A tow truck (also called a wrecker, a breakdown truck, recovery vehicle or a breakdown lorry) is a truck used to move disabled, improperly parked, impounded, or otherwise indisposed motor vehicles. This may involve recovering a vehicle damaged in an accident, returning one to a drivable surface in a mishap or inclement weather, or towing or transporting one via flatbed to a repair shop or other location.
A tow truck is distinct from a car carrier trailer, which is used to move multiple new or used vehicles simultaneously in routine transport operations.
Ferdinand Porsche of Austro-Daimler developed an artillery tractor for the Austro-Hungarian army in 1908, the M 08. One of the batch was constructed as a recovery vehicle for the others, with a large winch on the rear platform.
The wrecker (with lifting jib) was invented in 1916 by Ernest Holmes Sr. of Chattanooga, Tennessee, a garage worker who was inspired after he needed blocks, ropes, and six men to pull a car out of a creek. After improving his design he began manufacturing them commercially. The International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum in his home town displays restored antique wreckers, tools, equipment, and pictorial histories of motor-vehicle towing, a type of work that Holmes originated.
There are also several sizes and weight categories of tow truck. The lightest models are usually based on light truck and van chassis offering boom and tow weights of around 5 to 10 short tons (4.5–9.1 metric tons), making them ideal for car towing. Medium-duty tow trucks have a boom capacity of 15 to 20 short tons (14–18 metric tons). Heavy-duty tow trucks, based on chassis used by semi-trucks, with multiple axles and the ability to tow fully-loaded semi-truck and trailer combinations, have a boom capacity from 25 to 50 short tons (23–45 metric tons). Rotators are the heaviest type of tow truck, ranging from 40 to 75 short tons (36–68 metric tons) (though lighter models do exist) and often come with many other features per customer specification.
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Most flatbed-type vehicles are based on medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks to provide the chassis strength necessary to carry entire vehicles.
Tow trucks are usually operated by private businesses, except for major highways and toll roads, where the road authority may operate the tow trucks for that stretch of road. Some police departments own tow trucks; in the US, however, it is common to contract police tows to private companies. Businesses who operate a large fleet of vehicles, such as school bus companies or package delivery services, often own one or several tow trucks for the purposes of towing their own vehicles. Government departments with large fleets (such as the police departments, fire departments, transportation authorities and departments of public works of major cities) may similarly own one or more tow trucks. Police department tow trucks may also be used to impound other vehicles. Heavy tow trucks are often called to clear semi-truck accidents and straighten out jackknifed trucks. In rural or unorganized areas, companies which operate tow trucks can sometimes also offer additional services appropriate to highway clearance where government-provided ones are unavailable, such as fire suppression.
Each state and territory of Australia has its own regulations and acts for the operation of tow trucks. Tow trucks are generally divided into two categories, either by standard, trade and private towing or accident towing. Accident towing tow trucks are clearly identifiable by number plates ending in either "ATT" or "TT". Tow trucks that are not endorsed for accident towing may use general number plates of any combination pursuant to each state's own registering system. An example of a statute regulating the operation of tow trucks and towing companies in Victoria is the Victorian Accident Towing Services Act.
On National Classy Day, we celebrate those who are graced with the ability to live their lives with class, passion, and who are driven to share it with others. On January 17th, honor those class acts and commemorate the birth of one of the most legendary comedians ever to walk the Earth.
Classy people draw others to them. They have a grace and knack for bringing light into a room with humor, beauty, or inspiration. For example, American comedian, Betty White, was graced with a seemingly unlimited ability to make us laugh. Her humor transcended age, gender, and race, and her vibrant energy was contagious. Knowing her or someone like her is an unforgettable experience that lives far beyond a single moment.
“Everybody needs a passion. That’s what keeps life interesting. If you live without passion, you can go through life without leaving any footprints.”
Betty White in her book If You Ask Me (And Of Course You Won’t)
We are not all graced with the same qualities as Betty White’s immaculate timing or delightful humility. However, we are all given traits that make us unique. We can exercise those abilities to the benefit of everyone around us. Other iconic women who shared their finer qualities with the world include:
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
- Barbara Pierce Bush
- Sacagawea
- Diana Princess of Wales
- Julia Child
- Eleanor Roosevelt
- Rosa Parks
- Nelly Bly
- Bessie Coleman
HOW TO OBSERVE
On National Classy Day, reflect on those who’ve graced the world with their best qualities and made it a better place. Who would you recognize on January 17th? There are other ways to celebrate the day, too!
- Bring joy, laughter, or a smile to someone. Share a funny story, pun or joke.
- Remind someone of their goodness by complimenting them on a talent, skill, or accomplishment.
- Encourage someone to strive for their goals.
- Look for the positive in your day.
- Give someone a little grace. We all have bad days and a little kindness goes a long way.
NATIONAL CLASSY DAY HISTORY
On December 31, 2021, actress, comedian, and producer Betty Marion White Ludden passed away at 99. Born on January 17, 1922, White’s enduring career was so legendary that in 2018, Guinness World Records named her the female entertainer with the longest career. White was first cast in a radio broadcast in 1939 at the age of 17, and her career spanned 82 years. And for her entire career, White displayed grace and charisma that touched the world. She starred in numerous television shows and movies, including The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, Hot in Cleveland, and many more, all of which showcased her quick wit and grace.
The Registrar at National Day Calendar proclaimed National Classy Day on January 1, 2022, in honor of Betty White and all the women who bring their grace and gifts to their communities and the larger world.
