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  • Survey delves into the work lives of heavy-duty professional technicians

    Survey delves into the work lives of heavy-duty professional technicians

    A new survey by a provider of heavy-duty repair shop software sheds some significant light on the work lives of professional technicians.

     The State of Heavy-Duty Repair by Fullbay delivers insights into the men and women who work in the shops maintaining and repairing heavy-duty equipment. 

    The survey covers 2024-2025, and reveals plenty about the work lives of professional technicians, 59% of whom said they attended trade school.

    When asked what best describes their jobs:

    • 47% said they do in-shop and mobile work
    • 35% said they are in-shop only
    • 10% said they are mobile only

    No matter where they work, the survey found professional technicians are staying busy. The survey asked how many hours a week they work. It found:

    • 56% work between 41 and 50 hours a week
    • 24% work 31 to 40 hours
    • 12% work 51 to 60 hours
    • 3% work 61 to 70 hours
    • 3% work over 70 hours

    And, what are they paid for all of those hours? They survey found that professional technicians have seen their pay increase steadily in the last several years.

    Technicians self-reported they earned a median wage of $27 per hour in 2023, $29 per hour in 2024 and $30 per hour in 2025, when the survey was conducted.

    The number of techs being paid bonuses by their shops is pretty well dead even, with 49% saying they do not receive bonuses while 48% said they do. The vast majority – 68% – said those bonuses were handed out based on technician proficiency. Another 52% said bonuses were paid on training and certification and 51% said they were paid on technician performance.

    As for benefits, the survey found:

    • 66% of shops provide techs with health insurance
    • 58% provide paid time off
    • 44% allow flexible schedules
    • 22% offer 401K, while 35% of shops match those contributions
    • 35% pay for technicians’ training

    When it comes to the tools these technicians use, it’s a mixed bag if the shop buys them or if the tech is on their own. The survey found:

    • 41% said the shop only buys bigger tools
    • 19% said the shop does not buy tools
    • 18% said they do
    • 17% said the shop sometimes buys their tools

    As for other gear:

    • 79% said the shop provides safety equipment
    • 77% said they have uniforms provided
    • 35% said they are given boots by their shops

    Interestingly, the survey found that many shops do not require techs to be certified for the equipment on which they work. Results showed:

    • 77% said their shops do not require that sort of certification
    • 22% said they shops do

    And, just how satisfied are technicians in their work lives?

    When asked, “In the next year, are you looking to …:

    • 11% said start their own shop
    • 9% said leave their existing employer for a new opportunity
    • 1% said retire
    • 10% said “other”
    • 68% said said none of the above

    Likewise, technicians in the survey seem to be content with the state of thin=gs in the heavy-duty repair industry.

    When asked, “In the past year, your opinion of the industry has:

    • 52% said stayed the same
    • 27% said it improved
    • 21% said it was lowered

  • Snap-on announces live stream technician training schedule

    Snap-on announces live stream technician training schedule

    Snap-on recently announcer it has revised its live stream training days and times, giving automotive technicians greater flexibility to accommodate their busy schedules while still enhancing their diagnostic skills.

    Jason Gabrenas, diagnostics national trainer for Snap-on, will conduct live training at 7 p.m. CST: Tuesdays on Zoom and YouTube Wednesdays on Facebook.

    “With advancing vehicle technology, it’s important to stay up to date with training, so we added another opportunity during the week for technicians to learn the latest tips and techniques to get the most out of their diagnostic tools,” said Gabrenas. “During each training session, participants will receive 30 minutes of in-depth demonstrations and informational material and have 15 minutes for questions and answers.”

    The schedule of second quarter training sessions includes:

    • April 7/8 Benefits of a Repeatable Diagnostic Workflow
    • April 14/15 Automatic Transmission Special Functions
    • April 21/22 Body Shop Scanner Functions
    • April 28/29 EV Software Functions
    • May 5/6 Advanced Scanner Functions and Data Analysis
    • May 12/13 Test Don’t Guess – Guided Component Testing
    • May 19/20 Modern Braking Systems Design and Diagnosis
    • May 26/27 HVAC Diagnosis Using Thermal Imaging
    • June 2/3 Benefits of a Repeatable Diagnostic Workflow
    • June 9/10 Automatic Transmission Special Functions
    • June 16/17 Airbag System Operation and Diagnosis
    • June 23/24 Body Controls Operation and Diagnosis
    • June 30/July 1 A/C Diagnosis
  • Ohio tech wins Komatsu’s Advanced Technician Competition

    Ohio tech wins Komatsu’s Advanced Technician Competition

    Komatsu honored the precision, skills and commitment of diesel technicians in its dealer network with the 2026 North America Komatsu Advanced Technician Competition (ATC) — held at Komatsu’s Cartersville Customer Center in Cartersville, Georgia. The competition spanned two days as 10 technicians were scored in the areas of technical capability, quality of work, and safety.

    Allen Cherrington of Columbus Equipment Company (Ohio) won the event and was crowned champion. Jorge Moreno of Lyle Equipment (southeastern U.S.) came in second place, and Nathan Specht of Komatsu Company-Owned Dealer East (Komatsu East) finished third.

    Earning a spot in the championship was its own competition as technicians from throughout North America participated in formal prequalifying events. Ultimately 10 technicians made their way to Cartersville to go head-to-head in events that ranged from machine inspection and troubleshooting techniques to customer relations and safety.

    “Pride in craftsmanship and the resulting success that it helps deliver for fleet managers and business owners is the driving force behind every technician in the Komatsu network — but bragging rights and being recognized among the best are great prizes as well,” said Griffin Reome, Director of Technical Workforce Development, Komatsu. “The real success here is shining a spotlight on the passion and discipline, and the resulting job satisfaction, that comes with being a technician in the heavy equipment industry.”

    “Allen, Jorge and Nathan — and all 10 finalists — are showcasing how important these careers are. And that these jobs are something to aspire to for anyone who is technically minded, loves building things, and appreciates real craftsmanship and the power of heavy equipment.”

    Each winner of the Komatsu ATC received a selection of Komatsu-branded prizes and merchandise. In addition, the top two finishers earned an exclusive “Day in the Life” experience with the opportunity to see how a pit crew operates up close at the upcoming Miami Grand Prix, United States, made possible through Komatsu’s ongoing partnership with the Atlassian Williams F1 Team.

    “Speed, precision, talent, and the combination of peak human performance with extreme technical excellence — we couldn’t think of a better way to honor these technicians,” said Reome.

  • Trucking’s parts & labor costs down in 2025’s fourth quarter

    Trucking’s parts & labor costs down in 2025’s fourth quarter

     A new report from American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council and Decisiv Inc. indicates parts and labor costs fell in the fourth quarter of 2025.

    After rising in Q3 2025, combined parts and labor costs in the Decisiv/TMC Parts & Labor Service Benchmark Report decreased by 1.3 percent, according to a statement from the ATA. The drop in Quarter-over-Quarter (QoQ) combined expenses included -0.4 percent lower parts costs and a -2.6 percent reduction in labor costs.

    This across-the-board moderation followed sizable cost increases in Q3 2025 seen in 3.8 percent higher combined expenses during the previous quarter.

    Year-over-Year (YoY) in Q4 2025, combined parts and labor costs increased 2 percent, continuing a year-long upward trend. However, this contrasts with the previous quarter when both parts and labor costs rose YoY. In the current quarter parts costs jumped by 3.7 percent while labor costs fell by -0.4 percent, the ATA said in a statement.

    The drop in quarterly costs reflects lower freight volumes and mileage.

    For Q4 2025, the American Trucking Associations advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index average fell 1.8 percent from the third quarter and was down 0.3 percent compared to the final three months in 2024. These low levels of trucking volumes, according to ATA, were suppressed by soft manufacturing and construction activity. For 2025 in total, tonnage rose just 0.1 percent over the 2024 average.

    In Q4 2025, combined parts and labor cost increases were recorded in 10 of the 25 VMRS Systems tracked in the Decisiv TMC Benchmark Report, seven fewer than in the previous quarter. QoQ parts cost rose in 10 systems, also seven less than in Q3, and labor costs were up in just seven systems, down considerably from 15 systems in the previous quarterly analysis.

    YoY combined parts and labor costs were higher in 16 VMRS Systems, one more than in the previous quarter.  Parts costs were up in 19 systems, four more than in the previous YoY analysis, while 11 systems with higher YoY labors represented four fewer than in Q3 2025.

    “Across the industry, fleets are called upon to manage fluctuating costs with consistent service approaches,” said Tim Hardin, president and CEO of Decisiv. “The moderation in costs seen in the current Decisiv/TMC Parts & Labor Service Benchmark Report illustrates how this is being addressed at shops using effective management practices.”

    To provide a highly accurate understanding of service costs, the Decisiv TMC Benchmark Report is now based on a more extensive datase, according to the ATA. The result of greater encoding precision that adds cost information across all VMRS codes included in the quarterly data, the report now presents an improved view of service costs for deeper activity and trend analyses.

    The Decisiv/TMC Parts & Labor Service Benchmark is based on comprehensive service data. For the report, Decisiv collects and analyzes parts and labor costs for 25 VMRS system-level codes.  These codes account for more than 97 percent of total parts and labor spending on more than seven million assets during 300,000+ monthly maintenance and repair events at 5,000+ service locations.

    TMC issues the reports to its fleet members. The reports are organized based on the Council’s VMRS, sorted by VMRS-coded vehicle systems and geographic location.

    TMC fleet members will receive the report electronically via email. For more information on joining TMC, call (703) 838-1763 or visit http://tmc.trucking.org.

  • Technicians, others honored at VISION High Tech Training Expo

    Technicians, others honored at VISION High Tech Training Expo

    On Saturday, March 7, automotive industry professionals—from students and technicians to educators and shop owners—were honored at the 2026 VISION High Tech Training and Expo Awards Breakfast. The expo was held March 5-8 in Kansas City, and attracted more than 3,500 attendees.

    The awards event commemorated a year of excellence in automotive education, service, and professionalism, and celebrated 23 award recipients, including Jerry Holcom, who was presented with a $100,000 scholarship fund (the Jerry Holcom Scholarship Fund ) in his honor to be awarded for Technicians of Tomorrow.

    This year’s honorees inclkude:

    MWACA Student Scholarship

    • Morgan Liggett, Flint Hills Technical College, Allen, Kansas
    • Caidn Williams, Albernett High School, Albernett, Iowa
    • Nicole Pasterski, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana
    • Jadyn Friesen, Sutton High School. Sutton, Nebraska

    Tim Cummings Memorial Scholarship funded by Rick’s Automotive Inc.

    • Bella Contreras, Brazzeal Automotive, Tampa, Florida

    Anthony Williams Memorial Student Scholarship funded by Advance Professional

    • Kaya Sezer, Hennepin Technical College, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

    Harvey Chan Memorial Scholarship

    • Juan Saucedo-Torres, Euro Clinic, Santa Clara, California

    Oz Mechanics Scholarship

    • Aaron DeLeon, Precision Automotive, Bakersfield, California

    Future Tech of the Trade Scholarship funded by Shop-Ware & Changing the Industry Podcast

    • Kaitlin Schave, Tenpin Motors, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin

    Amazing Women in Automotive Scholarship funded by Amazing Women in Automotive

    • Monica Baeza, Port of Oakland, Richmond, California

    Best Social Media

    • Girlington Garage, South Burlington, Vermont

    Website of the Year

    • Pellman’s Automotive, Boulder, Colorado

    Best Places to Work

    • Mevert Automotive & Tire Center, Steeleville, Illinois

    Radical Generosity Award presented by Shop Marketing Pros

    • Brian & Jill Sump, Urban Auto Care, Denver, Colorado

    Educator of the Year

    • Dave Heinzen, Madison College, Madison, Wisconsi

    Technician of the Year

    • Brian Rush, Honest Wrenches, West Des Moines, Iowa

    Service Advisor of the Year

    • Nikki Anderson, Westgate High-Tech Auto Care, Omaha, Nebraska

    MWACA Member of the Year

    • Melanie Jacobs, Honest Wrenches, Des Moines, Iowa

    President’s Club

    • Reggie Stewart, Reggie’s Motorworks, Noblesville, Indiana
    • David Hall, Quality Car Care, North Liberty, Iowa

    MWACA President’s Award

    • Jim Wilson, Auto Dynamics, Olathe, Kansas

    Facility of the Year

    • Full Throttle Automotive, Evansville, Indiana

    Golden Wrench Award

    • Jerry Holcom, S&S Service Center, Kansas City, Missouri
  • Cost of car ownership underestimated; rising costs shift consumer behavior

    Cost of car ownership underestimated; rising costs shift consumer behavior

    Synchrony’s new Cost of Car Ownership survey recently revealed drivers are paying nearly 167% more per year than expected to keep their current vehicles on the road. This $4,565 discrepancy between estimated and actual costs could place an additional burden on household budgets and weigh on consumer spending in other categories, according to to the survey.

    According to Kelley Blue Book, the average sale price of a new car hit a record $50,080 in 2025. With rising tariffs and broader economic uncertainty adding further pressure, many consumers are rethinking their buying decisions. In a 2024 study, nearly 60% of Americans said they were choosing to keep their vehicles longer to avoid the financial burden of a new purchase.

    Synchrony’s Cost of Car Ownership survey found that even those forgoing a new car purchase are still spending more on maintenance and other auto-related expenses than they expect. Excluding loan and lease payments, car owners estimate spending $2,738 annually on their vehicle. However, the survey shows the actual yearly total is $7,303. These figures are even higher for younger drivers, with Millennials and Gen Z spending $10,101 and $9,984 per year, respectively.

    “The disparity between perceived and actual spending can create real financial strain for drivers who may not be budgeting for the true cost of car ownership,” said Curtis Howse, EVP & CEO, Home and Auto, Synchrony. “That’s why becoming informed about the full scope of car ownership costs and planning ahead for how to pay for them is essential. Access to flexible financing can help ease that affordability burden, allowing drivers to handle routine maintenance and address unexpected repairs without making difficult financial trade-offs.”

    Other key insights from Synchrony’s Cost of Car Ownership survey include:

    • Gas and Insurance are the Biggest Contributors to Annual Car Spend: When examining what factors are driving these rising costs, the most significant expenses were gas and insurance, which cost drivers an average of $1,956 and $1,730, respectively, each year. Other top expenses include maintenance ($622) and service/repairs ($659), tires ($377), and auto parts and accessories ($240).
    • Multicar Households on the Decline: Increasing vehicle prices and maintenance costs may also be contributing to the decline in multicar homes. According to the research, 65% of respondents report they are responsible for managing only one vehicle in their household, while just 25% manage two cars. These numbers fall below the 2023 U.S. Census, which showed 37% of households had two vehicles and 22% of households owned three cars or more.
    • Gen Z and Millennials are the Leading Spenders: Gen Z and Millennials spend the most across all major categories, including car maintenance, where they spend $976 and $768 each year, respectively, compared to the $622 average. The same holds for service and repairs, including transmission replacement and engine work, where Gen Z and Millennials are spending $983 and $931 each, well above the $659 average. Despite these high costs, Gen Z and Millennials continue to get behind the wheel, outspending all others on gas, tolls, parking, and car washes each month.

    Synchrony’s Cost of Car Ownership survey was a quantitative online survey of 1,030 consumers aged 18+ from around the United States, fielded in partnership with the Ask Suzy platform, which gathers real-time feedback from the general population. All survey respondents were self-reported to be financially responsible for the general costs and upkeep of at least one passenger vehicle that they owned or leased.

  • Ohio Peterbilt boasts first to be named Master Technician

    Ohio Peterbilt boasts first to be named Master Technician

    Peterbilt recently recognized its first Master Technician, Michael Fitzpatrick of Ohio Peterbilt, marking what the company said is “a significant milestone in service excellence and reinforcing its commitment to advanced technician training.”

    The Peterbilt Master Technician designation is the highest level of technician achievement, representing a highly trained professional who has completed the most advanced level of education offered to diagnose, maintain and service Peterbilt vehicles. A Master Technician possesses in-depth knowledge across all major vehicle systems and is also recognized for their diagnostic, problem-solving abilities and leadership skills, according to the company.

    “We congratulate Michael Fitzpatrick on this significant achievement as our inaugural Peterbilt Master Technician,” said Danny Landholm, Peterbilt director of Dealer Network Development. “He has demonstrated exceptional expertise, leadership and mastery of advanced diagnostic and repair skills needed to support today’s increasingly complex vehicle technologies and the evolving needs of our customers.”

    Achieving Peterbilt Master Technician status requires extensive hands-on experience, completion of rigorous coursework and demonstrated proficiency in diagnosing and resolving critical vehicle system issues. As trusted technical leaders, to address complex truck, engine and electrical repair, Master Technicians will serve as mentors to other technicians to ensure vehicles meet Peterbilt’s high standards of performance and reliability. 

    “Earning the Master Technician designation is a proud moment in my career and the training has prepared me to deliver an even higher level of service,” said Fitzpatrick. “I’ve focused on understanding how advanced vehicle systems work together across the entire truck. This is knowledge I can apply every day and share with other technicians so we can continue improving together.”

    “Today we recognize an important accomplishment with the designation of our first Master Technician, reflecting a strong foundation of technical skill, experience and commitment to quality work. Our customers will benefit from more efficient diagnostics, dependable repairs and consistent service, while fellow technicians gain a knowledgeable resource to support ongoing learning and best practices. For our dealer network, this milestone supports continued investment in service expertise and reinforces our focus on reliable, high-quality support,” added Landholm.

  • Roadcheck set for May 12-14; here’s what inspectors will be looking at

    Roadcheck set for May 12-14; here’s what inspectors will be looking at

    The clock is ticking on getting commercial motor vehicles you’re responsible for ready for a major inspection effort.

    From May 12 to 14, enforcement personnel throughout North America will inspect commercial motor vehicles for compliance with vehicle, cargo and driver regulatory requirements as part of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s annual 72-hour inspection, enforcement and data-collection initiative, International Roadcheck.

    During International Roadcheck, inspectors at weigh/inspection stations and pop-up inspection sites primarily conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a 37-step procedure that includes two major parts – an examination of the driver’s operating requirements and an assessment of the vehicle’s mechanical fitness.

    For the vehicle portion of the inspection, inspectors will assess a vehicle’s:

    * brake systems

    * cargo securement

    *coupling devices

    *driveline/driveshaft components

    *driver’s seat

    *fuel and exhaust systems

    *frames

    *lighting devices

    *steering mechanisms

    *suspensions

    *tires

    *wheels

    *rims,

    *hubs,

    *windshield wipers.

    Inspections of motorcoaches/buses and other passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles also include examination of emergency exits, seating, and electrical cables and systems in the engine and battery compartments.

  • Skills USA names competitor for world technician competition in China

    Skills USA names competitor for world technician competition in China

    SkillsUSA recently announced it has selected Benjamin Strupp, of Holmen, Wisconsin, as the U.S.’s official competitor in Heavy Vehicle Technology for the 2026 WorldSkills Competition. This international skills competition is Sept. 22 -27 in Shanghai, China.

    Strupp, a diesel technician, is a graduate of Madison Area Technical College and Holmen High School. He was the SkillsUSA Wisconsin state champion in Diesel Equipment Technology for both the high school and college/postsecondary divisions in 2023 and 2025 respectively. He placed second in the nation at the 2025 SkillsUSA Championships held during the annual National Leadership & Skills Conference in Atlanta.

    “I have been around heavy equipment and trucks from a young age,” Strupp said. “This industry has been a major part of my life, and when I learned in high school that I could compete in an event that showcased the skills I knew best, I immediately pursued it. Continuing that path into college proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made.”

    In the SkillsUSA Championships, competitors cycle through stations testing and troubleshooting engines, electrical and electronics systems, and powertrain systems including chassis, transmissions, and carriers. They demonstrate skills in hydraulic systems, vehicle inspections, fundamental failure analysis, brake systems, air-conditioning systems, and general shop skills. Competitors also perform a job interview and complete a written test.

    Strupp said he was inspired to apply for consideration for the WorldSkills USA team by one of his college instructors who believed in his potential and challenged him to work harder.

    “He explained that with hard work and dedication, I could earn the opportunity to represent the United States at the WorldSkills competition in China, in 2026,” Strupp said. “That conversation motivated me to push myself and commit fully to my training. It feels incredible that someone from a small town in Wisconsin could train, work hard, and be chosen to represent my skills and knowledge as the competitor.”

    Strupp’s expert for the WorldSkills Competition is Greg Vannorsdel, Product Consultant for John Deere. John Deere and Caterpillar are sponsoring Strupp’s and Vannorsdel’s participation in this international competition.

    Vannorsdel, who has volunteered his time with SkillsUSA for a decade and was a student competitor himself when SkillsUSA was still known as VICA, is excited to help Strupp and the WorldSkills USA delegation shine on the international stage.

    “This isn’t just a role, it’s a chance to elevate our industry, invest in the next generation of talent, and prove that American skill can compete with the best in the world,” Vannorsdel said. “For years, I’ve poured my energy into SkillsUSA and future generations of diesel technicians, driving positive change and building trust as a national leader.”

    Strupp is eager to train over the next nine months.

    “From now until the competition, my training is extremely intensive, with a demanding schedule filled with travel and hands-on experience,” Strupp said, noting that self-discipline is the “most important part” of his preparation.

    Heavy Vehicle Technology is the fifth competition in which the U.S. delegation will compete during WorldSkills. WorldSkills brings together young people, industry, education, and government leaders from around the world to advance career and technical education and training. Competitors vie for international honors in skill competitions, showcasing dozens of trade skills.

    SkillsUSA already has named competitors in Mechatronics, Automobile Technology, Plumbing and Heating and Cooking. SkillsUSA will name additional competitors, experts and sponsors as it assembles the U.S. delegation in the coming months.

    To support the WorldSkills USA team, donate at worldskillsusa.org/donate.

  • ASE Foundation’s new website ‘to provide a wealth of resources’

    ASE Foundation’s new website ‘to provide a wealth of resources’

    The ASE Education Foundation has updated its website with an attractive new design, user-friendly functionality and more comprehensive information for ASE stakeholders, including students, schools and industry partners.

    “The new foundation website was designed to provide a wealth of resources that help develop, connect and create opportunities for students, schools and local businesses,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation. “Throughout the development phase, we kept in mind the need to address the technician shortage, so we included detailed information to help students learn about available scholarships, career opportunities and the benefits of ASE Certification as well as ways industry stakeholders can partner with ASE and connect with schools in their local areas.”

    The new website features three main categories, including one for students with links to help find information about schools, career opportunities and the benefits of ASE Certification. Available scholarship opportunities are clearly listed along with an instructive pathway to help students get started with their careers. Inspiring student success stories are highlighted and there is an option for students to share their own stories.

    A section for schools and instructors covers the benefits and process of accreditation and details about the annual ASE Instructor Conference. Also included is contact information for ASE field managers and a new interactive field manager map where individuals can click on any state to find the ASE field managers for that state.

    For industry partners, there are resources to help businesses connect and partner with schools, students and the ASE Education Foundation. There is also a comprehensive listing of the industry partners who generously support the Foundation’s mission.

    “The ASE Education Foundation impacts more than 100,000 students across 1,800+ ASE accredited programs, bridging the gap between education and the transportation industry and providing a certification pathway for students to enter the industry and build rewarding careers,” said Coley. “In developing this website, we wanted to provide a greater depth of information for all stakeholders in an easy-to-find, attractive format, so we sought their input to ensure we included valuable content reflecting the needs of all interested parties.”

    To view the new ASE Education Foundation website, visit ASEeducationFoundation.org.