🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Wilmington / Los Angeles, California
- Route type: Local Port Drayage
- Freight: Empty shipping containers & chassis repositioning
- Schedule: Monday–Friday with rotating Saturdays during peak periods
📦 Freight Flow Snapshot
- Daily volume: Multiple short-haul equipment moves per shift
- Average haul distance: Short terminal-to-terminal and yard runs
- Primary freight lanes: Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, Carson, Wilmington, Compton, Rancho Dominguez
- Load type consistency: High-frequency repositioning of empties and chassis
- Peak dispatch hours: Early morning vessel discharge windows
📋 Job Description
- Perform continuous repositioning of empty shipping containers (20ft, 40ft, 45ft) and chassis units across marine terminals and inland yards
- Coordinate with port dispatch for real-time equipment movement assignments based on vessel schedules and chassis availability
- Navigate between terminals including Trapac, Fenix Marine Services, ITS, and SSA while following strict gate procedures and entry windows
- Execute yard balancing moves to support import/export flow and reduce container dwell time in the San Pedro Bay port complex
- Operate in high-security port environments with frequent short-distance transfers between marine terminals, rail-adjacent depots, and inland facilities
- Maintain radio communication, adhere to speed limits, and complete safety checks during all low-speed port operations
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
Minimum 18 months verifiable CDL-A experience
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Ability to operate in congested port yards and handle frequent short moves
Endorsements
TWIC card preferred or ability to obtain; DOT medical card required
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Dedicated 2024 Western Star 4700 Day Cab
- Fleet average age: 2–3 years
- Features: Specialized chassis mover configuration, Cummins X12, Allison automatic, GPS port gate integration, proximity sensors, high-visibility safety lighting
🏠 Home Time
- Shifts end daily at the Wilmington yard after completing assigned moves
- Typical shift length 9–11 hours starting between 3:00 AM–6:00 AM to align with terminal gate openings and vessel activity
- Weekend work is optional but may be needed during high-volume import/export cycles
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Wilmington yard to Trapac Terminal and return for chassis repositioning
- Fenix Marine Services to inland yards in Carson or Compton for empty container staging
- ITS Terminal to SSA Marine or Alameda Corridor facilities for equipment balancing
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How are moves assigned during the shift?
Dispatch monitors port conditions in real time and sends updates via communication system, often adjusting assignments based on vessel activity and yard needs.
Do drivers return to the same yard each day?
Yes. All shifts originate and conclude at the Wilmington logistics yard after the final equipment moves are completed.
What happens during port congestion?
Standby pay applies for qualifying delays, and detention pay begins after 90 minutes at terminals.
Is a TWIC card mandatory?
Preferred. Candidates must be able to obtain one if not already held, as it is required for unescorted terminal access.
How does equipment move pay work?
Additional per-move compensation of $18–$30 is paid on top of hourly rate for each qualified relocation.
Are trucks assigned to individual drivers?
Drivers are assigned consistent late-model port-configured tractors for the duration of employment.
🧭 Dispatch Notes
- Early AM starts prioritize vessel discharge support and initial chassis distribution
- Dynamic rerouting is common when terminal congestion or chassis shortages develop
- Gate appointments and equipment pickup locations are coordinated electronically
- System update: Real-time port visibility tools used to minimize dwell time
- Load priority focuses on balancing yards to maintain terminal throughput
⚠️ Operational Considerations
- Heavy traffic and congestion inside port gates and surrounding access roads
- Strict adherence to terminal safety protocols and low-speed yard operations
- Frequent gate inspections and security procedures
- Variable daily volume tied to international vessel schedules
🔗 CDL-A Port Equipment & Chassis Relocation Driver – Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles area drivers with port or local experience continue to see steady demand for chassis and container relocation work around the San Pedro Bay terminals. This home-daily position keeps equipment circulating between the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, and nearby inland yards in Carson, Wilmington, and Compton. Drivers handle high-frequency short moves that directly support vessel turnaround times and overall port efficiency. The role uses modern day-cab tractors configured specifically for chassis work. Pay combines a solid hourly rate with per-move incentives, congestion standby, and detention time, producing weekly earnings in the $1,520–$1,950 range for consistent performers. Daily returns to the Wilmington yard provide predictable home time even during busy shipping seasons. With Southern California’s status as a major import gateway, experienced CDL-A drivers who can navigate tight port environments and follow dispatch direction are well positioned for stable local work. This opportunity suits drivers seeking consistent schedules without long-haul time away from home.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Port Equipment & Chassis Relocation Driver in Los Angeles, California.