American Towing and Recovery Institute onThe Go

Hosted by Grey Door Productions LLC

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Episodes

218

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Each week Wes Wilburn talks about the towing industry. In every episode Wes talks about the important events and latest information. Keep up to date with the latest training and speaking engagements throughout the country.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 16, 202629 min

Safety, Accountability, And The Stories Shaping Towing Today

A tow call can feel routine right up until it is not, and this week’s stories show the full emotional range of towing and recovery. We start with devastating news out of Chandler, Arizona, where a tow operator is lost in a fiery crash. We talk through what these scenes look like, why they are so dangerous, and why it matters when bystanders and fellow professionals step in to help even when the outcome is heartbreaking.From there, we shift into accountability and public trust. We cover a Kansas City case that takes a sudden turn when the state’s key witness is hospitalized, then head to Richmond, Virginia where predatory towing allegations lead to serious prison time. We also unpack a separate Richmond-area report involving a tow truck crash, questions about insurance coverage, and an expired tow driver registration, plus the real-world impact on a small business owner who cannot get back on the road.We round out the news with towing industry consolidation updates and a look at Cleveland’s proposal to raise impound and related fees, then end on the kind of courage that defines this profession at its best: a Seagoville, Texas tow truck driver who stops, calls 911, and holds onto a man in frigid water until help arrives. If you care about tow operator safety, towing regulations, impound fees, and the future of the towing industry, you will get real headlines and real takeaways here. Subscribe, share this with a tower or dispatcher you respect, and leave us a review so more people can find the show.

June 2, 202629 min

How The Missouri Tow Truck Association Modernizes And Fights For Fair Recovery Pay

A heavy duty recovery can look like “just a few hours” to the outside world, right up until you learn what it costs to be ready at 2 a.m. with the right people, training, and equipment. We’re joined by Jared Ennis of All-Star Towing and RMW Towing, a longtime leader in the Missouri Tow Truck Association, to get honest about the towing and recovery industry from the inside. We talk fleet realities, statewide coverage, and what it means to run trucks that include rotators and heavy haul equipment while still trying to keep service fast, safe, and fair.From there, the conversation turns to association leadership and how Missouri is working to modernize. Jared shares why Zoom meetings and better communication help bring in rural operators who can’t afford to lose a full day to travel, and why learning from other state towing associations can save years of trial and error. We also dig into something every tower recognizes immediately: personalities. The line that sticks with us is simple and sharp, “we should be tired of talking about each other, we should be talking to each other.”Finally, we get into the legislative fight happening right now around heavy duty towing and recovery invoices in Missouri. Jared explains the pressure towers face when recoveries go unpaid due to underinsurance or low policy limits, why “just release the truck and sort it out later” doesn’t work, and what a fair dispute process could look like, whether that’s the existing court bond system or a properly built review board with qualified industry experts. If you care about towing rates, non-consensual tow rules, trucking insurance, and how policy shapes day-to-day recovery work, this one is for you.Subscribe for more conversations that protect the craft, share this with a tower or fleet manager who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find Towing News Now.

May 26, 202635 min

Inside Canada’s Towing Crackdown And The Fight Over Fair Rates

Tow trucks don’t just move broken cars, they sit at the intersection of public safety, insurance money, and human panic. That’s why our conversation with Joey Gagne lands hard. Joey has built a major towing operation across Southern Ontario and now serves as president of the Canadian Towing Association, giving him a front-row view of what happens when regulation meets real-world roadside chaos.We talk about Ontario’s push to clean up the towing industry after consumer abuses and shocking violence, including burned trucks and shootings. Because Canada has strict firearm laws, Joey explains why gun crime around towing signals a serious criminal element, and why that leaves legitimate operators at a dangerous disadvantage. We also dig into accident chasing and the on-scene sales pitch that can feel like “help” to a rattled driver but can spiral into exploitation of both consumers and insurers.Then we get practical: how Canadian no-fault auto insurance differs from the US system, why “nuclear” lawsuit exposure changes everything for commercial operators, and why governments often reach for towing rate caps even when caps can punish honest companies while bad actors simply shift where they extract money. Joey lays out the uncomfortable truth that many tools already exist, from consumer protection rules to highway traffic laws, but enforcement gaps and inconsistent policing keep the cycle going.If you care about towing safety, fair towing prices, roadside enforcement, and how to stop towing fraud without crushing small operators, you’ll get a lot out of this one. Subscribe, share the show with a friend in the industry, and leave us a review with your take: is the fix better laws or better enforcement?

May 3, 202631 min

Louisiana Towing Bills Explained

A few lines of legislation can flip towing and storage operations on their head, especially when the public assumes the tower is always the problem. We sit down with Jared Vornado, owner of Vornado and Sons Towing and Recovery in Denham Springs and president of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Louisiana, to walk through what’s happening at the Louisiana Capitol and what it means on the ground for towers, storage yards, rental car companies, and drivers who just want their personal property back fast. We break down Senate Bill 431, the weekend access proposal sparked by a real-world dispute, and why the goal of fair access can still create unintended burdens if the language turns into a permanent “gotcha” rule. Then we shift to House Bill 728, a push to close loopholes that let out-of-state companies do intrastate work in Louisiana while avoiding Louisiana insurance and compliance, undercutting the operators who play by the rules. The biggest fight is Senate Bill 263, backed by rental car pressure and tied to the Louisiana Towing and Storage Act. We talk through shorter notification timelines, stricter documentation requirements, and the high-stakes penalty that could wipe out storage charges over a missed notice. Jared explains why the real bottleneck is often the Louisiana OMV process for out-of-state registrations, why towers shouldn’t be forced to search inside vehicles for paperwork, and what smarter solutions could look like, including third-party lookups and VIN-based search tools. If you operate in towing and recovery, manage fleet risk, or care about fair consumer access, this one is essential. Subscribe for more, share this with a towing pro in your network, and leave a review with your biggest question about these bills.

April 24, 202635 min

How A Myrtle Beach Towing Owner Pushes For A Police Tow Rate Increase

A tow contract that hasn’t changed since 2012 sounds harmless until you price a new truck, renew insurance, fuel up, and try to hire a solid driver who will do the job safely at 2 a.m. That’s the pressure behind our conversation with returning guest Rick Rayner from Quality Towing and Service Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.We walk through how police authorized tow rates can get stuck for a decade while the cost of doing business keeps climbing. Rick explains what “max fees” do to real-world scenes, why “just absorb it” is not a plan, and how rate neglect eventually shows up as slower response, older equipment, and a harder time keeping skilled operators. He also shares what it takes to get traction locally: showing up, building relationships, and being willing to be the squeaky wheel when everyone else stays quiet.You’ll hear a clip of Rick speaking directly to city council, laying out the basics any municipality should understand about towing and recovery services: capital investment, liability exposure, wages, and the need for sustainable pricing to keep roads safe and traffic moving. We also touch on practical tools, including how he used AI to help draft a more polished statement before delivering it in his own voice.We close on the human side of the towing industry by honoring three lives lost this week and reading “The Dash,” a reminder that our work is about more than invoices and contracts. Subscribe for more towing industry news and interviews, share this episode with your crew, and leave a review so more towers can find the show.

April 5, 202615 min

You Can Get Specialty Recovery Rigging Without Guesswork

When you’re on the side of the road, the “best” towing gear is the gear that connects fast, holds right, and doesn’t make you fight it. We sit down with Wes and April Wilburn to talk about what’s changing at TowingEquipmentDirect.com, why their customers keep saying the same thing, and how hands-on product support can be just as valuable as the hardware you’re buying.We get into the practical stuff tow operators actually care about: specialty chains built for real workflows, hook choices that make securement smoother, and simple rigging upgrades that can save time under pressure. Wes breaks down a few customer-favorite solutions, including V1-style setups that help you build flexible chain bridles, plus strap-chain connectors designed to reduce unnecessary binding while still giving you solid attachment options. If you’ve ever wondered how to choose the right towing and recovery rigging for your day-to-day calls, this conversation makes it easier to think through.We also talk ordering and fulfillment, including why shipping speed depends on whether an item is in stock, being built in the shop, or drop shipped through distributor relationships. You’ll hear how to reach them for custom chain lengths or specialized configurations, and why their growing library of quick product videos helps operators understand working loads and fit before they buy. We also touch on their broader recovery gear lineup, including synthetic options like wheel straps, tire slings, round slings, and polyester flat recovery straps.Check out www.towingequipmentdirect.com, use coupon code podcast 10 for 10% off, and call 910-747-9000 if you need something custom. If you found this helpful, subscribe, share it with a tow buddy, and leave a review so more operators can find the show.

March 17, 202641 min

A Towed Car In Myrtle Beach Triggers An ATF Bomb Response

A car gets towed after a traffic stop. Twelve hours later, police show up at the tow yard with one message: evacuate, the vehicle may contain bomb-making materials. That’s the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina story we break down, and it’s a gut-check for anyone in towing and recovery, dispatch, or impound operations.We’re joined by Rick Rahner and Robin Rahner from Quality Towing in Myrtle Beach to walk through what happened step by step: where the vehicle was stored, how close it sat to their office, what it felt like to clear employees and customers out, and what it costs a business to shut down for hours while the bomb squad, SLED, and ATF work the scene. Their firsthand account highlights the real safety stakes of police rotation towing and the need for better communication when a “normal” tow isn’t normal at all.We also hit major towing industry news from Georgia, including the heartbreaking death of tow operator Frank Ingram, the frustration around accountability, and why Slow Down Move Over laws still aren’t respected even though they exist in every state. Finally, we touch on Georgia House Bill 184 and the questions it raises about compliance, fees, and third-party systems.Subscribe, share this with a tow operator you respect, and leave a review. What’s the first change you’d make to your yard safety protocol after hearing this?

February 23, 202627 min

A Reminder of What a Great Company Cardinal Towing Is

In case you missed it.......A bold merger sets a new standard for towing safety, training, and career growth. We bring together Cardinal Legacy Towing Group and the American Towing and Recovery Institute to create the American Towing and Recovery Training Division, headquartered in St. Louis with a permanent training facility on the way. From light-duty recoveries to EV incidents and fire and rescue coordination, we map out a practical plan to raise skills while protecting the people who step onto the shoulder every day.Curtis Barks joins us to share how consolidation can empower small operators without erasing local identity. We dig into real numbers—pay bumps around 18 to 21 percent, life and health insurance, dental and vision coverage, and 401(k) matches—and why scale helps beat soaring insurance costs. The conversation spans St. Louis, South Florida, and Kansas City, showing how shared dispatch, group buying, and open training days create a network where you can call for help, trade knowledge, and go home safe.Safety is the throughline. We talk about the move over mission, first-responder realities, and partnerships with Backstoppers and Guns & Hoses that support families and address trauma. Then we look ahead: a 10-acre campus designed for water scenarios, advanced recoveries, and comprehensive pathways for new entrants, veterans, and experienced hands who want to lead. With mentors like JT Reeser and Wes Wilburn, we’re building a pipeline that treats towing as a skilled trade—respected, well paid, and ready for the next decade’s challenges.If you care about professional training, fair pay, and getting every operator home at the end of the shift, this conversation is your roadmap. Subscribe, share with a teammate, and leave a review with the one scenario you want our training facility to simulate next. Your ideas will shape the curriculum we build together.

February 18, 202627 min

Snow, Socks, And 1,000 Classes Later

Frozen shoulders, tight yards, and a clock that never stops—this conversation dives into how real towing teams stay safe and sharp when the weather and the work stack the odds. We start with the small habits that compound into big wins: spare socks to fight moisture, warm hats and gloves to preserve judgment, and a plan to avoid the traffic side whenever possible. Those choices may sound simple, but they are the difference between a long career and a long recovery.From there, we open up our next chapter of training. Partnering with the Cardinal Towing Legacy Group, we’re pairing hands-on recovery education with practical leadership coaching. When supervisors can brief clearly, delegate under pressure, and turn near-misses into team learning, crews run smoother and incidents drop. We also address the realities of urban towing—scarce storage, tight timelines, and constant traffic—by leaning into preplanning, precise communication, and disciplined rigging. Add ice or snow to that picture, and you need checklists, not guesswork.We map out a packed schedule, including EV awareness modules, a two-day heavy-duty recovery series, and a multi-day advanced course in St. Louis built around loaded-unit scenarios and smart rotator use. If you’ve been waiting to level up your team’s technical skills—and their leadership—this is your moment. As we edge toward our 1,000th class, we’re grateful for everyone who has hosted, learned, and taught with us. The mission hasn’t changed: make the roadside safer, one well-trained operator and one well-led crew at a time.Subscribe, share this with your team, and leave a review with your top winter safety habit—what’s the one practice you never skip on a cold call?

January 27, 202641 min

Building A Rapid Spill Response Business with Perry Beatty

Roads close, fuel leaks, and everyone looks around for the team that can make the chaos stop. We sat down with Perry Beatty—a towing veteran turned hazmat innovator—to map the journey from $8 tows to rapid spill response, patents, and hands-on training that helps operators control scenes faster and safer. If you’ve ever wondered how a towing company can expand into environmental cleanup without losing focus, this story is your blueprint.Perry walks us through separating the hazmat business for cleaner liability and brand clarity, then turning existing trucking clients into a ready customer base. We dig into the moment speed became strategy: authorities needed rapid response, and towers already lived by the phone. That mindset powers everything—from blocking storm drains to vacuuming product and documenting cleanups for insurers. Perry also shares the origin of FlowStop, his inflatable, chemical-resistant drain plug that converts storm drains into temporary containment and keeps fuel out of creeks and ponds.Training takes center stage with a towing-specific approach to HAZWOPER and annual refreshers, plus a deep dive into cargo tank awareness. We cover grounding and bonding, safe transfer of Class 3 flammables, vapor control after offload, pick and lift points for uprighting, and why DOT data shows fuel hauler rollovers are far more common than most think. Perry’s mobile simulators bring it to life with water-based drills, dome clamps, pressure transfer, and real-world tactics that translate to the roadside. We’re teaming up for live classes in North Carolina and Alabama to blend hazmat procedure with recovery best practices so crews can handle both halves of a dangerous scene with confidence.If you lead a towing team, manage safety, or want to build a spill response arm that actually responds, this is a must-listen. Subscribe, share with your crew, and leave a review to help more operators find these tools. Want in on the next class? Visit hazmatrn.com and hit Registration, or call 636-800-ATRI for details.