Semi-Truck Spill Recovery | Pro-Tow 24 Hr Towing

Accident Recovery on a Leaky Semi-Truck

by cdcidevel | Dec 1, 2021 | Accident Recovery, Emergency Incident Response, Heavy Duty Towing Service, Recovery Blog, Semi-Truck, Semi-Truck Accident, Semi-Truck Accident Recovery, Semi-Truck Spill Recovery, Spill Cleanup, Spill Recovery, Trailer Recovery

On April 23, 2021, Team Pro-Tow received an emergency dispatch from Washington State Police about a bobtail tractor collision. Without any other information, we set out with a requested C-class heavy-duty wrecker.

Heavy Duty Towing Service Required

We arrived at the scene, performed a scene evaluation, and found the bobtail tractor resting precariously against the guard rail. Not only that but the engine oil pan was also damaged and had already lost 10 to 15 gallons of engine oil. That was a big problem that we needed to address immediately with special accident recovery care.

We put together a recovery plan, including calculating weights and distance for the safest and quickest recovery. Team Pro-Tow handled the work of recovering the bobtail tractor by using the HD Crane-style rotating wrecker. We brought in additional equipment to complete the recovery safely, and our skilled operators got to work. We safely recovered the casualty without any additional spills or damage. Then provided a heavy-duty towing service to remove the casualty from the scene so fuel spill cleanup could begin.

Fuel Spill Cleanup

The next step in the accident recovery was the fuel spill containment, cleanup, and some debris cleanup. Again, team Pro-Enviro was on the scene taking care of the spill recovery.

Meanwhile, WSP informed the Washington State Department of Ecology about what was involved in the accident recovery and cleanup. We also dispatched additional equipment required for the cleanup. Our team worked with efficiency and speed to clean up the debris and spill on the road. Only once the roadway was back to its original condition was the job complete.

We got to the storage yard and returned all the equipment to its original location and condition. Once we completed the paperwork, we gave the cleared call on a heavy-duty towing service and cleanup job well done.

Beef at 47 Cargo and Truck Recovery

by cdcidevel | Oct 20, 2021 | Cargo Recovery, Emergency Incident Response, Recovery Blog, Semi-Truck, Semi-Truck Accident, Semi-Truck Accident Recovery, Semi-Truck Spill Recovery, Spill Cleanup, Spill Recovery, Trailer Recovery

On February 26, 2021, a transport trucker lost a snow chain on the I-90, westbound at exit 47. When the snow chain snapped, it damaged his tire, which led to damage to his fully-loaded semi-trailer. The damage was mainly to the structural frame of the trailer and fuel line, resulting in fuel to steam on the road and adjacent snowpack.

Fuel spill recovery

This accident needed fuel spill recovery, as well as heavy-duty towing and cargo recovery. Because of the accident, the trailer refrigerator wasn’t running, and it was carrying 38,000 pounds of frozen beef. Upon investigation, the customer saw that the fuel spill was severe. We estimate there were 10 to 20 gallons of fuel that required fuel spill recovery.

Team Pro-Enviro went to work to repair the leaky fuel line, contain the spill, and with extensive cleanup of the road and surrounding snowbanks. Meanwhile, Team Pro-Tow created a recovery plan to complete trailer recovery to save the beef, and heavy-duty towing services. Read more about Pro-Enviro’s spill recovery efforts with this incident.

Heavy-Duty Towing

Team Pro-Tow brought a heavy-duty wrecker that could tow the trailer and its 38,000-pound load of valuable beef. Fortunately, we repaired the fuel and electrical lines to the refrigerator to save the cow!

After we repaired the trailer and Pro-Enviro had completed the cleanup, we could load it up for safe transport. The client was happy that the incident didn’t spoil the beef, and it was a successful cargo recovery. Once we got our equipment back to the shop, we cleaned and conditioned everything for the next job.

Working as a Team

When there is a semi-truck accident that involves a fuel or oil spill, Team Pro-Tow and Team Pro-Enviro work together on the response. Pro-Tow handles the complex heavy-duty towing, including complicated crane lift and uprighting of extremely heavy trucks and equipment. However, before that can happen, Pro-Enviro ensures fuel spill containment and repairs to prevent further contamination during transport of the casualty. Pro-Enviro also takes care of spill recovery and cleanup.

If an accident requires an experienced heavy-duty recovery team, you can always call on Pro-Tow.

Burnt-Out Trailer Recovery On The I-5

by cdcidevel | Sep 1, 2021 | Accident Recovery, Emergency Incident Response, Recovery Blog, Semi-Truck, Semi-Truck Accident, Semi-Truck Accident Recovery, Semi-Truck Spill Recovery, Spill Cleanup, Spill Recovery, Trailer Recovery

On December 10, 2020, Team Pro-Tow responded to a Washington State Patrol’s (WSP) call for accident recovery on the I-5. A tractor and trailer had caught fire and was extensively damaged. In addition, all the tires were also severely damaged, which makes for a challenging recovery.

Team Pro-Tow on the Scene

This truck and trailer recovery required a Class C heavy-duty crane-style wrecker. The tires, wheels, floor, walls, and axels of the trailer were heavily damaged by the fire. We used extra equipment to move the trailer safely. We needed to bring in a heavy-duty flatbed trailer and a converter dolly to help with accident recovery.

Recovery Plan in Place

We knew that for trailer recovery, the converter dolly needed to go under the front of the trailer to move it from the rear. However, we quickly learned that even with the support of the converter dolly, the trailer was too severely damaged to tow safely. Therefore, the safest option for this accident recovery would be to load the trailer on a flatbed Landoll trailer, still using the support of the converter dolly.

Team Pro-Enviro took care of highway cleanup, spill recovery, and cargo salvage. Read Burnt Mayo Cargo Salvage to learn more.

Loading the Trailer

Slowly but surely, Team Pro-Tow rigged and loaded the trailer onto the flatbed. We used a snatch block to double the winch line and reduce line tension. This method helps safely pull loads with minimal strain and damage. When the burnt trailer and equipment were moved off the I-5, we moved it to a secure yard. Because of the height of the load, a pilot car needed to accompany the trailer transport.

Caught on Fire – Again

On the way to the yard, the pilot truck behind the trailer noticed smoke coming from it. Our team pulled over to check it and found the trailer was once again on fire. The fire was coming from the battery box. They put it out with three fire extinguishers. Then they cut and secured all electrical connections from the battery box so it wouldn’t ignite again.

Trailer Recovery Complete

Finally, after few roadblocks, our team got the trailer casualty back to our secure yard. We used two heavy-duty Class C trucks to remove the trailer from the Landoll flatbed. Then we put it on two retention ponds. Another accident recovery complete by Team Pro-Tow!

Accident Recovery: 167 Wine Bottles on the Road

by cdcidevel | Jul 7, 2021 | Accident Recovery, Emergency Incident Response, Recovery Blog, Semi-Truck, Semi-Truck Accident, Semi-Truck Accident Recovery, Semi-Truck Spill Recovery, Spill Cleanup, Spill Recovery

In this incident, on February 2nd, 2021, we received a special request for an overturned semi-truck and trailer carrying 167 wine bottles. The overturn had happened on the ramp from 212th to NB167, which was a heavily trafficked area. We responded on route with a heavy-duty rotating crane-style wrecker, heavy-duty recovery wrecker, equipment support vehicle, and necessary additional labor.

Accident Recovery

We responded to the incident command post and waited for the Washington State Police to close the ramp. As we waited, our Team Pro-Tow did a scene evaluation, put together a recovery plan, and did some recovery calculations. The quickest and safest method, and least chance of more spillage, was to use specialty air cushions and landing bags. Our team skillfully installed the cushions and landing bags, followed by the rotator rigging and recovery wrecker rigging to upright the combination. Working carefully and without rushing, we began the recovery work. We completed the task successfully and moved the unit to a nearby safe location. Our Pro-Enviro team began the spill recovery and debris cleanup work from the spilled bottles during that time.

Continued Recovery

The load inside had shifted considerably to the driver side, which meant we needed a heavy-duty class S tractor to transport the trailer safely. Our trusty team began the task of separating the trailer, then used the rotator to lift the nose of the trailer and allow the Class S tractor access. The hookup went without a hitch, and we transported it to our secured storage yard with an escort from the Department of Transportation. Meanwhile, Pro-Enviro continued the spill recovery and debris cleanup. We located the appropriate secured storage locations at the yard, installed environmental spill containment pods, and parked the tractor. Finally, we reconditioned all vehicles and equipment, completed the paper, and gave the cleared call.

A messy accident recovery well-handled!

House Crasher – Heavy Duty Towing Required

by cdcidevel | Jan 10, 2020 | Heavy Duty Towing, Recovery, Recovery Blog, Semi-Truck, Semi-Truck Accident, Semi-Truck Spill Recovery

On October 21, 2018, Pro-Tow responded to a dispatch call to help assist a car that had gone down an embankment and crashed into the side of a house. This accident needed heavy-duty towing. We arrived at the scene and reported to the command post, then did a scene inspection and formed our recovery plan.

First, we rigged a transport line to safely transport the rigging down approximately 75 feet at 100% grade. Once lowered, we secured the rigging to the car and used emergency communication devices as we slowly lifted the vehicle. Once the vehicle was safely removed from the house, we lowered it back to the ground to rest on its tires. Pro-Tow then safely winched the car up the embankment and lifted it onto the carrier to be transported to yard 2.

24-Hour Emergency Services For Big And Small Problems

While many of our recovery blogs handle semi-truck accidents or camper accidents, our 24-hour emergency towing is also there for regular vehicles as well. Our 24-hour services include helping fix breakdowns along the roads, accidents, cargo incidents and unexpected leaks or fuel spills. Or, as in this case, a crash into the side of a house. Safety is our priority at Pro-Tow, so if you find yourself in trouble, we have the services and tools to help.

We also have equipment ready for any situation, either big and complicated situations or situations that require big equipment. Pro-Tow also offers heavy lifting with our cranes, which are key in dealing with complex incidents such as with semi-truck accidents. As described in this recovery blog, we used heavy-duty towing and rigging to safely handle the incident.

Repairs To Get You Back On The Road

For emergency towing services, Pro-Tow also provides onsite service and roadside repair, should your vehicle need it. In situations that include large vehicles or heavy trucks though, especially those carrying a load, we understand the importance of safely reaching their destination.

That’s why, if after a safe rescue your vehicle needs repairs, Pro-Tow can take the vehicle to our Motorplex shops. They are located in either Auburn, WA or Spokane, WA. There the heavy-duty mechanic can do all the repairs you need to get back on the road. For fleet vehicles, our Motorplex technicians can also provide light auto work, to make sure your vehicles are in safe and working order.

Just remember, if you find yourself in an unexpected situation or emergency, stay calm and call Pro-Tow to help!

Spill And Slide On Highway 18 At Tiger Mountain

by cdcidevel | Dec 16, 2019 | Recovery, Recovery Blog, Semi-Truck, Semi-Truck Accident, Semi-Truck Spill Recovery, Spill Recovery

In this incident on October 12th, 2019, Pro-Tow responded to a call about a tanker truck that had overturned on Highway 18 at Tiger Mountain, spilling thousands of pounds of fuel, oils and grease. We arrived at the accident with Pro-Enviro, the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to handle this semi-truck spill recovery.

WSDOT activated their major incident response to stop traffic and close the highway so that our team could bring the necessary equipment and trained personnel. We immediately assessed the situation and created our recovery plan. To handle this semi-truck spill recovery, we required several specialized pieces of equipment.

Our Pro-Enviro division is called in anytime there is a vehicle fluid-related spill. Since oil and fuel spills are an environmental threat, we first focused on containing the spill on the roadway. Working with Bobcat Northwest and Pro-Enviro, the spill was collected and disposed of. From there, we then cleared debris from the accident and cleaned the road.

With the roads cleared, we were able to set up our specialized equipment to righten the semi tanker truck. We used specialized equipment from Miller Industries, Ashley Sling Inc. products and Sonetics wireless headsets, to upright the semi tanker truck. With the roads clear once more, we were able to reopen the busy roadway to let the traffic carry on through.

The Dangers Of Vehicle Fuel Spills

When a semi-truck accident includes a spill, it’s hazardous not only to people but especially so to the environment. If the diesel fuel is spilled on roads, it creates slippery services that are dangerous to traffic. As a mixture of different toxic chemicals, if any gets into groundwater it can contaminate drinking water or kill aquatic wildlife. Both oil and grease spills are the frequent culprit to loss of animal life, as the oil coats mammals’ fur leaving them at risk.

That’s why, during any semi-truck spill recovery incidents, Pro-Tow calls in Pro-Enviro to help quickly and safely contain the spills. Once any spills are contained, the fluids are cleared and properly disposed of. Here at Pro-Tow, we take the safety of our clients and our environment seriously, so we always work quickly to protect both.

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