A Steep Challenge and 80,000 Pounds

By George L. Nitti In March of last year, a tractor-trailer accident on Highway 152 in Watsonville, California, required a multi-faceted and resourceful recovery effort by Chaz Towing, underscoring the expertise and determination of their team. The incident involved a truck transporting 80,000 pounds of one-inch-thick plywood, which lost control while navigating a restricted area for tractor-trailers. The truck went off the road, plunging into a ravine, along with its cargo. The team was tasked with recovering the truck, trailer, and scattered load of wood in a challenging, steep landscape.

The recovery required two heavy-duty 2014 Peterbilt 389 trucks—one equipped with a Vulcan V70 35-ton wrecker, and the other with an NRC 40CS wrecker. Additional specialized equipment was also brought in, including a 2022 Caterpillar 289 Skid Steer, a 35,000-pound winch box mounted on a 4-axle rollback, and Sennebogen tree removal equipment.

The difficult terrain presented significant obstacles. The 80,000-pound plywood sheets, scattered throughout the ravine, added another layer of complexity to the already challenging recovery. Lead operator Kevin Chavez explained, "We needed both our heavy wreckers and off-road recovery equipment to tackle the job. It was going to be a meticulous operation from start to finish."

As the recovery team worked, they were faced with the looming risk that the weight of the load could potentially flip one of the wreckers. “We had to be very strategic in how we separated the load from the tractor,” Chavez continued. “If we didn’t handle it just right, we risked losing equipment into the ravine. The steeper the angle, the greater the danger.”

A particularly challenging task was moving the massive plywood sheets, which required innovative techniques. The crew used a choker method, employing heavy-duty straps to lift and pull each sheet uphill—one at a time. “We didn’t have a clear method until we were on the ground,” Chavez said. “It was exhausting, but we knew it would take time and patience. We were moving nearly 200 pieces of plywood, which wasn’t easy on that terrain.”

The recovery operation was made more efficient thanks to the team's advanced communication technology. “Our Sonetics communication devices were a game changer,” Chavez noted. “While many other tow companies lack two-way or three-way radios, ours allowed us to stay in constant communication for the entire operation. From rigging to recovery and clean-up, we used five headsets to ensure everyone was on the same page for at least four hours.”

The team, led by Chavez and his brother-in-law Miguel Martin, included operators JD Lopez and Cesar Caro. Chavez’s father Eduardo was also on-site, helping with the operation, while his sister, Josseline Chavez, managed logistics, ensuring everything from tools to lunch breaks was taken care of.

“Once we had the truck and trailer on flat ground, we used our skid steer and the Sennebogen to move everything back on the road,” Chavez explained.

The recovery operation spanned roughly 8 hours, with the last 6 hours dedicated to clean-up and a brief break for the team. “After a long recovery, we always try to take a break. The sun can be intense, and it’s important to give yourself time to recharge both physically and mentally,” Chavez said.

Despite the challenges, Chavez viewed the recovery as an invaluable learning experience for all involved. “No matter how long you’ve been doing this, every recovery is a lesson. Every call presents new opportunities to refine techniques and improve,” Chavez said. The successful recovery, which combined specialized equipment, expert coordination, and patience, highlights the complexities of large-scale recovery operations and the commitment required to complete them safely and efficiently.