James A. (Jim) Lana, CPT
Director, Operation
Jim Lana has over 30 years of experience in fleet management and has expertise in design, development and delivery of scheduling and training strategies. He has developed programs that focus on reducing employee turnover, increasing productivity and equipment utilization. Jim has been instrumental in the design and development of several fleet management programs both print and computerized. These programs were implemented in companies large and small and provided leading edge enhancements to planning, scheduling, warranty, and preventative maintenance. He has also developed training programs for air conditioning, brake systems, and alignment. Jim has served on committees with vocational schools and industry leaders that forged an industry partnership for the development of technical skills for graduating technicians. He has developed his skills in this industry while employed at Ryder Transportation Services, one of the industry leaders in the transportation and logistics field. While at Ryder, he was able to develop and implement many cost saving measures that are still being used today. Jim began his career as a technician. Moving quickly through the technician levels, he became part of an elite group of Master Technicians, the highest level at Ryder.
With his technical skills well established Jim began to get recognition for his management abilities, first as a technician in-charge then as a Service Manager. From there he kept progressing and meeting each challenge presented to him. Jim opened numerous maintenance facilities while managing multiple locations throughout the Ryder organization. Because of his hard work and ability to manage and mentor people, Jim was given the opportunity to join the Training department as a Technical Maintenance Trainer. Within his first year, Jim had mastered the Preventive Maintenance course and started training Air Conditioning and Specialized Electronics. In 1992, Ryder recognized Jim’s effectiveness and promoted him to International Training Manager for all of Canada and the US Northeast.
Because of his proficiency with computers, Jim was asked to become the computer expert for the maintenance training department. He seized the opportunity and became proficient in many major software packages to support the training group and the field with both training and user help.
In 1996, Jim participated as part of the committee that changed the curriculum at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC. This project provided a comprehensive recruiting and training program to help answer the needs of our industry for technicians. He also sits on the committee that develops the ASE Mechanic tests. Jim earned his Regents diploma from Wayne Central School in 1977. Recognizing his mechanical abilities, Jim attended Ohio Diesel Technical Institute where he graduated third in the class. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. As of 2018 Jim is also Certified as a VMRS Specialist.
