Hey fellas:

I just applied for a job with Ryder. They have an entry level tech (called Fuel Island Attendant). In the ad it states "great entry level for a career as a diesel mechanic".

They are looking for people to change fluids, tire maintenance, etc.

Since I'm pretty sure I've settled on becoming a diesel mechanic and not a driver (at this point-I change my mind frequently...), and really have no viable experience, I am looking for a basic crash course if any of you maintain the following types of trucks, could I observe you for a day?

Truck examples are:

-City Van (Isuzu NPR-NE3)
-Parcel Van (F-250)
-Refridgerated truck/Straight Truck (Freightliner FL-70)
-Stake Truck (International 4700/4900)

At the moment, I'm unemployed, so time isn't really an issue, so I'm not really tied to one specific location. I'll drive a reasonable distance to your location (I'm in the Chicago area).

If you like, you can reply here, PM me or call me directly at 630-664-4767.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Erick

 

If you want to be a mechanic 1st get a cdl, looks better on your application when you begin applying for tech. jobs and most out fits make it mandatory. Try progressive or mega those 2 driving schools stick out in my mind

 

Hey ToxicWaste:

Thanks for the reply. First, I have to ask you what is up with the picture in your profile...was that your truck? What a waste of a beautiful Peterbilt!

I did get the job with Ryder, and love it! I don't need to get my CDL yet, as I'm not a diesel tech at this time, but I do move trucks around the yard. Let me tell you...they are a lot different than a stick shift car! I learned stick by pressing on the gas as you slowly release the clutch...not in a big rig! When the truck doesn't have a trailer attached to it, you realize how much power these things have! They said I can't drive until I get more practice...the guy said I was spinning the wheels...I couldn't even tell! I think what I was doing was pressing on the gas too much. Then when I would leap forward, I'd hit the brakes because I was't expecting that much speed so fast. He told me that the trucks have a lot of torque that you don't need to press the gas when you're going slow, like in a parking lot, just ease up on the clutch, and when you stop, you hit the clutch first, then the brakes. I didn't know that...imagine what a fool I felt like!

Right now, I basically fuel trucks that come in, clean them out and report maintenance issues to the mechanics. I do love these big trucks. They are awesome to work on under the hood, and I love sitting in the driver's seat and seeing the view of everything around you. You see everything! (except when backing these beasts up).

Ryder said when a position opened up that I would be qualified for, they would send me to school, so that eases the financial burden on me, and there is no diesel tech school in the area, closest one is 2.5 hours away in Indianapolis. So, I'll think about paying my way through tech school if I don't advance through this position in a year or so.

For this basic job, I make $14.20/hour...not all that bad for someone who has no experience, and they are really cool about training. The mechanics are all really nice guys who like to share their knowledge. Its a cool place.

Thanks for your reply...

Erick

 

Do they offer weekend only shifts?

2) Do you have to work at night?


By the way, congrats. Just keep your food hole shut, and listen to the old timers.

 

Doesnt uti have a campus off army trail road??? I heard they have a decent program. 14.50 an hour for a fueler is pretty good, just be careful and let off that clutch slowly until you get used to the power.

 

I believe the UTI you speak of is in Bloomingdale, as you described.

Soon you can experiment with the gears and start in 4th under bobtail :lol:

 

that is how I got my start years ago but I was makeing $3.00 an hour!! god luck, stick with it

 

4th he can go higher try 6th :lol: