MasterTech is XPO’s annual competition for our most skilled forklift, trailer and truck technicians.

This year, over 150 technicians from across our network competed in qualifying exams, interviews and quality checks, with 20 earning a spot in the national finals.

During the competition in Orlando, technicians will take on 27 timed stations that test their ability to solve mechanical problems and their knowledge of innovative technical approaches.

Learn more about our finalists and stay tuned to find out who will claim the title of MasterTech!

Forklift

Christopher Abshire

Charlotte, NC

Years at XPO: 7  
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Chris’ motivation to work as a technician started when he was a child. He worked at a garage repair shop after school and found it to be “really cool.”  
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? There is no “cutting corners.” Repairs have to be done correctly to keep the equipment functioning safely.  
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Take pride in your work.” 

Forklift

Darren Campbell

Portland, OR

Years at XPO: 22
 
Appearances at MasterTech: 2
  
Career Motivation: Darren was raised on a ranch where he took an interest in fixing equipment. He's found that a career in mechanics allows him to pursue his passion while being able to spend time with his family. "I'm the third shift lead and I'm fortunate to have a great crew to work with!"
 
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? Darren enjoys getting to work on newer equipment compared to what he was fixing on the ranch, as well as helping newer technicians grow. 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: Darren encourages new technicians to learn about the new equipment and technology that technicians use. 

Forklift

Jay Mitchell

Indianapolis, IN

Years at XPO: 30  
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Being raised on a farm, Jay was exposed to mechanical equipment from a young age. He picked up the skills needed to fix equipment and decided to pursue a career as a technician after serving in the military. 
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “Being able to fix things that aren’t working and get them back out on the road.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: Jay has seen how the field has evolved over time and says that “staying up to date on technological advances” is a key to success. “Learning the computer and technology definitely helps out.”

Forklift

Leon Rodarte

Glenpool, OK 

Years at XPO: 26  
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: After high school, Leon worked with his brother who was a trailer technician. After learning the ropes, he realized how much he enjoyed the work and grew his career in the field.   
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “When you like something, you take pride in what you do.”  
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: Leon attributes his growth in the field to being open to trying new things. “A lot of people are afraid of failure, but it’s a learning process.” 

Trailer

Alyssa Briggs

Parma, OH 

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Alyssa went to vocational school and was assigned to the diesel mechanics program. Although it wasn’t her first choice, she discovered that she “loved it.” Shortly after graduating, she joined XPO and hasn’t looked back. 
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? When Alyssa is making repairs, she is thinking of the safety of everyone on the road. “When I triple check something before I finish, it’s not only for our driver. It’s for everyone’s safety.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Give it your best and just go for it. I graduated almost 6 years ago and never thought I had a chance in this industry. I found a company that would teach me and take me in.”  

Trailer

Brad Reed

New Columbia, PA

Class: Trailer  
 
Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech: 1 
  
Career Motivation: Brad was presented with an opportunity to pursue a career as a technician and has been able to find a stable career at XPO where he could grow his skillset while supporting his family.  
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “I’m proud when I’m able to work on some of the bigger repairs and actually fix them internally instead of equipment getting shipped to vendors.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Listen to others for advice. There’s more than one way to do a job.” 

Trailer

Cody Thrush

LaSalle, IL 

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Cody grew up knowing he wanted to be a mechanic. “My brother was a mechanic for a trucking company, and he helped me get my first job.”  
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “We play an important part of making sure every piece of equipment can get to where it needs to be. We have one of the most important jobs. If it wasn’t for us there would be no trucks or trailers for the drivers to haul freight with.” 

Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “If you’ve been on the fence about taking the MasterTech test, take it next year!”

Trailer

Dallas Benchley

Fremont, IN 

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Dallas was introduced to the field at his high school career fair, immediately finding an interest in mechanics.  
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “When repairs get done the first time.”  
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Try and learn as much as possible from those around you.” 

Trailer

Jason Becker

Chicago Heights, IL 

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: “I’ve always liked fixing broken stuff.”  
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “I like fixing the things other people can't.” Jason is proud whenever people come to him asking for help. 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Take your time and learn as much as you can.” 

Trailer

Javier Carrillo Jr.

Aurora, IL 

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Javier started at XPO as a dockworker. He had an opportunity to do forklift inspections and learned how much he enjoyed being a technician. “I like using my hands. It feels good to fix things.” 
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “The drivers come to me because they know I can fix things correctly. My manager has confidence in me that I’ll get the job done.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Ask for help, and don’t be afraid to ask for a better way to do something.” 

Trailer

John Preyer

New Columbia, PA 

Years at XPO: 16  
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: John’s father was a mechanic and he decided to follow in his footsteps. “I always admired him. In high school, I started working at the same car dealership as him.”  
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? John is proud whenever he’s able to support a new technician and help them grow.  
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Try to be thorough and don’t rush, even though timing can be intimidating.”

Trailer

Nathan Pritchett

St. Louis, MO 

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Nathan came to XPO fresh out of the military. “I was trained to work on ground support equipment in the service.” Continuing as a mechanic was a natural next step for Nathan.  
 
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “Knowing that equipment is safe and looks good going down the road.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “When you put a piece of equipment out, you have to think that your family members are the ones driving right alongside it.”

Truck

Chris Neubauer

Burnsville, MN 

Years at XPO: 2  
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Chris came to XPO as an apprentice. “I’ve got a fair amount of skill in making repairs, diagnosing and troubleshooting. I found my passion.”  
 
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “Being able to locate a difficult to find problem, correctly repairing the issue and seeing it go down the road.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Learn as much as you can. Keep asking questions and pushing to get a better result.” 

Truck

Eric Young

Ellenwood, GA

Years at XPO: 18  
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: “I’ve always enjoyed taking stuff apart and putting it back together – I like challenging myself.” 
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “I love when something comes in with an issue and I’m able to figure it out, repair it and make it safer.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Don’t give up and stay learning. New information comes out every day in this field so it’s important to do research.” 

Truck

Johnathan Johnson

San Antonio, TX

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: “I love working on trucks; I get to be like a doctor.” Johnathan finds his work to be very peaceful.  
 
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “Knowing that every unit I put out on the road is safe.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Take a step back and ask questions. Nobody knows everything.” 

Truck

Jon Tapp

Franklin, WI 

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: “I always loved fixing things and helping my dad with repairs. I care about customer experience and treating people well. I want to be a person that people can trust.” 
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? For Jon, it’s two things: “I thoroughly enjoy fixing things. It’s satisfying when trucks leave fixed.” Jon also takes pride in contributing to XPO’s focus on being world class and a leader in the industry.  

Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Find good people to work for and with – that makes the biggest difference.”

Truck

Justin Hochstetler

Fremont, IN

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: “I’ve always been interested in how things work. It’s always something different and I always learn something new.” 
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “The feeling of accomplishment when you get something done right.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Stick with it and soak in information from other people and experiences.” 

Truck

Lee Vaughn

Ellenwood, GA

Years at XPO: 23  
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Lee grew up on a farm where many of his family members were mechanics. “I was always taking toys apart and trying to put them back together or alter them. I got older and started working on dirt bikes and go karts.” 
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “I can fix anything you put in front of me if you give me enough time. Every driver is going to get a piece of equipment back better than how it was given to me.”  
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “The most important tool you'll ever have as a technician is the one between your ears. Don't be afraid to ask questions, especially to technicians more experienced than you, and always keep a good attitude.” 

Truck

Mike Prevo

Aurora, IL 

Years at XPO:
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: Mike’s motivation to become a technician began in his childhood, turning what was once a hobby into a career. “Ever since I was a kid, I have loved working on cars.”  
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? Mike enjoys being challenged by his work and is driven by the satisfaction of fixing something. “I’m most proud when figuring out a complex problem for the first time.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Always be prepared for technology to change and to be continuously learning in this field.”

Truck

Wes Eidson

Indianapolis, IN 

Years at XPO: 5
 
Appearances at MasterTech:
  
Career Motivation: “As a kid, I was always interested in taking things apart and putting them back together.” 
  
What Makes You Proud to be a Technician? “The feeling of accomplishment and knowing that I can do something that other people can’t do.” 
  
Advice for Aspiring Technicians: “Never give up and keep working hard at your goal.” 

Interested in joining XPO as a technician?

Fill out the form and a recruiter will contact you with any relevant opportunities.

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