🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Indianapolis, IN
- Route type: Local / Intermodal Drayage
- Freight: Shipping containers, chassis moves, import/export rail freight
- Schedule: Continuous rail ramp cycles, day & night dispatch rotation
📋 Job Description
- Move loaded and empty containers between CSX / Norfolk Southern rail ramps and nearby distribution hubs around Indianapolis
- Coordinate short-haul drayage runs along I-65 and I-70 corridors with tight rail release windows
- Handle drop-and-hook chassis operations with quick turnaround expectations during peak rail cycles
- Secure containers safely while navigating busy yard operations and mixed warehouse traffic zones
- Support import/export freight flow coming from coastal ports into Midwest manufacturing centers
- Adapt to dispatch changes during rail delays, weather interruptions, and container backlog surges
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
6+ months CDL-A experience preferred (intermodal a plus)
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Light securement, chassis inspection, yard movement activity
Endorsements
Not required (TWIC helpful but optional)
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Freightliner Cascadia (2022–2025) assigned to intermodal fleet rotation
- Kenworth T680 mixed-age units with standard drayage wear from constant yard work
- Occasional Volvo VNL units depending on dispatch pool availability
- ELD systems: Samsara / Omnitracs with occasional signal drops near rail yards
- Chassis and trailers show normal wear from high-frequency container cycles and quick turnarounds
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily after completion of assigned rail ramp cycles
- Occasional late-night dispatch depending on container arrival waves
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Indianapolis, IN → Chicago, IL (I-65 N / I-94 freight rail container redistribution)
- Indianapolis, IN → Columbus, OH (I-70 E intermodal warehouse distribution)
- Indianapolis, IN → Louisville, KY (I-65 S chassis return and regional rail freight flow)
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
💰 Bonus Structure
Intermodal work in Indianapolis runs fast, so bonuses are tied to reliability, timing, and yard efficiency rather than mileage.
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need intermodal experience?
No, but prior container or yard experience helps speed up onboarding.
How many stops per shift?
Typically 6–12 container moves depending on rail volume and dispatch flow.
Is the schedule predictable?
Mostly structured, but rail delays and container surges can shift timing slightly.
Do I need a TWIC card?
Not required, but strongly recommended for faster rail yard access.
Is weekend work required?
Occasional weekend rotations may happen during peak import cycles.
What kind of freight delays happen?
Mainly rail congestion, weather disruptions, and container backlog at terminals.
💼 Career Opportunities
This CDL-A intermodal role in Indianapolis is more than just drayage work—it’s a direct entry point into the Midwest freight rail ecosystem. Drivers who stay in this lane often move into higher-paying dedicated intermodal accounts, regional rail shuttle operations, or even dispatcher roles inside terminal operations. With time, experienced drivers can transition into trainer positions for new intermodal hires or specialize in high-priority container freight lanes tied to automotive and retail supply chains. Indianapolis continues expanding its rail-connected logistics parks, meaning consistent freight growth and long-term stability for drivers who understand chassis work and container flow timing. Some drivers eventually shift into owner-operator drayage contracts or dedicated high-frequency rail accounts, especially along the I-65 and I-70 corridors, where demand stays steady year-round.
🔗 CDL-A Intermodal / Rail Drayage Driver – Indianapolis, IN
CDL-A jobs in Indianapolis, IN are heavily driven by intermodal rail activity connecting CSX and Norfolk Southern networks with Midwest distribution corridors. Drivers in this role handle fast container turns, short-haul drayage runs, and continuous freight movement between rail ramps and warehouse clusters along I-65 and I-70. This is a LOCAL CDL-A job in Indiana with home daily schedules and weekly pay ranging from $1,400 to $1,950 depending on shift structure and rail volume. Indianapolis remains one of the strongest inland logistics hubs in the U.S., supporting automotive parts, retail distribution, and import container flows from coastal ports. For CDL-A truck drivers looking for steady freight without long-haul weeks on the road, intermodal drayage offers predictable structure, fast-paced work, and consistent demand tied directly to national supply chain cycles.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Intermodal / Rail Drayage Driver – Indianapolis Rail & Container Network (CSX / NS Midwest Hub) in Indianapolis, IN.
