Breakdowns are an inevitable part of life on the road for commercial truck drivers. When they happen, having a reliable roadside assistance plan can mean the difference between a minor delay and a major disruption. But with numerous providers offering varying services, how do you choose the right plan for your needs?
Key Factors to Consider in a Roadside Assistance Plan
1. Comprehensive Coverage
Ensure the plan covers a wide range of services, including:
- Towing (both tractor and trailer)
- Flat tire assistance
- Battery jump-starts
- Fuel delivery
- Lockout services
- Winching/extrication
For instance, Roadside Masters offers heavy-duty towing up to 50 miles free of charge, along with services like fuel delivery and lockout assistance.
2. Response Time and Availability
Time is money in the trucking industry. Look for providers that offer 24/7/365 assistance with quick response times. Verizon Connect, for example, provides 24-hour roadside assistance accessible via their mobile app, ensuring help is just a tap away.
3. Coverage Area
Your roadside assistance should cover all the regions you operate in. Progressive’s Heavy Truck Roadside Assistance is available throughout the United States and in 10 Canadian provinces, making it suitable for cross-border operations.
4. Cost and Value
Compare the costs of different plans against the services they offer. Some providers offer tiered pricing based on fleet size. For example, Roadside Masters charges $49.99 per month for individual memberships, while commercial memberships for fleets of 10 or more vehicles are priced at $34.99 per month per vehicle.
5. Limitations and Restrictions
Be aware of any limitations, such as the number of service calls allowed per year or restrictions on the types of vehicles covered. Access Roadside Assistance’s Road King plan, for instance, includes five roadside assistance calls per year, with specific limits on towing and service calls.
Top Commercial Truck Roadside Assistance Providers
Progressive Heavy Truck Roadside Assistance
- Coverage: Up to $500 in labor and $5,000 in towing per incident
- Services: Towing, winching, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, lockout services, flat tire replacement
- Availability: U.S. and 10 Canadian provinces
- Limitations: Three incidents per vehicle per six-month period
- Deductible: $250 per service
Roadside Masters
- Coverage: Heavy-duty towing up to 50 miles free
- Services: Fuel delivery, lockout assistance, jump-starts, tire changes
- Availability: U.S. and Canada
- Cost: $49.99/month for individuals; $34.99/month per vehicle for fleets of 10+
Verizon Connect
- Coverage: First 25 miles of towing for both light- and heavy-duty vehicles
- Services: Lockout service, tire service, jump-starts, fuel delivery, winching
- Availability: U.S.
- Access: Via mobile and desktop apps
Access Roadside Assistance – Road King Plan
- Coverage: Towing up to 80 km/50 miles or 2 hours port-to-port
- Services: Flat tire assistance, tire replacement, mobile mechanic service, fuel delivery, jump-starts
- Cost: $595/year
- Limitations: Five roadside assistance calls per year (two tows, three service calls)
Choosing the right commercial truck roadside assistance plan requires careful consideration of your specific needs, operating regions, and budget. By evaluating the coverage, services, availability, and costs of various providers, you can select a plan that ensures minimal downtime and keeps your operations running smoothly.
