Towing training and certification are at the core of everything we do at the American Towing and Recovery Institute.
Towing Training and Certification You Can Trust
The American Towing & Recovery Institute (ATRI) provides towing training and certification programs designed to elevate safety, professionalism, and performance across the towing and recovery industry. Built by industry professionals, ATRI delivers hands-on education, experienced instruction, and nationally recognized standards that prepare tow operators and company leaders to operate safely, confidently, and compliantly in real-world conditions.
Industry-Recognized Towing Training & Certification Programs
ATRI offers practical, real-world training for tow operators at every stage of their career—from entry-level professionals to experienced operators and company leaders. Our programs combine structured classroom instruction with hands-on scenarios that reflect the realities of roadside operations, traffic incident management, and complex recovery situations encountered in the field.
Each course is led by experienced instructors who understand the challenges faced by towing professionals and teach proven techniques that improve safety, efficiency, and decision-making under pressure. Training scenarios are designed to mirror real working conditions, allowing participants to apply best practices using modern equipment and industry-accepted procedures.
ATRI’s approach emphasizes situational awareness, risk assessment, and safety-first execution. Operators learn how to properly evaluate scenes, communicate effectively with team members and responding agencies, and perform tasks in a way that protects both personnel and the motoring public. This hands-on methodology ensures students leave with skills they can immediately apply on the job—not just theory.
By focusing on practical application and continuous improvement, ATRI training helps operators build confidence, reduce incidents, and elevate overall performance. The result is safer roadways, stronger teams, and a higher standard of professionalism across the towing and recovery industry.
Why Choose ATRI for Towing Education?
Towing training and certification are at the core of everything we do at the American Towing & Recovery Institute (ATRI).
The American Towing & Recovery Institute (ATRI) provides towing training and certification programs designed to elevate safety, professionalism, and performance across the towing and recovery industry. Built by industry professionals, ATRI delivers hands-on education, experienced instruction, and nationally recognized standards to help tow operators and company leaders operate safely, confidently, and compliantly.
Our towing training and certification programs combine classroom instruction with real-world scenarios that reflect roadside operations, traffic incident management, and complex recovery environments.
Hands-On Training Led by Industry Experts
ATRI’s training programs are led by experienced towing and recovery professionals with decades of real-world knowledge. Our instructors are active industry leaders who understand the realities of roadside operations, complex recoveries, and traffic incident management.
Each course emphasizes hands-on, practical training using modern equipment and proven techniques that reflect current industry standards. Participants learn how to assess risk, make sound decisions, and apply safety-first practices in real-world scenarios.
By learning directly from industry experts, students gain practical skills, confidence, and situational awareness they can apply immediately—leading to safer operations, stronger performance, and better outcomes on every call.
Advancing Safety, Professionalism, and Performance
ATRI training helps reduce risk, improve efficiency, and strengthen partnerships with law enforcement and municipalities. By investing in education and certification, companies build stronger teams, improve roadway safety, and elevate the public perception of the towing and recovery industry.
Current Towing and Recovery Continuing Education Classes
The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village January 29th – 30th – Trailblazer Leadership Retreat
Register by January 1st and save $100 off Retreat Package!!!
Class schedule is:
Wednesday, January 28th 2026 – Evening Cocktail Hour for Networking
Thursday, January 29th – 8 am – 9 am Breakfast with Leadership Training from 9 am – 5pm
Friday, January 30th – 8 am – 9 am Breakfast with Leadership Training from 9 am – Noon
Lead boldly. Grow intentionally. Transform from the inside out.
The Trailblazer Leadership Retreat is a powerful two-day immersive experience designed to elevate leaders at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, a community, or simply striving to lead yourself better, this retreat provides the clarity, confidence, and strategies needed to move forward with purpose.
Led by Jeff Bauer, and featuring dynamic guest speakers from law enforcement, education, and nonprofit leadership, Trailblazer blends personal development with practical leadership training—resulting in a transformational experience you can immediately apply to real life.
⭐ What You’ll Learn
Core leadership foundations for effective communication, problem-solving, and influence
Mindset & personal growth strategies to strengthen confidence and emotional resilience
Decision-making frameworks that empower leaders to take action with clarity
Team and culture building tools that elevate performance and accountability
Real-world leadership insight from speakers who’ve led in high-pressure, high-impact environments
⭐ Who Should Attend
Trailblazer is designed for:
Business owners & managers
Supervisors & emerging leaders
First responders & service-based professionals
Anyone looking to grow personally and professionally
Whether you’re new to leadership or a seasoned professional, this retreat meets you where you are—and pushes you to the next level.
⭐ Retreat Highlights
Two full days of interactive training
Live leadership coaching from Jeff Bauer
Keynote insights from special guests
Personalized tools and worksheets
A supportive, growth-focused environment
Only 30 spots available to ensure a high-quality, intimate experience
⭐ Meet Your Leadership Team
Jeff Bauer – Leadership Instructor & Retreat Host
Bringing decades of leadership in business, operations, and personal development.
Heather Kemper – Director of Advancement, Miriam Schools
Expert in communication, nonprofit strategy, and community leadership.
Lieutenant Kyle Bruns – Wentzville Police Department
Real-world leadership from high-stakes environments, teamwork, and public service.
⭐ Why Trailblazer?
Because leadership doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built intentionally.
This retreat gives you the tools, mindset, and confidence to lead forward…
not just today, but for the rest of your career and life.
Register by January 1st and save $100 off Retreat Package!!!
St. Louis, MO – May 12th – 16th, 2026 – Light Duty, EV, Advanced Heavy Duty & Rotator, and Leadership Class
Register by May 1st and save $100 off registration fee Per Class!
Upcoming 8 Hour Light Duty and Recovery, 3 Hour EV Certification, 3 Day Advanced Heavy Duty Towing and Recovery, with Leadership Continuing Education Classes in St. Louis, MO hosted by Bolin Services & A&A Towing.
Class schedule is:
8 Hour Light Duty and Recovery:
Tuesday, May 12th,2026 – 9 am – 6 pm
Leadership Training & EV Certification:
Leadership Training with Lunch – Wednesday, May 13th – Noon – 3pm
EV Certification – 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
3 Day Advanced Heavy Duty with Rotator
Thursday, May 14th & Friday, May 15th – 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday, May 16th – 9am – 4 pm
3 Hour Electric Vehicle (EV) Awareness & Response Course includes: $259 per attendee
• Key terminology, definitions, and EV identification methods
• Vehicle stabilization, lock-out/tag-out, and safety procedures
• Overview of changing vehicle construction and high-voltage systems
• Using manufacturer emergency response guides, rescue cards, and the EV-Clever app
• Accessing OEM towing and recovery procedures
• Safe rigging practices, including Tesla strap and soft-rigging applications
• Off-gassing, ignition and re-ignition risks, and responder safety strategies
• Submersion scenarios (freshwater vs. saltwater) and storage best practices
• Charging station awareness and defensive actions (fire blankets, isolators, etc.)
• Alternative fuel awareness — hydrogen, hybrid, and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles
3 Hour Leadership Training includes: $259 per attendee
Practical Leadership Tools – you can immediately apply to improve communication, decision-making, and team engagement.
Mindset & Personal Growth Strategies to build confidence, resilience, and a stronger leadership presence.
Real-World Scenarios & Guided Discussion to help leaders navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.
Team-Building & Influence Skills that strengthen relationships and elevate performance across your organization.
Actionable Takeaways including templates, habits, and leadership frameworks to support long-term success.
8 Hour Advanced Level Light Duty Towing & Recovery Course includes: $395 per attendee
• Recovery techniques, hook up points using modern cars & flatbed/rollback trucks.
• Rigging methods & other techniques both in the classroom & during hands on sessions
• Factory direct information on towing & transporting late model luxury vehicles
• Most up to date popular Electric Vehicle towing instruction
3 Day Heavy Duty Towing & Recovery Course includes: $895 per attendee
• Heavy Duty up-righting & advanced towing techniques
• Complex rigging methods examined and deployed
• DOT & OSHA compliant information provided
• Modern truck towing tactics, air hook-ups and more
• Incident management procedures
• Real world hands-on participation
Register by May 1st and save $100 off registration fee Per Class!
Grandview, MO – October 14th – 17th, 2026 – Light Duty, EV, Advanced Heavy Duty & Rotator, and Leadership Class
Register by October 1st and save $100 off registration fee Per Class!
Upcoming 8 Hour Light Duty and Recovery, 3 Hour EV Certification, 3 Day Advanced Heavy Duty Towing and Recovery, with Leadership Continuing Education Classes in Grandview, MO hosted by Lazer Tow.
Class schedule is:
Light Duty : Wednesday, October 14th – 9 am – 6 pm
Leadership Training with Lunch : Thursday, October 15th – Noon – 3pm
EV Certification: Thursday, October 15th – 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Heavy Duty : Friday & Saturday, October 16th– 17th – 9 am – 6 pm
3 Hour Electric Vehicle (EV) Awareness & Response Course includes: $259 per attendee
• Key terminology, definitions, and EV identification methods
• Vehicle stabilization, lock-out/tag-out, and safety procedures
• Overview of changing vehicle construction and high-voltage systems
• Using manufacturer emergency response guides, rescue cards, and the EV-Clever app
• Accessing OEM towing and recovery procedures
• Safe rigging practices, including Tesla strap and soft-rigging applications
• Off-gassing, ignition and re-ignition risks, and responder safety strategies
• Submersion scenarios (freshwater vs. saltwater) and storage best practices
• Charging station awareness and defensive actions (fire blankets, isolators, etc.)
• Alternative fuel awareness — hydrogen, hybrid, and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles
3 Hour Leadership Training includes: $259 per attendee
Practical Leadership Tools – you can immediately apply to improve communication, decision-making, and team engagement.
Mindset & Personal Growth Strategies to build confidence, resilience, and a stronger leadership presence.
Real-World Scenarios & Guided Discussion to help leaders navigate challenges with clarity and confidence.
Team-Building & Influence Skills that strengthen relationships and elevate performance across your organization.
Actionable Takeaways including templates, habits, and leadership frameworks to support long-term success.
8 Hour Advanced Level Light Duty Towing & Recovery Course includes: $395 per attendee
• Recovery techniques, hook up points using modern cars & flatbed/rollback trucks.
• Rigging methods & other techniques both in the classroom & during hands on sessions
• Factory direct information on towing & transporting late model luxury vehicles
• Most up to date popular Electric Vehicle towing instruction
16 Hour Heavy Duty Towing & Recovery Course includes: $695 per attendee
• Heavy Duty up-righting & towing techniques
• Complex rigging methods examined and deployed
• DOT & OSHA compliant information provided
• Modern truck towing tactics, air hook ups and more
Register by October 1st and save $100 off registration fee Per Class!
Photo gallery
Snapshots of our training and recovery journey!
Get in Touch
We are here to help!
📍Corporate Headquarters
7870 Mexico Road
Saint Peters, MO 63376
📍 Training Facility
3991 Elm Point Rd
Saint Charles, MO 63301
📞 Phone: (636) 800-ATRI or (910) 747-9000
📠 Fax: (910) 486-8930
📧 Email: info@amtowsignup.org