Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fleet Inspector

💰 $55,000 - $85,000

AutomotiveLogistics & Supply ChainOperationsMaintenanceCompliance

🎯 Role Definition

As a Fleet Inspector, you are the cornerstone of our operational integrity and safety culture. You will be entrusted with the critical responsibility of meticulously examining, maintaining, and ensuring the compliance of our entire vehicle fleet. This role is not just about checking boxes; it's about safeguarding our assets, protecting our drivers, and upholding our reputation for excellence on the road. You will act as a technical expert and quality assurance lead, diagnosing issues, coordinating repairs, and maintaining meticulous records to optimize fleet performance, control costs, and ensure unwavering adherence to all federal and state transportation regulations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Automotive Technician / Diesel Mechanic
  • Fleet Maintenance Coordinator
  • Lead Driver with strong mechanical aptitude
  • Service Advisor

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Lead Fleet Inspector
  • Fleet Manager / Fleet Director
  • Maintenance Supervisor / Maintenance Manager
  • Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Fleet Analyst
  • Safety & Compliance Coordinator
  • Maintenance Planner / Scheduler

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive, multi-point inspections on a diverse range of vehicles (trucks, vans, cars, specialized equipment) at various lifecycle stages, including in-fleeting, periodic maintenance, and de-fleeting.
  • Diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system failures using advanced diagnostic tools, software, and hands-on techniques.
  • Ensure all vehicles strictly adhere to Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), OSHA, and other local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Meticulously document all inspection findings, maintenance activities, and repair histories within the company's Fleet Management Software (FMS).
  • Coordinate and schedule repairs with internal maintenance teams and external vendor repair facilities, ensuring timely completion and quality of work.
  • Perform rigorous quality control audits on completed repairs to verify that work meets manufacturer specifications and company standards.
  • Develop, implement, and refine preventative maintenance (PM) schedules to minimize downtime, reduce unexpected failures, and extend vehicle lifespan.
  • Perform road tests on vehicles to validate repairs, diagnose performance issues, and ensure safe operational condition before returning to service.
  • Review, audit, and approve repair orders and invoices from third-party vendors for accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with pre-authorized work.
  • Manage and process vehicle warranty claims with manufacturers and vendors to recover costs and ensure accountability.
  • Provide expert technical guidance and support to drivers and operators regarding vehicle pre-trip inspections, defect reporting, and basic troubleshooting.
  • Assess and document vehicle damage resulting from accidents or incidents, providing detailed reports and cost estimates for repairs.
  • Manage the fleet's tire program, including monitoring tread depth, tire pressure, and coordinating replacements and rotations to maximize safety and longevity.
  • Prepare and present detailed reports to management on fleet condition, compliance status, maintenance costs, and performance trends.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to identify patterns in vehicle failures or maintenance costs.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap by providing frontline insights on vehicle performance and maintenance needs.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements, particularly for telematics and FMS enhancements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team if integrated with fleet analytics projects.
  • Assist in the evaluation and selection of new vehicles, equipment, and maintenance technologies to improve fleet efficiency.
  • Maintain a precise inventory of specialized tools, diagnostic equipment, and essential shop supplies.
  • Conduct training sessions for drivers and new technicians on proper vehicle inspection procedures and safety protocols.
  • Support the remarketing process by providing accurate condition reports and assessments for end-of-life vehicles.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert Vehicle Diagnostics: Deep knowledge of automotive, diesel, electrical, and hydraulic systems and the ability to diagnose complex issues.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding and practical application of DOT, FMCSA, EPA, and state-level vehicle regulations.
  • Fleet Management Software (FMS): Proficiency using FMS platforms like Geotab, Samsara, Fleetio, or similar systems for record-keeping and analysis.
  • ASE Certifications: Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications in relevant areas (e.g., Truck, Automotive, Brakes) are highly desirable.
  • Diagnostic Tools: Hands-on experience with electronic diagnostic scan tools and software (e.g., JPRO, OEM software).
  • Repair Order Management: Skill in reviewing, auditing, and approving repair orders for accuracy and cost control.
  • MS Office Proficiency: Competency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook for reporting, documentation, and communication.
  • CDL (Commercial Driver's License): A valid CDL (Class A or B) is often required or strongly preferred to road test a variety of commercial vehicles.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and thorough in all inspection, documentation, and compliance-related tasks.
  • Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to effectively troubleshoot issues and determine root causes.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly articulate technical issues to mechanics, drivers, and management.
  • Integrity & Ethics: Unwavering commitment to safety and honesty in all inspections and reporting.
  • Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks, manage a dynamic workload, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Independence: Self-motivated and capable of working effectively with minimal direct supervision.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build positive working relationships with internal teams and external vendors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a certificate from a vocational or technical school in Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Automotive Technology
  • Diesel Mechanics
  • Fleet Management
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive, hands-on experience in a fleet maintenance environment, heavy truck/automotive repair shop, or a similar role.

Preferred: Direct experience in a position focused on vehicle inspections for a medium to large commercial fleet, with demonstrated responsibility for managing maintenance schedules and ensuring regulatory compliance.

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