ATA: Truck technician shortage could threaten industry

U.S. lawmakers and industry advocates need to do more to address a “critical” shortage of skilled truck technicians and mechanics, according to Bill Graves, CEO of American Trucking Associations.    In addition to the much publicized lack of qualified truck drivers, the trucking industry is currently dealing with a “critical” shortage of skilled technicians and mechanics, according to American Trucking Associations CEO Bill Graves.
   Graves in a recent statement urged United States lawmakers and industry stakeholders to “do more to address the nation’s large and growing shortage of truck technicians.”
   “In our industry, we often talk about the impact of the shortage of truck drivers,” said Graves, “but we mustn’t forget trucking’s need to have many skilled technicians and mechanics to keep their rigs in working order and their wheels moving.”
   Graves cited a recent study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which said the trucking industry will need to recruit 67,000 new technicians by the year 2022 due to turnover and growth in freight volumes. Further, that figure does not include over 75,000 new diesel engine specialists BLS said the industry will need by 2022, according to Graves.
   “Trucking moves America forward and technicians keeps those trucks moving,” added Carl Kirk, ATA vice president of maintenance, information technology and logistics and executive director of ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council. “We’re encouraged that ATA, as the industry leader, is urging people who can make a difference to focus on ways to address the looming technician shortage.”
   American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry, with a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils.