Regional DOT/Fleet Manager (North East Region)

About the role

The Regional DOT Manager serves as the primary DOT and fleet compliance resource for assigned Regional Offices within MEI Industrial Solutions. This position partners with Operations, Dispatch, Fleet Maintenance, EHS, Human Resources, Legal, Risk Management, and the Corporate DOT & Fleet Compliance Team to ensure compliance with FMCSA regulations while improving operational efficiency, reducing organizational liability, and promoting a culture of safety. The role requires travel to North East regional office locations in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington D.C. (approximately 60–65%).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary DOT and fleet compliance resource for assigned Regional Offices.
• Travel throughout the assigned region conducting site visits, compliance assessments, operational reviews, leadership meetings, and driver coaching.
• Monitor and improve compliance with FMCSA regulations, Hours of Service (HOS), ELDs, roadside inspections, and CSA performance.
• Conduct DOT compliance audits and work with operations to identify trends and implement corrective actions while tracking deficiencies through resolution.
• Support consistent implementation of MEI's driver qualification, road testing, onboarding, and transportation-related orientation requirements, including applicable requirements for CDL and non-CDL drivers.
• Deliver DOT compliance training for drivers, dispatchers, supervisors, managers, and regional leadership, including new-hire orientation, recurring compliance training, and post-incident/post-accident coaching.
• Coordinate with Corporate DOT, Training & Development, and local Operations to reinforce recurring driver training and development throughout the region.
• Partner with the Corporate DOT Compliance Team to assist with Driver Qualification (DQ) compliance, annual reviews, medical certificates, MVR requirements, and other DOT regulatory requirements.
• Monitor regional compliance with vehicle inspection and defect-reporting requirements and partner with Fleet and Operations to improve DVIR completion, preventive maintenance, vehicle inspections, repair documentation, and fleet readiness.
• Utilize telematics, ELD, GPS, and fleet management technology to monitor compliance, identify trends, and recommend operational improvements.
• Support DOT audits, accident investigations, litigation requests, and regulatory inquiries by partnering with Legal, Risk Management, Insurance, Fleet Maintenance, and Corporate DOT & Fleet Compliance.
• Identify and escalate material transportation safety or compliance concerns and work with appropriate local and corporate stakeholders to ensure timely corrective action.
• Build strong relationships with Regional Vice Presidents, General Managers, Operations Managers, Dispatch, and Corporate leadership to strengthen compliance and reduce organizational risk.

Requirements

• Five (5) or more years of DOT/FMCSA compliance experience preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 382–396).
• Experience with Hours of Service (HOS), Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), CSA/SMS, roadside inspections, and DOT compliance audits.
• Experience with telematics, GPS fleet management systems, dispatch operations, transportation operations, and fleet maintenance.
• Experience with electronic DVIR systems (e.g., Whip Around) or similar fleet inspection and maintenance platforms.
• Strong presentation and training skills with experience coaching drivers and operations leadership.
• Ability to travel approximately 60–65% throughout the assigned region.

Leadership Competencies

• A collaborative, team-oriented leadership style.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with the ability to identify compliance trends and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• A coaching and educational approach that builds trust and accountability.
• The ability to effectively manage difficult conversations and resolve conflict professionally.
• Sound judgment and a proactive approach to risk identification and risk reduction.
• The ability to influence operational leaders through collaboration, education, and subject matter expertise rather than authority alone.
• The ability to balance consistent company-wide transportation standards with the practical operational needs of individual Regional Offices.
• A commitment to continuous improvement and helping Regional Offices succeed through partnership and support.