Member Outreach and Update – Winter/Spring 2025

 

To the members of the PTA,

This news update is way overdue.  There has been a lot happening behind the scenes, and while we have been posting on Facebook, we can do more details in a letter.  So here is what has been happening since January 1st.

Our lobbying firm, SGA, is at work for us in Harrisburg.  We had a strategic meeting with them and Rep. John Lawrence to discuss what the priorities are for this legislative session.  First and foremost is getting paid under liability coverage.  The second is being able legally tow oversized/overweight vehicles.

Thanks to member Pablo Matos of Matos Towing, Wayne McDade and Gwen Null were able to sit down with Pablo and his state representative Manny Guzman.  Rep. Guzman is on the Appropriations and Transportation Committees.  We were able to express concerns, frustrations, and challenges that we as an industry face.  He took our concerns and questioned the PA Insurance Commissioner, Michael Humphreys about getting paid under property damage liability coverage.  Commissioner Humphreys had received a letter the week before from the PTA regarding this matter, which he referenced in his response to Rep. Guzman.

Because of that interaction, some of the board members were able to have a zoom call with the commissioner and his staff regarding this issue.  The door has been opened and we are pushing on through.  We are requesting a directive like what Maryland, Delaware and Virginia have.  Those directives say the towing company is to be compensated for removal of a vehicle and any debris after an accident.

We need your help to accomplish this.  The commissioner was not aware that this was an issue.  He said they hear plenty of complaints about towing companies and what they charge, but had not previously heard about insurance companies refusing to pay.  If you are a digital person, go online at https://www.pa.gov/agencies/insurance.html and contact the commissioner thru this site.  The phone number is 1-877-881-6388, or send a letter to Commissioner Michael Humphreys, Pennsylvania Insurance Department, 393 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA 17120.  Now is your chance to help make a difference for every towing company in Pennsylvania.

Several members of the board met with Major Krol, Sgt. Cutshall and Lt. Rei at State Police Headquarters in Harrisburg regarding updates to FR-6.  Most of the changes are procedural regarding handling complaints against towing companies.  They told us they will be looking at social media pages for company owners and officers.  They will be doing biannual inspections of towing companies and that towing companies have to reapply every 2 years to be on the towing list.  Background checks will be done on all listed drivers and only those drivers who pass will be permitted to be on a PSP call.

Another change is that any complaints about billing will be turned immediately over to the attorney general’s office to investigate.  We were also told that as long as what is on the invoice is listed on our posted rates at our place of business, the charges should stand.

Major Krol did discuss the rotation.   Planned changes include limiting how many companies are in a municipality.  They won’t be taking anyone off, but they won’t be adding more on to the crowded locations.  And ultimately, it is up to the barracks commander how the rotation will work for that patrol area.  The biggest complaint that I hear is about the rotation.  I am not a fan of it.  It makes no sense to have a rotation in the more rural areas where a towing company takes an hour to get on scene as opposed to the towing company that is 10 miles away.  But unfortunately, we have no say in how the rotation is set up or enforced.

Members of the PTA attended TRAA’s Day on the Hill where we had a chance to meet with Pennsylvania representatives and discuss towing issues on the national level.

We have had a very busy first quarter, but we aren’t stopping.  We continue to work for the good of our industry.  If you have not renewed your membership, please do so now.  We need to have the members and their dues to continue to make things happen.

Thanks for your support,

Gwen Null, President

 

Safety in the Towing Industry: Essential Practices for Protection and Compliance

The towing industry is one of the most demanding and hazardous fields in transportation. Tow operators often face roadside risks, unpredictable weather, and fast-moving traffic. To mitigate these dangers, prioritizing safety practices is crucial. Three key elements stand out as essential for ensuring operator safety: wearing ANSI-compliant apparel, properly securing the load, and following correct tie-down procedures.

 

High-Visibility ANSI Apparel: A Lifesaving Necessity

Tow operators frequently work in low-visibility conditions, such as night shifts, fog, or heavy rain. Wearing ANSI-compliant high-visibility apparel is vital to ensuring drivers can see operators from a safe distance. Reflective vests, jackets, and pants designed to meet ANSI Class 2 or Class 3 standards provide enhanced visibility, reducing the risk of roadside accidents.

 

Load Securement: Preventing Deadly Incidents

Loose or improperly secured loads pose serious hazards to both tow operators and other motorists. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations mandate that all items on a commercial vehicle be properly restrained. Additionally, Pennsylvania General Assembly Title 75, Chapter 49 outlines strict requirements for securement. These rules are designed to prevent debris from falling onto roadways, which can lead to severe accidents, injuries, or fatalities. Using proper tools like ratchet straps, chains, collision wrap and load binders is essential to meeting these safety standards.

 

Proper Tie-Down Procedures: Securing the Vehicle with Precision

When towing a vehicle, following proper tie-down procedures ensures stability during transit. Key steps include:

  • Using four-point tie-down systems to evenly distribute pressure.
  • Ensuring straps or chains are secured at frame points or designated anchor locations.
  • Regularly inspecting tie-down equipment for wear, fraying, or damage.
  • Applying appropriate tension to prevent shifting without over-tightening, which can damage the vehicle.

 

Conclusion

Safety in the towing industry is more than a best practice—it’s a responsibility that saves lives. By wearing ANSI-approved gear, properly securing loads, and following correct tie-down procedures, tow operators can protect themselves and others on the road. Investing in these practices not only ensures compliance with industry regulations but also reinforces a culture of safety within the towing community.

The PTA safety committee wishes everyone a safe and prosperous year!

 

Pennsylvania Towing Association Secures Small Games of Chance License to Support Industry Advocacy

The Pennsylvania Towing Association has recently obtained its Small Games of Chance license, marking an important step in fundraising efforts to support the towing industry. With this new license, the association plans to host raffles and other fundraising events in the near future to generate crucial funds for its lobbying initiatives.

The towing industry faces constant challenges, from regulatory changes to safety concerns. The Pennsylvania Towing Association works diligently to advocate for policies that protect tow operators, improve roadway safety, and promote fair industry standards. However, effective lobbying requires resources—and that’s where community support comes in.

The association is calling on towing companies across Pennsylvania to get involved. By participating in upcoming raffles and supporting these fundraising efforts, towing professionals can help strengthen the association’s voice in Harrisburg and beyond.

Every contribution plays a role in advancing policies that protect towing operators and ensure the industry’s long-term success. Now is the time for towing companies to unite, support the association’s efforts, and invest in the future of Pennsylvania’s towing industry.

Stay tuned for more details on upcoming raffles and fundraising events!

 

Seasonal Considerations with Your Equipment

As the weather warms, and the daylight grows longer, we often get in a hurry to put winter behind us. That is a good thing, however we can’t move too fast when it comes to our equipment. We need to make some key inspections and adjustments between the seasons.

 

Clean Makes You the Green

Winter is harsh on everything, including your trucks. Here in the Northeast the deicing agents used on the roads are very destructive to our equipment. A proper cleaning is not usually feasible during the winter so we settle for a quick rinse, however once the weather warms and the threat of snow and ice is gone a deep cleaning is called for.

Use low pressure water to rinse the salt and chemicals from your truck otherwise you risk forcing the corrosive material into the cracks and seams, accelerating the damaging effects. Once you have done a good low pressure rinse, with the truck up in the air if possible, then you can use a good foam or soap bath and some high pressure hot water. Be careful not to force water into electrical components, past wiring connectors or into the vents on your axle, transmission and engine.

 

Inspect It Like You’re About to Buy It

Once clean, a thorough inspection can be completed. Starting underneath the truck, inspect all exposed wiring harnesses, air lines, brake lines, hydraulic lines and anything else subject to frays or abrasions. Catching these now, before they rub through, will save you money and the embarrassment of having a failure when a customer is with you!

Pay close attention to any moving parts, looking for signs of fatigue or excessive wear and make sure everything is lubricated per the manufacturer’s recommendations. It is easy to overlook a few grease fittings when the equipment is covered with road grime, snow, ice and salt. These missed fittings will become visible after the cleaning you began with.

 

Floating on Air

Winter can be especially harsh on rubber. Closely inspect your air suspension, tires, belts and hoses. Using a good quality, calibrated tire gauge, check the inflation pressure on all your tires. This may seem simple but as the outside air temperature changes your tire pressure can fluctuate, and once it gets warm out the lower pressure will cause rapid heat build-up that can lead to tire failure.

While you are checking the tire pressure you should also check for the tire date, making sure the tire is not too old (it happens on seldom used specialty equipment) and check for signs of dry rot on both the inside and outside sidewalls of the tire. Tire failure on any truck is bad but on a heavy wrecker it can be fatal!

 

The Blood and Sweat of Your Truck

Oil, both engine and hydraulic, is literally the blood of your truck and must be kept clean. Most towers do a good job of performing regular engine oil changes but when was the last time you changed your hydraulic fluid? Hydraulic fluid attracts moisture naturally and your hydraulic system is not fully sealed, it needs a vent to allow the system to function, so there is an easy way for moisture to get into the tank. The same is true about diesel and gasoline, which also tend to collect condensation inside of partially filled tanks.

Hydraulic fluid should be checked for moisture and changed as needed, at least as often as the equipment manufacturer recommends. It is a best practice to change the hydraulic fluid at least once a year, usually in the fall (to remove any moisture before the temperatures drop below freezing), however you may find it best to change it twice a year using a summer blend to prevent overheating and a winter blend to maintain a good flow rate in colder weather. Always change the filter whenever you change the fluid.

Fuel system treatments generally are not necessary unless your tank shows signs of algae blooms or moisture. If these are present then use the appropriate treatment and change your fuel filters a few times until the contamination is gone.

 

Keep the Shiny Side Up

Don’t forget that your truck is a moving advertisement for your company brand and as such it should be kept as clean as possible. Spring is a great time for detailed polishing and waxing, which will help remove the tarnish of the road deicing chemicals and provide a longer lasting OEM paint finish. When washing painted surfaces, wash from the bottom up and only as much as you can wash and rinse before it dries. This will help prevent streaking and discoloration.

A good coat of wax will work as a surface protectant and make subsequent washing easier through the rest of the season. Do not apply wax in the direct sunlight, use a shady spot or apply indoors if possible.

 

Staying Cool

Lastly, be sure to service your engine’s cooling system by checking the coolant level, effectiveness and the quality of the additives using coolant test strips or any other test methods. Top off or replace as required. Also be sure to inspect the fins on the radiator, charge air cooler and air conditioning condenser, plus any other cooling devices, for damage or debris. These can usually be cleaned with gentle water or air pressure, blowing or rinsing from the inside out. BE careful not to bend the fins as this will reduce air flow and cooling effectiveness.

Check your heating and air conditioning system for performance and replace any cabin air filters as needed to ensure your cab remains comfortable for your team, and your customers. Heat illness is serious and having a cool cab to relax and refresh in is a great way to beat the heat and stay healthy.

 

Closing thoughts

You have received this edition of Members Update because you are a past, current or future member of the Pennsylvania Towing Association.  If you have not renewed your membership, please complete the enclosed application.  If you have never been a member, now is a great time to join up.  We also accept contributions to the lobbying fund.