Finders, keepers

The trucking industry is taking steps to enhance the image of truck mechanics as a way to improve retention rates. The training programs of three companies are described to illustrate how this can be accomplished. At New England Motor Freight, mechanics are signed into apprenticeship programs that provide good pay scales, enabling staff to be constantly replenished. At PGT Trucking Inc, a school-to-work training program is used to encourage young people to become mechanics while at Southeastern Freight Lines flexible work conditions and retraining are emphasized.