Description of the Truck and Transport Mechanic Trade
“Truck and Transport Mechanic” is this trade’s official Red Seal occupational title approved by the CCDA. This standard covers tasks performed by truck and transport mechanics.
Truck and transport mechanics inspect, diagnose, repair and maintain commercial trucks, emergency vehicles, buses and road transport vehicles. In some jurisdictions, they may also work on commercial trailers and recreation vehicles. Vehicles include electrical (high voltage), hybrid or other fuel alternative vehicles. Truck and transport mechanics work on the structural, mechanical, electrical vehicle systems and components such as engines, cab, chassis and frames, brakes, steering, suspension, drive train, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), emissions, fuel systems and hydraulic systems. Many of these systems have electronic controls.
Truck and transport mechanics use specialized tools including hand tools, test meters, hoisting and lifting equipment, staging equipment, welding and cutting equipment, hydraulic equipment, safety equipment, recycle and recovery equipment, and complex electronics and computer diagnostic test equipment.
Truck and transport mechanics are employed in the agricultural, construction, mining, forestry, petrochemical and transportation sectors. They may be employed in small repair shops, motor vehicle dealers, fleet maintenance companies, public transportation companies, government highway departments, railways and construction companies.
Work environments for truck and transport mechanics differ from one job to another. The truck and transport mechanic trade is physically demanding as they frequently work in awkward positions, and must often climb, stoop, crouch and kneel. They also must handle heavy parts and tools. Truck and transport mechanics are sometimes required to work in adverse weather conditions, including extreme cold and heat.
There is some risk of injury involved in working with heavy equipment and power tools. Common occupational hazards are exposure to chemicals and harmful materials, repetitive motion, stored energy releases, high voltages, noises and sharp edges.
Key attributes for individuals entering this trade are mechanical aptitude, manual dexterity, flexibility, good hand-eye coordination and data management (collection, storing and using data securely). With the evolving technology of electrical and hybrid vehicle systems, they must also have a good understanding of computerized machinery, good problem-solving, analytical and computer skills, and the ability to read and understand service manuals. Good communication skills, self learning skills and patience are also important. Other assets include good vision, hearing and sense of smell to diagnose problems.
This standard recognizes similarities or overlaps with the work of automotive service technicians, agricultural equipment technicians, heavy duty equipment technicians, recreation vehicle service technicians and transport trailer technicians.
With experience, truck and transport mechanics act as mentors and trainers to apprentices in the trade. They may also advance to supervisory, service manager and training positions.
In many jurisdictions, truck and transport mechanics require certification to conduct safety inspections on vehicles.