The Emergency Call
2:15 AM, Tuesday - Mike Thompson's Freightliner breaks down on I-70 westbound, mile marker 28. Engine running rough, losing power, and now won't restart. Load of auto parts needs to be in Indianapolis by 7 AM.
The Situation
Mike Thompson had been driving for 15 years, but this was different. His 2019 Freightliner Cascadia had been running perfectly when he left the terminal in Pennsylvania. Now, just outside Brookville on I-70, his truck was dead on the shoulder at 2 AM.
"The engine started running rough about 10 miles back," Mike recalls. "Then it started losing power, and finally just quit. I tried restarting it, but nothing. Just dead."
With a time-sensitive load of auto parts bound for Indianapolis and a 7 AM delivery deadline, Mike couldn't afford to wait for regular business hours. He needed help now.
The Response
Mike called our 24/7 emergency line at 2:15 AM. Within 5 minutes, our dispatcher had located the nearest available mobile unit and was coordinating the response.
Timeline of Response
- 2:15 AM - Emergency call received
- 2:20 AM - Mobile unit dispatched from Brookville
- 2:45 AM - Technician arrives on scene
- 3:00 AM - Diagnosis complete: failed fuel pump
- 3:15 AM - Parts ordered from 24-hour supplier
- 4:30 AM - Parts arrive, repair begins
- 6:10 AM - Truck tested and ready to roll
"I couldn't believe how fast they got there," Mike says. "The technician was professional, knew exactly what he was doing, and had the truck diagnosed in 15 minutes. When he told me it was the fuel pump and that he could get parts delivered, I knew I was in good hands."
The Repair
Our certified technician, Jim Rodriguez, has 12 years of experience with heavy-duty diesel engines. Using advanced diagnostic equipment in our mobile unit, he quickly identified the failed fuel pump as the culprit.
"The fuel pump had completely failed - not uncommon on higher-mileage engines, but it always seems to happen at the worst times," Jim explains. "The good news was that we could get the part delivered quickly and complete the repair roadside."
Working by floodlights on the highway shoulder, Jim safely completed the fuel pump replacement while Mike waited in our mobile unit's heated cab area. Safety is always our top priority during roadside repairs.
The Outcome
By 6:10 AM, Mike's Freightliner was running perfectly. He had enough time to grab coffee and still make his 7 AM delivery in Indianapolis.
"Wayne Truck & Trailer didn't just fix my truck - they saved my business that night. Missing that delivery would have cost me the customer and probably $5,000 in penalties. These guys are the real deal when it comes to emergency service."
Mike made his delivery on time and has been a loyal customer ever since. He's also recommended our emergency service to other drivers in his network.
Why This Matters
This story illustrates why Wayne Truck & Trailer has invested in 24/7 mobile emergency service capabilities:
- Rapid Response: Mobile units stationed strategically for fast deployment
- Expert Diagnosis: Experienced technicians with advanced diagnostic tools
- Parts Network: 24-hour parts suppliers for common repairs
- Safety First: Proper equipment and procedures for highway repairs
- Customer Focus: Understanding that time is money in trucking
When emergencies happen, you need a repair shop that's ready. That's what we deliver, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.