WINNER OF CAR CARRIER RAFFLE ANNOUNCED BY CTTA, WORLDWIDE EQUIPMENT SALES, JERR-DAN CORPORTATION, AND ROUSH CLEANTECH

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Sacramento, CA. – July 1, 2020
A winner has been announced in the California Tow Truck Association Foundation raffle, which was supported by generous donors at Worldwide Equipment Sales, Jerr-Dan Corporation, and ROUSH CleanTech.

Shawn Kitson of Stuckman Towing in Syracuse, Indiana was awarded the prize: a 2019 Ford F-650 Worldwide Equipment carrier with Jerr-Dan bed and ROUSH CleanTech propane system. The CTTA is extremely grateful to all who participated in the raffle, as all proceeds benefit the CTTA Foundation, a 501(c)3 dedicated to providing education within the California towing industry. The Association would like to sincerely thank each individual who stepped forward to secure tickets and support our critical educaction endeavors. The main pillar of CTTA has always been education and safety; with the help of Worldwide Equipment Sales, Jerr-Dan Corporation, ROUSH CleanTech, and tow operators across the country, we are able to train safe operators, making for safer roadways and fewer deaths in our industry.

Light Up The Sky For Fallen Tow Operators (6/24/20)

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Last night (6/23/20), we received the heartbreaking news that the towing industry lost yet another operator due to a motorist failing to slow down and move over in Woodside, CA. Mr. Mark Alarcon, a beloved and well-known operator from Atlas Tow out of San Francisco, was assisting a motorist on the side of the freeway when another motorist failed to heed the Move Over Law and struck the tow truck, which in turn struck Mr. Alarcon and took his life. This is the eighth tow operator that has been killed in the line of duty just this year.

It is our mission to promote safety and motorist awareness regarding the law. We celebrate “Move Over Day” each October with tow truck processions and events across the state, but we need to do more. We ask that tonight, wherever you are, that you help us LIGHT UP THE SKY for Mark, and for all the tow operators we’ve lost to these senseless tragedies. Please get in your truck and turn on your lights at 9:00 pm tonight. If you have “Slow down, move over” signage, please display it proudly.

We appreciate your dedication to the towing industry. It is our sincere hope that increased awareness will result in a decreased loss of life. Thank you for serving your communities, and stay safe.

 

 

 

-Quinn Piening, CTTA President

DMV Waives Late fees, Delays Registration Requirements and Extends Permits and IDs

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From the DMV announcement:

Sacramento – The California Department of Motor Vehicles today announced it is waiving late fees and penalties for vehicle registration, extending expiring identification cards, temporary operating permits and motor carrier permits.

With authority granted under today’s executive order signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, the DMV is:

•    Waiving late fees and penalties for vehicle registration renewals due between March 16 and May 31, 2020, and paid within 60 days of the original expiration date. The requirement to have current license plate stickers is also waived for vehicles with registration expiring between March 4 and June 30, 2020.

  • Extending identification cards expiring on or after March 4, 2020, to be valid through June 22, 2020 (60 days from today).
  • Temporarily suspending for 60 days the requirement to submit a transfer of ownership within 10 days for vehicle transfers occurring on or after March 4, 2020, and the requirement to register a vehicle acquired or previously based outside of California within 20 days once registration becomes due.
  • Allowing temporary operating permits that expire on or after March 4, 2020, to be valid another 60 days from today.
  • Lengthening motor carrier permits expiring in March, April and May 2020 to June 30, 2020. A motor carrier permit is required for numerous transportation and commercial activities in California, including transporting property for compensation, hauling with a commercial vehicle weighing more than 10,000 pounds, and transporting hazardous materials.

“These measures can help lighten the burden many Californians are experiencing during this difficult time,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said.

The DMV continues to encourage customers to renew their vehicle registration and complete vehicle transfers online or by using the DMV Virtual Field Office. Customers can also get replacement registration cards and license plate stickers online or at the hundreds of DMV kiosks across the state. Replacement cards and stickers at the DMV kiosks cost $22 and print on the spot.

The DMV continues to provide essential services via mail, online, kiosks, call centers, available business partners and virtually to process critical transactions, including eligible driver license and vehicle registration renewals, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customers can use the Service Advisor on the DMV website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

The relief measures are the latest DMV actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:

  • Temporarily closing field offices. Following deep cleaning, expansion of virtual services and development of new protocols, the DMV soon will offer in-person services in each region. Information on office openings will be announced by DMV in the near future.
  • Extending all driver licenses that expire between March 1 and May 31, 2020. Drivers 70 years and older are receiving a 120-day temporary paper extension in the mail, and drivers 69 and younger can request a free temporary paper extension online.
  • Keeping expiring commercial driver licenses, endorsements and certificates valid through June 30, 2020.
  • Temporarily waiving required in-person renewals for eligible driver license and identification cardholders with expirations in March, April, and May 2020. Individuals who meet the criteria are able to renew online or by mail.
  • Launching the DMV Virtual Field Office to create new digital options for transactions that previously required an in-person office visit.
  • Canceling all behind-the-wheel drive tests to honor social distancing guidelines.
  • Suspending extended office hours and Saturday service.

CTTA President on Insurance Policy Premium Refunds

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Attention Fellow Towers,

I am hearing from some of you regarding the press release from the insurance commissioner regarding the refund of several months of insurance policy premiums due to the COVID-19 crisis. The CTTA recommends that you continue to pay your premiums and do not expect the refunds. If you do receive the refund, think of it as a bonus. Regardless of refund status, you should be prepared for an audit. We strongly suggest that you contact your insurance broker and stay in constant communication regarding the subject. Keep in mind that our industry has very few insurance carriers that are willing to work with us.

Stay proactive and check the California Department of Insurance’s website periodically for updates. You can find the Department’s bulletin HERE and a copy of my message HERE.


– Quinn Piening, CTTA President

UPDATE: A Letter to CA Tow Operators from the CTTA President

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Tow Operators & ERS Providers,

On behalf of the entire Board of Directors at the California Tow Truck Association, I want to thank you all for continuing your important work in the face of current uncertainty. Today, I’m reaching out to emphasize and reiterate the critical importance of PERSONAL SAFETY. 

Since our last update, we’ve heard lots of stories in person and on social media that concern me. It’s understood that companies have set policies right now regarding passengers in the cab, etc., but there are further steps you need to take to protect yourself and the family you go home to. As CTTA has stood for the safety of CA operators for over 50 years, we urge you to practice caution when performing your work, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and review the guidelines below. While there is a serious shortage of PPE currently, there are ways to fashion protection for yourself:

CTTA strongly recommends following all governmental recommendations regarding hygiene and social distancing and the following:

  • Strongly consider wearing a facemask while dealing with the public.
  • Wear latex protective gear on your hands in addition to regular work gloves.
  • Wash your hands constantly. Did you just touch a surface you’re not familiar with? Wash up and wash well!
  • Try your hardest to be aware of your hands. Do not touch your face, hair, beard, mouth, or nose as much as possible.

    Jerome Z. of Thomas Towing, image courtesy of Tracy Lehr/KEYT

  • Wipe down any surfaces you are about to touch.
  • After you touch a surface, wipe it down for the safety of others.
  • Pay special attention to door handles, steering wheels, turn signals or other high frequency touch areas within any vehicle. Don’t forget keys, key pads and writing utensils such as pens and pencils.
  • When providing service, get in and out of the customer’s vehicle as quickly as possible. Remember your checklist and be sure to complete all safety requirements, but try to limit the amount of time you’re inside.
  • Practice 6-ft. (or even more) social distancing
  • If you’re feeling unwell and exhibiting symptoms of coronavirus, do not go to work and put yourself in contact with others.

Outside of protection for you and your family, your customers have a right to know what precautions you are taking to assure them you are doing your very best fight against this pandemic and keep them from getting sick. You can access more information about your classification here and at ctta.com/help, we’ve got some helpful links and financial information for owners, which you may find useful. As your acting CTTA President, I appreciate your time and attention to this manner and wish you & your family a safe and healthy month- take care.

–Quinn Piening, CTTA President

A LETTER FROM CTTA PRESIDENT: CA Tow Ops & Coronavirus

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Dear Tow Operator/ERS Responder:

The California Tow Truck Association has felt it necessary to provide you with a communication regarding the current and on-going Covid-19 virus pandemic.  On Thursday March 19, 2020, Governor Newsom ordered a state wide shelter in place directive effective March 20, 2020.  The executive order mandates that all citizens of the state of California remain at their homes until further notice.  There are 16 exemptions for those who are considered “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers”.  As tow operators or road service responders you are considered an essential service under the “Transportation Systems” heading.  It is the wish of the state to have people continue to access their vehicles to carry out essential functions such as procuring food and caring for others.  You may be asked to modify your business practices in the future to accommodate the crisis.

It is our recommendation to follow all of the governmental recommendations regarding hygiene and social distancing.  In addition to these measures one should consider the following:

  • Consider wearing latex protective gear on your hands in addition to regular work gloves
  • Wipe down any surfaces you are about to touch
  • After you touch a surface wipe it down for the safety of others
  • Pay special attention to surfaces such as door handles, steering wheels, turn signals or other high frequency touch areas within any vehicle. Don’t forget key pads and writing utensils such a pens and pencils
  • It would be a good idea to create a policy with the governmental recommendations and socialize the policy with your employees and customers. Your customers have a right to know what precautions you are aware of and that you are taking action to assure them you are doing your very best fight against this pandemic

You can access more information about your classification at the following web site: http://covid19.ca.gov/img/Executive-Order-N-33-20.pdf

As usual you will be called upon to provide valuable and lifesaving services to the general motoring public.  Please do so safely.  As your the acting CTTA president I am proud our industry and those who own, operate and make it happen out on the road.

 

 

 

 

–Quinn Piening, CTTA President

CTTA Training Classes Are Postponed with CHP Offering a 6-Month Certificate Extension for Those Affected

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CTTA Member,

UPDATE: ALL CURRENTLY SCHEDULED CTTA CLASSES ARE POSTPONED

On the morning of 3/13, we sent out an announcement that CTTA Training Certification classes would continue as scheduled amid current virus concerns. We also mentioned that the situation is fluid and that we would update the Membership as appropriate. Here’s our first update:

After in-depth discussions between CTTA and the California Highway Patrol, along with review of new guidance issued by the state of California, we have decided to postpone three (3) scheduled CTTA training classes between now and April 15. The following scheduled Light Duty classes are affected: Fresno (3/21-22), Santa Rosa (3/28-29), and Azusa (3/28-29). In light of this, CTTA has confirmation from CHP that an extension of up to six (6) months will be offered on all currently valid certificates that are affected by this cancellation. The Association will, of course, continue its dialogue with CHP and address further extensions if needed. Our Members should know that the CTTA Board of Directors and Staff will be working diligently to schedule replacement classes as soon as possible.

CTTA Staff will be directly contacting affected enrollees in the Education Program beginning on Monday, 3/16. They will be taking either A) refund requests or B) postponement slots for when the classes are rescheduled. If you have any questions regarding this update, please send an email to ctta@ctta.com. Thank you.

– Quinn Piening, CTTA President

 

CTTA TO HONOR 6TH CLASS OF RICH CHAPPEL INDUSTRY LEADERS

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Awards to be presented at the CTTA Industry Leaders & Awards Night during the American Towman ShowPlace in Las Vegas on Friday, May 15, 2020

Sacramento, CA • As the California Tow Truck Association celebrates over 50 years of protecting the towing industry, it is proud to announce the 2020 slate of inductees to its Rich Chappel Industry Leaders Hall. The following people have been selected to receive this prestigious honor due to their positive influence on the towing industry, without thought of recognition:

  • Bill Robertson, Bill & Wag’s
  • Rob Storelee, RA Storelee Insurance Agency
  • Randy Levitt, American Tow
  • Bob Matson, Elk Garage
  • Terry Jordan, Dietz Towing

These towing professionals have spent their lives making significant contributions to the industry with unblemished and outstanding character. Our Board of Directors and the CTTA Foundation are elated to honor them for their years of hard work and service at the 6th annual Industry Leaders & Awards Night in Las Vegas this May 15th, 2020. CTTA will also be giving out awards to our Chapter of the Year, Member of the Year, and those who have made significant achievements in our Training & Education program. Throughout the evening, event attendees will also have the chance to bid on exclusive towing items during our exciting Auction! We hope you’ll join us on Friday, May 15th in Las Vegas, NV at the Westgate Hotel & Resort to celebrate the accomplishments of these individuals, as well as over 50 years of CTTA’s commitment to protecting the California towing industry. Visit ctta.com/leaders to see photos from past years and learn more.

Registration is now open for the American Towman ShowPlace at atshowplace.com, so register and reserve your Industry Leaders & Awards Night tickets today!

Interested in sponsoring this event? Click Here

CHP ADOPTS CHANGES TO HOURS-OF-SERVICE REGS FOR CALIFORNIA TOW TRUCK OPERATORS

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Sacramento, CA • January 8, 2020

After years of working closely with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) on the changes, the California Tow Truck Association (CTTA) is proud to report that revisions to California’s hours-of-service regulations for California tow truck operators have been finalized and will take effect on April 1, 2020. Given the unworkability of existing hours-of-service rules for the tow industry – whose workload is unpredictable by nature – CTTA’s Towing Regulatory Oversight Council (T-ROC) worked exhaustively to help craft amendments that address the unique working conditions of
the tow industry without jeopardizing motorist safety. The T-ROC brought these proposed changes to the CTTA Board for approval before the CHP ultimately completed the lengthy
legal process required to enact regulatory amendments.

Specific to “tow truck operators,” the following provisions were added to California’s hours-of service regulations found in Title 13, California Code of Regulations, section 1212, paragraph (q):

  • Tow truck drivers will be allowed to use the 16 hour “on-duty” time non-consecutively, similar to farm products drivers. It will not be limited to a 24-hour period, rather whenever a tow truck driver first hits 12 hours of non-consecutive driving time or 16 hours of nonconsecutive on-duty time, he or she would need to take 10 hours off-duty. Previously the “on-duty” time kept running once a driver began his or her shift. This increased flexibility will help address the unpredictable nature of the tow industry.
  • The exemption will apply when driving all light- and heavy-duty tow trucks “as defined in Section 615(a) CVC, equipped with at least one permanently mounted and operational boom, winch, under-lift device, or other equipment designed, used, or maintained for the purpose of lifting, carrying, securing or towing a disabled vehicle.” It will also not have any geographic or line of business limitations – it will apply equally across the industry, regardless of how the tow was initiated or by whom. Equal application to all towers was critical for the T-ROC. It will not apply when driving a Haz Mat truck, or truck-tractor, any motor truck used to tow a trailer (defined in section 34500(e)), or any other vehicle not equipped as described above.
  • It includes the following two “tracking” requirements:
    • Drivers using this exception shall complete a driver’s record of duty status pursuant to section 1213 for each 24 hour period while using the exception and for the seven 24-hour periods immediately following the use of the exception.
    • The employing motor carrier of any driver shall report all incidents to the CHP within 15 calendar days. An “incident” would include any injury to a driver, public, emergency response personnel, or other party at the scene, directly attributable to the driver that results in lost time beyond the employee’s work shift or medical treatment beyond first aid, or damage to any property exceeding $500.

The final adopted regulatory text is available on the CHP’s Regulatory Actions website at: https://www.chp.ca.gov/news-alerts/regulatory-actions

CTTA thanks the T-ROC for its tireless dedication to this issue. Addressing hours-of-service workability issues was a priority for the T-ROC from day one of its inception in 2013. While not a quick, nor easy process, it demonstrates the tow industry’s ability to progress when united, thoughtful, and persistent. Please direct any questions or comments to ctta@ctta.com

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CLICK HERE to download a .pdf of this release