What Is a Mobile Diesel Mechanic?

Not all diesel mechanics work in a garage or at a single location. Mobile diesel mechanics go where the jobs are. They fix diesel trucks and diesel equipment at locations like the side of the road, on farms and at various businesses where trucks and equipment need repairs. They also travel to clients to perform routine maintenance.

Work as a diesel mobile mechanic is interesting because you’re constantly dealing with new customers, new vehicles and new challenges. If you enjoy being on the move and want your work environment to change every day, working as a mobile diesel mechanic may be for you.

Key Points

• Mobile diesel mechanics perform repairs and maintenance on diesel trucks and equipment at various locations, such as roadsides or farms and businesses, offering a dynamic work environment that changes daily.
• The job involves traveling to clients with repair equipment, conducting diagnostic tests, replacing engines, repairing transmissions and braking systems and maintaining communication with clients and managers.
• To become a mobile diesel mechanic, employers prefer candidates with postsecondary diesel engine repair training and some positions may require ASE certification or prior experience in a shop. Owning a set of tools and having a good driving record is also necessary.
• Starting a mobile diesel mechanic business involves creating a business plan, registering the business, obtaining insurance, permits, licenses, tax IDs, a business bank account, an Employer Identification Number and setting up payment processing.
• Training to become a diesel technician is available at UTI, with programs lasting less than a year.^1,7

Mobile Diesel Mechanic Job Description

Diesel mechanics work on engines and machinery that power large vehicles and equipment, like transportation trucks, buses, cranes and bulldozers. Mobile diesel mechanics, also known as mobile diesel technicians or mobile truck mechanics, go directly to the customer. Instead of servicing vehicles and equipment in a single repair shop, on-the-go diesel mechanics drive out to the client and bring their repair equipment.

 A day in the life of a mobile diesel tech might look like:

• Getting a job assignment from the general manager.
• Heading out to the client to perform a repair or to do maintenance, which may include running diagnostic tests, replacing vehicle engines and repairing transmissions and braking systems.
• Professionally communicating with the client and the general manager on the job status. Maintaining a safe service truck and effective equipment.

Mobile diesel mechanics may not always work the typical 9-to-5 job schedule.

If you crave flexibility, you might be interested in a mobile diesel technician job because it could involve working nights and/or weekends, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Some mobile diesel mechanics form their own mobile diesel mechanic businesses, which allows them to control their workload and schedule.

All mobile diesel mechanics need to have excellent communication skills, since they’re dealing directly with clients. They also need to be physically fit because they’re working with tools and heavy equipment.

How To Become a Mobile Diesel Mechanic

Mobile diesel mechanics have the same knowledge that a diesel mechanic working in a shop would. For those who want to be hired as a mobile diesel mechanic, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports employers prefer to hire applicants who have completed postsecondary diesel engine repair training. Trade school graduates already have the knowledge to start an entry-level job as a diesel mechanic and can require less immediate on-the-job training to get started.

Some mobile diesel mechanic jobs will require that an applicant has worked in a shop for several years. Sometimes, having formal diesel mechanic training is enough to get an entry-level job as a mobile diesel mechanic.

In some cases, mobile diesel mechanic employers will require that a technician is certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or is working toward certification since it requires two years of experience. ASE certification is the standard for professional diesel mechanics. An advantage of studying the Diesel Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is that the program counts toward one year of experience required to test for ASE certification.

Whether you work for yourself or someone else, you’ll need to have your own set of tools to complete diesel mechanic work. This diesel mechanic tools list was created based on what some of the most well-known diesel brands require.

Mobile diesel mechanics who apply for employment also need to have good driving records and a valid driver’s license. Because a mobile diesel mechanic job requires a lot of driving to get to clients, employers want to hire safe, legal drivers.

If your record has moving violations on it, you may still be able to get a mobile diesel mechanic job. It’s always important to be honest during the application process.

Creating Your Own Mobile Diesel Mechanic Business

To create a mobile diesel repair business, you’ll want to create a business plan and form a legal structure for your business. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has information on how to register your business. You’ll also want to take care of:

• Business liability insurance
• Business permits and licenses
• State and federal tax ID numbers
• Business bank account
• Employer Identification Number
• Payment processing

The SBA provides local small business resources to help you get started.

Mobile Diesel Mechanic Outlook

The BLS reports that the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹ This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary can vary based on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

FAQs

What are the benefits of using a traveling diesel mechanic?

Traveling diesel mechanics are beneficial because they offer convenience and flexibility. They travel to homes or workplaces to help customers with busy schedules or competing priorities. They also often offer night or weekend service.

Do mobile diesel technicians perform emergency repairs?

Yes, this is one of the benefits of traveling mechanics! They can meet customers roadside to help them get their vehicle back on the road as quickly and safely as possible.

What services does a mobile diesel mechanic offer?

Mobile diesel mechanics travel with tools and parts that help them diagnose and repair various mechanical parts and technical systems, such as engines, brakes, transmissions or electrical and cooling systems. They also perform maintenance tasks like oil changes, lubricating equipment and checking tire pressure.

What is a mobile heavy diesel mechanic?

A mobile heavy diesel mechanic specializes in large machinery. They might travel to truck stops, roadside sites, construction sites, mines or farms to service equipment such as transportation trucks, buses, locomotives, cranes or bulldozers.

Get Training To Become a Mobile Diesel Technician

If working with big trucks and diesel equipment in a mobile position sounds appealing to you, you can complete your diesel technician training at UTI in less than a year.⁷

UTI’s Diesel Technology program is 45 weeks long and can help prepare students for careers as entry-level diesel technicians. Get hands-on training in a supportive environment so you’re prepared to begin a career as a mobile diesel mechanic.¹⁸

For information on the program, call 1-800-834-7308 or request info online.