

The windmill base was successfully lifted and positioned to allow another trailer to come in. Bean said, “We towed the damaged trailer back to Strickland’s facility, where they could properly assess the damage.” 

A Successful Operation 

Despite the challenges, the team completed the recovery smoothly, clearing the road and securing the windmill parts for transportation. The job highlighted not only the technical expertise needed for such an operation but also the resourcefulness and teamwork required to overcome the unexpected obstacles. 

homediv
November 13 - November 19, 2024

Tow Truck Safety Systems: Is It Time to Invest?

Published: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Truck Cash Scale of Justice 1 copy 182bb
By Brian J. Riker

While I believe the best safety system in any vehicle is an alert, attentive, qualified, and well-trained driver, finding excellent drivers is becoming harder and harder. With the exponential rise in personal injury attorneys targeting the transportation industry and record-high jury awards, the need for every possible safety measure has become clear.

Large trucking company fleets have long advocated for safety management systems on commercial vehicles. They are promoting these measures more to level the playing field in driver recruitment than out of a genuine need for safety; however, they have caught the attention of trial attorneys and are now a focal point in many trucking court cases. 

The thought process is that if the truck owner did not take every available opportunity to provide technology to reduce the risk of a crash, they are not truly committed to being safe and deserve to be punished.  Trial lawyers have become particularly good at empowering juries to make a social statement or to “correct” a perceived injustice and hold “greedy” corporations accountable. While I am not advocating for a lawless society or allowing those responsible for horrible injuries to walk away without penalty, we must take a commonsense approach to this as trucking is not a one size fits all type of industry. 

From the absence of collision avoidance and automatic braking systems to the failure to make certain seats standard equipment, truck owners and manufacturers have faced liability for injuries that might not have been their responsibility otherwise. In a 2023 study by Motive, a leading provider of dash cameras and other telematic devices, found that 40% of all commercial truck fleets are under invested in even basic safety systems for their fleets. 

What about towing? Operating a tow truck may seem like something unique and special, and it is, but fundamentally tow trucks are commercial motor vehicles and subject to the same rules and regulations as any other commercial vehicle. Litigation against tow truck operators for motor vehicle crashes is on the rise and the industry needs to take action to protect themselves. This surge in litigation not only drives up insurance costs but also threatens everything you have worked for—and it’s not just owners at risk. Drivers are losing their homes, retirement savings, and other assets as a result of the accidents they’re involved in. 

I’m not going to prescribe the five must-have safety systems for your tow truck, as each fleet and operation is unique; however, I encourage you to explore these options and assess whether they could make a difference for your fleet. 

The one exception is that I will say everyone should have a good dash camera that includes tracking of the vehicle and inward (driver) facing views using A.I. to scan for distractions and policy violations. I believe in these so much I have them in all my personal vehicles and even travel with one to install using a suction cup in rental cars and other vehicles I drive on a temporary basis. 

Telematics that provide reports on speeding, hard braking, sharp turns, and other driver behavior issues are the next most important piece of safety equipment; however if you have these reports then you must also take corrective action. Knowing about bad behaviors and not moving to correct them is worse than not knowing about them at all. 

Other options when ordering a new truck could include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, computer settings that do things like automatically turn on headlights with wipers or disable cruise control in the rain and upgraded brakes. Today there is no reason to have drum brakes on anything. Disc brakes are the way to go. 

I caution against unilateral adoption of systems like automatic emergency braking because the dynamics of towing do not make for a very predictable braking action and automatic braking may cause more harm than good. Same with speed limiters. If you are going to use speed limiters look into variable or adaptive limiters that change based upon the posted speed limit and not a hard limit at an arbitrary number. 

Lastly, the best safety system is still a fully trained and qualified operator. You invest in training such as rollovers, winching, and rigging so why not driver training focused on defensive driving? Afterall, your drivers spend 80% of their day behind the wheel and 20% doing the other stuff that most towers focus training on. It is time to train them as truck drivers. 

Killed by a 600-Pound Bounding Missile

Published: Wednesday, November 06, 2024

Loose Tire Wheel small 718c2
By Randall C. Resch

Providing tow and services on high-speed highways creates great hazards along the way. That’s something we’ve come to know in more than 108-years since the wrecker’s inception. It’s not that towers have plenty of danger to worry about, but have you ever considered the remote possibility of getting struck and killed by a tire and wheel that’s ejected from a car, truck or commercial vehicle?

Imagine being so “unlucky” to be struck by a six-hundred-pound bounding missile? No matter how safe you might work and at what speed your head is on that proverbial swivel, a loose semi tire and wheel is one that you’ll likely never see coming. The opening video (see link) depicts a loose tire that was milliseconds from slamming the front windshield of a vehicle in traffic.

The internet has plenty of incidents documenting a vehicle’s tire (and wheel) coming off an at-speed vehicle as they travel high-speed highways. A loose tire and wheel are capable of bounding through traffic, over a median’s K-Rail and into the windshield of unsuspecting motorists. If you’re a tow and service company conducting tire change services on high-speed highways, this narrative should be of interest to you.

It's Bound to Happen

Let this narrative serve as a safety reminder for tow companies who change tires on highway shoulders. While the prospect of being responsible for a loose tire and wheel isn’t a daily occurrence, tow owners should have an inkling as to what possibilities exist? According to “Inside Edition”, they stated as many as 1,500-people were killed by runaway tires and wheels in the last three years.

Because a bounding tire and wheel is nothing less than a rolling missile,  consider the following scenarios that were the result of either mechanical failure or that of improper installation:

January 18, 1979, 52-year-old Julien Chabot, a tow operator in Bennington, Maine, was killed when the tire of a semi-trailer came off as he was assisting a motorist near Lewiston.

In California, the highway patrol fielded calls reporting a bouncing tire that slammed through the front of a school police officer's car. The CHP reported the tire likely came from a trailer traveling in southbound lanes. The tire bounced over the center median’s K-Rail and then planted in the window of a Los Angeles School Police Department’s vehicle. The tire destroyed the car’s windshield and embedded in the roof, nearly missing the officer, escaping what could have been an instant death.

In yet another incident, April 2019, a Maine state trooper was struck and killed by a loose tire and wheel, that came off a semi-truck. The trooper was legally parked on I-95’s shoulder near Bangor, assisting a motorist that had spun out in the rain when the tire and wheel bounded into where he was standing. In this incident, the semi-truck involved allegedly had equipment and inspection issues that resulted in later convictions.

Ignore the Possibility?

On the working end, conducting tire services requires tow operators or technicians to remove and replace a vehicle’s when by loosening and tightening the vehicle’s lug nuts. To prove a point; how many towers have attended formal schooling regarding the proper procedures in tire changes, most specifically, knowing the proper factory specifications” necessary to torque lug nuts? How can towers guarantee a vehicle’s lug nuts are tightened to manufacturer’s specifications if you’ve not attended formal schooling?

In today’s litigious society, when tires and wheels “self-eject” from vehicle hubs, there’s likely a mechanical malfunction, maintenance issue, or that of a technician’s installation error. When not properly tightened down according to manufacturer’s specs, lug nuts may not be sufficiently tightened to keep a tire on the vehicle causing it to eject. When these considerations are accurate, the deadly duo makes their way into the front windshield of a non-suspecting motorist’s car.

Regardless as to what motor club you’re providing services for, your contract typically makes you the vendor, where you assume liability of whatever actions occur under your tow business and its employees. In the event a loose tire and wheel injures or kills a motorist or pedestrian, will “they” (the motor club) represent (and could be held financially liable) for whatever actions that took someone else’s life?

This topic is a discussion you should have with your corporate attorney? For my sanity and business accountability, it’s my choice to not change tires on the highway noting more than 50-tow operators killed providing tire change services dating back to the 1940’s. In the best interest of your operator’s safety and survival, I recommend no tire changes are conducted on the highways to decrease the potential of becoming a tow industry statistic.

Who’s Getting Blamed?

To increase better odds of not having a tire and wheel come loose due to improper tightening of wheel lugs, I recommend vehicles are towed, transported, or dollied to tire shops, service stations, or dealerships. Let the shops take the responsibility in getting lugs tightened to manufacturer specs.

In the same manner towers shouldn’t and don’t replace driveshafts removed from vehicle’s towed; the same or similar liability applies here. Call it what you may, the odds of this kind of “freak accident” are fifty-fifty. They’re not the odds I’m comfortable taking. Owners, consider what direction your personnel should take when it comes to conducting tire services?

Personally, I shan’t be blamed for not tightening wheel lugs to spec, more importantly, I’m highly adverse to being the victim of some tire and wheel dropping from the sky.  

Operations Editor Randall C. Resch is a retired, veteran, California police officer, former tow business owner and industry advocate. As consultant and trainer, he authored and teaches tow truck operator safety courses approved by the California Highway Patrol. For 55-years, he has been involved in the towing and recovery industry. In 28-years, he has contributed more than 760-safety focused articles for American Towman Magazine, TowIndustryWeek.com and is a frequent seminar presenter and wrecker pageant judge at tow shows. In 2014, he was inducted to the International Towing and Recovery Industry Hall of Fame, was the 3rd recipient of the industry's "Dave Jones Leadership Award," and is a member of American Towman’s Safety Committee.

Email Randy at rreschran@gmail.com.

 

Forklift Transport: Safety First!

Published: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Forklift Ram 5500 REDACTED copy small 735bd

By Brian J Riker

While I applaud towers for finding new revenue streams, and moving forklifts or other industrial equipment is one of those streams, it is critical to understand what you are doing and how to do it safely. Recently I have noticed a trend of moving forklifts with light duty rollbacks, and I’m not talking class 6 trucks like Freightliners, Internationals or Hinos, but rather, Ram 4500 and 5500, Ford 450 and 550 size trucks.

This is dangerous, often illegal and just plain dumb to do!

Let’s start with the basics. The average forklift weights around 9,000 pounds with some as light as 3,000 and many well over 10,000 pounds. While these weights sound similar to the average car or light truck, the weight is concentrated differently than a car or truck as is the center of gravity.

A typical class 5 chassis, meaning a Ram 4500, 5500, Ford F-450, F-550, etc., has a gross vehicle weight rating between 16,001 and 19,500 pounds. This is the maximum that the truck chassis, any body mounted on it, tools, driver, fuel and cargo carried can weight to be within the manufacturer’s design specs and to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. When built into a typical rollback, these class 5 vehicles have a tare (empty) weight around 12-13,000 pounds. This gives them an average payload (cargo) capacity of between 3,000 and 6,500 pounds.

So, with an average payload of 6,500 pounds as a best-case scenario, using say a 5500/550 chassis and a lightweight carrier body, one would expect to be able to load an average car or light truck and maybe even a small forklift. Not so fast!

Load distribution is critical. Yes, the typical light duty carrier deck has a capacity rating of 10,000 to 12,000 pounds; however this is measured as an evenly distributed load across the entire surface of the deck, not concentrated in a tiny spot as found with a forklift. Anyone that does heavy haul will know their trailers have an overall maximum weight rating and then a separate rating for concentrated loads expressed in either psi or pounds in any ten-foot area of the trailer deck.  Light duty carriers do not have this rating as they are not intended to haul concentrated loads.

What all this means is with a class 5 chassis and a typical carrier deck, you are overloading your equipment beyond its intended use and failure will happen. Probably not immediately, but down the line, often when least expected, a component will fail (often with much lesser force than its designed capacity due to fatigue).

What about class 6 chassis, they are much bigger, so they are safer, right?

Again, not really. Even though a class 6 chassis will have a greater payload capacity, often with an average of 8,500 pounds, this doesn’t mean hauling a forklift is any safer. These trucks are built using the same carrier subframe and deck as the class 5 trucks, so the limiting factor is the design and intended use of the carrier deck more than the chassis, at least with forklifts at or under approximately 8,000 pounds.

The proper chassis for moving forklifts is a class 7 or 8 chassis, with at least a 33,000 GVWR and an industrial carrier deck designed for concentrated loads.

How about securing them, what should I do?

First and foremost, your winch is not a securement device, and likely it isn’t even rated for winching a forklift onto your carrier’s deck unless you have an industrial carrier or larger than standard winch. Remember, your winch is rated for maximum pull on the first layer of wire rope, and the average light duty carrier’s winch only has a rope rated for 4,300 pounds. Once you start up the angle of your deck with an 8,000+ pound forklift you add an angle multiplier that far exceeds the rating of your winch and wire rope.

Driving a forklift on and off a carrier is also risky business. Besides OSHA requirements that you be trained on the use of each specific type of powered industrial truck, your smooth deck surface and the smooth tires found on most indoor forklifts do not make for a safe, high traction environment. If you are going to transport forklifts with a smooth surface deck, dock to dock is the only acceptable way to go as you are remaining level while loading and unloading. And do not use your wheel lift as a dock leveler to bring your deck up to dock height unless it is specifically designed to be used as such, otherwise you are stressing the carrier mounting point at the rear of your truck frame.

Lastly, never load forks toward the cab, but always have the forks facing the rear of your truck. If you were to get into a crash or even just have a hard brake event and the tie-downs failed, those forks will pierce your headboard and cab like a hot knife through butter.

Always follow the US DOT regulations related to the number and types of tie-downs, and no, over the wheel type straps are not intended to be used on forklifts nor are J-hooks or the hook clusters found on your automotive tie-downs. Use the proper type and rated hook, manufacturer’s recommended hook points (on both the forklift and your deck) and proper sized chains, ratchets or binders. Tie down low to prevent tipping over, using an X pattern that secures all four corners and do not use the roll cage as a tie-down point.

November 13 - November 19, 2024

Old Faithful on the Road 

Published: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

yellowstone2 de5ed
By George L. Nitti

In the heart of Yellowstone National Park, Zachary Pickering, owner of Yellowstone Towing and Repair, has recently rolled out a new addition to his fleet that’s a mobile homage to the region’s rugged beauty and heritage: a 2024 Kenworth 990 with a rotator made by Custom Built. Dubbed “Old Faithful,” which is named after the iconic geyser, the rotator blends Yellowstone’s natural allure with the company's commitment to family legacy and quality service. 

“Normally, I don’t go for wraps,” Pickering explained. “They’re expensive, and they often don’t last as long as other finishes. But with this truck, we wanted something that would stand out, especially because it’s often in the park where tourists from all over the world visit. We wanted it to look really cool—something that connects with the landscape and captures the feeling of running alongside the bison and the buffaloes.” 

The wrap’s design came from Pickering himself, a fourth-generation operator of the family business, who also has a background in communications and design. Using Adobe InDesign, he developed a subtle yet striking visual that merges the company’s bold spirit with the majestic simplicity of the park.  

The truck’s wrap also features a large compass, a symbol of exploration and guidance—a fitting image for a towing company that often ventures into challenging terrains to assist with recoveries. “I didn’t want to just do mountains and trees like some other companies,” Pickering explained. “The compass was my second choice, but it felt like the right choice, representing going where no one else has been.” 

Operating from their main headquarters in Idaho Falls and several other locations, Yellowstone Towing serves I-15, Highway 20, and the winding roads within and around Yellowstone Park. “In the summer, we’re in the park nearly every day,” Pickering said. “And we’re there to help when the park’s towing services need backup, like when we helped recover a camper 750 feet down a mountain. Sometimes, we even coordinate with Blackhawks for tricky rescues.” 

Behind Old Faithful’s eye-catching design is also a commitment to quality. The truck is a custom-built rotator from Custom Built, a family-operated business in Pennsylvania that, like Yellowstone Towing, prioritizes quality and craftsmanship. “They’re all-American made, with everything built in-house,” Pickering noted. “We love that they’re family-run, like us.” 

Through thoughtful design, heritage, and a connection to Yellowstone’s wilderness, Pickering has crafted more than just a tow truck—he’s created a symbol that resonates with family, nature, and the spirit of adventure. 

Unique Design for Exotic Protection

Published: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

image1 14 a7b9f
By George L. Nitti

Success in any industry sometimes comes down to finding one’s niche.

Shawn Sowden, owner of 64 Motor Cars of Middlesex, NJ, which exclusively focuses in on the transport of specialty/exotic cars, is a case in point. While working as a manager for a luxury car transport business, he made contacts with car dealerships that directly solicited his help to move cars for them.

One day, he was offered an opportunity to transport a specialty/exotic car to Colorado, using his own pickup truck and trailer. He said, “When I talked to my father and asked him what to do, my father responded, ‘Son, do the job. I’ll put you under my insurance and you’ll transport the car.’”

Sowden revealed that his trip to Colorado led to blowing every single tire on the trailer and spending every dollar that he made on repairs to his truck. Upon his return, a big question mark loomed about his future, but the phone calls from dealers requesting his service continued to trickle in. “At first,” he said, “I thought it would become a side business.”

10 years later, Sowden now finds himself transporting between 3000 and 3500 specialty cars a year, having purchased his fourteenth piece of equipment that includes 5 rollbacks, one of which is a 2020 International NV with a Century LoadRight.

The company name, 64 Motor Cars, which is written elegantly on the side of their units just under a sketched image of a race car, sprang from the death of a good friend. Sowden said that when he started the business, he was grappling with a name and didn’t want to use clichés like “luxury” or “white glove” to define his business. Instead, he thought of his friend and co-worker who had died in a car accident at 21. Sowden said, “He drove a race car numbered 64.” In his memory, he took the number as the name for the company.

Graphically, Sowden intended to use a ripped American flag on his units. “But the problem I ran into was that anytime you took the American flag, and you tore it up to make it look like it was ripped, it just never looked right,” he said.

So the wrapped design became a minimal rendition of the American flag, with no stars and red stripes that were turned into tears, on a white background.

Although Sowden entertained the idea of doing custom paint, he discovered after the first (and last) painted unit that paint chips and was more difficult to maintain. He said, “Vinyl is easy. If I sell the truck, I just peel it off. It’s good to go.”

What also sets his units apart are the Conestoga covers made by Quick Draw, which ensure that the specialty vehicles that the company transports are protected from nature’s harsher elements.

He said, “We were the first independent company outside of a dealership to have an enclosed rollback. It’s airtight and keeps the water out.”

With a focus on exclusivity, and a niche with demand, catering to such a business clientele requires having the tools and equipment to execute the job to perfection.

Afterall, someone has to transport that 22 million dollar McLaren F1! Why not 64 Motor Cars?

Star Wars Themed Galactic Masterpiece 

Published: Sunday, October 13, 2024

PHOTO 2024 10 05 20 38 25 copy a2772
By George L. Nitti


Cecil Burrowes, a master airbrush painter who has graced many a tow truck with his designs, recently completed a breathtaking Star Wars-themed design for Master Collision Concepts LLC, located in Rockville, Centre, NY. The idea for the truck’s design, airbrushed on a 2023 Dodge Ram 4 Door with a Jerr-Dan MPL-40, was the inspiration of Master Collision Concepts owners and brothers Joe and Paul Gutman, ardent Star Wars fans, who wanted to incorporate some of the newer characters from the franchise.

Paul Gutman said, "We went with a Star Wars theme because we have never really seen one with that theme in all our years of attending shows, and love to be original. There are too many skulls/flames/tribal trucks out there."

Although Burrowes admits he’s not deeply familiar with the vast array of Star Wars films, he was quick to grasp the owners excitement and vision. He began by planning the truck’s layout, initially intending to place stars and characters in isolated sections. However, once he began, he realized that creating a galaxy-wide backdrop across the entire vehicle would be far more striking. "The idea wasn’t to do the whole galaxy at first," he explained. "But I thought, why not? It’ll look even crazier if I make the whole truck the galaxy." 

The background features a sweeping, cosmic design—purple hues, stars, and galaxies set the stage for the characters. The careful balance of colors, like the vibrant contrast between robot BB-8's white and orange against the galactic purple, brings a dramatic visual effect to the truck. 

Burrowes' attention to detail was central to the project’s success, which took approximately 10 weeks to complete from start to finish. The background alone required significant effort, as he meticulously wet-sanded and cleared the surface before layering in the various galactic elements. On top of this backdrop, characters like the Sith Lord (Darth Sidious), Baby Yoda (Grogu), and others make their appearance.  Darth Sidious, depicted with his menacing electric force, is strategically placed to appear as if he is electrocuting the truck’s logo. "That was my idea," Burrowes said, "I had that electricity effect going over the name, like it’s getting zapped." Burrowes also included classic Star Wars icons such as Chewbacca and C-3PO.

Paul Gutman added, "We used all sorts of wild blue and purple pearls as well as some love from Tropical Glitz for the lettering, with a hi-gloss glamour clear."

Beyond the impressive technical work, Burrowes sees this project as part of a larger cultural tradition. He pointed out that in places like Freeport, Long Island, where Master Collision Concepts operates, there’s a deep respect for custom paint jobs. Many companies and individuals in the area still prefer airbrush work over vinyl wraps. "Their father was into taking trucks to shows, so they grew up in that atmosphere," Burrowes explained. "In Long Island, people value what goes into painting a truck." 

Burrowes emphasized that creating such art on large-scale vehicles is becoming rarer, as many companies opt for faster, less expensive wraps. However, for clients like Joe and Paul Gutman, the investment in custom airbrush work remains worthwhile. "It’s a dying art form," Burrowes admitted, "but I still hold on to the people who are into it." 

For now, though, his work lives on in iconic projects like this Star Wars-themed truck, blending imagination, skill, and dedication into a moving piece of art that will continue to turn heads, whether on the road or at truck shows. 

homediv
November 13 - November 19, 2024

Inflatable Air Bag

Published: Friday, July 12, 2024

inflatlable airback 88e10

Steck Manufacturing Introduces the EasyWedge Inflatable Air Bag Three-Pack Combo. 

Key Features: 

-- Durable & Multi-Use: Ideal for emergency vehicle access, vehicle repair, construction (window and door fitting), appliance leveling, DIY home use, and more. 

-- Three Sizes Included: Perfectly sized for various markets and applications, with individual bags also available. 

-- Compact & Lightweight: Easy to insert into tight spaces, non-marring design protects surfaces, trims, and finishes. 

-- Heavy-Duty Construction: High-frequency sonic welded edges ensure long-lasting durability and a tight seal. 

-- Ease of Use: One-handed operation with precision inflation control and quick deflation. 

-- Versatile Tool: Essential for towmen, vehicle repair professionals, contractors, and more. 

-- Reliable Solution: Great for accessing hard-to-reach areas during lockouts, auto repairs, and building construction. 

For more information, visit: steckmanufacturing.com 

All-New ZEON XD Winches

Published: Wednesday, June 12, 2024

warnproduct copy fffa1
Warn Industries has introduced the all-new ZEON XD winches for trucks and SUVs, marking a significant upgrade from their previous ZEON winch model. Leveraging over a decade of experience, the ZEON XD is part of Warn's Premium Series and is designed, engineered, tested, and assembled at their ISO-quality-certified facility in Clackamas, Oregon. This winch features a new high-performance electric motor and gear train, achieving a best-in-class line speed of up to 40 ft/min.

The ZEON XD is available in two capacities, 10,000 lb. (ZEON XD 10-S) and 12,000 lb. (ZEON XD 12-S), both equipped with Spydura synthetic rope. The winch boasts enhanced IP68 and IP69K waterproof ratings, corrosion-resistant fasteners, full-metal armor for protection, and the most efficient three-stage planetary gear train to date. Additionally, it includes a corded waterproof remote and HUB wireless receiver for remote control via the WARN HUB app.

For durability and reliability, the ZEON XD features a large-diameter aluminum-alloy drum to reduce stress on the rope, the strongest through-drum rope attachment, and an ultra-reliable Albright contactor for electrical control. The winch also offers a limited lifetime warranty on mechanical components and seven years on electrical parts, supported by Warn's global service network.

For more information, go to https://international.warn.com/

Bi-Directional Pneumatic Air Hammer

Published: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

airstrike small 48555

The AIRSTRIKE -  Bi-directional Air Tool. From fleet repairs to heavy equipment, its 3,000 blows per minute deliver maximum power. 

Durable, compact, and loaded with accessories, this is the ultimate pneumatic hammer and puller you need in your tool kit.  

Applications 

Quickly pull stuck fuel injectors 

Remove diesel/gas NOx & particulate sensors 

Pull stubborn oil tubes & stuck oil seals 

Attach to locking pliers for popping stuck fasteners and more 

Loosen hydraulic fittings 

Remove stubborn nuts and bolts without thread galling 

Remove harmonic balancers 

Bust seams of spot welded bonded panels 

Hem narrow window flanges

View more details here: https://steckmfg.com 

 

homediv
homediv
homediv
November 13 - November 19, 2024
Show More
homediv homediv
November 13 - November 19, 2024
One of the suspect's in the murder of the repo man was set free on a $75,000 bond.

Suspect Granted Bond in SC Repo Man Murder

Published: Monday, September 16, 2024

Essence Jackson, one of two people charged in the fatal shooting of Steve Hughes, a Lexington County, South Carolina repo man, was granted a $75,000 bond on Wednesday after nearly three months in jail. Jackson, 19, will be under house arrest with electronic monitoring, except for work and medical appointments.

Jackson and her brother, Raheem DeAngelo Jackson, 20, were arrested in connection to Hughes' death during a June repossession. Hughes, well-known in local Facebook groups, was found shot in his tow truck.

Jackson’s attorney, state representative Seth Rose, argued that she did not pull the trigger and had no prior record, describing her as an “impeccable person.” However, Hughes' daughter, Stephanie, accused Jackson of walking past her dying father without helping.

Judge Thomas Cooper granted bond, emphasizing the need to weigh both sides. Raheem Jackson remains in custody without bond.

Source www.msn.com

Tow Companies See Surge in Car Repossessions

Published: Monday, July 22, 2024

It's been a busy year for repossessions with car seizures in the US increasing by 23 percent compared to the same period in 2023, according to recent data from Cox Automotive.

The figures reveal that repossessions have now returned to pre-pandemic levels, having experienced a sharp decline in 2021 and 2022, before starting to climb again in 2023. Based on the current trajectory, it is projected that 1.6 million vehicles will be seized by the end of 2024, a significant increase from the 1.1 million repossessions in 2021 and 1.5 million last year.

The surge in repossessions is advantageous for tow truck companies across the nation. As more vehicles are seized, the demand for towing services has skyrocketed, Companies like Jerr-Dan are seeing increased business as they provide the essential services needed for the growing number of repossessions.

Cox Automotive does not anticipate a reduction in repo rates to the lows of 2021 in the near future. Instead, it forecasts that repossessions will rise to 1.7 million in 2025, a level not seen since 2019, and could reach 1.8 million annually from 2026 to 2029. This sustained increase in repossessions ensures a steady demand for tow truck services, benefiting the industry.

Source: www.carscoops.com

Auto Loan Delinquency Continues to Rise  

Published: Wednesday, May 01, 2024

A study by attorneys at Thompson Consumer Law Group analyzed 2022 and 2023 auto loan data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to see which states had the highest percentage of auto loan balances delinquent for more than 90 days. Their results showed it’s not only a problem everywhere but it’s increasing. 

Between 2022 and 2023, the percentage of auto loan balances over 90 days delinquent in America increased from 3.81% to 4.2%, and every state experienced an increase.  

The study showed these states with the highest percentage of auto loan balances delinquent: 

Mississippi: 6.77; Alabama: 6.05%; Georgia: 5.71% Louisiana: 5.69%; Indiana: 5.29%; Hawaii: 5.24%; Michigan: 5.24%; Delaware; 5.2%; South Carolina: 5.2%; North Carolina; 5.14%. 

A lending officer at Michigan First Credit Union says he sees delinquent payments steadily climbing.  

Jeff Fitrzyk, their chief lending officer, said, “We’re also seeing an increase in repossessions, both voluntary and involuntary,” he added, noting people are dealing with inflationary pressures that demand their immediate attention and one of the things that often falls behind are auto loans, which seem to be returning to their pre-COVID levels. 

Source: www.macombdaily.com

Towman Murdered in Florida 

Published: Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Towman Juan Garcia, 39, owner of JL Towing, was murdered late Wednesday, April 10, in what police authorities are investigating as a connected crime involving another woman who was carjacked and murdered as well.  

Garcia was killed at a house just before 10 p.m. Wednesday night. It was one day before Katherine Aguasvivas was kidnapped in a separate crime. At the house, Orange County deputies said more than 100 10 mm shell casings were found. WESH2’s Tony Atkins personally saw more than 80 markers from just outside the house and crime scene. 

Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said the green Acura seen in the kidnapping video showing was the same vehicle Garcia and his company towed from an Orange County apartment complex at some point last month. 

Lemma also said rounds both in Garcia’s murder and where Aguasvivas’ body was found in Osceola County matched one another. 

“At the scene, there are more than 100 rounds, but a good percentage of those rounds on the ground are 10 mm, the gun used in the murder of our victim that we found burnt up in the vehicle in Osceola county,” Lemma said. 

At last check, the suspect or suspects in the Taft shooting are still on the run. 

Source: wesh.com

Translate Page
Contact Us
© 2024  Tow Industry Week/American Towman Media, Inc.         . .