The Managing Director, Fleet Services is accountable for the strategic leadership, operational performance, regulatory compliance, and lifecycle management of the company’s diesel tractor and specialized liquid chemical bulk tanker fleet. This leadership role ensures the fleet operates safely, reliably, efficiently, and in full compliance with DOT, OSHA, EPA, and chemical transportation regulations, while optimizing total cost of ownership and supporting the company’s growth, company culture, safety culture, and service commitments that supports Highway Transports efforts to be the premium service provider in this market space.

This position has direct responsibility for fleet maintenance operations, equipment and maintenance related asset utilization, vendor management, capital planning, and continuous improvement initiatives across tractors, chemical tanker trailers, and related support equipment.

Type: In-Person

Location: Knoxville, TN

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fleet Management

• Develop and execute fleet management and maintenance strategies aligned with corporate financial objectives, growth plans, and safety priorities.

• Recommend optimal solutions for fleet asset decisions, including specifications, acquisitions, disposals, and lifecycle planning.

• Provide strategic guidance to the Vice President Safety and Fleet Management on fleet costs, fleet and asset performance, risk, and capital investments.

Fleet Operations & Asset Management

• Oversee the performance, availability, and utilization of diesel tractors, liquid bulk chemical tank trailers, general services support equipment, and auxiliary equipment.

• Establish and monitor KPIs related to maintenance productivity, uptime, cost per mile, maintenance spend, asset utilization, and reliability.

• Maintain fleet standardization for equipment specifications, parts, and maintenance processes.

Maintenance & Reliability Management

• Direct all fleet maintenance operations, including preventive maintenance programs, predictive maintenance, compliance inspections, repairs, and emergency response readiness.

• Ensure maintenance practices meet or exceed DOT, FMCSA, EPA, OSHA, and chemical transport safety standards.

• Evaluate in‑house versus outsourced maintenance strategies to optimize cost, quality, turnaround time, and throughput.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Champion a strong safety culture across fleet and maintenance operations.

• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing hazardous materials transportation, vehicle safety, inspections, and emissions.

• Oversee audit readiness, accident analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective action implementation.

Capital Planning & Financial Oversight

• Participate in annual and long‑term capital planning for tractors, trailers, maintenance facilities, and technology investments.

• Prepare and manage fleet and maintenance budgets, including CapEx and OpEx.

• Drive cost‑reduction initiatives while maintaining or improving safety, performance, and service levels.

Vendor & OEM Management

• Negotiate and manage relationships with OEMs, leasing companies, maintenance providers, parts suppliers, and tire vendors.

• Ensure vendor performance meets contractual, safety, quality, and cost expectations.

• Leverage data and benchmarking to drive continuous improvement in vendor partnerships.

Technology & Data Analytics

• Oversee fleet technology solutions including telematics, ELDs, TMW, TMT (CMMS), and fuel management programs.

• Use data analytics to identify trends, predict failures, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance decision‑making.

• Support adoption of emerging technologies related to safety, compliance, emissions reduction, and maintenance optimization.

People Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop fleet and maintenance leadership teams.

• Build succession plans and technical skill development programs for fleet and maintenance personnel.

• Foster cross‑functional collaboration with Operations and Safety.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Transportation Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in fleet management within trucking or transportation.

• Significant experience managing diesel tractor fleets and specialized liquid bulk chemical tanker trailers.

• Strong working knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, EPA, OSHA, and hazardous materials regulations.

• Proven experience leading fleet maintenance operations and maintenance teams.

Preferred

• Master’s degree or advanced technical training.

• Experience in chemical logistics or hazardous materials transportation environments.

• Demonstrated success in large‑scale capital planning and fleet modernization initiatives.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership and executive decision‑making

• Fleet and maintenance financial acumen

• Regulatory compliance and risk management

• Safety leadership in hazardous materials environments

• Vendor negotiation and contract management

• Data‑driven performance management

• Change management and continuous improvement

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and field presence at terminals, maintenance facilities, and vendor locations.

• Periodic travel required to support operations and fleet initiatives.

• Availability for escalation support related to fleet reliability or safety incidents.

Highway Transport is a tanker trucking company that has been family-owned since 1948. When you join us, you become part of a family-orientated culture that values your contributions and supports your career ambitions.

We believe in taking care of our employees and ensuring their well-being. That's why we offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you in every aspect of your life, including;

• 401(k) Match

• Paid Time Off

• Paid Holidays

• HSA Contribution Match

• Wellness Program

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Disability, Accident and Life Insurance

• Discount Programs

• Paid Maternity Leave

Highway Transport does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.