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Tag: Newsletter 1st Article

  • Jean-Sébastien Houle, Ryder’s top technician, $50,000 richer

    Jean-Sébastien Houle, Ryder’s top technician, $50,000 richer

    Jean-Sébastien Houle of Boucherville, Quebec, Canada, has been named Ryder’s 2026 Top Technician, earning the $50,000 grand prize at the company’s 25th annual Top Tech Skills Competition, one of Ryder’s premier recognition programs honoring the company’s most skilled commercial truck technicians.

    “Congratulations to Jean-Sébastien on earning the 2026 Top Tech title. We also extend our gratitude to all the finalists for their incredible expertise and skills,” said John Diez, chief executive officer of Ryder. “Our technicians play a crucial role in delivering exceptional customer service and ensuring operational excellence across our fleet. Their expertise and commitment enable Ryder to consistently exceed the expectations of our customers.”

    Hosted in Nashville, Tennessee, the 25th annual Top Tech competition celebrated the top tier of Ryder’s technician workforce of approximately 5,000 professionals across the U.S. and Canada. After advancing through rigorous written exams and regional hands-on competitions, 10 finalists earned a place in the championship, where they were tested at 10 timed skills stations covering advanced diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and complex vehicle systems, including aftertreatment, multiplexing, electrical, and electronic engine technologies.

    “One of the strengths of Top Tech is the close collaboration we have with our OEM partners in designing and supporting the competition,” said Tom Havens, president of fleet management solutions at Ryder. “Their involvement helps ensure our technicians are tested against the technologies, systems, and standards they work with every day. This year’s finalists demonstrated exceptional skill and professionalism, and our 2026 Top Technician, Jean-Sébastien, represents the very best of our maintenance workforce. Top Tech continues to showcase our commitment to skilled trades, celebrate excellence and attract the next generation of elite technicians.”

    Among the finalists, Peter Finn of Holland, Michigan, earned second place, while Cameron Hughes of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada took third. Following the event, all finalists were honored during an awards ceremony, where each received a $10,000 cash prize.

  • FedEx Freight’s Wesley Salley is Texas Technician of the Year

    FedEx Freight’s Wesley Salley is Texas Technician of the Year

    The Texas Trucking Association recently announced winnewrs of a variety of awards, including its Technician of the Year honors.

    2026’s Technician of the Year top five finishers are:

    • 1st Place: Wesley Salley, FedEx Freight   
    • 2nd Place: Chris Gerrald, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment    
    • 3rd Place: Evan Bailey, Cox Fleet    
    • 4th Place: Brandon McNeil, Old Dominion Freight Lines   
    • 5th Place: Micah Atkins, Industrial Power Truck & Equipment   

    The first place winner will go on to compete in the National SuperTech Competition in Pittsburg Sept. 20-24,.  

    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. 

    The Technician of the Year Contest is presented by TXTA Fleet Maintenance Council (FMC) and proudly sponsored by Yokohama Tire Corp, Cummins – Meritor, and Pressure Systems International. The date of competition was May 29-30 in Waco, Texas.

  • Last year’s 3rd place finisher wins this year’s Ruan’s technician contest

    Last year’s 3rd place finisher wins this year’s Ruan’s technician contest

    He finished third last year, and this year he’s first.

    Phillip Rorrer of Brooklyn, Ohio, claimed first place by scoring the most points in the top technician competition stafed by Ruan Transoportation. Rorrer, who earned third place at last year’s competition, received a $5,000 cash prize and will go on to represent Ruan at the Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC)’s national SuperTech competition in Pittsburgh this fall. 

    Kris Jones of Ramsey, Minnesota, secured second place, while Anthony Gray of San Antonio, Texas, finished third. Both earned cash prizes and will also represent Ruan at the SuperTech competition. 

    “At Ruan, our diesel technicians are the driving force behind everything we do in fleet maintenance,” shared Matt Fleming, Ruan’s Maintenance Operations Leader. “Their hard work, dedication, and technical expertise keep our fleet safe, reliable, and ready to serve our customers every day. Being recognized as one of our top technicians this year is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the dedication it takes to be among the very best.” 

    Additionally, Ruan hosted a student version of the competition as part of our continued commitment to development through our partnership with the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). Student Austin A. took first place in the event and will represent DMACC and Ruan at the national level at TMC SuperTech this year. 

    Ruan is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa and has over 300 locations in 48 states.

  • Brake Safety Week is Aug. 23-29. Will trucks you work on be ready?

    Brake Safety Week is Aug. 23-29. Will trucks you work on be ready?

    You have about three weeks to get the brake systems of commercial vehicles you work on up to snuff ahead of a massive inspection effort.

    The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has designated Aug. 23-29 as this year’s Brake Safety Week, a seven-day focused inspection and enforcement initiative designed to improve safety by ensuring commercial motor vehicles on our roadways are operating with properly maintained and functioning braking systems.

    Throughout that week, inspectors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will conduct routine commercial motor vehicle inspections with a focus on brake systems and components. Vehicles with brake-related out-of-service violations, or any other out-of-service violations, will be removed from roadways until those violations are corrected.

    In addition, inspectors will focus on drums and rotors, the emphasis for this year’s brake-safety initiative. Brake drum and rotor issues may affect a vehicle’s brake efficiency. Broken pieces of drums and rotors may become dislodged from the vehicle en route and damage other vehicles or result in injuries or fatalities to the motoring public.

    Brake Safety Week aims to improve commercial motor vehicle brake safety throughout North America, according to the CVSA.The goal is to eliminate roadway crashes by conducting roadside inspections and educating drivers, mechanics, large- and small-fleet motor carriers, owner-operators, and others on the importance of proper brake inspection, maintenance and operation.

  • AAA hands out Service Providers of Excellence and Best in Repair awards

    AAA hands out Service Providers of Excellence and Best in Repair awards

    AAA recently announced the 2026 recipients of its Service Providers of Excellence and Best in Repair awards.

    Selected from more than 10,000 independent businesses nationwide, 128 businesses were nominated for these honors. The 24 award recipients represent the very best among AAA service providers and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities, recognozed for consistently delivering exceptional customer service, achieving high levels of member satisfaction, and making meaningful contributions to their local communities. 

    “These awards celebrate two essential parts of AAA’s automotive network: the roadside providers who respond when members need help and the repair facilities that help keep drivers moving safely,” said Bryan Sander, AAA VP of Automotive. “Their dedication to quality, professionalism, and care reflects the trust AAA members place in our automotive network every day.”  

    Service Providers of Excellence Winners 

    Gold Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Fred Beans Towing Doylestown, Pennsylvania — AAA Club Alliance Inc. 
    DeFalco’s Instant Towing, Inc. Chatham, New Jersey— AAA Northeast 
    AC Towing LLC Arnold, Missouri — Auto Club Enterprises 
    TVCM, LLC – Jennings Cayce, South Carolina — The Auto Club Group 
    Silver Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Black’s Towing & Storage Murrieta, California — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Falcon Towing Gardena, California — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Munford Tire and Brake Munford, Tennessee — The Auto Club Group 
    Casper’s Body Shop and Wrecker Service Greeneville, Tennessee — The Auto Club Group 
    Bronze Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    AE Motor Towing & Auto Repair Inc. Daly City, California — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Montana City Towing LLC Montana City, Montana — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Ron & Sons Towing Kenvil, New Jersey — AAA Northeast 
    Wind N Sea Towing San Diego, California — Auto Club Enterprises 

    Best in Repair Winners 

    Gold Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Lauger’s Auto LLC Hummelstown, Pennsylvania — AAA Central Penn 
    Fletcher Jones Motorcars Newport Beach, California — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Larry’s Automotive Repair Newburgh, Indiana — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Selma Automotive Selma, Texas — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Silver Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Roy Foster’s Automotive Reno, Nevada — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Pacific Motor Service Monterey, California — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Tyrone Ford Tyrone, Pennsylvania — Auto Club Enterprises  
    American Tire and Service Rio Rancho, New Mexico — Auto Club Enterprises  
    Bronze Winners Location – AAA Local Club 
    Tunex of Washington Washington, Utah — AAA Mountain West Group 
    Xpertech Auto Repair Englewood, Florida — The Auto Club Group 
    John’s Automotive Care Inc. San Diego, California — Auto Club Enterprises 
    Gene Messer Ford of Amarillo Amarillo, Texas — Auto Club Enterprises  

    AAA recognizes these Best in Repair honorees for their demonstrated commitment to automotive repair excellence, exceptional customer service, and the trust they build with AAA members.

  • Nebraska shop owner named Technician of the Year champion

    Nebraska shop owner named Technician of the Year champion

    Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper have named Matt Wagg of Bennington, Nebraska, as the 2026 Technician of the Year Champion.

    Wagg is the owner and lead technician at Accelerated Diagnostic & Automotive, an Auto Value Certified Service Center and customer of The Merrill Company (Arnold Motor Supply). The winner was announced during the Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Technician of the Year competition held in Detroit earlier this month.

    “I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition,” said Wagg. “Competing alongside some of the best technicians in North America was an amazing experience. I am especially grateful to The Merrill Company for selecting me to represent our market in this year’s competition. I would also like to thank my team, my customers, and everyone who encouraged me to participate.”

    Thirteen of the top technicians from across the United States and Canada traveled to Detroit to compete in the 2026 Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper Technician of the Year finalist program. Sponsored by DRiV and Garage Gurus, the annual competition featured a customized Automotive Service Excellence examination along with a series of hands-on technical challenges designed to test diagnostic ability, technical knowledge, and real-world repair skills.

    “With more than 4,000 Certified Service Centers across the Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper network, earning a place among our Technician of the Year finalists is a remarkable accomplishment,” said John C. Washbish, president and CEO of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. “This program is designed to recognize the highly skilled professionals who represent the very best of our industry. The talent, dedication, and professionalism displayed by this year’s finalists was truly exceptional, and we congratulate all of them on their achievements. We would also like to thank DRiV and Garage Gurus for their continued support of this outstanding program.”

    The other 2026 Technician of the Year Ffinalists include:

    • Jake McKie | Shane’s Northern Tire and Auto | Piston Ring Service Supply
    • Matthew Wilson | Angelina Tire & Auto | ABC Auto Parts, Ltd.
    • Spencer Derzaph | Auto Electric Service-Service Department | Auto Electric Service, Ltd.
    • Timothy Dunaway| Daugherty’s Body Shop and Service Center | Moog Louisville Warehouse
    • Bryan McKnight | Kerners Auto Service | Auto-Wares Group of Companies
    • Joe Sawyer | Tom’s Auto Center | Auto-Wares Group of Companies
    • Judson Stagnaro | Aurora Automotive | Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc.
    • Seumas Leghorn | Adair Auto Repair | Central Auto Parts Distributors
    • David Ward | Avenue Motors | Eastern Auto Parts Warehouse
    • Christopher Potucek | CC Auto Parts & Service | Hahn Automotive Warehouse
    • Jamie Fowler | Marty’s Complete Automotive | National Parts Warehouse
    • Truen Taylor | The KAR Shop | Parts Warehouse Inc.
  • ASE receives $25 million for auto & truck technician apprenticeships

    ASE receives $25 million for auto & truck technician apprenticeships

    The ASE Education Foundation has been awarded a $25 million,four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand registered apprenticeships for auto, collision, and truck service technicians nationwide — the largest workforce investment the department has ever directed to the transportation service industry.

    The award comes through the Department’s Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program, and the idea behind it is refreshingly simple: reward employers with registered apprenticeships for hiring apprentices and coaching them through the make-or-break first year on the job.

    Program sponsors — dealer groups, shop associations, franchise operators and similar organizations — will receive $3,500 for every apprentice they bring on and keep, paid in two parts as the new technician reaches 90 and 270 days on the job.

    The need is not in dispute. The industry has openings for far more technicians than it can find vroughly 128,000 are needed each year, while training programs produce about 37,000. The harder problem is keeping them. Only about one in eight entry-level technicians is still on the job three years in.

    That is the gap this grant is built to close — not by chasing more résumés, but by making sure the people who start actually stay. To do that, the Foundation is putting mentorship at the center. Every dollar is tied to a technician reaching real milestones, which gives sponsors a direct stake in the coaching, support and structure that keep a new hire in the bay and on a path forward.

    Registered apprenticeships are a proven way to grow the workforce – studies show that employers realize an average return of $1.47 for every dollar invested, and over 90% of apprentices stay with the same employer when they complete the program.

    Employers who have an existing registered apprenticeship can participate, and those who don’t won’t have to build their programs from scratch. The Foundation and National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) provide a ready-made playbook — the free Apprenticeship-in-a-Box — covering everything from mentor training to interview guides, so a shop can stand up a credible program quickly.

    The Foundation is leading the effort with a coalition that reaches nearly every corner of the industry. Other initial partners include the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the American Truck Dealers (ATD), and Jobs for the Future (JFF), which will manage the incentive payments and federal reporting. Together they will engage employers, schools and prospective technicians in all 50 states, the five territories and the District of Columbia.

    The Foundation is actively recruiting more partners, and apprenticeships will be created all across the industry; in franchised dealerships, retail chains, fleets, body shops, truck and diesel repair shops, and independent auto repair shops.

    “Every driver on the road depends on a skilled technician they may never meet. For more than forty years, our job has been to make sure those technicians are trained to a standard the industry demands and the public can trust,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “This grant lets us do something the industry has needed for a long time: open a clear, paid path into the trade, and give employers a proven way. to invest in and grow the people who keep this country moving.

    “We’re not just filling jobs. We’re building careers that can support a family for a lifetime, strengthening the shops and dealers that serve their communities, and protecting the motoring public who trusts all of us every time they start their car.”

    Recruitment begins immediately. Employers looking to develop their own technicians, schools looking to place their students, and anyone considering the trade as a career can learn more and sign up for updates at ASEeducationFoundation.org/apprenticeship.

  • NACFE report focuses on emerging tech issues of truck powertrains

    NACFE report focuses on emerging tech issues of truck powertrains

    The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has released a report on maintenance and the Messy Middle, Messy Middle Powertrain Service & Maintenance.

    This report is a guidebook for OEMs, fleets, drivers, dealerships, shops and technicians on the breadth of complexity facing truck and trailer maintenance and service in the Messy Middle. The report highlights the growing resources available to help the industry improve technician training and help prepare service center operations to better serve fleet needs.

    “The trucking industry perennially faces a shortage of technicians which is being compounded now by rapid advances in new powertrain,” said Rick Mihelic, director of Emerging Technologies, NACFE. “The greatest challenge facing all new powertrain technologies is the need for well-trained technicians and well-equipped maintenance shops. The best powertrains are useless if the vehicles cannot be maintained in the field.”

    The report covers internal combustion engines, renewable natural gas, battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It explores components such as wheels, tires and brakes as well as delving into the infrastructure needed to service various powertrains. It also looks at the skills technicians are going to need to be able to work on the multiple powertrain solutions that are currently available to fleets in the Messy Middle.

    “There is no legacy knowledge that will pour over. That’s the biggest problem,” said Dr. Mark Quarto, CEO Quarto Tech Services. “There’s no way to take a diesel tech and say ‘OK you’ve got the engine, you’ve got the fuel system, you’ve got fuel delivery, you got all these systems’— you can’t. That’s the problem. I’ve worked with many fleets, many college instructors, even engineers, and I can tell you that it takes a long time for them to learn the new stuff. The largest technology competency gaps are in the areas of electrical, electronics, software, power electronics, and electric machines.”

    Important findings in the report are:

    • Maintenance costs are a significant factor in investing in new trucks. Those costs also often include facility infrastructure maintenance, special equipment and training for technicians, and ongoing auditing and record keeping.
    • The key to keeping trucks on the road, high uptime, will continue to depend on the skills of the technicians and the tools available to them. Intelligent OEM service tools and fault-diagnosis systems will be critical to reducing downtime.
    • Service of natural gas, hydrogen, battery electric, and bio-fuel systems demand greater attention to safety and equipment protocols than traditional diesels.
    • Technician training and keeping that training current will need to be a priority for service managers, including tracking and auditing of skills and certifications. The pace of technology change will require continuous training and recertifications.
    • Computers will likely be the first tools needed to diagnose and service vehicles. They will also need to be kept current with appropriate software licensing and regular hardware updating that will need to be factored into costs.
    • OEM warranties will become even more critical as the complexity of vehicles increases with new technologies.
    • for the foreseeable future, standards and procedures will be rapidly evolving as fleets gain experience and provide feedback to OEMs. Staying aware of changing standards and staying compliant may lead to additional labor costs to factor into investment planning.
    • Behind the fence fueling infrastructure maintenance will be as challenging and may be necessary to keeping trucks running. Public infrastructure maintenance or lack thereof may also factor into vehicle uptime.
    • Predictive maintenance enhanced by artificial intelligence systems will greatly aid technicians.
    • Specialization in new technologies is inevitable for service technicians as the complexity of vehicles continues to grow. This may require additional staffing to cover all the critical new technologies to keep fleets moving.

    Download the report here.

  • Trump pardons nine more diesel technicians charged with emissions controls tampering

    Trump pardons nine more diesel technicians charged with emissions controls tampering

    President Donald Trump late last week pardoned nine diesel technicians who had been charged with illegally tampering with federally-mandated emissions control devices on diesel engines.

    Those pardoned by Trump include:

    • Mackenzie Spurlock: Co-owner of Matanuska Diesel in Wasilla, Alaska
    • Ryan and Wade LaLone: Operators of Diesel Freak, a heavy-duty diesel repair business in Gaylord, Michigan
    • Matthew Geouge: Ran companies selling aftermarket diesel tuning device
    • Jonathan Achtemeier: A New Jersey-based diesel tuner who removed pollution control software from vehicles
    • Tim Clancy: Associated with aftermarket diesel tuning
    • Joshua Davis, Barry Pierce, and Aaron Rudolf: Also implicated in aftermarket diesel emissions tampering and defeating software systems

    These pardons came in the wake of one last November of Wyoming technician Troy Lake, who served seven months in jail. Lake formed the Diesel Freedom Coalition, which advocated for the pardons.

  • ASE acquires WrenchWay; the pair already operate ASE Connects technician pipeline

    ASE acquires WrenchWay; the pair already operate ASE Connects technician pipeline

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) announced today the acquisition of WrenchWay. Under the agreement, WrenchWay’s co- founders and employees will join the ASE team.

    Their expertise will help ASE fully realize its charter to support the transportation industry by strengthening connections between schools,
    employers and industry partners while expanding support for current and future service professionals.

    “Modernizing ASE has always meant more than updating our tests. It means rethinking how we serve technicians, shops, educators and the next generation entering the industry,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “WrenchWay has built something remarkable and together
    we can deliver on that vision at a scale neither of us could achieve alone.”

    The acquisition reflects ASE’s continued commitment to embracing technology and a customer-first mentality. Earlier this year, ASE and WrenchWay launched ASE Connects to help build a stronger technician pipeline. The platform strengthens connections between schools and industry, expands access to workforce data and supports automotive, diesel and collision career pathways. As the organizations integrate, ASE Connects will remain a major focus, while WrenchWay’s technology and expertise support additional areas across ASE’s growing portfolio.

    “Growing up in the industry, ASE has always been a brand I admire and respect,” said Jay Goninen, co-founder and president of WrenchWay. “The opportunity to now be part of ASE’s future is both humbling and exciting. It is a true honor to help build on that legacy while creating new
    ways to support service professionals.”

    “There are not many brands in this industry that every technician and every shop instantly recognize. ASE is one of them,” said Mark Wilson, co-founder and CEO of WrenchWay. “We have enormous respect for what’s been built here and equally high expectations for what comes next.”

    ASE and WrenchWay will share additional details in the coming weeks on integration timelines and what the transition means for current users.

    WrenchWay is a platform built to promote and improve careers in the automotive, diesel, and collision industries. By connecting shops, schools, and industry partners, WrenchWay works to strengthen the technician pipeline and support the professionals and programs that keep the industry moving forward.