Heavy recovery of two trucks from soft ground in Herrenstrunden: tractor-trailer and solo tractor extracted using a crane

On April 4, 2026, MT onroad received a request for truck recovery in Herrenstrunden (Bergisch Gladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany).

Two trucks had driven onto soft ground and sunk into the soil:

• Tractor–semitrailer combination (loaded articulated truck) sank on the left side. The front of the tractor unit settled into the ground, bending the bumper forward.
• Second tractor unit (without a trailer) was stuck on the right side.

Pulling the tractor-trailer backwards risked increasing bumper damage. Driving forward across the adjacent lawn was avoided due to the risk of getting stuck again and potential lawn damage.

Operational Challenge and Decision

The incident involved multiple coordination factors:

1. Body Damage Risk: Backward recovery risked damaging the front bumper settled in soil.
2. Manoeuvring Limits: Narrow access roads restricted turning and exit routes.
3. Dispatch Decision: Deciding between an on-site assessment vs immediate heavy recovery dispatch.

The MT onroad dispatcher received the GPS location, photos and videos, logged visible risks, and discussed options with the fleet manager. Two options were presented:

• On-site mechanic assessment (€300).
• Immediate heavy recovery dispatch with a €2,000 prepayment and written confirmation of the documented risk and approval to dispatch.

The fleet manager confirmed the second option and agreed to the dispatch terms.

Coordination by MT onroad

• Data Intake: GPS coordinates, photos/videos, and load status confirmed.
• Commercial Agreement: Decision-maker identified and terms confirmed prior to dispatch.
• Partner Dispatch: The service partner was dispatched with a heavy recovery vehicle and crane, arriving at approximately 16:20.
• Navigation Support: Due to tight access, the driver was instructed to meet the recovery vehicle at the main road and guide it to the site.
• Completion Check: The service partner extracted both trucks using a crane. On April 7, the client confirmed both trucks had left the area.

Result

The service partner extracted both trucks using a crane. On April 7, 2026, the client confirmed that both vehicles had left the site.