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. 
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Again, these are just some of the main points. Please take a minute to read the entire article.