In the United States, there are about 2 million semi-trucks in operation. The engine of a semi can weigh up to 3,000 pounds, and federal regulations state the truck and trailer cannot weigh more than 80,000 lbs. With truckers driving an estimated 140 billion miles each year, there is a good chance of a big rig driver needing a tow.
When a breakdown happens, you cannot just call and say you need a tow truck. Big rig towing has special requirements, and we are going to give you three tips on hiring a company to tow your big rig.
3 Big Rig Towing Tips
It is important to know that heavy-duty towing is not the same thing as big rig recovery. Here are some key factors to know before you placed that call.
1) What to Do During a Breakdown
If you are experiencing a mechanical failure, stay calm, move the rig away from traffic, and onto the side of the road. Turn on your flashers and set out flares or reflective triangles around the year of your rig. If possible, try to determine what the problem is before calling for assistance.
If you are in an accident but the rig is still upright and drivable, follow the steps above. If you have a flipped cab, trailer overturned, the entire rig is in the ditch, or you have jackknifed, this is important information to provide dispatch. Each scenario requires different equipment to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
Remain calm and for safety, stay in your cab if possible. Call your employer or tow-truck dispatch to request towing service.
2) Hire the Right Company
When contacting a towing company, you need to make sure that they are qualified to handle a big rig. Ask about their license, equipment, and safety measures they exercise when handling the tow. A company that specialized in big rig towing will have the proper equipment to handle heavy towing, such as skid-steers, an end loader, and other heavy-duty equipment needed to upright a cab and trailer.
3) Build a Relationship Before You Need One
It is inevitable that at some point you will need roadside assistance for your big rig. The leading cause of breakdowns is tire problems, which account for 51% of disabled trucks on the road.
Build a relationship with a big rig towing company before it is needed. Have their number on speed dial to help move the process along when help is needed.
A business relationship will prevent all those emergency questions that spring to mind such as what is the cost to tow? What is the hookup fee? Do you charge extra for nights, holidays, and weekends?
Put Us on Speed Dial
You need a company that specializes in big rig towing and has a proven track record of satisfied customers. Hollywood Towing will get your big rig off the side of the road and delivered to the destination of your choice quickly. You will be given a true ETA, quote, and send the proper driver in the right truck to meet your needs.
Hollywood Towing drivers are certified, permitted, drug tested, and have had a background check. Call anytime to speak with our live 24/7 dispatch service (972) 734-1778. Log that number into your speed dial now!