Navistar launches technician apprenticeship program
Navistar is implementing its International Truck and IC Bus Uptime Academy, a 12-month technician apprenticeship program that offers paid, hands-on training in a real-world setting. The new program presents a 90-day dealership rotation to on-the-job class assignments. Students work with multiple vehicle types, including electric and fuel cell technologies. On top of 3,200 hours of
Kenworth launches EV technician training, certification program
Kenworth has launched an EV technician training and certification program as part of its efforts to prepare Kenworth dealerships to service electric vehicles in the United States and Canada, the company announced in a press release. To attain initial EV certification, Kenworth technicians must successfully complete a seven-course curriculum on service systems, electrical principles, electrical
The importance of context when communicating in a truck shop
Language is a funny thing. Words provide the ability for us to communicate our thoughts and desires. And while our words make it possible for us to work together and get more accomplished than we ever could as individuals, language also carries the potential to bring confusion and distrust. Technicians sometimes form their own unique
Next Generation in Trucking Association partners with schools to train diesel techs, truck drivers
A recently launched non-profit, The Next Generation in Trucking Association, announced new school partnerships to provide CDL driver and diesel technician programs for young adults in Kentucky, Wisconsin and California. The group was started by members of the trucking industry to engage the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with both public and
Sound truck service shop advice for safety, productivity
Truck service best practices and the latest tools evolve just as quickly as truck equipment. Over-the-air updates, remote diagnostics, even shop safety procedures (thanks COVID), bring more opportunity and more complexity to the truck service process. To stay on top of it, Jake Schell, associate product manager for Mitchell 1’s Commercial Vehicle Group, pens a
Navistar answers the big service, support questions
Welcome to the first part in our two-part video interview series with Navistar’s aftersales leadership. Uptime has long been a tent-pole market strategy for Navistar that has been backed up by big investments over the past several years. Now as we (hopefully) enter the post-pandemic world, we can turn our attention to pressing service challenges
NationaLease names Top Techs in annual Tech Challenge
NationaLease announced the winners of its 11th Annual Top Tech Challenge. The competition is designed to give star technicians the opportunity to display their knowledge and technical expertise in a comprehensive written exam and hands-on competition. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s winners were decided on written test scores rather than a hands-on challenge. The
Help your truck technician team keep their cool this summer
As the global climate changes, many parts of the country are experiencing longer and more intense heat waves. Areas where working outside or in an open service bay may have been pleasant or only occasionally hot in the past are now suffering from increasingly severe heat events. When temperatures get high, people can overheat and
MPA to host diesel starting system webinar training
Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) will host a live, web-based, Part Smart educational program providing OE level training for the professional technician on Thursday, June 17. The webinar covering Diesel Starting Systems, will be taught by Nelson Davis, ASE L-1 Certified Master Technician. The one-hour live event will be held Thursday, June 17, at 12
How to avoid unexpected ‘no crank’ events
Our thoughts are focused on the journey for the day. Schedules need to be kept. The details of the route are worked out. Truck fluid levels are all good to go. Turn the key, press the Start button, and expect the engine to spin to life with a throaty rumble, ready to take on the
Three preventative maintenance tips to keep your trucks rolling
Any mechanic who works in fleet maintenance will tell you that preventative maintenance will save you time and money. Managers who run a well-maintained fleet have trucks that break down less and save fuel. However, many fleet managers still come up short when it comes to fleet maintenance. As a mobile mechanic, I have worked
Recruit, retain technicians using truck service technology
The heavy-duty service shop is where preventative maintenance keeps your trucks performing at peak capacity and is the battleground against unplanned maintenance. Of course, the technician shortage complicates matters. When it comes to technician recruitment, your best bet for getting the best technicians into your shop is through relationship building with your local diesel and
