Trailer Mechanic / Fleet Maintenance Technician at Friedman

Centreville, Illinois, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

06 Mar, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

06 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Trailer Repairs, Maintenance Scheduling, Air Brake Systems, Electrical Systems, DOT Inspection Requirements, Welding, Fabrication, Preventive Maintenance, Inventory Management, Communication, Problem Solving, Safety Compliance, Diagnostics, Organizational Skills, Time Management, Independence

Industry

Freight and Package Transportation

Description

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.

Responsibilities

The Trailer Mechanic will perform routine and mid-level repairs on the fleet of trailers, ensuring they are safe and compliant. This includes conducting inspections, managing maintenance schedules, and coordinating with dispatch and drivers.