Safety screening
Dispatch first needs to know whether anyone is hurt, a vehicle is in an active lane, or there is fire, smoke, hazardous material, unstable positioning, or another emergency that requires 911 or scene control.
Tommy'sRoad RescueCall live dispatch816-588-8888From qualification to drop-off
What Happens After You Call for a Tow
Call live Kansas City dispatch at 816-588-8888 for current availability.
Start with a safe, accurate request
The first call starts a qualification process. It does not automatically mean a truck has been assigned. Dispatch must confirm the job, price or estimate, authorization, and current availability.
Step-by-step
Job qualification
The dispatcher reviews the vehicle, problem, keys, wheel and steering condition, pickup access, requested service, destination, and any special handling or authorization needs.
Price and authorization
Dispatch explains the job-specific estimate or price basis and confirms who may authorize the work. Ask what is included and what changed conditions could add cost.
Assignment confirmation
A response becomes assigned only when dispatch expressly confirms it. A missed call, voicemail, email, or prepared website request does not by itself assign a truck.
Updates before arrival
Keep your phone available. Report if the vehicle moves, police or property staff give instructions, access changes, the destination closes, another provider arrives, or the request is canceled.
On-scene assessment and transport
The operator verifies the vehicle, scene, access, and apparent condition before loading or roadside work. Material differences may require a new plan, revised authorization, or a different resource.
Destination handoff
The vehicle is delivered to the authorized destination under its receiving procedure. Confirm key placement, after-hours instructions, contact information, and any documentation you need before the move begins.
What to prepare
Stay reachable
Keep the callback phone powered, audible, and available. If you must leave the vehicle, tell dispatch who will meet the operator and how access and keys will be handled.
Protect personal items
When it is safe and lawful, take essential medication, child equipment, wallets, keys, documents, electronics, and valuables before transport. Do not delay emergency scene clearance.
Confirm the destination
Verify the receiving address, hours, gate or drop-box instructions, contact name, and whether the destination accepts after-hours or unattended delivery.
Document important conditions
From a safe place, note existing visible damage and special instructions. Do not enter traffic or interfere with police, fire, property staff, or scene control to take photographs.
Important limits
- Response timing is an estimate affected by traffic, weather, scene access, prior calls, equipment, and job complexity.
- The operator must stop and seek instructions if the actual scene creates an unsafe or materially different job.
- Insurance or roadside-plan reimbursement is determined by the insurer or plan, not by the towing website.
- A destination may refuse an after-hours or unauthorized delivery; confirm acceptance before transport.
Questions drivers ask
Does calling mean a truck is already coming?
No. Dispatch must expressly confirm the assignment after reviewing the customer, location, vehicle, work, availability, and price or estimate.
Why might the estimate change at the scene?
A different vehicle, hidden damage, locked or damaged wheels, missing keys, unsafe access, recovery work, waiting, a changed destination, or other material conditions can change the required plan and price. Revised work should be explained and authorized.
Can I leave before the truck arrives?
Ask dispatch first. The operator may need keys, authorization, access, payment arrangements, or a person who can identify the correct vehicle and approve changes.
What should I do if police or another tow company arrives?
Follow lawful scene instructions and call Tommy's dispatch immediately. Do not create a traffic or safety conflict while trying to preserve a prior request.
Related guides
Safety first.
If anyone is injured, in immediate danger, facing a fire or hazardous spill, or blocking an active traffic lane, call 911 first. Move only when you can do so without entering traffic or increasing the danger.
Need help now?
Call live dispatch. An online form or email does not dispatch a truck.