Companies That Offer Roadside Repairs for Long-Haul Trucks

Few things can ruin a long-haul trip the way a breakdown does. What’s even worse is when it happens and you don’t know who to call to fix the problem. It’s important to set up an emergency plan in advance so drivers know exactly what to do and who to call. We have some tips for finding help when it’s needed. 

Most Common Types of Roadside Breakdowns

The most common breakdowns are related to tires, including blowouts, rapid air loss, or tire separation. Once these happen, the truck is either incapacitated or unsafe to drive. Engine issues can include coolant leaks and overheating; broken belts; and alternator failure, along with other electrical problems. Air or fuel system failures can also leave the truck incapable of operation. If these can be repaired roadside by a heavy-duty mobile service, it can save towing fees and get the truck back in operation as quickly as possible. 

What to Look For in a Roadside Provider

Breakdowns can happen anywhere, and they usually manage to crop up in the least-convenient places. You need a provider that has robust coverage, whether over your primary rounds, or nationwide or cross-border as needed. The service must operate 24/7 and with a live operator at all times to take your call, work through the problem, and dispatch a service truck, rather than a call-back service. If it dispatches a local service truck (as many do), it must guarantee that the company can handle large trucks and that it will stand by the service you receive. Ideally, the provider will allow you to set up a billing account so your driver doesn’t have to worry about how to pay for the service. 

Consider Roadside Assist Plans

Some companies offer roadside plans that are similar to the plans offered for passenger vehicles, such as AAA. These can be handy for issues such as tire problems, fuel delivery, lockouts, and jump-starts. However, when looking into them, what they don’t cover is more important than what they do. Towing will likely be covered under the plan within limits, but ensure the company has wreckers large enough to handle Class 8 trucks and if the plan includes the trailer. Check if there are limits on towing mileage or the number of service calls in a specified period, and if the call is covered, or if you have to pay and wait to be reimbursed. 

What Drivers Need to Know

If you have fleet drivers, they need breakdown procedures. This starts with determining who calls for help: the driver or your dispatcher. This may depend on when or where the breakdown occurs, and what roadside provider to call, if you use more than one based on the region. They need to know what to do about estimates, payments, and invoice requirements. This should all be on each driver’s phone, and also written on sheets placed in each truck. Every driver must know what to do and what must be followed for protocol. 

Roadside Providers: Truck Centers

Many truck service centers provide more than just diesel and a restaurant; they can also send out mobile service trucks. National chains such as Love’s or TravelCenters of America (TCA) offer such services, and if necessary, the truck can be towed in for further repairs. Should that happen, the driver now has access to a 24-hour facility with a restaurant, showers, and other amenities while the truck is being repaired. 

Roadside Providers: Fleet Services

Companies that provide fleet management services will have emergency breakdown service. Many will offer it as a separate plan rather than requiring you to use an overall fleet management service. They will dispatch independent vendors nearby that they’ve vetted to ensure service to their standards. Some of these fleet services include Canxxus, Millennials Maintenance, and Truckers Assist. 

Roadside Providers: Emergency Service Dispatchers

There are a number of companies that act as “umbrella” providers. They partner with local roadside providers across the country, and when you call, the company contacts the closest provider to come to you. Some require membership, while others simply take emergency calls from anyone. These companies include National Truck Emergency Road Service, Roadside Masters, Road Rescue Network, and Premier Breakdown Solution. 

Roadside Providers: Truck Manufacturers

A brand-new truck will come with a roadside plan as part of its warranty coverage, so if your truck falls under that, be sure to call the service number for that first. The manufacturers also offer plans for extended coverage, which you may want to consider. These will provide national service and approved parts for the repair. 

Final Considerations

Preventative maintenance is always the first plan of action, but even so, bad things can happen to good trucks, and it’s essential to have a breakdown backup. Make your plan now, before you have a truck on the side of the road. Select a provider and know what is and isn’t covered in the call, including what will happen with the trailer. Determine your procedures and ensure everyone knows what to do when crunch time comes.