The Technology & Maintenance Council of American Trucking Associations presented its Excellence in Maintenance Supervision Award to Schneider National’s Kirk Kabel during TMC's 2013 Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, held March 11-14 in Nashville TN.
Kabel was employed at Schneider’s Akron OH facility upon graduation from Ohio Technical College in 1989. During his tenure as a technician, Kabel quickly became subject matter expert in virtually all technical areas within the shop, receiving his ASE Master Certification in 1999. Kabel quickly progressed from Master Mechanic to Lead Mechanic, eventually settling in as Shop Supervisor in Washington Courthouse OH.
He served as a contributing member for Schneider National Maintenance System’s Center of Excellence in the areas of engine diagnostics, fifthwheel rebuilding, air conditioning diagnosis and repair, and preventive maintenance. In addition to performing training locally, Kabel progressed to regional trainer, sharing his knowledge with other maintenance locations.
Kabel was the Akron Skills Competition winner from 1999 through 2007, and throughout that time held the title of National Skills Competition winner in the areas of Engine, Electrical, and Tires.
Serving as shop leader of a facility dedicated to serving one specific business segment, Kabel has enabled the account to maintain greater than 99% service levels and had only one confirmed late delivery due to equipment failure. This is due to a thorough equipment inspection process for units in the yard, most frequently conducted by Kabel himself.
Candidates for this award were all employed in direct supervision of maintenance technicians and exhibited superior performance in equipment maintenance supervision. Higher levels of management are not eligible for the award.