Truck and Transport MechanicsNOC
7321Introduction Truck and transport mechanics inspect, diagnose, repair and service mechanical, structural, electrical and electronic systems and components of commercial transport trucks. They are employed by repair shops, large fleet maintenance companies, transportation and other companies which own and operate trucks.
read specifications of trucks on a computer database. (1)
read service bulletins and flyers. (1)
read letters and memos regarding insurance and payroll. (1)
read Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) materials and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to learn the consequences of using certain products such as penetrating oils and acids. (2)
read health and safety materials, such as descriptions of personal protective equipment (PPE) and first aid information. (2)
read Minutes of safety meetings to learn what advice is being offered by the safety committee. (2)
read company policies, such as those relating to drug and alcohol use. (2)
read motor magazines to learn more about standards and licences. (2)
read installation and programming directions for electronic equipment. (3)
read shop training manuals and programmed learning modules put out by diesel companies. (3)
read texts from the company's shop library to learn more about engines and electronics. (3)
write customer scheduling information on an appointment board. (2)
read and complete warranty registration forms. (2)
read directions for the operation of valves or electrical components. (2)
refer to tables and charts, such as size tables for tires and differentials and to conversion charts for calibrating speedometers. (2)
read diagnostic graphs directly from the computer, such as a temperature graph which shows if sensors are within specifications. These graphs can also be printed. (2)
interpret tachographs which record speeds, rpm and engine idling. The tachographs are used for diagnostic purposes, e.g., to ascertain if the truck was run too long in eighth gear instead of ninth. (3)
read "black box" printouts that show how many times the truck shifted gears between two geographic points and tracks progressive shifting. They calibrate the equipment to make sure they are recording all the information they are supposed to record. (3)
interpret blueprints of special equipment. (3)
read assembly diagrams to assemble specialized equipment such as transmissions. (3)
interpret schematic diagrams, such as wiring diagrams or air brakes diagrams. (3)
read and follow electrical troubleshooting charts and diagrams. (3)
Examples of Creating Documents
Truck and transport mechanics:
make informal drawings, such as a wiring sketch which shows light hookups.
may make sketches of a cylinder block to show where pitting (cavitation) of the liner took place. These sketches are sent to the manufacturer.
may draw to scale in instances where precision is required, such as noting the location where holes are to be drilled.
Complete forms by marking check boxes, recording numerical information or entering words, phrases, sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The list of specific tasks varies depending on what was reported.
Read completed forms containing check boxes, numerical entries, phrases, addresses, sentences or text of a paragraph or more. The list of specific tasks varies depending on what was reported.
Read tables, schedules or other table-like text (e.g., read work shift schedules).
Create tables, schedules or other table-like text.
Enter information on tables, schedules or other table-like text.
Plot information on graphs (e.g. line, pie, bar).
Obtain specific information from graphs or charts.
Interpret information on graphs or charts.
Construct or draw graphs or charts.
Draw, sketch or form common shapes such as circles, triangles, spheres, rectangles, squares, etc.
Interpret scale drawings (e.g. blueprints or maps).
Take measurements from scale drawings.
Draw to scale.
Read assembly drawings (e.g. those found in service and parts manuals).
write reminder notes to co-workers and post on a board. (1)
write notes to workers on another shift, such as "re steering wheel - truck should not be driven". (1)
write comments in the "remarks" section of preventative maintenance checklist forms. (2)
write on work orders to show the cause of a malfunction and the correction made - e.g. what was done to repair a defective speedometer and how long it took. (2)
may write an itemized report for a customer, listing all work done on a truck. (2)
prepare written estimates of all items that need to be replaced when a wreck comes in. (2)
write reports for insurance claims. These must be very precise and accurate. (3)
measure and weigh R 134 refrigerants. (Measurement and Calculation Math),
(1)
measure current resistance, amperage draw, voltage drop, temperatures and RPMs. (Measurement and Calculation Math),
(2)
measure the thickness of a washer, the depth of a counter bore and the length of an axle. (Measurement and Calculation Math),
(3)
compare the number of hours the truck was idle to the number of miles it ran to determine how much fuel burned. (Data Analysis Math),
(1)
calculate the average fuel economy for a vehicle. (Data Analysis Math),
(2)
estimate how much it will cost to fix an air conditioner. (Numerical Estimation),
(2)
estimate how long a cable or hose is required to complete a repair. (Numerical Estimation),
(2)
estimate the weight of the load to determine whether the weight of the load plus the weight of the trailer is under the allowed legal limit on all axles. (Numerical Estimation),
(2)
Read and write, count, round off, add or subtract, multiply or divide whole numbers.
For example,
they read numbers relating to kilometres and rpms from the black boxes mounted in trucks.
Integers
Read and write, add or subtract, multiply or divide integers.
For example,
note negative readings on calibration equipment.
Rational Numbers - Fractions
Read and write, add or subtract fractions, multiply or divide by a fraction, multiply or divide fractions.
For example,
using a half or third of a container of oil.
Rational Numbers - Decimals
Read and write, round off, add or subtract decimals, multiply or divide by a decimal, multiply or divide decimals.
For example,
take calibration readings that are given in decimals, measuring nitrates in engine antifreeze at 2.2 parts per million; itemize the cost of parts and add them to anticipated labour costs to obtain a repair cost estimate for a customer.
Rational Numbers - Percent
Read and write percents, calculate the percent one number is of another, calculate a percent of a number.
For example,
assessing the percentage overload that a trailer may be carrying - e.g, 30 % over recommended limit.
Equivalent Rational Numbers
Convert between fractions and decimals or percentages. Convert between decimals and percentages.
For example,
converting from ounces to litres when measuring oil for air conditioning units.
Solve problems by constructing and solving equations with one unknown. Use formulae by inserting quantities for variables and solving Write, simplify and solve two variable algebraic problems. Write, simplify and solve quadratic equations.
For example,
using an equation of mph to km over the run of a distance over time.
Use of Rate, Ratio and Proportion
Use a rate showing comparison between two quantities with different units. Use a ratio showing comparison between two quantities with the same units. Use a proportion showing comparison between two ratios or rates in order to solve problems.
For example,
adding fuel oil and additives in the recommended ratios.
Calculate averages. Calculate rates other than percentages. Calculate proportions or ratios.
For example,
calculate average fuel consumption of a truck over a two week period to determine at what point fuel consumption departed from the norm. This is a helpful diagnostic.
See Document Use for information on:
Using tables, schedules or other table-like text. Using graphical presentations.
communicate with stockroom personnel concerning the pick up of parts. (1)
communicate with the shop foreman to discuss scheduling and the length of various jobs. (2)
contact other mechanics to find out what repairs were previously done to a vehicle and discuss how to carry out difficult repairs. (2)
talk to customers in the shop to discuss their vehicle and to provide important information on parts and warranties. Communication with drivers is vital as they are able to provide important diagnostic information, such as noises that indicate a certain type of problem. (2)
communicate with truck company dispatchers about how long it will take before their trucks are back on the road. (2)
talk to suppliers to query why a part broke down a second time. (2)
contact manufacturers to discuss problems, such as U joints not lasting. (2)
may find that they are not able to pull off a wheel bearing using the tools in the shop. They seek a more appropriate tool, possibly contacting another facility to borrow it. (1)
may have difficulty gaining access to trucks needing repair since dispatchers want to keep the trucks on the road. They contact dispatchers to find a mutually agreeable time, using firmness to stress the importance of the repair and using flexibility if necessary to schedule a weekend or evening appointment. (2)
may find that drivers get grumpy and irritated waiting for their vehicle. They try to assuage their concern, carefully itemizing all the steps that need to be taken in the repair so that the driver will understand why it is taking so long. (2)
may encounter an intermittent electrical problem which defies solving. They check with other mechanics, refer to manuals and use diagnostic tools such as handheld computers to retrieve fault codes. If all else fails, they call a helpline. (3)
decide what repairs are most important to be done when the driver has only limited time available. (2)
decide whether to call a customer about a needed repair, such as fixing a clutch fan, or whether to simply go ahead with the repair. They make this decision based on past experience with the customer and the costliness of the repair. (2)
decide whether to repair or replace suspension, tie rods or tires based on experience, safety considerations and company policy. (3)
decide whether a load is safe to be brought into the shop. This decision is based on knowledge of dangerous goods and hazardous materials. This decision is important since company policy does not allow dangerous goods to be transported into the shop. (3)
Planning is generally short term and is based on reacting to work orders. There may be several days notice of major repairs such as doing a complete in-frame overhaul. There may be some regular cyclical activity such as overhauling a fleet of fire trucks, a certain number each month. There is some uncertainty in scheduling when major, unanticipated problems are found when doing a disassembly. Disruptions occur when an urgent request comes from another customer, such as a driver who can't start his vehicle because of a problem with a fault code that needs to be cleared. There are also disruptions when customers call with technical questions. Truck and transport mechanics sequence their own activities in a logical order. They may be called away from time to time to help another mechanic who requests assistance. Coordination with co-workers is important to efficient running of the shop.
Truck and transport mechanics spend most of their time working independently, although they work with partners from time to time on tasks that require lifting. They may work alone if an urgent job needs to be completed after regular working hours. They are part of a team which includes other mechanics, service managers and parts and warehouse personnel.
use a database. For example, they may access customer information on a database. (1)
use other computer applications. For example, they use computerized manuals and computerized diagnostic systems which operate from handheld monitors or laptops and which can be plugged directly into trucks. (2)
Truck and transport mechanics learn from attending manufacturers' seminars and from training programs which are available as programmed learning on laptops. They also view videotapes which illustrate how to use new equipment or how to troubleshoot effectively. They attend computer courses and specialty courses such as those relating to handling propane and using refrigerants. In some cases, a certificate is offered - (e.g., how to handle freons). They learn about brake valves, braking systems and clutches through supplier courses which are offered at no charge.
In addition to collecting information for this Essential Skills Profile, our interviews with job incumbents also asked about the following topics.
Attitudes The truck and transport mechanics interviewed felt that truck and transport mechanics should be patient and willing to learn. They should be able to accept change and should not get frustrated when solutions to problems do not come easily. They should be able to work well with co-workers and with customers. They should be able to exert good judgement and think on their feet. They should have mechanical aptitude.Future Trends Affecting Essential Skills As new computer applications for locating problems come into being, truck and transport mechanics will be called upon to update their skills in the computerized diagnostics area. They will also use more diversified computer applications, such as communicating with colleagues, warehouse personnel and supervisors by e-mail. The increased use of computerized graphs and charts to facilitate problem solving will lead to the need to update document use skills and to focus on continuous learning. There will be a greater emphasis on finding information and using memory strategically as a time saver. Despite all the assistance offered by computerized diagnostics and other computer applications, truck and transport mechanics will need to hone their problem solving skills in order to use these aids effectively.
K.
Notes
This profile is based on interviews with job incumbents across Canada and validated through consultation with industry experts across the country.
L.
Links to other sites with information on this occupation
