Michael Nielsen
Michael Nielsen is the Editor and Publisher of Heavy Duty Journal , a former diesel mechanic and shop operator with 15+ years in heavy-duty truck and trailer repair. Michael leads HDJ with a field-first mindset—combining hands-on diagnostics, shop operations, fleet maintenance, and practical business strategies for the heavy-duty trucking industry.
About Michael Nielsen
Michael's journey began in the service bay, troubleshooting complex ECM, aftertreatment, and electrical issues on Class 7–8 vehicles. After years of hands-on diagnostics with diesel engines, transmissions, and heavy equipment, he transitioned into management and eventually operated his own repair facility. His experience spans work with independent owner-operators and large fleet operations, with a focus on uptime, safety, and practical repair decision-making.
Today, Michael brings that real-world heavy-duty experience to the editorial direction of Heavy Duty Journal, with an emphasis on practical technical guidance, fleet maintenance, shop operations, and business resources for diesel technicians, fleet managers, shop owners, and other commercial vehicle professionals.
Heavy-Duty Industry Expertise
Diesel Engine Diagnostics & Aftertreatment
Advanced troubleshooting of DPF/DEF systems, EGR circuits, sensor networks, and electronic engine controls across modern heavy-duty platforms.
Electrical & CAN Bus Systems
Systematic diagnosis of shorts, opens, multiplexing faults, and commercial-vehicle communication networks including J1939 and related heavy-duty protocols.
Shop Operations & Workflow Optimization
Bay utilization, parts control, repair documentation, workflow systems, and operational practices designed to improve productivity and shop performance.
Fleet Maintenance Strategy
Preventive maintenance planning, inspection standards, lifecycle management, downtime reduction, and maintenance strategy for mixed commercial fleets.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Practical DOT, EPA, and workplace-safety considerations for commercial vehicle repair, fleet maintenance, documentation, and shop procedures.
Digital Marketing for Heavy-Duty Businesses
Content, visibility, customer acquisition, local search, and practical marketing strategies for truck repair shops, suppliers, and heavy-duty service businesses.
Parts Sourcing & Vendor Relations
Supplier strategy, parts availability, inventory planning, quality considerations, and sourcing practices for heavy-duty components and repair operations.
Technician Development & Retention
Training, skills development, mentorship, technician career growth, and workforce practices for heavy-duty maintenance and repair organizations.
Recent Articles by Michael Nielsen
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Semi Truck Fuel Economy: Why MPG Drops and How to Fix It
Semi truck fuel economy explained: benchmark mpg, how to measure real mpg, and the tire, drag, engine and idle causes behind a…
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Steel and Aluminum Trench Boxes: Selection and OSHA Rules
Steel and aluminum trench boxes compared: OSHA shield rules, tabulated data, depth limits, sizing, site safety and what to have ready before…
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Truck Repair Guide: Types, Costs and How to Choose a Shop
Truck repair explained: common repair types by system, shop vs dealer vs mobile service, what drives costs, federal inspection rules, and how…
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