During the past several years, truck technicians have been tasked with keeping older assets running longer because supply chain issues have limited the production of new vehicles and freight volumes have increased. COVID highlighted the value of trucking to our economy, but I am not sure that the general public understands the role of technicians in keeping goods moving quickly and efficiently.
In all too many cases, the efforts of these talented men and women go unnoticed as most of the attention is focused on the drivers or the trucks themselves. The first National Truck Driver Appreciation Week was in 1998, but it was not until 2020 that the American Trucking Associations (ATA) started National Technician Appreciation Week.
This year, Sept. 24-30 has been set aside to honor the men and women who keep trucks on the road operating safely and efficiently. According to Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, “The work that technicians do is crucial to the work our motor carriers do. By maintaining our trucks and ensuring they are safe and fit for the road, fleets are able to deliver the essential goods that keep our economy running.”
See also: Gaskins: We can solve the technician shortage
Spear is 100% right about that. I don't know where we as an industry would be without truck technicians' skills, talent, and determination. Today’s techs not only have to be skilled at turning a wrench but also must be skilled at using electronic diagnostic equipment and interpreting results from diagnostic tests.
All you have to do is attend the Technology & Maintenance Council’s fall meeting and check out the National Technician Skills Competition to instantly understand just how talented today’s technicians are and the vast knowledge base they need to have to work on the variety of trucks on the road today. Many of them are already developing the skills that will allow them to work on the trucks of the future—the battery-electric, hydrogen fuel-cell, and other alternative fuel trucks that are popping up across the country.
See also: FleeTec diesel technician academy looks to EV future
You still have time to determine the best way to honor your technicians during National Technician Appreciation Week. The most important thing is to find ways to honor your technicians regularly. This means providing them with a safe and clean workplace, the proper tools and equipment, and ongoing training to keep their skills sharp.
You also might want to consider having your own technicians skills competition to allow your techs to demonstrate their prowess—and maybe brag a bit about just how talented they are. NationaLease has its own Tech Challenge, and we are very excited to send our top three technicians to TMC’s SuperTech challenge held during next month’s TMC meeting.
Jane Clark is vice president of member services for NationaLease. In this position, she is focused on managing the member services operation as well as working to strengthen member relationships, reduce member costs, and improve collaboration within the NationaLease supporting groups. Prior to joining NationaLease, Clark served as area vice president for Randstad, one of the nation's largest recruitment agencies, and before that, she served in management posts with QPS Cos., Pro Staff, and Manpower Inc.
