Events & Training Classes
OTA and its Technology & Maintenance Council offers annual events, training classes, and an exclusive program for the maintenance side of trucking.
Thank you to our sponsors for this year's Maintenance Fair December 1-3, 2020! The format was a little different this year, and we managed to host successful virtual presentations. Recordings will be available to participants; more information will be announced here or on the OTA website.
Annual Maintenance & Education Fair
TBD 2021
The Maintenance Fair is an event for trucking maintenance managers, diesel technicians, and anyone involved in the maintenance side of trucking. There is usually a main session and separate educational tracks or workshops for leaders and technicians where expert speakers will present what's new in the industry. Questions are encouraged! During breaks throughout the event, attendees are invited to visit the vendor fair put on by our allied sponsors to learn about new products and services pertinent to the maintenance field of trucking.
Annual SuperTech Competition
TBD 2021 - Portland Area
The day after Maintenance Fair, professional and student diesel technicians will compete across various stations to test their skills and knowledge through written exams and troubleshooting physical trucking equipment. It's a true showcase of talent shown every day by trucking industry technicians and honors technician professionalism. After scores are calculated, winners are announced the same day during the official awards ceremony to determine who will compete at National SuperTech hosted by ATA.
1. Learn something new - we know our techs are some of the best in the business, but there’s always room for improvement. Familiarize yourself with every piece of equipment and discover how to tackle unusual issues. Plus, technology is always advancing – be ready!
2. Opportunity to win - you may be underestimating your knowledge and skills, and this is a great way to showcase your talent as a technician. If you win, you’ll receive prizes, a trophy, and a chance to compete at nationals. Imagine putting that on your list of accomplishments!
3. Network with others - you never know who you’ll meet at the event. You may cultivate new friendships and share best practices with colleagues. And, if you’re an employer, this is a great way to see your techs in action and show your support.
4. Evaluate your skills - you’ll quickly discover your strengths and weaknesses as a technician, and this can help you improve your skills. As an employer, this is a perfect way to help you develop an effective training plan for your techs.
5. Have fun - with all the competitive camaraderie among the techs and companies, you’ll be sure to get some laughs in. Plus, when you’re not competing, you can explore the museum!
Note: National SuperTech has been cancelled for 2020 due to safety concerns regarding the recent pandemic and therefore has caused many state associations, including OTA, to cancel theirs as well. However, that means our technicians have even more time to prepare for next year!
NW Fleet Maintenance Certification Program
Modeled after our successful fleet safety program, the NW Fleet Maintenance program is now part of the OTA University curriculum. This latest certification offering is designed specifically for maintenance managers and those interested in fleet maintenance management. The year-long course will cover the basics of running a shop and maintaining a top-notch maintenance program, including rules and best practices. View the flyer online.
Some topics will overlap with the NW Fleet Safety Certification Program, such as leadership skills and safety culture.
The 2019-2020 class is complete, and graduates will be announced at the Annual Maintenance Fair In May. Sessions for the 2020-2021 have already started and will be held monthly at the OTA office in Portland. Please note, class size has been limited to 10 participants, so if you are still interested, contact [email protected]! Discounted pricing is available for OTA members.