A Professional Glimpse into the State of the Heavy-Duty Repair Industry in Edmonton, Alberta

Peterbilt truck

The heavy-duty repair industry in Alberta and the entire country has changed over the years, primarily because of improved technology, changing trends, and shifting customer demands. The industry has also become more competitive. At Adrenaline Diesel in Edmonton, Alberta, we make it our mission to provide our valued customers with high-end heavy-duty repairs and prompt customer service. As a large 7-bay shop, we understand that your time is your money, which is why we work diligently with 2 shifts to make sure you get back out on the road as soon as possible. In this article written in partnership with Dieslematic, we share some information about the current state of the heavy-duty repair industry in Edmonton, Alberta. 

Click here to learn more about our services at Adrenaline Diesel.    

Shops have to keep up with the changes and work harder to meet customers' requirements, and at the same time, stay on top of a competitive market. The key areas and issues to address include:

  • Type of heavy-duty vehicles repaired
  • Type of services offered
  • Technician hiring challenges
  • Business operation challenges
  • COVID-19 related challenges
  • Shop technology and software solutions
  • Service quality challenge
  • Competitor analysis

As shops carry on their day-to-day operations, they also have to minimize or fully eradicate environmental impact. In other words, they should take advantage of green practices that will help protect the environment and natural resources.

Alberta has a rich natural heritage, and the goal should be to preserve it. Heavy pollution, waste dumping, and careless handling of natural resources can only result in irreparable damage. To understand the state of the heavy-duty repair industry in Alberta, here are a few insights.

What are the Heavy-Duty Repair Services Offered in Alberta?

Trucking, heavy equipment, private fleet, and agriculture equipment are some heavy-duty repair services offered in Alberta. Other services include:

  • Bodyworks
  • 24/7 repair services
  • In-shop repairs
  • Emergency services
  • Mobile repairs

Over 90% of the services offered are in-shop repair services, but to ensure clients' convenience and accessibility, some shops provide 24/7 repair services. Private fleet companies are the most prominent clients of body works and major mechanical repairs such as engine overhauls. To attract more clients, a shop has to offer customer-friendly services, emergency services and be adequately equipped.

If a client's truck breaks down in the middle of the road, it is essential to offer quick, dependable, and efficient services. This will help the affected business grow steadily and keep repeat clients.

Diesel mechanic performing  heavy duty repair in Edmonton, AB
Adrenaline Diesel challenges their technicians to provide high-end heavy-duty repair services.

Technician Hiring and Retention

The biggest challenge shop owners face in Edmonton, Alberta, is technician hiring and retention. Due to the nature of the industry, most technicians have a wide range of career options available. Common problems include but are not limited to:

  • The difficulty of finding the right technicians
  • Hefty salary demands
  • Inadequacy or skilled personnel
  • Few job candidates can uphold the new company culture
  • Lack of enough work to keep employees engaged

Technicians often have no problem looking for greener pastures, placing shops in a challenging position. Thus, you should build a good working relationship with the technicians to cultivate a long-term engagement.

Another issue entails attracting the right talent required for your shop operations. A good technician will bring a shop's sales to the next level. To attract and keep good technicians, you should consider:

  • Having an attractive compensation package
  • Detailing your company's expectations from that start
  • Creating a healthy work environment
  • Having excellent communication channels, both vertical and horizontal
  • Offering training and job rotation to improve staff skills
  • Have a sense of company ethics

Technicians should have a sense of belonging working for the shop. In other words, they should be assured that their leader is willing to listen and support their professional growth. So, create a structure that can help your technicians improve their skill set and advance their careers. Also, provide them with pertinent tutoring and mentorship to maximize productivity. In the end, this results in better quality services, happy employees, and satisfied customers.

Remember that technicians need to feel valued. So, you should foster regular communication between the subordinate and the management teams on company-related matters. To keep technicians motivated, you could consider offering them the following:

  • Individual recognition
  • Bonuses and gifts
  • Training and job rotation
  • Comprehensive benefits packages
  • Vacation days, lunches, and a relaxing lounge

To be in control, carry out periodical evaluations to ensure you have the right skill sets and employees are happy and motivated.

COVID-19 Challenges

The coronavirus pandemic has brought with itself wide-ranging unique challenges that have changed how heavy-duty repair shops operate. It's an intricate balance between excellent service delivery and staying safe. In the wake of COVID-19, many shops in Alberta experienced a decline in activity, but things are slowly getting back to normal. However, the fight against the pandemic is far from over. There's a need to keep safe and follow the required protocols. These include but are not limited to:

  • More sanitation protocols
  • Gloves and masks while at work
  • Physical distancing protocols
  • Temperature checks
  • Reduced one-on-one interactions

Rotational schedules enable shops to control infection rates and continue efficiently without compromising service delivery.

Diesel mechanic performing electrical diagnosis in Edmonton, AB
Shop technicians at Adrenaline Diesel have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic software.

Shop Technology Solutions

The heavy-duty repair industry has embraced technological advancements that have made it possible to operate more efficiently. Because of technology, specialists can work remotely and carry out assignments faster and with better accuracy. Some of the emergent technology solutions in the industry include:

  • Advanced diagnostic software
  • Mobile Apps
  • Cloud-based storage systems
  • Reports providing real-time information on service delivery
  • Outsourced technicians connecting via video conferencing or web chat
  • Online booking system using GPS tracking to record job progress
  • Inventory management software
  • Accounting software
  • Work management and employee scheduling systems

Technology helps keep running costs down and minimizes the number of technicians a shop requires. It also enables online customer service, adding convenience and improving user experience.

It is also easier to manage data and account for service delivery. Modern technology allows shops to meet demand without compromising quality and performance. Examples of technology trends in the heavy-duty repair industry include the following:

  • Using data to drive business operations
  • Going green with sustainable practices and recycled products
  • Embracing mobile technologies such as smartphones, tablets, and GPS trackers for better overall efficiency

As a heavy-duty repair shop in Edmonton, Alberta, it is essential to understand the state of the industry to offer clients the best heavy-duty repair solutions. Below are some of the critical factors that the clients should check:

  • Reputation and customer reviews
  • Experience level and years in operation
  • Cost
  • Hours open and range of services offered
  • Invoicing, explanations on the costs, and whether there are hidden charges
  • Warranties and guaranteed quality parts

   

Adrenaline Diesel shop in Edmonton, AB
Adrenaline Diesel is ready to provide premium quality heavy-duty repairs.

Why Choose Adrenaline Diesel Edmonton, Alberta Services?

At Adrenaline Diesel, we offer a wide range of heavy-duty repair services in Edmonton, Alberta: We attribute our top position to the following factors:

  • A highly skilled and diverse workforce
  • Proven consistent quality assurance
  • Diligent focus on identifying the problems' root cause of vehicle problems before performing repairs
  • Consistent updates on current industry trends and guidelines
  • Reliable services you can trust
  • Up-to-date with all COVID-19 industry regulations

Adrenaline Diesel thrives on a strict quality policy to meet customer satisfaction. With exceptional technician selection and training, we stand out among many heavy-duty repair service providers. Our expertly trained mechanics can handle any heavy-duty truck repair or maintenance issues you may have.

Adrenaline Diesel follows industry standards to ensure quality service delivery and customer satisfaction. We do this by providing excellent services that meet our clients' needs, budget considerations, and scheduling requirements.

Interested in our heavy-duty repair services?

Contact us today or call us at +1 (780) 907-1965 for a free quote.



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