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Discover ARADirect

A Better Solution for Selling Abandoned Vehicles

As a tow operator, the abandoned vehicles on your lot can quickly become a financial burden. In the past, there were only two ways to sell these vehicles, via auction houses or by bringing an auctioneer on site. Today, there is a new way.

Introducing ARADirect, a revolutionary online auction platform that allows you to easily sell vehicles from your lot without moving them! The Automotive Recycler’s Association (ARA) program allows you to directly upload your inventory to the site for instant auction and exposure to hundreds of auto recyclers throughout North America. Here’s why you need to start selling your vehicles through ARADirect TODAY…

ZERO Seller Fee; Nominal User Fee
Paying less in fees means more money in your pocket.

ZERO Transportation Fee
Eliminate the cost of transporting abandoned vehicles to physical auctions by selling them from your lot.

Daily Auctions
No need to wait for the next auction. Deals are happening every day online.

Support Your State Towing Association
A small portion of your user fee goes directly to your local state towing association which ultimately benefits you.

Ease of Use
Our mobile app makes listing vehicles simple. It’s as easy as scanning the vehicle’s VIN bar code and snapping some photos!

Start selling through ARADirect today. Sign-up is easy and it’s FREE.

Register at www.ARADirect.net and then download the iBidSmart mobile app from Android or Apple.

ARADirect is powered by iBidSmart, an expertly crafted technology that enables vehicle suppliers to run their own auctions online.

Selling Impounded and Abandoned Vehicles in Texas Is Easy with IAA

As an automotive auction partner of the Southwest Tow Operators Association, IAA is proud to introduce the Texas Abandonment Sale — a better way to sell the impounded and abandoned vehicles on your lot. Traditionally, tow operators have relied on crushing to dispose of abandonments. However, these units often have more value at an IAA auction. By consigning these vehicles to auction with IAA, you could increase your profits by hundreds of dollars.

We’re here to help every step of the way. From title procurement solutions to quick and easy payment options, we offer the services you need to get vehicles to auction and money in your pocket — fast:

Securing proper title/sale documents. Having the right documents can mean more cash for your vehicles. We can help you acquire the most favorable title documents for the highest sale prices.
Vehicle enhancements. Our on-site sales highlight Run & Drive® vehicles, delivering higher sale prices. Washing vehicles, replacing fluids, making minor repairs and cutting keys are among the additional services we can provide to get you more cash.
Buyer marketing. IAA markets your vehicles to our international buyer base from 110+ countries. Marketing includes internet materials, emails, flyers, window stickers, and ads for maximum exposure and maximum sale price.
Guaranteed buyer payment. After the auction, you receive the proceeds from the sale within three business days. And the winning bid price is guaranteed — no reneges, no chasing buyer payment.

To sell the abandoned vehicles on your lot at IAA’s first Texas Abandonment Sale on April 29, they must be consigned by 4:30 p.m. on April 25. The sale will be run through the IAA Dallas-Ft. Worth branch. To learn more, or to begin the consignment process, visit our dedicated Southwest Tow Operators page.

Important Rule Ammendments and Changes

There have been a number of recent rule changes and ammendments to storage and booting laws that went into effect March 15. You need to know these updates!

Click here to view the rule changes

Air Cushon Training Pampa TX

TDLR Face-To-Face Region 6

On March 24, in STO's Region 6, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation held its third regional, face-to-face strategic planning session in Dallas. Tommy Anderson, executive director of STO, Jason Ward, STO Region 6 representative, and the entire STO office staff also attended this meeting.

"I thought it was a great meeting, but I was surprised there were only 25 or 30 towers there," said Joann Messina, STO's co-founder and legislative chair. "One of the things TDLR is doing well with towers is communication, and having these regional meetings was huge." She said TDLR hosting regional meetings, rather than only having meetings in Austin, was a big improvement. She also is presiding officer of the TDLR Towing, Booting and Storage Advisory Board.

Jim Fuller, owner of Fuller's Towing in Canton, was dubious about the meetings, but adamant that tower involvement is essential in the process to educate TDLR reps on the industry.

"What I'm happy about most is the fact that we are having good participation at these meetings in most areas," STO's Anderson said.

Read more: TDLR Face-To-Face Region 6

Bridgestone Firestone Tires

The Bridgestone Light Truck Fleet program is now being offered to Southwest Tow Operators Members regardless of the size of your fleet. The group is using its total buying potential to get the best purchasing price from Bridgestone. You can click on the link below to check pricing and find out how to sign up for the Bridgestone Light Truck Fleet program so you can start enjoying this special pricing from Bridgestone for Southwest Tow Operators members. Program benefits include guaranteed nationwide pricing, single source invoicing and a generous line of credit (upon approved credit) and support from the largest dealer network in America. There are no start up costs, no annual fees to participate in the program and no unit commitments to make in order to utilize the program. To find out more please visit www.lighttruckfleet.com or contact Ray Render at Bridgestone – renderray@bfusa.com or 615-390-2126.

TDLR Face-To-Face Region 4

On March 17, 2014, in STO's Region 4, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation held its first regional, face-to-face strategic planning session (several are scheduled around the state).
The open sessions had scheduled times with different groups overseen by TDLR; the department is looking to open the lines of communication and find ways to better interact with businesses in the state.
At the meeting in Region 4, STO 2nd Vice President David Escalera (owner of 956 Towing), said approximately 40 towing companies were on-hand to discuss TDLR practices and impacts on towing and storage facilities. Also attending the meeting were Fidel Cortez, Region 4 Director, Ramiro Sanchez, Past 2nd Vice President, and other STO members.

"TDLR wanted to see and brainstorm with local towers for input how they feel about TDLR," Escalera said. "It was opinionated stuff; what towers like and don't like about the program and what changes they'd like to see made."
"It was about trying to find a common ground to make things more efficient."
He said the meeting followed an itinerary set by TDLR that kicked off with questions from the department on what towers felt it was doing right. Many felt that the meeting itself was a positive step.