How to Join a Towing Network and Start Getting Dispatched

What is a towing dispatch network?

A towing dispatch network is a group of operators organized under a single dispatcher — typically a dealership, fleet manager, auto shop, or entrepreneur who has created a motor club-style operation on a platform.

The network owner sets the coverage area, rate card (what each service type pays), and membership criteria. Tow companies apply to join, get approved, and then their drivers receive job offers via SMS whenever a job is dispatched within their coverage area.

Think of it like joining a motor club's provider network, except you can see exactly what each job pays before accepting, you can join multiple networks simultaneously, and there are no exclusive contracts locking you in.

How do you find networks in your area?

Most dispatch platforms include a public network directory where you can browse available networks by location, job volume, and payout rates.

When evaluating networks, pay attention to four things: the coverage area (does it overlap with where you operate?), the average job volume (more jobs means steadier income), the rate card (what does each service type pay, and how is mileage calculated?), and the network's approval criteria (some require minimum insurance levels or equipment types).

You can also receive invite codes directly from network owners. This is common when a dealership or auto shop reaches out to local tow companies to build their network — they'll share a code or link that lets you skip the directory search and apply directly.

What do you need to apply?

The application requirements vary by network, but most require a few standard items.

Basic business information: your company name, address, phone number, and the name of the primary contact. Insurance documentation: most networks require proof of general liability ($1M minimum) and auto liability ($1M minimum). Some also require cargo insurance, especially for networks handling luxury or high-value vehicles.

Equipment details: what type of trucks you operate (flatbed, wheel-lift, or both), how many trucks you have, and what services you can provide (towing, jump start, lockout, etc.).

Driver information: names and phone numbers for each driver you want to add to the network. Drivers receive job offers via SMS — they don't need to create accounts or download apps.

The entire application process typically takes 5-10 minutes. The network owner reviews and approves (or declines) your application, usually within 24-48 hours.

How does job dispatch work once you're approved?

Once approved, your drivers start receiving job offers automatically based on proximity and availability.

Here's the typical flow: a dispatcher creates a job with pickup location, drop-off location, and service type. The platform identifies the nearest available drivers in the network and sends an SMS with job details — including the exact payout amount, pickup address, and service type.

The driver taps the link in the text, reviews the details on a mobile web page (no app required), and accepts or declines. If they accept, GPS tracking begins. If they decline, the job is automatically offered to the next nearest driver.

After completing the job, the driver uploads required photos (vehicle condition at pickup and drop-off), confirms the drop-off location, and the job is marked complete. The payout is calculated automatically based on the rate card — base rate plus mileage plus any applicable surcharges or equipment fees.

Can you join multiple networks?

Yes — and you should. Most dispatch platforms allow operators to join unlimited networks simultaneously with no exclusivity requirements.

Joining multiple networks maximizes your job volume. A driver sitting idle waiting for one network to dispatch wastes earning potential. With multiple network memberships, that same driver receives job offers from every network they belong to, significantly increasing their utilization rate.

There's no downside to joining more networks. You only get paid when you accept and complete a job, so additional memberships are pure upside. The platform handles routing — if multiple networks dispatch a job in the same area, the nearest available driver across all networks gets the offer first.

The operators who earn the most on dispatch platforms are the ones who join every relevant network in their coverage area and keep their availability status updated so they receive offers consistently.

What should you look for in a good network?

Not all networks are created equal. The best ones share several characteristics.

Fair, transparent payout rates that you can review before joining. The rate card should clearly show base rates per service type, per-mile charges, equipment fees, and surcharge policies. If the payout structure isn't visible upfront, that's a red flag.

Consistent job volume. A network with 50+ dispatched jobs per month in your coverage area is more valuable than one with better per-job rates but only 5 dispatches monthly. Ask the network owner about average monthly volume if it's not displayed.

Prompt payment. The best networks and platforms process payouts quickly — within days, not the 30-90 day cycles common with motor clubs. Ask about payment terms before joining.

Clear communication from the network owner. Responsive owners who answer questions, provide rate updates, and maintain their network actively tend to produce better long-term income for operators than passive networks where the owner set it up and forgot about it.

Frequently Asked Questions