When something unexpected happens with a load or on the road, we understand the importance of getting things up and running again! When we received the call for a heavy trailer recovery in a busy warehouse yard, we prioritized safety and getting the job done quickly to reduce downtime for our customers.
Team Pro-Tow responded to a call about a trailer in a yard with a broken leaf spring—an issue that had damaged the trailer’s flooring and one of its tires. With no roadside repair options available, we knew we had to transport the broken trailer to our secured yard and provide a transload service.
Here’s how we completed this heavy truck recovery:
Assessing the Situation
Our service technician arrived on-site to inspect the damage and immediately recognized that an on-site repair wasn’t impossible. After consulting with the logistics manager, we got ready to transport the damaged trailer to our yard so we could perform a transload service. Transloading is when you transfer goods from one mode of transportation to another en route to the delivery destination.
Deploying the Right Equipment
We returned to the scene with our heavy-duty rotator wrecker, a heavy-duty flat-top dolly, and a rollback tow truck to handle the lift and transport. After gathering the necessary equipment and distributing it between our trucks, we got to work setting up the crane lift. We learned that the trailer was loaded with 27,000 pounds of cargo! We needed to work carefully and thoughtfully.
The Heavy Trailer Recovery Process
We positioned the HD rotator at the front of the trailer, rigging the boom lines to the top corner pockets. Lifting the trailer relieved the weight from the stuck tractor, allowing it to move freely. We then backed a flatbed up to the front of the trailer and unloaded the dolly beneath it. However, we quickly realized that the trailer was a container trailer, not a standard dry van. That meant it didn’t fit the dolly as expected.
We attempted to reposition the dolly using a side puller on the flatbed. Team Pro-Tow made multiple adjustments, but there was no ideal orientation for a better load. In the end, we secured the front as designed and used chains to anchor the back. Doing it this way made it secure for transport. Strap protection was also added to the upper load strap to prevent any damage.
Safe Transport to the Yard
After breaking down the crane rigging, we repositioned the rotator to hook the trailer from the rear. We relieved stress from the damaged suspension by chaining the rear corner pockets and lifting the wheels slightly. We caged the brakes and set up a light bar to prevent brake lock-up before carefully maneuvering through the yard.
Slow and steady wins the race! We transported the trailer to our secure yard at a controlled speed of 20-25 mph with hazard lights flashing. Once we arrived, we backed it into the designated spot, unloaded it from the rotator, and secured the brakes.
With all equipment put away and our drivers back in their original trucks, the job was successfully completed. The trailer was offloaded from the dolly, and the cargo reloaded shortly after.
Reliable Heavy Truck Recovery When You Need It
At Pro-Tow, we specialize in emergency towing, heavy truck recovery, cargo recovery, heavy trailer recovery, and crane lift services to keep the transportation industry running smoothly. Whether it’s a major breakdown or a dangerous road incident, our experienced team is ready to respond with expertise and efficiency.
Need assistance? Contact Pro-Tow!
