Safety Manager – Trucking (Flatbed / Step Deck)

Location: Elgin, IL 60123 (On-site only) Pay: $75,000 – $95,000 per year About Us UE Line Inc. is a growing asset-based carrier headquartered in Elgin, IL, running a fleet of 200+ trucks specializing in flatbed and step deck freight. As we continue to expand, we’re seeking an experienced Safety Manager to lead and strengthen our safety and compliance department, protect our drivers and equipment, and support our continued growth. The Role This position requires a strong leader who can manage a team, enforce company safety standards, ensure FMCSA and DOT compliance, and drive continuous improvement across our fleet operations. We’re looking for a professional with proven transportation safety experience who can hold drivers accountable while building a strong culture of safety, compliance, and operational excellence. Responsibilities Leadership & Culture Lead and manage the Safety Department and daily safety operations Supervise and develop a team of Safety Coordinators and Safety Specialists Develop, implement, and enforce safety policies, procedures, disciplinary guidelines, and driver incentive programs Work closely with Operations, Dispatch, Recruiting, Maintenance, and Leadership to improve fleet safety performance Drive a strong safety culture throughout the organization Compliance Oversee DOT compliance and ensure company-wide adherence to FMCSA regulations Maintain Driver Qualification (DQ) files and set driver hiring standards with Recruiting Run the drug and alcohol testing program, including FMCSA Clearinghouse queries and reporting Monitor Hours of Service (HOS) and ELD compliance and conduct log audits Prepare for and manage DOT audits and compliance reviews Maintain audit-ready compliance records and documentation Driver Safety & Performance Monitor and improve CSA/SMS scores, track compliance metrics, and file DataQs challenges Manage roadside inspections, violations, citations, and corrective action plans Lead driver orientation and safety onboarding programs Train drivers on flatbed and step deck cargo securement, load safety, and defensive driving Conduct driver coaching, retraining, and corrective action programs when needed Accidents & Claims Investigate accidents, incidents, and cargo claims Work with insurance providers and legal counsel on claims management Requirements 3–5 years of transportation safety and compliance experience, including experience managing a safety team Strong knowledge of FMCSA regulations, DOT compliance, CSA, HOS, DQ files, and Drug & Alcohol rules Experience handling DOT inspections, citations, violations, and corrective actions Experience conducting driver safety training and orientation programs Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills Ability to make decisions, enforce policies, and hold drivers accountable Must be able to work on-site at our Elgin, IL office Preferred Qualifications Flatbed and/or step deck experience (strongly preferred), especially cargo securement Experience with Samsara or Motive Experience preparing for and managing DOT audits Accident investigation and claims management experience CDL Class A, CDS certification, or previous trucking operations experience What We’re Looking For The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who understands trucking, knows how to build and manage a safety team, can communicate effectively with drivers, and is committed to the highest standards of safety and compliance. If you have a strong background in transportation safety, DOT compliance, driver training, and team leadership, we’d like to speak with you. Pay: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year Application Question(s): This position is on-site in Elgin, IL 60123. Can you work in our office full-time? Have you managed or supervised a safety team? What is the largest fleet you’ve managed safety for? Experience: transportation safety and compliance: 3 years (Required) Work Location: In person

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