A disabled semi can turn into a dangerous traffic problem quickly on a busy DFW highway. Take care of the people and the scene first. Then gather the details a roadside or towing provider will need.
Deal with immediate danger first
If there was a crash, someone is hurt, the truck is on fire, cargo or fuel has spilled, or any part of the unit is blocking a moving lane, call 911. Follow directions from police, fire, or highway personnel.
If the truck can reach a safer location without making the problem worse, follow your company’s policy. Do not risk driving a badly damaged unit just to get farther down the road. Stay out of traffic and use warning devices as required by your carrier and the situation.
Make the location easy to understand
Do not rely on a phone pin alone. DFW highways often have frontage roads, express lanes, ramps, and stacked interchanges close together. Tell the dispatcher:
- The full highway name, including I-35E or I-35W
- Your direction of travel
- The nearest exit or cross street
- Whether you are on a shoulder, frontage road, ramp, connector, or main lane
- Whether the tractor or trailer extends into traffic
A short description such as “I-20 westbound, past the Belt Line Road exit, on the right shoulder” can save a lot of confusion.
Have the truck and trailer details ready
The provider needs to understand the entire combination, not just the tractor. Share the tractor make and model, unit number, axle setup, trailer type, and whether the trailer is loaded. Give the approximate gross weight and general cargo type when you know them.
Explain what happened in plain terms. Does the engine run? Will the truck build air? Is there a flat tire, broken suspension, damaged steering, leaking fluid, or shifted cargo? Can the tractor and trailer be separated safely? If you are not sure, say so.
Decide whether roadside service makes sense
Some tire, electrical, air, fuel, or mechanical problems can be repaired where the truck sits. Others require towing. The safest choice depends on the failure, the location, and whether roadside work is allowed there.
A dash warning alone may not be enough to decide. Describe the symptoms and let the provider determine whether it can send a service truck or needs towing equipment.
Confirm where the truck is going
Before the tow starts, make sure the shop or fleet yard can accept the tractor, trailer, or both. Check the gate hours, after-hours instructions, repair capability, and available space. A closed destination can add waiting time and leave everyone searching for a second location.
Fleet managers can use our commercial and fleet assistance page to prepare the information needed for a request.