Semi Towing
Des Moines

Click to Call
515-290-4188

Fast and Safe Semi Towing Whenever You Need It

When your semi truck breaks down on I-80, jackknifes on I-235, or ends up in a ditch off a rural Polk County road, time and experience matter. At Central Iowa Towing and Recovery, we’ve built our reputation on showing up fast, equipped right, and with the kind of trained professionals who understand that your rig isn’t just a truck—it’s your livelihood.

With over 1,700 positive reviews across Des Moines, Ames, and Marshalltown, we’ve earned the trust of truckers, fleets, and logistics managers who know the difference between basic towing and expert heavy-duty recovery.

Serving the Heart of Iowa’s Trucking Network

Des Moines sits at the crossroads of I-80 and I-35—two of the nation’s most heavily trafficked freight corridors. That means more breakdowns, more urgent recoveries, and higher expectations for semi towing response. We’ve structured our operations accordingly.

Primary Coverage Zones:

  • I-80 East & West: Between Altoona and West Des Moines
  • I-35 North & South: From Ankeny to Indianola
  • I-235 Urban Beltway: Downtown Des Moines, MLK, 63rd St exits
  • Truck Stops: Pilot, Love’s, Flying J, TA, Kwik Star
  • Industrial & Warehouse Areas: SE 14th, Airport Industrial Park, NE Broadway
  • Rail Yards & Cargo Depots: DSM Intermodal Hub, Des Moines Transload Facility

Our dispatchers are familiar with every major off-ramp, choke point, and industrial access road. You won’t need to explain twice—we’ve already been there.

Why You Need a Semi Towing Specialist (Not Just Any Tow Truck)

Hauling a 75,000-pound vehicle safely requires more than just horsepower:

  • Load Shifts: One misstep can destroy your cargo or collapse your trailer.
  • Brake Failures: Requires wheel lift systems and air line safety protocols.
  • Rollovers: Call for rotator cranes, air cushions, and multi-angle rigging.
  • Jackknifed or Split Units: Require separate winch lines and real-time coordination.

Our teams are trained not just in operation—but in decision-making under pressure. Every semi recovery is unique. We come prepared with checklists, recovery mats, shoring gear, and spill kits when needed.

“They’re not just there to tow. They assess, plan, and execute with calm. That’s rare in this industry.” — Michelle D., Insurance Field Adjuster

The Gear That Makes It Happen

We operate one of the most advanced heavy-duty recovery fleets in Iowa. Every response is custom-tailored:

  • 50-Ton Rotators: Multi-angle lift capacity for extreme recoveries
  • Heavy Wreckers: Hydraulic booms, winches, and wheel lifts
  • Air Cushion Recovery Systems: Prevent additional damage during upright operations
  • Cribbing & Skates: For delicate recovery without grinding undercarriages
  • Hazmat Spill Kits: DOT-compliant containment in case of fuel leaks
  • Load Securement Tools: Pallet bars, straps, and jacks for cargo redistribution

Every vehicle is GPS-tracked and fully stocked. If you’re down, we’re en route.

A Recent Recovery: I-80 Wreck Near Merle Hay – No Cargo Lost

One of our standout calls came at 3:05 a.m., during a December ice storm. A semi loaded with HVAC units lost traction on the eastbound I-80 off-ramp to Merle Hay. The trailer jackknifed, split the fifth wheel, and partially overturned into the median.

Recovery Timeline:

  • 3:05 a.m. – Driver called; semi immobilized, trailer at 22-degree tilt
  • 3:12 a.m. – Two units dispatched: rotator + heavy wrecker
  • 3:35 a.m. – DOT and Iowa State Patrol coordinated on-scene
  • 4:10 a.m. – Trailer stabilized with cribbing and air cushions
  • 4:40 a.m. – Upright completed; cargo undamaged
  • 5:00 a.m. – Full tow executed to mechanic’s yard

What could’ve been a full loss of cargo and frame became a no-damage recovery. Our operators filed a full incident report, complete with photos for insurance.

“Most places would’ve written it off. These guys saved the trailer AND the freight.” — Don R., Freight Coordinator

Semi Towing Rates – No Hidden Fees

Please note: These are general estimates. Costs vary based on vehicle size, time of day, distance, and recovery complexity. Call us for a quote. Our pricing is transparent and competitive.

Service Type

Price Estimate

Semi Hookup (local)

$275–$325/hr

Recovery / Upright

$350–$525/hr

Rotator Deployment

$600/hr + rigging fees

Load Shift Correction

$125/hr/operator

Winch-Out (ditch)

$275–$400/hr

Extra Mileage (25+ mi)

$5.50–$6.25/mile

Fuel Surcharge

Transparent, diesel-tied

We work with most insurance and fleet maintenance providers.

What Happens After You Call

We make the process as smooth as possible:

    1. Call (515) 290-4188
    2. Give us your location, truck status, cargo type
    3. We send the nearest qualified unit
    4. On arrival, we assess, update, and secure the scene
    5. We tow, recover, or stage your vehicle based on your request

    We also offer roadside repair triage – if it’s fixable where you sit, we’ll tell you.

Semi Towing Des Moines: Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We specialize in ditch recovery, snow extractions, and soft-ground incidents.

Absolutely. We secure both tractor and trailer for safe temperature-controlled transit.

Yes. In many cases we can fix minor issues on-site to avoid the tow.

Yes. We work with the Iowa DOT and local authorities when permit towing is required.

Yes—we specialize in complex recoveries with coordination support and traffic control.

Call Central Iowa Towing for Semi Towing in Des Moines

Central Iowa Towing and Recovery – Des Moines Location
2560 NE Broadway Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
Dispatch: 515-290-4188
 Email: centraliatow@gmail.com
Open: 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week

Central Iowa Towing and Recovery – Des Moines’ most trusted name in semi truck towing.

FEATURED SERVICES

Mobile Mechanic Services available for Des Moines, Ames, Marshalltown and all of Central Iowa
to help you with your Mobile Car Services, Semi BreakDowns and any other Mobile Mechanical Services you may
need for cars, trucks, semi trucks… etc call our main dispatch number 24/7 for emergency roadside assistance.

Vehicle Lockouts, Gas or Fuel Delivery if you have “Ran out of Gas“, Help With A Tire Change, Mobile Flat Tire Assistance. 

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“My partner slid off of an exit ramp near Story City. Patrick was out there in 20 minutes and got the car out quickly and expertly out of a drainage ditch. He even followed us up to the local gas station to make sure that the car still drove without any problems. I’m incredibly satisfied with the service — fair price, kind people, and expert service!”

Ames Location

Phone: 515-290-4188

Des Moines Location

Phone: 515-290-4188

Marshalltown Location

Phone: 515-290-4188