Advertise on podcast: American Towing and Recovery Institute onThe Go

A chain-reaction crash on I-95 isn’t just a news clip, it’s a full-scale recovery mission with lives, environmental risk, and an entire region’s traffic flow on the line. We sit down with Coleman Bayles (Princess Towing), Ricky Baker (Baker Brothers Towing), and Lauren Coleman (Carolina Towing), the operators who worked the October 1 Lake Marion Bridge incident and helped clear what was ultimately confirmed as 91 vehicles total. We unpack the reality of heavy duty towing and recovery on a one-mile bridge with no shoulders and open water on both sides: how the first calls came in before anyone understood the scope, how crews assembled wreckers, rotators, skid steers, mini excavators, dump trailers, and light towers, and why environmental response mattered as much as towing. They explain stormwater runoff into the lake, spill containment, and the gritty cleanup details most people never hear about, including hundreds of bags of oil dry and sweeping debris across a mile of bridge. Just as important, we talk about coordination and culture. These three companies show what can happen when towing providers network, share resources, and stay focused on reopening the road instead of fighting over rotations. We also get honest about the billing and payment side of major incidents, the chaos that comes from unclear communication, and what after-action reviews can improve for the next large-scale highway closure. If you care about traffic incident management, heavy recovery, or how the towing industry keeps I-95 moving, hit play. Subscribe, share this with someone in roadside response, and leave a review so more people understand what it takes to clear the road when everything goes wrong.

The towing and recovery industry doesn’t get a fair shake when the people writing policy don’t understand what it’s like to work inches from live traffic, manage scene safety, and still fight to get paid. We sit down with Bruce Bender, Executive Director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), to talk about the most practical way to change that: TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop and Hill Day in Washington, DC. Bruce walks us through how Hill Day works, why the meetings matter, and why staffers are often the real gatekeepers to progress. We dig into the issues TRAA is taking to the Hill right now, including roadside safety for tow operators, insurance and reimbursement pressures, weights and measures concerns, and the growing need for clear standards around EV fire response and remediation. If you’ve ever felt like “politics isn’t for me,” this conversation breaks that myth by explaining how attendees get prepped, given talking points, and supported through a packed day of appointments. We also cover the real-world logistics: Hill Day runs February 23 and 24, with the host hotel at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC, plus ideas for making the trip work for families who rarely get time away. Whether you’re a member or not, Bruce’s message is simple: your voice matters, and the industry is stronger when we show up together. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews and news, share this episode with a tower who needs to hear it, and leave a review so more operators can find the show.

Private property impound towing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the towing and recovery industry, and the stakes are higher than most people realize. When parking is scarce, a single unauthorized car can block a paying tenant’s reserved spot, trap a business owner behind a bay door, or push residents into risky overflow parking that leads to even more conflict. We want parking enforcement to be fair, defensible, and safe, and that starts with being crystal clear about the “why” behind every tow. We sit down with Jason Harris of Henry’s Record Service in Northern Virginia, part of Valor Fleet Service, to talk about what professional trespass towing looks like at scale. Jason shares how he approaches private property impounds as customer service first: understanding what a property owner, condo board, or manager actually needs, then delivering it with accountability, service, and transparency. We also get into the hard parts, including angry customers on scene, de-escalation tactics, retreat-first safety policies, and why the purpose of towing should be to solve the parking problem rather than punish someone. From there, we go practical: signage requirements that prevent “trap” accusations, regulated drop and release fees, and the documentation that protects everyone. Jason explains why timestamped pre-tow photos, VIN and plate verification, and matching drop photos cut down on damage claims and wrong-vehicle errors. We also explore modern parking enforcement technology like digital parking permits and license plate recognition, plus safety systems that reduce distracted driving and accidents. If you run a towing company, manage an impound lot, or work with property managers, you’ll walk away with real steps to tighten your process and lower liability. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews, share this episode with a fellow operator, and leave a review so more towers can find the show. What’s the biggest challenge you see with private property impounds where you live?

Two hours of waiting on a cleanup contractor can turn a “good call” into a revenue-killer. We sit down with Perry Beatty of Hazmat Responder Network and Logos Incorporated to talk about the real bottleneck many towing and recovery companies face: you respond on time, but you cannot move the truck or clear the lane because fuel is leaking, cargo is compromised, or storm drains are impacted. Perry walks us through how he went from old-school towing and heavy recovery to building a compliant hazmat spill response operation by getting OSHA-based HAZWOPER training and matching the right equipment to what actually happens on scene. We dig into how EPA expectations show up at crashes, why response-time contracts make delays so painful, and how talking directly with fleet safety directors can turn spill response into an instant add-on service for existing towing clients. We also get into the practical side: containment and flow control for storm drains, transfer pumps, grounding and bonding, decontamination, and the after-action reports that close the loop when the scene is “clean” but the paperwork is not. Perry explains how Hazmat Responder Network training is built specifically for towers and recovery operators, tying together OSHA, EPA, and DOT requirements and adding cargo tank awareness for DOT-406 fuel haulers and DOT-407/412 chemical tanks with hands-on simulators. If you want faster clear times, better compliance, and a new profit center your competitors may be ignoring, hit play, then subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a review with the one skill you want your crew to master next.

Silence at an airport. A phone call to a parent. The kind of day you can replay in your mind decades later. We open with honest September 11 reflections that remind us why community matters, then we pivot to a story that shows what the towing and recovery industry looks like at its best: organized, generous, and proudly public about helping kids. We’re joined by Jim Resnahan of Chariot Automotive and Towing in Bridgeview, Illinois, a leader in the Illinois towing community and a longtime organizer of Tow Trucks for Tots. Jim walks us through how the idea started with a simple goal: change the way people see towing companies by giving towers a positive headline. What grew from that mission is a full-scale holiday toy drive with a tow truck parade, live music, raffles, and the crowd-favorite Tow Truck Olympics, complete with timed challenges and medals. We also get into the practical details listeners ask for: when to arrive, how participation works without preregistration, why unwrapped toys make sorting easier, and how partnerships help distribute thousands of donated gifts. Along the way, Jim shares what every toy drive learns sooner or later, that teens and very young kids are the toughest groups to shop for, and why planning and teamwork keep the event strong year after year. If you care about towing industry reputation, community outreach, or just want a great example of service done right, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a tower who should join the parade, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.

Tow work is supposed to be straightforward: arrive, make the scene safer, move the vehicle, head to the next call. But what happens when the scene turns on you? We dig into a string of real-world incidents that show tow operators and repo agents working in the line of fire, including a hostile and highly charged response at a Chicago scene, a Massachusetts repossession attack involving a machete, and an impound situation in North Carolina that escalates to gunfire. The thread running through all of it is simple and brutal: the tow operator didn’t create the conflict, the policy, or the crash, yet they’re often the person standing closest when emotions explode. We also talk about the Move Over law with the heartbreaking update on Virginia tow operator Kelly Laneman, who suffers catastrophic injuries after being struck while finishing a tow on I-264. It’s a clear reminder that roadside safety isn’t theoretical, and that a single driver’s decision to slow down and move over can change a family’s life forever. On the practical side of running a towing business, we touch on what customers are asking for right now, including modern payment options like Apple Pay, plus how short educational videos and product demos can help operators choose the right gear, like our air fitting kit built around common brake and truck needs. We close with the kind of story we want more of: a Washington State tow company donating time to help clear burned vehicles during community recovery efforts. Subscribe for weekly towing and recovery news, share this with a driver who needs the reminder, and leave a review so more operators and supporters can find the show.

License plate reader cameras have become one of the most talked-about tools in towing and parking enforcement, and not always for the right reasons. Today we sit down with Marcus Oliver, VP of Security at Parkva, to unpack what mobile LPR technology actually does, how it changes nightly patrol work, and where operators can get burned if privacy and policy are treated like an afterthought. We dig into the difference between static LPR deployments and vehicle-mounted mobile systems, why “bad actors” created serious public backlash, and what real guardrails look like when you’re handling sensitive plate data. Marcus explains Parkva’s approach to retention limits (a maximum of 30 days), how disputes can still be supported with normal enforcement documentation, and why accountability and checks and balances matter as this tech spreads. We also talk accuracy, including how their system reaches about 98% across millions of reads and why extreme angles, lighting, and weather conditions are part of the test. Then we get practical for tow operators and private property enforcement teams: scanning a plate a second, auditing huge lots like stadiums and campuses, onboarding drivers quickly, and using software to simplify multi-property work. Marcus also shares where AI is headed next, including predictive enforcement ideas and route optimization that focuses time on the highest-impact areas. If you’re looking for a clearer way to think about LPR cameras, parking enforcement software, and property intelligence without hype, this one is for you. Subscribe for weekly towing industry insights, share this with a teammate, and leave a review so more operators can find the show. What’s your biggest question or concern about LPR tech right now?

A tow call can go from routine to life-threatening in seconds, and the news stories we’re seeing lately make that impossible to ignore. We start with the day-to-day realities of summer operations, including why back-to-school traffic is a real safety event for tow truck drivers and anyone running a fleet. School zones, buses, and distracted drivers change the risk picture fast, so we talk through the mindset and habits that keep operators safer on the road.  From there, we get practical with towing equipment and towing supplies. We share what’s been moving fast, then break down how we’re building flexible packages instead of forcing a cookie-cutter kit. We walk through a rotator recovery strap kit setup, why working load limits need to match across components, and the real-world reason we like certain shackle and chain configurations: faster hookups, better fit, and fewer weak points created by tight diameter bends. If you’ve ever wondered what “small hardware choices” do to performance, this section is for you.  The second half turns to towing and recovery industry news with big implications: Philadelphia’s abandoned vehicle backlog and the unanswered questions behind the numbers, two alarming cases where tow operators were threatened or shot, and a Palo Alto impound dispute that balloons into a costly investigation. We also spotlight an innovative wildfire prevention idea using recycled fire hose chain covers, plus a powerful reminder about Move Over laws and why compliance still lags. We close with a much-needed bright spot: an Iowa kitten rescue that shows towers at their best.  Subscribe for more towing news, share this with your crew, and leave a review so more operators can find the safety and equipment insights we all need.

A tow bill is easy to complain about until you’re the one standing on the shoulder at 2 a.m. trying to get traffic moving again. We get real about the towing and recovery industry, from the tools that make a heavy tow possible to the risks that come with doing the job inches from speeding traffic.  We’re joined by Richard Branch of Precision Towing (Rhode Island), who built his company from one truck into a 14 truck operation and still knows what it means to live on call. He shares what the lifestyle costs, why he treats his crew like team members, and how a tragic loss reshaped the way he preaches safety. The “Slow Down Move Over” message isn’t optional, and Richard’s making it personal by handing out pins at industry shows to keep the conversation alive.  Then we shift to towing legislation and the politics around rates, storage, and so called “predatory towing,” including pushes in Pennsylvania and North Carolina backed by trucking advocacy. We also react to a heated clip about the Invest in America Act and rising minimum liability insurance requirements, plus why underinsured trucking and delayed payments can turn a simple recovery into a long, expensive mess for everyone involved. Finally, we unpack troubling North Carolina investigative reports tied to booting and alleged criminal activity and why consistent enforcement matters as much as any new rulebook.  If you got value from this, subscribe, share the show with another operator, and leave a review so more people hear what towing really takes.

Rush-hour gridlock, a leaking saddle tank, and a stranger in civilian clothes telling the tow operator “don’t touch it” sounds like a movie scene. It was real, and it’s the moment that pushed Perry Beatty from traditional towing into hazmat spill response, environmental cleanup, and training that now helps recovery operators work faster and safer. We talk through what changed in the late 80s and early 90s as OSHA, EPA, and DOT guidelines tightened up around spills at controlled and uncontrolled sites. Perry breaks down why towing companies get stuck waiting at major truck wrecks, how certification removes that bottleneck, and why OSHA expects two trained technicians on a cleanup no matter what product hits the ground. We also cover what “responsible responder” really means: you answer to the officials on scene, you document the work, and you leave the property in the condition it was before the crash. From there, we get practical. We dig into the equipment and PPE that matter, how emergency management agencies and fire hazmat teams fit into large releases, and why cargo tank awareness is its own skill set. Perry shares hands-on training built around DOT-406, DOT-407, and DOT-412 tankers, plus the safety reality behind NFPA and API guidance on loaded fuel tanker uprighting and static spark risks. We also explore FlowStop tools designed to control leaks and protect storm drains when seconds count. Subscribe, share this with a fellow operator, and leave a review so more towers and recovery teams can find the show.

A heavy recovery can look “easy” right up until physics, ground conditions, and rushed decision-making cash the check. We walk through a real incident shared by Kentucky tow operator Josh Payne where a low-price plan, light cribbing, mismatched rigging, and zero willingness to reset led to a 60-ton wrecker tipping onto its side during a lift in unstable sand. Nobody was hurt, but the lesson is the kind you only want to learn from someone else: capacity is not the same as stability, and “possible” is not the same as “safe.” Josh also brings a sharp business perspective from running multiple divisions, including towing, transport, exporting, and a smart after-hours fleet maintenance service that helps customers reduce vehicle downtime. We dig into why off-hours work can be a win for fleets, a win for employee earning, and a win for operational planning when your busiest towing window is daytime. If you care about towing business growth, heavy recovery planning, rigging standards, and professional service, you’ll get practical ideas you can apply immediately. We close with towing news that reinforces just how dangerous roadside work can be: a sentencing in a repo driver killing, a tow operator injured when drivers fail to move over, and the real-world cost of impaired driving. We also highlight the Move Over and Slow Down initiative and spell out what motorists should do when they see flashing lights, whether it’s a trooper, a tow truck, or a stranded driver. Subscribe, share this with someone who drives for a living, and leave a review so more people hear the safety message.

One phone call can decide whether a tow job gets finished safely or turns into a long, expensive wait. We talk about what fast fulfillment really looks like at Towing Equipment Direct, including how we process orders, ship same-day when we can, and choose shipping options based on when the box will actually hit your doorstep. If you’ve ever needed a strap, cable, or recovery gear yesterday, you’ll recognize why we obsess over speed, accuracy, and straight answers.  Then we jump into the modern side of the towing industry with our guest David Kidwell, a tow company veteran from Northern Virginia who’s been creating TikTok content for years. He shares how he builds short videos, how he’s been experimenting with AI tools to get more creative faster, and what makes social media marketing feel doable even if you’re not “a content person.” We also talk about what it’s like working the front counter at a tow lot, where you hear more problems than a bartender and still have to keep your cool.  We close with Towing News Now: Baltimore’s push to tighten private property towing rules and fee enforcement, Louisville’s infamous low-clearance “can opener” chewing up detouring semis, and a hard reminder to slow down and move over when first responders and tow operators are roadside. We also cover a $160,000 settlement tied to the Service Members Civil Relief Act, and why towing compliance matters even more near military bases. Subscribe, share this with a driver who needs it, and leave us a review so more towers can find the show.

A tow call can flip from routine to life-changing in seconds, and this week’s stories make that painfully clear. We start by catching up from the Towing Equipment Direct studios, including a real-world reminder that summer heat, dehydration, and electrolytes affect how you feel and how you perform on the job. Staying sharp isn’t just personal wellness, it’s part of professional towing safety. We also share a fun behind-the-scenes experiment: AI-generated TikTok jingles made for our towing supplies and equipment brand. The point isn’t novelty, it’s clarity. Short, memorable content helps customers remember where to get the right chain assemblies, hooks, and recovery gear when they’re under pressure. Then we get into the practical details tow operators care about: rigging inspection after difficult recoveries, spotting stretch and deformation, and why pulling questionable equipment from service protects lives. Wes breaks down the most-requested chain setups we’re building right now, including specialty “do anything” chains and a short V bridle approach that makes better use of the chains you already carry. We also talk USA-made options, Crosby hooks, working load limits, and how limited-time deals work when inventory is tight. The second half turns to towing industry news: a tow truck driver shot during a service call, an operator assaulted after signaling a driver to move over, a major fire at a towing operation, and a bright spot, a creator’s thoughtful visit to the International Towing and Recovery Museum in Chattanooga. If you care about tow operator safety, recovery equipment, and doing the job the right way, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share the show with a friend in the industry, and leave a review so more operators can find it.

A tow call can feel routine right up until it is not, and this week’s stories show the full emotional range of towing and recovery. We start with devastating news out of Chandler, Arizona, where a tow operator is lost in a fiery crash. We talk through what these scenes look like, why they are so dangerous, and why it matters when bystanders and fellow professionals step in to help even when the outcome is heartbreaking. From there, we shift into accountability and public trust. We cover a Kansas City case that takes a sudden turn when the state’s key witness is hospitalized, then head to Richmond, Virginia where predatory towing allegations lead to serious prison time. We also unpack a separate Richmond-area report involving a tow truck crash, questions about insurance coverage, and an expired tow driver registration, plus the real-world impact on a small business owner who cannot get back on the road. We round out the news with towing industry consolidation updates and a look at Cleveland’s proposal to raise impound and related fees, then end on the kind of courage that defines this profession at its best: a Seagoville, Texas tow truck driver who stops, calls 911, and holds onto a man in frigid water until help arrives. If you care about tow operator safety, towing regulations, impound fees, and the future of the towing industry, you will get real headlines and real takeaways here. Subscribe, share this with a tower or dispatcher you respect, and leave us a review so more people can find the show.

A heavy duty recovery can look like “just a few hours” to the outside world, right up until you learn what it costs to be ready at 2 a.m. with the right people, training, and equipment. We’re joined by Jared Ennis of All-Star Towing and RMW Towing, a longtime leader in the Missouri Tow Truck Association, to get honest about the towing and recovery industry from the inside. We talk fleet realities, statewide coverage, and what it means to run trucks that include rotators and heavy haul equipment while still trying to keep service fast, safe, and fair. From there, the conversation turns to association leadership and how Missouri is working to modernize. Jared shares why Zoom meetings and better communication help bring in rural operators who can’t afford to lose a full day to travel, and why learning from other state towing associations can save years of trial and error. We also dig into something every tower recognizes immediately: personalities. The line that sticks with us is simple and sharp, “we should be tired of talking about each other, we should be talking to each other.” Finally, we get into the legislative fight happening right now around heavy duty towing and recovery invoices in Missouri. Jared explains the pressure towers face when recoveries go unpaid due to underinsurance or low policy limits, why “just release the truck and sort it out later” doesn’t work, and what a fair dispute process could look like, whether that’s the existing court bond system or a properly built review board with qualified industry experts. If you care about towing rates, non-consensual tow rules, trucking insurance, and how policy shapes day-to-day recovery work, this one is for you. Subscribe for more conversations that protect the craft, share this with a tower or fleet manager who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find Towing News Now.