When it comes to trucking, sometimes the smallest oversight can cause the biggest problems. A recent incident involving trailer landing gear is the perfect example.
A driver forgot to roll up the landing gear fully before pulling out. As the truck crossed railroad tracks, the landing gear snagged and was ripped off completely, tearing a hole through the trailer floor. To make matters worse, the trailer was fully loaded at the time.
At Sam’s Services, we handled the situation from start to finish — proving once again why truckers in Houston trust us for more than just roadside help.
The Impact of Trailer Landing Gear Damage
Landing gear damage isn’t just cosmetic. It compromises the structural integrity of your trailer and can cause:
Delivery delays from being out of service.
Costly repairs to the trailer frame and floor.
Safety risks for both the driver and forklift operators.
Frustrated customers due to downtime and late shipments.
When damage occurs, having access to a trusted repair service is critical to keeping freight moving.
How Sam’s Services Solved the Problem
Here’s how we handled this case:
Cross-Docking for Safe Unloading
Since the trailer was fully loaded, our team used our cross dock facility to unload freight safely.Full-Service Repair
In our Houston trailer repair shop, we replaced the damaged landing gear and patched the trailer floor.Reload and Return to Service
Once repairs were complete, the freight was reloaded, and the driver was back on the road with minimal downtime.
This process not only saved the customer time but also prevented the added cost of rejected or delayed loads.
Common Causes of Landing Gear Damage
Landing gear damage isn’t rare. Here are some frequent causes we’ve seen:
Forgetting to fully roll up gear before departure.
Driving over railroad tracks, curbs, or uneven terrain with gear too low.
Weak or worn landing gear legs that collapse under load.
In fact, we’ve handled similar cases with trailer leaf spring repairs and cargo trailer maintenance.
Roadside Support You Can Count On
No matter the situation, our reliable roadside assistance ensures you get the help you need, fast. From breakdowns to emergencies, we’re here 24/7 to keep you moving.
Preventing Trailer Landing Gear Damage
To avoid costly mistakes like this, drivers should:
Always perform a pre-trip inspection.
Double-check that landing gear is rolled up fully before moving.
Walk around the truck to spot anything hanging low or out of place.
Avoid rushing — two minutes of inspection can save thousands in repairs.
Why Choose Sam’s Services for Trailer Repairs
Truckers in Houston rely on Sam’s Services because we do more than just tow trucks. Our towing and recovery team, roadside assistance experts, and full-service repair shop work together to minimize downtime.
Whether you’re facing emergency roadside repairs, a cross-docking need, or major trailer repairs, one call to Sam’s Services keeps your freight moving.
Get Back on the Road Faster
Don’t let a simple oversight like trailer landing gear damage sideline your delivery schedule. At Sam’s Services, we’re ready 24/7 with roadside assistance in Houston, full-service repairs, and professional cross-docking solutions.
👉 Request Service Now and get back on the road with confidence.
FAQs About Trailer Landing Gear Damage
If trailer landing gear isn’t rolled up fully, it can catch on road surfaces, railroad tracks, or curbs. This often leads to severe trailer damage and costly downtime.
Performing a proper pre-trip inspection and ensuring the gear is fully retracted is key. Regular lubrication and avoiding impact hazards also help extend equipment life.
Stop using the trailer immediately and call for professional repair. Continuing to haul with damaged landing gear risks further structural damage and unsafe unloading conditions.
Yes, our Roadside Service team can perform emergency repairs, and our Trailer Repair shop handles complete rebuilds when needed.
