🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Jacksonville, FL (Blount Island & Talleyrand terminals)
- Route type: Local port drayage home daily
- Freight: Refrigerated import containers (seafood, produce, frozen goods)
- Schedule: Early AM starts (3-6 AM), rotating weekends
📋 Job Description
- Drivers execute 2–5 refrigerated container moves daily between JAXPORT terminals and local cold storage facilities.
- Complete pre-trip inspections, temperature integrity checks, and seal verification on inbound reefer units.
- Coordinate with port appointment systems while managing yard congestion during vessel discharge windows.
- Perform drop-and-hook operations on 40'–53' reefer chassis with Freightliner Cascadia day cabs.
- Deliver to Westside cold storage hubs, North Jacksonville logistics parks, and I-295 refrigerated warehouses.
- Update ELD logs and container temperature records after each 120–250 mile daily circuit.
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
12 months CDL-A experience required; reefer container experience preferred
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Trailer coupling/uncoupling, dock backing, and chassis handling in port yards
Endorsements
TWIC Card required
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Dedicated day cab assignment with Samsara telematics for temperature tracking
- Fleet average age: 3–4 year old Freightliner Cascadia fleet
- Features: Dock approach sensors, lane assist, and continuous reefer monitoring systems
- Transmission type: Automatic transmissions across the fleet
- Maintenance program: Hybrid preventive maintenance with rapid response vendor network
🏠 Home Time
- Drivers return home daily after completing final container delivery and post-trip procedures.
- Dispatch releases based on vessel schedules and cold storage receiving windows.
- Rotating weekend coverage follows port import volume patterns.
- Early morning dispatches allow consistent evening returns despite peak congestion periods.
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Blount Island Terminal → Westside Cold Storage → I-295 / I-10
- Talleyrand Terminal → North Jacksonville Grocery DC → I-95 North
- Blount Island → Orlando Regional Distribution → I-95 South
- Talleyrand → Savannah Produce Hub → I-95 North (occasional)
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many container moves do drivers typically complete per shift?
Most drivers handle 2–5 refrigerated container moves daily depending on vessel arrival schedules and port congestion levels.
Is TWIC Card required for this position?
Yes, a valid TWIC Card is required for access to JAXPORT marine terminals.
What are the typical start times?
Shifts generally begin between 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM to align with priority port pickup appointments.
Are trucks assigned or slip-seated?
Drivers are assigned consistent day cab tractors equipped with reefer monitoring technology.
Is overtime available?
Overtime is common during peak vessel discharge periods and high import volume weeks.
What type of trailers are used?
Primarily 40'–53' reefer container chassis paired with Freightliner Cascadia day cabs.
💼 Career Opportunities
This local port drayage position serves as an excellent entry point into Jacksonville’s robust logistics network. Drivers gain specialized experience handling temperature-controlled imports from Latin America and Europe while building strong relationships with port authorities and cold storage operators. Many advance from port drayage roles into dedicated grocery distribution routes or yard supervisory positions within the same operation. The continuous flow of refrigerated freight through JAXPORT provides stable year-round work with predictable home daily schedules. Internal promotion paths often include dispatcher training, safety specialist roles, and fleet trainer opportunities. Jacksonville’s position as a major Southeast import gateway ensures long-term career stability for CDL-A professionals focused on reefer and intermodal operations.
🔗 Local CDL-A Port Drayage Reefer Driver – Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville’s port drayage market continues to expand with steady refrigerated container volume arriving through Blount Island and Talleyrand terminals. This local home daily CDL-A position focuses on moving seafood, fresh produce, and frozen imports directly from vessel discharge to regional cold storage and grocery distribution centers. Drivers enjoy consistent weekly earnings of $1,400–$1,850 based on 50–65 variable hours, plus a $1,250 sign-on bonus and annual safety incentives. The role features modern 3–4 year old Freightliner Cascadia day cabs with automatic transmissions and advanced reefer monitoring. With TWIC Card access and 12 months experience, drivers operate within familiar local corridors along I-295 and I-95 while maintaining strict temperature integrity. This position offers operational stability in one of Florida’s busiest freight gateways.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for Local CDL-A Port Drayage Reefer Driver in Jacksonville, FL.