If you’ve ever seen a Darling Ingredients truck on the highway, you’re looking at a crucial link in our global company. But what does it take to keep one of the largest commercial fleets in the U.S. safe and on the road?
Meet Jeff Frahm, one of our Truck Shop Mechanics, who ensures our fleet never misses a beat.
Though initially applying for a driver role, he was excited when our plant manager quickly recognized his immense technical talent and placed him in the shop. Today, Jeff enjoys a peaceful, four-mile commute to our Wahoo, Nebraska, facility.
Preventative maintenance is critical, and the sheer variety of equipment is what makes the job truly unique. Our fleet is highly specialized to handle our raw material and finished products.
"We work on a wide variety of vehicles and transport vessels," Jeff says. "Trailers, reefer trailers, crane trailers, raw material trailers, bucket trailers, tankers... if wheels ever touched it, we keep it running."
From doing complex overhead adjustments to major brake jobs, Jeff's hands-on problem-solving keeps the gears turning.
"We go wherever we need to make sure trucks are up and running in a safe manner," Jeff says.
Roadside calls can be unpredictable adventures. Whether it's repairing a flat tire or fixing a blown hydraulic hose at a customer's location, Jeff and his team get vehicles moving and handle any required cleanup. "You don't always know where you're going to end up," he laughs.
"Darling Ingredients creates wide opportunities for its employees," Jeff notes, pointing out that employees can transfer to locations all over the world. But for him, the best part of working at Darling Ingredients’ Wahoo facility is the tight-knit team and supportive leadership.
"Without trucks running, our product just sits there," Jeff says. "Our management understands that. As long as we get the work done, they are highly supportive. It’s just a great, family-oriented place to be."
If you're looking for a mechanical career that offers more than routine repairs, consider what a career with us can provide. Our mechanics play a critical role in keeping our operations moving while enjoying the benefit of a supportive, family-oriented environment and short local commutes. We're looking for skilled technicians who take pride in safety, value reliability and want to be part of a company where their contributions make a difference every day.
Learn more about careers at Darling IngredientsMeet Jeff Frahm, one of our Truck Shop Mechanics, who ensures our fleet never misses a beat.
Over 40 years of expertise
Jeff has been a professional mechanic since 1985, including 22 years at a manufacturing company as a mechanic and shop foreman. Tired of a grueling daily commute to Omaha, Nebraska, Jeff looked for opportunities closer to home.Though initially applying for a driver role, he was excited when our plant manager quickly recognized his immense technical talent and placed him in the shop. Today, Jeff enjoys a peaceful, four-mile commute to our Wahoo, Nebraska, facility.
Variety on the shop floor
At Darling Ingredients, every day brings something new. "We typically come in the morning, check our preventative maintenance (PM) list, and knock that out first," Jeff explains.Preventative maintenance is critical, and the sheer variety of equipment is what makes the job truly unique. Our fleet is highly specialized to handle our raw material and finished products.
"We work on a wide variety of vehicles and transport vessels," Jeff says. "Trailers, reefer trailers, crane trailers, raw material trailers, bucket trailers, tankers... if wheels ever touched it, we keep it running."
From doing complex overhead adjustments to major brake jobs, Jeff's hands-on problem-solving keeps the gears turning.
Roadside rescues and adventures
While much of Jeff’s time is spent in the shop, he’s always ready to jump into the mobile service truck when a driver needs help on the road."We go wherever we need to make sure trucks are up and running in a safe manner," Jeff says.
Roadside calls can be unpredictable adventures. Whether it's repairing a flat tire or fixing a blown hydraulic hose at a customer's location, Jeff and his team get vehicles moving and handle any required cleanup. "You don't always know where you're going to end up," he laughs.
A strong culture
Before joining Darling Ingredients, Jeff didn’t fully realize the massive global scale of the rendering and sustainable ingredients industry. Now, he appreciates both the company's worldwide impact and its local, supportive culture."Darling Ingredients creates wide opportunities for its employees," Jeff notes, pointing out that employees can transfer to locations all over the world. But for him, the best part of working at Darling Ingredients’ Wahoo facility is the tight-knit team and supportive leadership.
"Without trucks running, our product just sits there," Jeff says. "Our management understands that. As long as we get the work done, they are highly supportive. It’s just a great, family-oriented place to be."
If you're looking for a mechanical career that offers more than routine repairs, consider what a career with us can provide. Our mechanics play a critical role in keeping our operations moving while enjoying the benefit of a supportive, family-oriented environment and short local commutes. We're looking for skilled technicians who take pride in safety, value reliability and want to be part of a company where their contributions make a difference every day.