🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Madison, WI
- Route type: Regional Intermodal Drayage
- Freight: Rail containers (import/export + retail distribution)
- Schedule: 2–4 day cycles between Madison yards and Chicago rail ramps
📋 Job Description
- Haul intermodal containers from Madison staging yards to Chicago rail terminals
- Perform drop & hook container swaps at congested rail ramps
- Coordinate timing with rail dispatch windows tied to import/export flow
- Return backhaul freight into Wisconsin distribution centers
- Navigate heavy Chicago terminal congestion and detention delays
- Maintain DOT compliance and electronic logging accuracy
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
6+ months preferred, intermodal experience a plus
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Chassis inspection + backing in tight rail yards
Endorsements
None required
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: mixed fleet rotation (assigned pool units)
- Fleet average age: 3–6 years
- Features: Freightliner Cascadia / Volvo VNL / Kenworth T680, Samsara ELD, dual dash cams, chassis tracking
🗓 Typical Weekly Schedule
- Day 1: Madison yard pickup + Chicago rail delivery
- Day 2: Chicago terminal turnaround + Wisconsin backhaul
- Day 3: Rail ramp cycles (Joliet / Chicago South Suburbs)
- Day 4: Reload distribution freight + regional shuttle
- Day 5: Final Madison return + reset preparation
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Madison, WI → Chicago, IL (I-90 / I-39 intermodal corridor)
- Chicago, IL → Madison, WI (rail ramp backhaul rotation)
- Madison, WI → Joliet, IL (I-94 / I-55 rail terminal network)
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
💰 Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
⭐ Why Drivers Choose This Job
- Consistent Chicago rail freight volume keeps dispatch steady
- Short regional cycles instead of long OTR runs
- Drop & hook container work reduces loading downtime
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How is pay structured?
Weekly CPM + container haul pay with performance incentives.
Is home time consistent?
Yes, drivers are typically home weekly depending on rail delays.
What freight is hauled?
Intermodal containers tied to Chicago rail import/export flow.
What equipment is used?
Modern mixed fleet tractors with chassis for containers.
Is intermodal experience required?
Not required but strongly preferred for Chicago rail terminals.
What routes are typical?
Madison–Chicago corridor via I-90/I-39 and Joliet rail network.
📊 Local Market Insights
Madison’s freight demand is driven by outbound manufacturing loads feeding Chicago’s rail hub, creating constant container imbalance toward Illinois. I-90/I-39 sees steady congestion tied to intermodal scheduling windows, while return lanes rely on retail distribution backhauls into Wisconsin. Joliet and Chicago South Suburban rail ramps act as primary pressure points for regional drayage operations.
🔗 CDL-A Intermodal Driver – Madison, WI to Chicago Rail Terminals
Madison, WI CDL-A Intermodal Drivers are needed for regional rail container freight between Wisconsin distribution yards and Chicago rail terminals. This role offers $1,400–$1,900 per week with home weekly schedules, steady I-90/I-39 corridor movement, and consistent drop & hook intermodal operations tied to Chicago import/export rail flow.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Intermodal Driver – Madison, WI to Chicago Rail Terminals in Madison, WI.
