The towing and recovery industry doesn’t get a fair shake when the people writing policy don’t understand what it’s like to work inches from live traffic, manage scene safety, and still fight to get paid. We sit down with Bruce Bender, Executive Director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), to talk about the most practical way to change that: TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop and Hill Day in Washington, DC. Bruce walks us through how Hill Day works, why the meetings matter, and why staffers are often the real gatekeepers to progress. We dig into the issues TRAA is taking to the Hill right now, including roadside safety for tow operators, insurance and reimbursement pressures, weights and measures concerns, and the growing need for clear standards around EV fire response and remediation. If you’ve ever felt like “politics isn’t for me,” this conversation breaks that myth by explaining how attendees get prepped, given talking points, and supported through a packed day of appointments. We also cover the real-world logistics: Hill Day runs February 23 and 24, with the host hotel at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC, plus ideas for making the trip work for families who rarely get time away. Whether you’re a member or not, Bruce’s message is simple: your voice matters, and the industry is stronger when we show up together. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews and news, share this episode with a tower who needs to hear it, and leave a review so more operators can find the show.

The towing and recovery industry doesn’t get a fair shake when the people writing policy don’t understand what it’s like to work inches from live traffic, manage scene safety, and still fight to get paid. We sit down with Bruce Bender, Executive Director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), to talk about the most practical way to change that: TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop and Hill Day in Washington, DC. Bruce walks us through how Hill Day works, why the meetings matter, and why staffers are often the real gatekeepers to progress. We dig into the issues TRAA is taking to the Hill right now, including roadside safety for tow operators, insurance and reimbursement pressures, weights and measures concerns, and the growing need for clear standards around EV fire response and remediation. If you’ve ever felt like “politics isn’t for me,” this conversation breaks that myth by explaining how attendees get prepped, given talking points, and supported through a packed day of appointments. We also cover the real-world logistics: Hill Day runs February 23 and 24, with the host hotel at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC, plus ideas for making the trip work for families who rarely get time away. Whether you’re a member or not, Bruce’s message is simple: your voice matters, and the industry is stronger when we show up together. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews and news, share this episode with a tower who needs to hear it, and leave a review so more operators can find the show.

The towing and recovery industry doesn’t get a fair shake when the people writing policy don’t understand what it’s like to work inches from live traffic, manage scene safety, and still fight to get paid. We sit down with Bruce Bender, Executive Director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), to talk about the most practical way to change that: TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop and Hill Day in Washington, DC. Bruce walks us through how Hill Day works, why the meetings matter, and why staffers are often the real gatekeepers to progress. We dig into the issues TRAA is taking to the Hill right now, including roadside safety for tow operators, insurance and reimbursement pressures, weights and measures concerns, and the growing need for clear standards around EV fire response and remediation. If you’ve ever felt like “politics isn’t for me,” this conversation breaks that myth by explaining how attendees get prepped, given talking points, and supported through a packed day of appointments. We also cover the real-world logistics: Hill Day runs February 23 and 24, with the host hotel at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, DC, plus ideas for making the trip work for families who rarely get time away. Whether you’re a member or not, Bruce’s message is simple: your voice matters, and the industry is stronger when we show up together. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews and news, share this episode with a tower who needs to hear it, and leave a review so more operators can find the show.

How Tow Operators Can Influence DC Decisions

Private property impound towing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the towing and recovery industry, and the stakes are higher than most people realize. When parking is scarce, a single unauthorized car can block a paying tenant’s reserved spot, trap a business owner behind a bay door, or push residents into risky overflow parking that leads to even more conflict. We want parking enforcement to be fair, defensible, and safe, and that starts with being crystal clear about the “why” behind every tow. We sit down with Jason Harris of Henry’s Record Service in Northern Virginia, part of Valor Fleet Service, to talk about what professional trespass towing looks like at scale. Jason shares how he approaches private property impounds as customer service first: understanding what a property owner, condo board, or manager actually needs, then delivering it with accountability, service, and transparency. We also get into the hard parts, including angry customers on scene, de-escalation tactics, retreat-first safety policies, and why the purpose of towing should be to solve the parking problem rather than punish someone. From there, we go practical: signage requirements that prevent “trap” accusations, regulated drop and release fees, and the documentation that protects everyone. Jason explains why timestamped pre-tow photos, VIN and plate verification, and matching drop photos cut down on damage claims and wrong-vehicle errors. We also explore modern parking enforcement technology like digital parking permits and license plate recognition, plus safety systems that reduce distracted driving and accidents. If you run a towing company, manage an impound lot, or work with property managers, you’ll walk away with real steps to tighten your process and lower liability. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews, share this episode with a fellow operator, and leave a review so more towers can find the show. What’s the biggest challenge you see with private property impounds where you live?

Private property impound towing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the towing and recovery industry, and the stakes are higher than most people realize. When parking is scarce, a single unauthorized car can block a paying tenant’s reserved spot, trap a business owner behind a bay door, or push residents into risky overflow parking that leads to even more conflict. We want parking enforcement to be fair, defensible, and safe, and that starts with being crystal clear about the “why” behind every tow. We sit down with Jason Harris of Henry’s Record Service in Northern Virginia, part of Valor Fleet Service, to talk about what professional trespass towing looks like at scale. Jason shares how he approaches private property impounds as customer service first: understanding what a property owner, condo board, or manager actually needs, then delivering it with accountability, service, and transparency. We also get into the hard parts, including angry customers on scene, de-escalation tactics, retreat-first safety policies, and why the purpose of towing should be to solve the parking problem rather than punish someone. From there, we go practical: signage requirements that prevent “trap” accusations, regulated drop and release fees, and the documentation that protects everyone. Jason explains why timestamped pre-tow photos, VIN and plate verification, and matching drop photos cut down on damage claims and wrong-vehicle errors. We also explore modern parking enforcement technology like digital parking permits and license plate recognition, plus safety systems that reduce distracted driving and accidents. If you run a towing company, manage an impound lot, or work with property managers, you’ll walk away with real steps to tighten your process and lower liability. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews, share this episode with a fellow operator, and leave a review so more towers can find the show. What’s the biggest challenge you see with private property impounds where you live?

Private property impound towing is one of the most misunderstood parts of the towing and recovery industry, and the stakes are higher than most people realize. When parking is scarce, a single unauthorized car can block a paying tenant’s reserved spot, trap a business owner behind a bay door, or push residents into risky overflow parking that leads to even more conflict. We want parking enforcement to be fair, defensible, and safe, and that starts with being crystal clear about the “why” behind every tow. We sit down with Jason Harris of Henry’s Record Service in Northern Virginia, part of Valor Fleet Service, to talk about what professional trespass towing looks like at scale. Jason shares how he approaches private property impounds as customer service first: understanding what a property owner, condo board, or manager actually needs, then delivering it with accountability, service, and transparency. We also get into the hard parts, including angry customers on scene, de-escalation tactics, retreat-first safety policies, and why the purpose of towing should be to solve the parking problem rather than punish someone. From there, we go practical: signage requirements that prevent “trap” accusations, regulated drop and release fees, and the documentation that protects everyone. Jason explains why timestamped pre-tow photos, VIN and plate verification, and matching drop photos cut down on damage claims and wrong-vehicle errors. We also explore modern parking enforcement technology like digital parking permits and license plate recognition, plus safety systems that reduce distracted driving and accidents. If you run a towing company, manage an impound lot, or work with property managers, you’ll walk away with real steps to tighten your process and lower liability. Subscribe for more towing industry interviews, share this episode with a fellow operator, and leave a review so more towers can find the show. What’s the biggest challenge you see with private property impounds where you live?

Private Property Impound Done Right

One of the few people to work both in the factory building tow trucks and working as a tower is the guest. Johnny Grant joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss his long career in the towing industry.

One of the few people to work both in the factory building tow trucks and working as a tower is the guest. Johnny Grant joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss his long career in the towing industry.

One of the few people to work both in the factory building tow trucks and working as a tower is the guest. Johnny Grant joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss his long career in the towing industry.

EP 73 Jonny Grant is the Guest

Johnny Grant joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington on this episode to talk about his early days in the towing industry. One of the few people to work in the factory as well as on the road as a tower

Johnny Grant joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington on this episode to talk about his early days in the towing industry. One of the few people to work in the factory as well as on the road as a tower

Johnny Grant is the Guest

Mo Timco joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss the work Mo Timco does in covering all the news related to the towing industry.

Mo Timco joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss the work Mo Timco does in covering all the news related to the towing industry.

EP 72 Social Media Episode

American Towing wanted to make sure you are given the opportunity to revisit this episode in this time when saving at the pump is so important

American Towing wanted to make sure you are given the opportunity to revisit this episode in this time when saving at the pump is so important

EP 71 Fuel Cost and How to save at the Pump.... this is Worth Repeating

Mike Fraser joins DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn to discuss the towing industry and it's training. Mike joins the training team at  the American Towing and Recovery Institute

Mike Fraser joins DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn to discuss the towing industry and it's training. Mike joins the training team at the American Towing and Recovery Institute

Mike Fraser joins DJ Harrington and Wes Wilburn to discuss the towing industry and it's training. Mike joins the training team at&nbsp; the American Towing and Recovery Institute

EP 70 Mike Fraser is the Guest

Brian and Brianna return for an update on the towing industry, including recent and upcoming classes. Introducing Purpose Wrecker as a new sponsor

Brian and Brianna return for an update on the towing industry, including recent and upcoming classes. Introducing Purpose Wrecker as a new sponsor

EP 69 Brian and Brianna from Rinwalske Towing are the guest

Craig Reed President of the West VA Towing and Recovery Association joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss a variety of topics including the importance of joining your State Association

Craig Reed President of the West VA Towing and Recovery Association joins Wes Wilburn and DJ Harrington to discuss a variety of topics including the importance of joining your State Association

EP 68 Craig Reed President of the West VA Towing and Recovery Association

Jared Vincent is the guest co-host with DJ Harrington and interviews Nile Vincent from the Towing Museum located in Chattanooga TN

Jared Vincent is the guest co-host with DJ Harrington and interviews Nile Vincent from the Towing Museum located in Chattanooga TN

EP 67 Jared Varnado Interviews Nile Vincent from The Towing Museum

Wes jumps in and releases this special podcast with important information about EV training,

Wes jumps in and releases this special podcast with important information about EV training,

EP 66 Special Announcement, News, Classes

Tom Luciano joins the show to discuss the status of the industry and Tommy's Kids

Tom Luciano joins the show to discuss the status of the industry and Tommy's Kids

EP 65 Tom Luciano is the Guest

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 newws stories in the towing industry.

Business

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 newws stories in the towing industry.

Share Towing News Now

Sign up to save your podcasts

Towing News Now

Towing News Now episodes

About Towing News Now

More shows like Towing News Now

Tow Professional Podcast