Rush Towing Systems Is Operated States

For Hard Working Towing Professionals April 2010

Rush Towing Systems // Florida Tow Show // Transformers Truck Premium 6-Ton Carrier // Interview with Harriet Cooley, TRAA Welcome

Jerr-Dan Corporation has a well-defined strategy to transform itself into a next generation towing, recovery and carrier manufacturing company. We will be integrating expertise and insights from across the entire Oshkosh organization to provide the Jerr-Dan decision-making team with the latest in technology, product development, employee training, manufacturing and customer support. Going forward, we will continue to seek strategic partnerships with the best companies in the industry in order to raise our standard of performance and continually improve our products and services. In this issue you can learn how Billings Towing and Repair Harriet Cooley, Executive Director of the Towing & Recovery Association of America, is working to enhance the in Big Sky Country professionalism of the towing industry. We strongly support her efforts. Jerr-Dan and Rush Towing Systems on Blyton Sr. started D.J.’s Towing, make a great team and we’re excited to Da towing and repair shop in Laurel, have this industry leader in our dealer Maryland in 1984. Within six years he grew the business to include five light- line-up. An article on Rush Towing Systems duty trucks, one medium-duty and one will bring you up to speed on this new heavy-duty truck. Several years later Jerr-Dan distributor. You can also learn “Our newest unit is a 2005 International when he began thinking about moving 4300 with a Jerr-Dan steel carrier with a how Rob’s Towing in Bristol, Pa., uses back to his home state of Montana, he 21-foot deck. It also serves us very well.” their amazing bulked-up Transformers found a Montana company for sale that Blyton has long been sold on the value truck to build awareness of their business. was also named D.J.’s Towing. of Jerr-Dan equipment, and as he thinks Other items in this issue include a In 1998, Blyton purchased the assets about upgrading his heavy equipment, product feature on the Premium 6-Ton of D.J.’s Towing, which had been renamed Jerr-Dan is high on his wish list. However, Carrier, an article on Don Blyton Sr., of Billings Towing and Repair. After operating he has decided to wait for business activity Billings Towing and Recovery in Billings, both companies for two years, he sold to stabilize before upgrading his fleet. the Maryland company and moved some Mont., and a preview of the Florida Tow Although Blyton has gone back to his equipment to Montana. Show - we hope to see many of you there. Montana roots, he also returns to Maryland Today Billings Towing and Repair periodically to attend the American Let us know what you think of our operates two flat-bed carriers; a light-duty Towman Exposition – the Tow Show – in magazine – and the stories you’d like to wrecker; two medium-duty wreckers; Baltimore. In addition, he has attended see – at [email protected]. We look three heavy-duty wreckers; a tractor/re- two Captains of the Industry dinners held forward to hearing from you. power unit; a heavy haul towing unit; and in conjunction with the Tow Show. a step-deck trailer. The company also has The Captains of the Industry dinner support equipment, including a bobcat, is a conclave that brings together the loader and air bags. industry’s top business leaders, largest tow “Our first flat-bed truck was a 19-foot © 2010 Jerr-Dan Corporation, An Oshkosh Corporation fleet owners, tow truck manufacturers Company. All rights reserved. Run Hard is a publication Jerr-Dan aluminum on an ’88 Ford Super and association leaders. The group’s open of Jerr-Dan Corporation. Duty Chassis. It served us well,” said Blyton. forum facilitates discussions on the Harriet Cooley, TRAA Leader and Educator

Harriet Cooley, Executive Director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), is an educator at heart and a strong advocate of lifelong learning. Since joining the TRAA in 1993 as Director of Education, Cooley has worked law enforcement personnel, dispatchers tirelessly to enhance professionalism and towers has resulted in enhanced within the towing industry. efficiency by helping ensure towers arrive Cooley holds a BFA Education in at an incident scene with appropriate English, has done postgraduate work in equipment. Cooley was instrumental in Psychology and Adult Education, and has the concept and is most grateful for the spent most of her professional career in efforts of the safety committee and Tow educational activities. For the past Times for its evolution. 13 years, Cooley has been Director of The TRAA’s 13th Annual Legislative Certification for TRAA, where she has and Leadership Conference held a panel served as Executive Director since 1998. discussion of industry leaders in March to “I see my job as an educator,” said discuss important issues, including updated Cooley. “The Association is in a unique training standards and tower invoicing position to educate towers on what they to improve payment communications. need to be compliant, how to become Panel members included towers who have better integrated with their local business succeeded in securing payment based latest industry trends and issues, including and community leaders, and how to raise on liability coverage in insurance policies, sharing information, techniques and their company profile and be seen as an and others who have used videos, DVDs best practices. important resource in their communities.” and photos to illustrate their invoices. “The sharing of information on unique Cooley is proud that TRAA has the only Approximately 100 top industry and once-used methods of towing or national certification for towers. She wrote influencers attended, including towers, recovery through the Captains of the the Cooperative Agreement that TRAA manufacturers and insurance representa- Industry dinner has been the biggest received from the Department of Trans- tives. At the conference, Jerr-Dan also benefit,” added Blyton. “Also, it’s great to portation/Federal Highway Administration made a financial contribution to support meet different people and observe how to develop a National Driver Certification the association’s mission. they improve the industry’s image by Program for tow truck operators in light-, “Jerr-Dan strongly supports the raising awareness of how dangerous or medium- and heavy-duty modules. Towing and Recovery Association of complicated a recovery/tow can be.” Since the certification program was America’s efforts to continually share Blyton also believes that to survive in a implemented in 1995, TRAA has tested best practices and improve the industry’s down economy, towers need to eliminate more than 13,000 drivers nationwide. professionalism,” said Brent Yohn, Jerr-Dan or minimize unnecessary expenses while She is also instrumental in TRAA’s Vice President and General Manager. “The maintaining an aggressive business current effort to develop a national towing industry plays a vital role in our sense. And customers must be the service training standard that will be incorporated communities, and we endorse TRAA’s work provider’s main concern. into the National Driver Certification with law enforcement agencies to improve “Without customer service in today’s Program. This will be a huge step in efficiency and safety at the incident scene.” market, you won’t be in business long,” unifying the towing industry and will Cooley is proud of TRAA’s work in the cautioned Blyton. “A lot of tow rates are serve to elevate it among other towing industry. “We are the organization being cut to try to maintain business, but responders including law enforcement, that helps everyone connect as a I don’t agree. We try to achieve a most fire, EMS, Transportation and Public Safety. team – law enforcement, EMS, hazmat, fire reasonable rate, yet still maintain a profit TRAA also created the Law Enforcement departments and towers,” she explained. on every tow. We’ve also aggressively Vehicle Identification Video and V-ID card. “Our members serve important roles and sought new avenues of towing, including This system of communication between TRAA helps unite these groups.” motor clubs.” visit us at www.jerr-dan.com Distributor Profile: New Rush Towing Systems Serving Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico

ush Towing Systems is the of truck chassis brands, including Rexclusive Jerr-Dan dealer in Peterbilt, Ford, Hino, GMC, Isuzu and UD. Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Rush Enterprises operates the Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, largest network of heavy- and Rush Towing Systems provides sales, medium-duty truck dealerships in service and support for the full line North America. Its current truck of Jerr-Dan light-, medium- and heavy- operations include a network located duty carriers and wreckers. throughout the southern United Rush Towing Systems is operated States. Rush Towing Systems and by Rush Enterprises, and features 22 Rush Truck Centers represent industry locations, 400 service bays and an leading brands, and it makes sense extensive parts inventory across its for Rush to represent Jerr-Dan, the three-state Jerr-Dan service area. leader in the towing and recovery The company also offers a wide range market as well. “We’re extremely pleased to have of 22 state-of-the-art service, parts and products and services,” added Orf. the opportunity to represent Jerr-Dan collision centers offers exceptional ser- “The Oshkosh and Jerr-Dan wreckers and carriers through Rush vice support for all makes and models. reputation for designing and building Towing Systems and the support of Because the sales force at Rush the world’s toughest specialty trucks, Rush Truck Centers in Texas, Oklahoma Towing Systems understand trucks, bodies and access equipment and New Mexico,” said David Orf, Rush not just bodies, they can create the compliments Rush’s network of Towing Senior Vice President. “Rush has optimum combination and spec to knowledgeable sales specialists and a reputation for offering industry-leading serve Jerr-Dan customers. And thanks exceptional service support.” brands and Jerr-Dan is no exception.” to Rush’s reach and scale, they can work Rush Towing Systems offers the with Jerr-Dan to adapt and develop full line of Jerr-Dan bodies, including products for specific market demands. standard-duty wreckers, 14- to 60-ton “Oshkosh and Rush have shared wreckers, 60/70 and 85-ton rotators and visions and missions to be the premier aluminum and steel carriers. Its network provider to the specialty industry in

visit us at www.jerr-dan.com Jerr-Dan to Make a Big Splash at the Florida Tow Show

The Jerr-Dan Kick-off Party on Thursday evening will feature free food, live demonstrations and fun for all ages. A Jimmy Buffet cover band will also play all those great tropical-flavored Jimmy Buffet songs. The food, fun and music, plus the excitement of seeing old friends and making new friends make this a party you won’t want to miss. Other activities include free seminars by prominent industry speakers; the USAC/MD Charity Golf Classic; the The Florida Tow Show® International Expo – Tow Truck Beauty Contest; the PWOF Women’s Luncheon the greatest show on earth – will be held in with fabulous speakers; a Mini Driving Contest; Pimp Your Orlando, Florida, April 15-18. The show offers Tow Truck demonstration; the Allstate Awards Banquet fun activities for the whole family, including free food, and much more. demonstrations and entertainment, plus gorgeous Florida The Florida Tow Show’s new host hotel is the Hilton sunshine. The Florida Tow Show’s unique indoor/outdoor in Walt Disney World Resort. Located directly across from format has been a favorite with show attendees for years. downtown Disney in Lake Buena Vista, the Hilton host hotel Don’t miss Jerr-Dan’s new 20,000-square-foot display has been reserved exclusively for show attendees and at the Florida Tow Show featuring several of its latest special rates are available. Everyone is invited and we hope towing and recovery vehicles. to see you there.

a Show-Stopping Super Vehicle uperman, Spiderman, Road Runner, When calls come in, the professionally- On a recent call, Rob’s Towing Sthe Lion King, the Transformers – trained staff at Rob’s Towing assess the personnel used the Transformers truck almost everyone knows these popular situation and dispatch the proper and operated off the side with twin animated cartoon characters. Now Rob equipment to ensure a fast and safe winches to stabilize and recover a truck- Leipziger, owner of Rob’s Automotive & recovery. For the biggest jobs, Rob’s load of frozen beef. When everything was Collision, Truck and Towing in Bristol, Pa., Towing relies on the Transformers truck, completed, the load was gently lowered and Lyon’s Towing in Chester, Pa. has a Jerr-Dan 70/85-ton Heavy-Duty Rotator. to the roadway and not one ounce of beef taken these cartoon characters to a new The 70/85-ton Heavy-Duty Rotator was lost. The police and other emergency level as an art form. possesses best-in-class lift, reach, stability, responders on hand were very impressed. By putting one of these iconic images rotation and recovery. It features a “Seventy percent of my business combination of heavy-duty capabilities, on each of his 11 heavy-duty Jerr-Dan is caring for and servicing trucking incredible rotation and unsurpassed heavy wreckers, Leipziger has created a companies like J.B. Hunt, U.S. Express and pulling capacity. The boom rotates a full special identity and given his wreckers, others. That’s our bread and butter, and 360 degrees, is rated at 120,000 lbs. while and his company, a unique personality. we provide service, service, service,” said the boom is retracted, and can handle a His customers know they’re in good hands Leipziger. “Our business takes an integrated when they see Superman or Spiderman side pull of more than 68,000 lbs. “The 85-ton Transformers truck can approach, and we do whatever it takes arrive on the scene and take charge. to help our customers be more productive “Our Jerr-Dan heavy wreckers do a great reach 42 feet in the air. It’s capable of retrieving 80,000 pounds and can rotate and be able to focus on their business. job for us,” said Leipziger. “We just became 180 degrees, so it’s great for tight working We’re set up to get the job done.” the heavy tower for the Philadelphia Police and Parking Authority on Interstate 95, areas,” said Leipziger. “At a and Jerr-Dan trucks are especially valuable 25-foot extension, the on tight highways and cloverleaf ramps Transformers truck where space is at a premium. With our can lift two main and two auxiliary winches we 120,000 have the ability to recover a vehicle out of pounds a ditch and hold back the contents for a and still very smooth recovery.” rotate.” Product Profile

Premium 6-Ton Carrier Reliable Performance, Extraordinary Strength The Premium 6-Ton Carrier from Jerr-Dan is both beauty and beast. But while its strength is readily apparent, thanks to Other Premium 6-Ton Carrier features include: Jerr-Dan’s advanced engineering and manufacturing processes, this rugged, dependable carrier’s beauty isn’t only skin deep. Body An optimized design provides up to 50 percent more • Dual lighted control stations with durable polycarbonate strength without compromising weight. The standard 102-in.- placards, polyethylene hoods and no-lube polished wide deck features a full-length 10-gauge, 50-ksi pressed- aluminum handles diamond decking for strength and performance. The deck’s • Universal reinforced rigid tubular steel subframe larger, roll-formed rubrails provide twice the structural strength • Larger tilt cylinder saddles of traditional angle iron rubrails, and the exclusive weld process • No-lube pivot joint technology utilizing composite bearings helps ensure a smooth outer surface for a beautiful appearance. and hardened plated pins The Premium 6-Ton Carrier features a standard low-profile, • No-lube high performance replaceable slide pad system heavy-duty approach tip that provides easier loading and long • Flexible nylon carrier tracking system for hydraulic hoses and life. The bed is rated at 12,000 lbs. and is available in 19-, 20- and wiring harness 21-ft. lengths. Underneath, larger 6-in. cross members provide • Adjustable rear tilt stabilizer bumpers 5 percent more strength than other 12-in.-spaced designs. This beauty also has larger hydraulic tilt cylinders that Deck increase lifting capacity and stability. In addition, the roll • 50 KSI, 10 GA (0.1345”) diamond steel decking cylinder hydraulic routing uses more steel line than competitors • 50 KSI, 11 GA (0.1196”) formed 6-in. wide x 2-in. high for enhanced durability, a cleaner appearance and improved corrosion-resistant steel cross members spaced 6-in. apart paint coverage. • 6 x 12 lb/ft wide flange steel main deck beams Easy and safe to operate, the Premium 6-Ton Carrier has an • Reinforced low-profile tapered approach tip optional wireless, non proportional remote control system for • Steel roll-formed channel flush style rubrails with stake pockets all functions. Other available options include a powerful, on 24-in. centers higher profile 10-head PRIZM light bar that provides more than • 6-in. high removable sectional steel tubular raised rails 100 percent better light output, a bolder look and striking • Two chain and binder trays abreast of winch performance, and a 78-in. by 21-in. by 20-in. universal toolbox • Heavy-duty lock/hold down system with stainless steel door covers.

visit us at www.jerr-dan.com A new day begins.

See us at the 2010 Florida Tow Show. April 15 –18 Orlando Hilton • Walt Disney World www.ﬂ oridatowshow.com Or check us out at www.jerrdan.com

WHATEVER IT TAKES

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