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Author: Professional Technician Staff

  • Peterbilt announces new mounting option on Model 567

    Peterbilt announces new mounting option on Model 567

    Peterbilt recently announced the availability of new front frame equipment mounting provisions for the set-forward axle on its Model 567. The new option will be available on orders beginning this month and provides a robust framework for accessories such as snowplows, outriggers, hose reels and more.

    Engineered for ease of configuration in a variety of applications, the new mounting package offers body builders increased flexibility for more efficient upfitting, according to a statement from the company.

    “The front frame structure of a vehicle plays a vital role for various body builder componentry that can transform the vehicle into a customized vocational workhorse,” said Erik Johnson, assistant general manager, Sales and Marketing for Peterbilt. “This latest offering illustrates Peterbilt’s commitment to tailoring solutions that align with the unique demands of our customers’ operations.”

    The Model 567 is built for vocational versatility. Complementing the new front frame structure is its standard 2.1-meter cab, a broad selection of engines, including the reliable and lightweight PACCAR MX engines and near-zero-emission Cummins natural gas option, multiple transmission configurations to suit a range of applications and an optimized driver environment for comfort and productivity. The Model 567 also features a sloped hood design that provides enhanced visibility and a more aerodynamic profile for improved fuel efficiency.

  • Meet Roger Davis, NAFA’s Fleet Technician of the Year

    Roger Davis, a fleet technician for the City of Roanoke, Virginia, is this year’s National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) Fleet Technician of the Year.

    Davis has worked for the City of Roanoke for nine years, and has been in the business for 39 years. He attended Nashville Auto Diesel College and holds ASE Master Automotive Technician certification, Master Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician certification, as well as 14 further certifications in maintaining emergency vehicles, like ambulances and fire trucks. 

    Davis is one of 30 technicians working to keep the City of Roanoke’s fleet in top operating condition.

    Watch the video and learn more about Roger Davis.

  • Milwaukee Tool introduces new M18 Hotshot jump starter

    Milwaukee Tool introduces new M18 Hotshot jump starter

    Milwaukee Tool recently unveiled its new M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter, which the company said “is always ready to jump, delivers true all-weather performance, and has a longer life.”   

    Built to perform in the harshest environments, the M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter operates in temperatures ranging from –4°F to 122°F. Featuring spark-proof protection, reverse polarity protection, and overheat protection, this new jump starter delivers safe, reliable performance. Capable of jump starting up to 8.1L gas and 3.0L diesel engines, the HOTSHOT Jump Starter delivers up to 2,000 peak amps and up to 70 jump starts on a single M18 XC5.0 battery. 

    “Through countless hours spent with users in the field, we saw the clear need for a jump-starting solution that could be trusted to work every time without the hassle of long charge times, unreliable performance in extreme conditions, or poor clamp designs,” said Jake Knight, Senior Manager of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool. “The M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starter solves these pain points by delivering a dependable, easy-to-use solution that’s ready when users need it most.”

    The M18™ HOTSHOT Jump Starter relies on proprietary technology utilizing internal capacitors that allow tit to be prepared to jump in under 70 seconds with any M18 battery, optimized for M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 and above.

    Providing unmatched reliability and a longer life, the M18 HOTSHOT Jump Starters’ capacitors are rated for up to 500,000 cycles. Users can count on consistent performance and durability with IP65 rated, impact-resistant housing to withstand tough job site conditions, according to the company. The custom clamp design allows for effortless access to battery terminals, ensuring a solid connection while a digital display with voltage readout provides real-time vehicle battery voltage feedback for added confidence.

    The M18 Hotshot Jump Starter retails for $299.

  • Be prepared: Brake Safety Week looms

    Be prepared: Brake Safety Week looms

    Don’t be surprised if you get a flurry of requests to check, repair, replace brakes because the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week, is scheduled for Aug. 24-30.

    Law enforcement personnel in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will conduct commercial motor vehicle inspections, educate drivers and motor carriers about the importance of brake safety, and provide brake inspection and violation data to

    CVSA-certified inspectors will conduct routine commercial motor vehicle inspections throughout the week, focusing on brake systems and components. In addition, inspectors will focus on drums and rotors, the emphasis for this year’s brake-safety initiative.

    Commercial motor vehicles found to have brake-related out-of-service violations, or any other out-of-service violations, will be removed from roadways until those violations are corrected.

    Last year, out of the 16,725 commercial motor vehicle inspections conducted, 2,149 of those vehicles had brake-related out-of-service violations, which is a 12.8% out-of-service rate.

    In the U.S. last year, inspectors conducted 14,692 inspections and discovered 1,900 brake-related out-of-service violations, which is a 12.9% out-of-service rate.

  • Vipar creates nucleus Knowlege center for online training

    Vipar creates nucleus Knowlege center for online training

    The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies has launched the Nucleus Knowledge Center, an all-new online training platform designed specifically for heavy-duty truck parts professionals. The new resource provides training courses, reporting, feedback, and certificates of completion in a user-friendly format for both learners and administrators. 

    Basic, intermediate, and advanced courses are available to learners through on-demand, online classes and videos and instructor-led, recorded webinars. Content supports all areas and roles in the heavy duty parts business, including counter staff, outside sales, and technicians. For administrators, an intuitive dashboard makes it easy to assign training and then track course enrollment and completion. Quizzes and assessments are automatically initiated, and certificates of completion are awarded. 

    The platform is exclusively available to distributors within the VIPAR Heavy Duty and Power Heavy Duty networks.

    “The launch of the Nucleus Knowledge Center represents a pivotal step in advancing workforce development across the heavy-duty aftermarket,” said Jeff Paul, VIPAR Heavy Duty bice president of Marketing.

    “As the industry undergoes a generational transition, training is more mission-critical than ever. For distributors, the platform delivers accessible, consistent, and customizable training that strengthens product knowledge, enhances customer service, and drives long-term business performance. In turn, it helps suppliers maximize the return on their training investments and ensures that those selling and servicing their products are prepared to do so with knowledge and confidence.” 

    Development of the Nucleus Knowledge Center was led by Al Vaisvila, Training/End User program manager for VIPAR Heavy Duty. Working closely with distributors, suppliers, and a professional learning management system provider, Vaisvila ensured the platform was designed with both learners and administrators in mind. 

    “Our distributors are busy running their businesses. Finding, scheduling, and monitoring quality training can be daunting on top of the everyday attention and tasks that need to be performed. This platform significantly reduces that burden and simultaneously empowers their team to identify the right parts, solve customer challenges, and maintain strong, lasting relationships,” said Vaisvila.

    “This is just the beginning of a long-term initiative for continuous learning and innovation, and one that underscores our commitment to supporting both our distributors and suppliers. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution – it’s a platform built to evolve. We’re starting strong, and once you’re on this path of continuous learning, opportunities for growth continue to unfold,” added Chris Baer, VIPAR Heavy Duty president & CEO.

  • Top Texas Technicians recognized

    Top Texas Technicians recognized

    The Texas Trucking Association recently recognized competitors in its annual skills contest for technicians.

    The TXTA’s 2025 Technician of the Year Top 5 include:

    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 contest is sponsored by Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies and Yokohama Tire. 

    The TXTA Technician of the Year Contest, founded in 1982, honors skilled heavy vehicle mechanics. Competitors are tested on technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities in a hands-on format, highlighting the critical role technicians play in the safety and reliability of commercial fleets.

  • Ryder’s Top Technician skills Competition winner gets $50,000

    Ryder’s Top Technician skills Competition winner gets $50,000

    Ryder Systems, Inc. recently named Kyle Walton of Bristol, Pennsylvania its 2025 Top Technician and awarded him a $50,000 grand prize during the company’s annual skills competition.

    The 24th annual Ryder Top Technician Skills Competition, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, celebrated the “best of the best” from Ryder’s 5,000 U.S.- and Canada-based technicians. Ten finalists competed head-to-head in a full day of hands-on skills challenges simulating real-world diagnostic scenarios in commercial truck maintenance—ultimately showcasing the outstanding talent and training that keeps Ryder’s fleet of 250,000 commercial vehicles running safely and efficiently. Finalists were selected after outperforming their peers through written exams and a series of demanding regional competitions.

    “Congratulations to Kyle on earning the 2025 Top Tech title. And thank you to all the finalists for their commitment, teamwork, and exceptional performance,” said Robert Sanchez, chairman and CEO of Ryder. “Our technicians are the backbone of Ryder’s fleet operations and play a critical role in ensuring our customers receive the best-in-class service. The Top Tech program not only celebrates their success but also strengthens our technician community through recognition, learning, and shared excellence.”

    The 2025 competition featured 10 timed stations covering advanced diagnostics in aftertreatment systems, multiplexing, electrical systems, electronic engines, preventive maintenance, and more. Each station was developed in collaboration with Ryder’s OEM and supplier partners to reflect the ever-evolving landscape of commercial vehicle technology.

    Ryder Top Tech finalists Jean-Sébastien Houle of Ryder’s Boucherville, Quebec shop and Oscar Perez of Ryder’s Pomona, CA location, placed second and third, respectively. After the competition, finalists were recognized at an awards ceremony, where each received a $10,000 cash prize.

    “This year’s event in Minneapolis was nothing short of spectacular,” adds Bryce Kinsley, vice president of maintenance operations at Ryder. “It was inspiring to watch ten of our most skilled technicians apply their knowledge under pressure with accuracy, speed, and pride. Kyle Walton represents what’s possible when you combine experience, ongoing training, and passion for excellence.”

    “Top Tech has become much more than a competition—it’s a symbol of our culture,” says Tom Havens, president of Fleet Management Solutions at Ryder. “It showcases our commitment to skilled trades, celebrates excellence, and serves as a recruitment magnet for the next generation of elite technicians. Kyle Walton and all our finalists represent the future of fleet maintenance.”

  • ASE announces 5 tests to be discontinued as of Dec. 31

    ASE announces 5 tests to be discontinued as of Dec. 31

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence recently announced the discontinuation of several tests as of Dec. 31.

    The tests affected are:

    • Test E1: Truck Equipment Installation and Repair
    • Test E2: Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation and Repair
    • Test E3: Auxiliary Power Systems Installation and Repair
    • Test P4: General Motors Parts Consultant
    • Test X1: Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems

    Both certifications and recertifications for these five tests will be retired at the end of 2025 and will no longer be available, according to a statement from ASE..

    “Those individuals who want to be certified or recertified in these test areas should act now and definitely no later than Dec. 31,” said Matt Shepanek, vice president, credential testing programs for ASE. “ASE is constantly being asked by industry partners to create new credential tests. By retiring some of the lower volume tests, we will be able to free up resources to work on some of these new requests.”

    ASE said it is committed to ensuring that all impacted users and systems are notified accordingly.

    “Along with transportation industry leaders, we continuously evaluate the need for new and existing certifications to best serve consumers and industry,” said Dave Johnson, ASE president and CEO. “As part of that ongoing review, we are also in the process of updating some automotive series tests and we will be adding new certifications focused on today’s advanced vehicle safety and security systems.”

  • Tennessee tech will represent Ruan at Super Tech Competition

    Tennessee tech will represent Ruan at Super Tech Competition

    A technician from Tennessee recently won a trucking company’s annual competition, and is now headed to a national skills contest.

    Out of the 10 finalists, Jacob Grayson of Smyrna, Tennessee won Ruan’s eigth annual Top Technician event. Grayson received a $5,000 cash prize and will represent Ruan at the Technology and Maintenance Council SuperTech competition in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Brandon Crews of Cedartown, Georgia, secured second place, while Phillip Rorrer of Brooklyn, Ohio, finished third. Both earned cash prizes and will also represent Ruan at the SuperTech competition. 

    The event was held at Ruan’s Des Moines, Iowa, headquarters.

    “This past week, our technicians demonstrated the same precision, discipline, and commitment they apply every day to improve fleet uptime and deliver reliable service to our customers,” said Ruan Senior Vice President of Maintenance Operations Lance Cheney. “We are incredibly proud of their technical expertise, as well as the leadership and professionalism they consistently display. It is truly an honor to support and work alongside a team that forms the foundation of our success.”

    The road to the finals began with a 100-question online assessment back in April, designed to measure a broad spectrum of maintenance knowledge. The 10 highest-scoring technicians advanced to the hands-on competition held at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) in Ankeny, Iowa. There, they rotated through 11 skill-based stations, including: DOT/PM Inspection, Wheel Ends, OEM Software, Steering and Suspension, Fifth Wheel, Brakes, Service Information, Heavy Duty Vehicle Fluids, Starting and Charing Systems, Fasteners, and Tires and Wheels. 

    As part of our continued commitment to development, Ruan also hosted a student competition for DMACC technician students, who participated in a version of the Top Tech competition. Among the eight student participants, Carter Kies earned first place honors.

  • Founder of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions honored

    Founder of Kooner Fleet Management Solutions honored

    Kooner Fleet Management Solutions, a provider of comprehensive fleet management, repair and preventative maintenance solutions, has announced that company founder and CEO, Gary Kooner, has been named a 2025 honoree on the Sacramento Business Journal’s annual “40 Under 40” list.

    Selected by a panel of previous recipients and editorial staff, the “40 Under 40” list showcases talented young professionals from a variety of industries in the Sacramento area. Kooner has grown Kooner FMS from one service truck in 2016 to a current fleet of over 250 diesel technicians across 26 U.S. states and Canada, with no outside funding.

    “I’m truly honored to be recognized by the Sacramento Business Journal as part of this year’s ’40 Under 40’ class. This recognition means a lot, not just personally, but to the entire Kooner FMS team who’ve helped build something special from the ground up,” said Gary Kooner. “What started with one truck and a vision has grown into a larger mission of transforming fleet maintenance through innovation, integrity, and service. I’m proud to represent the trucking and maintenance industries, the Central Valley, and the many hardworking people behind the scenes who keep this country moving.”

    Kooner and his fellow honorees will be recognized at an awards ceremony on Oct. 30 at The Pavilion at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento.

    Kooner Fleet Management Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of services, including: Fleet Optimization, 24/7 vehicle maintenance & repair, driver safety training, compliance management, and advanced technologies for real-time fleet monitoring and analytics.