Towing a truck or minibus isn't just "towing a passenger car, but bigger." It calls for different equipment, a different approach to securing the load, and a separate question about what to do with cargo if the vehicle is commercial. Here's what to keep in mind if a truck or minibus breaks down or is in an accident.

How towing a truck differs from a passenger car

The key difference comes down to weight and size. A passenger car weighs 1.2 to 1.8 tons on average, while a truck or a loaded minibus can weigh several times more, and that calls for fundamentally different transport equipment.

  • Trucks and minibuses need a specialized platform with a higher load capacity than for passenger cars;
  • A commercial vehicle's dimensions, meaning length, height, and width, require more careful route planning to account for bridge, tunnel, and overhead clearance restrictions;
  • A truck's center of gravity, especially with cargo, can be shifted, requiring extra care during loading.

Platform load capacity: the key parameter

Important: using a platform with insufficient load capacity for a specific truck isn't just inefficient, it's a direct safety hazard during transport. This is exactly why the dispatcher always confirms the vehicle's exact weight and type before dispatching a crew.
  • When ordering a truck tow, it's important to provide the exact or closest-to-accurate weight of the vehicle, including cargo if it stays on board;
  • The platform needs to handle not just static weight but dynamic loads during acceleration, braking, and on rough roads;
  • For minibuses, load capacity is usually less critical than for full-size trucks, but still needs consideration, more so if the minibus is used for commercial cargo rather than passengers.

What happens to cargo on board

One of the key questions when towing a cargo vehicle: what happens to the cargo in the bed or trailer at the time of the breakdown or accident.

  • In most cases, cargo stays in place during the tow, as long as it doesn't pose a safety risk or exceed the platform's combined load capacity with the vehicle itself;
  • If the cargo is fragile, valuable, or needs special transport conditions (like perishable goods), it's worth discussing with the dispatcher in advance whether it can be temporarily unloaded or transported separately;
  • For commercial cargo with shipping documents, it makes sense to notify the client or recipient about the delay and the tow arrangement: this is a separate logistical matter, not directly related to the technical side of towing;
  • If cargo shifted or was damaged in an accident before the tow, document this with photos before transport begins, similar to how we recommend documenting damage to the vehicle itself.

Specifics for passenger minibuses

  • If a minibus was carrying passengers at the time of the breakdown, the first priority is arranging a safe disembarkation and, if needed, alternative transport for the passengers before dealing with towing the vehicle itself;
  • Passenger minibuses are usually lighter than cargo equivalents, which simplifies platform selection, but it's still important to confirm the exact model and weight when calling;
  • If a minibus was in an accident with passengers on board, the general process is the same as we described in our article on what to do after an accident, adjusted for the larger number of people whose safety needs to be the first priority.

How commercial vehicles are secured on a platform

  • Securing a truck or minibus on a platform requires more tie-down points than a passenger car: typically at least 4 to 6, depending on weight and size;
  • Reinforced chains or straps rated for higher loads than standard passenger car tie-downs are used;
  • Special attention goes to weight distribution across the platform's axles, since improperly distributed truck weight can affect the tow truck's own handling while driving;
  • A crew working with commercial vehicles needs experience specifically with this category of equipment. This isn't a situation where a standard passenger car procedure can be applied by eye.

How to properly order a truck tow

To help the dispatcher select the right platform and crew, provide when ordering:

  1. The exact make and model of the truck or minibus;
  2. The approximate or exact weight of the vehicle, including cargo if it stays on board;
  3. Dimensions: length, height, width, if they exceed standard passenger car sizes;
  4. The reason for the call: a technical fault, an accident, or the need to transport cargo separately from the vehicle;
  5. Route specifics: height or width restrictions at the pickup or drop-off locations.

For more on transporting large equipment, see our article on heavy equipment transport. Many of the general principles apply to commercial cargo vehicles too.

Bottom line

Towing a truck or minibus calls for a different approach than towing a passenger car. Platform load capacity, proper weight distribution, cargo safety on board, and a crew experienced specifically with commercial vehicles all matter. If you need to tow a truck, minibus, or other commercial vehicle, provide the exact specifications when ordering, and we'll match you with the right equipment and handle the transport safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cargo stay in the truck bed during a tow if it's perishable?

Cargo can technically stay on board, but with perishable goods, it's smarter to arrange alternative transport in advance or notify the recipient about the delay. A tow truck doesn't maintain temperature control for cargo.

Are extra documents needed when towing commercial cargo vehicles?

For the tow procedure itself, extra documents usually aren't required, but for commercial cargo with shipping paperwork, it's worth notifying whoever ordered the shipment about the situation. That's a separate logistical matter.

How is the cost of towing a truck calculated compared to a passenger car?

The cost depends on the vehicle's weight, dimensions, transport distance, and loading complexity. The dispatcher confirms an exact price after clarifying all the parameters, following a similar process to passenger cars but adjusted for the equipment needed.

Can a truck with a trailer be towed in one trip?

This depends on the specific configuration and available equipment. Check with the dispatcher when ordering, as separate transport for the tractor and trailer may be needed.

What should I do if a minibus with passengers breaks down on the highway?

First, ensure passenger safety: move them a safe distance from the roadway, arrange alternative transport if needed, and only then deal with towing the minibus itself.

Are there any age or condition restrictions for towing a truck?

No, we tow trucks and minibuses in any technical condition, including fully non-operational ones, using a winch when needed. A vehicle's condition isn't an obstacle to towing on a flatbed.