What does a tractor trailer mechanic do?
Tractor trailer mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real tractor trailer mechanic resumes:
- Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
- Dot inspections, drive line component service.
- Maintain trailers, overhead doors, lift gates & dollies
- Stick welding and MIG welding equipment to fabricate & repair metal parts.
- Work on all types of lawn mowers, tractors and tractor implements.
- Perform HVAC repairs ranging from troubleshooting to retrofits to complete system replacements.
- Use of all shop tools including air over hydraulic presses, torches and welders.
- Perform MIG and TIG welding on precision cut sheet metal used for box repairs.
- Single mechanic shop light to med duty repair to truck trailers and dollies and some facility maintenance
- Used acetylene torches to cut apart sheet metal sections, flooring, etc., of trailers partially or fully destroy.
- Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
- Convert, install, and maintain alternative fuel systems (propane).
- Perform skil work on heavy-duty and/ or special vehicles and equipment that are gasoline, diesel and/ or propane power.
- Replace EGR valve on volvo and cummins engine.
- Used computer programs Cummins insight, Catipilar, Volvo, Detroit, and others to diagnose trucks
Tractor trailer mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 21% of Tractor Trailer Mechanics are proficient in DOT, Hand Tools, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Tractor Trailer Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- DOT, 21%
Repaired hundreds of trailers ranging from welding issues, lighting issues, air leaks, and DOT safety related discrepancies.
- Hand Tools, 13%
Attached compression, ignition and timing test instruments to certain parts of tractor, using clamps and hand tools.
- Troubleshoot, 9%
Oil changes, wiring, troubleshoot hydraulic problems, replace fuel injection pumps, change tires and repair brake systems.
- Preventive Maintenance, 6%
Ensured that assigned fleet equipment status was annotated and/or functional by performing preventive maintenance.
- Shop Equipment, 6%
Keep shop equipment operating by following operating instructions, maintaining supplies performing preventive maintenance.
- Electrical Systems, 6%
Performed repairs on axle assemblies, s-cam brake systems, suspension systems, electrical systems, and refurbished trailer box cars.
"dot," "hand tools," and "troubleshoot" are among the most common skills that tractor trailer mechanics use at work. You can find even more tractor trailer mechanic responsibilities below, including:
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a tractor trailer mechanic to have is customer-service skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Tractor trailer mechanics often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "performed preventive maintenance on electrical panels and distribution systems, saving customers 30% of future repair spending. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling tractor trailer mechanic duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "diesel technicians must be aware of small details when inspecting or repairing engines and components, because mechanical and electronic malfunctions are often due to misalignments and other easy-to-miss causes." According to a tractor trailer mechanic resume, here's how tractor trailer mechanics can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "detailed completion in writing of diagnosis and repair on company repair order. "
Dexterity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of tractor trailer mechanics is dexterity. This skill is critical to many everyday tractor trailer mechanic duties, as "mechanics need a steady hand and good hand–eye coordination for many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "operated wide variety of equipment including power tools, grinders, drill, forklift and basic hand tools. "
Mechanical skills. A big part of what tractor trailer mechanics do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to tractor trailer mechanic responsibilities because "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical tractor trailer mechanic tasks: "repair mechanical: mig weld, arc weld, torch. "
Organizational skills. Another crucial skill for a tractor trailer mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is "organizational skills." A big part of what tractor trailer mechanics relies on this skill, since "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." How this skill relates to tractor trailer mechanic duties can be seen in an example from a tractor trailer mechanic resume snippet: "researched and implemented organizational maintenance practices/techniques, repair/replace components of the engine, cooling system, brake system, hydraulic system. "
Physical strength. Another skill commonly found on tractor trailer mechanic job descriptions is "physical strength." It can come up quite often in tractor trailer mechanic duties, since "diesel technicians often lift heavy parts and tools, such as exhaust system components and pneumatic wrenches." Here's an example from a resume of how this skill fits into day-to-day tractor trailer mechanic responsibilities: "provide excellent customer service by establishing and strengthening relationships with clientele. "
The three companies that hire the most tractor trailer mechanics are:
- Premier Transportation61 tractor trailer mechanics jobs
- Americold7 tractor trailer mechanics jobs
- Marino\WARE3 tractor trailer mechanics jobs
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Compare different tractor trailer mechanics
Tractor trailer mechanic vs. Mechanic's assistant
A mechanics assistant job involves assisting mechanics in operating, repairing, and refurbishing vehicles. Primarily, mechanics assistants work on the installation, repair, and replacement of an automobile's mechanical parts. They need to be knowledgeable of the processes and composition of automobiles. Also, they execute the opening and closing tasks in stores. The skillset for this position includes a strong work ethic, diagnostic skills, problem-solving, prior experience, customer service skills, and resourcefulness.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between tractor trailer mechanics and mechanic's assistant. For instance, tractor trailer mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "dot," "preventive maintenance," "trailer repair," and "a/c." Whereas a mechanic's assistant is skilled in "preventative maintenance," "osha," "safety equipment," and "maintenance services." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Mechanic's assistants earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $53,930. On the other hand, tractor trailer mechanics are paid more in the automotive industry with an average salary of $50,742.mechanic's assistants tend to reach similar levels of education than tractor trailer mechanics. In fact, mechanic's assistants are 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Tractor trailer mechanic vs. Diesel technician
Diesel technicians specialize in repairing and handling the maintenance of vehicles powered by diesel. They are primarily responsible for inspecting cars, conducting tests, and identifying its problems to determine what course of action to take. Aside from repairing engines, diesel technicians may also fix other systems such as brakes, steering, and even lighting. It is essential to discuss the extent of repairs to clients and make them understand the costs involved. Furthermore, it is vital to maintain an accurate record of data at all times.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that tractor trailer mechanic responsibilities requires skills like "troubleshoot," "preventive maintenance," "trailer repair," and "pms." But a diesel technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "cdl," "customer service," "preventative maintenance," and "defective equipment."
On average, diesel technicians earn a lower salary than tractor trailer mechanics. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, diesel technicians earn the most pay in the utilities industry with an average salary of $49,875. Whereas tractor trailer mechanics have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $50,742.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Diesel technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than tractor trailer mechanics. In fact, they're 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tractor trailer mechanic vs. Mechanic helper
The job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues. In addition, you will be responsible for logging labor costs and inventory use and take vehicles for test drives. Other duties include replacing belts and hoses, assisting the lead mechanic in major projects, and repairing and maintaining cars.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a tractor trailer mechanic is likely to be skilled in "dot," "troubleshoot," "shop equipment," and "trailer repair," while a typical mechanic helper is skilled in "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "safety equipment," and "safety procedures."
Mechanic helpers make a very good living in the professional industry with an average annual salary of $36,229. On the other hand, tractor trailer mechanics are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $50,742.Most mechanic helpers achieve a similar degree level compared to tractor trailer mechanics. For example, they're 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Tractor trailer mechanic vs. Mechanic driver
Even though a few skill sets overlap between tractor trailer mechanics and mechanic drivers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a tractor trailer mechanic might have more use for skills like "hand tools," "preventive maintenance," "shop equipment," and "trailer repair." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of mechanic drivers require skills like "cdl," "dump truck," "preventative maintenance," and "safety equipment. "
Mechanic drivers reach similar levels of education compared to tractor trailer mechanics, in general. The difference is that they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of tractor trailer mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
