3 Tips For Managing Roadside Assistance For A Commercial Fleet

Worrying about breaking down in your own car is hard enough, but worrying about breakdowns for an entire fleet of commercial vehicles is an entirely new headache. If you manage a fleet of mixed heavy-duty trucks, then you know that you usually can't call the corner garage for help. Large work vehicles often need specialized recovery equipment, and that can make roadside assistance a challenge.

Promptly getting the right help to your drivers is the best way to protect them and your equipment while ensuring that your operations can resume as quickly as possible. These three tips will help you be confident that you're making the correct decisions during any roadside emergency.

1. Know Your Requirements

Most light-duty trucks don't require specialized equipment. If your fleet includes vehicles of this type, you won't need to rely on wreckers with special capabilities. On the other hand, standard flatbeds or wheel lift trucks probably won't be sufficient for heavy-duty vehicles. There's also a middle range consisting of heavier vehicles, which may require heavier towing equipment.

You can trust the tow company you work with to know their wrecker capabilities, but it's crucial to have information about your vehicle. Ensure that you provide the tow company with your best estimate of the disabled vehicle's weight (including any cargo that you cannot unload) so that they can select the right equipment for the job.

2. Plan in Advance

Heavy-duty towing is a specialized service, which means that you want to avoid making last-minute decisions. The worst time to choose a towing company is after a vehicle breaks down on the side of the road and your delivery is already late. Whether your fleet consists of one truck or fifty, always plan as much as possible.

When contacting tow companies, provide them with information on the size and type of vehicles in your fleet. Keep a list of companies with the necessary capabilities to assist in an emergency. Establishing a relationship with a reliable towing company will improve your ability to respond to a crisis quickly and efficiently.

3. Work With Your Drivers

Your drivers should always know what to do in the event of a breakdown or any other roadside emergency. Having a protocol to contact dispatch and offload any cargo can help you resolve these issues as quickly as possible. The sooner you know about a problem, the sooner you can contact your preferred towing company to get your equipment safely off the road.

Remember that your fleet is likely one of your company's most valuable assets. Spending the time to plan and prepare for heavy-duty towing situations is the best way to protect this critical part of your business operations. Contact a heavy tow truck service for more information.

Share