CDL-A Intermodal Yard Driver – Container Transfer Operations
Hiring Radius: Local Savannah Terminal Area
📍 Savannah, GA 🚚 Local Intermodal ⚙️ Day Cab Tractors
●
Terminal Location:
Savannah Terminal near Garden City Terminal
Average Weekly Pay
$1,230–$1,870
Estimated Annual:
$82,160
Sign-on Bonus: $2,000
Home Time: Home Daily
Driver Type: Local Intermodal
Weekly Miles: 110–190
Freight: Containerized Import/Export
Equipment: Day Cab Tractors with Chassis
Experience: 6 months preferred
Position Overview
A Confidential Transportation Carrier is hiring an experienced CDL-A Intermodal Yard Driver – Container Transfer Operations based in Savannah, GA. This position supports local container transfers between marine terminals, container yards, customer warehouses, and nearby rail-served logistics parks.
- Complete container moves between Garden City Terminal and local facilities.
- Perform chassis inspections including locking pins, brakes, tires, and connections.
- Verify container numbers, seals, and documentation at terminals.
- Communicate with dispatch regarding delays, availability, and changes.
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of tractors and chassis.
- Maintain accurate electronic logs and interchange receipts.
This is a local intermodal position requiring moderate physical activity including equipment inspections and connections. Drivers must comply with FMCSA regulations and terminal security procedures.
Pay Breakdown & Earnings Structure
Compensation follows a hybrid activity pay model for intermodal container operations.
Weekly Pay Range $1,230–$1,870 per week
Typical Weekly Gross Approximately $1,580
Detention Pay $28 per hour after the first 90 minutes
Container Transfer Activity Pay Additional pay for completed qualifying container moves beyond standard daily workload
Saturday Port Coverage Premium $90 for approved Saturday assignments
Sign-On Bonus $2,000 paid as $500 after 30 days, $750 after 90 days, $750 after 180 days
Why Drivers Choose This Account
- Home Daily local intermodal operation supporting consistent Port of Savannah container volumes
- Varied daily assignments with multiple container transactions
- Assigned tractor whenever operational scheduling allows
- Dispatch support for terminal gate delays and chassis shortages
- Steady freight from import/export activity through one of the busiest East Coast ports
Driver Benefits & Company Advantages
Professional CDL-A drivers receive a benefits package designed to support long-term employment in local intermodal operations.
Health Insurance
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage options available.
Retirement Plan
401(k) retirement plan with company match after eligibility period.
Paid Orientation
Paid orientation and onboarding including Garden City Terminal procedures.
Weekly Pay & Direct Deposit
Weekly direct deposit every Friday.
Paid Time Off
Paid vacation increasing with years of service and paid holidays.
Driver Support
Local dispatcher familiar with Savannah port operations, dedicated safety department, and maintenance support.
Equipment Programs
Assigned tractor when scheduling permits and company-paid preventive maintenance.
Additional Programs
TWIC application reimbursement after probationary period, driver referral bonus, and quarterly safety recognition.
Equipment & Fleet Specifications
Primary Tractor Brands Freightliner, International, Kenworth
Common Tractor Models Freightliner Cascadia Day Cabs (2021-2024), International LT Day Cabs (2020-2023), Kenworth T680 Day Cabs
Transmission Automatic transmissions standard across most tractors
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Samsara ELD system
Dispatch & Communication Qualcomm onboard communication and Bluetooth hands-free
Safety Systems Forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control on newer tractors
Truck Assignment Generally assigned the same tractor whenever operational scheduling allows, occasional slip seating during vacation coverage or maintenance
Dash Camera Policy Dash cameras facing roadway only
Additional Equipment Electronic DVIR reporting
Operational Delays & Expectations
Detention Policy $28/hour after the first 90 minutes when customer or terminal delays qualify
Terminal Congestion Gate delays vary considerably. Early mornings following weekend vessel arrivals often experience highest traffic volumes.
Chassis Availability Chassis availability changes daily. Drivers perform routine inspections before every movement.
Customer Delays Some distribution centers require scheduled appointments resulting in waiting periods ranging from 30 minutes to over two hours.
Safety Program & Core Protocols
Safety is at the core of everything we do. Our comprehensive safety program ensures that drivers have the training, tools, and support they need to return home safely.
Safety Technology Forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control on newer tractors.
Electronic Logs Samsara ELD system for FMCSA HOS tracking.
Safety Performance Quarterly safety recognition program based on accident-free performance.
Home Time & Schedule
Home Time Home Daily
Operating Schedule Monday-Friday with rotating Saturday work depending on vessel schedules and customer demand
Typical Start Time Between 4:30 AM and 7:00 AM
Shift Length 8-12 hours
Weekend Work Rotating Saturday work depending on vessel schedules and customer demand
Real Routes Our Drivers Take
To give you a clear expectation of your weekly dispatch, below are examples of freight lanes, operating areas, and transportation corridors regularly serviced by drivers on this account.
Primary Operating Area: Local Savannah port area and nearby industrial corridors
States Covered: Georgia
Major Cities / Markets: Garden City Terminal, Pooler, Rincon, Port Wentworth, Bloomingdale, Effingham County
Freight Corridors: I-16, I-95, GA-21, Jimmy DeLoach Parkway, GA-307, US-80
Typical Route Distance: 110–190 miles daily
Common Freight Movement: Container transfers from Garden City Terminal to local distribution centers, transload facilities, and customer yards
Most loads involve one delivery and one empty return. Dispatch attempts to minimize empty chassis movement by coordinating export loads or empty returns.
License & Driver Requirements
Please review our requirements to ensure qualifications before launching your application process.
Verifiable Class-A Experience: Minimum 6 months of recent CDL-A driving experience preferred
CDL License Class: Valid Class A CDL
TWIC Card Requirement: Preferred at time of hire; assistance provided for obtaining
Hiring Process
Most qualified applicants receive an initial phone call from a recruiter within one business day after submitting an application.
Application Review Driving history, equipment experience, and work availability reviewed
Recruiter Contact Initial phone call within one business day
Driver Qualification Employment verification, Motor Vehicle Record review
Background & Compliance DOT drug screening, Clearinghouse query, background review
Orientation Paid one-day orientation at Savannah terminal covering safety policies, procedures, and local dispatch
First Dispatch Begin work within 5–7 business days after onboarding
A road test and equipment familiarization are completed before final truck assignment.
A Typical Day on This Account
Every shift varies based on vessel schedules, container availability, and customer appointments.
Shift Start
Review dispatch notes, perform pre-trip inspection, confirm chassis assignment, and verify container release information before heading to Garden City Terminal.
During the Day
Complete 5 to 8 container transactions including pickups at terminal, deliveries to customers, and empty returns. Communicate with dispatch on changes.
Typical Challenges
Gate delays, chassis availability changes, customer unloading times, and dispatch adjustments based on vessel activity.
End of Shift
Return to Savannah terminal, complete post-trip inspection, submit paperwork, and prepare for next day assignments.
Most drivers return to the terminal each evening.
Intermodal Operations
Drivers handle containerized import and export freight moving through the Port of Savannah. Operations include retrieving containers from Garden City Terminal, deliveries to local facilities, and empty repositioning. Drivers perform chassis and container inspections, verify documentation, and manage gate procedures at marine terminals.
Operational mix is approximately 45% live unload, 35% drop and hook container exchange, 20% yard repositioning and empty returns. Dispatch assignments change dynamically based on vessel schedules, customs releases, and chassis inventory.
Challenges of the Job
Every CDL-A driving position comes with responsibilities beyond simply operating a commercial vehicle. Terminal procedures, customer requirements, weather, traffic conditions, and federal regulations all influence the daily workflow. While dispatch works to maximize efficiency, professional drivers should expect occasional operational challenges that are common throughout the trucking industry.
Terminal Congestion
Gate delays vary considerably throughout the week, especially early mornings following weekend vessel arrivals.
Chassis & Container Availability
Chassis availability changes daily. Container release timing depends on vessel discharge and customs processes.
Changing Dispatch Priorities
Dispatch priorities may change several times during a shift due to vessel arrivals, container availability, and customer schedule adjustments.
Customer Facility Variations
Waiting periods at distribution centers range from 30 minutes to over two hours depending on appointments and dock availability.
Hours of Service Compliance
Drivers are responsible for maintaining accurate electronic logs and following Hours-of-Service regulations.
Physical Job Requirements
Moderate physical activity including multiple daily equipment inspections, connections, and walking across terminal surfaces.
Professional Perspective:
These working conditions are typical across the U.S. trucking industry and should not be viewed as disadvantages unique to this position. Experienced CDL-A drivers understand that successful operations depend on flexibility, safe decision-making, and effective communication with dispatch and customers. Drivers who adapt well to changing terminal, weather, and freight conditions generally enjoy more consistent schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the home time frequency on this account? A: Home Daily. Drivers typically return to the Savannah terminal each evening.
Q: What equipment configurations do drivers run? A: Day cab tractors including Freightliner Cascadia, International LT, and Kenworth T680 models with container chassis.
Q: What is the required Class A road experience? A: Minimum 6 months of recent CDL-A driving experience preferred.
Q: Is a TWIC card required? A: Preferred at time of hire. Company assists qualified drivers with the application process.
Q: How many container moves per shift? A: Drivers typically complete 5 to 8 container transactions depending on conditions.
Career Opportunities
This local intermodal position best fits CDL-A drivers who prefer daily home time and operations centered around port terminal procedures rather than long highway runs. Drivers experienced with container chassis, terminal gate processes, and dynamic dispatch adjustments will adapt quickly to the Savannah port environment. The role suits professionals comfortable with equipment inspections, documentation verification, and working within varying daily terminal conditions while maintaining consistent productivity through multiple container transactions.
CDL-A Intermodal Yard Driver Jobs in Savannah, GA
Professional CDL-A intermodal yard driver jobs in Savannah, Georgia attract experienced drivers due to steady container volumes moving through the Port of Savannah. This local operation supports container transfers serving regional distribution networks where import and export freight creates consistent daily demand. Drivers based here work in a market with active marine terminal activity supporting multiple industries.
Operations focus on local moves utilizing I-16, I-95, GA-21 and connecting industrial corridors. Drivers handle transfers between Garden City Terminal and nearby facilities in Pooler, Rincon, Port Wentworth and surrounding logistics areas. Assignments include live unloads, drop and hook exchanges, and empty repositioning.
This opportunity features day cab tractors with Samsara ELD systems. Scheduling supports home daily returns with Monday-Friday shifts and rotating Saturday availability. Drivers complete chassis inspections and container verifications as core parts of daily container transfer work.
Freight activity in the Savannah market remains active year-round due to port operations handling retail merchandise, consumer goods, paper products, building materials, and agricultural exports. Vessel schedules and customer demand keep container movements flowing through the port complex.
If you are searching for CDL-A intermodal jobs in Savannah, local container driver positions, or port drayage opportunities in Georgia, this role provides structured local work with terminal-based operations and support for drivers familiar with chassis handling and documentation requirements.
