NASHVILLE, Tenn.
According to Fullbay’s fifth annual State of Heavy-Duty Repair Report (SOHDR), 48% of women remain at a single repair shop throughout their careers.
The report found that while 84% of participants were male and 19% female, women tend to favor a long-term commitment to one shop rather than frequently changing workplaces. In contrast, 23% of men reported working at two shops over their careers and 20% at three different shops.
In partnership with the ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council, Fullbay has released its latest State of Heavy-Duty Repair Report. This report provides commercial repair businesses and shop managers with up-to-date insights, trends, and benchmarks aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.
Key Insights Into Employment and Labor Rates
The report indicates that heavy-duty repair shops nationwide experienced a substantial 14.3% rise in total employees. Additionally, 45% of shops reassess their labor rates annually, with 46% aligning their rates with industry competitors.
Noteworthy Findings
- Labor rates have increased by over $4 annually, totaling a $9 increase since 2023, now at $134.
- Only 66% of surveyed shops provide health benefits for technicians, which might complicate hiring.
- Small shops reported completing the highest number of hours each month, averaging 114 hours.
- The average parts cost was $195, while the average revenue was $246, yielding a 21% margin.
- 36% of shops do not offer apprenticeship programs, in contrast to 33% that do.
- Shops noted a 7.2% increase in mobile repair labor costs.
- Technicians indicated a yearly pay increase of 7.4% from 2023 to 2024, followed by a 3.4% increase from 2024 to 2025, with an average hourly wage of $30.
- Use of VMRS codes within shops is on the rise, with 22% of shops reporting their utilization, an increase from the previous year.
- Notably, 31% of shop owners reported not drawing a salary, while 81% of shops provided mobile repair services.
A Valuable Resource for Shop Owners
Robert Braswell, Executive Director of TMC, expressed enthusiasm about hosting informative events that bolster maintenance and technological advancements in heavy-duty repair. “This report serves as an invaluable tool for shop owners, providing essential insights that can help improve shop practices and benefit employees,” he stated.
Data Collection Methodology
The findings in Fullbay’s report were compiled from nearly 1,000 survey responses from professionals across the freight, logistics, and repair sectors, complemented by real-world data from shops. This year saw a significant increase in the number of shops analyzed compared to prior years, influencing the year-over-year results. The majority of participating shops were from the United States and Canada, with limited contributions from New Zealand and Australia, and responses remain anonymous except for role, geography, and industry specifics.
Availability of the Report
The 2025 report is accessible for free download here. Fullbay retains the right to update the digital report as new findings and data emerge, recommending users refer to the digital link for the most current version.
