SB1366 is the result of months of engagement by TOSC-AZ with lawmakers, public safety officials, and industry stakeholders to ensure Arizona’s towing industry has a meaningful role in discussions regarding public property towing and impound practices.

The study committee will review Department of Public Safety-initiated towing programs, operational standards, insurance requirements, rates and fees, and other issues affecting the towing industry. The legislation includes representation from both urban and rural towing operators, ensuring the industry’s perspectives are part of the conversation.

The committee’s findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Legislature ahead of the 2027 legislative session and are expected to serve as the foundation for legislation addressing public property towing and impound practices in Arizona.

The passage of SB1366 ensures that towing professionals will have a seat at the table as policymakers evaluate the future of public property towing in Arizona. TOSC-AZ will actively participate in the study committee process and continue working with lawmakers and stakeholders to advance policies that support public safety, professionalism, and a fair and effective towing system throughout Arizona.

“We thank Senator Gowan for his leadership on this important issue,” said Pete Colantoni of TOSC-AZ. “This legislation ensures the towing industry has a seat at the table, and we look forward to helping develop policies that enhance safety for public safety personnel, motorists, and Arizona’s tow operators.”

This legislative success highlights the importance of industry engagement and demonstrates what can be accomplished when towing operators work together to advocate for the future of their profession.

Flagman Inc. is the winner of the National Safety Council’s 2026 Green Cross for Safety Award in the Safety Advocacy category. This prestigious honor recognizes those who’ve made a significant impact on safety by raising awareness and bringing about change.

At its 27^th annual Green Cross celebration in Indianapolis, the NSC recognized Flagman’s traffic safety campaign to educate the public, starting with school children, about the risks emergency responders face while working roadside and the importance of Slow Down, Move Over laws.

“We’re thrilled to be recognized for our contribution to roadside safety,” said Flagman CEO/Founder Cindy Iodice. “Six years ago, my brother Corey, a tow operator, was killed in a Move Over crash. Six years later, this well-respected national safety organization has recognized his legacy.”

Recognizing the critical importance for drivers to slow down and move over for roadside workers and responders, Flagman spearheads a proactive prevention-focused initiative to address the root cause of crashes involving roadside personnel: driver awareness and behavior. “We’re laying the crucial groundwork for the next generation of safe drivers,” Iodice explains.

Flagman presentations are engaging and interactive and brings students together with police, fire, EMS, tow operators, and highway workers to understand how everyday driving decisions affect everyone on our roads.

Students learn Slow Down, Move Over principles, distracted driving prevention and how to become active passengers. They also learn how to recognize unsafe behaviors, and to speak up and influence safer choices within their families and communities.

In three years, Flagman has delivered more than 140 assemblies at 80 schools, reaching more than 40,000 students and faculty while engaging 460 first responders and roadway professionals across multiple states including Connecticut, Hawaii, and California. It plans to expand to Tennessee, Ohio, and Alabama later this year.

Flagman evolved following the 2020 death of Corey Iodice when he was hit by a speeding driver while assisting a stranded motorist. Although he activated his truck’s warning lights, a drunk driver who has since been convicted, failed to slow down and move over on the Merritt Parkway, Trumbull (CT) where Corey was working. To channel grief, Cindy developed a campaign that includes an educational component to educate the public, specifically youth, on Move Over laws and to recognize the roadside dangers police, fire, EMTs, tow operators, and highway workers face.

For more information on Flagman visit www.flagmansafety.com and other social media.

To learn more about the Green Cross for Safety® awards and other NSC awards, visit nsc.org/awards.

]]> https://towtimes.com/make-that-phone-call/ Fri, 25 Sep 2026 18:32:02 +0000 https://towtimes.com/?p=94215 My granddaughter called and after I answered the phone, she said, “Grandma, you don’t sound good.” I told her, yes, I wasn’t feeling very well. After she told me all about school, her friend’s birthday party and a whole lot more, she said, “Grandma, I’m holding the phone and sending you a hug.” Well, I had a smile on my face and I sure did feel a whole lot better.

I also received a phone call from a fellow tow lady who told me her mom was going in for surgery the next day and her daughter-in-law was still waiting to see if she would be eligible for another drug to treat her cancer. She said she just wanted to let me know what was going on with the family and I think just really needed to talk.

One of our customers just lost his wife and he himself is dealing with cancer. He’s been on my mind, so I decided to call the repair shop to see how he was doing. The manager said he actually felt good enough to come into work for a bit and was even joking around with everyone. This news did ease my mind that although he was still grieving and getting treatments, he was trying to stay positive and could find some humor.

How often do we put off calling to check up on someone, congratulate them on some achievement or award or just to say hi?

I admit, I am guilty of this, so getting those two phone calls today nudged me to call my customer and not put it off any longer. Take my advice: don’t wait – make the phone call and if necessary, tell that person you are holding the phone and sending them a hug.

]]> https://towtimes.com/observations-of-social-media-influencers-capturing-profitable-opportunities-attracting-younger-job-applicants-wheel-chock-options-and-use-a-double-tractor-trailer-recovery-and-more/ Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:30:29 +0000 https://towtimes.com/?p=93897 The Tow Times September issue covers a wide range of topics including views of social media influencers on posting to their followers and the industry, thoughts on revenue and profit opportunities, shifts in how young people think about work, and wheel chock choices and use. In our Recovery Review department, operators respond to an incident involving a burned tractor-trailer and a tractor-trailer loaded with construction equipment. Find all this and more in the Tow Times September issue.

I think the joke is, if you want to know about something, just ask Google. Depending on how the search is asked, Google will usually give you the information you are looking for, and then add a section of questions that others may have similarly asked related to your search. Here is a sampling of questions I found on towing:

How to get a towing fee reduced?

How much is it to tow a car 1,000 miles?

What are some red flags when choosing a towing service?

How much can I make owning a tow truck?

Where do tow truck drivers get paid the most?

What is the most a towing company can charge?

What are common towing mistakes to avoid?

What are some common complaints about towing services?

What is a reasonable towing fee?

The answers given to these questions need to be viewed as a guideline for that person; giving them more information to help them find a very rough idea of what they need, or prompt them to continue searching.

They always say to work smarter, not harder. Getting information so fast is both fascinating and scary to me. I guess you need to view the information you get — as the old saying goes — with a grain of salt.

]]> https://towtimes.com/guni-expands-brand-to-include-automotive-loading-ramps/ Fri, 11 Sep 2026 18:23:37 +0000 https://towtimes.com/?p=93883 GUNI press release:

GUNI Products has announced the expansion of the GUNI brand to include elite loading ramps for car carriers, car haulers and equipment trailers. Automotive professionals already know the GUNI name for its repositioning wheels. They now have a new tool to improve the vehicle-loading process as well.

“When we created GUNI Wheel, our goal was to eliminate shop downtime,” GUNI Managing Director Justin Rush said. “With GUNI Ramps, we’re taking that same philosophy and applying it to loading and transport, giving pros and enthusiasts a safer, tougher tool that handles everything from low-profile supercars to heavy-duty EVs.”

GUNI is introducing two styles of vehicle loading ramps: the Standard Duty (SD) and the Heavy Duty (HD). Both models measure 42 inches long and 10 inches wide to accommodate most passenger tires. Each ramp can be used independently or in tandem with precision-fit extensions to lengthen the approach, increase the lift height and further reduce the incline.

SD ramps are made from high-density foam and feature an anti-slip external coating to provide superior traction. Each ramp offers a capacity of 2,500 lbs. and a lift height of 4-1/2 inches. The 6.2-inch loading angle provides the right amount of clearance for low-profile vehicles, including sports cars and custom vehicles with low front valances.

Engineered to handle the weight of larger vehicles, GUNI’s HD ramps are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and offer an overall lift height of 9-1/2 inches. This tough, durable thermoplastic polymer increases the capacity per ramp to 3,000 lbs. and, when used in pairs, can support the additional weight of EVs, large SUVs and light-duty pickup trucks.

To find where to purchase a set of ramps, visit guniproducts.com and then scroll down to view the GUNI network of distributors. The item numbers for the SD are GUNI-AR-SD and GUNI-AR-SD-XL (with extensions). The item numbers for the HD are GUNI-AR-HD and GUNI-AR-HD-EXT (with extensions).

]]> https://towtimes.com/registration-open-for-traas-legislative-action-workshop-hill-day-2027/ Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:50:06 +0000 https://towtimes.com/?p=93879 Source: TRAA press release

Miller Industries, Inc. and Commercial Fleet Financing, Inc. (CFF), a leading nationwide provider of commercial vehicle and equipment financing, have announced the launch of Miller Finance Solutions.

Built specifically for the towing and recovery industry, Miller Finance Solutions brings together Miller Industries’ market-leading equipment and dealer network with CFF’s financing expertise, expanded credit capabilities and purpose-built technology platform.

The program is designed to make financing towing and recovery equipment faster, easier and more competitive. Through a streamlined application and approval process, customers will have access to a broader range of credit options, flexible financing structures, discounted program rates and payment options designed to support the unique needs of towing businesses.

Miller Finance Solutions will help towing operators move from equipment selection to financing and delivery with greater speed and confidence. Whether a customer is purchasing a first truck, replacing aging equipment or expanding an established fleet, the program provides a financing experience built around the realities of operating and growing a towing company.

“At Miller Industries, our commitment has always been to provide towing and recovery professionals with the highest-quality equipment and the support they need to succeed,” said Vince Tiano, Vice President of Miller Industries. “Through Miller Finance Solutions, we’re making it easier for customers to access the financing they need to invest in their businesses and acquire the equipment necessary to grow and serve their customers more effectively.”

“This is much more than a traditional equipment financing program,” said Erik Wong, President of Commercial Fleet Financing. “We have built a dedicated platform around Miller Industries, expanded our credit options and put competitive rates and payment solutions in place to help more towing companies acquire the equipment they need. By combining Miller’s industry-leading products and distribution network with CFF’s technology and financing capabilities, we are creating a better equipment-buying experience for towing professionals nationwide.”

]]> https://towtimes.com/aaa-provides-tow-to-go-for-labor-day-weekend/ Fri, 04 Sep 2026 16:35:43 +0000 https://towtimes.com/?p=93868 AAA press release:

AAA is activating its Tow to Go program for Labor Day weekend, offering a free and confidential ride home for impaired drivers and their vehicles in select states.

The service will be available from 6 p.m. Friday, September 4, through 6 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026, helping keep impaired drivers off the road during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Tow to Go is available to both AAA members and non-members and provides transportation for the driver and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.

AAA’s latest survey highlights the continued need for programs like Tow to Go. Nearly one in four (24%) Floridians admitted to driving after consuming alcohol, marijuana, or medications that could impair their ability to drive. Among those drivers, 18% said they got behind the wheel because they did not want to leave their vehicle unattended overnight. Tow to Go was created to eliminate that concern by providing a safe ride home for both the driver and vehicle.

“There should never be a choice between leaving your vehicle behind and making it home safely,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Our research shows some drivers get behind the wheel because they’re worried about what will happen to their vehicle. Tow to Go removes that concern and gives people a safe alternative when they need it most.”

How Does Tow to Go Work?

• Call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246
• AAA will transport the driver and vehicle to a safe location
• Service is available within a 10-mile radius
• The program is free and confidential
• Available to AAA members and non-members

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead before celebrating by choosing a designated driver, using a rideshare service, arranging a ride with family or friends, or utilizing Tow to Go if needed.

When is Tow to Go Available?

6:00 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026 – 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Where is Tow to Go Available?

Tow to Go is available in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, as well as select locations in Colorado (Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs) and Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend).

How Can I Request Tow to Go?

(855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246

About Tow to Go

The Auto Club Group has provided the Tow to Go program for more than 25 years, removing nearly 30,000 impaired drivers from U.S. roadways. When someone calls Tow to Go, a tow truck is dispatched to transport the vehicle and its owner to a safe location within a 10-mile radius. This service is free, regardless of whether the caller is a AAA member.

Over the years when I’ve seen the educational opportunities as well as all of the exhibits and social events that tow shows offered, I would think about attending — and then sigh and say, “I just don’t have the time.”

You know what though? You need to make the time for your own sanity. Life is life, but connecting with other towers in the industry at a tow show setting helps you further your training and knowledge of our ever-changing industry — from new equipment, towing software, insurance, business opportunities, finding solutions by talking to other towers, and so much more.

Mix all of that with some fun and social events, and you come back to work with ideas floating around in your head and feeling energized and relaxed.

It’s hard to leave your business for a few days, I know. There is always some anxiety, but trusting your employees will handle things while you are gone is a must and if the you-know-what hits the fan? You handle it when you get back.

The Tennessee Tow Show and Museum Weekend along with the American Towman Exposition are some opportunities coming up. Hoping you can check the calendar and say, I do have the time!