Moo-ving Fast
They say don’t cry over spilled milk. But when 30,000 pounds of it are scattered across I-81, that’s a different story. When we got the call about a tractor-trailer flipped at mile marker 25, we knew we had a major Mosheim rotator recovery on our hands. The rig had overturned, spilling its cargo and creating a dangerous mess. Traffic was still moving, but the wreckage was unstable, and leaked fluids posed serious hazards. With no time to waste, we brought in heavy-duty towing equipment, a skilled crew, and a plan to clear the highway.
Arriving on Scene
We responded with a full team and heavy-duty equipment to handle the recovery:
- 75-ton rotator
- 50-ton rotator
- Four roll-off trucks and dumpsters
- CAT 289 skid steer
- CAT 304 excavator
- Vac tanker
Seven members of our crew were on-site, working alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), and the Mosheim Fire Department.
Making the Accident Site Safe
Before we could do anything, we had to ensure the safety of both our team and the traffic still moving through. The truck sprawled across the road and its cargo leaking. We set up a plan to clear the wreck efficiently while keeping a lane open for drivers.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Recovery
- Stabilizing the Wreckage
The first step was bringing in our rotators to secure the trailer. Since the roof was damaged, we had to be extra careful to prevent further collapse while unloading the cargo. - Creating a Safe Work Zone
We used our equipment to shift the tractor enough so that one lane of I-81 northbound remained open throughout the entire recovery process. This prevented a full road shutdown and helped minimize traffic disruptions. - Unloading the Dairy Products
With the trailer compromised, we couldn’t just lift it with the load inside. Instead, our skid steer and excavator carefully removed the cargo, transferring it into roll-off dumpsters. - Removing the Tractor and Trailer
Once the load was out, we used our rotators to upright the trailer and separate it from the tractor. Both were totaled and had to be towed from the scene. - Environmental Cleanup
Dairy products had leaked onto the road and into a nearby culvert. We brought in a vac tanker to flush out any contaminants. We then solidified the remaining product for proper disposal in a local landfill. - Final Sweep
With the road cleared, we ensured no remaining debris or fluids posed a hazard before heading out.
Job Completed in Six Hours
From the time we arrived, to the moment the last piece of equipment left, this Mosheim rotator recovery took six hours, we worked well into the dark hours of the day. Given the size of the load, the positioning of the wreck, and the necessary cleanup, this was an efficient turnaround. Most importantly, we kept traffic moving and ensured the job was done thoroughly.
Casper’s Wrecker Service: We Handle Your Mosheim Rotator Recovery
When an accident like this happens, time and expertise matter. Our Mosheim rotator recovery team handled every step with focus and grit, ensuring that the roadway was cleared, the environmental impact was managed, and the damaged rig was safely removed. At Casper’s Wrecker Service, we tackle even the toughest Mosheim rotator recovery jobs.
With years of experience and top-tier equipment, our team is built for high-stakes recoveries like this Mosheim rotator recovery. Every minute counts, which is why we respond fast and work efficiently to get traffic moving again. No job is too complex for our operators, whether it’s a routine tow or a full-scale Mosheim rotator recovery. When the unexpected happens on the road, Casper’s Wrecker Service is ready to handle your job with laser-sharp focus.