For years, many individuals in the trucking industry have spoken about the driver shortage. Whether it be owner-operators or company drivers, most people agree that the problem continues to grow.
However, one thing you don’t really hear much about is the looming diesel technician shortage. The workforce is aging, with an estimated 40 – 50 percent expected to retire by the end of 2030, and the number of prospective workers entering the field is declining.
Issues for carriers and owner-operators will continue to grow. The wait time for repairs has steadily increased over the years, and with fewer technicians available, those times will only worsen. The more time carriers and owner-operators lose waiting to have their equipment serviced, the less time they spend on the road making money.
Many individuals getting into the field today must be more tech-savvy than the mechanics of the past years. They need to be able to use laptops and programs to diagnose issues with today’s newer trucks. As the technology in trucks changes from battery/electric trucks to trucks that run on alternative fuel sources or vehicles with smart screen technology, today’s diesel technician needs to be flexible in classes to stay current with these changes.
This may be one factor discouraging some workers from entering the field. Whatever the reason for the diesel technician shortage, this will be a concern for carriers and owner-operators alike.