Tow Truck Drivers Overwhelmed by Demand for Roadside Assistance

Snowstorms leave many vehicles stranded, putting towing companies in high demand.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Towing and roadside assistance companies in northern Wisconsin and Minnesota are struggling to keep up with the high demand for their services as snowstorms have left many vehicles stranded on the side of the road. The Minnesota State Patrol reported responding to over 450 stuck vehicles in just a 10-hour period, and tow truck companies like Superior Towing say they're doing their best to reach everyone who calls but the snowy, unplowed roads are making it extremely difficult.

Why it matters

The surge in demand for towing and roadside assistance highlights the challenges faced by communities during major winter storms, with stranded vehicles posing risks to public safety and mobility. It also underscores the importance of well-equipped and responsive towing services to help drivers in distress.

The details

Superior Towing, which serves northern Wisconsin and much of St. Louis County, Minnesota, says it has received an overwhelming number of calls since the blizzard began, but with only 5 tow trucks available, the company is struggling to reach everyone in need. The Minnesota State Patrol reported responding to 453 stuck vehicles from midnight on February 18th to 10:30am on February 19th. AAA Minnesota has also seen a 30-100% increase in call volume during the storm.

  • From midnight on February 18th to 10:30am on February 19th, the Minnesota State Patrol responded to 453 stuck vehicles.
  • The blizzard began earlier this week, leading to the surge in demand for towing and roadside assistance.

The players

Superior Towing

A towing company that serves northern Wisconsin and much of St. Louis County, Minnesota.

Minnesota State Patrol

The state law enforcement agency that responded to over 450 reports of stranded vehicles during the storm.

AAA Minnesota

The regional branch of the national automobile club that has seen a 30-100% increase in call volume during the winter storm.

Zak McClelland

The owner of Superior Towing.

Brynna Knapp

The public affairs specialist at AAA Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“We're trying the best we can, but we got big trucks, so if your road ain't plowed, we're trying to get to you, but it's nearly impossible with how much snow we got.”

— Zak McClelland, Owner, Superior Towing (wdio.com)

“We're trying to get to everyone we can. But like I said, with the way the roads are and with them not being plowed, it's difficult for us to get down there. We're doing best we can. We're trying to get everyone that calls out as soon as we can.”

— Zak McClelland, Owner, Superior Towing (wdio.com)

“People going into a ditch, where you are going down or up in elevation and it might be hard to reverse your vehicle, especially when we have multiple inches of snow. That's going to be a case where you probably can't get the vehicle out yourself, so then you're going to need to call a tow vehicle.”

— Brynna Knapp, Public Affairs Specialist, AAA Minnesota (wdio.com)

What’s next

As the winter storm continues, towing companies will likely remain in high demand, and officials may need to consider strategies to prioritize emergency response and clear roads more quickly to alleviate the strain on towing services.

The takeaway

The surge in calls for towing and roadside assistance during this winter storm underscores the vital role these services play in keeping communities moving and safe, even as they struggle to keep up with overwhelming demand caused by extreme weather conditions.