Tow Business Podcast artwork

Tow Business Podcast

123 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★★ - 128 ratings

There’s No Business Like Tow Business
Running a towing business in today's world is tough. The Tow Business Podcast focuses on towing business topics and discusses all topics that relate to owning and operating a successful towing company. We welcome all show ideas and feedback.

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Episodes

All Things Traxero - 120

March 18, 2024 12:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MB

Traxero's products help glue the business side of our industry together by offering several pieces of software, services, and hardware that integrate in a way we've never before seen. Dispatching software, payment systems, GPS, dashcams, auctions, and more. Whether you're using a pen and paper wondering if it's time to go digital or a 20-year veteran of digital dispatching wondering if there is a better way, give them a call. This episode discusses many of the integrated solutions they off...

National Open Commerce and Safer Highways Coalition - 119

March 04, 2024 13:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MB

Recently the FTC and FMCSA announced new rules that would adversely affect the Towing Industry and those who supply and support the industry. Luckily, a large group of towers from around the nation worked tirelessly to create a new Coalition not only to fight against these new proposed rules but to combat the negative stereotypes and misunderstanding of the costs and challenges we face while trying to keep America's roads and commerce flowing. NOCSHC isn't simply talking about doing someth...

Falsely Accused - 118

February 16, 2024 16:03 - 1 hour - 52.5 MB

There is a war being waged against the towing industry by insurance companies and trucking companies simply trying to improve their bottom line. We all know there are bad actors within the towing industry but they are few and far between. We are all currently being accused of being that small group and people are manipulating the data in an attempt to crush our industry so they can increase their profits. This episode is a must-listen for every tower in the United States. We told you thi...

Listener Feedback and Follow-ups - 117

February 05, 2024 13:00 - 58 minutes - 46.9 MB

A listener sent us a great email asking us follow-up questions about previous shows. We chose several of his questions to respond to.   Miller Industries Traxero HAAS Alert Safety Cloud  ERSCA

That Not So Crazy TRIP Invoice - 116

December 30, 2023 00:21 - 59 minutes - 48.1 MB

A major auto club has come out in support of Congestion Charges. We also discuss the Not So Crazy TRIP Invoice that is in the news and try to provide some insight to the costs of participating in the TRIP Program.

Invest in Yourself - 115

December 18, 2023 12:10 - 52 minutes - 42.2 MB

Are you tired of your boss not buying the latest greatest tow gadgets? Maybe it's time to realize the benefits of investing in yourself and paying your own way on the path to success. Applying for a job? Be careful how you do it. Put some thought into your words and tone while applying digitally. There's trouble brewing for towers in Massachusetts if they charge admin fees as a percentage. Miller Industries Traxero HAAS Alert Safety Cloud ERSCA

Towing News and Scams - 114

December 04, 2023 12:05 - 1 hour - 54.1 MB

Our show from August 30, 2020, on workplace behavior pops up.  More PPI news from Memphis, Tn. ATRI's Predatory Towing Report. SSTA supports legislation to allow additional fees on EVs. There's a new towing scam in town.   Miller Industries Traxero ERSCA - Emergency Road Service Coalition of America HASS Alert Safety Cloud

The Tow Industry is for Sale - 113

November 20, 2023 12:44 - 1 hour - 50.2 MB

There's a lot of news about tow companies being gobbled up by some large players. What's going on, why now? We also revisit two recent topics and want to know if your company has seen a slowdown in heavy call volume in the past six months. Miller industries Traxero HAAS Alert Safety Cloud ERSCA  

Memphis PPI Trouble and That Big Green Toolbox - 112

November 06, 2023 12:54 - 1 hour - 50.9 MB

What in the world is going on at that truck stop in Memphis? We also discuss that big, green toolbox that ended up on its back and the one simple thing the owner of it could've done to prevent it and a few other topics.

Industry Talk - 111

October 23, 2023 11:18 - 1 hour - 51 MB

We discuss several tow industry topics we've recently heard about or found on the Tow Business and other towing pages. Miller Industries ERSCA Traxero HAAS Alert Safety Cloud

A Little Tow Industry Drama - 110

October 09, 2023 12:00 - 53 minutes - 42.7 MB

We all know that the tow industry is almost 100% drama free... not this episode. We've just come back from the Tennessee Tow Show and this is the first show of season 15.   Miller Industries Traxero ERSCA HAAS Safety Cloud

Industry Discussion - 109

August 28, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 48.7 MB

Tow Business Podcast discusses various topics facing the Towing Industry today. We strive to put out the best business-friendly information to towers everywhere that they can consume when they want to. We discuss various topics. Recent legislation, Employee Retention Credits, Online marketing mistakes. Please support our Show Partners: Miller Industries Traxero HAAS Safety Cloud Emergency Road Service Coalition of America ERSCA

Harmful Insurance Tactics and AI in Towing - 108

August 14, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 48.8 MB

We discuss tactics the insurance companies seem to be using to pay us less, while they are also convincing our legislators that towers are the problem. Artificial Intelligence is entering the towing industry quickly and we explain how. Tow Business Podcast discusses current topics occurring in our industry and presents ideas to help your towing business be a profitable, rewarding, success.

Donate to the Survivor Fund - 107

July 31, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 53.2 MB

Tom Parbs with HAAS Alert and Lee Roberts come on the show to discuss the importance of more industry support of the Survivor Fund and different ways you can support it.

ERSCA's Legislative Efforts and More Q & A - 106

July 17, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MB

We discuss ERSCA's current legislative efforts and fundraising program. The show then finishes with a few more questions from our Tow Business group on Facebook.

Tow Business Group Q&A - 105

July 03, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 50.1 MB

We discuss some great questions that have been asked on our Tow Business FaceBook Group recently. This is part one of a two-part series

Pros and Cons of Regulations - 104

June 19, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

Nobody likes to hear about new towing regulations but can they be developed in a way that helps the entire industry? Sam Johnson with Captial City Towing comes back to discuss this from the overregulated state of California.

Disrupting the Industry - 103

June 05, 2023 12:00 - 47 minutes - 38.7 MB

What will it take to bring much overdue, positive change to our industry? We could learn a lot from watching the plumbing and HVAC industries. Do we need a major disruption?

A Success Story 2 - 102

April 23, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 51.5 MB

We're back with another Success Story. Conor Gleason with Priority Towing in Arizona joins us to discuss how he went from a startup on day one to the successful fleet owner he is today. 

Tow Summit Recap 101

April 09, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 48.7 MB

Another epic Tow Summit is in the books. This was the first summit to take place on the left side of the country in San Diego and it seemed to attract many new faces. We run through the sessions and the overall experience and value you get while attending the annual Tow Summit.

Discussing a Tragedy - 100

March 26, 2023 12:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MB

We had different plans for show #100 but unfortunately, another driver failed to slow down and move over which resulted in the loss of another tower's life. The tower was a long-time friend and fellow operator in the town where one of the hosts lives. The show's first half discusses this awful tragedy that should not have happened for so many reasons. The second half of the show covers Brad & Jeff's entry into towing, the origins of the show, and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the t...

Getting Paid on Recoveries - 99

March 12, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 62.2 MB

As insurance companies tactics to avoid paying claims evolve, the recovery company's tactics must also evolve if we want to be able to survive in business. Our guest lays out some best practices to help us do just that. Jamie Rhines with Tucker Albin & Associates returns for a show packed with great advice.

Challenges of a Startup - 98

February 26, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 49.5 MB

This episode continues our discussion about startup companies. We discuss some of the challenges facing a new tower and some of the issues they need to consider when they decide it's time to add more trucks and drivers. We welcome our new show partners. Emergency Road Service Coalition of America (ERSCA), and HAAS Safety Cloud come on board with Miller Industries, Traxero Go, and Auction Simplified. They all help to keep the show going so let them know you appreciate their involvement. N...

Insurance for Start Ups - 97

February 13, 2023 22:39 - 1 hour - 58.7 MB

JC Bautista with Sierra Pacific is back to discuss best practices for shopping for your first insurance policy when you start your business. This is one of the most popular questions and problems we see mentioned on the towing pages on social media. Of course, these tips could very well save you money at your next renewal too.

TRIP is Broken - 96

January 29, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 64 MB

We start the first show of the new season by talking about a very interesting paper that was sent to us regarding a study done by one of the "Volume Aggregators". Then we move on to why Jeff's company decided to withdraw from Atlanta's TRIP Program after 15 years.

The Story of Tow Truck Wags - 95

December 18, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 52.9 MB

About six years ago Brian Wagaman left a tough part of his life behind to pursue a career in towing. Now he's here to tell the story of how he has now become towing's biggest social media star with hundreds of thousands of followers.

Who Sets Your PD Rates 94

December 04, 2022 13:00 - 51 minutes - 41.3 MB

We discuss several subjects including who and how are your PD rates set, supply chain problems continue, and do you have a support truck in your fleet.

End of the Year Topics - 93

November 13, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MB

The end of the year and the holidays means there are several things towers are thinking, doing, or should be doing to finish up and head into the new year.

Industry Talk - 92

October 30, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 58.9 MB

Tow shows to flat tows, we discuss a few things from our industry

Flagman Safety - 91

October 16, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 62.2 MB

Flagmansafety.com was created to raise awareness and provide education to increase workplace safety for those who work along America's highways. Please visit flagmansafety.com, support the cause, and find out what you can do to help.

Shane Coleman - 90

October 02, 2022 12:00 - 49 minutes - 39.9 MB

Shane Coleman explains what will be covered in the upcoming Rigging and Winching class in Atlanta in October. Then Brad and Jeff address a listener's question about training agreements

Shelli Hawkins - 89

September 18, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 80.4 MB

Shelli Hawkins plays host and we're the guests Tow Business Podcast is your source for towing business and operations information since 2019.

Ken Rocker with Eaton/Cummins - 88

August 28, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 48.8 MB

Eaton and Cummins teamed up to develop an all-new, automated transmission that will change the way you look at automatic transmissions in class 8, heavy-duty trucks. Ken Rocker joins us to discuss what went into the process of starting with just an idea and turning that idea into a game changer for the towing industry.

Industry Talk - 87

August 14, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 51.2 MB

Intercompany communication, upcoming tow shows, and why you probably need to find a hobby are a few of the things we talk about on this episode.

Insurance Shake Up 6 Months Later - 86

July 31, 2022 17:09 - 1 hour - 61.4 MB

Progressive Insurance decided to not renew any of their existing tow company policies earlier this year. JC Bautista returns six months later to describe the fallout. This isn't just a California problem, it's a tow industry problem. This could happen anywhere and you need to be prepared.

ERSCA One Year Later

July 17, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.3 MB

ERSCA has grown to have a strong national presence in a very short time. Please visit ersca.org and subscribe to our youtube channel

Industry Talk - 84

July 03, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 58.5 MB

We ask and answer a few industry questions. What do you do if a Youtuber approaches you? Do you allow your operators to wear shorts? These are just two of the subjects we hit in this episode

Trucksafe Consulting - 83

June 19, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 69.5 MB

Trucksafe Consulting at trucksafe.com help towing and transport companies stay safe and compliant in the vast, sometimes confusing world of transportation regulations. Check out their videos

Lee Roberts - 82

June 05, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 51.2 MB

Lee Roberts moved from England, bought a heavy wrecker, and is now one of our industry's current-day success stories. Hear the story from Lee himself

New Regulations Coming Soon - 81

May 01, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MB

Maryland HB 487 just passed. Is life for Maryland towers about to get tough? Who doesn't like working long hours cleaning up someone else's cargo only to be told you must give it back whether someone pays you or not? Head over to ERSCA.org and check out their legislative alert.

Would You Rather (Towing Edition) - 80

April 17, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 62.7 MB

Would you rather work 50 years at a great company you love working for before you retire or would you rather work only ten years at a tow company you can't stand? These are some of the questions we answer on show 80.

Tow Company Taxes - 42 Replay

April 03, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 71.4 MB

This is a Tax Season replay. Lacey Harner CPA is now Pathway CPA Group. We speak with Lacey Harner of Pathway CPA Group about the proper structure and accounting basics every tow company owner needs to know.

Fuel Price Solutions - 78

March 20, 2022 12:00 - 1 hour - 60.4 MB

Social media can be good or bad. Lately, some of the suggestions on how to cope with high fuel prices are bad. Jeff and Brad go through some of these terrible suggestions and then offer a few good ones.

Supply Chain Issues - 77

March 06, 2022 13:00 - 50 minutes - 41.1 MB

Jeremy Ervin with MHC Kenworth joins us to discuss the causes of the chassis shortage and what's being done to help. Towards the end of the show, we talk about chassis specs and how to avoid some common mistakes

Convoys and Regulations - 76

February 20, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 53.9 MB

There's a bit of a traffic jam in Ottowa thanks to their truckers who have simply had enough of their federal government's overreaching regulations. The push for federal regulation here in the U.S. in the heavy recovery industry seems to be getting louder. What's next?

Tow Insurance Shake up - 75

February 06, 2022 13:00 - 1 hour - 53.9 MB

We know the towing insurance market has been pretty volatile and unpredictable over the past few years but things just got a lot worse for towers in California. JC at Sierra Pacific discusses the major changes involving Progressive as well as a lot of great info to help you be more knowledgeable as you approach your next policy renewal.

Listener Topics - 74

December 26, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MB

For the final show of 2021, we talk about a stubborn excavator, a car underwater that keeps playing hide and go seek, as well as more listener suggested topics.

Responses to Listener Suggestions - 73

December 12, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MB

Jeff & Brad talk about some things going on in each of their areas and then respond to some topics suggested by listeners.

Lot Management Policies - 72

November 28, 2021 13:00 - 50 minutes - 40.4 MB

We discuss how both of us handle holiday scheduling for the staff and move on to talk about different lot policies to help keep vehicles more secure and simple policies we feel may reduce the liability of non-employed, non-insured people being on our yards

2021 Tow Summit - 71

November 14, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 50.2 MB

It's no secret that both hosts are huge fans of the annual Tow Summit and the 2021 Tow Summit at Captiva Island Resort was no exception. The info you receive from the speakers as well as the side conversations that take place with like-minded towers can't be matched by any other event. This year's summit focused on the new world we are all having to navigate. Trucks shortages, parts shortages, employee shortages, you name it, it was discussed. Mike Matousek from OOIDA even returned (kind of) ...