Contributors – Dan Shipley

Dan Shipley started his career in the trucking industry in 2015 after graduating from Roadmaster Driving School in Columbus, OH. Dan’s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Growing up without much structure, he dropped out of school at the end of the 9th grade but earned my GED the following year. Determined to make something of himself, Dan enrolled in Job Corps, where he studied Homeland Security: Security & Protective Services and became certified in corrections.

However, finding a career in that field proved challenging, likely due to his educational background. After the birth of his first child, Dan realized that working at a gas station wouldn’t be sufficient to support his family. It was then that he decided to pursue a career in trucking. After obtaining his CDL, his life took a wonderful turn when he met my wife. Dan fell in love with her on the first day they met, and they’ve been together for 9 years. Dan quit his first trucking job to move in with her, and together, they’ve built a home and welcomed their daughter in 2017.

Throughout his trucking career, Dan had the opportunity to explore various functions within the industry, including dry van, reefer, end dump, dump truck, tanker, frameless end dump, flatbed, step deck, and open top trailers. This diverse experience has given him a well-rounded understanding of the industry.

When Dan began his career in flatbed, he quickly realized there was a lack of formal training available. Concerned about safety and the potential risks on the road, he decided to take action. Two years ago, Dan founded the Flatbed Safety & Securement Group (FSSG) to provide accessible training resources and ensure that drivers are well-prepared to operate safely and effectively. Today, FSSG boasts a following of over 8,400 members and continues to grow each day.

The group has received numerous compliments and praises for its structure and the support it offers. FSSG is recognized by several law enforcement agencies and numerous trucking companies of various sizes. Dan’s commitment to improving industry standards and his proactive approach to problem-solving have driven him to make meaningful contributions to the field.

Dan is passionate about continuous learning and dedicated to making a positive impact in the industry. His core values include safety, excellence, and innovation, which he strives to uphold in all his endeavors. Dan’s vision is to continue driving change and improving safety standards, ensuring that every driver has the knowledge and resources needed to succeed.