Our Take: New American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) Report-Diesel Repair

The August 2025 American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) report highlighted a growing problem: the shortage of qualified diesel mechanics is making it harder than ever for fleets to keep trucks running smoothly. For fleet managers, relying solely on in-house hiring and training can be risky, costly, and time-consuming. That’s where Schroeder Truck Repair comes in — we already have experienced diesel mechanics ready to handle your diesel repair needs.

The Diesel Mechanic Shortage

ATRI’s research found that a majority of truck repair shops are understaffed, with 65.5% of shops reporting unfilled positions and an average of 19.3% of tech roles vacant. Many fleets are trying to train entry-level diesel mechanics, which requires hundreds of hours of mentoring and thousands in wages — and even then, many new hires lack the necessary skills for critical diesel repair tasks.

Retention is another challenge. Nearly 44% of diesel mechanics surveyed were considering leaving the field for other industries due to factors like pay, lack of mentorship, and the cost of tools. This creates a revolving door effect that can disrupt fleet maintenance schedules and increase downtime.

The Risk of Relying on In-House Diesel Mechanics

If you try to recruit and maintain your own diesel mechanics, you’re facing a number of challenges:

• Long ramp-up times before new techs are fully effective
  
  
• Training costs for hours and tools
  
  
• Risk of underqualified mechanics making mistakes
  
  
• Retention issues that lead to unpredictable staffing
  
  

The ATRI report shows that these are not minor issues — they’re systemic industry-wide problems that could impact your fleet’s reliability and profitability.

Why Schroeder Truck Repair Solves the Problem

Instead of gambling on in-house hiring, fleets can turn to Schroeder Truck Repair. We provide:

• Experienced diesel mechanics ready to work: No training bottlenecks or unproven staff
  
  
• Comprehensive diesel repair services: From preventative maintenance to major overhauls, we handle it all
  
  
• Reduced costs and downtime: Skip the hiring, mentoring, and training costs, and keep your trucks on the road
  
  
• Focus on your core business: Let our diesel mechanics handle the repairs while your team focuses on operations
  
  

Partnering with Schroeder Truck Repair means your fleet doesn’t have to compete for scarce diesel mechanic talent. You get immediate access to a skilled team, faster turnaround times, and the confidence that your trucks are being serviced correctly.

The Bottom Line

The ATRI report makes it clear: the shortage of qualified diesel mechanics isn’t going away anytime soon. Fleets that rely on in-house hiring risk higher downtime, increased costs, and stress on operations.

Schroeder Truck Repair is the reliable alternative. With trained diesel mechanics and proven diesel repair expertise, we ensure your fleet stays on the road, on schedule, and under budget. Don’t let the technician shortage slow your business — partner with Schroeder Truck Repair today.