A towing dispatch workflow takes a call or request, captures the exact location and vehicle details, quotes and confirms the price, dispatches the closest suitable truck, sends an honest ETA, performs the service safely, takes payment and follows up.
Workflow with target times
| Step | Who | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Call or request received | Dispatcher | Answer immediately |
| Location and vehicle details | Dispatcher | Within the call |
| Quote and confirm | Dispatcher | Before dispatch |
| Dispatch closest suitable truck | Dispatcher | Right away |
| ETA text | Dispatch system | Within minutes |
| On-scene safety and photos | Driver | On arrival |
| Payment and receipt | Driver | At drop-off |
| Follow-up and review link | Office | Same day |
Sample ETA message
"Hi Pat, our driver Luis is on the way in a white flatbed. Estimated arrival is 35 minutes. Stay in a safe place, and reply if your location changes."
Mistakes
- Underestimating ETA
- Not confirming the price
- No photos of vehicle condition
Capturing the right information
A good dispatcher gets the details that prevent wasted trips: exact location (cross streets, mile marker, GPS pin), vehicle make, model and drivetrain, whether it rolls, steers and is in park, whether keys are available, where it is going, whether passengers need a ride, and payment method. For accidents, ask whether police are on scene. For parking garages, ask the clearance height. Each detail determines which truck to send.
Send the customer a text with the driver's name, truck description, ETA and quoted price. Update the ETA if it changes.
Safety on scene
Drivers should park to protect the scene, use lights and cones, wear high-visibility clothing, keep customers in a safe place away from traffic, and photograph the vehicle before hooking up. Many states have move-over laws, but drivers must assume passing traffic will not move over.
Mistakes
- Sending a wheel-lift to an AWD vehicle that needs a flatbed
- Not asking about garage clearance
- No updated ETA
Running dispatch during storms
Storm days can triple call volume in hours. Prepare a storm plan: extra drivers on call, a triage order (people in danger or blocking traffic first, then stranded drivers, then non-urgent transport), honest ETAs that reflect the backlog, and a waitlist message that explains the delay. Pause account work that can wait. After the storm, review response times and customer messages to improve the plan for the next one.
Use your dispatch software to see every truck's position and status, and assign calls to the closest suitable truck rather than the next driver in line.
Workflow
- Tap-to-call dispatch on every page
- Location sharing instructions
- Clear pricing disclosure where regulated
Free tools
Common questions
Should I give an ETA?
Yes, honest and updated.
Should drivers take photos?
Yes, at pickup and drop-off.
Can customers track the truck?
Some dispatch apps offer tracking links.
How should payment work?
Accept common payment methods and give receipts.
What if the customer's location changes?
Ask them to text a new pin and update the driver immediately.
Should I raise prices during storms?
Many localities regulate towing rates and prohibit price gouging; follow the rules and keep pricing consistent.
Give customers a clear way to describe the job and request a quote
A quote form that asks the right questions saves back-and-forth and makes your business look organized.
See websites with quote forms