Eleven-year-old Jace Tapp dreams of playing in the NFL someday. If that doesn’t work out, his fall-back plan is to follow in the family towing business. Sounds like his dad will save a spot for him at Central Iowa Towing and Recovery. In fact, there’ll be room for everyone in the family if that’s what they want to do when they get older.

“I kind of fell in love with towing and started managing and growing that side of the business where I was working,” Dustin said. “I then reached the point where I wanted to do my own thing and bought my own truck. We started out with one rusty old tow truck out of a run-down, old farmhouse by Nevada, and it’s kind of escalated from there.” 

In less than 10 years, the Tapps have grown Central Iowa Towing into one of the largest towing and recovery businesses in the state. Based in Ames, the company operates two locations there and has expanded into the Des Moines and Marshalltown markets. They also recently partnered with a towing company in Waterloo.

Serving the heart of Iowa, their fleet consists of heavies, car carriers, light-duty wreckers and mobile service vehicles. The family favorite, according to son Jace, is the Century 1150 twin-steer rotator. Strategically located by Interstates 35 and 80, the crew stays busy responding to rollovers, breakdowns and weather-related incidents, including a 70-car pileup one winter.

“We can do everything from your small car lockouts to tractor-trailer rollovers to underwater recoveries,” Dustin said. “We can do just about anything you can think of. I hope we’re remembered as providing the total package...that when our guys showed up, they got the job done.”

“Central Iowa Towing is different because we take pride in what we do,” Rickie added. “Our trucks are clean, and we put a lot of effort into making sure our employees are taken care of.”

The Tapps credit their team of operators, dispatchers and mechanics for the company’s success and solid reputation. Among those dedicated employees is Bailey Metzger, who has served as the company’s dispatch manager for the past three years. She makes sure all calls get routed correctly and in a timely manner.

“I monitor all the calls that come in to make sure we’re getting accurate information for every call,” she explained. “Over time, you learn what information we need for certain situations. Once you’ve been through those scenarios, you remember what to do the next time.”

“The most challenging aspect of running this company is managing employees,” Dustin admitted. “One of the best ways to manage our growth is by hiring the right people and trusting those people to do their job. I definitely went through a period of being a micromanager. It took me a lot to release everything, but once I did, it was the best thing I ever did.

One of the best ways to manage our growth is by hiring the right people and trusting those people to do their job.
—Dustin Tapp

“We’ve been fortunate enough to hire some really good people and put them in the right places,” he continued. “But it’s tough nowadays trying to find young adults who want to put in the physical labor.”

Hoping to buck that trend, the Tapps eagerly involve their children in the family business, and leading by example, they hope to pass their work ethic on to the next generation. Besides Jace, the family includes eight-year-old daughter, Carson; oldest son, Gage, 16; and youngest son, Cade, 6. Although still school age, the Tapps’ children help out when and where they can. 

Rickie said working together as a family has strengthened their bond both professionally and personally.

“Most proud, I would say, is seeing how Dustin and I have grown together,” she said. “Working with your spouse isn’t always easy. There have been ups, and there have been downs. Our relationship has really grown just by learning things that we basically have had to figure out on our own.”

Besides the commitment from their employees and the support from their family, the Tapps said they also appreciate the response they’ve received from the communities in which they serve. To return the favor, they believe in giving back and regularly support school activities and community organizations by volunteering and giving donations and sponsorships.

“There were plenty of other wrecker services when I started, but our home community, as a whole, took a chance on us, and I feel the best thing to do is to give back,” Dustin acknowledged.

The Tapps said they are also grateful for their relationship with Zip’s AW Direct. Their company has been a loyal customer of Zip’s since they started, and whenever possible, the Tapps continue to purchase trucks, apparel and gear from their fellow Iowa-based company. Service before and after the sale also goes a long way, and first impressions make the difference.

Nearly 10 years ago, “I walked into Zip’s with nothing to my name and told them I want to start a towing company. They took a big chance on me and let me drive a truck home that day with almost no money down,” Dustin said. “That’s one of the reasons why we are so loyal to Zip’s because they gave me a shot when nobody else would.”

Before any of that, if you’re new to hitches, you may need a little vocabulary lesson before diving into the details. For example, tongue weight capacity is the amount of weight the hitch can take directly on top of it, while towing capacity is the amount that the hitch can tow.

Ball Hitches

5th-Wheel
These hitches are for people who need the most heavy-duty hitches around. They designed these massive hitches for pickup trucks and flatbed trucks. They typically have a towing weight between 12,000 and 20,000 pounds and a tongue weight capacity between 1,200 and 1,700 pounds.

Pintle Hitches

Other Hitches

Steps in Buying

It’s called Mountain Recovery for a reason

Lured by the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains, Charlie Stubblefield moved his family from Wisconsin to Colorado five years ago. He said they were looking for a change of scenery and found it. Little did he know he would be making a career change as well when he got out there.

With a background in construction, Stubblefield said he initially relocated three states west to pursue an opportunity in custom home building. When that didn’t pan out, the former paramedic and firefighter felt a calling back into service, this time helping motorists who were stranded or looking for assistance in the mountains. The need was fairly obvious, he said.

“In the Midwest, you really don’t see a lot of crashed or broken down vehicles along the side of the road because they get towed and cleaned up very quickly,” Stubblefield explained. “But out here, I noticed there were stranded vehicles everywhere. I had to figure out what that was all about, so I started stopping to check on cars to see if I could help.”

Settling in the Vail area of Interstate 70, Stubblefield said he was “mechanically inclined” enough to help motorists with heating and cooling issues, tire changes and other roadside assistance calls that first summer. Then when snow arrived on the mountain passes, he would sell and install tire chains to commercial drivers at the chain-up stations.

“I was doing pretty basic stuff at first, but I eventually made enough money to put a down payment on my first heavy wrecker from Zip’s in July of 2020,” he said.

Since then, Stubblefield has grown his company—aptly named Mountain Recovery–to include 25 trucks and just as many operators, dispatchers and mechanics. Headquartered in Vail, his fleet currently consists of six heavies, four car carriers, three mobile service trucks and a few support vehicles, including a command car and an off-road machine with a 30,000-lb. winch box. 

“We definitely do a lot of off-road recoveries,” he said. “We’re in the mecca for outdoor recreation here and are busy with those kinds of toys no matter the time of year.”

Not afraid of heights

Mountain Recovery operates west of Denver between two of the tallest and steepest grades in the U.S.: the Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass. Both are at roughly 11,000 feet in elevation, and according to Stubblefield, “they are super steep up and super steep down.” To keep up with demand, a second shop was strategically added in Silverthorne, CO, “so we can service both hot spots within a 15-minute ETA.”

In the winter, Stubblefield said his operators stay busy with pull-ups and jacknives on the 7% grade, and in the summer, they spend plenty of time dealing with CMV brake issues and pulling OTR trucks out of runaway ramps. He said most of the recoveries are the result of “driver error,” either ignoring to chain up during storms in the winter or selecting the wrong gear for the descent in the summer.

“You would think we’re the busiest during the winter months, but the work is pretty steady all year round out here,” he said. “The winter months are just more sporadic, depending on the weather. We can do 50 to 100 pull-ups in a day when the weather’s bad. Summer time is just as busy, but more consistent with runaway ramp jobs, brake fires, overheating and radiator issues."

Good operators are key to success

In less than five years, Stubblefied said he has grown Mountain Recovery into one of the largest towing and recovery companies in the state of Colorado. They have also expanded into Wyoming. He said good employees are the key to his success. “I realized very quickly if you put a good operator in a good truck in this market, you will be able to make money,” he said. “We’ve been able to keep that snowball rolling, and here we are today.”

Stubblefield said he tends to hire experienced operators for the heavy wreckers and is willing to train inexperienced operators on the light-duty carrier side. He usually pairs a new hire with an experienced operator for a few weeks for training purposes. “Once they feel comfortable and we feel comfortable—which varies from person to person—we can start to turn them loose in their own truck,” he said.

“Light-duty work is definitely more entry level,” Stubblefield continued. ”On the heavy side, most of our operators have come to us with experience. Those greener guys work more light-duty calls and get to as many hook-ups as they can. Then on their days off, they can run with heavy-duty operators and shadow them.”

Including a new 25-ton wrecker last fall, Stubblefield estimates 80 percent of his fleet has been built by Zip’s. He said he takes advantage of the in-house financing and also orders parts and supplies through Zip’s. He said he’s been approached by other vendors but remains committed to his relationship with Zip’s and sales rep, LeRoy Gossling.

How to Select a Ratchet Strap

A ratchet strap is an adjustable strap used to secure freight, vehicles, materials and equipment for transport. Each assembly includes a short strap attached to a ratchet and a long strap to reach over the load. Both sections include an end hook fitting to secure the cargo to the other side of the truck or trailer.

Made from polyester webbing, the straps are available in varying widths. Professional truck drivers typically use 3”W and 4”W straps to secure their freight on flatbeds or inside van trailers, while tow operators commonly use 2”W straps on their car carriers and wheel lifts. Weekend warriors often use 1”W straps to tie down off-road recreational vehicles.

The size of the strap dictates the amount of weight it can secure, otherwise known as the Working Load Limit (WLL). Each strap should have its stated capacity stitched into the webbing or affixed to an identification label. For obvious safety considerations, the WLL should be never be exceeded. Here are some common per/strap capacities:

In addition to the end hook fitting, the length of strap is another consideration. Truck drivers typically need 20’ of length, while the recreational enthusiasts can usually get by with 12’. The length you need, again, depends on what you’re hauling. Please note the length does not affect the WLL.

As we celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, we take a moment to recognize some of the patriotic wreckers and carriers we've produced over the years, courtesy of the custom wraps and paint schemes commissioned by our valued customers. Enjoy some eye candy with your hot dogs, burgers and sparklers this Independence Day.

P.J.’s Towing - Lansing, MI

Leading the parade is this star-spangled entry from the Great Lakes State. Besides the stars and stripes wrap, this light-duty wrecker will also catch your attention with the SafeAll Traffic Commander perched atop the pylon.

Collins Brothers Towing - St. Cloud, MN

Up next is this viper red heavy with color-wash grill, tanks and steps. Up top you’ll find the sparkling Code 3 18-head LED light bar, and nestled inside a side storage compartment is an American Eagle 8-drawer toolbox.

Precision Towing - Madison, WI

Precisely built for Precision Towing, this flag-draped extended cab features a 94" aluminum crossover tunnel box as well as a self-loading Auto-Grip II wheel lift and motorcycle towing bracket. Also take note of the orange synthetic winch line and Truck-Lite 3/4" LED lights.

Hunter Auto & Wrecker Service - Charlotte, NC

This blacked out rotator keeps the flag flying in the middle of its 180" tri-axle body. Besides three-stage low front outriggers, this black beauty features a knee boom street Low Rider with an impressive 157" reach along with a Miller shackle kit and a Hella side lamp.

Lawrence Towing - Holland, MI

Take a minute to appreciate this car carrier with its flag-themed storage boxes beneath a 21.5' aluminum deck. This rollback features a low center of gravity as well as Buyers LED interior strip lighting and a Zip’s Side Puller Recovery Tool.

Wes’s Service - Calumet City, IL

This five-axle salute features a twin-steer front with a tandem-tag rear. The business end offers 360-degree continuous boom rotation and a 20-ton equalizer swivel. Complementing the graphics is an array of custom lighting, including M6 split-color lights from Whelen.

Hitz Towing - York, NE

The longer wheelbase and shorter bunk accommodate a 36" crossover tunnel box in front of the main body. This bonus space includes a toolbox shelf, chain rack and custom rollout storage to keep everything organized and within reach.

Area Towing & Recovery - Taylor, MI

Old Glory gets a makeover on this 21.5' car carrier. In addition to the orange, black and gray color scheme, this patriotic rollback is accented by Maxxima’s 3/4" round marker lights, and its steel bed is controlled by SafeAll’s Proportional Remote.

Homer’s Towing and Service - Milwaukee, WI

This blue-collar heavy has earned a day off but probably won’t take it. In addition to 360-degree boom rotation, this rotator features an SDU-4 Low Rider underlift, Miller Under Body LED strip lighting and McKissick Evolution Series snatch blocks.

Mighty’s Towing & Recovery - Plainfield, IL

The tri-axle body upgrade on this heavy includes a 36" aluminum saddle-style tunnel box at the front. The body offers plenty of storage for such accessories as Miller’s pintle hook adapter. On top of the pylon is Whelen’s 72" 20-head LED light bar.

Experts’ Opinions of the Traffic Commander

Brent said his family’s company also relies on Zips.com to purchase parts and apparel. He said he especially appreciates the parts schematics, which help narrow down the search for the right part for the right piece of equipment.

“The ease of filling your cart and having the order processed in a couple of clicks is critical to our day-to-day operation,” he noted. “Zip's customer service goes above and beyond to get you same day answers and solutions.”

Ryan and Dorian Pantusa took a leap seven years ago and landed firmly on their feet.

In 2016, the San Antonio couple left their traditional careers behind and formed a towing company named Pantusa Towing. Ryan had worked previously in insurance, and Dorian was a nurse. They said owning their own business became a passion for them and fulfilled a lifelong dream.

“We knew we wanted to be entrepreneurs in some way,” Dorian said. “We started out with one truck and one driver and wanted to see how it went. We started growing from there.”

The multi-state company has since grown to more than 100 trucks and 100 employees. They began branching out in 2020, starting first with El Paso and then later adding operations in Atlanta and Nashville. Two years later, they opened satellite offices in Dallas and Macon, and earlier this year, added Colorado to the mix.

Ryan said each expansion presented strategic opportunities for their family-owned company.

“A lot of it was relationship-based,” he explained. “We were asked to go into those markets over the last three years by one of our larger clients. We were actually asked to go to several different areas but just stuck to the ones which fit us best.”

Besides establishing a strong customer base, Ryan said their aggressive expansion plans and rapid growth have been a direct reflection of their dedicated employees. He said good equipment, good benefits and a positive working environment greatly improves driver retention and keeps everyone engaged.

“I can’t give away all my secrets, but I will say we treat our company like a large, professional corporate organization with great leadership,” Ryan explained. “I feel we treat our drivers and employees excellently. I also think we provide some of the best benefits in the industry. The people are the key to our success.”

Pantusa Towing began working with Zip’s in 2021 and has since purchased more than 20 new trucks from us. Ryan said the need for additional equipment was the result of the company’s growth as well as upgrading older equipment at their original location.

“We’ve been replacing a little bit at a time, but our purchases lately have been mainly for expansion,” he noted.

Based on their customer needs, most of Pantusa’s fleet are car carriers. They operate a handful of heavies and a small fraction of light-duty wreckers. The Pantusas work closely with sales consultant Eric Albertson and have mapped out how they want their trucks. Ryan said those specs make the purchasing process seamless and painless.

“Eric makes things really easy for us,” Ryan said. “We’ve told him exactly how we want our trucks so when we go to place orders for new units, he already has down what we want to a science to meet our standards. There are no questions. We place the order and already know what to expect. All of them are exactly the same.”

One new accessory Pantusa has been adding to their fleet recently is the SafeAll Traffic Commander. Ryan said they have been installing this variable message sign on select new equipment as a way to improve operator safety, to promote their business and to stand out from the competition.

“These signs have been fantastic,” he said. “We’ve never used anything like them before. We appreciate the improved visibility this sign creates and the added safety benefits for our operators. It also brings a uniqueness to our fleet. It’s nice to have something that sets us apart from other companies—leading the way in the markets in which we serve.”

The Traffic Commander is just one accessory Pantusa Towing gets from Zip’s. The company orders all of its parts here as well, and Ryan said he appreciates that Zip’s AW Direct is a one-stop shop for all of their company’s needs: from truck purchases to financing and leasing to ordering parts and accessories to custom company apparel.

“It really works so well for us because we are so spread out,” Ryan said. “All of our regional managers have a central point of contact at Zip’s. We order a lot of parts and equipment, and the employees all have the link to order their own apparel through Zip’s should they choose to do so. Zip’s makes everything so convenient and easy for us. They have added a tremendous amount of value to our organization.”

Sling Inspection and Retirement Checklist

 Any synthetic rope that has been in use any period of time will show normal wear and tear. Some characteristics of a used rope will not reduce strength while others will. Below, we have identified conditions of damaged slings that should be inspected on a regular basis of its service life.

If upon a periodic inspection you find any of these conditions, you must consider the following before deciding to repair or retire it:

• The length of the rope
• The length of time it has been in service
• The type of work it does
• Where the damage is
• The extent of the damage

In general, it is recommended to:

• Repair the rope if the observed damage is in localized areas and the applications permits
• The rope should be removed from service if the damage is over extended areas

This Month’s ‘Meet an Expert’ at Zip’s AW Direct is LeRoy Gossling, a professional truck sales consultant whose territory primarily serves the state of Nebraska. A 30-year employee, Gossling also handles national and international sales, covering what the sales team here likes to call the “rest of the world.”

After spending a short time on the East Coast, Gossling, a northeast Iowa native, returned home in 1990 and joined Zip’s in the Parts Department three years later. Referred to the position by another employee at the time, Gossling said he spent his first six years here ordering, shipping and receiving parts and educating himself about the towing industry.

“It wasn’t just knowing all the parts but really the sales of those parts,” Gossling recalled. “I learned the behind-the-scenes side of the business, such as the shipping and receiving, doing inventory, stocking shelves and so on. I learned a lot from Rick and Chuck–two parts guys at the time–and I have to give both of these gentlemen credit for teaching me a lot about the towing industry.”

Gossling said that on-the-job training eventually led to an interest in equipment sales. Following an opening in 1999, he made the transition and joined the sales team here. That staff now numbers a dozen full-time consultants, and Gossling is the second-longest tenured sales rep. Returning the favor, he said he has helped guide other consultants who have come on board after him.

“As we have grown over the years as a company, I have taught or mentored a number of new or newer employees in the sales process,” he explained. “I feel obligated to, I guess, as I was lucky enough to have a few fellow employees mentor me. It’s the right thing to do. We all want to be successful here.”

Gossling describes working at Zip’s as a “family atmosphere” and that translates into his success in truck sales. Zip’s itself is a family-owned business, and many of the customers he works with are multi-generational, family-owned tow companies. 

“We have all become family over the years here. That makes a difference, I believe, along with getting to know your customers and learning about their operation,” Gossling said. “My customer base is filled with a number of family-owned, family-run companies and eventually you become part of their family.”

Gossling said many of the customers he works with have been in business for more than 40 years, and they usually know what they want when they call. Other inquiries he fields may come from younger customers who are just starting out in the business and need guidance on their equipment. He treats each sales call equally.

“A lot of my customers buy and update their equipment annually or at least every few years, so they usually know exactly what they want. But I still may provide guidance on ‘what's new’ in the industry,” Gossling explained. “I also get calls every day from very young companies, or someone who wants to get into the towing business, so this involves a lot of time and discussion on what type of equipment they need not just to start with but down the road as they grow.”

According to Gossling, the towing industry has “evolved” greatly in his three decades in the business, and he said it’s important to keep his customers abreast of the changes and improvements. During his time with Zip’s, Gossling has sold everything from light-duty wreckers, heavy-duty wreckers and rotators to car carriers and industrial trailers.

So what gives him the most satisfaction from his position? “The best part of my job is when a customer sees their new truck for the first time, and I hear ‘WOW, this is beautiful’. I call that the ‘wow factor’.”

Hauling flatbed freight can be tricky. Make sure you have the right tools and cargo control accessories to help simplify the process. Zip’s AW Direct offers a full line of Cargo Control products. These products protect your load, assist in tarping and keep everything secure.

You already know about our durable straps and chains. In today’s blog, we are going to look at the types of accessories that can make any tie-down job easier. We call them ‘must-haves’. Find room in your storage compartments for these hand-picked favorites that can help your flatbed operation.

Strap Winders

We’ve all seen the tail of a winch strap flying in the wind behind a trailer. Don’t be that driver. Zip’s AW Direct offers three types of strap winders. They store excess webbing neatly behind the winch cap and keep it from becoming a streamer.

• Winds straps up to 4”W
• Attaches to rail for mechanical operation
• Dual handles for improved control

Ancra Web Winder
Item #: AI-45801-10
Buy it

Ancra EZ Winder 2 Handle Strap Winder
Item #: AI-50092-10
Buy it

Premium Cargo Strap Winder
Item #: AI-50391-10
Buy it

All-Grip Telescoping Retrieval & Rigging Tool

Your loaded trailer can reach as high as 13’6”. Throwing straps, chains and tarps over that stack of freight can be challenging. Use the All-Grip Telescoping Retrieval and Rigging Tool to get your tie-down gear where it needs to get. This lightweight aluminum pole extends to 8’ and locks into position for easy maneuverability.

• Collapses to 42” for easy storage
• Hi-tech poly retrieval hook
• Marine finish for durability

 

Item #: 11810-5
Buy it

Corner Protectors

Your freight comes in all shapes and sizes. When it shows up as pallets, building materials and angle iron, make sure you have corner protectors to shield your straps from cuts and abrasions. Zip’s AW Direct offers 13 different options to add a layer of defense against sharp corners and edges.

• Wide footprint evenly distributes pressure
• Metal or plastic construction
• Pre-bent to 90 degrees

Zip's Corner Strap Protector
Item #: ZCSP
Buy it

Ancra X-Treme Guard HD Poly Corner Protector
Item #: AI-50089-GUARD
Buy it

All-Grip Plastic Corner Protector
Item #: WS-25037025
Buy it

Reversible Load Signs

Sometimes, your freight doesn’t fit the width of your trailer. To maintain compliance with DOT regulations, you need to notify other motorists of your oversized load. If that’s the case, Zip’s AW Direct offers several different options for reversible banners to address the situation.

• Double-sided, DOT-compliant sign
• Secures with attached rope
• Vinyl material rolls up for convenient storage

We hope you find these accessories useful and beneficial to your operation. You can browse more options by visiting the Cargo Control section at Zips.com. Just remember, the most important tip is making sure you have the right tools to perform your job safely and efficiently.

Preventative trailer maintenance on your industrial flatbed trailer can keep your rig rolling down the road. By performing regular checks to catch and fix defects before they become problematic. This early intervention makes sure your deliveries stay on time. It also avoids service delays caused by unexpected downtime and fix-it tickets from roadside inspections.

In today’s blog, we are going to look at the 10 most common areas to address. These tips of all types of trailers including your lowboy, dropdeck or traveling axle trailer. Some tips should already be part of your daily inspection routine. Others may occur during PMs, and some need to be completed at other regularly-scheduled intervals.

Find the schedule that works the best for you and your fleet’s operation. The key takeaway here is to not ignore issues or put off routine maintenance. Preventative maintenance measures can ultimately save you time and money and preserve your reputation as a dependable carrier. Let’s start our rundown where the rubber meets the road.

5. Brake systems

The importance of stopping your trailer needs little explanation. Whether equipped with drum or disc brakes, daily brake inspections on your trailer need to be part of your dispatch routine. Most out-of-service tickets are related to brakes being out of adjustment, and most roadside DOT inspections are looking for brake system violations. Don’t risk an out-of-service ticket.

At a minimum, manufacturers like Landoll recommend trailer brake systems be inspected every 500 miles. Drivers and technicians should be looking for chafing air lines, hose kinks and damaged fittings. Keep an eye out for loose, missing or corroded fasteners. As always, any defects discovered should be fixed before the trailer returns to service.

Brakes need compressed air to operate, so make sure your power unit’s compressor is in operational condition. The gladhands should be sealed with plumber’s tape and the rubber grommet insert is not missing or deformed. Always remember, audible air leaks do not pass inspections.

To prevent ice build-up in air lines, be sure to drain the air reservoir daily. A drain cock is located on the bottom of the reservoir and allows collected water and oil to drain properly and exit the system before problems develop. Once complete, make sure the cock is sealed tightly to the bottom of the tank.

6. Hydraulic system

Your industrial trailer needs uninterrupted hydraulic fluid to function properly. Make sure you keep your tractor’s wet kit free of debris and water so fluids can flow freely without restriction. Start with a 10-micron filter and regular service changes. A well-maintained system will keep your trailer working as it should when you need it to. 

Just like your semi’s engine oil, be sure to check the hydraulic oil level daily and look for signs of fluid contamination. Evidence or presence of foreign materials can clog your system and may require a full-system flush. Don’t let debris stop you in your tracks when you are in the middle of a delivery.

7. Deck condition

It’s hard to haul flatbed freight with a compromised deck surface. Whether your trailer’s deck is made from wood, metal or a combination of both, inspect for loose sections, missing fasteners and other surface defects. Over time, the condition of your trailer’s deck can suffer from loading abuse, road vibration, weather elements and repeated washing.

If primarily wood, the best way to prolong the life of your deck is to treat the wood annually with preservatives. A deep penetrating oil-based formula that repels moisture will pay itself back over time. Check with your local home improvement store or refer to the can for application instructions. Periodic recoating could prevent deck failures in the future.

10. Dock leveler maintenance

Lastly, dock levelers round out our list of inspection points on your industrial flatbed trailer. Typically located between the rear axles, these dropdown legs provide support while loading equipment from a ramp or dock and prevent unnecessary suspension damage. Before moving a trailer, always make sure the legs are in the raised position for transport.

Daily use of leveler’s legs keeps the system fresh, but if your cylinders are seldomly used, you should still cycle the legs up and down at least weekly so oil circulates through the lines. This extra step ensures the leveler’s legs are ready and available when you need them.

Leveler legs should always be in the retracted position prior to transport. During your pre-trip inspection, you should check for loose, missing or damaged hardware. You should also look for hydraulic leaks and any unsupported lines that may be damaged. If any unsatisfactory conditions exist, put the trailer out of service for repair.

We hope you find this list useful. Always refer to your trailer’s owner’s and service manuals for exact details and instructions. Inspection points may vary by manufacturer, but the intent here is to not skip a step.

Once again, drivers and fleet managers need to remain mindful of all the moving parts on a trailer. Keeping your trailer in its best shape is in everyone’s best interest.

Having the products and equipment that you’d need to inspect your trailer on-hand can be the difference between performing these inspections or not. Be sure you have the supplies you need by visiting our Auto & Truck Service department.

Helping Others Comes Naturally for Tierney Lensing

This month’s ‘Meet an Expert’ employee profile at Zip’s AW Direct is Tierney Lensing, a product sales representative. Lensing joined Zip’s two years ago in customer service and processes customer requests and orders over the phone, by email and even through web and text messaging.

Through effective communication, Tierney said she is able to build strong relationships with Zip’s customers by sharing her extensive knowledge of products and services. She has established a rapport with many of them by offering solutions through support and recommendations.

“Being in customer service at Zip’s, you are helping people on every call,” Tierney explained. “Just being able to help them with a positive approach and mindset and knowing that you impacted their day in a positive way is a win in my book.

“I have always been motivated by learning and helping others,” she continued. “I find that working at Zip’s, you learn something new every single day…from products, customers or something new in the industries we serve. By learning, it helps you strive and grow.”

Tierney said she is impressed by the breadth and depth of the products offered by Zip’s AW Direct. The company currently carries more than 60,000 products from more than 400 vendors. Every week, new customers discover Zips.com, and Tierney wants to make sure they stay.

“I am a firm believer that people can hear a smile through the phone,” she said. “It amazes me all the customers that we have and the different industries that Zip’s has products for. There is truly something for everyone here.”

In her role, Tierney tracks order histories and inventory levels through databases and spreadsheets. She says keeping information current helps with each call, leads to job satisfaction and assists others in the call center. Teamwork, she said, is what she likes best about working at Zip’s.

“Everyone is treated like family here,” Tierney said. “We all build such great relationships with our customers and our co-workers. Everyone truly cares about each other—whether it be on a personal or professional level. Zip’s is always evolving, and they want every one of their employees to grow as well.”

Close enough is not good enough. Don’t rely on your own judgment or the sound of your impact wrench to determine if lugnuts are properly secured. Always torque them to exact vehicle and manufacturer specifications.

Professionally-torqued lugnuts prevent dangerous wheel separations on the highway and limit a mechanic’s liability. A loose wheel can cause property damage, personal injury or, in the worst case scenario, a fatal accident.

The internet is littered with videos showing close calls with runaway tires on highways and on busy streets, nearly striking emergency personnel, pedestrians and the motoring public. Don’t risk a loose wheel. Invest in a torque wrench and give yourself peace of mind.

Lugnut specifications range by rim size, stud diameter and vehicle ratings. Passenger tires vary from 70 ft./lbs. to more than 100 ft./lbs.

Refer to a vehicle’s owner manual or check available resources online for proper specifications. Here is an example of the torque ranges available with the TorcUP torque wrench.

Improper implications

Undertightening a lugnut will put additional strain on the remaining lugnuts and will eventually cause them to fatigue, loosen and separate. Relaxed lugnuts will also cause the lug holes to elongate and become oblong, thus ruining the rim.

An overtightened lugnut is just as dangerous. Too much force can strip the threads and cause them to stretch, effectively losing their clamping pressure. Over-exertion on the wheel stud can also force them to crack and break off.

The intent behind properly-torqued lugnuts is to prevent wheel separations. One study found “fastener failure” was to blame in 85 percent of reported wheel separation accidents. Don’t become part of that statistic and always follow manufacturer recommendations.

Each time a wheel is removed–whether for tire rotation, new tires or other routine wheel maintenance–the lugnuts need to be torqued accurately before the vehicle leaves the shop. They should also be rechecked two more times in the first 100 miles.

Invest in a quality torque wrench 

A properly calibrated torque wrench will prevent wheel separation and avoid any unnecessary exposure to risk. Several torque wrenches are available in the automotive market, from manual “click” wrenches to battery-powered models. 

At Zip’s AW Direct, we sell and recommend the TorcUP, a quality, durable cordless unit delivering digital precision and offering reduced user fatigue. Click here for complete details on the six options available.

With the TorcUP, you can accurately tighten a lugnut to exact specifications with less effort and greater convenience. This cordless unit frees yourself from manual lever-type torque wrenches and improves confidence, knowing you’ve accurately tightened a lugnut.

The TorcUP also allows you to reach inside a wheel well without a cumbersome lever getting in the way. For safety, yellow “reaction arms” are available to brace against or lock onto neighboring lugnuts to absorb the force generated by this power-packed wrench.

A digital readout at the base of the TorcUP wrench allows you to input the exact torque setting. To set it, press the up and down arrows. You can switch between standard and metric readings by pressing both arrows simultaneously. 

At a max RPM of 20, the TorcUP wrench spins slowly and deliberately and then stops turning when the torque setting is achieved. To improve your efficiency, you can use a standard impact wrench to tighten the nut and then switch to the TorqUP wrench for the final torque setting.

Please note the TorcUP does not record individual torque settings. We recommend documenting each wheel setting and then listing that information on the customer’s invoice. This will limit your exposure to risk once the vehicle leaves the shop.

Accurate recordkeeping and properly tightening lugnuts are the hallmarks of a professional automotive technician. You don’t cut corners and have the safety and best interest of your customers and the motoring public in mind. Invest in a TorcUP wrench and sleep good at night.

• Personal safety by eliminating fumes and slippery surfaces
• Environmental protection by controlling hazardous material spills
• Property preservation by preventing long-term damage

• Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, boots and safety glasses

• Containment products, like absorbent mats, booms, socks and pillows

• Disposal bags to properly collect and identify soiled materials

• Cautionary signs to warn others of the spill and cleanup underway

• Universal to address a combination of chemical and water-based fluids
• Oil-only to absorb petroleum-based leaks and spills
• Hazmat to handle dangerous situations, such as battery acid

When Avery Sassman first joined Zip’s AW Direct 18 months ago, he said he was pretty familiar with the company. He had grown up in nearby Fredericksburg, and the company he worked for previously shared a warehouse and production facility with Zip’s on the west side of New Hampton.

Now living in Hawkeye, the 23-year-old said he was eventually referred to work at Zip’s by a family friend, and he was hired on for the warehouse here in February of 2021. He said he had prior shipping and receiving experience, so the distribution center was a natural fit for him at Zip’s.

“I was really looking for something different at the time,” Sassman said as the reason for his career change. “I had always heard good things about working here. At my last job, I pretty much did anything related to the warehouse, so I was already comfortable with that line of work.”

Sassman, who is this month’s ‘Meet an Expert’ at Zip’s, started off as a parts runner and was “absolutely amazed” by the breadth and depth of the products offered here. At last count, Zip’s AW Direct offers more than 65,000 products from 400-plus vendors.

Included with that product offering are more than 100 pre-assembled kits for the towing and recovery industry, including toolbox systems, chain kits and synthetic winch lines. During his downtime in the warehouse, Sassman said he began to work on the kit assemblies to stay busy, and based on his performance there, he eventually transitioned to that role full time.

His days now are spent cutting chain to specifications and measuring and splicing synthetic rope for a variety of Manufacturing Orders. Since he first started in the kit department, he said he has been able to shave his time in half, increasing his productivity and efficiency with experience.

“Once you get used to it, the process goes pretty quickly,” Sassman noted. “But when I first started out, it took me a little longer to put everything together.”

As he continues to improve his craft, Sassman said he takes pride in the products he produces for Zip’s customers. At the end of the day, his job satisfaction comes from knowing he is shipping out durable products with expert workmanship.

“I like to make sure I’m doing quality work,” he said. “You know you did a good job when the product doesn’t get returned.”

Good pay and benefits, including paid time off and generous profit sharing, are key ingredients to reducing turnover and improving employee retention at Zip’s AW Direct. It’s a recipe the New Hampton-based company tries to follow as it competes for workers in rural northeast Iowa.

Employee referrals have also become critical to the company’s hiring goals, particularly as the business–operating primarily in a community of just over 3,000 people–has grown from 66 employees to 250 workers with the acquisition of AW Direct four years ago.

Facing stiff small-market competition, that recruitment effort has often led to the employment of relatives. A family-owned company, Zip’s itself is led by two generations of the Rottinghaus family, so it seemed fairly natural to hire relatives of current employees to fill job openings.

Besides owners Paul and Margo Rottinghaus and their son David, the stable employee base at Zip’s includes siblings, parents, children, uncles, cousins and even a handful of married couples from the surrounding area. Besides often sharing the same last names, they take ownership in each other’s success, which leads to longevity within the company.

Among the husband-and-wife teams here are New Hampton natives Todd and Maelynn Tenge. Todd is one of the longest-serving employees at Zip’s and oversees Quality Control on the truck side. Maelynn works in the Payroll Department and supports Human Resources.

Todd has been employed by Zip’s for the past 35 years and was joined by his wife seven and a half years ago when the company lifted its unwritten policy preventing husbands and wives working together here. The Tenges said they appreciate the family-friendly culture and atmosphere at Zip’s. 

“We have really been able to raise our family at Zip’s and have been able to send each of our three kids off to college because of our jobs here,” Maelynn said. “This is a very good place to work. Everyone is well taken care of, which makes people want to come to work everyday and do a good job.”

“Zip’s has been able to adapt with the times,” Todd added. “They want everybody’s future here to be long and prosperous, and they want people to stay here. We have a good group of workers, and that starts from the top on down. It’s not one person who makes this company go. Everybody works together to get that product out.”

The Tenges have been married for 31 years and recalled attending Zip’s Christmas parties early on “when there were just 40 of us,” Maelynn said. Although the business has grown exponentially since–including adding a second location in Michigan in 2012–the Tenges said the company’s hometown values have always remained in-tact, which was particularly evident when one of their children was facing health issues.

“The Rottinghaus family really takes care of their employees,” Maelynn said. “They are really good about working with you if you have a situation where you need time off. We have never been denied time to take off for personal reasons, but we have never abused it either. We have only taken off when we really needed to.”

The Tenges said they have returned the favor through their loyalty to the company and their commitment to producing quality products and services. Through their combined 42 years of service, they said they are personally invested in seeing the company prosper and maintain its foothold as a top employer in the region.

“This is our hometown,” Maelynn said. “We went to school here. We work here. We shop here. We want to see Zip’s stick around here for a long time to come.”

“The biggest thing we can do as employees is making sure the customer is happy,” Todd added. “When the customer is happy, we know we did our job right.”