Behind the Wheel to Safety Director
After graduating from the University of Missouri in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in economics, I began my career at FedEx. Fresh out of college, I accepted a tractor-trailer driving job and completed comprehensive driver training. I spent about three and a half years driving in the New England area before transitioning into management.
I later accepted an operations manager position in St. Louis, Missouri, overseeing approximately 30 to 40 drivers. After about a year, I was promoted to manage an airport facility, where I led a larger team for roughly ten years. Seeking further growth, I joined Central Transport in 2011 as a regional safety manager, responsible for safety across an eight-state territory and 25 to 30 terminals. My role involved all aspects of regulatory compliance, including FMCSA, DOT, OSHA, Workers’ Compensation, and EPA regulations.
A year later, I was promoted to Safety Director at Central Transport, a position I held until December 2019. At that point, the owner of Central Transport, who also leads Universal Logistics Holdings, appointed me to oversee safety for the entire holding company. Since January 2020, I have been responsible for all safetyrelated matters across Universal Logistics Holdings.
The company operates under approximately 14 DOT numbers, with around 5,000 tractor-trailer drivers spread across 12 to 14 different operating authorities. Our business spans four main divisions: truckload, dedicated, intermodal, and contract logistics. Managing safety compliance across such a broad and diverse operation keeps me fully engaged and constantly learning.
Managing Safety across Borders
No two days are the same when managing safety for 5,000 truck drivers across multiple business units. I usually begin my day by checking emails for urgent issues. When I’m in Michigan, I spend several weeks each month working directly with my team. The rest of the time, I travel—typically between 50 and 75 percent of my schedule.
Our operations span over 200 locations across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. My CEO, chairman, and board expect me to be in the field regularly. Face-to-face communication with the people running the business is invaluable. Whether I am addressing issues or maintaining active communication, being present with our teams remains a top priority.
“Leadership is about integrity—doing the right thing even when no one is watching.”
Some days bring significant challenges, while others involve smaller issues. Fortunately, we have seen several positive trends recently and take time to celebrate those successes whenever we can.
Navigating today’s Trucking Landscape
Several major challenges and trends stand out in the trucking industry today. The most pressing issue is the declining quality of driver training. In my view, driver preparedness has decreased over the past 30 years. The push to get drivers on the road quickly has compromised training standards. When I began my career, I was a college graduate who spent months learning the trade through structured classwork and hands-on training with certified instructors.
Today, many CDL schools focus on speed rather than quality. Some state licensing agencies have even lowered their standards. This trend has negatively impacted the industry. We should be raising the bar with comprehensive training rather than just checking boxes to issue licenses. Compensation also hasn't kept pace with the responsibility required, making it harder to attract and retain qualified drivers.
Another major issue is broker-carrier liability. Legal interpretations in many states are weakening the safety exemptions that once protected motor carriers when freight is brokered. Carriers like us can now be held liable for accidents involving third-party drivers, even when we do not control the equipment or personnel. Although some states are pushing back to create fairer standards, the issue remains. As a result, we must be extremely diligent in vetting broker-carriers to manage risk, though full legal clarity is still pending.
On the positive side, AI-powered dash cameras are transforming transportation safety. These rear-facing cameras monitor driver behavior and provide real-time data to help prevent distractions or unsafe actions. While they represent a financial investment, the return in safety and reduced liability is substantial. Educating drivers to see cameras as coaching tools—similar to how athletes study game footage—can enhance professionalism, reduce incidents, and protect families on the road. I strongly support this approach and believe it is a significant step forward in safety.
The Technology behind Trailer Hookup Assurance
Although full autonomous vehicle deployment is still on the horizon, current advances in telematics and AI are already having a meaningful impact. One innovation we are exploring is an electronic system that informs drivers whether their tractor is properly connected to the trailer.
It may seem basic, but verifying the fifth-wheel connection is complex and critical. Improper hookups can lead to trailer separation, which is a serious safety hazard. By integrating an electronic indicator into the fifth wheel, drivers could receive immediate feedback to confirm a secure connection before departure.
We have seen similar technology in crane systems that offload intermodal containers, where operators receive confirmation that the container is secure before lifting. Applying this concept to tractortrailers makes sense.
The main challenge lies in the harsh operating environment of the fifth wheel. Grease, debris, and dirt can interfere with electronic sensors. Early designs failed due to these conditions. We are now working on systems that can withstand this environment and deliver consistent, reliable feedback. Once perfected, this technology could reduce incidents and significantly improve industry safety.
Enforcing Modern Truck Standards across Our Fleet
At Universal, we have implemented many initiatives, but one of the most impactful has been establishing modern equipment standards for owner-operators. While our company-owned fleet cycles out every two to three years to remain current, a significant portion of our drivers are owner-operators who tend to keep trucks for much longer. Some of these vehicles had reached what I’d call “antique” status.
From both safety and operational perspectives, we realized a need for minimum equipment standards. About 18 months ago, we mandated that all owner-operator tractors must be model year 2005 or newer. This aligns with mid-range industry norms and ensures that all vehicles under our DOT authority use electronic logging devices (ELDs), even though federal rules exempt pre-2000 models.
Implementing this policy was challenging. Around 60 percent of our drivers are owner-operators, and many owned older equipment. This decision limited our ability to onboard certain drivers, but we remained committed. The results have been clear: improved CSA safety scores, better vehicle reliability, and increased confidence from customers seeking reliable, compliant carriers.
In summary, our company maintains a lease-based model for fleet vehicles, replacing them every few years. At the same time, our owner-operators must now meet a strict, enforced minimum standard. This ensures that every vehicle under our authority reflects our commitment to safety and operational excellence.
AI-Powered Cameras Revolutionizing Road Safety
I have closely followed manufacturers like Motive over the past year and a half and believe they are leading the way in AIpowered camera systems. Their 360-degree camera setups offer complete forward, rear, and side views of tractor-trailers while on the road.
If adopted as standard equipment by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), this technology could dramatically improve transportation safety. These systems influence driver behavior, promote safer driving habits, and provide objective evidence in the event of major accidents.
This evidence is crucial because data shows that in approximately 75 percent of serious accidents involving commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, the passenger vehicle is at fault. Unfortunately, truck drivers are often blamed. With full video coverage, the industry can demonstrate accountability more accurately.
Installing this type of technology as a factory standard would be a major step toward improving safety and fairness in commercial transportation.
Integrity on the Road
When I began my career 30 years ago, leadership in the trucking industry was more aggressive and blunt. That approach no longer works with today’s workforce. Success now depends on building respectful, trusting teams. Everyone—from new CDL holders to senior executives— deserves to be treated with dignity.
Leadership is about integrity: doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Since our drivers spend most of their time on the road alone, we must trust that they will follow our guidance. That trust is only earned when leadership shows empathy, relates to the team, and builds real relationships. When management is harsh or disconnected, it breaks confidence. In my experience, valuing people leads to better safety, smoother operations, and lower turnover.
