Cover Photo: Photo taken in August 2023 during the Chambers Towing open house, when Mayor Lisa Post presented the towing company with a 50 Years of Service plaque. L-R: Operator Rob Fleming, Councilor Joe Andrews, Donna Ramsay, Ed Chambers, Mayor Lisa Post, Councilor Andy Macintosh, and Kim Fleming.
Long-time towing professional Ed Chambers celebrates and reflects on five decades of accomplishments in the towing business.
by Donna Ramsay and Ian Lau
The company’s motto, displayed on all its trucks, reads: “We meet the nicest people by accident.”
It was in 1973 when Ed Chambers decided he would like to tow vehicles, viewing it as an independent and self-fulfilling career. He bought a truck about 75 miles away from home, drove there, paid for the truck, and had to learn how to hook up his vehicle for the venture home. That day was the start of Chambers Towing.
At this time, Ed had operated the local Texaco Gas Station in the Town of Orangeville for 10 years while building his towing business. Ed had a body shop, run by his good friend Johnny Perryman, and Ed ran the mechanic shop and towed. Eventually, in 1983, Ed would acquire a single axle and an airbag recovery system, along with a couple of one-ton trucks and full-time drivers to assist him with his business operations.
Ever since the beginning of his towing journey, Ed has had some interesting calls over the years including a pony in a well, elephants in a ditch, and stolen vehicles hanging from the ceiling of a sea container. Every call is different, but Chambers Towing is always prepared.
One of Ed’s most memorable recoveries dates back to the summer of 1985 after going to a show. While leaving town, Ed encountered a tractor trailer loaded with elephants. It had pulled off the highway a little too far and had sunk into the mud, which had softened considerably due to heavy rain the day prior. Two full-grown elephants and one baby were unloaded by their trainers and held along a fence line while Ed and his crew recovered the tractor and the trailer from the ditch.
Originally published in
Tow Canada, January-February 2024
"Ed was bestowed with this highly prestigious award for his accomplishments in the industry.”
“It was hard to imagine the size of the elephants until you stood beside them,” said Ed.
In 1988, Rob Fleming joined the Chambers team and proved himself to be an integral part of the business. He took on the role of main operator, which he remains to this day. As the business continued to expand, Ed and Donna built a 14,000 sq. ft. building with a heated shop in 1999. This allowed Ed to focus on maintenance and repair, specializing in police investigations and accident reconstruction. In 2003, they purchased a 40-ton NRC out of Wolfville, Nova Scotia, which was delivered to Orangeville.
Chambers Towing continued this upward trend in the following years, and the company was recognized for its hard work. In 2007, Ed ordered a new Western Star and 40-ton rotator from NRC Industries. That year, to Ed’s surprise, he was also nominated by Alex Currie, founder of Currie’s Heavy Towing, and inducted into the International Towing Recovery Hall of Fame. Ed was bestowed with this highly prestigious award for his accomplishments in the industry.
Next, it was off to Chattanooga, Tennessee, for a lifetime achievement award. Many families and friends arrived at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel for the occasion. That weekend was celebrated for more than just this remarkable towing achievement. Ed and Donna announced their engagement with a tremendous party that attendees are still talking about.
"With 50 years in the industry, Ed’s team is ready to respond whenever the phone rings.”
Although Ed was deeply involved with his towing business, he explored other opportunities during this time. Notably, he was featured in an episode of Heavy Rescue: 401 involving an overturned fuel tanker. Ed also served on the Orangeville Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter captain for 27 years.
“We had some busy days, that’s for sure,” said Ed. “Being a volunteer, you’re called at any hour of the day or night, as well as with the towing, so there can be some hectic nights. Overall, it was a great experience.”
When thinking back on his towing career, Ed reflects on the many changes regarding rules and regulations. To him, safety remains one of the main concerns. From anxious drivers to impairment, speed, and distraction, there is plenty to keep in mind when on the road.
To encourage young towing professionals hoping to enter the business, Ed has provided plenty of insight and advice on some of the things that people can expect. First, towing is a rewarding job. There is pride in completing a job that allows you to help out strangers in a time of need. Whether you work on a cold, wet evening, or a nice summer day, professionals must be prepared to take on these challenges no matter what the outside conditions are. In many cases, tow truck operators should be ready to offer comforting words at the scene of an accident, as people can be scared. At the end of the day, towing is all about helping in those in bad situations, so giving comfort and advice can go a long way.
Ed has also shared that young people entering the towing business can look forward to a dynamic career where you never get the same call twice. There are also great opportunities for advancement by learning light-duty recovery and then graduating to heavy towing.
Ed’s passion for towing is still present today, and the business he created remains consistent with the professional work and excellent customer service they provide. With 50 years in the industry, Ed’s team is ready to respond whenever the phone rings. Ed’s passion and drive continue to prove that hard work is the key to success. Ed is still involved with the day-to-day operations, and he hopes to be for many years to come. 🍁