Hey folks! I’m Eric, your friendly neighborhood tow truck operator from Top Dogz Towing Company. I’ve been saving stranded drivers and their cars since 2008, and I’ve been a proud member of the Top Dogz pack for over seven years.
I figured I’d give you all a behind-the-scenes look at my day-to-day life.
Spoiler alert: it’s not all about hooking up cars and cruisin’ around Charlotte NC, although that’s a pretty sweet perk.
We’re actually out here making the roads in North Carolina safer and lending a helping hand when folks need it the most. So, grab your favorite snack, sit back, and let me take you on a whirlwind tour of a day in my life at Top Dogz Towing. Trust me, it’s gonna be a wild ride!
Rise and Shine: Morning Prep
You know what they say, the early bird catches the worm – or in my case, the broken-down car. My day typically starts bright and early with a strong cup of joe that’s as black as the tires I tow. I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to my tow truck, so the first thing I do is give it a thorough once-over. I check the tires, lights, and all the towing equipment to make sure they’re in tip-top shape. Here’s a great daily PM check list for Diesel Tow Trucks that just about covers the things I review every day.
My go-to truck is a red flatbed tow truck I like to call “Bertha”. She’s got a 21-foot steel bed that can handle pretty much anything I throw her way, from compact cars to some seriously beefy trucks. The hydraulic system is a work of art, allowing me to tilt and slide the bed for a smooth and easy loading experience. Plus, with those heavy-duty winches and wheel straps, I know my precious cargo is secure and safe during transport.
Of course, no truck is perfect, and Bertha is no exception. As much as I love her, the fuel consumption can be a bit of a bummer, especially when gas prices are skyrocketing like they do sometimes. And maneuvering her massive frame through narrow city streets? Let’s just say it’s not exactly a walk in the park. But these minor inconveniences are a small price to pay for the power and versatility she brings to the table.
I also like to stay in the know about what’s happening around town, so I tune in to my favorite traffic and weather radio station. Call me old-fashioned, but there’s something about listening to a human voice that beats scrolling through an app any day.
Call of Duty: Dispatch and Communication
As a tow truck operator, I’m kind of like a superhero on call. When the dispatcher radios in a job, it’s my cue to spring into action.
Our team at Top Dogz is all about efficiency, so we prioritize service calls based on urgency and location – we use an application called “Tow Book” to ensure that the ticket is picked up my an available driver that’s ideally the closest to the scene. Outside of the app, our company does our best to keep constant communication with both the dispatcher and the stranded driver. I obviously can’t text driving to the scene, do the dispatcher is tracking my whereabouts on the app and making sure that the customer is aware of an ETA.
I like to say that we’re like a well-oiled machine, and trust me, that’s not just because of the grease on my hands!
The Main Event: On the Scene
Every day in the towing world is a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get. It could be a simple tire change, a vehicle recovery from a ditch, or even towing a car that’s parked illegally (oops!).
I recall a recent service job where I was called out to tow a classic ’69 Mustang that had run out of gas on the highway. As a car enthusiast, it was like meeting a celebrity, but I had to keep my cool and make sure to tow it safely without causing any damage. I won’t lie, I love jobs that involve fast or classic cars, and always look forward to getting an auto transport job, which – more times than not – involve a classic, sports, or luxury car. As the home of NASCAR, I shouldn’t be surprised at the number of cool cars they have here in this town.
When I arrive on the scene, my first step after talking to the customer-in-need is to assess the situation and figure out the best course of action. This means, first-and-foremost making sure that the customer, vehicle, and myself are out of harms way – this is especially important on a busy highway. Next is calmly walking the scene to make sure that the vehicle in question is in a safe position to extract in it’s current condition.
Typically we have the right tools and trucks on-scene, but if not I can call in a different truck or attachment to get the job done safely.
Towing MacGyver: Problem Solving and Adaptability
As much as I love a good routine, the towing life is anything but predictable. That’s why I’ve had to become a master of adaptation. You know, like a towing MacGyver. Every job is unique, and sometimes I have to get creative to find the best solution.
This brings to mind a job I had sometime last year in early summer where a car had skidded off the road during a heavy rainstorm and ended up in a deep, muddy ditch. I had think on my feet, rig up a winch and pulley system to slowly and carefully extract the car without causing any further damage.
Whether it’s maneuvering my tow truck in a tight spot or figuring out how to tow a vintage car without a scratch, I’m always up for the challenge. And hey, who doesn’t love a good puzzle?
Heart and Soul: Customer Service and Satisfaction
Towing may be about cars, but it’s the people behind the wheel who really matter. When drivers are in a tough spot, I make it my mission to provide compassionate and empathetic service. After all, no one plans to call a tow truck for fun!
I remember a young couple with a newborn baby whose car had broken down on a hot summer day. They were understandably stressed, so I made it my top priority to get them to safety and ensure their car was taken care of. I’m all about clear communication and setting expectations so that my customers know exactly what to expect.
I make no bones about it – it can be stressful, but it is worth while seeing the relief on their faces when I get them back on the road.
Home Sweet Home: End of the Shift and Personal Growth
When the sun starts to set and my day is coming to an end, it’s time to wrap up loose ends. I fill out paperwork, take care of any necessary truck maintenance, and mentally prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
Working at Top Dogz Towing has given me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
It’s a tight-knit team, and I’m lucky to be part of it. Plus, who wouldn’t want to drive a big ol’ tow truck for a living?
The End of the Road: Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks! A day in the life of yours truly, Eric the tow truck operator. I hope you enjoyed the ride and got a glimpse of what it’s like to be on the front lines of keeping our roads safe and helping out fellow drivers.
If you ever find yourself in need of a tow or some roadside assistance in Charlotte, NC, just give Top Dogz Towing a call. We’ll be there to save the day – and maybe share a laugh or two along the way.
