TRAW Achievements since 2006

LEGISLATIVE:

Ø       Passed “Hailey’s Law” mandating impounds on all DUI arrest vehicles with a 12 hour hold. RCW 46.55.360

Ø      Passed clarification on storage rate law allowing companies to charge for full storage if the vehicle is released prior to the vehicle being auctioned.  RCW 46.55.130 (4) (a)

Ø      Defeated legislation that would have required 3 phone calls to registered owner prior to impounding.

Ø      Passed legislation to allow towing companies to charge taxes based on location of office, not destination of load.  Only FTD Florists and tow companies have this exemption in the tax code.

Ø     Passed legislation to allow the use of electronic certified mailings, saving companies time and money.

Ø    Defeated legislation that would have required a 24 Hour Vehicle Impound Notice to be sent out “certified”, which would have double the cost of the mailings.

Ø      Defeated legislation that would have required tow companies to replace all existing impound signs with new signs that defined “unauthorized” that would have cost companies thousands of dollars.

Ø      Passed legislation to allow companies to advertise in the “little Nickel” or other similar papers, eliminated the requirement to list each vehicle description, license number or vin number and streamlined the auction process, saving companies thousands of dollars in advertising fees.    RCW 46.55.130 (1)

Ø      Supported legislation that passed that mandated impounds on vehicles used by “Johns” soliciting prostitutes.

Ø      Helped change language in the law that exempts tow drivers from possessing “Slim Jim’s” as a crime. 

Ø       Strongly supported and passed a revised “MOVE-OVER” law and were credited as the only non-governmental agency to partner in this important legislation.  RCW 46.61.212

Ø      Have supported, introduced, and will continue to support legislation regarding the inspection of  NON-RTTO companies to insure fair rules for all towing companies.

EDUCATION:

Ø      Since 2006 TRAW has hosted over 60 school events, including one-day, two-day light duty, two-day medium duty, three and four day heavy and super-heavy duty schools and have trained over 600 students to be safer, more efficient drivers.

Ø    Our education program has worked with other agencies to provide the best in working knowledge to our partners outside of the industry.

PARTNERSHIPS:

Ø    TRAW has partnered with the Washington State Patrol, Department of Licensing, Department of Transportation, Labor and Industries, Ecology, Revenue, and Fish and Wildlife to provide better service and understanding of our industry. We meet with these groups to resolve any dispute or situation prior to seeking legislative relief.

Ø    TRAW has partnered with private groups throughout the nation to better the equipment, business climate, and safety of drivers and other employees.  Such groups as Miller Industries, AAA, the International Tow Truck Museum and Hall of Fame, and TowPartners, just to name a few, have helped our companies grow, prosper, and stay on top of the industry.

BENEFITS:

Ø      TRAW provides multiple benefits to our members that save them money and provide the best in services.  Those benefits include:

                        *BIAW insurance program

                        *National Michelin tire program

                        *RETRO program

                        *Approved Hydraulic permits through Fish & Wildlife    

                          department

                        *Membership in TowPartners savings group

                        *Discounts on training, shows, and events

                        *Subscription to “The Dispatch” quarterly magazine

                        24/7 phone support and hundreds of fellow towers who stand ready to help another member.

DISTRICT MEETINGS and EVENTS

TRAW hosts 3 major events every hear that help companies learn, socialize, and relax.  We are known for the best social events in the industry, and remember, it was our original group of members back in the 70’s and 80’s that organized the first-ever Tow Road-E-O in the country, so we did it first, and we do it the best!

Our yearly NW Tow EXPO has become one of the finest towing events west of the Mississippi river.  Guests from all over the country, and in 2011 from around the world came to the NW corner of Washington to see the finest in equipment, taste the best food, and have a great time with fellow tow owners and operators.

Our Spring Education/Membership meeting is our “give back” to our members where TRAW brings in a   half-dozen renowned experts in various fields relating to our industry and every person in attendance gets valuable training in each of this mini-classes.  Combined with a great social dinner and banquet, and set in dry and warm climate of the Tri-Cities, this has become a “must-do” event.

Winterfest, formerly our Christmas party, is now held in January and for the first time, we  visited beautiful Lake Chelan.  Every room was a suite, and over 100 happy guests enjoyed games, auctions, and other events for this much needed winter get-a-way.  We have already reserved the Hotel for next year, at popular request. 

From September to May, each district holds a monthly meeting, allowing members to meet and discuss local issues.  Guest speakers and over 1,000 combined hours of free educational material have been taught at our district meetings, and each member has the chance to make his or her position known on legislation, contract conditions or other important subjects.

This is just the tip of the iceberg to membership in TRAW.  Financially, you will save money with our benefits, your drivers will become safer and more efficient with customers and equipment, and you will be better equipped to handle today’s economy and ever-changing work environment by being a member of TRAW.     So, what are you waiting for?     Registration Forms are located on our Home Page

TRAW “The Power of a Team”

                                                                                                                  ~Bressi