tow life Archives

Service Provider tips to stay safe during winter weather

December 18

As I sit at my desk pouring over weather reports from around the country, I can’t help but think back to my days as a tower. As I sip my warm coffee, I get a slight chill up the back of my neck looking at temperatures dropping and snow totals starting to pile up. That old familiar feeling, “business is about to pick up.” While 2020 has not been a normal year by any stretch of the imagination, there’s still a few things that are certain, one of those things being when there’s winter weather, towers are going to be busy. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks for staying safe during the winter months, and I’d like to share them with you, our Service Provider network. Some of these pearls of wisdom were handed down from the “old-timers,” others I learned from my own mistakes.

HONK’s 2020 Year In Review

December 16

This year was unlike anything that we could have ever imagined. In a time of great adversity, 2020 turned ordinary people, like towing and roadside professionals, into heroes seemingly overnight. It was their perseverance that continued to inspire the HONK Team to innovate – helping to make the day-to-day life of a Service Provider easier by moving the industry towards a more digital and efficient future.

We’re proud of our accomplishments and efforts this year, and while it was hard to just pick 10 things for us to mention in this blog post, our work together over the last 12 months has pushed us towards a place that will help us accomplish some of our long term goals in 2021.

Let’s start with number 10.

Service Provider tips to minimize damage claims

December 9

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to towing damage claims, a picture can SAVE you a thousand or more dollars. We encourage our Partners to be proactive during the course of a service, by documenting any damage that is noticed before they touch or move the vehicle.

Damage claims are an expensive aspect of the auto industry according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. In 2019 an average property damage claim was $4,525.

HONK Partner Series: Flight Road Services

November 25

Going Digital Saves Time, Money, and Countless Headaches

Isiah Haggins had just received a layoff notice and buyout from General Motors when the factory where he worked closed its doors for good. He had always dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and running his own business and felt the time was finally right to make it happen. As it happened, Isiah started part-time towing prior to the General Motors shutdown. Because of this experience, he decided he liked the idea of helping customers on his own terms and decided to start a towing business.

5 tips for digital transformation success in the towing industry

November 20

From the technology that goes into trucks to the platforms businesses use to dispatch and communicate with their operators – the towing and roadside industry is undergoing a major transormation as it adapts to the rapidly advancing digital world.

The time to become a “Leader” within the industry is now. Customers today expect immediacy and convenience. Digitally transforming your business can help you achieve those goals.

So whether you’re towing cars, fixing flat tires, providing fuel deliveries or offering jump starts, these 5 tips can help you get ahead of your competition and set you up for success in the future.

A HONK PSA: Slow Down, Move Over, Save Lives

October 8

It’s October and it’s high time we have discussions about the importance surrounding the safety of tow truck operators, and all the ways we can get involved to help spread awareness about Move Over laws. Naturally this month, we’re thinking about candy, virtual costume parties, and of course, all things pumpkin-flavored. And while Covid-19 has changed many things over the last 7 months, one thing has remained constant– and that is our need to continue raising awareness around Move Over laws nationwide.

HONK Partners with Spiffy to keep Tow Operators safe

June 23

It’s been 6 months since we began hearing whispers of the world’s latest health crisis, the coronavirus. The nation as a whole began to implement stricter health and safety protocols and as for the tow operator; no more ride alongs. Stemming from an overbearing lack of available resources to sanitize truck interiors, this presented new concerns about seeing customers safely to their destination. The question became what does “going back to normal” for the towing industry look like? Today, HONK has partnered with Spiffy, the nation’s leading provider of mobile disinfection services, to help give our Partners access to tools that will allow them to continue to be successful in the post-COVID “normal” ahead.

Safety Gear Dedicated Towards Keeping Women In Towing Safe

June 17

Melissa Gaglione, a 6-year veteran of the towing and roadside industry, is the founder of Safety4Her, a clothing company specifically designed to provide high-visibility gear for women in hazardous work environments. She was inspired by her own experience as a woman in the towing industry. Over the years, she struggled to find comfortable safety clothing that fit properly. The clothing available that would comply with state regulations was always too long, too wide, and/or too heavy.

Tow truck operators are essential: The Unsung Heroes

April 24

As I walked my dogs this morning, I noticed a tow truck loaded with a government service vehicle. To be honest, 4 months ago I would not have taken a second look. It was a normal occurrence, a car being towed. However, I found myself thinking what would happen if tow truck operators weren’t operating during this pandemic? Who is there to help the essential worker when their car breaks down? What would happen if that vehicle belonged to a healthcare professional who is on the front line of battling this illness and was on their way to their shift at the hospital?

HONK Partner Series: NFL Towing LLC

April 17

Tiffany and her husband Arme Elliott of Mesquite, TX have always worked as members of the transportation industry. When they decided it was time to transition to a local-based lifestyle after years on the road, Arme began working for a towing and roadside company.

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