Why Become an OTR Tire Tech

Why become an OTR or Mine Tire Tech?

First of all it’s very challenging! You’ll have a great opportunity to put your skills to work and earn more pay.
Great OTR Techs are becoming increasing hard to find. But that’s not an open door to getting a great OTR Tech job. . You need to do your part. Many forces from within a company and rigorous government regulations create a lot of strain on a hiring manager.
Why is that good news for you? If you are a qualified OTR/Mine Tire Technician you are in great demand. As the saying goes “The bigger the tire the small the workforce”. Companies can’t just run down to the local labor pool and make a hire. Credentials are required.
Let’s look at some of the reasons why you are a special person if you are qualified to be an OTR Tech.
DOT Regulations:
• You must be medically approved to drive the truck
• You must have at least a Class “B” CDL
• A 10 year reference check is required
• You must be able to pass random drug and alcohol testing
• You must understand the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations
• All combined you are required to be a certified truck driver before you even think about changing that first OTR tire.
If you would like to learn more please visit this website: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Wait a minute you say!
I know there are many very experienced Mine Tire Techs out there that do not have CDL’s. I know, I speak with them everyday. But, they are limited to working only in “off the highway” situations. They have no way of getting a large OTR tire to a site. These are very good high paying jobs but you are limited if you want to expand your horizons. If the mine closes….what are you going to do?

Mine Safety and Health Administration – MSHA
Back in 1977 congress passed laws to protect mine workers. You are now required to understand the safe operating procedures at a mine site. You will need to attend training and pass the certification test.
A current MSHA certification is a ticket to being hired.
For more information go to: http://www.msha.gov

So, here we are and we still haven’t even gotten to actually changing a tire! You have to be a truck driver, MSHA certified and know how to change tires. Just what is that worth in compensation and the ability to get a great paying job?

Add it up!

A fully certified OTR/Mine Tire Tech can earn as much as $10 per hour above that of a Truck Tire Tech.
Who’s responsible for you getting qualified? You are! You need to do everything possible to keep your driving and criminal record clean. One DUI and you are out! You must seek out employers that offer OTR tire service training and ones that operate trucks over 26,000 lbs GVW so that you can take the driving test after passing the written test.

Get busy….there is serious money to be made in the OTR tire industry.