Leasing Seeks Solutions to Technicain Shortage

The shortage of qualified truck drivers gets plenty of press, but for truck leasing companies, the lack of trained technicians is just as serious.

Leasing companies are faced with a question that is increasingly difficult to answer: Where are they going to get the highly skilled pool of technicians needed to service these vehicles?

Michael Payne, president of the Truck Renting and Leasing Association, said the scarcity of technicians is one of the most important issues facing his segment of the industry.

Ken Johnson Jr., vice president of J&L National Leasing, has made alleviating the shortage one of his priorities as chairman-designate of The Maintenance Council.

While fleet operators are more concerned with having enough drivers around to move freight, manufacturers, dealers and leasing companies need enough skilled manpower to service their leased or sold vehicles.

The technician shortage “certainly is going to have a major impact on our industry,” Payne said.

ayne said 70% of the truck leasing market is comprised of companies where the business is a sideline to their main activity. Among these “private carriers” are retailers like Sears or Wal-Mart.

“We are not truckers, we are suppliers,” he said.

Truck renters expect the leaser to take care of their needs, Payne said. “Our customers expect us to ‘spec’ the trucks they will use, buy them, take care of signage, train their drivers, establish safety programs and take care of all maintenance, and even garaging and washing,” so that the customers are free to concentrate on their core businesses.

I>For the full story, see the March 8 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.