The smooth operation of any trucking company relies heavily on the proper maintenance of its equipment. A properly-staffed maintenance shop includes trained technicians, supervisors and managers who strategize how to eliminate breakdowns and increase efficiencies.
The Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) recognizes the importance of the equipment maintenance staff – especially the frontline technician – and develops Recommended Practices (RPs) to guide shop processes and procedures. Along with RPs, TMC provides an arena for networking with peers and real-time discussions about maintenance issues.
TMC (www.trucking.org/Technology_Council.aspx) is North America’s premier technical society for truck equipment technology and maintenance professionals.
Technicians can get their foot in the TMC door by participating in the annual National Technician Skills Competitions – TMCSuperTech. But they should also consider their future and look into the TMC of Tomorrow (ToT) leadership program. The ToT program
identifies and cultivates the next generation of TMC leaders by preparing them to take on leadership roles in TMC by providing them with important skills that will serve them well at TMC and in their careers.
ROI
“I’m the next generation,” says Bryan Stewart, director of maintenance, Jones Logistics, and a member of the first ToT class which met during TMC’s 2017 Annual Meeting, held in Nashville this past February. “I want to be a part of TMC and contribute.
“I was frankly surprised when I first attended a TMC technical session where it seemed the speakers were giving out trade secrets, but then I realized that it’s all universal information. By working together, we make the industry better.”
Stewart feels he receives more from participating in TMC than he gives.
“We aren’t a large fleet and Jones Logistics is not well-known,” he says. “My boss wouldn’t let me go if we weren’t getting something out of it. Every time I attend a TMC meeting, I’ve been able to bring something back.”
Stewart’s payback is in networking with others who want to be best in class, but who face the same equipment issues.
Clear Direction
TMC of Tomorrow is important because it is giving program participants “a clear path and direction for how to get more involved within TMC,” says Amanda Schuier, director of marketing, Waller Truck Company, and another member of the inaugural ToT class. “Eventually, we will all be ‘adopted’ by study groups where we’ll learn what it’s like to help with RPs creation, chairing task forces and other projects.
“When I started with TMC back in 2008, I had no idea how to get involved. Getting the leadership program group together allows us to share our experiences about TMC, as well as our careers,” she adds.
ToT program participants are required to complete online tests about basic TMC information, such as the study group and task force organization, as well as navigating TMC Connect, the TMC’s online social networking and collaborative platform.
Professional Development
“My heart will always be with the technician,” says Daniel Mustafa, assistant manager, technical development, TravelCenters and also one of 10 members of the inaugural ToT class. He was delighted to hear a panel of expert speakers say they all started their careers as technicians.
“I share the mindset of those running TMC, show so I feel I belong in the organization,” he adds, explaining that he first participated in the TMCSuperTech competition and judged one of the competition’s Skill stations prior to attending the TMC’s fall meeting.
Through the ToT program, participants will develop new business relationships and friendships through peer networking opportunities; increase their knowledge of trucking, regulatory and leadership issues through professional development opportunities; and establish themselves as future TMC leaders.
“In our first meeting, the TMC of Tomorrow group had a leadership program that was phenomenal,” Waller Truck’s Schuier says. “There were a lot of great nuggets that applied to my job on a daily basis. I am looking forward to spending the next two years learning with this great group.”
Janet Howells-Tierney serves as the director of council development for TMC – the only industry association that is focused solely on truck technology and maintenance. She is responsible for the recruiting and building of TMC's membership, and also functions as the primary member services link for TMC's membership of more than 2,400 industry practitioners.