MICHAEL L. CARRUTHERS
Rosemount,Minnesota
Summary
Seasoned transportation and operations leader with over a decade of experience driving safety, compliance, and operational excellence across multi-site logistics organizations. Recognized for building safety-first cultures, reducing CSA violations, and ensuring full DOT and FMCSA compliance. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, develop driver training programs, and implement preventative maintenance strategies that improve fleet reliability and reduce risk.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Safety Director
Sunlight Logistics LLC / US Trucking Inc / Blue Jays Logistics, Inc
Rosemount, MN
03.2018 - 02.2023
- Led company-wide safety operations ensuring full DOT and FMCSA compliance
- Developed and implemented driver safety training programs reducing violations
- Championed a strong safety-first culture and improved CSA scores
- Partnered with operations and HR to execute safety initiatives
- Implemented preventative maintenance schedules with quarterly inspections
- Conducted executive safety reviews to reduce CSA risks
- Facilitated cross-location safety alignment meetings
- Authored company policies and safety programs to enhance compliance and performance
Safety Director
Blue Sky Freight Carrier LLC / Royal Transport / Midwest Carriers LLC
Eagan, MN
03.2013 - 02.2018
- Directed safety programs, inspections, and maintenance initiatives
- Performed log audits and ensured regulatory compliance
- Collaborated with insurance partners to reduce risk and claims exposure
- Led safety meetings and implemented corrective actions
- Oversaw preventative maintenance programs for fleet safety
- Supervised driver hiring, training, and performance management
Operations Manager
Milestone / Safari Transportation
Minneapolis, MN
01.2012 - 03.2013
- Oversaw logistics operations and DOT compliance
- Developed driver training programs for hours-of-service compliance
- Improved overall fleet compliance and operational efficiency
General Manager / Fleet Manager / Driver
UST LLC
Burnsville, MN
06.2009 - 01.2012
- Led daily operations including hiring, training, and fleet oversight
- Managed safety compliance, route efficiency, and maintenance records
- Performed CDL driving duties including inspections and deliveries
Data Analyst / Dispatch Manager
US Satellite Services
Bloomington, MN
10.2007 - 11.2011
- Supervised dispatch operations and team performance
- Analyzed operational data and reported key metrics
- Resolved escalated customer issues and improved service delivery
Program Specialist
Acclaim Technical Service
Coon Rapids, MN
08.2006 - 10.2007
- Recruited and screened candidates for government contracts
- Conducted research and maintained detailed reporting logs
Fleet Manager
Koch Trucking
Golden Valley, MN
11.2004 - 07.2006
- Managed drivers and ensured compliance with federal and company regulations
- Coordinated maintenance schedules and safety training
Operations Manager
Covenant Transport
Hopkins, MN
02.2004 - 11.2004
- Managed driver schedules, dispatch, and customer coordination
- Oversaw payroll and claims-related activities
Terminal Manager of Operations / Local Driver
Commercial Equipment, Inc.
Blaine, MN
07.2000 - 02.2004
- Oversaw terminal operations, dispatch, and driver management
- Managed payroll, hiring, and customer service operations
Education
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Anoka High School / Newport High School
Newport, MNSkills
DOT & FMCSA Compliance
CSA Score Reduction
Fleet Safety & Risk Management
Driver Training & Development
Preventative Maintenance Programs
Safety Program Development
Cross-Functional Leadership
Regulatory Audits & Inspections
Insurance & Claims Collaboration
Certification
- CDL Class A with Doubles and Triples Endorsement
- Motorcycle Endorsement
- Samsara ELD and KeepTruckin ELD Systems
- AS400 and Transportation Software (WLSE, EZ Access, Maddocks, TWM, CIMs, Siebel)
- DOT/FMCSA Compliance and Safety Program Leadership
- Former Member, NATMI
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Proven ability to build safety-first cultures
- Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution
- High-level operational and regulatory expertise
- References available upon request
Timeline
Safety Director
Sunlight Logistics LLC / US Trucking Inc / Blue Jays Logistics, Inc
03.2018 - 02.2023
Safety Director
Blue Sky Freight Carrier LLC / Royal Transport / Midwest Carriers LLC
03.2013 - 02.2018
Operations Manager
Milestone / Safari Transportation
01.2012 - 03.2013
General Manager / Fleet Manager / Driver
UST LLC
06.2009 - 01.2012
Data Analyst / Dispatch Manager
US Satellite Services
10.2007 - 11.2011
Program Specialist
Acclaim Technical Service
08.2006 - 10.2007
Fleet Manager
Koch Trucking
11.2004 - 07.2006
Operations Manager
Covenant Transport
02.2004 - 11.2004
Terminal Manager of Operations / Local Driver
Commercial Equipment, Inc.
07.2000 - 02.2004
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Anoka High School / Newport High School