Position Summary
The Director of Trucking Operations provides strategic leadership and oversight of the company's over-the-road trucking operations. This position is responsible for maximizing fleet performance, driver satisfaction and retention, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and customer service. The Director leads Driver Managers, Fleet Managers, Dispatch, and Operations personnel while partnering with Safety, Maintenance, Recruiting, Customer Service, and Executive Leadership to achieve company goals.
Basic Qualifications
Education/Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Transportation, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience in trucking or transportation operations.
- Experience leading Driver Managers, Fleet Managers, Dispatch, or multi-site transportation operations.
- Strong understanding of DOT, FMCSA, Hours of Service, and transportation compliance requirements.
- Experience with TMS platforms, AS400 (preferred), Qualcomm/Omnitracs, Samsara, or similar fleet technologies.
General Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for all truckload operations while ensuring safe, efficient, and profitable execution.
- Lead, develop, and mentor Driver Managers, Fleet Managers, Dispatch Supervisors, and Operations personnel.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on driver retention, fleet utilization, service performance, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with all DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, and company safety policies.
- Develop operational metrics, analyze performance trends, and implement corrective action plans.
- Partner with Maintenance, Safety, Recruiting, HR, Customer Service, and Finance to support business objectives.
- Maintain regular communication with executive leadership regarding operational performance, risks, staffing, and customer issues.
Essential Responsibilities
Operations Leadership
- Direct the daily execution of trucking operations across assigned terminals and fleets.
- Ensure proper driver coverage, fleet utilization, load planning, and asset productivity.
- Monitor service performance and customer commitments while minimizing service failures.
- Review operational KPIs and identify opportunities for increased efficiency and profitability.
- Lead operational planning meetings and establish clear expectations for department leadership.
- Develop standard operating procedures and continuously improve operational processes.
Leadership & Team Development
- Recruit, coach, mentor, and develop Driver Managers, Fleet Managers, Dispatchers, and Operations Supervisors.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions, and succession planning.
- Establish measurable departmental goals and accountability standards.
- Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Support leadership development through ongoing training and mentoring.
Driver Support & Retention
- Develop initiatives to improve driver satisfaction, communication, and retention.
- Ensure consistent management of home time, payroll issues, driver concerns, and operational support.
- Review driver performance metrics including utilization, productivity, safety, and customer service.
- Partner with Driver Recruiting and Driver Relations to improve onboarding, orientation, and retention efforts.
- Participate in new driver orientation and promote company culture and expectations.
Compliance & Safety
- Ensure compliance with all DOT, FMCSA, Hours of Service, drug and alcohol testing, and company safety requirements.
- Monitor driver Hours of Service, ELD compliance, vehicle inspections, and operational practices.
- Partner with the Safety Department to investigate trends and reduce accidents, violations, and claims.
- Ensure proper documentation and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Support safety initiatives and promote a culture focused on accident prevention.
Performance Management
- Monitor operational KPIs including:
- On-Time Pickup & Delivery
- Driver Retention
- Fleet Utilization
- Empty Miles
- Revenue per Truck
- Revenue per Driver
- Driver Productivity
- Customer Service Performance
- Fuel Efficiency
- Equipment Utilization
- CSA & DOT Compliance
- Claims Performance
- Develop action plans to improve underperforming areas.
- Review departmental scorecards with leadership on a regular basis.
- Recognize and reward outstanding operational performance.
Financial & Business Management
- Manage operational labor and departmental budgets.
- Monitor operating expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Improve profitability through better asset utilization, driver productivity, and operational efficiencies.
- Assist executive leadership with forecasting staffing and fleet requirements.
- Support strategic growth initiatives and operational expansion.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with:
- Maintenance
- Safety
- Recruiting
- Human Resources
- Customer Service
- Billing
- Finance
- Executive Leadership
- Resolve operational issues affecting customers and drivers.
- Support implementation of new technology, operational systems, and business initiatives.
Skills
- Strong leadership and employee development skills.
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution abilities.
- Advanced problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Knowledge of DOT and FMCSA regulations.
- Strong understanding of trucking operations and fleet management.
- Experience with transportation management systems (TMS).
- Advanced Microsoft Office proficiency.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
- Ability to analyze operational metrics and drive continuous improvement.
- Working knowledge of AS400, Omnitracs, Qualcomm, Samsara, or similar transportation technologies preferred.
Equipment
- Computer and multiple monitor workstation
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
- Fleet communications platforms
- Mobile communication devices
- Office equipment including copier, scanner, printer, and telephone
Ancillary Duties
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support operational excellence and company objectives.
- Participate in strategic planning, special projects, and organizational initiatives.
- Promote a culture centered on safety, customer service, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
