The Week's Features

Ornate graphics and Ben Franklin make for a colorful look

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August 15-17, 2019

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Dec. 4-8, 2019

Don't Miss It!

With the rampant increase in distracted driving towers need every advantage available to avoid costly accidents. Tow Industry Week Business Editor Brian J. Riker gives a presentation on the dynamic nature of tow trucks when loaded v. empty, following distance and other traffic hazards surely could help prevent some crashes. Join him for his seminar, “Defensive Driving/Driving Professionalism,” during Tow Industry Week, taking place at the American Towman ShowPlace, May 8-11 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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American Towman Magazine Presents the Week in TowingMarch 20 - March 26, 2019

Towing Along the Donner Pass

The Donner Pass, an important driving passage in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, is considered one of the most treacherous thoroughfares in the United States. Windy roads scale just above 7,000’ and unexpected weather conditions sometimes dump as much as 8’ of snow in 3-4 days; the area has spelled disaster for motorists and truckers alike.

It’s always been a main artery traveling to or from California or for those seeking recreation and leisure at one of the lakes, ski resorts or casinos along the pass en route to Lake Tahoe. The route got its name from the Donner Party, who in the mid 19th Century, during the rush of westward expansion, encountered a tragedy, leading to more than 30 deaths in the group and a shocking case of cannibalism.

“A wagon train of people tried to cross Donner Summit back in the horse-and-buggy days and got caught in the dead of winter and had to resort to eating each other to survive,” said Josh Sutton, whose dad, Craig Sutton, owns Nyack Towing.

Nyack Towing sits along Donner Pass with several tow trucks waiting; a couple of flatbeds, a couple of light to midrange service trucks, and their 2009 Peterbilt with a 40-ton Century. It’s enough of a fleet to do the work of lifting, hauling and rescuing stranded vehicles that get caught in the road’s treachery.

Their trucks are not adorned with anything fancy. Their heavy duty is all white with an attractive maroon border and a single image on its body: a spread eagle drawn in the style of Native American art. The company’s symbol was inherited from a former Shell station that had its origins in 1946.

“Nyack means lookout,” Josh said of it’s Native American origins. It’s a gorgeous view on the summit.

There are no tow truck companies competing on this mountain, no one to impress or brand that needs to stand out. Does anyone really care that you are towing for a cause or have a cartoon to share with the world when you are stranded on a summit with memories of the Donner Party lingering in your subconscious?

Stranded on the Donner, the only cause you care about is knowing that help is on the way.

Wrapped in a Flag

By George L. Nitti

Many successful professionals in the towing industry began their journey with only one tow truck, growing their fleet over years of hard work. America has always served as a backdrop for achieving prosperity and the American Dream, which is the reason why so many feel such a strong loyalty towards her.

"I came from nothing, worked hard all my life and believe in the American Dream," said Robert Hullett, owner of R.E. Hullett's and Sons and Hullett's Service Center, in Manchester, Tennessee.

The company's most recent acquisition, a 2016 Peterbuilt/Century 1075 rotator with five winches, represents another dream come true.

When the 'tator was purchased, Hullett's turned to Kevin Bogle of Innovations to come up with a flag-themed design that was part of a team effort.

On its front sides, white stars gleam against a blue gradient filled backdrop. Further down the body, red and white stripes undulate in a wave-like pattern, filling up the remaining part of its lengthy sides as if an entire flag has been draped over it.

The rotator has the company name is highlighted on the hefty red boom, along with verbiage boasting the capacity of the 75-ton rotator.

In smaller print the side doors include more information such as the company name, address and phone number.
Towards the back of the cab and above the door windows, the names of Hullett's two sons are displayed prominently: Bryson and Hayden.

Hullett said, "My business is Hullett's, my wreckers are R.E. Hullett and Sons; so my sons names are on it."

Proud of his flag-themed unit, Hullett also expressed love for his country.

"I'm very proud of my country, heritage, flag and what it stands for."

Brag @ TIW!
Should your truck be featured here? Send a few pics and your contact information to the editor at bdooley@towman.com . You might even be selected to go in print, too, in American Towman magazine.

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