Fleet Safety Manager - DOT/FMCSA Compliance (Trucking)

Job Description

Job Description

An established asset-based trucking carrier in the Chicago area is seeking an experienced Safety Manager to lead fleet safety and compliance across its commercial trucking operation.

This hands-on leadership role owns DOT and FMCSA compliance, driver safety, and operational risk reduction across the fleet. The ideal candidate brings broad, practical trucking safety experience and can independently run the safety function while driving performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee fleet safety programs to ensure full DOT and FMCSA compliance.
• Conduct safety audits, inspections, and incident investigations, including root cause analysis and corrective action.
• Develop and enforce driver safety policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
• Monitor driver behavior, logs, and performance to ensure regulatory adherence.
• Lead driver safety training, coaching, and corrective action plans.
• Maintain accurate safety records, reports, and compliance documentation.
• Partner with operations to reduce risk and improve fleet safety performance.
• Track safety metrics, including violations, incidents, and scores, and drive improvement initiatives.
• Ensure all certifications and regulatory requirements are consistently met.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in transportation safety, fleet safety, or trucking compliance.
• Required: strong knowledge of DOT and FMCSA regulations.
• Required: experience in a trucking or logistics environment.
• Broad, hands-on trucking safety experience with the ability to run the safety function independently.
• Proven experience conducting audits, investigations, and compliance enforcement.
• Ability to manage driver behavior and real-world safety programs.
• Experience developing and implementing safety policies and corrective actions.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with the ability to enforce standards.
• Comfortable working on-site in a fleet and operations environment.

Benefits

• $72K–$75K base salary.
• Health insurance and benefits package.
• Retirement plan options.
• Paid time off.
• The opportunity to directly shape fleet safety, compliance, and operational performance.