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What does a truck trailer mechanic do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read

Heavy-duty trucks and trailers often break down after continuous use, and that is where a mechanic's job is very important. A truck trailer mechanic inspects, troubleshoots, and repairs all sizes of trucks and trailers. They also conduct routine preventive inspections and repair brakes, tires, steering, and mobile AC refrigeration. They are responsible for ensuring that all trailers under their care meet all road safety requirements from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

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Truck trailer mechanic responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real truck trailer mechanic resumes:

  • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.
  • Perform PMs, A/C repair , 12 Volta electrical diagnosis and repairs.
  • Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
  • Assign duties and examine work for cleanliness, presentation, neatness and conformance to store policies and procedures.
  • Apply advanced mechanical skills to rebuild/repair trailers: used TIG welder, air tools, scanning devices and monitoring instruments
  • Maintain cleanliness and safety of working environment.
  • Accomplish several other kenworth basic training modules.Skills UsedProblem solving, mechanical aptitude, and efficient workmanship.

Truck trailer mechanic skills and personality traits

We calculated that 30% of Truck Trailer Mechanics are proficient in CDL, Landing Gear, and Hand Tools. They’re also known for soft skills such as Customer-service skills, Detail oriented, and Dexterity.

We break down the percentage of Truck Trailer Mechanics that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • CDL, 30%

    Maintained and operate a CDL mechanics truck, equipped 100% with my own tools.

  • Landing Gear, 10%

    Inspected, maintained, and replaced brakes, landing gears, and electrical components.

  • Hand Tools, 10%

    Dismantled electronic equipment and removed faulty components for repair using hand tools.

  • Safety Devices, 9%

    Examined protective guards, loose bolts and specified safety devices on trucks, and made adjustments with handtools.

  • Diagnostics, 5%

    Service Mechanic from Preventative Maintenance service to Total Rebuilds, Electrical repair ABS Diagnostics and repairs, Structural Welding.

  • Oil Changes, 4%

    Performed basic service on diesel trucks including brakes and oil changes, performed service on trailers including welding and rewiring.

Most truck trailer mechanics use their skills in "cdl," "landing gear," and "hand tools" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential truck trailer mechanic responsibilities here:

Customer-service skills. One of the key soft skills for a truck trailer mechanic to have is customer-service skills. You can see how this relates to what truck trailer mechanics do because "diesel technicians frequently discuss automotive problems and necessary repairs with their customers." Additionally, a truck trailer mechanic resume shows how truck trailer mechanics use customer-service skills: "repair heavy trucks and trailers pick up trucks, cars road services and site work w/ service truck to various customers"

Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling truck 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 truck trailer mechanic resume, here's how truck trailer mechanics can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "serviced tractor trailers with daily maintance and breakdowns, while keeping detailed maintenance records. "

Dexterity. truck trailer mechanics are also known for dexterity, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to truck trailer mechanic responsibilities, because "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." A truck trailer mechanic resume example shows how dexterity is used in the workplace: "fabricated special lifting and towing attachments, hydraulic systems, shields, and other devices according to blueprints or schematic drawings. "

Mechanical skills. A big part of what truck trailer mechanics do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to truck 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 truck trailer mechanic tasks: "inspect, repair, and maintain automotive and mechanical equipment and machinery such as pumps and compressors. "

Organizational skills. Another crucial skill for a truck trailer mechanic to carry out their responsibilities is "organizational skills." A big part of what truck 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 truck trailer mechanic duties can be seen in an example from a truck trailer mechanic resume snippet: "performed organizational maintenance services on wheeled vehicles, trailers, generators, and pumping units. "

Physical strength. Another skill commonly found on truck trailer mechanic job descriptions is "physical strength." It can come up quite often in truck 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 truck trailer mechanic responsibilities: "provided physical and technical assistance for hvac technicians. "

All truck trailer mechanic skills

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Compare different truck trailer mechanics

Truck 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.

The annual salary of mechanic's assistants is $7,235 lower than the average salary of truck trailer mechanics.Even though truck trailer mechanics and mechanic's assistants are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require hand tools, oil changes, and engine repair in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between truck trailer mechanics and mechanic's assistant. For instance, truck trailer mechanic responsibilities require skills such as "cdl," "landing gear," "safety devices," and "diagnostics." Whereas a mechanic's assistant is skilled in "safety equipment," "maintenance services," "service calls," and "vehicle maintenance." 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, truck trailer mechanics are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $50,378.On average, mechanic's assistants reach similar levels of education than truck trailer mechanics. Mechanic's assistants are 1.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Truck 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.

A career as a diesel technician brings a lower average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a truck trailer mechanic. In fact, diesel technicians salary is $1,900 lower than the salary of truck trailer mechanics per year.A few skills overlap for truck trailer mechanics and diesel technicians. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "cdl," "landing gear," and "hand tools. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, truck trailer mechanic responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "safety devices," "diagnostics," "mig," and "propane." Meanwhile, a diesel technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "diagnosis," "dot," and "defective equipment." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

On average, diesel technicians earn a lower salary than truck 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 truck trailer mechanics have higher pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $50,378.diesel technicians earn similar levels of education than truck trailer mechanics in general. They're 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Truck 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.

On average scale, mechanic helpers bring in lower salaries than truck trailer mechanics. In fact, they earn a $16,876 lower salary per year.truck trailer mechanics and mechanic helpers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "hand tools," "oil changes," and "engine repair," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from truck trailer mechanic resumes include skills like "cdl," "landing gear," "safety devices," and "diagnostics," whereas a mechanic helper is more likely to list skills in "work ethic," "strong work ethic," "preventive maintenance," and "safety equipment. "

Mechanic helpers earn the highest salary when working in the professional industry, where they receive an average salary of $36,229. Comparatively, truck trailer mechanics have the highest earning potential in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $50,378.When it comes to education, mechanic helpers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to truck trailer mechanics. In fact, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Truck 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.

Shop technicians typically earn lower pay than truck trailer mechanics. On average, shop technicians earn a $11,970 lower salary per year.According to resumes from truck trailer mechanics and shop technicians, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "landing gear," "hand tools," and "oil changes. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between truck trailer mechanics and shop technicians, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a truck trailer mechanic might have more use for skills like "cdl," "safety devices," "diagnostics," and "dpf." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of shop technicians require skills like "diagnosis," "cranes," "customer service," and "hvac. "

Shop technicians enjoy the best pay in the energy industry, with an average salary of $45,857. For comparison, truck trailer mechanics earn the highest salary in the manufacturing industry.In general, shop technicians hold similar degree levels compared to truck trailer mechanics. Shop technicians are 1.9% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of truck trailer mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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