FMCSA Names New Chief Safety Officer With Industry and Police Background

Steve Dowling takes over as chief safety officer for the federal trucking regulator. He brings more than 35 years of experience in commercial motor vehicle safety. His background covers both the trucking industry and law enforcement.

Dowling previously worked as senior director of safety at Covenant Logistics. He also held leadership positions in commercial vehicle industry groups. He served as president of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance from 2010 to 2011. He chaired the American Trucking Associations Law Enforcement Advisory Board.

His earlier career was with the California Highway Patrol. He reached chief of the Valley Division covering the Sacramento area. He directed 20 commands, a commercial vehicle enforcement site, and three communications hubs across 10 counties.

The chief safety officer is the highest career position at the agency. It is not a political appointment. Dowling will lead federal safety programs and work with state and industry partners. His duties include overseeing compliance programs, enforcement actions, new entrant safety audits, and intermodal safety.

The agency stated the role will focus on reducing crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving large trucks and buses. It will also work to ensure the safe and efficient movement of freight across the United States.

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking — https://www.truckinginfo.com/news/new-fmcsa-chief-safety-officer-has-trucking-industry-and-law-enforcement-experience