blog

Zip's Top 10 Accessories for Your Service Truck

Tyler Nestvedt | May 12, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Providing top-tier roadside service begins with having the right tools for the job. With so many ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Automotive Construction Municipalities Trending Product Guides

Zip's AW Direct Honored as Patriotic Employer

Cameron Hanson | Apr 23, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Zip’s AW Direct was honored recently as a Patriotic Employer by the U.S. Department of Defense for ...

News & Insights Community

Zip's AW Direct Announces Dolooma Partnership

Cameron Hanson | Apr 10, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Dolooma and Zip’s AW Direct Announce Strategic Partnership to Transform Towing Industry Operations ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance News & Insights Press Release

Zip’s AW Direct Introduces SafeAll Ping for Enhanced Roadside Safety

Tyler Nestvedt | Mar 6, 2025 8:00:00 AM

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa – Zip’s AW Direct, a premier distributor of trucks, parts, and accessories for ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Construction Municipalities News & Insights Press Release

Best Vehicle Lockout Kits

Cameron Hanson | Feb 20, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Doesn’t matter who locked the keys inside the car. What matters is what you’re going to do to get ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Trending Product Guides

Zip's AW Direct Acquires GUNI Products

Cameron Hanson | Feb 13, 2025 8:00:00 AM

NEW HAMPTON, Iowa–Zip’s AW Direct, a leading distributor of trucks, parts and accessories to the ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive News & Insights Press Release

Zip's Customer Spotlight: Liberty Towing, Madison, WI

Tyler Nestvedt | Jan 10, 2025 8:00:00 AM

“My vision starting the company was to bring the service of the towing industry back into the ...

Towing & Recovery Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Top 10 Products from 2024

Cameron Hanson | Dec 31, 2024 8:00:00 AM

At Zip’s AW Direct, we don’t like to stand around with our hands in our pockets. We’re always on ...

How To Choose & Use a Vehicle Jack

Tyler Nestvedt | Nov 22, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Whether you get a flat tire on the road or you want to perform basic car maintenance in your shop, ...

Automotive Municipalities Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Zip's Customer Spotlight: Pulver Towing, Rochester, MN

Cameron Hanson | Oct 17, 2024 8:00:00 AM

The Schafer family from Minnesota has been towing so long, their first tow truck from the 1920s had ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Zip's Customer Spotlight: Tel-Wick Towing, Taylor, MI

Cameron Hanson | Aug 30, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Tel-Wick Towing and Zip’s AW Direct are practically neighbors in the Detroit suburb of Taylor, MI. ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Meet an Expert: Brian McDermott

Tyler Nestvedt | Aug 14, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Brian McDermott's career with Zip's began with a humble summer job washing trucks between his ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Dolly Inspection Tips

Zip's | Aug 8, 2024 1:30:00 PM

Zip's Customer Spotlight: Collins Brothers Towing of St. Cloud

Cameron Hanson | Jul 26, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Central Minnesota native James Trantina has built quite a towing empire in the Upper Midwest. From ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Zip's Customer Spotlight: Tow King, Waco, TX

Cameron Hanson | Jun 26, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Gary Hoffman didn't need to see a guidance counselor in high school. He knew what he wanted to do ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

How to Maintain Your Winch

Tyler Nestvedt | Jun 24, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Proper care can save your equipment and save you money. With the right maintenance, you can ensure ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Meet an Expert: Mike Bucknell

Cameron Hanson | May 14, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Mike Bucknell knows a thing or two about wreckers. A 30-year Zip’s employee, he started working on ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Which Shackle Is Right For You?

Tyler Nestvedt | May 9, 2024 8:00:00 AM

There are so many shackles out there that it can be hard to figure out the right one for you. ...

Towing & Recovery Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Zip's Spotlight: Grand Valley Towing

Cameron Hanson | Apr 26, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Steve Vroma never planned on growing his tow company to the level it’s at now. He was content ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Chain Binders

Tyler Nestvedt | Apr 17, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Chains are great for cargo securement, but you need to be sure it stays tight while on the move. ...

Over the Road Agriculture Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

How to Fix or Change a Tire

Tyler Nestvedt | Apr 12, 2024 8:00:00 AM

When on the road, anything is possible. One of the most common issues is when you’re driving down ...

Automotive Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Meet an Expert: Brittany Rymas

Tyler Nestvedt | Apr 11, 2024 8:00:00 AM

This month’s 'Meet an Expert' highlights Brittany Rymas. Brittany began working at Zip’s AW Direct ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Meet an Expert: Brian Fisher

Cameron Hanson | Mar 20, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Brian Fisher has a knack for solving problems. Often from memory, he can walk a customer through a ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Zip's Spotlight: SAS Towing & Recovery

Cameron Hanson | Mar 15, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Already life partners, James and Amy Peterson became business partners three years ago when they ...

Towing & Recovery Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Meet an Expert: Pat "Ferchee" Ferch

Cameron Hanson | Feb 9, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Pat Ferch knows the wrecker body business inside and out. As a 32-year employee at Zip’s, he spent ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Zip’s Spotlight: Lil Pete’s Automotive

Cameron Hanson | Feb 1, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Veteran tow operator Peter DiNome is committed to building a future for his family in towing. Every ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Zip's Spotlight: Val-U Auto & Towing

Cameron Hanson | Jan 3, 2024 8:00:00 AM

Joe Karpel started his family about the same time he opened his auto and towing business in his ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Snatch Block Selection Guide: Tips & Considerations for Choosing the Correct Fit

Zip's | Dec 19, 2023 2:00:00 PM

Meet an Expert: John Kuhn

Tyler Nestvedt | Dec 7, 2023 8:00:00 AM

After over forty years of putting in work, you notice the changes and similarities in a place. ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Zip's Spotlight: Chima's Tow

Cameron Hanson | Dec 1, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Zip’s Spotlight: Wes’s Service

Cameron Hanson | Oct 13, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Zip’s Spotlight: Floyd and Sons Towing

Cameron Hanson | Sep 12, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Zip’s Top 10 List - Heavy Duty

Tyler Nestvedt | Sep 1, 2023 8:00:00 AM

10 Accessories to Add to Your Heavy-Duty Wrecker or Rotator

Towing & Recovery Trending Product Guides

Zip’s Top 10 List - Light Duty

Tyler Nestvedt | Sep 1, 2023 8:00:00 AM

10 Accessories to Add to Your Car Carrier/Light Duty

Towing & Recovery Trending Product Guides

How to Choose the Best Hose Reel for You

Zip's | Aug 22, 2023 2:00:00 PM

Ratchet Strap Guide: Set Up, Use and Release

Cameron Hanson | Aug 21, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Over the Road Agriculture Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Zip’s Spotlight: Central Iowa Towing

Cameron Hanson | Aug 18, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Zip’s Spotlight: Central Iowa Towing

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

The Right Hitch for You: Class & Style Explained

Tyler Nestvedt | Aug 11, 2023 8:00:00 AM

It can be a difficult decision when figuring out which trailer hitch works best for you. With a ...

Towing & Recovery Construction Agriculture Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Choosing The Right Lifting Sling for The Right Situation

Zip's | Jun 30, 2023 2:00:00 PM

Top 10 All American Zip’s Trucks

Zip's | Jun 30, 2023 8:00:00 AM

As we celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, we take a moment to recognize some of the patriotic ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Trending Trucks & Trailers

Road To Safety: Traffic Commander

Zip's | Jun 28, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Experts’ Opinions of the Traffic Commander Turn any busy highway into a Road To Safety with the ...

Towing & Recovery Construction Trending Product Guides

Guide to Ratchet Strap Selection

Zip's | Jun 21, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Over the Road Agriculture Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Zip’s Spotlight: Mountain Recovery

Zip's | Jun 21, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Meet an Expert: Ruth Egan

Zip's | Jun 20, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Ruth Egan Manages Zip’s Store in Michigan In 2012, Zip’s opened a second location in the Detroit ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Zip’s Spotlight: Jerrys Towing

Zip's | Jun 20, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Zip's Spotlight: Pantusa Towing

Zip's | Apr 24, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Zip's Features Zip's Spotlights

Identify & Fix Damage to Lifting Slings

Zip's | Apr 14, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Construction Municipalities Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Meet an Expert: LeRoy Gossling

Zip's | Mar 10, 2023 8:00:00 AM

This Month’s ‘Meet an Expert’ at Zip’s AW Direct is LeRoy Gossling, a professional truck sales ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Must-Have Cargo Hauling Accessories

Zip's | Jan 31, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Hauling flatbed freight can be tricky. Make sure you have the right tools and cargo control ...

Over the Road Agriculture Trending Product Guides

10 Tips to Maintain Your Industrial Trailer

Zip's | Jan 26, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Preventative trailer maintenance on your industrial flatbed trailer can keep your rig rolling down ...

Over the Road Agriculture Equipment Guides Industry Knowledge & Updates

Meet an Expert: Randy Gilbert

Zip's | Jan 10, 2023 8:00:00 AM

Seeing the country and meeting great customers makes Randy Gilbert’s job pretty rewarding.

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Meet an Expert: Tierney Lensing

Zip's | Sep 27, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Helping Others Comes Naturally for Tierney Lensing

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Limit your liability: Accurately Torque Lugnuts

Zip's | Sep 9, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Close enough is not good enough. Don’t rely on your own judgment or the sound of your impact wrench ...

Automotive Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Meet an Expert: Heavy installer Steve Hoeft

Zip's | Aug 30, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Steve Hoeft grew up on a farm between New Hampton and Charles City in northeast Iowa. Like most ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Untimely Spills Require Timely Response

Zip's | Aug 8, 2022 8:00:00 AM

A 55-gallon drum spill pierced by a forklift driver. A 150-gallon fuel tank punctured in an ...

Towing & Recovery Roadside Assistance Municipalities Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Meet an Expert: Avery Sassman

Zip's | Jul 28, 2022 8:00:00 AM

When Avery Sassman first joined Zip's AW Direct 18 months ago, he said he was pretty familiar with ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Meet an Expert: The Tenge Family

Zip's | Jul 11, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Good pay and benefits, including paid time off and generous profit sharing, are key ingredients to ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Best Automotive Lockout Kits of 2022

Zip's | Jul 8, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Doesn’t matter who locked the keys inside the car. What matters is what you’re going to do to get ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Trending Product Guides

Employee Profile: Jimmy Geerts

Zip's | Jun 17, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Zip’s team member Jimmy Geerts operated large, eight-wheeled recovery trucks in the military and ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Employee Profile: Steven Kurash

Zip's | May 23, 2022 8:00:00 AM

You can’t spell car carrier without care, and you can’t build one without it, either. That’s what ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Invest in Landing & Lifting Bags For Rollovers and Recoveries

Zip's | May 19, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Municipalities Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Motorcycle Towing: Using A Light-Duty Wrecker

Zip's | May 6, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Towing Guides Industry Knowledge & Updates

Motorcycle Towing: Using a Trailer or Car Carrier

Zip's | May 6, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Each spring, warmer weather tends to lure motorcycles out of hibernation and likely increases your ...

Towing & Recovery Towing Guides Industry Knowledge & Updates

How to Choose a Winch: Sizes, Motors & Gears

Zip's | Apr 28, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Automotive Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Types of Winch Lines: Synthetic vs. Steel

Zip's | Apr 14, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Automotive Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Get to Know Snatch Blocks: Their Uses, Parts and Care.

Zip's | Mar 7, 2022 8:00:00 AM

Snatch blocks are essential rigging and recovery tools. Available in a wide selection of sizes and ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Kentucky Brothers Complete First Custom Build with Zip's AW Direct

Cameron Hanson | Oct 9, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Brothers Steve (left) and Sam McGuire drove 12 hours straight through from eastern Kentucky to New ...

Towing & Recovery Zip's Features Truck Showcases

Zip's employees featured in local newspaper

Cameron Hanson | Sep 3, 2020 8:00:00 AM

A pair of female employees at Zip's AW Direct in New Hampton, Iowa, were featured in the New ...

News & Insights Community

Welcome, Canadian customers!

Cameron Hanson | Jun 23, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Zip’s AW Direct offers hassle-free shipping to Canada. Our company is a registered Non-Resident ...

Construction Municipalities Agriculture News & Insights Business News

Employee Profile: Brice Schissel

Cameron Hanson | Apr 1, 2020 8:00:00 AM

If you’ve ever received an order from Zip’s AW Direct, chances are Brice Schissel played a role in ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Zip’s is now an authorized Landoll dealer

Cameron Hanson | Mar 17, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Zip’s AW Direct became a fully authorized Landoll dealer in February of 2020. This latest addition ...

Over the Road Towing & Recovery Agriculture News & Insights Business News

Employee Profile: Tiffany Fisher

Cameron Hanson | Feb 25, 2020 8:00:00 AM

More than 30 employees team up to fulfill close to 400 orders each day in the Distribution Center ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Batteries don’t like the cold weather either

Cameron Hanson | Feb 5, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Be prepared the next time your car won’t start with a jump pack from Zip’s AW Direct. We stock ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Add winch line power wrapping to your weekly maintenance routine

Cameron Hanson | Feb 5, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Keep the cable on your winch drum neat and tight through a weekly maintenance procedure known as ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Employee Profile: Randy Wickman

Cameron Hanson | Jan 28, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Randy Wickman joined Zip’s AW Direct five years ago as a service writer and warranty rep. He was ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Make an Informed Purchase on You Next Tow Dolly

Cameron Hanson | Jan 16, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Towing & Recovery Automotive Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Employee Spotlight: Carrick Johnson

Cameron Hanson | Sep 23, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Carrick Johnson serves as our equipment sales order entry manager at Zip’s AW Direct in New ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Colorado Tow Company Gives Back

Cameron Hanson | Aug 20, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Jeremy and Alicia Ray of Cozy Corner Towing drove 12 hours from Colorado to New Hampton, IA, last ...

Towing & Recovery Zip's Features Truck Showcases

Meet an Expert: Kevin Einck

Brittany Bierle | Aug 13, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Having started nearly two decades ago, Kevin Einck has seen Zip’s with only 60 people grow into ...

Meet an Expert Zip's Features

Explore Lightbar Cleaning Methods & Tips

Austin Richards | Apr 5, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Keeping wreckers clean and professional looking is part of maintaining a good business reputation. ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Construction Municipalities Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Snatch Blocks: A Better Way to Winch

Austin Richards | Feb 8, 2019 8:00:00 AM

Snatch blocks are a common tool on almost every tow truck for good reason. Snatch blocks are useful ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

How to Select the Correct Gas Can

Austin Richards | Jan 23, 2019 8:00:00 AM

You've all experienced road service calls where someone simply runs out of gas. The solution seems ...

Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Choosing & Caring for Winch Lines

Brittany Bierle | Dec 7, 2018 8:00:00 AM

Understand the different pros and cons of different types of winch lines. Additionally, know how to ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Make your Jump-Start Pack Last!

Brittany Bierle | Oct 30, 2018 8:00:00 AM

Tips for Preserving the Life of Jump-Start Packs

Towing & Recovery Automotive Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Make the switch to synthetics with Zip's

Brittany Bierle | Jan 9, 2018 8:00:00 AM

The use of this recovery rope will drastically cut down on the overall weight of any truck.

Towing & Recovery Automotive Construction Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides

Portable Power Boosts

Zip's | Sep 6, 2016 9:00:00 AM

A dead car battery can leave you stranded. A dead phone battery can leave you without a way to call ...

Towing & Recovery Automotive Industry Knowledge & Updates Product Guides