Transportation Manager

Confidential Company; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 76,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Day One Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

Confidential Company, a leader in specialized distribution and manufacturing, is seeking a hands-on Transportation Safety Manager to lead fleet safety, driver performance, DOT compliance, and load securement across regional branch operations.

In this critical role, you will coach drivers, inspect loads, and ensure uncompromising safety and regulatory compliance before any truck leaves the yard, collaborating closely with field teams to uphold the highest standards of safety and performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in transportation or fleet management.
• Strong knowledge of FMCSA and DOT regulations.
• Background in flatbed or building products preferred.
• CDL Class A license preferred; safety certifications a plus.
• Experience with telematics and dash camera systems.
• Willing to work hands-on in field and yard settings.

Responsibilities

• Lead transportation safety and DOT/FMCSA compliance across operations.
• Manage driver compliance programs including HOS, ELDs, and drug/alcohol.
• Conduct ride-alongs, safety audits, and post-accident investigations.
• Verify equipment condition, load securement, and driver readiness.
• Develop securement standards for fragile or specialty loads.
• Monitor safety metrics and telematics to reduce claims.
• Support recruitment and safety training for CDL drivers.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Driver performance management

Fleet safety

Load securement

Driver coaching

CSA performance

Telematics

Safety training

Field operations

Tools

Telematics

Dash cameras

Fleet tech platforms

Job description

Transportation Manager (CDL Fleet Operations)

Location: Field-Based (Branch Operations)

Position Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $76,000 – $84,000 per year (DOE) + Performance-Based Bonus

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 5:00 AM – 4:00 PM (occasional rotating daytime hours 2–3 times a week, occasional late stay)

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package starting on Day One

About the Role

Our client, a leader in specialized distribution and manufacturing, is seeking a hands-on Transportation Safety Manager to lead fleet safety, driver performance, DOT compliance, and load securement across regional branch operations.

In this critical leadership role, you will work directly with drivers and operations teams to coach personnel, inspect loads, and ensure uncompromising safety and regulatory compliance before any truck leaves the yard.

Key Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance: Lead transportation safety and DOT/FMCSA compliance, ensuring adherence to all regulatory and internal safety standards.
• Driver Programs: Manage driver compliance programs, including Driver Qualification Files, Hours of Service (HOS), ELDs, Drug & Alcohol programs, vehicle inspections, and CSA performance.
• Audits & Coaching: Conduct ride-alongs, driver observations, safety audits, and post-accident investigations, providing targeted coaching and corrective actions to reduce risk.
• Dispatch Readiness: Verify equipment condition, load securement, weight distribution, and driver preparedness—retaining the full authority to stop unsafe operations.
• Specialized Securement: Develop, implement, and enforce industry-specific loading and securement standards (particularly for fragile or specialty building products) while training personnel on safe handling.
• Data-Driven Improvement: Monitor transportation damage trends, safety metrics, telematics, and dash camera data to reduce claims and preventable incidents.
• Talent & Training: Support the recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of CDL drivers, and lead engaging safety meetings and incident response protocols.

Candidate Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of transportation, fleet, or driver performance management experience.
• Regulatory Expertise: Strong, demonstrable knowledge of FMCSA and DOT regulations within a high-accountability CDL environment.
• Industry Preference: Background in flatbed, specialized freight, or the building products industry (specifically handling glass or fragile materials) is highly preferred.
• Licensing & Certifications: CDL Class A license is strongly preferred. Fleet safety certifications (e.g., Smith System, CTP, OSHA) are a plus.
• Technical Proficiency: Experience utilizing telematics, dash camera systems, and modern fleet technology platforms.
• Environment: Comfortable working in hands-on branch, yard, warehouse, and outdoor operational settings.