🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Los Angeles, California
- Route type: Intermodal / Port Drayage
- Freight: Ocean containers (import/export, retail & industrial goods)
- Schedule: Early morning dispatch aligned with vessel discharge windows, split port appointment cycles, variable return turns depending on terminal congestion
📋 Job Description
- Pick up import/export containers from Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach terminals under live dispatch schedules
- Inspect chassis, seals, and container paperwork before leaving marine terminals and rail ramps
- Deliver freight to Inland Empire distribution hubs including Ontario, Fontana, Rialto, and Commerce warehouse clusters
- Navigate high-traffic freight corridors such as I-710, CA-60, and I-10 under appointment-driven timing constraints
- Manage multiple daily container turns depending on port congestion, vessel arrivals, and chassis availability
- Coordinate with port clerks, yard dispatchers, and warehouse receiving teams to ensure on-time container movement
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
1+ year CDL-A experience preferred (port drayage experience a plus)
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations or recent DOT failures
Physical
Frequent chassis hookups, container inspections, and yard maneuvering
Endorsements
TWIC card required for port access operations
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Dedicated day cab and regional port units
- Fleet average age: 2–4 years (CARB-compliant California fleet)
- Features: Automatic transmissions, GPS dispatch systems, Samsara ELD, port chassis compatibility, safety telematics
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily after assigned port turns and Inland Empire deliveries
- Occasional extended shifts during vessel surge periods or port congestion cycles
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Port of Los Angeles → I-710 North → Commerce → Ontario Distribution Centers
- Port of Long Beach → CA-60 East → City of Industry → Fontana Warehouse Corridors
- Long Beach Terminal → I-405 → I-10 East → Rialto Intermodal Facilities
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many container turns can I expect per day?
Most drivers complete 2–4 turns depending on port congestion, appointment timing, and chassis availability across LA/LB terminals.
Is port congestion a major factor in this job?
Yes, delays at terminals are common and directly affect daily earnings, detention time, and total completed loads.
Do I need TWIC for this position?
Yes, TWIC is required for all Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach terminal access operations.
What kind of freight is moved?
Mainly import/export containers with retail goods, electronics, apparel, furniture, and industrial materials.
Are shifts consistent daily?
Shifts depend on vessel arrivals and terminal flow, with early morning dispatch being most common during peak import cycles.
Is prior port experience required?
Not required, but familiarity with chassis operations and port yard navigation improves efficiency and earning potential.
💼 Career Opportunities
Los Angeles remains one of the highest-volume intermodal freight markets in the United States, driven by continuous import flows through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. CDL-A drivers in this region operate within a dense logistics ecosystem that includes marine terminals, rail ramps, and massive Inland Empire distribution clusters. Demand for experienced port drivers continues to stay elevated due to container throughput from Asia and the expansion of e-commerce fulfillment centers across Southern California. Drivers entering this segment gain exposure to high-frequency dispatch cycles, chassis management systems, and appointment-based freight operations. Over time, drivers can transition into dedicated accounts, rail ramp specialization, or higher-paying regional drayage lanes. The market also supports long-term career paths in fleet training, dispatch coordination, and owner-operator port contracting. Modern fleets and port compliance requirements continue to increase the need for skilled CDL-A professionals who understand congestion-heavy freight environments and terminal operations.
🔗 PORT INTERMODAL CDL-A DRIVER — LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles, California is one of the most critical freight corridors in North America, driven by continuous container movement through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This port intermodal CDL-A driver role supports high-frequency drayage operations connecting marine terminals with Inland Empire distribution hubs. Drivers typically earn between $1,850 and $2,750 per week depending on container turns, port congestion cycles, and detention exposure. The work structure is primarily home daily, with dispatch patterns centered around vessel discharge schedules and warehouse appointment windows. Freight moves along major corridors such as I-710, CA-60, and I-10, linking port terminals with logistics clusters in Ontario, Fontana, Rialto, and Commerce. This creates a highly dynamic environment where efficiency in terminal pickup, chassis management, and appointment timing directly impacts earnings. The Los Angeles freight market remains one of the most stable in the U.S. due to constant import volumes, retail distribution demand, and e-commerce fulfillment growth. CDL-A drivers in this region benefit from consistent freight availability, modern CARB-compliant equipment, and structured port dispatch systems that operate year-round.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for PORT INTERMODAL CDL-A DRIVER — LOS ANGELES / LONG BEACH CONTAINER OPERATIONS in Los Angeles, California.
