Had a brand new Caddy "Dance" with an old POS Colorado truck... Couldn't figure out how the Cadillac got hit in the rear but T Boned the truck and flipped it in to the ditch? The truck was missing half of it's frame rails due to rot issues, no inspection...so I'm going to doubt it has insurance... Only "saving Grace" may be that it was the Cadillac's fault so maybe we get lucky and get paid for both...

This is never a good combination. Customer called us that their driver couldn't get up the hill coming in to town. Our area is all mountainous and every road is either strait up or down... The hill is steep and a problem every year. They closed school today so PennDOT usually waits till it stops snowing before they go out. Rather then have an issue, I just towed him the mile or two and dropped him in the entrance of the Distribution Center he was going to. You can winch them out but typically they will be still stuck. Especially with the tires used today and auto transmissions.

A gas truck slid off the edge of the driveway and got caught on the black top. He couldn't get the tires to hop up the 5 or 6" drop and it was getting close to a tree. I did a 2 part line to the front knowing it would lift right out. Once the front was out, I pulled ahead for the rest of the job. I put a piece of blocking down to help the tires get some lift but it was an aggressive edge and just wouldn't walk out of the hole in the back... So I ran a second line to a block on the tree and pulled the rear sideways as it came forward... Finally it muscled out... Off to the next one...

Subject: A Message to the Fleet To my fellow operators and industry brothers and sisters, As we close out 2025 and stand on the doorstep of a New Year, I wanted to take a moment to speak to the men and women who spend their lives walking that thin white line. The holiday season is a time for family and celebration, but for us, it’s the most dangerous time of the year. While others are heading home to their loved ones, the risks we face on the roadside are doubling. Between the holiday rush, distracted driving, and those who choose to get behind the wheel after drinking, the highways have become a literal minefield. We have a simple goal: Everybody goes home tonight. So far, 2025 is shaping up to be one of our safer years on record. That is a testament to your professionalism, your training, and your vigilance. But we cannot let our guard down now. A single second of distraction—ours or theirs—is all it takes to change everything. As we move through these final weeks and into 2026: Watch your six: Never trust the traffic. Keep your head on a swivel and your eyes on the move. Look out for each other: If you see a brother or sister on the shoulder, slow down and move over. If you see someone taking a risk, speak up. Safety over speed: No hook-up is worth a life. Take the extra thirty seconds to ensure your scene is as safe as it can be. Let’s carry this momentum of safety into the New Year. Let’s make 2026 the year where we see even fewer tragedies and more operators returning home to their dinner tables every single night. Stay safe, stay visible, and let’s look out for one another out there. Happy Holidays and a Safe New Year to you all.

Bostonian Towing is hiring a Tow Truck Driver (Cambridge, MA, USA)

AAA press release: AAA is once again offering its life-saving ‘Tow to Go’ program to help keep impaired drivers off the road this holiday season. The service will be active from 6:00 PM on Wednesday, December 24, 2025 through 6:00 AM on Friday, January 2, 2026, across select states. ‘Tow to Go’ provides a free, confidential ride and tow for impaired drivers and their vehicles to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. Open to both AAA members and non-members, the program is designed as a last-resort safety net when other options, like a designated driver or rideshare, fall through. “The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, but it also carries a greater risk of impaired driving,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “AAA urges Floridians to plan ahead and make responsible choices to keep the holidays both safe and festive. Tow to Go is our gift to the community, ensuring everyone gets home safely to enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.” How ‘Tow to Go’ Works: Available: 6 PM Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025 until 6 AM Friday, Jan. 2, 2026 Call: (855) 2-TOW-2-GO Where: Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte), Indiana (Fort Wayne and South Bend) What: A free tow and ride home within 10 miles for impaired drivers Who: Available to both AAA members and non-members Note: Service cannot be scheduled in advance and should only be used as a backup plan Why It Matters: • Alcohol-impaired driving is involved in nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic deaths. In 2023 alone, over 12,000 lives were lost in alcohol-related crashes – that’s one every 42 minutes. AAA’s “Crashes Hit Different” campaign reminds us that behind every crash statistic is a real person: a parent, a friend, or a neighbor whose life is forever changed. These tragedies are preventable, and programs like Tow to Go are part of the solution. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

With the holidays approaching, we wanted to take a moment and thank all of our providers for what they have done to help our customers throughout the year. We value your partnership and cannot be successful without you. Please have a very happy and safe holidays!

Has anyone made use of red safety line lights, the ones used on forklifts? Saw it come up as an idea on a YouTube video. It seems like it could be an interesting option to cast off into the closest active lane to try to encourage cars to stay out of that safety zone. Has anyone actually tried them?

For those here that work with AAA, is this a difficult job? Locked the keys inside.

I’ve been looking around to see what the average heavy duty toe rate is in Massachusetts. What are you guys charging per hour port support and are you doing any minimum?

...And then the towing industry says "Not Today"...LoL I had all kinds of plans yesterday afternoon but that didn't happen. Got a 100 mile tow to Jersey for a Freightliner w/ a transmission problem... As I was coming up to the rest area where it was disabled, I see one of our competitors popping out of a cross over on the interstate. As soon as I saw it, I thought this guy called multiple towers for the job... I pull in & back up to the truck, and then they came rolling past me. I asked the guy "Did you call another company?" and he tells me yes but they were going to be delayed and were supposed to call before coming. Still pisses me off...If I would of been 30 seconds later, the other guy would of got the call. This is why I don't take a lot of these O/O calls...they always got a guy who is cheaper and they are typically bad business people. Dropped it at a shop in eastern NJ. On the way home, I get a Uhaul call for a 20' truck and figured I would just get it with this truck on my way back.. Arrived on scene and I wasn't going to fit down the driveway with the tree limbs. Turned up the customer gave the keys to the truck to the rental dealer 20 miles away for some odd reason? So trying to winch it out of where it was, locked up in park, just wasn't worth the effort. My grandson went down to the dealer for the keys and then went back to the scene last night to get the truck... Brought back to our shop for mechanical repairs.

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Any time we end up with trucks that may be questionable, high mileage or inspection issues, I won't attach my name to them. We send them to the JJ Kane Auction in Philadelphia. Here is a GM Dump that went down for the last sale... My grandson took it down. It was a shame because it only had 10k miles on it and a 13 or 14 but it had rust in the chassis that was going to be an issue.

Eddie did a Penske last night and displayed OUR Friday Night Lights...

Had a loaded packer with a cab fire break down on a pretty steep hill yesterday...45 deg in the pouring rain....Dam life is good!...LoL Oh and to make it even better?...a press in U-joint to help you reminisce about old times... Well at least it's work....

Geri Roskopf Our 10-year-old grandson just received his black belt — it took him five years of hard work and discipline. We could not have been prouder as he accepted the belt from his sensei and teacher. The smiles on both of their faces were priceless as they conveyed such happiness — a moment to share in such a great accomplishment. There are five core principals of karate: “focus on character development beyond physical skill, seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor or always try hard to do or achieve something, respect others, and refrain from violent behavior: emphasizing integrity, loyalty, effort, courtesy, and self-control as fundamental to a true martial artist’s life, both inside and outside the dojo”. When I looked at those five core principals of karate, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the spirit of a 10-year-old to continue learning to use those principals not only in his karate lessons, but beyond in the sports he plays, at school, and at home. These will follow him through his adult life. I will take a moment to brag about what a great kid he is, but believe me when I say he is still a typical boy, fighting with his brother and sister, and he is always hungry. As towers, while we are not learning karate movements and receiving different belts of achievement, the core principles certainly can and should apply to all aspects of our lives at work, home and within our communities. A common belt progression is: White Belt: Beginner, Yellow Belt: First level after basics, Orange Belt: Growth, Green Belt: Developing skills, Blue Belt: Reaching higher, Purple Belt: Transition, Brown Belt: Advanced student, Black Belt (Shodan): Mastery of fundamentals, starting a new journey. Which belt do you think you would be at right now? View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Source: PACCAR press release: PACCAR Parts has been named a 2025 Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation by the Women in Trucking Association (WIT) for the seventh consecutive year. The company also received the Elite 30 distinction, recognizing companies with the highest number of industry-wide votes. Inclusion among the Elite 30 reflects the voices of over 21,000 transportation professionals who participated in WIT’s voting process. “We are proud to be recognized for the seventh consecutive year as a Top Company for Women to Work in Transportation and to join the Elite 30,” said Bryan Sitko, PACCAR Parts General Manager and PACCAR Vice President. “This honor reflects our continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that supports professional growth and advancement. We thank the Women In Trucking Association for this recognition and for their ongoing support of women in the transportation industry.” PACCAR Parts believes diversity in the workplace increases innovation, well-rounded decision-making and employee engagement. The company supports career advancement through its mentorship program, Diversity Council, and involvement in the PACCAR Women’s Association. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

TRAA press release: Registration is now open for TRAA’s 8th annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day. Next year’s event will take place on Tuesday, February 24 to Wednesday, February 25, 2026. This premium event is the towing and recovery industry’s only National “Hill Day”. Each year we focus on topics that align with TRAA’s legislative priorities to improve the towing industry. We work collaboratively during constituent and group meetings with members of Congress, regulators, and staffers to secure essential support for legislation and regulations that impact the towing and recovery industry. This is your opportunity to make real, substantial change for the whole towing community and have fun with industry friends while doing it. Early Bird Pricing: TRAA Member: $699 ($200 member discount) Non-Member: $899 The event will again be held at the Royal Sonesta Washington DC, Capitol Hill! Steps from the U.S. Capitol Building, Senate office buildings, Union Station, National Mall, and local restaurants. The discounted room rate is $379/night plus applicable taxes (the nightly amenity fee is also waived). We have a limited number of discounted rooms, so secure your room via the reservation form now. Tentative event schedule: (Updates to come as more are added) Tuesday – February 24, 2026 Registration & Breakfast Legislative Workshops on Policy Priorities and Hill Day Meeting Prep Session Panel of Capital Hill Staff to discuss Transportation Priorities Lunch Panel of USDOT Officials State Association Sharing National Hill Monuments Night Bus Tour Wednesday, February 25, 2026, “Hill Day” Constituent Meetings with Members of Congress (meetings facilitated by TRAA’s federal lobbying team) Members of Congress Meet & Greet on Capital Hill TRAA Dinner – Hill Meeting report out Click here to register or visit traaonline.com *Early Bird pricing ends 12/31/2025. TRAA membership subject to verification. View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Our 10-year-old grandson just received his black belt — it took him five years of hard work and discipline. We could not have been prouder as he accepted the belt from his sensei and teacher. The smiles on both of their faces were priceless as they conveyed such happiness — a moment to share in such a great accomplishment. There are five core principals of karate: “focus on character development beyond physical skill, seek perfection of character, be faithful, endeavor or always try hard to do or achieve something, respect others, and refrain from violent behavior: emphasizing integrity, loyalty, effort, courtesy, and self-control as fundamental to a true martial artist’s life, both inside and outside the dojo”. When I looked at those five core principals of karate, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the spirit of a 10-year-old to continue learning to use those principals not only in his karate lessons, but beyond in the sports he plays, at school and at home. These will follow him through his adult life. I will take a moment to brag about what a great kid he is, but believe me when I say he is still a typical boy, fighting with his brother and sister, and he is always hungry. As towers, while we are not learning karate movements and receiving different belts of achievement, the core principals certainly can and should apply to all aspects of our lives at work, home and within our communities. A common belt progression is: White Belt: Beginner, Yellow Belt: First level after basics, Orange Belt: Growth, Green Belt: Developing skills, Blue Belt: Reaching higher, Purple Belt: Transition, Brown Belt: Advanced student, Black Belt (Shodan): Mastery of fundamentals, starting a new journey. Which belt do you think you would be at right now? View the full article and more on TowTimes.com

Had a half loaded propane truck that missed the entrance and found a deep ditch with the right side of the truck... In hind site, it would of been a good job for the rotator to lift the rear of the truck up and swing it over. Honestly, I kind of wanted to hook in to something with weight to see how this truck would sit... It was leaning good and the pumpkin was sitting on the ground. One of the problems with snow recoveries like this is you can't tell what's under there. many times you find railroad ties, rocks & landscaping....ect. I took a step over too far and ended up to my groin in the snow. I said well that gives us an idea how deep the ditch is...LoL If I can, I like to hook high on the tank and use it as a "Lever" to roll the truck towards the high side. The bottom line is all of the resistance is on the rear tire in the hole. Once the resistance is overcome, the truck will role right out. But in this case, I couldn't get towards the front of the truck and there wasn't a good hook point up high. So I went through the wheel with a rim sling and the second line around the rear frame. I had the driver release the brakes and just put it in drive to walk over anything that was in front of the tires. It walked right up & out... 50% in the tank so I figured it to be around 25-26,000lbs gross. Sorry I didn't get more pics but the police rolled up on us as we were just starting and we were blocking the highway so I was rushing. This was the 1st day using the truck...there will be a lot more...

Hi Everyone, I am Todd Reish from Custer LED, I have been in the Towing and Safety lighting business with Custer Products for more than 27 years. ( wow, feeling kind of old saying that ), We sell and manufacture towing /safety / agriculture lighting in Massillon Ohio. I am sure I have met many of you at one of the Towing shows over the years. We offer personalized service, and our customer service team is the best. We answer every call every day, and our technical team, and new products team will always help you find what you need. If you ever need any kind of lighting advice or help choosing the best wireless towing light bar for your needs, please give me a call. Todd Reish Custer Products Ltd. 330-490-3158

Add a reply to this topic with both Regular & Diesel Prices in your area. Thanks WASHINGTON, DC (December 18, 2025) – This holiday season is delivering cheaper gas prices as travelers hit the road in record numbers. The national average dropped more than 4 cents since last week to $2.89. This is the cheapest December at the pump since the end of 2020. Crude oil prices remain low, and despite an increase in gasoline demand over the holidays, supply is strong. Overall, 2025 has been a stable year for the national average with few fluctuations and no sharp spikes. The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same this past week at 38 cents. For the complete fuel report, including the latest EIA data, state gas and EV charging price trends, and oil market dynamics, please visit AAA Fuel Site.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years, especially on highway jobs like, how easy it is for drivers to feel rushed. Traffic, impatient motorists, law enforcement pressure, weather, dispatch calling… it all adds up fast. For me, that pressure shows up most right before a lift, when pre-lift checks can easily get rushed or skipped if you’re not disciplined about them. As an owner, I’m still working on ways to slow things down without killing efficiency or confidence. We talk a lot about checklist habits, communication, and backing each other up on scene, but I know every company handles this differently. I’d really like to hear from others: What systems, habits, or expectations have actually worked for you to keep pre-lift checks solid when everything around you is pushing speed? Looking forward to learning how others manage this, especially on heavy-duty or high-risk calls.

UTPA Membership Meeting this Saturday, the 20th. This meeting will be closed to members only and will cover all the changes and updates that take effect on January 1st. Not a member, join today at the link below: https://app.fluidpay.com/checkout/d6312152-13a7-4caf-80b6-0854ca7acce7

Protecting Roadside Workers: "Slow Down, Move Over" AAA responded to over 860,000 emergencies last holiday season. That is just AAA, never mind all others. Every time a car pulls over, a tow truck driver, police officer, or stranded family is at risk. The Law: In all 50 states, you are required to Move Over a lane for vehicles with flashing lights. The Reality: If you can’t move over safely, you must Slow Down significantly as you pass. A Simple Goal: Give them the "office space" they need to work so they can go home to their families, too. The NHTSA refers to December as the "3D Month" because of the spike in three specific dangers: Drunk/Impaired Driving: December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. With holiday parties in full swing, always have a "Plan B" (rideshare, designated driver, or staying over). Distracted Driving: With 122 million people traveling, navigation apps and "where are we?" texts are constant. Set your GPS before you shift into drive. Drowsy Driving: The "holiday hustle" leads to exhaustion. If you feel your eyes getting heavy, pull over. A 20-minute nap is better than a lifetime of regret. If you want to avoid the most high-stress (and high-risk) traffic, AAA and INRIX suggest following this schedule: Date Worst Time to Drive Best Time to Drive Sat, Dec 20 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM After 9:00 PM Sun, Dec 21 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM Before 11:00 AM Mon–Tue (Dec 22-23) 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM Before 10:00 AM Wed–Thu (Dec 24-25) Minimal Traffic Anytime Fri–Sun (Dec 26-28) 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Before 11:00 AM Mon–Tue (Dec 29-30) 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM Before 10:00 AM Before you leave, do a quick "T-B-F" check: Tires (pressure and tread), Battery (cold weather kills old batteries), and Fluids (especially wiper fluid). Your message is a great reminder that the most important part of the holiday isn't the destination, it's arriving there safely. Have a safe and wonderful holiday!