A fleet mechanic or technician inspects, maintains, and repairs the vehicles comprising a company’s fleet. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the entire fleet functions as expected and the business can use it as needed. Fleet technicians may work on various vehicles in diverse industries, from product transport, delivery, and moving services trucks to ambulance, police, and fire department vehicles to car and limousine rental and chauffeur services.
While fleet mechanics usually work on-site at a company’s fleet location, they may also need to travel to perform remote repairs in case of emergency breakdowns of a vehicle or equipment. Depending on a fleet’s size, they may work alone or with fellow mechanics, and all report to a fleet manager. Fleet technicians typically work regular business hours, but some may have to work weekends or overtime depending on the specific business whose fleet they serve. Their work requires promptness to minimize vehicle downtime since staying out of service for too long can negatively impact a company’s operations and finances.
Fleet technicians fulfill various duties. For example, they inspect and repair fleet vehicles, from frame and body to moving components (engines, transmission) to systems (climate control, electrical, hydraulic). Fleet mechanics also complete regular maintenance, assess vehicles’ wear and tear, create repair and maintenance plans, and estimate the cost of repair, including consumable and maintenance parts.
Additionally, fleet technicians must maintain safety standards. They perform Department of Transport (DOT) inspections, ensure hazardous materials (HAZMAT) compliance, and file Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) paperwork. Other fleet mechanics’ responsibilities include managing parts inventory, training newly hired technicians, and issuing invoices for provided services.
Fleet mechanics may specialize in certain types of vehicles or tasks. For example, a diesel mechanic maintains diesel engines found in trailers, heavy construction vehicles, and equipment like bulldozers and cranes. Truck mechanics repair and perform preventative maintenance on trucks with diesel or petrol-powered engines.
Small engine mechanics are responsible for servicing, maintaining, and repairing small motorized vehicles such as motorboats, motorbikes, and outdoor mechanical equipment. Fleet maintenance technicians specialize in carrying out basic preventative maintenance tasks, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level check-ups, and lubricant applications to moving mechanical components of vehicles.
Acquiring a high school diploma or its equivalent is a good first step in education. Completing either provides prospective fleet mechanics with knowledge in foundational disciplines like English language, math, and social studies and essential soft skills, including organization, responsibility, and time management, on which they can build further.
While not compulsory, obtaining an associate degree may significantly increase aspiring fleet mechanics’ hiring prospects. Some favorable majors include automotive technology, business, engineering, or management. Alternatively, future fleet mechanics may enroll in a technical or vocational school after completing their high school education. They can opt for an automotive mechanics program, which will familiarize them with automotive service, maintenance, and repair basics, as well as essential components like engines, powertrains, suspensions, and vehicle electronics systems.
Holding certifications, preferably from the National Institute for Automotive Excellence (ASE), is also beneficial for would-be fleet mechanics' competitiveness. ASE certification has become the benchmark for automotive and diesel service technician credentials. It requires two years of work experience; thus, fleet mechanics often obtain it while working.
Employment professionals advise starting with entry-level positions that will allow prospective fleet mechanics to work with and learn from experienced technicians and get hands-on training. An automotive technician is an example of an entry-level job where they can gain the work experience sought after by employers.
Finally, having a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can also boost a fleet technician’s employment appeal. A CDL verifies its holder’s ability to drive commercial vehicles, including buses, trucks, and certain heavy-duty vehicles. It is particularly beneficial for those seeking to work on diesel vehicles since they must be familiar with their features and know how to operate them.
