Commercial vehicle towing is towing for vehicles a business depends on: delivery vans, service trucks, pickups with upfits, box trucks, shuttles and fleet cars. What makes it different from a regular tow isn’t only the vehicle size. It’s the downtime cost, the paperwork, and the need to get the vehicle to a specific shop or yard with someone tracking it. This guide covers how to choose a tow company for a fleet and what to set up before a vehicle breaks down on route.
What to look for in a commercial towing company
- The right equipment. Flatbeds for EVs, all-wheel-drive units and upfitted vehicles; medium-duty capacity for loaded vans and box trucks.
- Emergency dispatch at any hour, since routes don’t stop at 5 p.m.
- Documentation: photos at pickup and delivery, and invoices that match your purchase order or unit number.
- Updates without chasing. Your dispatcher should know where the unit is without making three calls.
- Proper credentials. Ask for the company’s USDOT and MC numbers and proof of insurance.
- Clear account terms: rates, billing, and how after-hours calls are handled.
Set it up before the breakdown
The worst time to find a tow company is when a loaded van is stuck on the shoulder. A short setup call saves hours later:
- Share your unit list, vehicle types and any EVs or upfits that need special handling.
- List your approved repair shops, dealers and yards.
- Agree on rates, billing and the paperwork you need on every job.
- Give drivers one number to call and a short script: unit number, location, problem, whether it’s loaded.
When a vehicle breaks down on route
- Get the vehicle and driver safe first. If it’s blocking traffic or anyone is hurt, call 911.
- Have the driver note the exact location, unit number, mileage and what happened.
- Decide whether cargo needs to be transferred before the tow.
- Confirm the destination before dispatch: shop, dealer or your yard.
Some breakdowns don’t need a tow. A dead battery or flat tire can often be handled on site with roadside service, getting the vehicle back on route faster.
What Skyline handles for businesses
Skyline has handled towing and transport for public agencies, dealerships, rental and service fleets and vehicle manufacturers, including OEM EV work for Tesla and Rivian. We tow light- and medium-duty commercial vehicles; we don’t tow semis or other Class 8 trucks. For vehicle size details, see medium-duty towing.
Set up a fleet account
Call (248) 832-6000 or visit our fleet and municipal towing page to talk about volume, locations and billing.
Skyline Towing, 6450 E Hancock St, Detroit, MI 48207. (248) 832-6000.