The best candidates for our team share a few key qualities, regardless of the specific role. Here's what we look for when hiring:
Central One Towing serves the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metro area 24/7/365 — and behind every successful tow, jump start, lockout, or tire change is a skilled, dependable team member who cares about getting drivers back on the road safely. We're looking for tow truck operators, roadside technicians, and dispatch coordinators who bring professionalism, problem-solving skills, and a customer-first mindset to every call.
Whether you're an experienced CDL holder, a wrecker operator looking for a new home, or someone ready to start a career in the towing and recovery industry, Central One Towing offers competitive pay, real training, room to grow, and a team culture built on respect and reliability. If you want a job where your work matters — where a late-night lockout or a highway breakdown becomes a grateful customer and a job well done — read on.
We hire for multiple roles depending on current needs and applicant qualifications. Common openings include:
Current vacancies vary by season and demand. If you don't see your ideal role listed, we still encourage you to apply — we often train the right candidate for the position we need.
Competitive hourly pay plus performance incentives (mileage, response time, customer satisfaction bonuses)
Comprehensive on-the-job training — no prior towing experience required for entry-level roles; we'll teach you safe rigging, proper equipment use, and customer communication
Flexible scheduling options: full-time, part-time, rotating shifts, and on-call availability to fit your life
Benefits package for full-time employees: health insurance options, paid time off, retirement plan contributions
Modern, well-maintained fleet — flatbeds, wheel-lifts, rotators, and service trucks equipped with the latest safety and recovery gear
Safety-first culture: regular equipment inspections, mandatory safety training, clear incident protocols, and zero tolerance for shortcuts
Career advancement paths: start as a driver, move into dispatch coordination, fleet supervision, or management as you gain experience
Supportive team environment — you're never alone on a tough call; experienced drivers mentor new hires, and dispatch always has your back
Stable, essential industry — towing and roadside assistance is recession-resistant; people always need help on the road
Valid North Carolina driver's license with a clean or near-clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR review required; minor violations may be acceptable depending on age and severity)
Age 21 or older (insurance requirement for commercial towing)
Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening
Physical capability to perform the job: climb onto flatbeds, operate winches and dollies, lift and secure vehicles, work outdoors in all weather
Calm and professional under pressure — roadside calls can be stressful; customers need reassurance, not frustration
Strong communication skills — you'll talk to distressed drivers, relay info to dispatch, and occasionally work with law enforcement or insurance adjusters
Dependable and punctual — our customers count on fast response times, and your team counts on you to show up ready to work
Customer-first attitude — every tow is someone's bad day; a friendly, helpful approach turns a breakdown into a positive experience and a loyal customer
Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays — emergencies don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and our 24/7 operation requires shift flexibility
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience with multi-line phone systems, dispatch software, or CRM tools (we use TowBook; training provided)
Excellent verbal and written communication — you're the voice of Central One Towing to customers and drivers
Ability to multitask and stay organized during high call volume (accident scenes, bad weather, rush hour)
Problem-solving mindset — match the right truck and driver to each job, reroute for efficiency, and keep customers informed of ETAs
Comfortable with technology: GPS tracking, mobile apps, database entry
Professional demeanor and empathy — dispatchers often speak to panicked or frustrated callers; patience and reassurance are critical
We've streamlined our application and onboarding process to move quickly while ensuring every new hire is a great fit for the team and the role. Here's the typical timeline:
Curious what a typical shift looks like? Here's a realistic snapshot for a tow truck driver on our team:
Shift Start — You arrive at our Raleigh facility, check your assigned truck (fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, winch, straps), and review the day's schedule with dispatch. Some shifts are prescheduled (repo pickups, fleet rotations), while others are pure on-call response.
On the Road — Dispatch sends you a call: flat tire on I-40 near Cary, lockout at RDU airport, or a breakdown in downtown Raleigh. You confirm the location via GPS, contact the customer to introduce yourself and confirm ETA, and head out. Every job is different — one hour you're winching a sedan onto a flatbed, the next you're jump-starting a box truck or delivering fuel to a stranded motorist.
Customer Interaction — You assess the situation, explain what you'll do, and get to work. Safe, efficient execution is priority one, but so is reassurance — most customers are anxious, late for something, or dealing with an unexpected expense. A calm, professional demeanor and a willingness to answer questions go a long way.
Paperwork & Communication — After each call, you log details in our dispatch system (mileage, time on scene, services rendered, destination). Dispatch keeps you updated on new calls, and you may handle 5–12 jobs per shift depending on call volume and complexity.
Shift End — Return to base, refuel and prep the truck for the next driver, and submit your logs. If you're on call overnight, you take the truck home and respond directly from your location when dispatched.
It's physical, fast-paced, and rarely boring. If you like variety, problem-solving, and direct customer impact, towing is a rewarding line of work.
Base pay for entry-level tow truck drivers starts at $16–$18 per hour depending on experience and certifications. Experienced CDL holders and heavy-duty operators earn $20–$26+ per hour. On top of hourly pay, drivers earn mileage reimbursement, response-time bonuses (for fast arrivals), and customer satisfaction incentives (based on reviews and repeat business). Dispatchers start at $15–$17 per hour. Full-time employees are eligible for quarterly performance bonuses. Pay is weekly via direct deposit.
We operate 24/7, so we need coverage around the clock. Shifts are typically 8–12 hours and may be day, evening, overnight, or rotating. We offer both full-time (40+ hours/week with benefits) and part-time (20–30 hours/week) positions, plus on-call roles for drivers who want flexibility. If you're only available certain days or shifts, let us know during the interview — we'll work with you if possible. Night and weekend shifts often come with shift differentials (extra pay).
All new hires complete our onboarding program, which includes safety training (OSHA, hazmat awareness, bloodborne pathogens), equipment operation (winches, dollies, straps, flatbed controls), customer service protocols, and dispatch system training (TowBook software). Drivers participate in ride-alongs with senior operators before taking solo calls. We also support employees pursuing industry certifications like the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA) certifications or CDL upgrades — and we'll reimburse tuition for approved courses after you've been with us for six months.
If you meet all the requirements (clean MVR, pass background and drug screen), the timeline from application to first shift is typically 1–2 weeks. If we need to wait for background results or schedule a ride-along, it may take up to three weeks. We move as quickly as possible because we're always looking for reliable team members.
Absolutely. Many of our dispatchers started as drivers; several of our senior drivers began with zero towing experience and are now training new hires. Career paths include: driver → lead driver → fleet supervisor → operations manager, or driver → dispatcher → dispatch manager. We promote from within whenever possible and provide mentorship and cross-training to help you reach your goals.
Full-time team members (30+ hours/week) are eligible for health insurance (medical, dental, vision options), paid time off (accrued based on tenure), paid holidays (6 major holidays per year), 401(k) retirement plan with company match after one year, employee discounts on personal towing services, and uniform/gear allowances.
We evaluate every candidate individually. Minor traffic violations from several years ago or a single non-violent misdemeanor may not disqualify you, especially if you've demonstrated responsibility since then. DUIs, reckless driving, or multiple at-fault accidents in the past three years will likely be disqualifying for driver roles due to insurance requirements. If you're unsure, apply anyway and be honest on your application — we'll let you know where you stand after the MVR and background review.
Still have questions? Contact us
If you're dependable, safety-minded, and ready to start a career where your work directly helps people in their time of need, we want to hear from you. Whether you're looking for your first job in the towing industry or you're an experienced operator seeking a better company culture and benefits, Central One Towing offers a stable, rewarding place to build your future.
Click the button below to complete our online application. You'll need a current copy of your driver's license and about 10 minutes to fill out the form. We review applications daily and respond to qualified candidates within 1–3 business days.
"I came to Central One Towing with no towing experience — just a clean license and a willingness to learn. The team trained me on everything from safe rigging to how to talk to a stressed-out customer. Three years later, I'm a lead driver mentoring new hires, and I've never missed a paycheck. If you want a company that invests in you and treats you with respect, this is it."
— Marcus J., Lead Flatbed Operator, Central One Towing
If you'd like to speak with someone about open positions, schedule requirements, or the application process before you apply, give us a call or stop by our Raleigh facility. We're happy to answer your questions and help you decide if Central One Towing is the right fit.
