Here are some of the highlights…
The Problem:
- The demand is high for diesel technicians in the United States, with approximately 242,200 technicians employed in the mechanic industry, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
- From 2014 to 2022, a growth rate of 12% is expected for diesel service technicians and mechanics, much higher than the average for all other occupations, according to a Department of Labor report
- The data shows that 75,000 new technicians will need to be added in order to meet additional demand by 2022.
- Further, in order to replace retired/retiring workers, 67,000 diesel technicians will be needed.
- 10 years, 200,000 technicians. That’s what the industry will need to simply keep up with today’s demand for commercial truck maintenance, says the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
- $8,000 – that’s the average cost to recruit and hire a tech
What’s The Result?
The overall shortage of diesel techs costs the trucking industry over $2.5 billion a year caused by a significant increase in downtime, inefficiency, dissatisfaction among drivers, and more.
Peggy J. Fisher, TireBusiness.com
- A single technician opening can cost a truck service company up to $1,200 a day in lost revenue.
- Years ago, downtime was just an unfortunate but accepted reality in the trucking industry. But with same-day, two-day and overnight shipping now driving the economy, downtime has become a deal-breaking way to lose customers.
- In short, the diesel tech shortage is an enormous threat to the industry’s ability to move freight.
- Considering almost everything arrives nearly everywhere by truck, this is a problem that affects not just those in the industry, but everyone.
Today’s diesel Technician
- This is a job that has been poorly received outside the industry. The perception is a “grease monkey” that spends his day struggling with large, heavy, scary equipment and being perpetually filthy dirty.
- The reality is that technology has transformed diesel mechanics into diesel technicians.
- Laptops and electronic systems are the new tools of today’s heavy duty truck techs, diagnosing problems and adjusting engine functions from a software application.
- The typical truck driving down a road today could have 20+ computer processors.
- There are over 38,000 possible fault codes for heavy trucks that need to be read, decoded, understood and acted upon by a diesel tech.
- Techs also need to be well trained and have a first hand knowledge of electrical systems, air-conditioning systems, preventive maintenance and Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) inspections.
Some Things Being Done
- Technician wages are being raised and benefits are getting better.
- More schedule flexibility is being introduced to attract Millenials and Gen Zers.
- Investments are also being made on better equipment for the new generation of techs.
- Partnerships between OEMs, suppliers and schools (both traditional and non-traditional) are being made.
- Apprenticeship programs are making a comeback, along with internships, entry level jobs and continuing education.
- Private schools, such as American Diesel Training Centers, are putting together great programs to get more techs in the shops
- Companies like Diesel Laptops are starting to offer specialized classes in areas like after-treatment systems, hydraulics, electronics and diagnostics.
- Businesses throughout the industry have responded by raising technician wages and investing in equipment and training to improve productivity.
Again, these are just some of the main points. Please take a minute to read the entire article.
