Local CDL-A Position Dedicated Shuttle
CDL-A Local Retail Distribution Shuttle Driver — Grand Rapids, MI
Hiring Area: West Michigan • Terminal: Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids, MI Local Shuttle Day Cab
Local CDL-A shuttle work moving 53-foot dry vans between retail distribution centers and warehouse yards. Hourly pay with overtime after 40 hours, daily home time, and no routine store deliveries.
Typical Weekly Gross
$1,650
Weekly Range: $1,450–$1,750
Base / OT $30 / $45 after 40 hrs
Annualized (50 hrs) $85,800
Sign-On Bonus Not confirmed
Home Time Daily
Driver Type Company Driver
Freight Palletized Retail, 53-ft Dry Van
Dedicated local shuttle work keeps 53-foot dry vans circulating between retail distribution centers, warehouses, and approved staging yards across West Michigan.
- Move 53-foot dry vans between distribution centers, warehouses, and staging yards.
- Complete drop-and-hook exchanges and assigned live dock moves.
- Verify trailer numbers, seals, paperwork, and dispatch instructions.
- Perform safe backing and coupling in confined warehouse yards.
- Record arrivals, departures, trailer status, and equipment discrepancies.
- Report mechanical defects, unavailable trailers, and dock delays to dispatch.
- Complete required inspections and follow DOT hours-of-service rules.
Weekly gross is calculated from paid hours at the stated rates. Annual figures assume 52 weeks at the corresponding weekly earnings and are not guaranteed income. The weekly range reflects variation in hours and work volume.
Base Hourly Rate $30.00
Overtime Rate $45.00 after 40 hours
Typical 50-Hour Week $1,650 gross
Weekly Gross Range $1,450–$1,750
Annualized at 50 hrs/week $85,800
Annualized Range (52 weeks) $75,400–$91,000
Sign-On Bonus Not confirmed
Stop / Shift Premiums Not specified
Detention Subject to carrier policy
Operating Area Grand Rapids and West Michigan
Home Time Daily; no routine overnight trips
Weekly Hours Approximately 45–52
Shift Windows Early morning, afternoon, or evening
Work Pattern Repeated short-haul transfers and yard exchanges
Parking Designated terminal or authorized carrier yard
Weekends Confirm days off and any rotation before accepting
Actual start times depend on warehouse operating hours and trailer availability. Drivers must follow dispatch instructions and applicable hours-of-service requirements.
Tractors Kenworth T680 and Peterbilt 579 day cabs, model years 2020–2025; older maintained units where assigned
Transmission Predominantly automatic
Trailers 53-foot dry vans with swing doors and standard freight securement equipment
Technology ELD, GPS, and electronic dispatch communication
Safety Systems Collision mitigation and lane-departure technology on equipped tractors
Assignment Assigned when available; limited slip-seating may apply
Drivers complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, report defects promptly, and coordinate repairs through dispatch or the maintenance department.
The assignment covers local dry-van transfers of palletized retail merchandise between distribution facilities and warehouse yards. Drivers do not unload individual products at stores.
- Grand Rapids–Byron Center: Distribution and warehouse transfers via US-131 and M-6
- Grand Rapids–Walker: Warehouse exchanges using I-96 and local industrial roads
- Grand Rapids–Holland: Regional facility transfers via I-196
- Byron Center–Wyoming–Kentwood: Short-haul movements via M-6 and connecting roads
Actual origins, destinations, and daily sequences depend on dispatch assignments. These corridors describe a plausible West Michigan operating area, not a verified customer route schedule.
- Check in, inspect the tractor, and review dispatch assignments.
- Pick up the designated trailer and verify its identification and condition.
- Complete shuttle runs, trailer exchanges, and authorized yard repositioning.
- Notify dispatch about dock queues, missing empties, or delayed releases.
- Update electronic records and complete required paperwork.
- Perform the post-trip inspection and return the tractor to its authorized parking location.
Daily workload varies with warehouse volume, trailer readiness, and customer receiving schedules.
About the Carrier
This position is structured around regional retail distribution rather than long-haul freight. Local shuttle operations connect warehouse facilities and help maintain trailer availability for replenishment cycles. Drivers work with dispatch and warehouse personnel to keep equipment moving, document trailer exchanges, and resolve routine loading or staging delays. The role suits drivers comfortable with frequent backing, repeated short trips, and time-sensitive facility procedures.
Onboarding Position-specific orientation and operating procedure review
Dispatch Support Assistance with trailer availability, route changes, and facility delays
Equipment Support Defect reporting and maintenance coordination
Safety Procedures Inspection requirements, yard rules, and electronic log compliance
Medical / Dental / Vision Plan details and eligibility must be confirmed with recruiting
401(k) & Paid Leave Availability and eligibility must be confirmed before publication
Benefits, waiting periods, employer contributions, and paid-leave accruals should be stated only after confirmation in the carrier’s current benefits plan.
- Valid CDL Class A license
- Minimum 6 months of verifiable CDL-A tractor-trailer experience
- Safe backing, coupling, and uncoupling skills with 53-foot trailers
- Acceptable motor vehicle record under carrier hiring standards
- Ability to meet DOT medical qualification and drug-testing requirements
- Successful employment and driving-history verification
- Ability to follow warehouse security procedures and the assigned shift schedule
HazMat, Tanker, and TWIC credentials are not required for standard non-hazardous retail dry-van transfers.
- Late trailer releases and congested warehouse docks
- Missing or misplaced empty trailers
- Gate queues and revised receiving appointments
- Traffic congestion on US-131, I-96, I-196, and M-6
- Lake-effect snow, freezing rain, and winter visibility restrictions
Drivers must notify dispatch when delays affect assignments and must not bypass safety procedures to recover lost time.
1
Application
Submit CDL-A details and recent employment history
2
Recruiter Screening
Review driving experience, shift availability, and pay structure
3
Qualification Checks
MVR, Clearinghouse, drug testing, employment verification
4
Skills Assessment
Road test and backing evaluation if required
5
Orientation & Start
Facility procedures review; start after clearances
Q: Do drivers unload merchandise at retail stores? ▼
No. The assignment covers trailer transfers between distribution facilities, warehouses, and authorized yards.
Q: Is the freight handled through drop-and-hook? ▼
Drop-and-hook is part of the described operation. Live dock moves may also occur when required by the facility.
Q: How much can a driver earn in a typical week? ▼
The stated typical example is $1,650 gross for 50 hours: 40 hours at $30 and 10 overtime hours at $45.
Q: Will I be home every day? ▼
The position is designed for daily home time, with no routine overnight trips.
Q: Are HazMat, Tanker, or TWIC endorsements required? ▼
They are not required for standard non-hazardous retail dry-van transfers.
Q: How much CDL-A experience is required? ▼
At least 6 months of verifiable tractor-trailer experience.
Q: Can warehouse delays affect the workday? ▼
Yes. Trailer availability, dock congestion, and traffic can change the order and timing of assigned moves.
Grand Rapids offers CDL-A opportunities across local delivery, retail distribution, foodservice, manufacturing, and less-than-truckload operations. Local shuttle roles compete for drivers who can maneuver 53-foot trailers safely, maintain reliable attendance, and work within warehouse operating windows. Recent local listings show a broad pay spread: shuttle and switcher work has been advertised around $26.50–$27.50 per hour, while other local Class A roles advertise higher hourly rates depending on duties and employer. These are market examples, not guarantees for this position. For candidates, the key comparison points are overtime eligibility, weekly hours, home time, physical freight handling, and benefit eligibility.
Grand Rapids is a regional freight center supported by consumer-goods distribution, manufacturing, food distribution, and warehouse operations. Industrial and logistics activity extends into Byron Center, Walker, Wyoming, Kentwood, Holland, and Zeeland, creating a practical service area for short-haul trailer transfers. US-131 provides north–south access, I-96 connects the Grand Rapids area with inland Michigan, and I-196 serves the lakeshore corridor. M-6 links southern industrial areas with the regional highway network. Freight volumes and trailer availability vary by facility, retail season, and customer schedules. Winter weather, including lake-effect snow and freezing conditions, can affect transit times and yard operations.