Universe Carrier Inc. is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Fleet Maintenance & Compliance Manager to oversee the maintenance, safety readiness, compliance, and overall performance of our growing fleet.
This role is responsible for ensuring that company equipment is properly maintained, compliant with DOT/FMCSA requirements, cost-efficient, and ready to operate safely and reliably. The ideal candidate understands trucking operations, preventive maintenance, repair coordination, inspections, vendor communication, equipment downtime, and the importance of keeping trucks on the road while controlling unnecessary expenses.
The Fleet Maintenance & Compliance Manager will work closely with Operations, Safety, Dispatch, Drivers, Repair Vendors, and Management to ensure the fleet is running efficiently and in compliance with company and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the daily maintenance status of trucks, trailers, and related equipment.
- Monitor preventive maintenance schedules, annual inspections, DOT inspections, registrations, permits, and required equipment documentation.
- Coordinate repairs, service appointments, diagnostics, roadside assistance, and follow-ups with drivers, vendors, and internal teams.
- Track out-of-service units, repair progress, estimated completion times, and return-to-service status.
- Review repair estimates, invoices, and maintenance costs to ensure accuracy and prevent unnecessary expenses.
- Communicate with drivers regarding equipment issues, inspection needs, maintenance expectations, and proper reporting procedures.
- Work closely with Safety and Compliance teams to ensure all equipment meets DOT/FMCSA standards.
- Help reduce downtime by identifying recurring equipment issues and creating better maintenance planning.
- Maintain accurate fleet records, service history, inspection documentation, repair notes, and compliance-related files.
- Monitor tire programs, oil changes, PM services, brake inspections, lights, DOT items, and recurring mechanical concerns.
- Support management with reports related to fleet performance, repair costs, downtime, maintenance trends, and compliance risks.
- Develop and improve maintenance procedures, checklists, vendor follow-up processes, and equipment readiness standards.
- Ensure that drivers report damages, defects, accidents, and maintenance concerns in a timely and proper manner.
- Assist in evaluating vendor performance, repair quality, pricing, and service speed.
- Identify opportunities to improve fleet efficiency, reduce costs, and increase equipment utilization.
Ideal Candidate
The right candidate is organized, proactive, and firm when needed. This person should be able to manage multiple units, communicate clearly with drivers and vendors, and follow through until every issue is resolved.
We are looking for someone who does not only react to breakdowns, but actively prevents problems before they become expensive or operationally disruptive.
Qualifications
- Valid CDL preferred or strongly considered an advantage.
- Experience in trucking, transportation, fleet maintenance, dispatch, safety, or equipment management preferred.
- Strong understanding of truck/trailer maintenance, DOT inspections, preventive maintenance, and compliance requirements.
- Ability to communicate effectively with drivers, mechanics, vendors, dispatchers, and management.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to track multiple repairs, deadlines, and compliance items at once.
- Ability to review invoices, estimates, repair orders, and maintenance records.
- Problem-solving mindset with strong follow-up and accountability.
- Comfortable using fleet systems, spreadsheets, maintenance tracking tools, email, and internal communication platforms.
- Knowledge of FMCSA/DOT compliance is strongly preferred.
- Experience with Class 8 trucks, trailers, straight trucks, or mixed fleet equipment is a plus.
What We Are Looking For
- Someone who takes ownership.
- Someone who follows up without being reminded.
- Someone who understands that equipment downtime affects drivers, dispatch, customers, and company performance.
- Someone who can balance safety, compliance, cost control, and operational urgency.
- Someone who can build structure, improve processes, and help the company operate more efficiently.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
