Kevin Tomlinson Named TMC Chairman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Kevin Tomlinson acknowledges that he and his fellow technicians might share some of the blame for the trucking industry’s technician shortage.

“We always feel that we want our children to become — or do better than — what we do, so we try to push them away from our industry,” said Tomlinson, named general chairman of the Technology & Maintenance Council on Feb. 18. “It’s really too bad, because I love this industry, and it’s allowed a great living for me.”

Tomlinson, 55, director of maintenance the past nine years at flatbed carrier South Shore Transportation Co. in Sandusky, Ohio, said the shortage of technicians entering the market is the organization’s most pressing issue, one that by itself could keep him busy all year.

HANDED THE BATON: Tomlinson to focus on technician shortage

But there are plenty of other issues to address; he’ll also be working on growing the organization’s membership, monitoring federal emissions standards and working to improve fleets’ asset-utilization and tire-deployment strategies.

And former chairman Kirk Altrichter said Tomlinson likely will need to add TMC’s strategic plan, the future truck project, and a “plethora of regulatory issues” to his agenda.

That’s a lot to tackle, but those who know Tomlinson said he’s jovial and easy-going, the kind of guy who rolls up his sleeves and takes on whatever comes his way.

“He is one of a handful of rock-solid, nice guys in the industry that can make friends with anybody,” said Tomlinson’s former boss, Keith Tuttle, who also is vice chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association. “He’s a brilliant guy with a tremendous ‘get it done’ attitude, always willing to help, no matter who or what time.”

Read more of our profile of Kevin Tomlinson in the Feb. 23 edition of Transport Topics