Towers Take Capitol Hill: TRAA members meet with lawmakers to push towing safety and weight relief

By Brian J. Riker Once again, everyday members of the towing industry took time away from their families and businesses, laid down their tow chains and traded high-visibility garments for suits and ties to address Members of Congress, federal agency heads and other policymakers on Capitol Hill.

While more in-depth coverage will appear in the April 2026 issue of American Towman Magazine, below are highlights from the two-day event attended by 99 members of the towing industry. A Strong Start

The event kicked off Tuesday morning with a breakfast designed to fuel both the mind and the body. With nearly 100 people packed into a conference room at the Royal Sonesta Hotel—just steps away from the U.S. Capitol—towers were treated to more than 90 minutes with Captain Derek Barrs, Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the agency charged with regulating motor carrier safety, including interstate towing operations.

Administrator Barrs, a former captain with the Florida Highway Patrol, was generous with his time and clearly understands the challenges towers face, having worked alongside many during his career as a state trooper.

He delivered prepared remarks followed by a fireside chat hosted by Jim Jennings, president of Emerald Transportation Corporation (part of Guardian Fleet Services), and yours truly, Brian Riker. During the discussion, the administrator addressed several issues of interest to attendees and explained his agency’s current positions.

Afterward, Barrs remained on the floor until he had personally spoken with every attendee who wished to meet him. In those conversations, he offered meaningful input on ways the FMCSA and its sister agencies can better support and protect towers across the country. Towers Meet Lawmakers

Wednesday, February 25, marked the main event.

Starting at 9 a.m., nearly 100 towers descended on the Capitol complex and spread out to meet with lawmakers from both the House and Senate, representing both sides of the aisle.

For maximum impact, attendees broke into smaller teams led by experienced “captains,” or when necessary by representatives from the Tremont Strategies Group, the lobbying firm representing the Towing and Recovery Association of America.

These teams met with Members of Congress and staff whose committees or policy interests intersect with key towing issues, including:

• Weights and measures relief

• Roadside safety

• Electric vehicle safety

• Insurance availability and affordability

Lawmakers Address the Industry The advocacy effort continued during a catered working lunch in the Senate Visitors Center, where several lawmakers joined the group to discuss issues affecting the towing and recovery industry.

One of the highlights came when Dave Taylor (R-OH-02) addressed the attendees. Representative Taylor is introducing the Towing Safety Act, legislation designed to remove size and weight barriers that currently force many towers to deploy multiple trucks and operators to recover disabled tractor-trailers and other large commercial vehicles from the National Network of highways.

A companion bill is expected in the Senate from Mike Crapo (R-ID), another longtime supporter of the towing industry.

Together, these bills aim to address a long-needed technical correction to the FAST Act of 2015. With continued support and input from TRAA and Tremont Strategies Group, the legislation could significantly improve safety and efficiency for towing operators responding to large commercial vehicle incidents.

Wrapping Up the Day The event concluded that evening with a working dinner. During the session, each state team shared updates on their meetings—discussing successes, identifying potential opposition and outlining plans for follow-up conversations with lawmakers.

This work is especially important as Congress prepares to revisit federal highway funding legislation in the near future, creating a critical opportunity for the towing industry to ensure its concerns are heard.

Advocacy takes many forms. However, this hybrid approach—professional lobbying guided by an active trade association combined with local constituents meeting face-to-face with their elected officials—remains one of the most effective.

Ultimately, lawmakers want to hear directly from the people they represent about how legislation affects their businesses, their safety and their ability to support their families.

Hill Day 2026 Highlights

Attendance

• 99 towing industry members participated in TRAA’s annual Capitol Hill advocacy event.

Federal Agency Engagement

• Extended discussion with FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs.

• Direct one-on-one conversations between attendees and the agency head.

Congressional Meetings

• Teams met with lawmakers and staff across both chambers and both political parties.

Key Policy Issues Discussed

• Size and weight exemptions for heavy-duty towing

• Roadside operator safety

• Electric vehicle incident response

• Insurance challenges facing towers

Legislative Momentum

• Introduction of the Towing Safety Act by Rep. Dave Taylor.

• Companion Senate legislation expected from Sen. Mike Crapo.

Strategic Advocacy

• Coordinated effort between TRAA members and professional lobbyists from Tremont Strategies Group.