Auto shop owners: Labor shortage, reckless driving contributing to car repair backlog

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Several repair autobody shops in Milwaukee are suffering from a backlog in car repairs.

Many have felt that increase in workload since the pandemic.

The backlog is allegedly attributed to labor shortages, a backlog in orders of car parts and reckless driving.

At VCA Auto Body, that backlog has been felt. Max Shepeshelevich, an employee at the auto body shop, said they've seen an uptick in the need for car repairs since the pandemic.

"Some cars have been sitting here for months, weeks on end trying to get back to the customer," said Shepeshelevich.

Some repair shops, like West Allis Auto Body, are booked for months.

"I'm booking out till about Christmas now," said Glenn Krolikowski, owner of West Allis Auto Body.

That means Krolikowski isn't accepting new customers until after the holidays.

Shepeshelevich said repair shops have had to wait weeks for car parts, and Milwaukee's reckless driving problem is also adding to the workload.

"We've had one customer -- this is her fifth time having her car stolen and crashed. It's just something we really need to get under control and we're trying to get it handled for them," said Shepeshelevich.

Both repair shops said they aren't expecting workload to get any lighter come winter months.