🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Charlotte, NC
- Route type: Local drayage / short regional hops
- Freight: Intermodal containers (rail + warehouse distribution)
- Schedule: Morning and night container cycles, tight rail appointment windows
📋 Job Description
- Pick up loaded and empty containers from Charlotte rail ramps and stage yards under strict appointment timing
- Move intermodal freight between CSX/NS rail terminals and nearby distribution warehouses along I-77 and I-85
- Coordinate quick chassis swaps and drop-and-hook operations to keep container flow moving without delays
- Handle live dispatch updates during peak import arrival waves from Savannah and Norfolk corridors
- Navigate congestion near industrial parks and adjust routing based on rail release timing and yard capacity
- Support constant freight turnover where missed timing can delay entire regional supply chains
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
6+ months CDL-A experience preferred, drayage a plus
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Chassis handling, container securement checks
Endorsements
Not required (TWIC helpful for port-related freight exposure)
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Freightliner Cascadia (2022–2025) assigned for regional drayage cycles
- Kenworth T680 mixed-age fleet units, some showing normal yard wear and interior variance
- Intermodal chassis equipment with occasional maintenance delays between rotations
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily after container cycles finish
- Occasional extended yard runs during peak import surges
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Charlotte, NC → Greer, SC (I-85 corridor intermodal rail transfer)
- Charlotte, NC → Raleigh, NC (I-85 / I-40 warehouse distribution runs)
- Charlotte, NC → Savannah, GA (I-77 / I-26 port container reposition cycles)
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
💰 Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need drayage experience?
No, but familiarity with container or yard work helps you ramp up faster in rail operations.
Is this strictly local driving?
Mostly local Charlotte metro runs, with occasional short regional trips to SC and Raleigh.
How strict are rail appointment times?
Very strict—missed slots can delay entire freight waves, so timing discipline matters.
Do I need endorsements?
No endorsements required, but TWIC can be helpful for expanded terminal access.
How many loads per shift?
Typically 4–8 container moves depending on yard congestion and rail release timing.
Is the work physically demanding?
Mostly trailer/chassis handling and securement checks, not manual unloading.
💼 Career Opportunities
This CDL-A drayage position in Charlotte opens the door into one of the most stable freight segments in the Southeast intermodal network. Drivers often start in yard-to-warehouse container moves and gradually transition into dedicated rail accounts or higher-volume regional container lanes tied to Savannah and Norfolk import flows. With experience, many move into lead driver roles coordinating chassis rotations, training new hires on rail ramp procedures, or stepping into dispatch support positions inside terminal operations. Because Charlotte sits at the intersection of major I-77 and I-85 freight corridors, skilled drayage drivers can also transition into regional dedicated accounts serving retail distribution centers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Over time, some drivers shift into owner-operator drayage contracts or specialized port logistics work, where earnings increase with efficiency and reliability in container turnaround cycles.
🔗 CDL-A Intermodal Drayage Driver – Charlotte, NC
Charlotte CDL-A drivers remain in strong demand as intermodal freight volumes continue rising across the Southeast rail network. This drayage role connects rail ramps, distribution hubs, and regional warehouse clusters along I-77, I-85, and I-40 corridors. Drivers handle steady container movement between ports like Savannah and Norfolk and inland staging yards supporting retail and manufacturing supply chains. The position offers $1,350–$1,900 weekly with home-daily scheduling, making it attractive for drivers who prefer consistent freight flow without long OTR stretches. Equipment includes modern Freightliner and Kenworth tractors with intermodal chassis operations, where timing and coordination matter more than long mileage. Charlotte’s logistics infrastructure ensures continuous demand, especially during import surges and peak retail distribution cycles.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Intermodal Drayage Driver – Charlotte Rail & Port Container Network in Charlotte, NC.
