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 […]
Technicians
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 […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. The results are in from the May 2025 Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) International Roadcheck, and once again, brake-related issues top the list of out-of-service (OOS) violations. Despite ongoing efforts across the industry, the numbers remain stubbornly high. Out of more than 56,000 inspections conducted across North America, […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. If there were any questions about the trajectory of the industry, last week’s preliminary report from ACT Research provided some disappointing answers. According to the report, Class 8 orders are down 44% YOY, while medium-duty Classes 5-7 are down 22% YOY. OEMs are meeting this trend by scaling back production. But freight […]
Originally appeared in FleetOwner. In trucking, every minute on the road matters. But when that time is spent sitting at a dock instead of driving, profits erode quickly. Detention and delays are the silent drains on fleet performance, creating ripple effects that cut into revenue, frustrate drivers, and strain operations. […]