Director DOT Compliance

The Director of DOT Compliance is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance programs across the organization. This role serves as the company's subject matter expert for all federal, state, and local transportation regulations impacting commercial motor vehicle operations, driver qualification, fleet safety, hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, and regulatory reporting.

The Director of DOT Compliance partners closely with Operations, Safety, and other internal functions to ensure regulatory compliance, reduce organizational risk, and support safe and efficient operations. This position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for DOT compliance programs while promoting a culture of safety and accountability throughout the organization.

Job Summary:

Regulatory Compliance & Program Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain company-wide DOT compliance programs, policies, procedures, and standards while fostering a proactive compliance culture focused on safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT), state transportation, and related regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary resource for DOT compliance guidance and interpretation throughout the organization.
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess operational impacts, communicating requirements and recommendations to leadership.
• Lead internal audits and compliance reviews to identify risks and corrective actions.
• Establish and maintain compliance metrics, dashboards, and reporting for executive leadership.
• Oversee preparation for and response to DOT audits, investigations, inspections, and regulatory inquiries.
• Manage corrective action plans and ensure timely resolution of compliance findings.

Driver Qualification & Safety Programs

• Oversee Driver Qualification File (DQF) compliance and administration.
• Ensure compliance with driver hiring, onboarding, licensing, medical certification, and qualification requirements.
• Develop and deliver DOT compliance training programs for drivers, supervisors, managers, and operational leaders.
• Provide coaching and support to operational leaders regarding compliance expectations and corrective actions.
• Manage Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) monitoring programs and driver risk assessments.
• Oversee Hours of Service (HOS) compliance, Electronic Logging Device (ELD) programs, and related recordkeeping requirements.
• Lead drug and alcohol testing programs, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing requirements.
• Partner with Human Resources and Safety teams on compliance-related employee matters.

Fleet & Operational Compliance

• Ensure compliance with vehicle inspection, maintenance, and recordkeeping requirements.
• Partner with Fleet and Operations leadership to establish preventive maintenance compliance standards.
• Monitor vehicle registration, permitting, and licensing requirements.
• Support oversized/overweight transportation compliance requirements as applicable.
• Evaluate operational practices and recommend improvements to reduce compliance risk and improve safety performance.

Risk Management & Continuous Improvement

• Analyze compliance trends, incidents, violations, and audit findings to identify improvement opportunities.
• Develop strategies to improve performance and reduce organizational risk.
• Partner with Safety, Operations, Fleet, Legal, and Human Resources teams to investigate and resolve compliance concerns.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance compliance effectiveness and operational efficiency.
• Continuously evaluate services and/or technologies that support DOT compliance and make recommendations as to their applicability and use for the Company.  

Additional Responsibilities

• Travel as necessary to support field operations, audits, investigations, training, and business needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Logistics, Safety, Business Administration, or a related field preferred or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Certified Director of Safety (CDS) certification required.
• 10+ years of progressive DOT compliance, transpor