Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Towing and Recovery Solutions
Towing Rays has been a leader in the towing, recovery, and transportation industry since 1931. Our company's legacy began in Milwaukee, WI, and has expanded to serve clients across the United States and into Canada. With over 90 years of experience, we specialize in light, medium, and heavy-duty towing, utilizing advanced equipment and techniques to handle vehicles of all types, from motorcycles to 18-wheelers. Our team undergoes rigorous training and background checks to ensure the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Recognized as pioneers in the industry, we have maintained long-standing relationships with Milwaukee County and numerous motor clubs, demonstrating our commitment to excellence.Our fleet includes heavy-duty rotators, flatbeds, and specialized recovery units, enabling us to tackle even the most challenging jobs. Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, as evidenced by decades of positive reviews and industry accolades. We operate 24/7, offering rapid response times and reliable service for both private and commercial clients. Our history of innovation includes developing early hydraulic self-loading flatbed trailers and participating in nationwide recovery demonstrations. Today, we continue to uphold the values established by founder Ray Salentine while adapting to modern industry demands.
Services
Heavy Duty Towing
Light/Medium Towing
Vehicle Recovery
Transportation Services
Secure Storage
Details
- Year established: 1931
Highlights and features
- We have over 90 years of experience in towing and recovery.
- Our fleet includes specialized heavy-duty rotators and recovery units.
- We maintain rapid response times with trucks across Wisconsin.
- Our specialists undergo rigorous training and background checks.
- We've served as Milwaukee County's primary heavy-duty contractor for 40+ years.
What people say
Fast response times
Professional and courteous staff
Competitive pricing
Specialized equipment available
Preferred vendor status
Services
Heavy Duty Towing
Our heavy-duty towing handles large vehicles like semis, construction equipment, and motor coaches. We use 60-75 ton rotators and lowboy trailers for safe transport. Specialized services include air cushion recovery and decked cargo transfers.
Light/Medium Towing
We provide flatbed and wheel lift towing for cars, motorcycles, and ATVs. Enclosed transport options protect classic and exotic vehicles during transit. Our self-loaders accommodate low-clearance structures and specialty vehicles.
Vehicle Recovery
Our recovery specialists handle rollovers, winch-outs, and stuck vehicles using advanced hydraulic systems. We perform complex extractions for commercial fleets and private owners with minimal property disruption.
24/7 Emergency Service
Available around the clock for urgent towing needs, our rapid response team averages 30-minute arrival times. We handle roadside breakdowns, accident scenes, and weather-related emergencies with dedicated dispatch support.
Secure Storage
We offer indoor and outdoor storage solutions for impounded or damaged vehicles. Climate-controlled facilities protect valuable assets while maintaining chain-of-custody protocols for legal compliance.
People
Ray Salentine
Founder
Founded Towing Rays in 1931 as a gas station and repair shop. Pioneered heavy-duty recovery solutions and established the company's community-focused values.
Jim Salentine
Former President
Took over operations in 1956 and incorporated the company in 1968. Inducted into the International Towing Hall of Fame for industry innovations and leadership.
Dave Salentine
Former Owner
Purchased towing operations in 1980 and rebranded as Towing Rays, Inc. Expanded services through strategic mergers and fleet modernization during his ownership.
Mark Block
Former Terminal Manager
Purchased Towing Rays from RoadOne in 2002. Maintained company traditions while leading as one of RoadOne's most successful terminal managers.
Mark Wendt
Operations Manager
Served as operations manager since 1984. Ensured continuity of service standards during corporate transitions and ownership changes.
Questions
What types of vehicles can you tow?
We handle everything from motorcycles and ATVs to 18-wheelers, construction equipment, and specialty vehicles like vintage cars.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency service?
Yes, our emergency towing and recovery services operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
What areas do you service?
While based in Milwaukee, WI, we provide towing and transportation services across the United States and into Canada.
How quickly can you respond to emergencies?
Our average response time is 30 minutes for Milwaukee County, with trucks strategically located throughout the region.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, debit cards, and credit cards for all our towing and recovery services.
Can you transport classic or exotic vehicles?
Yes, we specialize in transporting classic, vintage, and exotic vehicles using enclosed trailers and specialized handling equipment.
