For number two, just look for a flatbetter. I've pulled quite a few of our drivers. The guy who doesn't ask doesn't get help. If you can, make it an O/O--they're not usually afraid of getting in trouble with the company.
I was blocking the entrance to an old folks home (highrise) in Chicago cause I was head to head with the L. I called 911. Took cop 15 minutes to roll up behind me. He was nice enough. I was grateful for his help. He didn't even ticket me and I was surely not supposed to be there. Last time I ever drove in Chicago without a low clearance map.