Back to Basics Track

Fleet Talk is a cornerstone session at TMC general meetings and consistently draws strong participation from fleet professionals seeking candid, peer-driven dialogue.

Whereas some industries must comply with mandatory certification regulations, commercial vehicle maintenance generally does not. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no benefit to seeking voluntary certification of one’s knowledge and expertise in the areas of technical and managerial ability.

In today’s economic climate, saving every penny is important in a trucking operation. Fleet managers know fuel and tires are the top two equipment-related expenses for a given commercial vehicle operation, and what fleet can afford to waste money in these areas?

Tire and wheel technology has come a long way during the last 50 years, but it often is not viewed by fleet managers as being “high-tech.” The reality couldn’t be farther from the truth, especially now. There’s simply much more to tire and wheel technology today than just rubber, metal, and air.

Shop Talk remains one of TMC’s most anticipated and widely attended sessions, offering an open forum where maintenance professionals, suppliers, and industry experts come together to exchange practical insights.

The trucking industry relies on diesel technicians to ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of its equipment. The trucking industry alone employed 57,300 diesel techs in 2024 – more than any other industry – according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data.

There are a myriad of advances now available to help drivers complement safe driving practices. While no commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled, alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive, comprehensive driver training, new safety features now available can augment driver performance without sacrificing driver control.