Originally appeared in Commercial Carrier Journal. If solving headaches in the shop were as simple as plugging in a device and having it report data, then most of our problems would disappear overnight. The reality is a bit less rosy. Despite leaps in technology, a vast amount of data at […]
Technicians
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 FleetOwner. In a recent post, I discussed the need to upskill diesel technicians to keep pace with rapidly emerging technologies. One of the biggest forces driving that change is artificial intelligence (AI), often viewed as a silver bullet capable of streamlining processes, cutting costs, and improving accuracy […]
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 years, fleet operators have faced a persistent and worsening challenge: finding and retaining qualified technicians. What was once a concerning and ongoing labor shortage has now evolved into an operational bottleneck, especially for fleets operating across multiple locations. According to a 2025 report from the American Transportation Research […]
Every fleet is feeling the squeeze of rising costs and stagnant rates, meaning few can afford to leave anything on the table when it comes to finding ways to save. You might not realize it, but poor maintenance management could be causing you to bleed cash, as insufficient attention to […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. The trucking industry often focuses on the driver shortage, but there’s another challenge that can bring operations to a halt—the diesel technician shortage. Without skilled technicians to keep trucks road-ready, even the best drivers can’t deliver. According to a recent American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) report, the […]