Trailer Mechanic / Fleet Maintenance Technician

Description

We are looking to bring trailer repairs in-house and eliminate the excessive labor rates and parts markups charged by outside vendors. This position is for a hands-on, reliable Trailer Mechanic who can service and repair our fleet of 53' dry vans and 53' refrigerated trailers. The mechanic will handle routine and mid-level repairs, identify issues before they become costly, and keep equipment safe, compliant, and moving.

This will be a stand-alone position. The Trailer Mechanic will function as the sole in-house technician responsible for all trailer inspections, repairs, and maintenance scheduling. This role requires strong independence, self-direction, and the ability to manage an entire maintenance program without daily supervision.

Key Responsibilities

Trailer Repairs & Maintenance

Perform routine repairs on 53' dry vans and reefers, including:

• Airline replacements
• Gladhand replacements
• Electrical and light repairs
• Brake adjustments and replacements
• ABS diagnostics and minor ABS repairs
• Door hardware repairs (rollers, hinges, seals, locks)
• Mudflaps, brackets, crossmembers, and body repairs
• Fifth wheel/kingpin inspections
• Landing gear lubrication and minor repairs
• Tire replacements or onsite tire assistance (if applicable)
• Perform preventive maintenance inspections (PMs) per DOT requirements.
• Inspect and repair basic reefer components (if trained), such as:
• Perform minor reefer diagnostics, belt replacements, filter changes, and refer issues to qualified vendors when beyond scope

Parts & Inventory

• Identify required parts and provide purchasing lists.
• Maintain basic inventory of commonly used items: airlines, fittings, gladhands, bulbs, brake parts, etc.
• Track all repairs performed and parts installed.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure trailers meet DOT standards at all times.
• Document all maintenance and inspections accurately.
• Report any major structural or safety issues immediately.
• Must be able to independently diagnose and determine whether repairs should be completed in-house or outsourced due to time constraints, safety concerns, or equipment needs.

Communication & Coordination

• Coordinate directly with dispatch, drivers, and operations to prioritize equipment.
• Provide status updates on repairs and downtime.
• Keep the yard organized and ensure equipment is staged for repair or ready for service.
• Maintain a daily repair log and schedule upcoming PMs for all trailers.
• Prioritize repairs based on operational needs and downtime impact.
• Proactively identify future failures and communicate issues before they cause road calls.
• Keep the shop area organized, safe, clean, and compliant. 

Requirements

Required

• 3+ years of experience working on semi-trailers (dry van or reefer).
• Strong working knowledge of:
• Air brake systems
• Trailer electrical systems
• General trailer bodywork
• DOT inspection requirements
• Ability to troubleshoot and work independently.
• Basic welding and fabrication skills (or willingness to learn).
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 50–75 lbs
• Working in outdoor/yard conditions
• Ability to crawl under trailers, use welders, grinders, etc.

Preferred

• Experience with Carrier Reefer Units (minor repairs).
• CDL is a plus but not required.
• Owns mechanic tools.

Work Schedule

• Full-time, Monday–Friday.
• Occasional after-hours or weekend needs if a trailer is down and critical.

Compensation

• Competitive hourly rate.
• Overtime available.
• Benefits package (health, dental, PTO, vacation)
• All parts provided by the company.
• Opportunity to grow into a Lead Fleet Mechanic as our fleet expands.

Performance Metrics (KPIs)

• Reduction in outside vendor maintenance spend.
• PM compliance rate.
• Average trailer turn-around time.
• Number of road calls prevented through proactive inspections.
• Accuracy and completeness of repair documentation.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Paid weekly via W2 & Direct Deposit
• Personal Time Off
• Health, dental, and vision insurance plans
• 401K w/ 4% match Retirement savings plan

Why This Position Matters

The goal is simple:
Bring trailer maintenance in-house, reduce costs, and improve turnaround time.

We want someone who treats the equipment like it's their own, keeps our trailers safe and compliant, and saves the company significant money by avoiding unnecessary vendor charges.