Safety & DOT Compliance ManagerElk Grove Village, IL
Job Type: Full-time, On-site
Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL (on-site)
About The Company
Our client is a heavy-haul carrier based near Chicago, in business since 2020, running a fleet of ~50 trucks. We specialize in flatbed, step-deck, and RGN transportation of oversize/overweight freight across all 48 states and Alaska.
The Role
We're hiring a Safety & DOT Compliance Manager to own full FMCSA/DOT compliance for both carriers and build our safety department from the ground up. This role reports directly to the Owner and has real authority — not a support function. You'll run point on driver qualification, ELD/HOS monitoring, accident investigation, regulatory filings, and compliance audits, with full decision-making power over driver hiring, retention, and termination.
What You'll Do
- Own full FMCSA/DOT compliance for two carriers under one management
- Gatekeep driver qualification: MVR, PSP, background checks, pre-employment drug testing, Clearinghouse queries — no driver dispatches until the DQ file is 100% complete
- Run safety orientation and quizzes for new drivers
- Monitor Samsara ELD/HOS data with immediate driver coaching
- Lead accident investigation and root-cause analysis within 5 business days; coordinate with insurers and brokers on cargo/liability claims
- Track DOT inspections, collect DVERs, and file DataQ challenges
- Manage compliance filings: UCR, Form 2290, IRP, state mileage (OR/KY/NM/CT/NY)
- Track CDL and medical card expirations with 30-day advance notices
- Handle driver offboarding, including device deactivation (PrePass/BestPass/ELD)
- Deliver a written daily End-of-Day recap and a weekly Safety Dashboard (SMS/CSA scores, inspections, accidents, pending DataQs, upcoming renewals)
- Build out SOPs and a checklist library as the department matures
- Eventually hire and lead a Safety Assistant as the team grows
What We're Looking For
- 3+ years of hands-on FMCSA/DOT safety experience at a US interstate carrier
- Working command of DQ files, drug & alcohol program/Clearinghouse, roadside inspections, DataQ, and IFTA/IRP/2290/MCS-150/UCR filings
- Hands-on experience with Samsara (or comparable ELD/telematics) administration
- TMS experience (we use DataTruck)
- Fluent English, written and spoken — you'll be the primary point of contact with FMCSA, DOT officers, insurers, and brokers
- The backbone to hold the line on safety decisions, even under dispatch pressure
- No formal degree required
Nice to have: Tenstreet/HireRight experience, DataTruck TMS, flatbed/open-deck background, multi-entity (multi-MC) carrier experience, Russian and/or Ukrainian language skills
Why Join Us
- Real authority from day one — your safety calls are never overridden by dispatch
- Direct line to the Owner, with a clear weekly rhythm instead of micromanagement
- Quarterly performance bonuses tied to BASIC score improvement and claims reduction
- Company-funded certifications and continuing education (CDS/NATMI/CTSP)
- Clear growth path to building and leading your own Safety team
- 50% medical/dental coverage, paid vacation, expanded holiday schedule
If you're someone who speaks in numbers and outcomes, makes decisions from data, and brings solutions instead of excuses — we want to hear from you
Pay: $80,185.38 - $130,180.23 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
