🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Detroit, MI
- Route type: Local Intermodal / Regional Rail Drayage
- Freight: Rail containers (automotive, retail, manufacturing imports)
- Schedule: Rail-driven dispatch cycles, early AM or night shifts
📋 Job Description
- Move intermodal containers between Detroit rail ramps and local distribution hubs along I-75 and I-94 corridors
- Coordinate chassis pickup and drop operations within congested rail yard environments (NS / CSX terminals)
- Navigate industrial zones near Livernois Ave and Oakwood freight districts under strict dispatch timing windows
- Perform secure container locking, inspection, and interchange documentation before departure
- Handle traffic delays, rail congestion, and chassis shortages during peak import cycles
- Communicate with dispatch teams regarding container availability and rail release schedules
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
1+ year CDL-A experience preferred (intermodal a plus)
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Frequent chassis handling and container securement checks
Endorsements
None required (TWIC helpful for rail access)
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Freightliner Cascadia (2022–2025 mixed fleet units)
- Kenworth T680 and Volvo VNL tractors in rotation
- Chassis pool systems (rail-owned and carrier-managed equipment)
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily for most dispatch cycles
- Occasional extended shifts during high rail import surges
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Detroit, MI → Toledo, OH (I-75 automotive freight corridor)
- Detroit, MI → Chicago, IL (I-94 intermodal rail-to-truck transfer route)
- Detroit, MI → Fort Wayne, IN (regional distribution and warehouse delivery loop)
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
💰 Bonus Structure
Intermodal bonus structure is tied to efficiency in rail yard turn times, safe container handling, and on-time dispatch execution across Detroit freight corridors.
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this strictly local work?
Yes, most drivers return home daily depending on rail volume and dispatch timing from Detroit yards.
Do I need intermodal experience?
Not required, but experience with containers, chassis, or rail yards is strongly preferred.
How predictable are the schedules?
Schedules follow rail release patterns, which can shift based on import container arrivals and yard congestion.
What type of freight will I haul?
Mainly automotive imports, retail goods, and manufacturing containers moving through Detroit’s rail network.
What trucks will I drive?
Mixed fleet including Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680, and Volvo VNL units depending on availability.
Is detention common in rail yards?
Yes, occasional delays occur due to rail congestion, chassis availability, and port-style container processing.
💼 Career Opportunities
This CDL-A intermodal position in Detroit provides exposure to one of the most active freight corridors in the Midwest. Drivers operate inside a dense rail and automotive logistics ecosystem where container flow is constant but operational timing can vary depending on rail release schedules. Over time, drivers may transition into dedicated accounts, higher-paying regional intermodal lanes, or trainer roles within the terminal network. Some drivers move into dispatcher support or fleet coordination roles after gaining experience with NS and CSX yard systems. While advancement is not guaranteed, consistent performance, safety records, and reliability in yard operations can open doors to more stable and higher-paying freight assignments across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
🔗 CDL-A Intermodal Driver – Detroit, MI
Detroit CDL-A intermodal drivers are essential to the Midwest freight network, supporting automotive manufacturing, retail imports, and high-volume rail container movement across I-75, I-94, and I-96 corridors. This local intermodal role offers $1,300–$1,850 per week with structured rail-based dispatch cycles and home daily opportunities. Drivers operate in fast-paced rail yard environments where timing, safety, and chassis coordination directly impact freight flow. With consistent demand from Detroit’s automotive industry and import container traffic, intermodal trucking remains one of the most stable CDL-A job categories in Michigan.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Intermodal Driver – Detroit Rail Yard Containers in Detroit, MI.
