Skip to content Tuesday, February 2026. At 11:30 AM, our towing service dispatch received an emergency call: a loaded truck was stranded on the federal autobahn, left lane, kilometer 145 near the town of Arnstein in Bavaria. Urgent professional towing was required.
We offer 24/7 emergency assistance and breakdown service for heavy-duty trucks, semi-trailers, buses, and heavy machinery, serving logistics companies, fleet operators, and transport companies across Germany and Europe. LKW Help 24 operates a nationwide network of partner service stations and mobile units, ensuring rapid response times and minimizing downtime for your vehicle and your truck. Our emergency roadside assistance includes tire service, on-site repairs, and towing to the nearest workshop, using specialized recovery equipment for all breakdowns. Multilingual dispatch support is available for foreign drivers, addressing language barriers and providing care and support around the clock (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). As part of the awhelp24 network, we help you get back on the road quickly after a breakdown. Contact us and reach your dedicated contact person for immediate help—everything is handled for you, and our service is available at any time of day or night. If your journey is interrupted by a breakdown, our team is ready to help, covering everything from tire service to repairs to ensure your mobility and safety. Our mobile units and service stations are part of our network of rapid response and care for companies and fleet operators. The service is available for MAN trucks and all other brands, designed specifically for logistics companies and fleet operators, with multilingual support in several languages.
Our towing team assembled immediately and headed to the accident site. This example shows a typical case where truck towing on the autobahn becomes necessary. Since the vehicle’s engine had failed, it could no longer move under its own power – towing was legally permitted in this case.
Emergency Call and Departure of Our Towing Vehicles
The dispatcher provided us with all details: a loaded truck, white Volvo with refrigerated semi-trailer, perishable cargo (meat), engine has failed. Time is critical on the Bavarian autobahn – every minute without help leads to traffic jams and danger for other road users. Such an engine failure represents a classic breakdown on the autobahn.
We are available 24 hours a day, around the clock, for emergency assistance and breakdowns. Companies, logistics companies, and fleet operators can contact us at any time for support. For every emergency call, a dedicated contact person is assigned, and multilingual dispatch support is provided to assist foreign drivers who may face language barriers. Transport and logistics companies often require multilingual roadside assistance for their drivers, especially during breakdowns in Germany.
The average waiting time for a tow truck in Germany is less than 60 minutes, thanks to a large network of towing services that ensures rapid response times and minimizes commercial vehicle downtime. Most breakdown assistance services in Germany are available 24/7 to minimize vehicle downtime, and LKW Help 24 focuses on rapid response for all breakdowns.
Our experienced towing driver and his assistant departed four minutes after receiving the call. The distance to the accident site was fifteen kilometers. In such cases, professional towing services are necessary, as they not only have the right equipment but must also arrive quickly at the scene to avoid high costs due to prolonged downtime and traffic disruptions. On the federal autobahn in Bavaria, quick response from the towing service is critical, as this is a major route for European transport.
Initial Diagnosis of the Truck at the Accident Scene
When our towing service arrived at the location, we were presented with the typical emergency situation on the autobahn: the white Volvo FH was standing in the left lane, slightly touching the marking of the second lane. Surrounded by vehicles maneuvering around it, police (Polizei) with flashing lights, and nervous truck and car drivers.
The experienced truck driver (23 years of driving experience) reported: The engine had been making strange noises since morning, but he continued driving. After four hours on the road, the engine simply shut down. Attempts to restart it yielded no results. This indicated a technical defect that made towing of the truck necessary.
We conducted an initial diagnosis: attempted to start the engine (unsuccessfully), checked the engine compartment. Es war klar, dass dies nicht einfach ein Batterie- oder Luftproblem war. Professionelle Diagnostik ist bei modernen LKWs unerlässlich, da selbst kleine Fehler schnell zu schwerwiegenden Problemen führen können. Mobile Units aus unserem Netzwerk von Service Stations können bei vielen Pannen direkt vor Ort Reparaturen und Tire Service durchführen, um Ausfallzeiten zu minimieren. Mobile Service-Techniker sind oft in der Lage, Fahrzeuge nach einer Panne innerhalb kürzester Zeit – häufig in weniger als zwei Stunden nach dem Notruf – wieder fahrbereit zu machen.
Before towing a truck, the brakes and brake pedal of the vehicle must be checked to ensure the vehicle can move safely. The vehicle to be towed must have functioning brakes and steering, as these are essential for safety during towing. This required professional diagnosis at a specialized workshop in Bavaria.
The Problem with Perishable Cargo in the Refrigerated Semi-Trailer
The second critical problem: in the refrigerated semi-trailer was perishable cargo – beef, packaged in boxes, stored at minus eighteen degrees Celsius. The refrigerator had shut down along with the main engine. Every hour of downtime on the autobahn means risk of cargo loss and financial losses for the driver and recipient.
LKW Help 24 offers specialized care for logistics companies and fleet operators, ensuring rapid response to minimize commercial vehicle downtime and cargo losses. Our service is designed for you and your company, with multilingual roadside assistance available for international logistics operations.
The driver had already called the shipping company responsible for transport in Germany. The company began calculating losses. We immediately recommended requesting a mobile refrigerated semi-trailer or finding alternative transport.
Why Normal Towing on the Autobahn Is Not Possible
This is an important point for everyone involved in transport in Germany. The loaded truck had a total weight of approximately 22 tons. Towing with a normal towing vehicle on the autobahn would create the following dangers:
Risk of Damage to Trailer Axles: When towing a loaded semi-trailer, the load on the front axles could exceed permissible parameters and cause damage or breakage.
Risk of Cargo Shifting: Under dynamic loads (acceleration, braking on the autobahn), cargo in the refrigerated semi-trailer could shift and create a danger for other road users.
Safety Risk on the Autobahn: Incorrect towing could lead to an accident, especially at high speeds on the federal autobahn.
When towing a truck, it is important to use a suitable towing bar, as towing cables pose a high safety risk for heavy vehicles. The bar provides a constant distance between vehicles and offers more safety than a cable. It prevents rear-end collisions and provides better control, but can make cornering more difficult.
Furthermore, the costs of towing should not be underestimated: when towing trucks, significantly higher fees are usually charged than when towing cars due to the specialized equipment needed and high safety requirements.
Therefore, we immediately ordered a flatbed tow truck (towing vehicle with platform), which completely lifts the loaded truck without towing it. This is the standard method for towing loaded trucks on the autobahn in Germany. Heavy-duty truck towing services are available 24/7 for breakdowns and emergencies and utilize specialized recovery equipment to handle large vehicles and machinery. Thanks to our large network of service stations and a strong network of towing partners, we can provide quick and reliable truck breakdown assistance across Germany.
Organization and Request for Specialized Towing Equipment
We contacted our dispatch center and requested a flatbed tow truck with a lifting capacity of at least 25 tons. LKW Help 24 operates a nationwide network of partner service stations, ensuring that companies, logistics companies, and fleet operators have quick access to repairs and parts. This network of service stations and towing services is essential for providing rapid assistance and minimizing downtime. The Bavarian traffic police were already at the scene and helped redirect traffic flow.
For truck towing on the autobahn, certain legal and technical requirements must be met, such as appropriate driving license, cargo securing, and functioning lights and brakes. Towing is only permitted under certain circumstances, for example when the vehicle is no longer roadworthy and an immediate danger to traffic exists.
Waiting for the flatbed tow truck took about forty minutes. During this time we:
- Collected information about the cargo and delivery route
- Helped the driver contact the sender and recipient
- Coordinated with traffic police
- Prepared documentation
On the autobahn in Bavaria, traffic jams can form relatively quickly. When the flatbed tow truck arrived, traffic was slowed but not in complete gridlock.
Safety Measures During the Towing Process on the Autobahn
When towing vehicles on the autobahn in Germany, particularly strict regulations and rules apply to ensure the safety of all road users. If you find yourself in such a situation, you must follow several key points to minimize risks and make the towing process as safe as possible.
Turn on Hazard Lights: Throughout the entire towing process, both the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle must have hazard lights activated. This alerts other drivers early to the unusual situation and allows them to react in time.
Maintain Safe Distance: The distance between the two vehicles during towing on the autobahn should be at least 50 meters. This gives other road users sufficient time to react and increases safety for all involved.
Reduce Speed: The maximum permitted speed when towing on the autobahn is 50 km/h. In many cases, it is advisable to drive even slower to maintain control of both vehicles and avoid sudden braking maneuvers.
Clearly Mark the Connection: The connection between the vehicles – whether a towing cable or towing bar – must be clearly visible. A red cloth or warning sign on the connection is mandatory so other drivers immediately recognize the towing situation.
Use Towing Eyes Correctly: The towing eyes on both vehicles must be firmly and correctly secured. Only this ensures a safe connection and minimizes the risk of breakage during the towing process.
Do Not Tow Motorcycles: Motorcycles may not be towed on the autobahn in principle, as they are not suitable for towing and pose a significant safety risk.
Consult ADAC and Experts: If you are unsure or have no experience towing vehicles, always call a professional towing service or ADAC. Experts know exactly what matters in autobahn towing and ensure a safe process.
Safety First: The safety of all involved always comes first when towing on the autobahn. Adhere to applicable regulations, place the warning triangle at sufficient distance, and if possible, leave the hazard zone as quickly as possible.
By following these rules and safety measures when towing on the autobahn, you protect not only yourself but also other road users. When in doubt, it is always better to hire a professional towing service that is familiar with all regulations and requirements and ensures a smooth and safe towing process.
Das Netzwerk von LKW Help 24 bietet rund um die Uhr emergency assistance und umfassende care für alle schweren Nutzfahrzeuge in ganz Deutschland. Durch unser flächendeckendes Netzwerk aus mobilen Technikern, Partner-Werkstätten und Abschleppdiensten stellen wir sicher, dass alle Sicherheitsvorschriften eingehalten werden und Sie im Notfall schnell und zuverlässig unterstützt werden.
Arrival of the Flatbed Tow Truck and Beginning of Operations
The specialized flatbed tow truck based on a Volvo arrived with a hydraulic platform with a 26-ton load capacity. The driver Sergey – a specialist with twelve years of experience in the German towing service, who knows all the nuances of working on the autobahn.
Positioning the towing vehicle took several minutes. Sergey carefully maneuvered to align the platform under the loaded semi-trailer. On the autobahn, this requires maximum concentration, as other cars are still driving around the vehicle.
Heavy-duty towing services wie bei LKW Help 24 nutzen spezielles Berge- und Abschlepp-Equipment, um große Fahrzeuge und Maschinen sicher zu transportieren. Dabei wird besonders auf die Sicherheit der Ladung und aller Verkehrsteilnehmer geachtet. Der umfassende Kundenservice stellt sicher, dass sich Kunden jederzeit optimal betreut und geschützt fühlen – echte care bei jeder Panne.
Before lifting, the towing hooks were attached at the designated points and at the correct height to the towing eyes to ensure a safe connection between the towing vehicle and semi-trailer.
Lifting the truck onto the platform took about twenty minutes. This was necessary for safety:
- Inspection of all fasteners and safety straps
- Even distribution of load on the platform
- Secure fixation of the semi-trailer
- Inspection of the towing vehicle’s hydraulic system
Der Service umfasst auch das Abschleppen zur nächstgelegenen Werkstatt für Reparaturen, um die Ausfallzeit des Fahrzeugs zu minimieren.
Every moment served the safety of all road users on the autobahn. As the hydraulic lifted the truck, the white Volvo was slowly hoisted into the air and secured on the platform. The cargo was in complete safety.
Transport of the Loaded Truck on the Autobahn
After the truck was completely secured on the towing platform, we began the drive to the nearest specialized workshop in Bavaria.
Towing Speed: The maximum speed when transporting a loaded semi-trailer on the towing platform was 40 km/h. In some places, Sergey drove even slower due to road conditions and safety considerations.
Police Escort: The Bavarian traffic police drove ahead of our towing vehicle, blocked lanes, and warned other drivers with flashing lights and warning signs.
Transport Distance: To the nearest specialized workshop was seven kilometers. The drive took about twenty minutes.
Dank unseres starken network of Partnerwerkstätten, mobilen Technikern und Abschleppdiensten sorgt LKW Help 24 dafür, dass Ihre fleet nach einer Panne schnell back on the road ist. Unsere mobilen Service-Techniker erreichen den Einsatzort in kürzester Zeit, sodass Ihre journey mit minimaler Ausfallzeit fortgesetzt werden kann.
The sight of the lifted truck on the towing platform attracted the attention of other road users. Drivers slowed down, some recorded videos. For many, this was an unusual sight. For us – standard work.
Delivery of the Truck to the Specialized Workshop in Bavaria
The nearest qualified specialized workshop (Werkstatt) was located in the industrial zone near Arnstein. We called ahead and clarified the details.
The mechanics were prepared. They connected a diagnostic computer to the Volvo engine and began the inspection. The full engine diagnosis (OBD diagnosis) took about thirty minutes.
Thanks to the LKW Help 24 Netzwerk aus Partner-Service-Stationen war der Zugang zu schnellen repairs und Ersatzteilen jederzeit gewährleistet. Professionelle Diagnostik ist dabei unerlässlich, um Probleme an modernen LKWs frühzeitig zu erkennen und effizient zu beheben, bevor kleine Fehler zu größeren Schäden führen.
Diagnosis Results: The oil pressure sensor had failed. This caused the engine electronics to enter protection mode and completely blocked ignition. This was not catastrophic but a quite solvable technical problem.
Repair Costs: The oil pressure sensor cost about 300 euros, workshop labor about 600 euros. Total approximately 900 euros. For a Volvo truck, these are small costs compared to the potential damages from incorrect towing.
Solution to the Perishable Cargo Problem
While the mechanics diagnosed the engine, we helped the driver solve the cargo problem. The meat in the refrigerated semi-trailer needed immediate action. We recommended he call the shipping company immediately.
Fortunately, the company had insurance and a mobile refrigerated semi-trailer available. They organized:
- Arrival of a mobile refrigerated semi-trailer at the workshop within two hours
- Unloading of cargo from the original semi-trailer into the mobile refrigerated semi-trailer
- Shipment of cargo by alternative means to the recipient
LKW Help 24 provides care and rapid response for logistics companies and fleet operators, ensuring that cargo is protected and downtime is minimized for you.
Thanks to these measures, the cargo arrived with minimal losses. Losses were limited to the cost of unloading and transport services, which was much less than the value of the entire cargo.
Documentation of the Towing Operation
For our towing service, every call must be properly documented:
Towing Parameters:
- Call time: 11:30
- Arrival time on scene: 11:52
- Flatbed tow truck arrival: 12:32
- Delivery to workshop: 13:05
- Operation completion: 14:30
- Total time: approximately 3 hours
Technical Equipment:
- First towing vehicle: Volvo FH16 (for diagnosis and initial assistance)
- Flatbed tow truck: Volvo with platform, 26-ton load capacity
- Special equipment: Hydraulic fasteners, safety straps
Distances:
- From accident scene to workshop: 22 km total
- Transport distance: 7 km
Towing Service Costs:
- Towing service call: 450 euros
- Transport of loaded truck: 320 euros
- On-site diagnosis: included
- Total towing costs: 770 euros
Average towing costs for roadside assistance are approximately 180 to 270 euros for 30 km. In this case, actual towing costs of 770 euros were significantly higher, which is due to the special requirements when towing trucks.
Unser Netzwerk von LKW Help 24 übernimmt everything for you – von der vollständigen Dokumentation bis zur transparenten Kostenübersicht. Viele Breakdown assistance services beinhalten zudem ein Abschlepppaket, das Kosten bis zu 2.000 EUR pro Jahr abdeckt.
Vorteile unseres Services
Unser 24/7-Pannendienst bietet zahlreiche Vorteile für Fahrer, Flottenbetreiber und Logistikunternehmen, die in Deutschland und ganz Europa unterwegs sind. Dank unseres engmaschigen Netzwerks an Service-Stationen und mobilen Einheiten können wir Ihnen rund um die Uhr schnelle und professionelle Hilfe bei jeder Art von Panne oder Notfall garantieren. Egal, ob Ihr LKW, Bus, Anhänger oder schweres Nutzfahrzeug betroffen ist – wir sind Ihr zuverlässiger Ansprechpartner, wenn es darauf ankommt, Ausfallzeiten zu minimieren und Ihre Fahrzeuge schnell wieder auf die Straße zu bringen.
Recommendations for Truck Drivers in Germany
The following recommendations contain practical advice for safe behavior when towing trucks and in case of mechanical failure.
As a professional towing service in Germany, we recommend:
1. Regular Maintenance and Professional Diagnostics
Regelmäßige Wartung und frühzeitige Inspektion wichtiger Lkw-Komponenten in zertifizierten Werkstätten sind entscheidend, um größere Pannen und teure Reparaturen zu vermeiden. Moderne Lkw benötigen professionelle Diagnostik, da kleine Fehler schnell zu ernsten Problemen führen können. Sensoren und Elektronik sind oft die ersten, die ausfallen – lassen Sie diese mindestens zweimal jährlich überprüfen. Das ist deutlich günstiger als ein Notfall-Abschleppdienst auf der Autobahn.
2. Pay Attention to Unusual Engine Noises
If the engine sounds strange in the morning, this is a sign. Stop at the nearest rest area, check the oil. Fifteen minutes of diagnosis is better than hours of waiting for towing.
3. Maintain Contact with a Dedicated Contact Person for Emergency Assistance and Care
Im Pannenfall ist es wichtig, einen festen Ansprechpartner (contact person) für emergency assistance und umfassende care zu haben. Unsere Hotline (+49 (0) 331 601 55 13) ist 24/7 erreichbar und bietet eine language-Auswahl für Anrufer, sodass auch ausländische Fahrer in ihrer Muttersprache unterstützt werden. Viele Anbieter, wie auch wir, bieten multilingualen Support, um die Kommunikation in Notfällen zu erleichtern.
4. Proper Insurance for Perishable Cargo
For perishable goods, insurance with delay coverage is mandatory. Customers of automobile clubs or service providers often benefit from additional services such as coverage of truck towing costs or further support in case of mechanical failure. A few percent more on the premium will save you in critical situations.
5. Inform Your Freight Forwarder Immediately
When problems occur, call the shipping company immediately, not after repair attempts. They can organize replacement transport faster.
6. Knowledge of Autobahn Rules
Germany has strict rules on the autobahn. In emergencies, you must turn on hazard lights and place a warning triangle 100 meters behind the vehicle. This is mandatory.
Additional Tips:
Always follow rules of conduct when towing and in case of mechanical failure. Stay calm, mark the scene and follow regulatory requirements to protect yourself and other road users. Bei Fragen oder im Notfall: Contact us jederzeit über unsere Hotline für schnelle emergency assistance und professionelle Unterstützung.
Statistics of Our Towing Services in Bavaria in February 2026
In February 2026, our towing service in Bavaria completed 127 professional towing operations:
- 34 cases: Electronics and sensor failures
- 28 cases: Engine damage
- 22 cases: Tire problems
- 19 cases: Brake failures
- 24 cases: Other causes
The most common cause of towing on the autobahn is the failure of sensors and electronics in trucks older than five years.
Tire damage is one of the most frequent causes of truck breakdowns, accounting for a significant portion of unplanned incidents. Defective tires can result from wear, sharp objects, or adverse road conditions, posing major challenges for drivers and dispatchers. Electrical problems, wie etwa Defekte an Lichtmaschine oder Verkabelung, sowie Ausfälle im Luftsystem (z.B. Luftlecks oder Kompressorprobleme) führen ebenfalls häufig zu Breakdowns und erfordern sofortige truck breakdown assistance in Germany 24 7 emergency service from LKW Help 24. Viele dieser Pannen können durch mobile repairs und tire service direkt vor Ort behoben werden – in etwa 80-95% der Fälle erfolgt die Wiederherstellung der Fahrbereitschaft direkt auf der Autobahn.
Response Times of Our Towing Service in Germany
Average arrival times of our towing service:
- In urban areas: 12-15 minutes
- On the autobahn between cities: 15-25 minutes
- In rural areas: 25-35 minutes
Arrival time for flatbed tow truck if needed: additional 35-50 minutes.
Our network of experienced technicians and service partners operates 24 hours a day, around the clock, ensuring rapid response to minimize downtime for all customers.
Conclusion: Why Professional Towing Service on the Autobahn Is Important
Towing a loaded truck on the federal autobahn in Germany is not simply a technical service. This is a complex operation that requires:
- Quick arrival of specialists on scene
- Correct diagnosis of the problem
- Selection of the right equipment for safe towing
- Coordination with traffic police
- Ensuring safety of all road users
- Minimizing lane closure time on the autobahn
- Proper documentation
In our case with the white Volvo FH, all these points were fulfilled. The driver remained in a normal situation, the cargo was saved, the vehicle was repaired. This is the result of professional towing service on the autobahn.
When towing a vehicle – whether your truck, car, or automatic transmission – numerous legal and technical regulations must be observed in traffic. Towing is only permitted in emergencies, when your vehicle can no longer drive and no repair on-site is possible. Hazard lights must be activated on both vehicles throughout the entire towing process. The towing cable or towing bar must not be longer than five meters, must be suitable for the vehicle’s weight, and be secured safely. The connection must be marked with a red cloth or red flag. The driver of the towed vehicle must be at least 15 years old and physically able to steer and brake. The ignition should be on so the steering lock doesn’t engage. When towing on the autobahn, driving is only permitted to the next exit – the autobahn must be left immediately, the destination is always the nearest workshop. A vehicle with a faulty electrical system or empty tank may not be towed.
Special requirements apply when towing automatic and electric vehicles: automatic transmissions may only be towed in gear N and only short distances, otherwise serious damage from overheating threatens. Electric vehicles should in principle not be towed due to risk of energy generation in the electric motor and possible battery overheating but should be transported on a flatbed. Experts recommend always having automatic and electric vehicles transported by a towing service.
When towing, note that the cable may only be used with functioning steering and brakes. The towing cable offers better shock absorption, is cheaper and easier to transport, while the towing bar provides more direct force transmission and more safety but is heavier and more expensive. The connection must remain tight to avoid rear-end collisions. Practicing towing and braking in a parking lot is recommended to train handling and minimize dangers in traffic.
In cases where nothing else works and the vehicle cannot be repaired on-site, often the only question remains how to safely and in compliance with regulations tow the vehicle. Always follow the rules and act carefully to ensure your safety and the safety of others in traffic.
Conclusion
LKW Help 24 offers a comprehensive breakdown service and emergency assistance for your truck, your vehicle, and your fleet, serving companies, logistics companies, and fleet operators across Germany and Europe. Our network of partner service centers and mobile units operates 24 hours a day, around the clock, ensuring rapid response and minimizing downtime. We offer everything for you: from tire service and repairs to multilingual support and care, so you receive professional help at any time of day or night. For immediate help, contact us and reach your dedicated contact person—multilingual language support is available for foreign drivers to overcome any language barriers. Our goal is to get you back on the road quickly and safely, with expert repairs and emergency assistance available throughout Europe.
