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Author: Professional Technician Staff

  • Fleetio awards scholarships to 6 technicians

    Fleetio awards scholarships to 6 technicians

    Fleetio, a leading fleet optimization platform, recently announced the recipients of its first Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Scholarship program. 

    These scholarships were created to empower deserving students and automotive technicians, validating their skills and expertise against industry-defined standards.

    The ASE Scholarship grand prize winner Michael Hairston, who works for Life Ride, will receive a $3,000 scholarship to cover the registration and testing fees for three ASE professional-level Certification tests, plus funds for tool upgrades or other essential supplies.

    “I am most honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and extend my sincere gratitude to Fleetio for their generous support of my continued education and professional development,” said Michael Hairston at Life Ride. “This financial assistance will be invaluable as I continue to advance my career as a maintenance technician at Life Ride.”

     The ASE Scholarship runner-up winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship to cover the registration and testing fees for three ASE professional-level Certification tests, plus funds for tool upgrades or other essential supplies.

     The 2025 Fleetio ASE Scholarship Runner-ups are:

    ·        Alex Palma, Quarry Management

    ·        Andrew Cureton, AAA Oregon/Idaho

    ·        Angel Gonzalez, General Pavement Management

    ·        Chase Statter, Student Nominee, redbox+ Dumpsters

    ·        Katherine Daniel, St. Johns County School District

     “We are proud to partner with Fleetio to support deserving technicians in earning their industry credentials and building their expertise,” said Dave Johnson, President/CEO at ASE. “Especially during a time where qualified technician shortages are impacting the fleet industry, we are grateful for Fleetio’s dedication to investing in technician development.”

  • New Mexico college building new Transportation Technology Center

    New Mexico college building new Transportation Technology Center

    Central New Mexico Community College broke ground recently on a new Transportation Technology Center that’s being constructed on the campus of RioTECH, the new Career Technical Education high school that opened in April. 

    CNM and Rio Rancho Public Schools have formed a unique partnership to provide high school students with convenient access to CNM’s Career Technical Education (CTE) and skilled trades programs through RioTECH that can lead directly to in-demand careers in the local economy. 

    The new Transportation Technology Facility is scheduled to open in the fall of 2026, when CNM will broaden the trades offerings at RioTECH by moving its Automotive Technology and Electric Vehicle Technology programs to the campus, as well as some introductory courses from the Diesel Equipment Technology program.  

    Some of the features of the new, 43,800-square-foot Transportation Technology Center will include: 

    •   Labs that are designed to emulate professional repair shops, providing students with the latest tools and technology they need to succeed in the workplace when they graduate
    • Each lab has adjacent classrooms and faculty offices with video connectivity to the labs to enhance teaching and maintain safety
    • Electric Vehicle Lab with tool room and battery storage.
    • Automotive Electric Systems lab
    • Secure exterior fleet storage to accommodate 85 vehicles
    • Community outreach and vehicle showcase space at main entrance to celebrate the ever-changing career opportunities in the Transportation Technology trades, as well as a reception area and conference room
    • Student Commons area with access to outdoor courtyard for students to rest or study. 

    “CNM is thrilled to be partnering with Rio Rancho Public Schools as we continue the evolution of RioTECH by breaking ground on the new Transportation Technology Center,” said CNM President Tracy Hartzler. “This is another momentous step forward in broadening opportunities for high school students while addressing the workforce needs of our local economy. The state-of-the-art labs in this facility will provide students with engaging, hands-on, real-world learning experiences, as well as internship opportunities with local employers, that lead to CNM credentials and quality career opportunities in our economy.” 

    “Today’s groundbreaking marks a significant milestone in Rio Rancho Public Schools’ vision for RioTECH, where students will gain real-world skills in cutting-edge industries,” said RRPS Superintendent Virginia Cleveland. “The new automotive facility represents more than just bricks and mortar—it’s a gateway to opportunity. Thanks to our valued partnership with CNM, our students will have access to advanced training and dual credit pathways that prepare them for high-demand careers. Together, we’re building a future where education and workforce development go hand in hand.” 

    The grand opening for the first building on the RioTECH campus was celebrated in April. In August, RRPS students will begin taking CNM classes and learning in modern labs that simulate real-world workplaces for welding, carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical trades, computer science, and digital media. 

    Unlike traditional CTE and trades programs that often require travel for high school students, RioTECH students will complete all coursework at the new school, allowing for seamless integration of technical training and core academics. 

    CNM’s dual credit classes, which are tuition-free, count for both college and high school credit. Students will be able to graduate from high school with industry-recognized credentials, certificates or even associate degrees – giving them clear pathways to quality careers right after high school, or the ability to continue their college education with credits in hand. CNM’s skilled trades and CTE programs are continually redesigned to provide students with the most current and relevant skills needed by employers. 

    Adult learners also have access to courses and programs at RioTECH.

     CNM is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Automotive Repair was one of a few programs that was offered when CNM opened as Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute (TVI) in July 1965. The new Transportation Center represents CNM’s commitment to its CTE and trades roots, and its commitment to the future of skilled trades education in the years ahead. 

    During the groundbreaking ceremony, speakers included CNM President Tracy Hartzler, RRPS Superintendent Sue Cleveland, CNM Governing Board Chair Tom Swisstack, CNM Electric Vehicle program graduate Gael Juarez, and RioTECH student Lluvia Torres, who just completed the first year of CNM’s Automotive Technology program.  

  • Old Dominion technician wins Texas contest; off to national competition

    Old Dominion technician wins Texas contest; off to national competition

    An Old Dominion Freight Lines technician won the Technician of the Year contest presented by Texas Trucking Association’s Fleet Maintenance Council, and held in Waco recently.

    Top finishers were:

    • 1st Place: Corey Tegeler, Old Dominion Freight Lines 
    • 2nd Place: Chris Gerrald, First Mile LLC  
    • 3rd Place: Brandon McNeill, Old Dominion Freight Lines
    • 4th Place: Mohammad Algaghbeir, Travel Centers of America  
    • 5th Place:  Christopher Cooper, Travel Centers of America  

    The Technician of the Year Contest was sponsored by Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies and Yokohama Tire Corp. 

    The top five winners will be recognized during the TXTA Annual Conference on July 31, at Barton Creek Resort in Austin. Tegeler will represent Texas in the National SuperTech Competition held Sept. 13-20, in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    The contest was held in conjunction with the Truck Driving Championships, which were organized by the TXTA Safety Management Council, local Safety Councils, and Fleet Maintenance Council.

  • JCB’s new telescoping skid steer pays tribute to veterans

    JCB’s new telescoping skid steer pays tribute to veterans

    JCB tips its hat to military veterans with a special limited edition of its Teleskid, which the company calls “the industry’s only telescopic skid steer.”

    This exclusive model features a distinctive military-green finish, a custom VetsAid-stitched seat, and personalized dog tags, making it more than just heavy equipment – it’s a symbol of support and gratitude, says the company. 

    For every unit sold, $1,000 is donated directly to VetsAid, a national nonprofit organization founded by rock legend and Gold Star son Joe Walsh. VetsAid funds grassroots organizations that provide essential services to U.S. military veterans transitioning to civilian life. JCB’s goal is to raise $1 million for VetsAid.

    The VetsAid 3TS-8T Teleskid is more than a commemorative model – it’s a breakthrough in compact equipment innovation, according to JCB. It’s the only skid steer with a telescoping boom, giving operators unmatched flexibility to:

    • Lift higher – up to 13 feet of vertical reach
    • Reach farther – over 8 feet forward
    • Dig deeper – 3 feet below grade
    • Handle more – up to 3,695 pounds of operating capacity

    The Teleskid’s 74 hp engine provides solid hydraulic performance, making it ideal for use with buckets, forks, augers, trenchers and grapples. The Teleskid is designed for heavy-duty job sites across construction, landscaping and agriculture. Operators benefit from a side-door entry and JCB’s exclusive single-arm boom.

  • CASE adds to midi excavator lineup with two new machines

    CASE adds to midi excavator lineup with two new machines

    Case Construction Equipment has introduced two new compact, midi excavators designed to bolster productivity and flexibility on the job: the CX85E and CX90E. 

    These midi excavators offer heavy-duty performance without sacrificing maneuverability, according to a statement from the company. Case said the CX85E and CX90E are ideal for construction crews working in residential or commercial construction sites, landscapers who are trenching, lifting, grading and digging, or rental companies seeking to offer a wider range of excavator options for their customers.

    “Meeting modern worksite challenges takes innovative equipment that can help crews achieve more with less,” said Terry Dolan, head of CNH Construction Brands, North America. “Listening to what contractors need is what drives our ingenuity-obsessed mindset, and it’s why we built our newest CASE midi excavators to deliver big-machine performance in a smart, space-efficient design. It’s all about empowering crews to be more productive than ever in the most challenging environments.” 

    Combining space-saving dimensions with heavyweight performance, the Case CX85E and CX90E midi excavators boast a 72-horsepower engine that provides ample power for aggressive digging, land clearing, craning, loading or using high-performance attachments. Operating weight on the CX85E is 19,467 lb (8,830 kg) while the CX90E operating weight is 20,305 lb (9,210 kg).

    Both machines come with a comprehensive hydraulic package with standard auxiliary, drain-to-tank functionality and quick coupler circuits to drive a wide array of advanced attachments. These features eliminate the need for aftermarket modifications and make these machines well-suited for tackling various tasks across diverse jobsites—whether running hammers, rippers, augers, thumbs, buckets or grapples.

    The new midi excavators are also designed to maximize output in confined work zones where larger excavators can’t fit but would otherwise be right for the job. The fixed-boom CX85E delivers maximum performance in tight spaces with zero tailswing, which allows operators to work up against walls, fences or other structures. The optimized swing boom on the CX90E provides 180 degrees of movement with superior reach and dig depth for trenching and confined-space excavation.

    The Case CX85E and CX90E midi excavators take an operator-first approach to design, offering a wide range of features that boost comfort and control. Both models feature one of the most spacious cabs in the industry, complete with automatic climate control and a standard heated air-suspension seat. Superior visibility and a 7-inch LCD touchscreen display improve situational awareness, while ergonomic joystick-controls reduce operator fatigue during long days of operation.

    Precision and adaptability come standard on both machines with adjustable electro-hydraulic controls, which let operators set lift and tilt responsiveness to match specific jobsite requirements or operator preferences. The customizable controls also make it easier to run advanced Case attachments for more versatility.

    The new CASE midi excavators pack a range of advanced features and options that deliver the capabilities and efficiency crews need to meet the challenges of demanding worksites. With options for full rubber tracks, steel tracks in multiple widths or steel tracks with rubber pads, contractors can customize and optimize their machines to match the terrain of their applications. In addition, an optional LED light package delivers industry-leading light coverage, letting crews maximize visibility for working day or night.

    The CX85E and CX90E also simplify maintenance. A tilting cab gives operators fast and easy access to hydraulic components, while wide compartments, swing-out side panels and ground-level service points make routine maintenance and daily checks more efficient.

  • Registration open for TMCSuperTech 2025 and TMCFutureTech competitions

    Registration open for TMCSuperTech 2025 and TMCFutureTech competitions

    The American Trucking Associations has opened registration for ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council’s 2025 Fall Meeting and National Technician Skills Competitions, to be held Sept. 14-18 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    “TMC’s Fall Meeting and technician competitions are an important chance to highlight the professionalism and dedication of our industry’s technicians and explore the latest trends in keeping America’s trucks moving,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Focusing on proper maintenance and repair skills is critical to safety and operational efficiency. Since TMC excels in this area, the Council’s fall meeting promises to be a tremendously valuable event.”

    The theme of this year’s event is “Ensuring Trucking’s Future Success” and features TMC’s customary slate of educational sessions, task force meetings, technical sessions, and management sessions, in addition to the council’s multi-track professional and student technician competitions.

    The week kicks off with TMCSuperTech 2025. TMC’s Technician and Educator Committee is expecting more than 120 techs to compete in one of three categories in Raleigh. TMCSuperTech 2025 will feature a two-day competition for powertrain and trailer technicians, with Day 1 qualifying rounds to see which technicians will make the cut to move on to the finals in Day 2.  

    TMCFutureTech will test post-secondary student technicians. The competitions showcase the high degree of skill and knowledge shown everyday by trucking industry technicians. It is trucking’s only industry-wide competition dedicated to honoring technician professionalism.

    “For nearly seven decades, TMC has worked to raise professional and technical standards for the trucking industry,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “This fall meeting is an important part of that – not just to test the nation’s best technicians – but to have the opportunity to discuss and learn about the latest advances in truck technology in our myriad of task forces and educational sessions.”

    “We’re excited to be focusing on maintenance and technician excellence, which is so critical to ensuring trucking’s future success.” said TMC General Chairman and Treasurer Radu Mihai, corporate fleet manager, BURNO Rock Products. “It is an essential topic to consider when discussing the pressing technical issues of the day and in working together to improve truck technology.”

    For more information on TMC’s 2025 Fall Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, or to register, visit https://tmcfall.trucking.org/.

    For technicians who wish to compete, the process includes:

    Sign Up to Compete
    Whether you’re a seasoned professional (truck-tractor and/or trailer) or an up-and-coming student technician, this is your chance to elevate your skills on a national stage. Register by Aug. 15, to compete in this year’s event. Verified 2025 state champions receive free entry.

    Arrive in Raleigh
    Check in at the Raleigh Convention Center starting Saturday, Sept. 13, and attend orientation on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 7 a.m. to meet your fellow competitors and learn what to expect.

    Compete in Day One Challenges
    All professional technicians compete in a full day of hands-on challenges on Sunday, Sept. 14, with a maximum of 96 advancing to Day Two (subject to change). Meals are provided and spectators are welcome on the floor.

     Celebrate and Hear the Finalists
    Wrap up Day One with the TMCSuperTech Welcome Reception and Finalists Announcement and you can enjoy food, drinks, and a chance to connect.

    Sponsored by DRiV.

    Take on Day Two
    Finalists from the professional track and all student competitors will compete on Monday, Sept. 15. Lunch is provided, and the competition floor is open to observers.

    Attend Training & Awards Day
    Attend the TEC Technician Training Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 16, which qualifies for continuing education credits by the ASE Education Foundation, followed by the TMCSuperTech Awards Banquet. Top performers are announced at the banquet for each skills station, and the Grand Champion is crowned, taking home the top prize, including an expense-paid trip for two to the 2026 Daytona 500.The competition is open to any actively employed commercial vehicle technician. However, all competitors must be TMC Technician Members. Active members are eligible to enter the competition without fee. Nonmembers will pay an entry fee and will become members for the remainder of the year. Verified champions of state trucking association technician skills competitions may enter without paying a fee. Grand Champions of previous TMC National Technician Skills Competitions are eligible to compete. [Membership forms available at https://tmc.trucking.org/join-tmc or by calling TMC offices at (703) 838-1763.]
    TMCSuperTech registration forms can be found at https://tmcfall.trucking.org. Registration forms must be postmarked by a specific date set by TMC. Only preregistered contestants are eligible to compete. Contestants are sent a confirmation of their registration and housing accommodations once their registrations are complete.

  • ASE instructor training conference July 21-24

    ASE instructor training conference July 21-24

    Dave Johnson, president and CEO of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 ASE Instructor Training Conference, scheduled for July 21-24 at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.

    The conference includes more than 20 hours of technical update training for instructors of high school and college auto, collision and truck technology programs.

    The tentative conference agenda includes:

    Monday, July 21, 2025:

    • Travel Day & Check-in
    • Evaluation Team Leader Training – limited availability
    • Conference Opens with a Welcome Reception in the Evening

    Tuesday, July 22, 2025:

    • Conference Sessions Begin at 8am
    • Sponsor Expo in the Evening

    Wednesday, July 23, 2025:

    • Technical Training Sessions Continue
    • Networking Event in the Evening

    Thursday, July 24, 2025:

    • Technical Training Sessions Continue through 5pm

    Johnson, who has been leading ASE since January 2024, will cover a variety of pertinent topics with conference participants, including ASE’s strategic plan, educators’ critical role in that plan, the increasing demands on vehicle service education in the future and how technology will continue to grow as an integrated instructor assistant in that future. Education tech visionary, Robin Cowie, will be joining Johnson on the stage to share some integrated technology examples. Also, as part of his presentation, Johnson will share student survey results and tactics employed to grow the number of students attending ASE accredited programs and increase the number of ASE entry-level tests taken by students.

    Johnson’s keynote address will also touch on the introduction of G1 equivalency where students in ASE accredited programs can earn a professional G1 certification at no additional cost by passing eight ASE entry-level automobile tests. He will also update the attendees on the ASE Education Foundation’s successful partnership with WrenchWay and its “School Assist” program.

    The ASE Education Foundation’s instructor training conference is the premier national training event and offers more than 20 hours of technical update training with separate tracks for auto, medium/heavy truck and collision repair instructors. 

    “Since arriving at ASE, Dave has been at the helm of developing innovative solutions to address the technician shortage and increase the number of ASE accredited educational programs. With this in mind, we felt the conference attendees would benefit from hearing about the many ASE initiatives directly from Dave,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation.

    “Dave’s keynote speech will give the instructors an overview of how ASE and the ASE Education Foundation are helping schools and instructors prepare the next generation for careers as automotive service professionals.”To learn more and register for the ASE Instructor Training Conference, click here.

  • John Deere acquires remote imagery provider Sentera

    John Deere acquires remote imagery provider Sentera

    John Deere announced recently the acquisition of Sentera, a provider of remote imagery solutions for agriculture headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

    According to the company, this acquisition will advance the capabilities of John Deere’s existing technology offerings, providing farmers and ag service providers with a more comprehensive set of tools to generate and use data to make decisions that improve farm profitability, efficiency, and sustainability.

    “We’re excited to add Sentera’s talented team to our organization and integrate their advanced solutions into the suite of John Deere tools that help farmers do more with less,” said Chris Winkler, director of Digital Software and Solutions at John Deere. “Combining Sentera’s imagery capabilities with the John Deere Operations Center will enable farmers and trusted advisors to seamlessly gather and integrate agronomic data, understand real-time conditions, and turn data into insights that drive decisions in the field throughout the growing season.”

    Sentera’s cameras are compatible with most major drone platforms and enable farmers and crop scouts to quickly and efficiently capture high-resolution data at scale. Their capabilities and FieldAgent software tools help farmers and agronomists assess plant-level health, identify stressors, and take action. In addition, SMARTSCRIPT Weeds, a customized herbicide prescription, can be delivered to sprayers with individual nozzle control.

    Drones equipped with Sentera technology fly over fields at high speeds and generate high-resolution images. These images are processed with Sentera’s FieldAgent application to identify the exact location of specific weeds and generate a weed map. This map becomes a targeted prescription for how much product a farmer needs to load into their sprayer, helping minimize waste. Once the prescription is generated, it can be wirelessly sent to compatible equipment through the John Deere Operations Center.

    Weed maps are just one example of actionable data that is enabled with Sentera scouting technology, according to John Deere’s statement. The same process can be used in a field to assess crop stand uniformity, disease pressure, and pests. Integrating Sentera also supports John Deere’s approach to meeting farmers where they are on the technology adoption journey. It offers new precision capabilities to a broad range of customers while also complementing more advanced precision ag technologies, including See & Spray™.

    “As a customer of John Deere and Sentera today, the value of this integration is clear,” said Nick Einck, director of Agronomy at Chandler Coop in Chandler, Minnesota. “Sentera’s scouting solutions allow us to quickly gather data across more acres and with greater detail, enabling us to customize our approach to each field. Coupled with the John Deere technologies we already leverage today, we can be more efficient and deliver even better outcomes for our customers.”

    Sentera will continue to supply cameras directly to drone manufacturers for integration into their products, as well as sell to farmers, agronomists, ag retailers, and other users. The John Deere Operations Center will continue to be open for other drone imagery providers for integration, as well, ensuring customers and their trusted advisors continue to have choices on the solutions that work best for their operation.

    “John Deere provides us a great outcome and is exactly the right home for Sentera,” said Brian Wenngatz, CEO of Sentera. “They are the industry benchmark for innovation in precision agriculture and they share our belief that the future of access to these technologies is built on trusted relationships, measurable insights, and scalable platforms. Together, we’ll be able to support more farmers and help them unlock even more value.”

  • CNH adds Starlink for equipment connectivity

    CNH adds Starlink for equipment connectivity

    CNH recently announced an agreement with Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, to bring satellite connectivity to farmers. 

    This collaboration will provide customers of CNH brands, Case IH, New Holland and STEYR, with robust and affordable high-speed connectivity even in the most remote rural locations around the world. 

    “We’re thrilled to offer our customers access to industry-leading satellite connectivity, enabling them to maximize the potential of our full suite of precision technology in even the most challenging rural environments,” said Stefano Pampalone, agriculture chief commercial officer at CNH. 

    Starlink’s satellite network offers reliable, low-latency internet. VNH said this enables intelligent machines to communicate and coordinate efficiently, enhancing productivity and yield. It seamlessly integrates with the company’s FieldOps digital platform, giving customers visibility of their machines and providing data from anywhere, anytime. 

    It also gives CNH customers greater data streaming capabilities by keeping their farm management devices consistently connected, regardless of location. 

    Prescription spraying is another powerful use where Starlink’s fast and reliable transmission technology will benefit farming operations, according to CNH. 

    CNH’s FieldXplorer platform uses AI to transform drone images into a field map that distinguishes between weeds and crops. CNH said that with Starlink FieldXplorer can now export that data near instantaneously to create a prescription spraying map for the machine. This enables farmers to apply crop protection products sooner, controlling weeds earlier, which ultimately helps improve crop yields. 

    CNH said this collaboration underscores its ongoing commitment to equipping farmers with reliable, tailored solutions that meet the unique demands of agriculture, while amplifying the capabilities of precision technology from wherever they are.

  • June is Automotive Service Professionals Month

    June is Automotive Service Professionals Month

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has designated June 2025 as Automotive Service Professionals Month (ASPM).

    ASE encourages industry members to use Automotive Service Professionals Month as an opportunity to show appreciation for service professionals and host recognition events, special programs and other celebrations. In recognition of ASPM, ASE has developed a commemorative logo for use by companies, organizations and individuals to show appreciation for vehicle service professionals. This logo and other ASE digital materials are available for download at www.ASEtoolkit.com.