What does a trailer mechanic do?
A trailer mechanic specializes in providing repair services on large vehicles such as trailers, semi-trucks, and tractors. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery and electrical systems, diagnosing issues, conducting fixes and replacements, and explaining the extent of damage or repairs to clients. There are also instances where they must devise testing strategies, ensuring compliance with the government's policies. Furthermore, a trailer mechanic must maintain regular maintenance checks on vehicles to ensure the safety of operators and the efficiency of workflow.
Trailer mechanic responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real trailer mechanic resumes:
- Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
- Repair equipment in accordance with manufacturer and FMCSA guidelines.use a variety of hand tools pneumatic and hydraulic.
- Perform PMs on tractors and trailers, brake jobs, wheels seals, A/C repairs, starting system repair.
- Build croton, core drill, solder, brazing.
- Install, black iron, cast iron, galvanize, fire sprinkle, gas, copper, & PVC pipe.
- Experience in small engine lawn mowers.
- Maintain bulldozers, tractors, construction equipment.
- Maintain bulldozers, graders and surface mining equipment.
- Repair trailers, dollies, and tractors to company standards.
- Perform fhwa inspections and adhere to preventive maintenance as scheduled.
- can drive semi's with trailers, just not cdl certify.
- Repair structural cracks on end dump trailers specializing in aluminum m.i.g.
- Provide a safe environment to work in and follow OSHA regulations.
- Gain high level of familiarity with annual service procedures and diagnostics.
- Replace brake chambers, slack adjusters, and brake cam bushings.
Trailer mechanic skills and personality traits
We calculated that 19% of Trailer Mechanics are proficient in CDL, Hand Tools, and Work Ethic. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.
We break down the percentage of Trailer Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- CDL, 19%
LICENSE: CDL, Class ABCD, Endorsement TPS
- Hand Tools, 13%
Managed inventory control on multiple types of hand tools by making sure equipment was tested and worked properly to accomplish job.
- Work Ethic, 11%
worked my way into various positions because of my work ethic.
- DOT, 11%
Assessed, determined and repaired mechanical defects toward safety maintenance according to DOT standards.
- Safety Inspections, 7%
Conducted safety inspections to meet Department of Transportation standards.
- Perform Routine Maintenance, 7%
Perform routine maintenance like replacing worn out tires, replace headlights and light signals, repair/replace valves, and brake service/replacement.
"cdl," "hand tools," and "work ethic" are among the most common skills that trailer mechanics use at work. You can find even more trailer mechanic responsibilities below, including:
Customer-service skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a 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." Trailer mechanics often use customer-service skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "complete each repair order in a safe and professional way so that our customers are satisfied. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling 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 trailer mechanic resume, here's how trailer mechanics can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "give customers detailed information on repairs needed via notes and repair orders. "
Dexterity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of trailer mechanics is dexterity. This skill is critical to many everyday 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: "used hand tools, power tools, hoists and lifts and pullers took apart and reassembled equipment. "
Mechanical skills. trailer mechanic responsibilities often require "mechanical skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "diesel technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other." This resume example shows what trailer mechanics do with mechanical skills on a typical day: "replace hubs, speedy tape, patch roofs, replace broken flooring, replace side panels skills usedmechanical"
Organizational skills. Another common skill required for trailer mechanic responsibilities is "organizational skills." This skill comes up in the duties of trailer mechanics all the time, as "diesel technicians must keep workspaces clean and organized in order to maintain safety and accountability for parts." An excerpt from a real trailer mechanic resume shows how this skill is central to what a trailer mechanic does: "performed organizational maintenance services on wheeled vehicles, trailers, generators, and pumping units. "
Physical strength. Another skill commonly found on trailer mechanic job descriptions is "physical strength." It can come up quite often in 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 trailer mechanic responsibilities: "assemble and maintain physical structures, using hand or power tools. "
The three companies that hire the most trailer mechanics are:
- J.B. Hunt Transport Services91 trailer mechanics jobs
- Trimac Transportation Ltd.71 trailer mechanics jobs
- Estes Express Lines53 trailer mechanics jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable trailer mechanic resume templates
Build a professional trailer mechanic resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your trailer mechanic resume.
Compare different trailer mechanics
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 similarities exist, there are also some differences between trailer mechanics and diesel technician. For instance, trailer mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "safety inspections," "osha," "aluminum," and "mig." Whereas a diesel technician is skilled in "diagnosis," "diesel engines," "defective equipment," and "pto." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Diesel technicians tend to make the most money working in the utilities industry, where they earn an average salary of $49,875. In contrast, trailer mechanics make the biggest average salary, $44,677, in the transportation industry.The education levels that diesel technicians earn slightly differ from trailer mechanics. In particular, diesel technicians are 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a trailer mechanic. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Trailer mechanic vs. Automotive service technician
Automotive service technicians, often called service technicians, have a duty to inspect, maintain, and repair cars and even light trucks. It is their job as automotive service technicians to find problems, often by computerized diagnostic equipment. They do test parts and systems to guarantee that they work properly and follow checklists to ensure that every critical part is examined. Performing basic care and maintenance is also part of their main tasks, including changing oil, rotating tires, and checking fluid levels.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real trailer mechanic resumes. While trailer mechanic responsibilities can utilize skills like "cdl," "dot," "routine maintenance," and "preventative maintenance," automotive service technicians use skills like "dexterity," "manual dexterity," "customer satisfaction," and "ase."
Automotive service technicians may earn a higher salary than trailer mechanics, but automotive service technicians earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $38,929. On the other hand, trailer mechanics receive higher pay in the transportation industry, where they earn an average salary of $44,677.In general, automotive service technicians achieve similar levels of education than trailer mechanics. They're 0.3% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.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.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a trailer mechanic is likely to be skilled in "cdl," "work ethic," "dot," and "safety inspections," while a typical mechanic's assistant is skilled in "safety equipment," "maintenance services," "mechanical equipment," and "vehicle maintenance."
Mechanic's assistants make a very good living in the energy industry with an average annual salary of $53,930. On the other hand, trailer mechanics are paid the highest salary in the transportation industry, with average annual pay of $44,677.Most mechanic's assistants achieve a similar degree level compared to trailer mechanics. For example, they're 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Trailer mechanic vs. Shop technician
Shop Technicians are skilled workers assigned to a retail store. Their main activities depend on the nature of the business their company is in. Usually, Shop Technicians work with machines in the shop. They conduct repair and maintenance work for machines that have long been in the shop. They are also in charge of installing and building new machines as well. Shop Technicians are assigned to manage records of such machines or s other mechanical items in the store. This is part of the administrative activities they may do for the shop.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between trailer mechanics and shop technicians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a trailer mechanic might have more use for skills like "cdl," "osha," "aluminum," and "semi trailers." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of shop technicians require skills like "diagnosis," "cranes," "hvac," and "diesel engines. "
In general, shop technicians earn the most working in the energy industry, with an average salary of $45,857. The highest-paying industry for a trailer mechanic is the transportation industry.In general, shop technicians hold similar degree levels compared to trailer mechanics. Shop technicians are 1.1% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of trailer mechanic
Updated January 8, 2025
