The transportation industry is the backbone of the American economy, and it runs on the power and precision of skilled diesel technicians. At PGT Trucking, we know the immense value of a top-tier Heavy Equipment Mechanic. While the demand for these professionals is high across the country, we believe that the right career offers more than just a job — it offers a path for growth, a supportive team, and the latest technology to help you succeed.

A Day in the Life: Excellence in Maintenance

At PGT Trucking, our maintenance team is at the heart of our operations. A day in the life of a Heavy Equipment Mechanic isn’t just about repairs; it’s about a proactive commitment to quality and safety. You’ll be part of a close-knit team that ensures our fleet of modern equipment is in peak condition, including late model Peterbilt and International tractors and Reitnouer and East trailers. The work is dynamic and challenging, from routine inspections and diagnostics to complex engine repairs and systems maintenance. Our focus on preventative maintenance directly contributes to our reputation for reliability, giving our mechanics a true sense of pride in their work.

What to Look for in Heavy Equipment Mechanic Jobs

We believe in a clear career path, and we invest in our people. When you join PGT Trucking, you’re not just taking a job; you’re starting a journey toward professional advancement. We offer support as you advance through Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) T Series certifications, providing a clear roadmap for your skills and responsibilities to grow. For those with leadership aspirations, we have opportunities to move into management roles, supervising teams and shaping the future of our maintenance operations. The best part? We’ve designed our compensation to reward your expertise, with competitive pay, shift differential, full benefits, and a generous quarterly tool allowance to ensure you have everything you need to do your job effectively.

The Latest Technology at Your Fingertips

To be the best, you need the best tools. We provide our Heavy Equipment Mechanic team with the latest in diagnostic technology and shop equipment. This commitment to innovation means you’ll always be working with cutting-edge tools, not outdated machinery. Whether you’re troubleshooting an advanced engine system or performing intricate repairs, our technology supports your expertise and allows you to work more efficiently. We believe that by investing in our equipment, we are investing in you.

A National Network of Support

Our commitment to a premier maintenance team extends across our network of shop locations. You’ll find opportunities to apply your skills at our facilities in:

• Laredo, TX
• Gary, IN
• Trenton, NJ
• Blairsville, PA
• Midland, PA

Heavy Equipment Mechanic jobs at PGT 

If you’re looking for Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic jobs that offer more than just a paycheck — jobs that provide a career path, a supportive environment, and the latest technology — PGT Trucking is the place for you. Explore our Heavy Equipment Mechanic jobs today and find a place where your skills are valued, and your career can truly thrive.

PGT Trucking, Inc. has a rich history rooted in the heart of Pennsylvania. Established in 1981 in Industry, PA, by the then 26-year-old Patrick Gallagher, PGT has grown from a vision into a nationally recognized force among trucking companies in Pennsylvania, and across the U.S. This year, as we celebrate 44 years of excellence on the road, let’s look back at some of the key milestones that have shaped PGT Trucking’s journey.

The Early Years

Pat Gallagher’s commitment to safety — embodied in PGT’s motto, “Safety is Everyone’s Job – All the Time” — set the tone from the beginning, along with a focus on building personal relationships. Through this individual approach, PGT established partnerships that played a pivotal role in the company’s success, including Crucible Steel in Midland, PA, and U.S. Steel in Pittsburgh, PA. PGT’s first driver, Richard Powers, became a long-standing part of the team and helped launch those initial operations.

Another foundational partnership started with our first truck purchase from Jack Hill at O.S. Hill & Co., Inc. International. In 2022, PGT and Hill International celebrated the 2,000-truck milestone, and the partnership continues today. With these relationships, PGT focused on serving Pennsylvania’s industrial backbone from the start.

Growth & Expansion

As PGT grew, so did our operational needs. In 1990, we experienced rapid business expansion that required more space and personnel, sparking our HQ relocation from Industry to Monaca, PA. This extensive campus was a beacon of business growth in the local community of Beaver County.

PGT continued to develop new transportation solutions for customers in PA and across the U.S., even establishing van and tanker divisions to provide additional support for our clients. PGT’s strategic decision to focus on customer relationships was pivotal in solidifying our place among trucking companies in PA and the transportation industry.

Safety at PGT Trucking

PGT Trucking has consistently prioritized safety throughout our history. This commitment goes beyond basic compliance, exemplified by the development of PGT’s first securement manual in 1994. Our unique “one for the family” securement practice requires drivers to add an extra securement device beyond DOT regulations, underscoring this dedication to protecting our customers’ cargo and everyone on the road.

Broadening Reach and Capabilities

PGT Trucking’s journey has been marked by strategic expansions that have broadened our reach and opportunities. Key moves include the establishment of the Laredo Terminal in 1995, which opened a vital gateway for shipping in and out of Mexico. This commitment to cross-border logistics was further solidified with the opening of PGT’s new, state-of-the-art Laredo facility in 2024, significantly enhancing our capabilities for seamless North American trade. The launch of the Lease Purchase Program in 1997 also created new opportunities for drivers, providing truck drivers in PA and across the U.S. with an accessible path for truck ownership. Furthermore, with the founding of Southern Pines Trucking, Inc. in 2002 as a division of PGT, the company offered diversified solutions, initially focusing on nuclear moves before expanding into Heavy Haul and Cryogenic Tanker operations.

Innovation and the Future of Flatbed®

PGT’s commitment to innovation continues to shape the future of the flatbed industry. We actively explore and integrate advancements that enhance efficiency, safety, and service. This forward-thinking approach positions PGT at the forefront of the Future of Flatbed®, embracing new technologies and strategies to adapt to evolving market demands and deliver cutting-edge transportation solutions.

Pennsylvania Pride & Partnerships

PGT’s connection to Pennsylvania extends beyond our founding and headquarters. A unique partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, established in 2006, showcases this local pride. PGT provides a custom-designed truck and trailer to transport the Pitt football team’s equipment, a highly visible example of our commitment to the community. In 2016, we moved our headquarters to the Hopewell Industrial Park in Aliquippa, PA, after supporting the construction of the Shell ethylene cracker plant in Monaca, PA. This strategic relocation, followed by the 2021 opening of an Operations and Training Facility in Blairsville, PA, further establishing PGT Trucking as a premier company in Pennsylvania.

Honoring People & Looking to the Future

PGT Trucking’s success is built on the dedication of our people. Long-time employee Lori Brown, who has been with PGT since the beginning, and drivers like Randy Kelly and Rick Franklin, who have dedicated decades to the company, exemplify this commitment. We also recognize and celebrate driver achievements through our Million Mile, Safe, and Premier Professional Driver programs, demonstrating a deep appreciation for our drivers, the backbone of all trucking companies in PA and across the country. 

PGT Trucking recognizes the important contributions of military veterans, with several on staff and among our dedicated drivers. We honor them with special decals on their trucks, showcasing their service. PGT actively invests in our staff, exemplified by the Flatbed Fundamentals course at the Blairsville training facility, ensuring that all employees, including office staff, gain a comprehensive understanding of the physical demands and safety procedures of flatbed trucking.

From our humble beginnings in Industry, PA, to our current position as a leader among trucking companies in Pennsylvania and nationally, PGT Trucking’s 44-year journey is a story of growth, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to our people, our customers, and the communities we serve. As PGT Trucking looks to the future, we remain dedicated to our core values of safety, innovation, and excellence.

Specializing in Cross-Border Transportation Solutions

PGT Trucking’s Laredo, Texas, terminal first opened in 1995, expanding our services to include international freight transportation to and from Mexico, the number one trade partner with the U.S. For more than 30 years, PGT has successfully operated in the Southwest, moving more than 4,000 cross-border loads annually. The Port of Laredo is one of the top ports in the U.S., with trade valued at $339 billion in 2024. PGT Laredo is located conveniently between the Colombia Solidarity and World Trade Bridges and only minutes away from highway I-35, providing safe and secure international shipments with no transloading.

Custom Built Operations Center

In 2024, PGT opened a new custom-built facility at the Pinnacle Industry Center, with 7.73 acres dedicated to our cross-border operations. Our terminal is directly between two main international bridges for commercial traffic, providing easy access for our drivers and freight forwarders. From PGT Laredo, we effectively manage our entire cross-border operation, supporting our customers and drivers in the region. 

Our new facility has a fully secured concrete lot to safely park and store equipment, including a shaded securement bay for load checks. PGT Laredo also has a full-service maintenance shop with two open pull-through bays. Our Proud Professionals have complete access to an expansive driver lounge with a kitchenette, two stacked washer and dryer units, and fully tiled restroom and showers.

Driven by the Proud Professionals

More than 70 Proud Professional Drivers call PGT Laredo home, hauling a variety of commodities including steel coils and sheets, building structures, pipe and other construction materials. From PGT Laredo, flatbed truck drivers can travel through the Midwest, Southeast and Northeast, even going as far as New York City. PGT Laredo also provides service to all points in Mexico, providing safe cross-border transportation through Laredo, TX. 

On-Site Heavy-Duty Maintenance

Our new facility has a full-service maintenance shop staffed with experienced truck and trailer technicians. With two open pull-through bays, our maintenance technicians can work on four tractors at once, providing quick service and increasing driver uptime. Routine maintenance checks and preventive maintenance appointments can be easily scheduled and serviced at PGT Laredo. Our maintenance technicians receive full benefits, uniform and tool incentives, and career growth opportunities. 

Culturally Diverse Community

PGT Laredo celebrates the culturally diverse local community, and we are a fully bilingual company, with English and Spanish used interchangeably within the terminal to support for our drivers and customers in the region. PGT supports the Laredo Economic Development Corporation and helps promote the growth of the city. 

PGT Laredo: Supporting International Commerce

PGT Laredo is the hub for all PGT freight transportation in and out of Mexico. For more than 30 years, PGT has been a part of the Laredo community, solidifying our presence in 2024 with our custom-built facility. Our Proud Professional flatbed truck drivers specialize in international commerce and long haul deliveries, working diligently to keep our supply chain moving. With PGT’s U.S.-Mexico Shipping Solutions, our customers can safely transport their freight through all points in North America.

Drive for PGT

PGT Laredo has OTR opportunities for company drivers, B1 drivers, lease purchase operators and owner-operators. With consistent home time, percentage pay, and great benefits, our Proud Professional flatbed truck drivers can earn a great living while supporting their families back home. PGT was named a Best Fleets to Drive For® company for three years in a row. PGT is driven by the best, fueled by our promise. 

Apply now to PGT Laredo! 

Challenges of Lease Purchase

Ray Squires

The biggest challenge was one all three drivers shared: managing the financial obligation to truck repairs and maintenance. As Ray explained, “Trucks break. They’re not perfect machines.” Balancing truck payments with his personal expenses was also a struggle. “You want to pay the repair bill off, but you have to make sure you have enough money to live on and pay your regular bills, too,” Ray said. “Learning to balance your expenses is one of the most important lessons with lease purchase.”

Howard agreed, saying, “Breakdowns were the biggest challenge I faced, but PGT helped when I got stuck in those situations. With their assistance, I was able to stay focused on the big picture and keep working toward my goal.”

According to PGT Lease Purchase Manager, David McKolosky, one of the best advantages with PGT’s Lease Purchase Program is our ability to help lease purchase drivers with truck maintenance. “PGT has own our maintenance shops, which gives us the flexibility to help our lease purchase drivers. We also lease our own equipment, so we can provide the full vehicle history when the driver enters the program.”

PGT’s Support Made the Difference

Howard Sullivan

Despite the difficulties, all three drivers credited PGT’s support for helping them stay on track. When Ray’s first truck faced too many repairs just four months into the lease, PGT quickly provided him with a replacement vehicle. We also worked with Ray to restructure his payments when a major engine repair threatened to derail his progress.

“PGT stood behind me,” Ray said. “They put the expenses on the back end of the loan so I could still afford the payments and keep running.”

Similarly, as Howard faced breakdowns on the road, PGT was there to help. “PGT will get you a hotel room if your truck breaks down out on the road,” said Howard. “Little things like that, which you might not think matter, go a long way for me. If you have to be in a hotel room for three days because your clutch went out in Laredo, and you don’t have a lot of money to spare, they’ll help out with that. Those kinds of things really make a difference.”

Collin received the same support, saying, “The big difference with PGT is the support they give you,” said Collin. “When a breakdown happens and you don’t have enough money saved, PGT will help you get through it financially.”

Advice for Aspiring Owner-Operators

Collin Bivens

Looking back, Ray’s advice to his younger self is to be prepared for the commitment required to succeed as an owner-operator. “Some guys, they don’t understand the full commitment that you have to make for truck ownership,” he said. “They want to own their own truck, but they don’t understand all the responsibilities that come with it.”

Howard adds to this, cautioning aspiring owner-operators to be patient. “If your truck is breaking down, you have to remember that it’s nobody’s fault,” said Howard. “It’s a truck. Things break down, and that’s just part of the job. You have to learn to deal with those kinds of things and stay calm.”

Collin’s biggest piece of advice is to save up before entering the lease purchase program, and to stay busy when you are in it. “Make sure you have money saved up before you enter the program and keep working. Stay busy,” said Collin. “You can’t make money if you aren’t working.”

David, PGT Lease Purchase Manager, echoes Collin’s advice. “You have to stay hungry in a lease purchase program. Many drivers want to enter the program and own their truck, but they aren’t willing to put in the work to be successful. PGT can help you reach that goal, but you have to keep at it.”

The Biggest Accomplishment: Paying Off Their Trucks

Perseverance pays off, and after a few years in PGT’s Lease Purchase Program, Ray, Howard, and Collin have now fully paid off their trucks.

Ray particularly feels a sense of pride and financial freedom, though he knows the work is never truly done. “In a way you do have financial freedom, but you also need to be prepared for cosmetic updates and ongoing maintenance. Being a truck owner means you always have to be responsible with your expenses,” Ray explained.

PGT Lease Purchase Manager, David, is extremely proud of the program’s success and the accomplishments of Ray, Howard, and Collin. “These drivers have worked incredibly hard to become owner-operators. My favorite part of the job is handing a driver their truck title and seeing the excitement on their face when they’ve finally achieved their goal.”

These stories are a testament to the power of determination and the value of a supportive partner like PGT Trucking. Their individual journeys serve as an inspiration for others who dream of owning their own truck and taking control of their professional future.

Are You Ready for Truck Ownership?

PGT is proud of our lease purchase program, helping truck drivers achieve their independence and grow their business since 1997. Whether you dream of owning a full fleet or just your truck, PGT will support your goals. We have late model equipment available, and for the first four weeks, tractor payments are deferred and free trailer rental is included to help you get started. Lease Purchase Operators earn 75% of line haul revenue and 100% of fuel surcharges. Apply today!

The Steel Transportation Process with PGT Trucking

Inquiry: Call PGT and work with one of our experienced Business Development Managers to discuss your shipment needs. We will develop a customized shipping solution for your operation.

Onboarding: Your dedicated account team will ensure everything is ready to go for our first shipment, including confirming the billing information, safety needs, and loading details of your product. By outlining your required shipment timeline and commodity specifications, our team will clearly identify how we can safely and efficiently transport your freight.

Preparation and Planning: As we prepare to pick up and deliver your steel products, your PGT account team will provide key details for the first shipment and assign a PGT Proud Professional driver to the load. You should have your facilities prepped for our arrival, which will help expedite the shipment. We will handle the rest and can provide on-site safety management to ensure a smooth loading and unloading process.

Tracking Your Shipment: From pickup through delivery, our team will keep you informed on the load progression. Our innovative technology tracks your shipment and allows us to provide real-time updates along the way.

Successful Delivery: Just like the pickup, our team will oversee the safe delivery of your steel freight. Your Business Development Manager will be in touch to confirm delivery and ensure your complete satisfaction with the steel shipment.

Best Practices for Steel Transportation

Driver Training: Successfully transporting steel commodities starts with the best training for flatbed truck drivers. At PGT, all drivers attend our Training & Orientation program at our Blairsville terminal, where they undergo thorough instruction and evaluation for flatbed trucking. No matter the steel commodity, PGT’s Proud Professional drivers are well-versed in proper load securement.

Equipment: PGT uses modern flatbed equipment to increase uptime and minimize the risk of service failure. All company trucks are less than three years old, and our flatbed trailers are routinely upgraded. Preventative maintenance is performed every 10,000 miles.

Rigorous Safety Protocols: With safety as our mission, PGT goes beyond DOT securement regulations, requiring at least one additional securement device. PGT’s Safety Department uses a hands-on approach by checking load securement photos and completing spot checks at key locations. For complex commodities and new customers, our team will also be on-site to safely oversee the loading and securement process.

Common Steel Transportation Challenges

Weight Distribution: Placing your commodity correctly on the flatbed trailer can be a common challenge in steel transportation. With strategic planning and advanced equipment, PGT overcomes any difficulty with weight distribution and loading efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance: Interstate transportation is subject to multiple regulations at the state and federal levels. PGT remains informed of the latest requirements and ensures our flatbed truck drivers are prepared for inspections by the Department of Transportation.

Oversized/Overweight: Some commodities exceed the requirements for a standard flatbed trailer. At PGT, we have a variety of specialized trailers and an in-house permit department to safely transport any oversized or overweight product.

Steel Transportation Solutions You Can Trust

PGT has been an integral partner to the steel industry since our establishment in 1981. No matter the commodity, PGT will expertly transport your steel products safely and efficiently. We will provide a customized shipping solution to meet your transportation and safety needs, and our fleet of Proud Professional flatbed truck drivers are dedicated individuals trained to haul steel based on our extensive securement protocols.

Looking to Transport Your Next Steel Load?

PGT Trucking is ready to transport your steel, leveraging our extensive experience, rigorous safety protocols, and commitment to customer service. With PGT Trucking, you can expect reliable, efficient, and secure flatbed shipping solutions tailored to meet your specific requirements.