🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Birmingham, Alabama
- Route type: Local home-daily intermodal drayage
- Freight: Rail containers (import + regional distribution)
- Schedule: Rail appointment windows with early dispatch starts and staggered return cycles
📋 Job Description
- Pickup and delivery of intermodal containers between rail ramps and DCs
- DOT inspections at yard entry and exit points
- Accurate ELD logging during rail appointment cycles
- Load securement verification on chassis assignments
- Loading/unloading coordination at customer docks
- Compliance handling for rail gate, chassis, and seal checks
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
12+ months preferred, intermodal experience strongly preferred
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Chassis checks, container securement, yard movement activity
Endorsements
TWIC preferred (rail ramp access)
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: rotation-based yard dispatch flow with dynamic reassignment between ramp cycles
- Fleet average age: 3–7 years mixed intermodal tractors
- Features: International LT day cabs, Motive ELD, yard GPS tracking, chassis fleet rotation variability
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily with variable return timing based on rail release windows
- Occasional late returns during import surges or chassis backlog periods
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Birmingham Ensley rail ramp → Bessemer industrial DCs via I-20/I-59 interchange (midday congestion zone)
- CSX/NS Birmingham intermodal terminal → Atlanta Fairburn rail yard via I-20 east corridor with regional bottlenecks
- Birmingham rail hub → Huntsville distribution centers via I-65 / I-565 split with recurring merge delays
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are rail delays common?
Yes. Container release timing depends on rail ramp congestion and chassis availability, especially during import peaks.
Is TWIC required?
Preferred for ramp access but not always mandatory at all drop points depending on assignment.
How often are drivers home?
Most drivers return daily, but end-of-shift timing varies based on rail cutoffs and yard backlog.
What type of freight is hauled?
Mostly intermodal containers with retail goods, industrial parts, and import distribution freight.
Is detention paid?
Yes, detention and yard delay pay apply when rail or customer delays exceed standard wait thresholds.
What equipment will I drive?
Day cab tractors assigned through rotating yard dispatch cycles with intermodal chassis sets.
💼 Career Opportunities
Intermodal drayage operations in the Birmingham rail network maintain steady freight movement due to continuous container flow between Gulf Coast ports, Atlanta rail ramps, and inland distribution centers. Drivers entering this role typically operate within structured rail appointment cycles that rotate throughout the week depending on container availability and yard congestion levels. Over time, drivers may transition into trainer positions for new intermodal hires, safety compliance roles focused on ramp procedures, or dedicated regional lanes tied to high-volume customers. Fleet expansion across Alabama distribution corridors continues to support consistent demand for experienced CDL-A drivers who understand chassis systems and rail gate workflows. Additional opportunities include advancement into dispatch coordination, yard management support roles, and specialized freight assignments tied to import surge periods and retail replenishment cycles.
🔗 CDL-A Intermodal Rail Drayage Driver – Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham’s intermodal freight system operates on continuous rail-to-road container transfers supporting regional distribution across Alabama and neighboring states. Drivers in this role work within appointment-based rail cycles where container availability, chassis assignment, and yard congestion directly influence daily workflow. Typical operations involve short-haul movements between rail ramps and distribution centers with variable wait times during peak import flows. The position provides structured home-daily scheduling with pay determined by container movement volume and operational delays rather than fixed mileage assumptions. Freight demand remains steady due to sustained import activity through Southeast rail corridors and inland warehouse expansion.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Intermodal Rail Drayage Driver in Birmingham, Alabama.
