As someone who works in a regular shop I have a lot of saying whether or not I want to work on said customers car if I believe it's going to be more of a headache than it's worth, I'm genuinely asking do you have the same kind of leeway or do you have to work on what comes across your desk as a fleet mechanic? Because we do have a few fleet companies and it's nice sometimes because you could just bill them for whatever and do the work so sometimes it's nice but do you have a say so in whether or not you work on it or what's the deal?
@@redneckbear8090 pay was hourly and we had three shifts so we were assigned work at start of shift but we could start anywhere on the list of things needed to be done but we were not able to refuse to work them but we could still choose were to start. Also we had lots of training every year. It was also nice to be able to work as a team if you needed help
@@jlezwilli6609 Retail is where you want to start as a tech, you will either sink or swim, Fleet is where you want to be once you have got your skills honed, you will become a valuable asset to a fleet garage when you come in, Retail , most shops it's all about productivity and if your surrounded by the senior flat rate wolves good luck getting a R/O with any meat on the bone and you are replaceable . Our fleet garage is mostly Fords ,Freightliners and Internationals , with factory scanners and training and an seemingly unlimited amount of diag time we seem to do a better job then a flat rate shop, rarely have to load a parts cannon. But if you start out in a Fleet Garage you will not have a taste of reality and the responsibility that retail teaches you. Respect to all of us techs out there that are trying get anything done and keeping the wheels rollin with all the pressure that's been dumped on us .
Must be nice, they don't want us fixing anything properly at our shop. They complain it takes too long, even though it's mostly because thr parts room can't order the right parts. I used to br able to fix anything I wanted on our trucks, but lately we haven't been fixing anything, our trucks are just getting band-aided.
After doing the new car dealer crap for several years, I got hired as a heavy equipment mechanic. It was OK, but I never knew what state I might be in later that day or next day. Had to keep a suitcase packed at all times because I traveled all over the southeastern part of the country working on some really big machines. Then my big break came when a huge oil company called and asked for me by name to work in R&D. I thought I was in heaven, had my own office, desk, computer, private phone, and worked in a shop that was so clean you could eat off the floors, very well lit and air-conditioned and heated. When the Snap-on truck came by I could pick anything I wanted, and everything I wanted, the company paid for everything, not to mention all the fancy restaurants that took us to for lunch, and of course they paid for that too. It was also nice to get bonus's fairly often, that amounted to several thousand dollars a year as a thank you. As far as I could see, I had reached the top for an old self taught grease monkey. It was my last 10 years of working, but at least, I went out with a bang. So hang in there, it could happen to you.
Sounds like a great livelihood man, I stride to land a career like that would be nice and would greatly appreciate the company and have pride of the company.
@@LonleyJulian I retired 13 years ago, but several of us get together for lunch once a month. I would say that we were a pretty tight group, and had a great time working together. Next time you go to gas up your car, go to a Shell station and fill up with the good stuff. Look for the Vpower sign on the pump, that's what I helped develop from the start and fine tune over the years.
@@Bmizzzle1 When I came to Houston in 1976 it took a whole 10 min. to get hired for the Co. that I worked for a total of 33 years, never even filled out a job application. Then I had people in the same Co. ask me to go to work for them at different locations, and I got to pick the place I wanted to go. This is just a wild guess on my part, but I must have made a good impression with few people.
How were you able to go from technician to R&D? How do I also get into r&d? I'm in college doing a computers degree but my grades bad so I was thinking of becoming a mechanic because I love tinkering with cars, I just love engines! But I don't know if it's a good idea financially
I'm a fleet mechanic for the police department, formerly a dealership mechanic. I wouldn't have it any other way. They are similar only in the equipment you work on. The difference is you are always on the customers budget. As a fleet mechanic you get to repair that vehicle as it should be. Nothing against people's financial constraints I totally understand them. It's just as a mechanic you hate to watch a vehicle leave your care that's not totally 100% repaired.
Do the police department hire newbies and do they have trainers or do you have to have experience to join.I am about to get my ase certification and got scared to start working at dealer from what he said in last video. What do you recommend for me cus i still want to work on cars, I just don’t want to get screwed with
Most local police in my area are part of a municipality, so for me I got hired to work on diesel and gas trucks running around our city. I eventually got promoted to the police dept. Most municipalities hire a bunch of mechanics so I just kept an eye on my city's website and applied when something came available.
Nice video! Been a Diesel mechanic for 20 years. When I first started. I wanted to do Automotive. Met a old timer who told me to do Diesel fleet maintenance. I love what I do. Not many Diesel mechanics have my skills.I never went to school. I took many day classes and online classes. I lost count. It was rough the first 10 years. Lots of jerk managers and they treated us like crap. Someone was always stopping by the shop for a job opening. Things changed the last 10 years with the shortage. Regardless of age or skill. We do tires and dirty work. I always though I would be a old timer doing gravy work. Those days are long gone. Also. Most shops have gotten rid of Shop foreman. They only have lead and Shop manager. I tried to get promoted many times. Never happened. People are always surprised I am 47 and I am just a Senior Tech. At least with Covid recently. We are treated very well. I was recruited to a Garbage company. Was given a 5k bonus and they pay for college and my kids. I told my manager. If you yell or rush me. I will quit. The ball is in our court. I can find a job in 1 day. My employer knows this. It’s very low stress. I am glad I never went into automotive.. One thing I did right was. Did not marry till my early 30s. Did not have kids till my mid 30a. At my skill level. I work day shift Monday to Friday.
I could have wrote my story exactly like yours, brother! Only i ended at the Road Commission, and my wife of 26 years kicked me to curb. She got the house and half my pension. That was a couple of years ago. I still loved what I got to do for a career. I miss the rigs I kept alive....
I want you to know I appreciate you writing the truth. I hope every young man in America reads this comment. Waiting until your 30's is very important for at least two essential reasons. It gives a young man a chance to develop a skill to make a living and it gives him more discretion to determine if a woman is marriage material. Of course nothing is guaranteed. Also, I like how straight up you are about work conditions. I have spent thirty years servicing companies and solving problems, and when you leave because they treated you like crap or nicked your pay, they try harder to sabotage your record. Now I want to go back to the main comment area to complain about something he said.
5:21 heck yeah heavy machinery. I drive a medium duty flatbed dump truck and love it. You earned it Nick, all your studying in school for mechanics, all the Toyota experience and ASE stuff you learned. Way to go man.
My fellow mechanics. All I can say is try working as an auto mechanic at UPS. Easy vehicles to work on. U get started at 80% top pay and after a year top pay. They really dont allow overtime i believe most locations no more than 45hrs a week. Top pay this year is 45hrly(goes up every year)So u get started at 36hrly. All the UPS benefits. The perfect job for a mechanic.
Good move Nick, I'm a Fleet Manager for a local utility. State retirement, great benefits, hours are flexible as a salary employee, but I work a lot since we do Facilities too. Utility pays for everything including Snap On tools and we are building a new shop with A/C and epoxy floors. Company paid for my college and has been great to me and my family; its been a good career. I started in the Wastewater (Sewer) dept. as I was a licensed plumber and moved to fleet/facilities Now I purchase all the vehicles and equipment and manage entire Fleet. Bloom where you are planted and move around when things open up.
@Chris hey Chris, it was a good switch for me. Fleet and especially diesel is challenging. Diesel work is large and heavy, starters, radiators, brakes, engines, etc. I'd say if you have an willingness to learn, even an obsession to learn and a good mechanical aptitude you can do it. I'd recommend fleet work thst is hourly and not a flat rate shop. Government agencies, cities, municipalities, utilities, etc. are good places to land.
Was at Toyota dealership as tube tech - high stress with team leader yelling almost everyday.I was diagnosed with high blood pressure that I exit the repair industry to do remedial job including earning my class a license. As years come by, I’m able landed a fleet shop with major telecommunications and been there over 4 years+. Now, no more boss breathing your neck, get to fix trucks without stress that my blood pressure lowered. Best decision ever made.
I work for my cities local bus transit, I started as a fueler about 4 years ago and applied to work in the shop as a esw (entry level tech) I’ve been doing that for almost 2 years now. I’ve learned so much and actually enjoy going to work. Make good money and the benefits are great. I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying what you’re doing man 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Currently in the process in making the transition from dealership tech to fleet tech for the city of Los Angeles. Have been a shop tech for about 10years and was hesitant in the transition. But your videos have made it more assuring for the change . Thanks!
Just started at the local utility company. Starting at close to 40 bucks an hour. Top pay is mid 40s an hour. Plenty of OT. Came from an independent shop. Even the shop owner told me to go because it’s such a good opportunity
I worked for the school district and now the city. It’s pretty chill for the most part. One of the big things, as you and many others say: if it’s broke, repair/replace it. They want their stuff running and want it running right. I work 2nd shift (15:00-1:30) and it can be rough since I have kids. But being on that shift means I work four 10s and get Fridays off, so that’s a plus. Also, there’s a lot less supervision. Nobody riding you all day about getting this done or asking what/why you’re doing what you are. Also, you kinda touched on it, is the benefits (main reason for most of us, I believe). Fleet typically has great insurance, retirement, PTO, etc. I get 3 weeks sick, 3 weeks vacation, and 9 holidays. We can also get comp time instead of OT, if we choose. Sounds like you got a great gig, I’m sure you’ll do well. While I’m relatively.why happy where I’m at, the pay isn’t the greatest but I’m surviving. But nobody goes to the city to get rich, they go for benefits and a less stressful job.
I love airplanes with a passion. But work is really limited to airports. I would love to work for Delta, but I would probably have to move to Atlanta. Currently in Florida now
@@picklerick3307its probably the pay and honestly it's not enough when you're putting your hands on people's lives..if you don't mind how much you get paid
I worked at a small private mama papa shop and was capped off with growing wages and skills. I was there for 8 years. I gained a ton of experience but now and days, fuck loyalty as I wanted greener pastures with wealth and health for my family and myself. Ended up going to the dealership for 10 years. Was the best decision of my life at the time. Gained so much more skills and knowledge. Enjoyed working on the same make and models. Had a lot less stress because I had more help with other techs when it came towards diagnostics and working in a larger team. Made life easier working on the same vehicles. Once you work on one their all the same. Besides warranty jobs it was great. It’s been almost 20 years and decided to take my skills and talent into a fleet and manufacturing company. Recently started a new job into fleet vehicles! It’s been 3 years in commercial fleet and it’s the best decision I made in my whole career. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better! If I were to start my career again I would go into commercial city fleet, but like everything else If you didn’t start from the bottom you wouldn’t appreciate what you have today. I love my job.
13:38 I agree with that completely, I moved to another shop last year doing very similar work to what you're talking about. At my previous shop I did it all from diag to flat repairs to engine swaps or anything in between and I have lost a step just doing the easy stuff. I'm making the same money but I don't want to be stuck doing this for years and lose what I was able to do.
I work at a freightliner dealer, in the widwest and I love it, I don’t really do basic shit we drop transmissions and power dividers on a weekly basis, but fleets are a different ball game I like both, but I took a raise and learned more, didn’t need to be master certified to do oil changes but to each their own
I bet, Yea def a different world on the fleet side, I do miss doing big jobs at the dealer but the fact that I get paid more to do simple services being at the bottom of the ranks and not have someone breathing down my back, is enough to keep me from ever going back to dealer life. We actually have a few guys who came from penske/international etc dealers too.
less than two years in the industry with no experience, got in at 50yrs old after retiring as a cop.stared as fueler @ $18 hr, promoted to tech III after 7 mos @$24 hr. got my class A CDL on my own got $2 bump to $26 hr. 7mo later promoted to tech II pay increased to $37hr + $2hr for CDL to $39hr. company gave pay increases across all classes plus $3hr for nightshift differential. I now make $45 an hour. I entered industry with no experience did 1.5 yrs of community college getting certs for air brakes, hvy electrical, fuel systems and drive lines. did not complete program but got enough certs to get foot in the door. it can be done without going into utility debt for 40,000k. I maxed out snap on discount while in school. they provide tool box an I have all my tools paid off. I take home 1400 a week after taxes and im paid weekly. it can be done im in so cal no excuses guys!!! get it done!!! lets go!!!!
Your dealership warranty documentation process experience makes you a good candidate for boom inspector , ESPECIALLY if there is a manufacturer specific structural inspector position availible.
I'm a new Ford Diesel tech at a Texas dealership. Been in it for 1 and 1/2 year, finished my school training prior to that. When i started they started me at $15 they paid me 40 hours regardless of what i flagged. After a year they bumped to $28 but now is only what i flag. Definitely adds so much stress to my week, i end up working from 7 to 7 mon-sat most of the time, to at least get to 40 flagged hours sometimes. Some weeks like the last one i hit 62 hours but you just never know how much you will make at the end of the week. Between you actually diagnosing and making estimates to waiting on approvals and for the parts guys to get you your parts there is so much that could go wrong there, also waranty work is the worst, pays the least and you will end up doing more, and if you make mistakes they might not even pay you or worse "backflag you" had that happened to me last month 😒 17 hours taken and that week was already a bad one. There definitely no work-life balance in this job, i love what i actually do is just the way we get paid sucks so much. My plan is to stay here and gather more experience use all the training tools available to us here in the dealership and eventually look for a job with a fleet company hopefully like yours, i work on all 250 to 750 diesel and some gas too all bumper to bumper. Your videos give me hope that there is better opportunities out there. Thanks bro.
In the exact same boat as you. I’m new to dealerships and have had to take on the mindset that I’m at least getting paid in knowledge when I don’t flag as many hours as my clocked time. I’ve been getting stuck with back to back warranty work but I just have to tell myself the more I do it the faster I will get at it. Seeing videos like this is nice knowing there are options that can be worked towards outside of what I’m doing. In the dealership there doesn’t seem to be a lot of options
I had a guy at my dealership who was hired 3 days after me went to ford fleet at $30 an hour and not flat rate. His skill set was similar to mine except I was a tire technician prior to joining ford. I make $20 an hour here in California. The new manager lied to my face when I talked to him and asked why was so never asked because I told them straight when I was hired I wanted to be a diesel tech. Fucker tells me he had more merrit and had all stars certs done. I ask my friend did you complete all electrical certs etc and he said no. I really felt jealous and sad because $30 an hour would help me so much right now. I do OT and work 6 days straight while doing the certs. I can't do any of the in classes because they are all back logged or cancelled. My manager basically told me to leave and find another shop or transfer. He is not willing to give me a raise. So I'm basically stuck in "quick lane" I have tried independent shops around me for a diesel apprentice, one was willing to hire me but since the economy is doing really bad now he retracted my offer which was still $20 an hour but learning all hands on diesel. This sucks alot because I have a lot of passion to go into diesel.
@@addacdd 30 an hour is what I was offered when I was leaving a used car dealership. I was making 26 and now make 70k salary as a quality supervisor on the medical industry. I took the salary because of the extra benefits of vacation and holidays paid etc. With the new job I don't need to buy tools or get dirty or be under different weather conditions busting my knuckles. 20 is pretty low; I live in Indiana. Don't under valuate yourself.
Really enjoyed ever minute - appreciate the info and your perspective and insight especially because you came from the world of dealerships and gas engines.
its funny you left Toyota around the same time I did, I also got into being a Diesel Mechanic but more aftermarket installs, your shop sounds exactly like mine, down to the morning meetings haha
Worked on semi tractors for 5 years then semi trailers for 12 years next week going back to semi trucks. My whole career as a mechanic is for 2 ma and pop trucking companies and you also get to take care of the same fleet.
Been a Mechanic for 5 years, finally went fleet 6 months ago and it’s amazing. If your reading this and your thinking about it, then stop thinking, go on indeed, go on google and find a fleet job. You won’t regret it, it’ll completely change your life for the better
I worked at a GM dealership for years now working at a school district working on school buses doing fleet best move I ever made It’s Union and the insurance and benefits are great and the time of to spend with family I get 10 sick days 3 personal and two weeks vacation to start and all the holidays the kids get off I would never go back
Dude a 100k for doing something that is equivalent to being a lube tech at a dealer that is outstanding man. Iv bin doing auto repair for 25 years and never made over 65k. When you said that i felt like a shithead.
yea, but also this is CA I think pay rates are alot higher here than other places due to our cost of living/housing prices. Not too sure what state you live in.
Great video man, I really admire your story and I can see myself in you even though I'm 9 years younger, I like the fact that you do what's best for you to get ahead in the world despite what others think and you aren't afraid of challenges and learning new things, I always strive to be the same way. At the end of the day it's all about being happy and experiencing life 🙌
I'm go in diesel mechanic to because they stay busy with 18 tires oil changes mostly to me tires everyday I quit my job as being a automotive mechanic I still got my certification ima do diesel
thx for the video, if u have ur cdl thats good in case u have to fall back n be a trucker, also consider something in the office, it all depends on ur age as u get older u could be having injuries and medical conditions which will hinder u as a mech and u will b forced to do something else, b careful out there
I make a year with Pepsi fleet in February, and it’s the best decision i ever made. I will never go back to a dealer. I get to master my craft with not having to worry about “waiters”.
They had an opening on my area for an apprentice, and I’m a diesel technician at loves and fairly new only about a year in. How is at Pepsi, are the hours good, and what is the compensation like? don’t really need specifics if you don’t feel comfortable sharing but just curious.
Went to fleet 10 years ago best decision ever, I’m now a lead mechanic and work at a school district , a lot of time off, plus I don’t kill myself working. But I get my work done . Bring home close to six figures and off of work by 230pm. Fleet is definitely where it’s at. And no more tool hills since work pays for my tools 🧰.
I just hit one year as a diesel garbage truck fleet mechanic! I love it so far. First professional mechanic job. Prior I just worked on 60s muscle cars for myself
Hey, congratulations with your job at a utility. A lot of advantages. Your current situation of working on simple stuff will change. As you begin to transition to more challenging heavy/specialized equipment, you'll find the responsibilities dramatically increase as well. This is why you're paid more. With this, the role of PM work becomes more critical. You might think about looking for issues while you're doing regular service work. This is one way to excel, and it presents a whole new set of challenges that the utility will appreciate. Fleets are a different animal. Downtime/breakdowns are order of magnitudes more expensive for your internal and external customers. It also surprised me that you mentioned you do tire work. You'd think with the internal labor costs, that this would be a natural to outsource.
I just accepted a new job as a diesel mechanic i was a automotive mechanic for about 2 years then I saw your video and now I start next week i have some experience as a diesel mechanic when i was in high school i my dad had his own biasness shop and showed me a lot was going to work with him but decided to join the Army instead. I haven't done diesel work since 2014 when i left for basic. Kind of nerves to change too diesel work. after watching how your transition was i am excited to move forward.
I'm not a mechanic, but have worked around and known many mechanics in my life. One thing I've learned is you've got to be smart to be a good mechanic. Had a girlfriend that had a son that wanted to be a mechanic, she said "I don't want my son being a dumb grease monkey". I told her "you've got to be smart to be a good mechanic, they constantly have to think on their feet and improvise. A lot of them are like engineers, but without the degree".
A lot of people look down on being a mechanic. As a diesel mechanic, due to shortages, on indeed, it’s 28 to 36 dollars to start (entry level) and that’s wages in Florida.
@@dfaro8453 I knew a diesel mechanic up in South Carolina that was like a genius. He could tear down a big truck down to the frame laying on the floor, and every single part laying around in order, including the engine down to the block. He could then rebuild it from the ground up. It takes brains to be able to do that. He learned that from an old man, Mr. Vince, he was the first man to bring produce out of Florida swamps on a truck. Mr. Vince was a genius.
Ive been turning wrenches on class 8 trucks and trailers for almost 40 years. And at 60 id sure wished id gotten into something easier. Being on cement 8 to 12 hours a day, and still changing tires totally SUCKS!
You made a lot of interesting points. I had no idea about the older mechanics getting more difficult jobs that pay less. I am a backyard mechanic and I maintain all of my vehicles for my main business. I have a friend who is a mechanic for a government agency and he does side work when he has time. He mostly does brakes, struts and front end work. He is getting older and major engine work bothers him. It is always a good idea to plan for the future and be able to work in your later years without causing yourself pain and being stuck in a younger mans job. Sounds like you have a great future where you are at! Keep up the great work
Hey man good for you congrats! That’s awesome your meeting your goals! I’ve been in the independent side of automotive repair for the last 13 years and have been at a plateau these past few im actually quitting to work fewer days for more money! Hope to find the next good thing for me soon
Definitely feel you on the mundane/boring aspect. Before I got out the military, I did a heavy equipment maintenance "internship" for 3 months. After a month, I was already kinda going through it just sitting around waiting on parts to get approved, waiting on inspector to sign off on repairs, and getting next vehicle assigned. Most of the time like you said its just basically like being a lube tech and it just gets boring and repetitive after a while. Granted yes, still hourly pay working on fleet but sitting in the shop all day during down time got old for me super quick. Swing shift is still definitely the best.
Fleet is definitely better but it still comes down to the shop its in. Management and co workers can make or break the experience. I'm currently trying to get into the local Palmer School Bus fleet shop. I've been privately employed to service a companies entire fleet. They have everything from minivans to f-150 to f450 all the way up to service trucks, cranes and bobcat's and it's just not working out. Feel extremely used and unappreciated and it gets to you after a while.
I worked as a fleet mechanic for my first 10 years in the trade. Switched it up 5 years ago and went to a rental company. Similar in some ways but definitely miss working on big rigs tho
Definitely zubscribed now bro. Thanks for keeping us updated on your experiences. Wish I had you when I was a young mechanic, im 32 years old now snd these videos would've been so helpful.
I hate working on international. Wiring schematics are a mess. Freightliner diag is so heavenly 🤩 Volvos aren’t that bad as well. Never had the chance to work on Pete’s or Kenworths. Maybe one day
I started at independent automotive and diesel and trailer repair shop flat rate myself back in 2011. I had to work every other Saturday. Then move to ambulance fleet company in 2015 and was a relief becuase it is more laid back 8-5 guarantee hourly wage and dont have to worry about flaging hours. Its funny when i started at ambulance co. I would get stuff done quick with flatrate mentality and lead tech ask me whats the rush becuase ull run out of things to do and here he goes on smoke break like every other hour taking hes time on repairs.😂 But ur rite i got bored working on same type of ambulance truck after 7 yrs and the raises werent that great so i move on to truck heavy haul company now .Better pay, better benefit, optional over time during busy summers and more vacation time .After experienced both side i will choose fleet over flatrate shop .
Dealer mechanic here, have 5 years of experience (so far) and went to community college for diesel tech and get 8.50 hourly now. Love doing my job and love the people i work with. Great video 👍
Happy for you . Regarding the boredom I can only share my own experience. Channel all your extra energy and mental capacity into hobbies or new things you can learn you might be surprised at what New things you can learn . I work 4-12 as a operating engineer and I get a lot of downtime very different than being a Benz tech . But making way more money .
Been a diesel tech for 10 years how’s and just got my cdl. It’s hard work especially if you’re doing a clutch job on the floor on your back. When I found out you can make 100k dropping and hooking with a truck I said I’m in the wrong side of the businesses. Good luck to you
True! I'm a class A cdl too and 100k isn't outlandish. I work on cars on the side, but driving is pretty easy and knowing the mechanics behind it helps keep you out of trouble. Just make sure you work with a good company and you'll be fine.
I worked for Toyota for 8yrs as a tech... went to industrial generator field tech and its the best new things learned everyday even after 5 years in.. you should check it out! Lots in the LA area
its crazy how well vehicles hold together when they are serviced on time and properly. that's why fleet mechanics get to do brake jobs, change tires, and oil changes all day. they are worth every penny the company pays them, to keep the costly repairs at a minimum
Its honestly changed my opinion about fords, I used to think they were all junk, now servicing them regularly and not seeing anything more crazy than toyotas problems my mind is changed a bit.
Hey Nick, could you talk about diesel tech in trains. I find it so interesting that the field is not very big but pays so well. My brother is an airplane mechanic and an engineer for the same company.
@Lets Drift Media hmm. I've never known anyone who did trains either. Alot my family own aircraft businesses, sell parts to airplane companies, worked for Lockeed Martin, and fixed airplanes for a living. I'm glad you are happy where you are at Nick. I hope all is going well there.
As equipment manager and tech at a golf course I've always wondered about diesel fleet Management I do deal with some diesel engines so it's just a hint of what you would do but it makes me see another perspective to other industries and makes me appreciate what I do even more. Yes The things I do can be the same thing over and over but at the end of the day you get into the rhythm of doing it. And when there is a major issue it's a good little puzzle to keep your mind busy.
As a fleet tech you will need a good understanding of hydraulics too. I have to say there is some guilt associated with a unionized fleet. I make more then I feel I’m worth but I am great full. I have talked to other apprentices at level 3 heavy truck or 310T in Canada and I make 5-10 dollars more so lucky. Heavy repair is the way to go sir. Once you get familiar with the power plants. It’s stupid easy.
My union is the total opposite in the sense that you can pretty say or do Whatever you want and not lose your job. We have something called the “list” if you’re on, you have tenure. You can drive a truck or forklift through a wall and tell a manager to suck it and still be employed here lol.
Be happy Nick. I wish at my Shop it was that easy when I came from Toyota. Soon they’ll throw full s cam/shoe/drum/slack adjuster replacements on the regular and your back will scream. Enjoy the easy routine while you can plug into a podcast and clock in and clock out. I feel you on the Night Shift but now i really would never work day or morning shift anymore.
I have been lucky in my 40 year career to mostly work at independent shops, with limited dealer experience that proved that wasn't for me. Never done fleet, but not very good at sitting idle or fetching vehicles. If the money is right I suppose it makes it more palatable. If youre in CA I'm guessing 100k is decent, so good for you.
From my experience as a journeyman tech- it's important to negotiate you're ⌚ Time 💵 Money and Space. I always want two bays= A guaranteed work load= On Flat Rate! Yeah it's hard to find but its not so impossible if you search! Time ⌚ is Money so is the Time you live. However if you Love Wrenching and fixing things, it's a piece of cake 🎂
Been in fleet work for almost 40 years. I spent a few years at a Chevy dealership but when back to fleet. For me it’s more relaxed and more vacation time. I have worked all the shifts and now I am on day shift and am a tech 3 with the company I work for. I always tell young techs to try fleet. For me it was the best. Hope you advance in your fleet career. Good luck.
Keep in mind guys heavy duty fleet mechanics are usually required to obtain a class A or B commercial drivers license to pass probation at these fleet jobs i have a class B with Hazmat endorsement
2:11 am taking a few dab hits got a interview at a Freightliner dealership , i told them i been working at.my.uncles shop repairing his trucks and cars skidsteers even the lawj equipment told the lady im not certified at all vut she did tell me if i know basic mechanics told her yes turned put inhave the same name as her husband called me for a interview Wednesday hope all gors well super interested in the jobs thanks man just wanted aome more advice since ive nevrr worked on semis ! Thanks G
im currently in a community college for automotive and my plan is to work at a dealership to rack up some experience (and get my ASEs) and then move into fleet after some years would you recommend starting as a fleet tech from the start bc it's better overall, or taking the route you did? (dealership to fleet)
Id say start at the dealership, learn ur way around and learn to diag. Maybe try fleet but i wouldnt bet on it. Much harder work everything weighs 3x what it would on a car
That is why I am in the tech industry, now! R&D on batteries! Hourly pay with benefits. No rush. Working in a lab with a/c and heat!. Nice job as I am older, its not so much manual labor. Gives me experience since the battery industry is growig exponentially!
