Frequently Asked Questions

Give the road and direction, the mile marker or nearest exit, the unit type and weight class, whether it is loaded and with what, what is wrong, and who is paying. Say right away if the cargo is hazmat.

Published rate sheets from other jurisdictions show heavy tow hook-ups around $450 plus about $9.50 to $10 per mile, and recovery with a heavy wrecker around $350 to $850 per hour. Storage runs about $65 to $100 per day. Your written invoice estimate is the price.

Yes. Dispatch answers 24/7. After-hours charges can apply, and they appear on the written estimate.

It depends on weight, damage and where it is. A loaded unit can often be towed. A heavily damaged or overweight unit may need a load transfer first. Dispatch will ask about the cargo and weight before sending equipment.

Yes. Buses, motorhomes, dump trucks and heavy equipment all need the right wrecker or trailer. Tell dispatch the make of unit, the weight and where it is stuck.

That depends on the situation. The driver, the fleet, a broker or an insurer may pay. Tell dispatch who it is, and we can send the written estimate and invoice in the form they need.

Usually a unit that is too heavy for a standard or medium wrecker, such as a loaded tractor-trailer, a bus or a dump truck. Some county rate schedules put the heavy class above 26,000 pounds.

Often yes. It depends on the weight, the damage and the location. If the load must come off first, dispatch will say so and can plan a transfer.

Stay off the roadway, turn on hazard lights, set reflective triangles if it is safe, and stay away from traffic lanes. Keep the phone on.

Yes. Tell dispatch the interstate, direction and mile marker or exit. Toll Road calls may need extra routing information.

Often yes, if the weight, damage and axles allow it. Otherwise the trailer is dropped, towed separately or unloaded.

Tell dispatch. The unit may need fuel, power or a shut down plan so the cargo is protected during the tow.

For minor problems, yes, if the stop agrees. For a larger repair, a shop or yard is usually a better fit. Confirm the destination before we leave.

If your company requires one, give it to dispatch before the tow begins. Many fleets do.

When the unit is on its side, down a slope, or needs a lift at an angle that a standard wrecker cannot handle safely. Dispatch can help decide.

Sometimes. It depends on the load, weight and condition. Some loads must be transferred first, and hazmat loads need special handling.

Police, fire and the road operator control the scene. We work with them and with your insurer where there is one.

Some published schedules set a 3-hour minimum for rotators. Your written estimate will show whether a minimum applies.

Usually not. A shoulder is a poor place for loading work. We prefer to tow the unit to a yard and do the transfer there.

Usually the carrier, broker or shipper provides it. Tell dispatch early so there is no delay.

Say so on the first call. Responders and special handling may be required before it is moved.

We move cargo as directed and document the work. We do not take ownership of the freight.

Only if the weight allows. Many box trucks are medium or heavy duty, and a light tow truck can damage them or fail to lift them.

Call the rental company, since many have roadside plans and may need to approve a tow. If they do not respond, we can tow and bill the right party.

Usually yes, if the weight is within the wrecker's capacity. Tell dispatch what is inside so the load is protected.

Step vans and cargo vans in the medium class, yes. Tell dispatch the weight rating and we will confirm the equipment.

Dispatch will confirm fuel delivery on the call. The charge is a delivery fee plus the cost of the fuel.

If the wheel, rim or axle is damaged, a tow to a shop is safer. Dispatch will ask what you see.

Yes, a winch out is a common winter call. Tell dispatch how deep the snow is and whether the truck is on a shoulder or off the road.

Often, when the problem is simple. Published rate sheets list roadside calls at about $125 minimum, against about $450 or more to hook up a heavy tow.