A truck breakdown is never just a breakdown. It is a missed delivery window, a load that is not moving, a driver stuck on a shoulder and a dispatcher whose phone will not stop ringing.
This checklist is for both ends of that phone call: the driver on the road and the fleet manager trying to get everything moving again.
Short answer: When a semi-truck breaks down, the driver should turn on the hazard flashers, get as far off the road as possible and place warning triangles within 10 minutes, as federal rules require. Then report the exact location, the problem and the load details to dispatch and a heavy-duty towing company so the right equipment comes the first time.
Driver Checklist: The First 10 Minutes
- Turn on your hazard flashers immediately.
- Get as far off the travel lanes as you safely can, ideally on a straight, level stretch.
- Put on a high-visibility vest before you step out.
- Within 10 minutes, place warning triangles. On a two-way road: one about 10 feet behind the truck on the traffic side, one about 100 feet behind and one about 100 feet ahead.
- On a divided or one-way highway, place them behind the truck at about 10, 100 and 200 feet.
- If there is fire, smoke, a fuel leak or a hazmat concern, move well away from the truck and call 911.
These placements come from FMCSA rule 49 CFR 392.22. Hills, curves and other obstructions change the distances, so know the full rule.
What to Tell the Heavy-Duty Tow Company
Heavy-duty towing is all about sending the right truck the first time. Have this ready before you call:
- Exact location: highway, direction, mile marker or nearest exit
- Truck make, model and axle configuration
- Trailer type, and whether it is loaded, empty or hazmat
- What happened: will not start, blown tire, mechanical failure, collision or off the road
- Where the truck and trailer need to go: shop, terminal or yard
- Who is authorizing and paying: driver, fleet or carrier, plus any PO number
Fleet Manager Checklist
- Confirm the driver is safe and off the road.
- Get photos of the truck, any damage and the location.
- Decide: roadside repair, tow to a shop or load transfer?
- Call your heavy-duty towing company with the details above.
- Notify your customer and update delivery times.
- Keep the tow invoice, photos and notes for insurance and maintenance records.
Roadside Repair, Tow or Recovery?
| Situation | Usually needs |
|---|---|
| Truck will not move but is safely on the shoulder | Heavy-duty tow to a truck shop |
| Truck or trailer off the road, in a ditch or overturned | Recovery and winching, then a tow |
| Collision blocking lanes | 911 first, then recovery and towing once the scene is safe |
| Minor repair a mechanic can do on site | A mobile truck repair service, if one is available |
Heavy-Duty Towing in Cherokee County
Time Strike provides heavy-duty towing and wrecker service across Canton, the I-575 corridor and Cherokee County, 24/7. Heavy-duty jobs are quoted by phone based on the truck, the load and the location, so you know the price before we roll.
We cannot fix the delivery schedule, but we can get the truck off the shoulder. For live traffic and incidents along your route, check Georgia 511.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I place warning triangles for a broken-down semi?
Within 10 minutes. On a two-way road: about 10 feet behind on the traffic side, about 100 feet behind and about 100 feet ahead. On a divided highway: about 10, 100 and 200 feet behind the truck. See 49 CFR 392.22 for exceptions like hills and curves.
How much does semi-truck towing cost?
It depends on the truck, the load, the distance and whether recovery is needed. We quote heavy-duty jobs by phone before we dispatch.
Can you tow a loaded trailer?
Tell us the trailer type, weight and cargo. We will tell you on the phone what equipment the job needs and what it will cost.
Do you handle heavy-duty towing at night?
Yes. We dispatch 24/7, including nights, weekends and holidays.
What information does a heavy-duty tow company need?
The exact location, truck and trailer details, load status, what happened, where it is going and who is authorizing payment.
Need Help in Canton, GA?
Time Strike Towing & Roadside provides 24/7 heavy-duty towing across Canton and the surrounding Cherokee County area, 24 hours a day. We give you an honest quote before we dispatch.
Related services: Winch-Out & Accident Recovery and Car Towing. See all towing and roadside services or our service areas.