Typical roadside jobs
- Tire replacement or repair.
- Air leaks, air lines and gladhands.
- Brake adjustment or brake chamber replacement. See brake chamber.
- Lights and electrical faults.
- Batteries, starters and alternators.
- Fuel, coolant and belt problems.
- Aftertreatment and sensor faults that put the truck in a reduced power mode.
Why safety rules matter
A truck with certain defects may not be legal to move. Under 49 CFR 396.7, a motor vehicle may not be operated in a condition likely to cause an accident or a breakdown. The CVSA out-of-service criteria describe conditions under which inspectors place vehicles out of service. A roadside technician should know when a temporary fix is enough to move the truck and when a tow is needed. See out-of-service criteria.
Why time matters to the fleet
Under 49 CFR 395.3, a property-carrying driver may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty. A long roadside wait can use up the driver's available hours even after the truck is fixed. See hours of service.
How it is priced
Roadside invoices often include a service call fee or mileage charge, labor at a roadside or after-hours rate, parts and any tire or tow charges. Quote the fees on the call, get approval for the repair before starting, and record the approval.
What the shop should capture
- Exact location of the truck.
- Unit number, VIN and odometer.
- Driver and fleet contact, and who approves charges.
- Purchase order number if the fleet uses them.
- Photos before and after, and the 3 Cs on the repair line.
Safety on the shoulder
Roadside work happens near traffic. Use warning devices, lighting and high-visibility clothing, and move the work if the location is unsafe.
See how to quote emergency roadside repair and road call.
MetaFleet supports dispatch, after-hours billing and payments with card holds before the truck rolls. Get a walkthrough.