US vs German Heavy Wrecking

[j.a.f.e.]

 I like to watch heavy recovery vids on YT. One of my favorites is Ron Pratt and I like to watch a German channel, VN24.

I am struck by the differences between here and Germany. The number of recovery/support vehicles, the number of people involved is really amazing. I always wonder who is paying all these people.

Pratt has several trucks including a heavy rotator and they're all pretty large - 50T, 75T. By contrast the German wreckers are smaller usually four axle with two steers.  The German recoveries often include a mobile crane. On many the fire department is actively involved in the recovery. 

I know a lot of the difference is the smaller roads, weight and size limits. Still the contrast is really interesting. Also the Germans will close a road if it's necessary until the scene is cleared and cleaned while here keeping the road open is a priority.

One thing the Germans do that is very impressive is the cleanup of the scene. Usually there's a sweeper vehicle and a crew removing the debris and a dumpster for the trash is common.

The whole process is so different between the two. 

[1965 Comet Caliente]

Being of German heritage (my father grew up there) there has always been a lot of talk of German efficiency and engineering in my family.  My father, uncle, and cousins were engineers and one of my 2nd cousins worked for BMW as an engineer as well. I guess that's a long winded way to say that what you said seems right on point.

[goodfellow]

Lived and worked in Germany for many years and can attest to the efficiency of the German automotive support and recovery system. Their ADAC (akin to AAA on steroids) is second to none in supporting motorists across the nation, and they also support commercial interests. The most significant factor in their system is distance and costs. Compared to the US, Germany is a relatively small country. When a German driver breaks down, the nearest repair/service facility is (in most cases) not too far away. That goes a long way in keeping costs down.

Characteristically the German government, both at the state and federal levels, have a very large amount of regulatory oversight in this industry. Hence the recovery procedures, processes, and costs are extremely standardized and set by the state.

Contrast that to the US where no such regulatory system exists and in many cases we have recovery businesses charging whatever the market will bare. Competition and cost cutting are the main drivers in the US market. While regulatory compliance and set pricing models are the norm in Germany.

That said, if a US company would try to emulate the German model (without government pricing mandates), they would very quickly be out of business. That kind of business model could not be sustained in a truly open and competitive free market.

[wilbilt]

I like to watch heavy recovery vids on YT. One of my favorites is Ron Pratt and I like to watch a German channel, VN24.

I am struck by the differences between here and Germany. The number of recovery/support vehicles, the number of people involved is really amazing. I always wonder who is paying all these people.

Pratt has several trucks including a heavy rotator and they're all pretty large - 50T, 75T. By contrast the German wreckers are smaller usually four axle with two steers.  The German recoveries often include a mobile crane. On many the fire department is actively involved in the recovery.

I know a lot of the difference is the smaller roads, weight and size limits. Still the contrast is really interesting. Also the Germans will close a road if it's necessary until the scene is cleared and cleaned while here keeping the road open is a priority.

One thing the Germans do that is very impressive is the cleanup of the scene. Usually there's a sweeper vehicle and a crew removing the debris and a dumpster for the trash is common.

The whole process is so different between the two.

I have watched a lot of Ron Pratt's videos and in one he mentioned that the rotator truck he was using cost north of $1,000,000. Over one MILLION dollars. And that is just one truck in the fleet.

I guess people buy homes for more than that here in Kommifornia, but it blows my mind to think of what that truck payment must be.

To add, Wreckers here are required to carry a garbage can and a broom to clean up debris from a collision. At least, that is what the Vehicle Code book said back in the 1970s when it was my favorite bathroom reader. I used to see the metal cans and brooms on tow trucks all the time, but now that you mention it, I don't think I have ever seen such on the flatbed trucks they use now.

[j.a.f.e.]

I saw where he mentioned it was a million dollar piece. It really doesn't matter I guess as long as he can bill more per month than the truck costs to own and operate. He seems pretty sharp. Still that's a note I wouldn't want to have hanging over my head - those payments must come up pretty fast.

In SoCal a lot of flatbeds especially ones with AAA and city/county contracts seem to carry a broom and can. Come to think of it it's unusual to see a boom wrecker or even a converted pickup with a stinger anymore - I associate those with the repo guys now.

[wilbilt]

I saw where he mentioned it was a million dollar piece. It really doesn't matter I guess as long as he can bill more per month than the truck costs to own and operate. He seems pretty sharp. Still that's a note I wouldn't want to have hanging over my head - those payments must come up pretty fast.

In SoCal a lot of flatbeds especially ones with AAA and city/county contracts seem to carry a broom and can. Come to think of it it's unusual to see a boom wrecker or even a converted pickup with a stinger anymore - I associate those with the repo guys now.

My next-door neighbor has a Chevy Medium boom wrecker, I'd guess a C-60 probably mid-1980s languishing over there. Propane powered. It does run.

I have to admit I kind of want it. It is painted AAA yellow.

[j.a.f.e.]

That would be pretty cool to have. I have to admit I'd kind of be lusting after it if was next door.

[Uncle Buck]

Oh yeah, I definitely understand that! Ya, seriously!