Originally appeared in FleetOwner. When filling critical roles, especially hard-to-recruit positions such as diesel technicians, employers often focus on evaluating candidates’ skills, experience, and cultural fit. But there’s another reality that organizations can’t afford to overlook: While you’re evaluating candidates, they’re evaluating you. Every interaction, from the job posting to […]
Employee Retention
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. Fleet operators face no shortage of challenges in today’s volatile business environment. While some factors are outside their control, others are not. One area where fleet leaders can have a significant impact is employee retention, particularly among diesel technicians. As I noted in recent blogs, a […]
Originally appeared in Commercial Carrier Journal. We talk a lot about resilience in our industry. Usually, we use the term to describe our operations: building supply chains that can withstand geopolitical shocks, spec’ing trucks that can handle punishing routes, or insulating our businesses against economic headwinds. But as we head […]
Originally appeared in Commercial Carrier Journal. I’ve been writing about the challenges of hiring quality diesel technicians for years, and frankly, it hasn’t gotten any easier. As we move through 2026, thousands of positions remain open across the industry. With trucks becoming more technologically complex and freight demands evolving, fleets […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the diesel technician shortage is actively impacting vehicle uptime, maintenance costs, and fleet growth. But the skills shortage is exacerbating an already bad situation. At a recent NationaLease meeting, Chris Disantis, VP of maintenance at Aim NationaLease, highlighted a key driver […]
Originally appeared in the FleetOwner. Last week, I discussed the need for upskilling fleet diesel techs to meet today’s technology demands. That’s true whether you’re discussing a new hire or a seasoned professional who’s been with you for years. Yet, one of the most persistent challenges facing fleet operators isn’t […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. For carriers, recruiters, and trucking executives, few topics matter more than driver pay and retention. While compensation structures vary widely across fleets, the divide between over-the-road (OTR) and regional/local operations continues to shape both earnings potential and turnover trends. Understanding how these models differ and how […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. It’s no secret that our industry continues to wrestle with persistent labor shortages. From drivers and technicians to logistics, finance, and nearly every function in between, finding and keeping qualified people has become one of the most pressing challenges businesses face today. Building a strong team […]