If you’ve ever been stuck on the shoulder on US-70 or I-795, you already know this: the “best time” to call a tow truck isn’t just about your schedule—it’s about traffic flow, safety, response time, and where you’re broken down. In Wayne County and the surrounding areas, timing matters because certain hours get backed up fast, lanes tighten, and the shoulder can be more dangerous than people think.
This guide breaks down the best times to call for towing on US-70, I-795, US-13, NC-111, NC-42, and nearby routes—plus what you can do to speed up dispatch, stay safe, and reduce your final tow bill.
Need help now?
Call Big Will’s Towing & Recovery: 919-288-8711
Schedule service: https://bigwillstowing.com
Why “Best Time” Matters for Towing (It’s Not Just Convenience)
When drivers search “towing near me,” they usually want one thing: a fast, safe tow—without surprises. But the time you call affects:
1) Response time
Even with a strong local team, response time depends on:
- Call volume during peak hours
- Roadway congestion
- Weather and wrecks stacking up calls
- Distance between the nearest truck and your location
2) Safety on the shoulder
The shoulder on highways like US-70 and I-795 can be narrow. During peak hours, vehicles are closer together, and distracted driving increases risk. In many situations, calling quickly is safer than waiting “to see if it starts back up.”
3) Total cost and complexity
Certain times can lead to:
- Longer loading times due to traffic
- More time on scene for recovery
- Additional safety setup needs (especially at night or in heavy traffic)
Best Times to Call for Towing on US-70, I-795 & Local Highways
Let’s talk about real-world conditions, not just “business hours.”
The best overall time window: Mid-morning to early afternoon
Best window: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (most days)
Why it’s often the sweet spot:
- Morning rush has passed
- Traffic is steadier (not stop-and-go)
- Visibility is strong
- Many trucks are already rolling and positioned around the county
- Fewer crashes compared to commute hours
If you’re able to choose your tow time (for example, a non-emergency vehicle that’s at home, in a parking lot, or at a shop), this window is usually ideal.
Peak Hours: When Towing Calls Spike (And Why It Matters)
Morning commute: 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM
This is one of the busiest times on major routes. You see:
- Work traffic
- School traffic
- Higher crash probability
- Faster speeds + tighter lanes on highways
What this means for you:
If you break down during this window, call immediately. Don’t wait. The shoulder gets more dangerous by the minute, and traffic is least forgiving.
Afternoon school & work traffic: 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM
This is the other heavy hitter. US-70 especially can build pressure as:
- Workers head home
- After-school traffic spreads across local roads
- Drivers get impatient and aggressive
What this means for you:
During these hours, response time can be affected by traffic patterns and call volume. Call as soon as you know you’re not safely moving the vehicle.
Late-night hours: 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM
This is a tricky one, because it can actually be great for traffic (less congestion) but challenging for:
- Visibility
- Higher-speed traffic
- Fatigued or impaired drivers
- Reduced “extra eyes” on the road
What this means for you:
If you’re on the highway at night, prioritize safety. Make sure your location is clear. If you can safely exit to a well-lit area or parking lot, do it. Then call for towing.
Best & Worst Times by Roadway (Local Perspective)
Below is a practical breakdown that applies well around Goldsboro and surrounding routes.
US-70: Best times to call
Best: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Also good: After 7:00 PM (lighter traffic, but watch visibility)
Why US-70 is time-sensitive:
US-70 can have quick shifts in traffic speed, and certain stretches don’t give much shoulder space. During rush periods, loading a vehicle can take longer because tow operators must pick safe moments to position and secure the vehicle.
I-795: Best times to call
Best: 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Also good: Late evening (if safe location)
Why I-795 can be difficult during peak times:
Higher speed + limited shoulder + limited exits in spots. It’s not a roadway where you want to “wait it out.”
US-13, NC-111, NC-42 and rural connectors: Best times to call
Best: Midday (9:30 AM – 3:30 PM)
Caution times: After dark in rural stretches (visibility + fewer lit areas)
These routes can be better than the interstates for shoulder space in some areas, but:
- Curves
- Ditches
- Soft shoulders after rain
- Limited lighting
All of that can change a basic “tow” into a “recovery,” especially in wet weather.
Best Times to Schedule a Non-Emergency Tow
Not every tow is a breakdown. Sometimes you’re planning:
- A shop drop-off
- A vehicle relocation
- A no-start car at home
- A long-distance tow
If you can schedule, these time windows are often best:
1) Mid-morning weekday (best overall)
Tuesday–Thursday, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Typically steady, fewer surprises, smoother traffic.
2) Early morning before the rush (only if you’re ready)
5:30 AM – 6:15 AM
This can be great for long-distance or shop drop-offs before the city wakes up—but only if you’re fully prepared and the vehicle is accessible.
3) Weekend mid-morning
Saturday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Solid window for planned work, driveway tows, and equipment pickups.
Worst Times to Call (If You Can Avoid Them)
In emergencies, you call when you need to call. But for non-emergency tows, these times often lead to slower logistics or harder scene conditions:
- Weekday 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Weekday 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- During heavy rain or right after it starts
- Right after a major wreck gets reported
- Holiday travel peaks (especially evenings before and after)
Again: if you’re stuck somewhere unsafe, call immediately regardless of the hour. Safety comes first.
Weather Changes Everything (Especially on Shoulders)
In Wayne County, weather can flip the whole towing picture fast.
Rain
- Softens shoulders (risk of sinking)
- Reduces visibility
- Increases crash rates
- Makes loading more dangerous
Fog / early morning mist
- Particularly risky on faster routes
- Vehicles may not see hazards until too late
Cold snaps (even in NC)
- Batteries die
- Tires lose pressure
- Bridges get slick
If weather is moving in: it’s often better to call before it gets worse rather than waiting.
What to Do Before You Call: Make “Towing Near Me” Work Faster
When you call a tow company, the dispatcher is trying to:
- Understand your situation
- Send the right truck
- Get you handled safely and efficiently
If you give great info up front, the tow goes faster.
Have this ready:
- Exact location (mile marker, exit number, nearest cross street)
- Direction of travel (eastbound/westbound)
- Vehicle type (car, SUV, pickup, van, box truck, etc.)
- What happened (no start, flat tire, accident, stuck, overheating)
- Any special issues (locked wheels, broken steering, low clearance)
- Is it in a ditch, mud, or soft shoulder?
Pro tip: If you can safely do it, send a photo showing:
- The vehicle’s position
- The road/shoulder
- The safest access point
When You Should Call Immediately (No Waiting)
If any of the following are true, call right now:
- You’re on US-70 or I-795 shoulder
- You’re in a lane or partially blocking traffic
- You’re near a curve/hill where cars can’t see you
- You smell fuel, see smoke, or the car is overheating badly
- You’ve been hit or you’re near a crash scene
- Your wheel is damaged / suspension broken
- It’s nighttime or visibility is low
If it’s unsafe, your goal is not to “save time”—it’s to get out of danger.
Accident Towing vs Breakdown Towing: Timing Tips
Accident towing
Accidents tend to spike during:
- Morning commute
- Afternoon commute
- Rainy conditions
- Weekend nights
If you’re involved in a crash, the best time to call is immediately, once you’re safe. Accident scenes can change quickly, and the sooner your vehicle gets cleared, the sooner traffic flow returns and the safer everyone stays.
Breakdown towing
Breakdowns spike during:
- Hot afternoons (cooling systems)
- Cold mornings (batteries)
- Holiday travel windows (long-distance wear)
If your vehicle is still drivable but questionable (overheating, wobble, warning lights), the best time to call is before it becomes a highway shutdown.
Local Highway Safety Reminder: Slow Down & Move Over
On high-speed roads, tow operators are working inches from traffic. If you’re passing a stopped vehicle with lights on—tow truck, police, roadside assistance—slow down and move over when safe to do so.
This isn’t just courtesy. It saves lives.
The “Best Time” is When You’re Safe (But Here’s the Real Takeaway)
If you’re trying to minimize wait time and get a smoother tow:
- Best window: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Avoid if you can: 7–9 AM and 4–6:30 PM
- Night tows: can be faster for traffic, but more dangerous—choose a safer location if possible
But if you’re in a risky spot? The best time is now.
Call Big Will’s Towing & Recovery (Goldsboro / Wayne County)
If you’re searching towing near me and you’re on US-70, I-795, or local highways around Goldsboro, help is a call away.
919-288-8711
Schedule service: https://bigwillstowing.com