ATRI: Trucking's Technician Shortage is Getting Worse
A new ATRI report reveals most diesel technicians enter the workforce without formal training, leaving shops to spend thousands on preparation. The findings outline key barriers, training gaps, and retention risks for fleets.
ATRI’s latest report highlights training gaps and retention challenges as fleets face a growing shortage of qualified diesel technicians.
Photo: HDT
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The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released a new report examining the causes and potential solutions for the shortage of qualified diesel technicians. Findings show that 65.5% of shops were understaffed in 2025, with nearly one in five positions unfilled.
Training and Qualification Challenges
Most diesel technicians (61.8%) enter the field without formal training. Shops report an average of 357 training hours and $8,211 in trainee wages are needed to bring these workers up to speed. Even among graduates of formal programs, more than 30% were rated unqualified in 20 core skill areas.
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ATRI found training effectiveness varied significantly by skill area.
Impact of Additional Training Hours on Technician Qualification
Core Skill Area
Median Training Hours
Improvement in Qualification (%)
Improvement per Hour (%)
Cab – Hardware
5.0
166%
33%
Diesel Engines – Cooling System
7.5
205%
27%
Electronic Systems – Instrument Cluster and Driver Information Systems
7.5
191%
25%
Hydraulics – Basic Inspection
5.0
123%
25%
Diesel Engines – Air Induction and Exhaust Systems
12.5
232%
19%
Electronic Systems – Lighting Systems
10.0
170%
17%
Diesel Engines – Lubrication Systems
10.0
170%
17%
HVAC – Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling Systems
12.5
189%
15%
Diesel Engines – Fuel System
20.0
294%
15%
Brakes – Dynamic Brake Systems, ABS, ATC, and ESC
10.0
146%
15%
Cab – Safety Equipment
7.5
106%
14%
HVAC – Refrigeration System Components
12.5
171%
14%
Diesel Engines – Engine Block, Cylinder Head, and Valve Train
27.5
276%
10%
Suspension and Steering
20.0
178%
9%
Drive Train
27.5
188%
7%
Brakes – Air Brake, Air Supply and Service Systems
30.0
200%
7%
Tires – Wheels, and Wheel Ends
20.0
123%
6%
Brakes – Foundation Brake System
30.0
128%
4%
Electronic Systems – Battery, Starting, and Charging System
These findings highlight both the benefits of targeted training and the need to update curricula in less impactful skill areas.
Barriers to Entry
When starting their careers, technicians reported the following primary barriers:
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Barrier
Percentage Reporting
High cost of tools
29.0%
Lack of prior technical knowledge
28.0%
Insufficient pay
16.1%
Poor shop mentorship
10.8%
Restrictive shift/hours
6.5%
New digital/electronic technology
5.4%
Low confidence
4.3%
While pay and schedules remain major incentives, technicians also ranked more interesting work and greater variety of work as important factors for staying in the industry.
Industry Distribution of Technicians
The table below from ATRI shows how diesel technicians are distributed across U.S. industries:
Industry
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Total by Industry
Truck Transportation
57,300
70
2,480
59,850
Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods
35,910
25,790
48,760
110,460
Repair and Maintenance
33,660
1,600
9,720
44,980
Federal, State, and Local Government
30,920
0
14,900
45,820
Rental and Leasing Services
14,830
60
20,810
35,700
Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation
12,620
0
0
12,620
Educational Services
10,510
250
280
11,040
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
3,170
90
20,260
23,520
Support Activities for Agriculture & Forestry
210
3,160
150
3,520
Retention Concerns
The report found that 44% of diesel technicians are considering leaving for other industries, particularly automotive and agriculture. Dissatisfaction with pay, management, and lack of work variety were significant factors influencing these decisions.
Industry Response
“With a lack of qualified techs and stiff competition from other industries, retaining entry-level technicians has become one of our biggest challenges,” said Robert Braswell, executive director of ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council. “This report identifies where training can be improved and how we can build on the industry’s strengths.”
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