Job Description

About the role

We are a growing transportation and logistics company looking for an experienced FMCSA DOT Safety & Compliance Manager to lead and own our safety program. You will be the primary person responsible for keeping our operations fully compliant with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations — protecting our drivers, our fleet, and our operating authority. This is a high-impact role with direct influence on how we operate day-to-day.

What you'll do

Manage and maintain full compliance with all FMCSA and DOT federal regulations across the company
Oversee Driver Qualification (DQ) files — ensuring all driver records, medical cards, MVRs, and employment verifications are current and complete
Monitor Hours of Service (HOS) and ELD data for violations and take corrective action as needed
Manage enrollment and compliance with the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse, including pre-employment queries and random testing pool
Prepare for and manage DOT compliance reviews and audits — both roadside inspections and in-depth carrier investigations
Track and improve the company's CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores across all BASIC categories in the SMS system
Develop, implement, and update internal safety policies, procedures, and training programs for drivers and staff
Conduct accident investigations, document findings, and submit required reports to FMCSA, OSHA, and state agencies
Manage vehicle maintenance records and ensure all equipment meets FMCSA safety standards
Stay current on regulatory changes from FMCSA, DOT, and OSHA and communicate updates to operations and leadership
Serve as the primary point of contact with enforcement agencies, insurance providers, and legal counsel on safety matters

Requirements

Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred for cross-border and LATAM operations
3+ years of experience in DOT / FMCSA compliance, transportation safety, or motor carrier operations
Deep working knowledge of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) — Parts 380–399
Experience managing Driver Qualification files, ELD systems, and HOS compliance
Hands-on experience with the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
Familiarity with CSA scoring, SMS data, and how to improve BASIC category percentiles
Experience preparing for or managing DOT compliance reviews (Satisfactory, Conditional, or Unsatisfactory ratings)
Strong organizational skills — able to manage multiple compliance deadlines simultaneously
Proficient in Microsoft Office, transportation management systems (TMS), and ELD platforms (e.g. KeepTruckin / Motive, Samsara, PeopleNet)
Nice to have

DOT / FMCSA Safety certification (e.g. Certified Director of Safety — CDS, or similar)
Experience with cross-border US-Mexico trucking operations and C-TPAT / CTPAT compliance
Knowledge of hazardous materials (HazMat) regulations under 49 CFR Part 172–177
Background working with commercial vehicle insurance and claims management
Experience managing safety programs for fleets of 25+ power units
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