The annual Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) National Technician Skills Competition - TMCSuperTech - is trucking’s only industry-wide competition aimed at honoring commercial vehicle technicians and recognizing the best of the best. Organized by TMC’s Professional Technician Development Committee (PTDC), the competition showcases the high degree of skill and knowledge shown every day by trucking industry technicians.
The most accomplished competitors, determined through a variety of diagnostic and problem-solving skills tests over the two-day TMCSuperTech, earn industry recognition and valuable prizes.
There are six steps to getting technicians involved with this year’s seventh annual TMCSuperTech event.
STEP 1 - REGISTER
Any commercial vehicle technician employed in the trucking industry may register for the competition.
The entry fee for TMC technician members is $100. For non-member technicians, the entry fee is $200. That includes TMC technician membership for the remainder of this year.
The entry fee is waived for verified grand champions of 2011 state maintenance council commercial vehicle technician skills contests.
STEP 2 - ATTEND
As usual, the TMCSuperTech is being held in conjunction with TMC’s annual fall meeting, taking place September 19 to 22 at the Raleigh Convention Center in Raleigh, NC.
Upon checking in for the competition, registered competitors will receive their TMCSuperTech credentials and be asked to attend a special orientation for the competitors.
STEP 3 - PRE-QUALIFY
All TMCSuperTech competitors will compete in a challenge round on Monday afternoon, September 19. It will consist of a written multiple-choice examination and a hands-on pre-qualification skills test. Competitors will be given two hours to complete these tests.
The Professional Technician Development Committee’s Technician Training Fair will be held on Monday, September 19, and Wednesday, September 21. Training sessions will cover fifth wheel inspection and maintenance, alternator and starter operation and maintenance, repair order process guidelines, trailer alignment basics, steering and suspension maintenance and electrical troubleshooting.
Attendance at the Fair’s training sessions will earn competitors additional bonus points. These points will be counted in the scoring for the final portion of the TMCSuperTech - the Hands-On Skills Challenge. This is a series of stations that cover 14 key diagnostic skills areas.
STEP 4 - GATHER
The TMCSuperTech2011 Reception will be held on Monday evening, following the pre-qualification testing. It is during this reception that the names of the competitors who have done well enough in the pre-qualification challenge round to advance to compete in the Hands-On Skills Challenge on Tuesday, September 20, are announced.
Certified grand champions from state trucking association technician skills competitions skip the pre-qualification tests and will automatically be included in the Hands-On Skills Challenge.
Following the reception, everyone will have the chance to get a sneak peak at the Hands-On Skills Challenge stations.
STEP 5 - COMPETE
The Hands-On Skills Challenge takes place on Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Qualifying competitors go through the series of 14 stations, covering the following diagnostic skills areas:
- Electrical
- Brakes
- Starting and Charging
- Tires and Wheels
- Wheel Ends
- Trailer Alignment
- Engine (Hardware)
- Suspension
- PMI (Pre-Trip Inspection)
- Drivetrain
- Service Information
- Repair Order
- Fasteners/Fastener Repair
- Fifth Wheel
Two other stations, Engine (Electronics) and HVAC, may be added if TMCSuperTech2011 is expanded due to an increase in competitor registrations.
Lunch will be provided for all competitors, judges and other registered guests.
Spectators are welcome on the competition floor as well.
STEP 6 - RECOGNIZE
The winners of TMCSuperTech2011 will be announced, and trophies and prizes presented, during the TMC Industry Awards Luncheon, set for Wednesday, September 21. Awards are given for first, second and third best in the overall competition.
The technician who earns the first place honor is declared the TMCSuperTech Grand Champion. He or she will receive an expense-paid trip to the 2012 Daytona 500, plus other prizes, including a special trophy.
In addition, his or her name will appear on the TMCSuperTech Grand Champion Banner that is displayed at every TMC meeting.
Individuals who place Best in Skills Category will receive special prizes as well.
