Frequently Asked Questions

Give the interstate or highway, direction, and mile marker or exit. Then the unit type and weight, whether it is loaded and with what, what is wrong, and who is paying. If the load is hazmat, say so first.

The dispatcher gives an honest arrival estimate on the call. It depends on where our nearest heavy truck is, traffic on I-24 or I-840, and the weather. We do not quote a number until we have your exact location.

Published rate sheets for heavy towing show hook-ups around $450 plus $9.50 to $10 per mile, and recovery work around $350 to $850 per hour. Rotators run higher. Rates vary by unit, distance, scene and time of day, and your written invoice estimate is the price.

Yes, but a loaded unit may need to be lightened or the load transferred first, which adds time and equipment. Tell dispatch what is on board and the approximate weight.

Yes. We can bill a fleet account, a broker or an insurer if the claim or authorization is provided. Give dispatch the claim number and the contact when you call.

To a shop, a yard, your terminal or a storage lot of your choice. If you do not have a destination, tell dispatch and we will talk through the options before we move the unit.

A regular wrecker lifts cars and light trucks. Heavy duty towing uses wreckers with larger booms, underlifts and extra axles built for units over about 26,000 pounds, such as loaded tractor-trailers, buses and big dump trucks.

Yes. We usually pull the driveshaft or lift the drive axle so the transmission is not damaged further. Tell dispatch what failed so the right truck comes.

Yes. We use the correct lift points and take care with bodywork and air suspension. Tell dispatch the length, the weight and whether the unit is still driveable.

By the unit, the distance, the scene and the time of day. Published rate sheets give a feel for the range, and we give you a written invoice estimate.

Yes. We tow the whole combination or drop the trailer and move it separately. Which is safer depends on weight, brakes and the road. Tell dispatch what is on board.

We can pull the trailer and let the tractor go, or the other way around. Give dispatch the axle count and what failed.

Yes. Give dispatch the shop name and address before we hook up, and confirm the shop will take the unit.

We can invoice a carrier, broker or insurer if they authorize the tow. Have the authorization and a contact ready.

Call 911 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. Then call us. We start when the scene is safe.

Yes. We use rotators, heavy wreckers or air cushions, depending on the load and the ground. The cargo may need to come off first.

It depends on the rig, the load, the fuel and the road. The dispatcher gives an honest estimate once we know the scene.

We coordinate with the response agencies and cleanup contractors. Tell dispatch the cargo and placard right away.

Sometimes. A loaded dump is heavy on the rear, and unloading it first is often safer. Tell dispatch if the hoist works.

Let dispatch know. The load may have to be removed by hand or with a loader before the truck can be lifted.

Yes. We use winch lines and anchors, and a second truck when the ground is soft. Tell us how deep it is.

Yes, including belly dumps and end dumps. Give dispatch the length, the axle count and the load.

Yes. We winch it onto the trailer. Tell dispatch whether the brakes and tracks are free.

Yes. Over legal dimensions, the move needs permits and sometimes escorts.

Often, depending on the schedule and the route. Dispatch gives an honest estimate on the call.

Yes. We use winch lines or a heavy wrecker to pull it to level ground, then load it.

Yes, if it is safe. We set traffic control and work from the safe side. If the shoulder is too narrow, we may move the truck first.

We deliver fuel and prime the system so the engine restarts. Tell dispatch your location and the unit.

We handle quick roadside fixes. Bigger repairs go to a shop, and we tow the truck there.

Describe the problem to dispatch. A flat, a dead battery or an empty tank is usually a roadside call. A failed engine or transmission needs a tow.