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FLEET MAINTENANCE
 Without
trucks, the business, like the economy stops. Maintaining trucks,
truck-tractors, and trailers in peak condition is a critical part of
any road transportation business. Revenue is only generated when
goods are moved, and the goods can't move when the required
equipment is in ill repair. Moreover, safe and properly functioning
equipment is a legal requirement.
Training and Education
The people who have this important responsibility are skilled
technicians who have combined their training and education through
participation in an apprenticeship program. Other jobs also require
training, though perhaps not as formal or comprehensive as the
technicians.
Truck & Coach Technician
Keeping equipment safe and properly functioning is an important
responsibility. The safety of workers, the public and the
company's bottom line depends on it. Certified truck and coach
technicians repair and maintain all commercial trucks and
truck-tractors. Legally speaking only trained and qualified
truck and coach technicians can inspect, test, diagnose and
repair truck and truck-tractor engines and other key operating
systems such as power trains, transmissions, braking systems and
fuel and electrical systems. More and more, certified
technicians are relying on technology to help diagnose and
trouble-shoot. A truck and Coach Technician Certificate of
Qualification is a solid foundation on which to build a
successful career. Many technicians become shop floor
supervisors and maintenance managers or directors.
Training and Education
Training is available through apprenticeship, as governed by
the Apprenticeship and Certification Act.
This means that the majority of learning takes place on the job
with a qualified employer. In addition, apprenticeship programs
include classroom instruction on theory, which is usually given
at a local community college.
Truck/Trailer Technician
Like the truck and coach technician, the truck and trailer
service technician is responsible for keeping the fleet
operational. However, the focus for these skilled workers is on
trailers. Truck and Trailer Service Technicians repair,
overhaul, inspect and maintain suspension, brake, and electrical
systems. They are also qualified to work on "reefers", or the
refrigerated systems on trailers that are used to keep goods
cold while in transit.
Training and Education
Training is available through apprenticeship, as governed by
the Apprenticeship and Certification Act. This means that the
majority of learning takes place on the job with a qualified
employer. In addition, apprenticeship programs include classroom
instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local
community college.
Service
Personnel / Mechanic’s Assistant
While many of the jobs on the shop floor require formal
education and training, there are those that offer on-the-job
training and offer a starting point for other career paths in
the industry. There are always small jobs to do that help keep
the fleet maintenance function continue to run smoothly. Service
Personnel/Mechanic's Helpers are critical in that regard. They
assist with moving vehicles in and out of the shop, as well as
washing them and keeping the shop work area clean and
functional. They check vehicles to ensure that they are
maintained with the appropriate equipment and accessories
ranging from load securement and protection devices to safety
equipment like fire extinguishers and spare tires. They also
assist the parts department by picking up critical parts or
components when needed. In some cases, the mechanic's helper can
do small repairs that are not otherwise regulated, like changing
malfunctioning light bulbs on trailers.
Training and Education
Training is not required. However, this position can be used as
a stepping stone to other skilled work, such as a skilled
technician or a professional driver.
Wheel Installer
/ Tire Technician
Keeping truck, truck-tractor and trailer wheels safe and
functional is an important responsibility. Tire technicians are
responsible for ensuring that trucks, truck-tractors and
trailers are equipped with safe and properly functioning tires
at all times. No small task given that a typical tractor-trailer
unit has at least 18 tires! Given the number of tires on each
unit or combination of units, tires can become a costly
component of a company's maintenance program. Tire technicians
track tire performance and utilization - often using detailed
computer software. Wheel installers typically have experience as
tire technicians before becoming eligible to install wheels.
Training and Education
Tire technicians often learn their trade through on-the-job
experience. In Ontario, both certified truck and coach
technicians as well as certified truck and trailer service
technicians are permitted to install wheels on trucks,
truck-tractors and trailers. However, those who are not
certified technicians must first gain experience as a tire
technician, take an approved course and then write an exam
before being eligible to install wheels on commercial vehicles.
Parts Supply & Control
The maintenance of commercial vehicles requires an accessible
inventory of parts, accessories and other supplies as well as
skilled labour. Companies cannot afford to have a vehicle down
while service technicians are waiting for critical parts to
arrive. Balancing an inventory that does not require a heavy
investment of capital requires skill and experience. People who
work in the parts supply and control function often learn their
trade through on-the-job experience.
Shop Floor Supervisor
In many work places, there are many skilled technicians and
other workers needed to keep the maintenance function running
smoothly and efficiently. Shop floor supervisors are responsible
for preparing work schedules, prioritizing jobs, and allocating
work to the appropriate personnel. They also work with the parts
supply and control function to ensure that the appropriate parts
and supplies are on hand for upcoming jobs. Typically,
technicians, mechanics and other shop personnel report to the
shop floor supervisor.
Training and Education
Generally speaking, shop floor supervisors are trained and
certified truck and coach technicians, since many of the
decisions that they have to make rely on technical knowledge and
skills. Though not mandatory, courses focusing on effective
business communication and/or supervision are helpful.
Maintenance Manager
Typically, the maintenance manager is a skilled technician with
a solid working knowledge of commercial vehicle repair and
maintenance and the overall corporate operation. However,
today's maintenance manager relies on other skills as well.
Maintenance managers are often responsible for developing and
implementing preventative maintenance programs which help to
ensure that trucks, truck-tractors and trailers do not need to
be taken out of service at inopportune times. The maintenance
manager is also responsible for submitting and adhering to
annual budgets, managing the parts control function and budget,
as well as managing shop floor personnel. In addition,
maintenance managers will have a say in the decisions
surrounding the purchase of new equipment, and the sale of
existing equipment.
Training and Education:
In addition to holding a Certificate of Qualification as a
Truck and Coach Technician, maintenance managers will benefit
from additional management development courses or programs.
Auto Body Repairer
In addition to regular maintenance, the trucking industry
occasionally requires the technical expertise of individuals who
are trained and skilled in repairing vehicle bodies. Auto Body
Repairers replace and repair damaged fenders, hoods, bumper,
doors, glass and other exterior parts. In addition, they
straighten bent frames and remove dents, sand and paint vehicle
bodies. They also repair and replace seat frame assemblies,
upholstery, floor coverings and other interior finishings.
Training and Education:
Training is available through apprenticeship, as governed by
the Apprenticeship and Certification Act. This means that the
majority of learning takes place on the job with a qualified
employer. In addition, apprenticeship programs include classroom
instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local
community college.
Welder
A welder is a skilled tradesperson who joins two or more pieces
of metal to make them act as one piece. In the trucking
industry, welders are often required on the shop floor to ensure
that the "rolling stock" - particularly the trailers, are
maintained in a safe operating condition. Trailers bear the
brunt of the operations. They can travel great distances with
heavy loads. As a result, they occasionally require the
expertise of a welder who can ensure that the frames and other
key components are up the type of jobs that they are required
for. In addition, the skills of a welder are critical for
fabricating, modifying or
re-constructing trailers and other load-carrying structures,
such as boxes on straight trucks.
Training and Education:
Training is available through apprenticeship, as governed by
the Apprenticeship and Certification Act. This means that the
majority of learning takes place on the job with a qualified
employer. In addition, apprenticeship programs include classroom
instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local
community college.
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