As the owner of Sunny Day Towing & Auto Transportation in Charlotte, NC, I’m often asked what it’s like running a 24/7 towing company. Let me tell you, it’s an exciting and highly unpredictable business! Our days are filled with adventure as we rapidly respond to calls across the city.
For those considering the towing profession, here’s an inside look at the thrills, challenges, and rewards of this fast-paced industry.
The Thrill of the Call
While I may be getting on in age, my pulse still quickens a bit every time the phone rings. In an instant, we switch gears from our day-to-day operations and race off to the site of a towing emergency, lights flashing. It could be a stranded driver with a dead battery, an accident scene requiring cleanup, or a vehicle that skidded off the highway. The sheer variety of calls keeps us on our toes!
We never know what we’ll encounter, which adds an element of thrill and unpredictability to each day.
Our technicians also get a rush from troubleshooting mechanical problems on the spot in order to mobilize stuck vehicles. It’s extremely satisfying to figure out quick fixes roadside, whether it’s a faulty alternator, dead starter, or loose belt.
We keep a wide array of tools and spare parts on our trucks so we can get Charlotte residents back up and running.
Unique Situations
After 15+ years in the business, we’ve been called out to some doozies…
Like the time a woman accidentally locked her keys and beloved cat in the car on a hot summer day. We were able to jimmy the lock open and reunite the relieved owner with her furry friend.
Or when a bride-to-be begged us to tow her broken-down limo to the wedding chapel just in the nick of time.
Or that time we transported, not one, but two of most expensive cars for a very interesting celebrity in the area across the US / Mexico border a few years back (this was, and still is the Mercedes G-Wagon).
Strange and uniquely-cool jobs like these keep things entertaining around here!
Hard Work and Long Hours
Make no mistake – running a 24/7 towing operation takes serious effort. My team and I put in long hours each week responding to calls, training new hires, maintaining our fleet of trucks, managing inventory and equipment repairs, keeping detailed records, and sustaining excellent customer service. It’s a round-the-clock job requiring dedication, organization, and hard work.
But the long hours are worth it knowing we have Charlotte’s back if their vehicles break down day or night. My crew and I handle the graveyard shift challenges so you can count on us when you’re stranded. That’s the tireless commitment we make to serve our community.
Satisfaction of Helping Our Community
As busy and tiring as it gets, my favorite part of this job is helping people who really need it. Few things feel better than providing prompt assistance to a single mom with toddlers waiting on the roadside or safely towing a disabled senior’s car for repair.
I love that we relieve drivers’ stress and get them out of frustrating jams. Our work matters on a daily basis, and that’s incredibly rewarding.
Building Relationships
Over the years, we’ve cultivated partnerships across North Carlolina that are mutually beneficial. Auto repair shops send overflow business our way while we refer customers to their shops. We also coordinate with local dealerships for test drives and towing brand-specific vehicles.
Additionally, we collaborate with police departments when responding to accident scenes and work with highway agencies during major traffic incidents. Maintaining strong local relationships greases the wheels and allows us to better serve the community.
Constant Learning
To excel in Charlotte’s towing landscape, we have to stay up-to-date on auto technologies, local ordinances, safety protocols, driving regulations, and insurance laws. I encourage my staff to pursue ASE certifications and other towing credentials. And I personally attend conferences and constant training seminars – both in-person and online. Remaining open to new knowledge is key for smooth operations and optimal service.
We Love Our Jobs!
While owning a 24/7 towing company has its wild challenges and lengthy hours, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Running Sunny Day Towing & Auto Transportation is an exciting whirlwind!
The variety of calls we field makes each day unique. Knowing we help Charlotte residents in real time provides a sense of purpose. And forging local partnerships allows us to strengthen the community.
Would I choose another career? Not a chance! I live for the fast-paced towing life.
