Is proof of company authorization required?

Proof of ownership, fleet authorization, employer authorization, registration, rental documentation or identification may be required before or immediately after entry.

Can you provide commercial lockout service on Buffalo-area highways?

The service vehicle may travel on I-90 and I-190 but cannot stop on either interstate to provide service. Eligible service on Routes 33, 198, 219, 290, 400 and I-990 starts at $175 plus applicable mileage and other charges.

Commercial Vehicle Lockout Buffalo NY

Commercial Vehicle Lockout Assistance

Buffalo Towing Services provides mobile lockout assistance for qualifying commercial and larger vehicles in Buffalo and confirmed Western New York service areas. Service may be available when authorized keys are locked inside the vehicle and the cab can be accessed safely using available methods.

This service is limited to vehicle-entry assistance. It does not include key cutting, key-fob programming, ignition repair, broken-key extraction, cargo-lock service or bypassing advanced security systems.

Before dispatch, provide the business name, driver's name, exact vehicle location, year, make, model, vehicle type, key location and the ownership or company authorization available.

Commercial Vehicles We May Unlock

Work Vans

Eligible service vans, cargo vans and contractor vans with authorized keys locked inside the passenger cab.

Commercial Pickups

Qualifying fleet, contractor, utility and service pickup trucks with serviceable door and lock designs.

Delivery Vehicles

Eligible local delivery vehicles when the passenger cab is safely accessible and company authorization can be confirmed.

Small Box Trucks

Certain small box-truck cabs may qualify after the vehicle, lock design and access requirements are reviewed.

Fleet Vehicles

Eligible company-owned vehicles operated by an authorized employee or fleet driver.

Service and Utility Vehicles

Qualifying vehicles used by contractors, maintenance companies, mobile technicians and local service businesses.

Final acceptance depends on the actual vehicle, lock and door design, key location, ownership authorization, condition, location and whether available tools can be used without unreasonable risk of damage.

Commercial Vehicle Lockout Starting Price

Starts at $150 Qualifying medium and heavy commercial vehicle lockout service at an eligible local location.

10 Miles Included The first 10 enroute miles are included, followed by $2 per additional enroute mile.

Starts at $175 Eligible service on Routes 33, 198, 219, 290, 400 and I-990 before applicable mileage and other charges.

Prices shown are starting prices and are not guaranteed totals. Weekday after-hours pricing adds $20 from 10:00 PM–6:00 AM. Weekend pricing adds $35 from Friday at 10:00 PM through Monday at 6:00 AM and replaces the weekday surcharge. A $35 holiday surcharge and 8.75% New York sales tax may apply where required. No separate credit-card processing fee is added.

Qualifying cash payments may receive a 5% discount. Card authorization may still be required before dispatch. The final amount is based on the online calculator or the price confirmed by dispatch.

Company Ownership and Driver Authorization

Buffalo Towing Services cannot knowingly open a commercial vehicle for an unauthorized person. Company, fleet, rental or ownership authorization may be required before the service begins or immediately after the cab is opened.

Company Identification

A company identification card, employee identification or other business documentation may help verify authorization.

Fleet Authorization

A fleet manager, dispatcher, owner or approved company contact may need to authorize the request.

Vehicle Registration

Registration showing the company or authorized vehicle owner may be requested.

Rental or Lease Documents

Rental, lease or fleet-management documentation may be required for vehicles not directly owned by the driver's company.

Photo Identification

Government-issued identification may be requested to confirm the driver's identity.

Documents Locked Inside

When registration or company documents are inside, they may be reviewed immediately after entry.

Common Commercial Lockout Situations

Keys Locked Inside the Cab

Authorized vehicle keys are visible or known to be inside the passenger cab.

Automatic Door Lock

A work vehicle locked automatically while the key or fob remained inside.

Driver Change or Delivery Stop

A driver becomes locked out during a route, scheduled stop or shift change.

Fleet Vehicle Lockout

A company-owned vehicle requires authorized entry at a job site, business or fleet location.

Key Fob Inside

An electronic key fob is locked inside and the vehicle will not unlock normally.

Vehicle Running and Locked

The engine remains running with the doors locked. Tell dispatch immediately if a person or animal is inside.

How Commercial Lockout Service Works

Submit the Request

Provide the business, driver, vehicle, key location and exact service location.

Confirm Authorization

Explain the ownership, fleet, employer, lease or rental authorization available.

Review the Vehicle

The cab, lock design, access, condition and available entry methods are reviewed.

Attempt Entry

A vehicle-entry attempt is made only when available methods can be used safely.

Lost Keys, Broken Keys and Cargo Locks

Lock or key problem	Appropriate service
Keys are locked inside the passenger cab	Commercial vehicle lockout assistance may be appropriate.
Every key is lost or missing	A qualified commercial or automotive locksmith is generally required.
A key is broken inside the ignition or door lock	Specialized key extraction and repair are required.
The key fob requires programming or replacement	A locksmith, dealership or fleet key provider may be required.
The cargo box, trailer or equipment compartment is locked	A commercial locksmith or appropriate lock specialist may be required.
The door, latch or lock is mechanically damaged	A locksmith, body shop or commercial repair facility may be required.

Services Not Included

No cutting, copying or replacing commercial vehicle keys
No transponder or key-fob programming
No ignition repair or replacement
No broken-key extraction
No repair of damaged locks, latches, handles or windows
No cargo-box, trailer or equipment-compartment unlocking
No bypassing immobilizers or advanced security systems
No unauthorized vehicle entry

When Towing May Be Required

Opening the cab does not guarantee that the vehicle can be driven. Towing may be necessary when the keys are missing, the ignition is damaged, the battery is discharged or the vehicle has another mechanical or electrical problem.

Medium-duty towing is a separate service limited to eligible vehicles weighing between 6,000 and 9,000 pounds. Nothing over 9,000 pounds is accepted for towing. Heavy-duty towing is not provided.

Commercial Vehicle Lockout Safety

If a child, vulnerable person or animal is locked inside a vehicle, call 911 immediately. Do not wait for ordinary roadside dispatch when extreme heat, cold or another immediate danger exists.

Remain away from moving traffic and active loading areas
Keep the service area clear for the responding vehicle
Inform the fleet dispatcher or business owner
Keep your telephone available for service updates
Report dangerous cargo, leaking materials or other hazards before dispatch

Highway Rules and Service Restrictions

Special-route pricing: Eligible commercial vehicle lockout service on Routes 33, 198, 219, 290, 400 and I-990 starts at $175, plus applicable mileage and other charges.

No lockout service for vehicles physically stopped on I-90
No lockout service for vehicles physically stopped on I-190
No service in an unsafe traffic lane or inaccessible location
No unauthorized vehicle entry
No semi-truck, tractor-trailer, bus, RV or motorhome service
No out-of-state service

The service vehicle may travel on I-90 and I-190 but cannot stop on either interstate to provide lockout, roadside or towing service. Drivers physically stopped on I-90 or I-190 should contact an authorized highway provider or emergency authority.

Commercial Lockout Service Areas

Commercial vehicle lockout requests may be accepted at eligible industrial areas, fleet yards, job sites, business districts, parking lots and other safely accessible locations throughout Buffalo and confirmed surrounding areas.

Buffalo

Amherst

Cheektowaga

West Seneca

Hamburg

Lancaster

Lackawanna

Tonawanda

North Tonawanda

Niagara Falls

Grand Island

Orchard Park

Review the Western New York service-area hub for additional location information.

Commercial Vehicle Lockout Questions

How much does commercial vehicle lockout service cost?

Qualifying medium and heavy vehicle lockout service starts at $150. The first 10 enroute miles are included, followed by $2 per additional enroute mile. Applicable time, route, access and tax charges may apply.

What commercial vehicles may qualify?

Qualifying work vans, commercial pickups, delivery vehicles, fleet vehicles, service vehicles and certain small box trucks may be eligible after the vehicle, lock design, authorization and access are confirmed.

Do I need proof of company authorization?

Yes, it may be required. Fleet, employer, owner, lease or rental authorization, registration and identification may be requested before or immediately after entry.

Can you make or program a replacement commercial vehicle key?

No. Buffalo Towing Services does not cut, copy, replace or program vehicle keys or key fobs. A qualified commercial or automotive locksmith may be required.

Can you unlock a cargo compartment?

Cargo boxes, trailers and equipment compartments are not included in this service. An appropriate commercial locksmith may be required.

What happens if the vehicle will not start after it is opened?

A separate commercial jump-start service may be considered. If towing is needed, the vehicle must meet the company's towing weight, equipment, route and access limits.

Can you provide lockout service on I-90 or I-190?

No service is provided for vehicles physically stopped on I-90 or I-190. The service vehicle may travel on those interstates to reach another eligible location.

Can you service Routes 33, 198, 219, 290, 400 and I-990?

Eligible commercial lockout service may be available on those routes and starts at $175, plus applicable mileage and other charges.

Related Commercial and Roadside Services

Request Commercial Vehicle Lockout Service

Provide the business, driver, vehicle, key-location and authorization information through the online quote page, or call to check current eligibility.

Call 716-324-1023 Request Commercial Lockout