Episode 199: The Truth About Fleet Tech Shortages That No One Wants to Admit

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Fleet Success Show, Josh Turley and Marc Canton break down the real reasons behind the fleet technician shortage. Spoiler: it's not just about pay, and it’s not just about competition with dealerships anymore. Today, fleets are fighting a war on two fronts—against white-collar careers and blue-collar trades that offer higher pay, lower complexity, and better mobility.

Josh and Marc explore:

• Why techs are avoiding the automotive space and opting for HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
• The psychology of Gen Z (aka the Toolbelt Generation).
• How lack of exposure and outdated compensation models are killing technician pipelines.
• The missed recruiting opportunities fleets ignore at trade schools and even 4-year universities.

You’ll also learn how to rethink recruiting, reposition your fleet, and make technician roles more appealing—without waiting for "the industry" to save you.

Key Takeaways

• The technician shortage is not unique to fleet—dealerships and private shops are hurting, too.
• Gen Z is entering the trades, just not yours. Plumbers, HVAC techs, and electricians are winning the war for talent.
• Fleets struggle to recruit because they don't market themselves well and they lack a clear career path for techs.
• Dealerships have visibility and recruiting power. Fleets often hide behind HR processes and outdated comp studies.
• Competing requires intentional culture, real wage strategy, and recruiting at high schools and community colleges.
• Fleet managers must think like marketers—position your brand, tell a compelling story, and offer a growth path.

Speaker Bios

Josh Turley
CEO of RTA and host of the Fleet Success Show, Josh brings decades of experience in helping government and enterprise fleets increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve availability through smarter maintenance systems and consulting.

Marc Canton
Fleet management consultant and co-host, Marc is a seasoned strategist who helps fleets across North America rightsize their assets, optimize replacement plans, and navigate tough staffing challenges. Known for data-driven storytelling and hands-on problem-solving.

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