MEDFORD, MA - Tow truck drivers up and down the East Coast came to the aid of their fuel-starved brethren in New York and New Jersey this past week by creating a supply line of diesel and gasoline to keep local tow providers responding to distressed motorists in storm-damaged areas.
Agero, serving more than 75 million customers through its nationwide network of over 30,000 independently owned roadside assistance providers, mobilized tow providers in storm-damaged areas soon on learning about the dire shortage of both diesel (for service providers' trucks) and gasoline (for stranded customers' personal vehicles).
More than 40 service providers from New England, the Philadelphia area, North Carolina, theDistrict of Columbia and Maryland were by Agero last Thursday. By the end of Friday, the supply line had transported more than 100 truckloads of fuel –some carried on flatbed trucks in 55-gallon drums - to a 4,000-gallon, temporary fuel depot that the group had established in the storm-damaged area. From the depot, seven transplanted Agero providers continuously keep local tow trucks re-fueled with diesel and re-supplied with unleaded gasoline so they can maintain service to New York City, Long Island and New Jersey.
"At the outset, the depot resembled a scene from the Mad Max movie," said Dave Ferrick, president and general manager of Agero's Automotive and Claims Management Services.
Agero's providers in the storm damage area were running non-stop, round-the-clock delivering gasoline to stranded motorists and towers. When no gasoline was available, Agero's providers were towing motorists back to their residences until fuel did become available. Even though contracted only to deliver fuel or tow disabled vehicles, Agero providers also used their equipment to recover customers' vehicles from high water or rubble. When they confronted storm victims in critical need, they provided fuel for portable generators.
Ferrick expects the mobilization will continue this week and already has expanded to include provisioning service providers in the storm area with much needed food and laundry service. "Some of these guys are working their fourth or fifth consecutive day with no breaks and little sleep," noted Ferrick. "Most people don't realize tow drivers often work their hardest, and show their most creativity, when the weather and working conditions are at their worst. This is a lifeline to people hit hardest and Agero knows it's our responsibility to stand up and help during difficult times like these."
