Transportation Manager

This is a rare opportunity to step into a role where you actually own something: the trucks, the drivers, the culture, and the strategy. This position can be a stepping stone to bigger roles down the road if you are driven and open to relocation.

Fleet & Driver Management

• Directly manage a fleet of Class A CDL drivers — hiring, onboarding, scheduling, coaching, and performance management.
• Build a driver-first culture rooted in safety, accountability, and pride in the work
• Develop and enforce driver policies, SOPs, and delivery standards from the ground up.
• Conduct regular ride-alongs, driver check-ins, and performance reviews to maintain high standards and team morale.
• Manage driver hours in compliance with FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and ELD requirements.

Fleet Operations & Dispatch

• Own daily dispatch and route planning to maximize on-time delivery performance and minimize deadhead miles.
• Manage preventive maintenance schedules, coordinate with mechanics or service vendors, and minimize fleet downtime.
• Track and report on key fleet metrics: on-time delivery, miles per gallon, idle time, damage incidents, and cost per delivery.
• Implement and manage fleet management software and ELD systems (e.g., Samsara, KeepTruckin/Motive, Omnitracs

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of transportation or fleet management experience, with direct people management of Class A CDL drivers.
• Significant experience in the food and beverage or food distribution/CPG industry — you understand cold chain, delivery windows, and the stakes of on-time performance in F&B.
• Startup or high-growth company experience; you've built or rebuilt processes in an environment without a lot of existing infrastructure.
• Deep working knowledge of FMCSA regulations, DOT compliance, HOS rules, and ELD systems.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a driver workforce — you're respected in the cab, not just in the office.
• Experience managing fleet maintenance programs and vendor relationships (service shops, tire vendors, et