Keystone Tape and Supply returns to San Antonio

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The guys at Keystone Tape returned to the San Antonio Tow show with one mission , to continue providing the #1 Krash Wrap to the Tow Industry along with other key products that they all use Everyday. owner: Chuck Johnson has been in the Adhesive Based products for over 25plus years and continues to listen to the end users and all the Industries to keep providing them the very Best products for there companies to get the Job done.

The last couple years Keystone Tape and Supply has been providing A safe Water Spill Recovery Product to the Salvage Industry , This Safe Water spill System has caught the Attention of the Tow Industry . and other First responders on the crash scene, Keystone Tape has Teamed with ECS , and are providing the Knowledge to correctly recover the Spill with the FM-186-2 Hydrocarbon Mitigation Chemical and provide the cleanup properly, In San Antonio Keystone brought in Jim Figueira from ECS to provide information on the Recovery System and the Spill Recovery Cost to be billed to the Insurance companies.

KEYSTONE TAPE AND SUPPLY IS NOW PROVIDING THE RECOVERY SYSTEM KITS @ $346.10

Show Bolsters Texas Tow Industry

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The successful draw to San Antonio for the recent Tow Expo Int'l not only benefitted the 100 plus industry suppliers who exhibited, and not only the thousands of towers who attended, but the industry at large in Texas. "The show," said Southwest Tow Operators Executive Director Tommy Anderson, "provided education to help towers be more successful and more professional. And our legislative meetings, well attended, helped update towers on what they need to know to be compliant with the state's laws regulating the towing industry. Once again this was an important event for the Texas towing industry."

www.towindustryweek.com

2015 Legislative Wrap-Up

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During the now-completed 84th Session of the Texas Legislature, three bills affecting the towing and vehicle storage facility industries were passed and subsequently signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott:

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&;Bill=HB2213">HB 2213 - Relating to the tow rotation list in certain counties. This bill amended Sec. 2308.209(b)(1) of the Texas Occupations Code, adding Montgomery County to the counties that fall within the requirements for tow rotations. Signed by the Governor 5/23/15, effective immediately.

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&;Bill=HB00804">HB 804 - Requires the operator of a VSF to accept each of the following forms of payment for any charge associated with delivery or storage of a vehicle:

(1)  cash;

(2)  debit card; and

(3)  credit card.

HB 804 also prohibits a VSF from refusing to release a vehicle based on the inability of the facility to accept payment by debit card or credit car for fees or charges associated with delivery or storage of the vehicle, unless the VSF operator, through no fault of their own, is unable to accept the debit card or credit card because of a power outage or a machine malfunction. Effective 9/1/15.

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=84R&;Bill=SB1820">SB 1820 - Clarifies that the term “tow truck” does not include a truck-trailer combination that is owned or operated by a dealer licensed under http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/SOTWDocs/OC/htm/OC.2301.htm">Chapter 2301 (Sale or Lease of Motor Vehicles) and used to transport new vehicles during the normal course of a documented transaction in which the dealer is a party and ownership or the right of possession of the transported vehicle is conveyed or transferred; or a car hauler that is used solely to transport, other than in a consent or nonconsent tow, motor vehicles as cargo in the course of a prearranged shipping transaction or for use in mining, drilling, or construction operations. Signed by the Governor 5/23/15, effective immediately.

For more information on SB 1820, see the FAQs below.

FAQs: Car Haulers

1. I am a car hauler who only moves vehicles for dealerships.  Do I need a license with TDLR?

No, if you use a truck and trailer combination owned by the new car dealer you are hauling for, and you are moving new vehicles as part of a transaction in which the dealer is a party, then you do not need to be licensed by TDLR.

“Transactions” include but are not limited to:

• Delivering new cars from the manufacturer or a shipping terminal;
• Delivering new vehicles to the new owner or person leasing the vehicle;
• Inventory swaps with other new vehicle dealerships.

2. I have a four-car hauler and only pick up vehicles from VSF’s and take them to salvage dealers.  Do I need a TDLR license?

No. If you ONLY transport these vehicles as cargo as part of a pre-arranged shipping transaction you do not need a TDLR license.  

3. I move trucks to the oil fields on a low boy trailer.  Do I need to be licensed with TDLR?

No, because you are moving the vehicles for use in mining, drilling, or construction operations.

4. I have a new car dealership and a tow company license because we have a tow truck we use to pick up cars for repair.  When that tow truck is busy, may we use our truck-trailer car hauler on an occasional emergency basis to pick up cars for repair without a truck permit or tow license for the operator?

No. The exemption only applies when a new vehicle is being transported in the course of a transaction in which the ownership or right to possess and use the vehicle, such as in a sale, trade or lease, has been transferred to or from the dealership. Picking up a car and taking it to a repair shop is a tow, and both the truck and truck operator would need TDLR licenses to do so. 

5. If I own the truck-trailer combination and the dealership does not, do I need a TDLR tow truck and tow operator license?

No, so long as you are hauling the vehicles as part of a prearranged shipping transaction and have documentation in the truck to show proof of the prearranged shipping transaction.

Affordable Care Act - Continues

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Beacon Software

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Over the last 15 years Beacon Software has provided software for your towing and roadside business. We’ve developed features to accommodate the more difficult and time consuming processes that effect your daily operation. With a modular system we can accommodate any size business, and allow you to add in additional features as they become feasible to you. Beacon’s suite of products work together to give you the most comprehensive towing solution.

Dispatch Anywhere covers you from call request to billing and accounts receivable. We remove repetition as a call moves from dispatch to the field by utilizing Dispatch Anywhere for Drivers. Calls are updated on scene with photos, vehicle damage, as well as signature capture for tickets, key drop offs, and payment. Real time updates keep drivers and dispatch on the same page. Whether you’re taking payment in the field, sending monthly statements, or releasing from your impound we have you covered.

We integrate digital calls from your motor clubs and keep your phone lines open with TowMagic. Stop retyping information and bill your clubs at a rate of 15 calls per minute with our Motor Club Billing feature.

Let TowLein do your leg work for you. No lines, no post office, and less money. Stay legal and efficient by taking the guesswork out of your lien vehicles.

We are proud to work with the associations to be on the forefront of industry changes, legislation, and innovation. As an associate member you will receive a $100.00 discount when you purchase Dispatch Anywhere, and we’ll donate an additional $100.00 directly to your association. Contact us to see which products work for you.