Trends in the Truck and Transport Mechanic Trade
Technology
There is an increase in the use of alternative fuel system trucks, such as electric, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cells, natural gas and propane-powered, requiring truck and transport mechanics to be more knowledgeable of these new systems and have the skill set required for their maintenance and repair. Automated transmissions have become more popular replacing the manual transmission. These recent technological changes require truck and transport mechanics to have more intellectual, digital, computer and problem-solving skills.
Advanced driver-assist technologies such as lane signaling systems, lane departure, collision avoidance, and roll stability are rapidly evolving. Into the future, it is expected that there will be more and more autonomous applications, such as platoons of vehicles with a single driver and fully autonomous vehicles.
Health and Safety
There are advanced health and safety standards in regard to high voltages in electrical and hybrid vehicle systems. There is also potential for increased arc flash hazards that require specialized personal protective equipment (PPE), tools and safety procedures.
Tools and Equipment
In order to maintain, diagnose and repair hybrid and electric vehicles, specialized tools and repair techniques are necessary. Truck and transport mechanics need to be trained to use these tools and equipment and shops that service these vehicles must have the appropriate specialized equipment to work on them safely.
There is an increase in the use of specialized shop tools to reduce heavy lifting.
Products and Materials
There are increasingly expensive materials being used for the production of truck systems. After treatment systems require exotic materials to accomplish the emission reduction.
Environmental
The reduction of harmful exhaust emissions is a priority, which is leading to an increase in the market of alternative fuel system and electric vehicles. Design in vehicles improve their fuel efficiency through improved aerodynamics, reduced weight vehicles, improved tires and tire monitoring systems and electronic control management systems.
There are many hazardous materials used that are detrimental to the environment. Proper protocols for the recycling and disposal of these materials are crucial.
Legislative and Regulatory
There are legislative requirements set out by the provincial/territorial and federal governments that transport truck mechanics need to follow such as exhaust emissions and chemical disposal.