CDL-A Port Drayage Container Driver

🗺 Terminal & Corridor Operations

• Terminal base: Port of Seattle marine terminals and surrounding Puget Sound facilities
• Operation type: Local/regional container drayage serving import and export flows
• Primary freight: Ocean containers (20', 40', 45', 53')
• Daily movements: Multiple container exchanges between terminals, rail yards, warehouses, and customer sites across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties

📦 Terminal Flow & Container Cycle

• Start your shift pulling import loads from marine terminals and delivering to nearby distribution points
• Reposition empties and haul export containers back to port for vessel loading
• Work with appointment windows, gate procedures, chassis inspections, and seal checks
• Dispatch adjusts moves in real time based on vessel schedules, customs holds, and terminal congestion
• Expect variable wait times at gates and yards, especially during peak vessel activity

🚛 Equipment You'll Run Daily

• Late-model Freightliner Cascadia, Volvo VNL 760, and Kenworth T680 tractors
• Automatic transmissions with air-ride suspension and company-maintained chassis
• ELD compliant, company tablets for electronic paperwork, GPS, forward-facing cameras, and PrePass
• Fuel cards issued and regular terminal parking available

✅ Driver Qualifications Snapshot

📍 Daily Dispatch Patterns

• Shifts typically begin 5:00-7:00 AM with afternoon/evening options available
• Monday-Friday core with occasional Saturday work during high volume periods
• 9-11 hour days focused on 4-8 container moves depending on port conditions
• Primary corridors: I-5, SR-99, SR-509, I-405, and SR-167
• No-touch freight with emphasis on inspections, paperwork, and timely gate turns

💰 Additional Pay Elements

• Container move pay, port delay pay, detention after 90 minutes
• Chassis split and extra stop compensation
• Annual safety bonus up to $1,000 and referral bonus
• Weekly direct deposit

🔗 CDL-A Port Drayage Container Driver – Seattle, Washington

Seattle port drayage drivers handle the steady flow of ocean containers moving through one of the major Pacific Northwest gateways. This local operation keeps drivers working multiple moves per shift between marine terminals, rail intermodal yards, distribution centers, and warehouses in the greater Puget Sound area. You'll deal with real port dynamics — appointment windows, gate lines, chassis availability, and occasional vessel-related delays that dispatch works around daily. Pay runs $33.25–$36.75 per hour plus accessorials, with weekly earnings typically landing between $1,620 and $2,000 depending on volume and efficiency. Home daily is standard, with most drivers finishing their shifts in the Seattle-Tacoma corridor and returning to their own beds each night. The work suits experienced CDL-A drivers comfortable with container handling, terminal procedures, and the changing priorities that come with international cargo cycles. Late-model tractors, company chassis, and support staff keep the fleet moving while drivers focus on safe, productive days supporting import consumer goods, electronics, retail stock, and export loads heading overseas.

🎁 Support & Benefits Package

❓ Questions Drivers Usually Ask

⚠️ Operational Notes From Dispatch

• Terminal congestion and chassis shortages can shift priorities mid-day
• Focus on accurate paperwork and timely gate turns to maintain productivity
• No-touch freight but thorough pre- and post-trip inspections required on every move
• Weather in the Pacific Northwest can impact yard operations, especially during winter rains

🚀 Apply Now

Submit your information below to be considered for the CDL-A Port Drayage Container Driver role in Seattle, Washington. Qualified candidates will be contacted by our recruiting team.