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Scrap America

Free Junk Car Towing & Removal

We don't just buy your car. We solve the problem of moving it. Fast, professional, and zero cost to you.

The Logistics of Junk Car Removal

Selling a junk car is easy. Moving a 4,000-pound piece of non-running metal is the hard part. That's where Scrap America comes in. We manage a fleet of specialized tow trucks dedicated entirely to vehicle recovery and recycling in the Milwaukee area.

Why Our Towing Service is Different

Unlike general towing companies that charge you by the mile or by the hour, our business model is simple: We want the vehicle itself. The towing is simply the method of acquisition. Because we profit from the recycling and parts resale of the vehicle, we absorb 100% of the logistical costs.

  • 🚫
    No Hidden Fees We never deduct "fuel surcharges" or "admin fees" from your quote upon arrival.
  • 🛡️
    Fully Insured Our drivers are licensed and insured. If we scratch your driveway (we won't), we are covered.
  • Speed is Priority We don't leave cars sitting. Standard pickup is 24-48 hours; Same-Day is often available.

Our Fleet & Equipment capabilities

Not every junk car situation is the same. A car stranded on the highway requires a different approach than a shell sitting on blocks in a backyard. We utilize a mix of equipment to handle any scenario.

Flatbed Carriers

Best For: Totaled cars, AWD/4WD vehicles, cars missing wheels, or high-value classic shells.

The entire bed tilts down, and a powerful hydraulic winch pulls the vehicle up. This is the safest method for the vehicle and prevents any drivetrain damage.

Wheel-Lift Wreckers

Best For: Tight alleys, parking garages, narrow driveways, and city streets.

These trucks are shorter and more agile. They grab the vehicle by two wheels (front or rear) and lift. Perfect for snatching a car out of a spot where a flatbed can't fit.

The Pickup Process Guide

We've streamlined the process to minimize your time commitment. Here is exactly what happens when you book a pickup.

Scheduling & Dispatch

Once you accept our offer, our dispatch team routes your location. You will receive a window (e.g., "Tuesday between 1 PM and 3 PM"). Our driver will call you approx. 30 minutes before arrival to confirm you are ready.

Arrival & Verification

The driver arrives. First, they verify the VIN on the dashboard/door jamb to ensure it matches the quote. They also check for the catalytic converter and major parts. They review your title or ID to confirm ownership.

Payment & Handover

Before the car is touched, you get paid. Cash or check, laid in your hand. You sign the Bill of Sale or Title. Hand over the keys. The car is now legally ours.

Loading & Transport

The driver loads the vehicle. It is secured with 4-point tie-downs for safety. The driver departs, and the vehicle is taken to our recycling facility for depollution and processing.

Difficult Access Scenarios

Not every car is sitting pretty in a suburban driveway. We specialize in hard-to-reach vehicles.

Downtown Parking Structures

Milwaukee has many low-clearance ramps. Standard tow trucks cannot fit. We utilize low-clearance wreckers for these jobs. Note: We must know the clearance height (usually posted at the entrance) before dispatching.

Alleys & Tight Spaces

In neighborhoods like Riverwest or the East Side, alleys can be narrow and obstructed by snow or trash bins. We use snatcher trucks that can back in, grab the wheels, and pull out quickly.

Highway Breakdowns

If your car died on I-43, safety is paramount. We need you to stay with the vehicle if possible, or leave the keys in a known location if police have authorized it. We prioritize highway calls to minimize traffic hazards.

Service Area Coverage

While we are Milwaukee-based, our free towing extends to the entire metro area. We have daily routes running through:

West Allis
Waukesha
Oak Creek
Mequon
Racine
Germantown
Franklin
Shorewood

View our full Service Area Map →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the towing really 100% free? +

Yes. We never charge a service fee, a fuel surcharge, or a hook-up fee. The price we quote for your car is the exact amount you receive in cash. The towing cost is completely covered by us as part of the vehicle purchase.

Do I need to be present for the pickup? +

Ideally, yes, to sign the title and receive payment. However, we offer contactless pickup options. If you leave the signed title and keys in a designated secure spot, we can tow the vehicle and mail you the check or pay via electronic transfer (Venmo/Zelle) after verification.

How fast can you pick up my car? +

We aim for same-day service if you call before 11:00 AM. In most cases, we can schedule a pickup within a 2-4 hour window. For calls later in the afternoon, we typically schedule for the next morning.

Can you pull a car out of a garage with a flat tire? +

Yes. Our drivers are equipped with wheel-lift trucks and dollies specifically for tight spaces like parking garages or low-clearance residential garages. Please let us know the situation beforehand so we send the right truck.

Do you tow vehicles from the highway or side of the road? +

Yes, provided it is safe to do so. If your car broke down on I-94 or I-43, we can meet you there. Note: You must stay with the vehicle or ensure police have not tagged it for immediate impeller.

What if my car is buried in snow or mud? +

We have winching capabilities, but excessive recovery work may affect the quote. If the car is frozen into the ground or buried under 3 feet of snow plow debris, we ask that you clear a path if possible to ensure a safe and quick removal.

Can you pick up a car without wheels? +

Yes, but we need to know in advance. We will send a flatbed truck with specific winching equipment. Dragging a car without wheels requires care to avoid damaging property (driveways/pavers).

Do you service areas outside of Milwaukee County? +

Absolutely. We cover a 50-mile radius, including Waukesha, Washington, Ozaukee, and Racine counties. See our Service Areas page for a full list of cities.

My car is in a parking structure with a 6'8" clearance. Can you get it? +

Yes. We have low-profile wreckers specifically designed for parking structures. We frequently remove vehicles from the airport, casino, and hospital ramps.

What do I need to do before the tow truck arrives? +

Please remove all personal belongings, remove the license plates (if you plan to return them to the DMV), and have your title and keys ready. Clear a path to the vehicle if it is blocked by other cars.