FMCSA safety officer to speak at Zonar conference
Jack Van Steenburg, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s chief safety officer and assistant administrator, is scheduled to speak at THE ZONE, which will be held in San Antonio in May. Officials say he will provide an update of federal safety and compliance efforts and discuss future plans for the administration’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program.
SAN ANTONIO — Jack Van Steenburg, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) chief safety officer and assistant administrator, is the newest addition to the speaking lineup for Zonar’s annual transportation conference, which will be held here in May.
Officials said Van Steenburg serves as the FMCSA’s chief safety advocate, promoting partnerships with federal, state and local governments, and he provides direction over all national commercial vehicle safety programs.
As a speaker at THE ZONE, which will be held May 14-16, he will provide an update of federal safety and compliance efforts and discuss future plans for the Compliance, Safety, Accountability program.
“Mr. Van Steenburg will deliver insights that help conference attendees improve compliance and plan for future changes,” said Chris Oliver, Zonar’s chief marketing officer. “Whether you’re moving products, equipment or children, THE ZONE will provide a wealth of fleet management knowledge regarding fleet safety, regulatory compliance, management best practices and technology that will help fleets prepare for the future while providing ideas they can use immediately.”
Prior to his current appointment, Van Steenburg served as the director of the FMCSA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance, where he led all enforcement programs that contribute to commercial vehicle transportation nationwide. Before coming to the FMCSA, Van Steenburg retired from the New York State Police after serving 25 years holding the ranks of trooper, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major and staff inspector.
In addition to Van Steenburg, officials said the conference is scheduled to feature other notable speakers, including:
• Annette Sandberg, past FMCSA administrator
• Steve Keppler, executive director at the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
• Rob Abbott, vice president of safety policy at the American Trucking Associations
• Michael Martin, executive director at the National Association for Pupil Transportation
• Gary Petty, president and CEO at the National Private Truck Council
• Tom Moore, senior vice president of education at the National Private Truck Council
THE ZONE will feature four keynote presentations and six learning tracks, providing fleet professionals with an opportunity to network and gain insider knowledge from industry professionals and leading fleet executives.
Session topics will include the latest trends in fleet management, impending transportation regulations, operational safety, driver retention, fuel efficiency, management best practices and more.
Keynote speakers scheduled to attend include motivational business speaker and entertainer Mike Rayburn, noted business author David Goldsmith and comedian John Pinette.
For more information about THE ZONE and to register, visit www.zonarsystems.com/thezone2013.
More Management

6 School Districts Named Transfinder's 2026 Top Transportation Teams
The software company has named six school districts across four states to its list for the fourth year, with one 'three-peat' winner. Find out which teams took home top honors!
Read More →
Innovation Was the Answer: Five Lessons Learned in School Transportation from 2025–26
Transportation leaders are embracing technology, transparency, and operational flexibility to meet growing demands with limited resources.
Read More →
AI Tools Roundup: New Fleet Tools Aim to Turn Data Into Faster Decisions
The latest AI-powered platforms could help student transportation teams analyze fleet performance, manage maintenance, and uncover operational insights using natural-language queries.
Read More →
EverDriven Integrates Pathwise's EZRouting into Routing Services
The new partnership combines trusted software with industry expertise to help district transportation teams streamline general education routing, improve efficiency, and lower operating costs.
Read More →
First Student Safety Executive Named Samsara Technology Leader of the Year
David Perez earned the honor for deploying AI-powered safety and fleet technologies that improved driver behavior and family communication.
Read More →
Zum Expands to Rhode Island with 2 New District Partnerships
The Ocean State becomes Zum’s 18th state served as the company expands its presence in the Northeast U.S., while launching operations in Philadelphia, and supporting FIFA World Cup 2026.
Read More →
The Driver Shortage Playbook
Driver shortages are still a major challenge for student transportation fleets, but the real issue has shifted. It’s no longer just about filling seats quickly. It’s about finding safe, reliable drivers who meet performance expectations and want to stay. The Driver Shortage Playbook covers why traditional recruitment tactics are falling short and how school fleets are adapting with smarter hiring, stronger retention strategies and a greater focus on driver quality.
Read More →
Stertil-Koni Announces New Company President
Lewis Nelson joins the heavy-duty vehicle lift provider, succeeding Scott Steinhardt in the lead role.
Read More →
Tennessee Hall of Fame Honors Drivers for Decades of Service
Frances Theiring, a school bus driver for Wilson County Schools, retires this year after almost 50 years on the road. She is one of two long-time drivers honored for their service in the state.
Read More →
What Happens to a School Bus After Retirement? First Student Has a New Answer
Through a new partnership with Advanced Remarketing Services, proceeds from retired vehicle sales will support Special Olympics and other community-focused organizations while advancing sustainability goals.
Read More →



