by Women In Trucking Staff, on Apr 13, 2026 8:51:47 AM
Keeping commercial trucks well-maintained is no small task. For fleet managers and owner-operators, it’s a balancing act of safety, compliance, cost, and uptime. While routine maintenance is critical, several ongoing challenges make it harder to keep trucks road-ready.
One of the biggest hurdles is wear and tear from heavy use. Large commercial vehicles log hundreds of miles daily, and constant strain on brakes, tires, engines, and suspensions means parts wear out quickly. Staying ahead of those breakdowns requires both proactive inspections and predictive maintenance strategies, says Lynn Murphy, CEO with TruckSuite, which offers commercial vehicle aftermarket warranties, preventative maintenance, and tire and wheel protection programs to fleets, Owner-Operators, truck dealerships and repair shops.
But while you can take proactive steps to avoid breakdowns or mechanical problems, they still happen. When a rig breaks down, women professional truck drivers — like all drivers — can protect themselves from being taken advantage of by taking a few smart steps. First, whenever possible get a clear estimate before any work is performed, rather than agreeing to repairs after they’ve already been completed, which can lead to inflated charges.
Drivers also can benefit from using direct-sale marketplaces partnered with insurance agencies, where vetted service providers gives more transparency and confidence in who’s doing the maintenance and repair. And when it comes to filing insurance claims, keeping thorough documentation such as photos, receipts, and notes on conversations helps to ensure fair reimbursement and prevents disputes down the road. By staying proactive and informed, drivers can keep more control in stressful breakdown situations.
Priorities To Healthy Truck Maintenance
Keeping trucks road-ready involves a mix of proactive planning, skilled labor, real-time data, and responsive logistics, according to Alan McDonald, Chief Operating Officer at TruckSuite, who has 25-plus years of claims repairs. Key areas to focus on include:
- Preventative Maintenance Scheduling
- Driver Communication & Reporting
- Parts Availability
- Technician/Labor Shortage
- Complex Technology
- Cost Management
- Environmental & Regulatory Pressures
Related Articles:
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- Alyssa Briggs, Trailer Mechanic with XPO
- Diesel Technicians: A Career Under the Hood
- Percentage of Female Technicians Remains Low
- Careers for Women: From the Driver Seat to the C-Suite
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