Exploring the Shortage of Skilled Diesel Technicians in the Trucking Industry

Addressing the Shortage of Skilled Diesel Technicians in Trucking

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has recently released a comprehensive study that delves into the pressing issues surrounding the training, recruitment, and retention of qualified diesel technicians in the trucking sector. As the industry increasingly relies on these professionals for safe and efficient operations, the findings highlight an alarming gap in technician availability.

Current State of Diesel Technicians

In 2025, a staggering 65.5% of diesel technician shops reported being understaffed, with an average of 19.3% of positions remaining unfilled. The importance of skilled technicians cannot be overstated, as they play a pivotal role in maintaining the operational integrity of the trucking industry. The new research synthesizes insights garnered from a variety of sources, including technicians, shop owners, and various training programs.

Interestingly, the data reveals that a large majority of technicians (61.8%) embark on their careers without any formal training. Subsequently, these individuals require an average of 357 hours of training and approximately $8,211 in trainee wages just to reach a basic level of competence. Even graduates from training programs often struggle, with over 30% deemed unqualified in 20 essential skill areas. This points to a foundational issue within training curricula that requires immediate attention.

Areas for Improvement

Of the core skill areas assessed, there were significant disparities in how additional training hours impacted technician qualifications. In seven key areas, each extra hour of training led to a qualification improvement of over 16%. Conversely, six other areas showed a much more meager improvement rate of under 8% per additional training hour. This assessment underlines the need for upgraded curriculums that better equip technicians for the demands of the job.

Moreover, insights into the barriers technicians face at the onset of their careers reveal several challenges. The most commonly mentioned hurdles include the cost of acquiring personal tools (29.0%), lack of prior technical knowledge (28.0%), insufficient pay (16.1%), and inadequate mentorship in shops (10.8%). While pay and work schedules are major attractions for entering the field, many technicians also express a desire for more engaging and varied work experiences.

Exploring Alternative Career Paths

The study further highlights that 44% of trucking technicians are contemplating switching to other industries, with the automotive and agricultural sectors being the most appealing alternatives. Key reasons driving this contemplation include dissatisfaction with compensation, management interactions, and a lack of work variety. Understanding these insights is crucial for the trucking industry as it seeks to compete for talent against alternative career paths.

Robert Braswell, Executive Director of the American Trucking Association's Technology Maintenance Council, commented on the critical situation, stating, "With a lack of qualified techs and stiff competition from other industries, technician employment in the trucking industry is not keeping up with demand, especially when it comes to retaining entry-level technicians just entering the workforce." He emphasizes that ATRI's findings will assist trucking shops in identifying improvement areas and leveraging existing industry strengths.

Conclusion

The ATRI's full report is available on its website, providing further insights into strategies and solutions for addressing the skilled technician shortage. As the industry grapples with these challenges, it will be crucial to refine training methodologies and enhance the recruitment and retention of skilled professionals. The trucking industry’s ability to evolve amidst these challenges will play a significant role in maintaining a safe and efficient transportation system for years to come.