Position Overview
A Confidential Transportation Carrier is hiring an experienced CDL-A driver for a dedicated import freight distribution account based in Savannah, GA. This position supports imported consumer goods moving from port-area warehouses to regional distribution centers.
- Perform pre-trip, en-route, and post-trip inspections per FMCSA and company standards.
- Safely transport palletized import freight between Savannah-area facilities and Southeast customer locations.
- Verify trailer numbers, seal numbers, bills of lading, and shipping paperwork before departure.
- Maintain communication with dispatch regarding appointments, traffic, detention, and route updates.
- Follow customer gate procedures, warehouse check-in, and security protocols.
- Report trailer damage, cargo issues, seal discrepancies, or equipment defects immediately.
This is a regional position requiring ability to manage equipment and documentation accurately with compliance to DOT regulations. Drivers operate from the Savannah terminal with home weekly scheduling.
Pay Breakdown & Earnings Structure
Compensation follows a hybrid mileage plus activity model for this dedicated import distribution account.
Weekly Earnings $1,310–$1,810 per week (typical $1,560).
Base Mileage Rate Competitive CPM ranging $0.62–$0.66 for dispatched miles.
Detention Pay $25 per hour after the first 2 hours.
Trailer Exchange Pay $15 per completed trailer exchange.
Sign-On Bonus $1,500 paid in $500 increments at 30, 90, and 180 days.
Layover Pay $150 when approved due to customer scheduling.
Driver Benefits & Company Advantages
The benefits package supports drivers on this dedicated regional account.
Health Insurance
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
Retirement Plan
401(k) retirement plan with company matching after eligibility.
Paid Orientation
Paid orientation covering company policies, customer warehouse procedures, and equipment familiarization.
Weekly Pay & Direct Deposit
Weekly direct deposit every Friday.
Paid Time Off
Paid vacation based on years of service and paid holidays.
Driver Support
Dedicated dispatch team, 24-hour roadside assistance, and terminal support.
Equipment Programs
Assigned tractor when available after introductory period with company-paid preventive maintenance.
Equipment & Fleet Specifications
Primary Tractor Brands Freightliner, International, Kenworth
Common Tractor Models Cascadia (2021–2024), LT (2020–2023), T680 (2022–2024)
Trailer Configuration 53-foot dry van, air-ride suspension, swing-door
Transmission Automatic
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Electronic logging system
Safety Systems Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation System, Lane Departure Warning, outward-facing road camera
Truck Assignment Assigned tractor after introductory period with occasional temporary swaps during maintenance
Dispatch & Communication Qualcomm-style onboard communication platform
Home Time & Schedule
Home Time Home Weekly. Most drivers spend 4–5 nights on the road before returning through Savannah terminal or nearby drop yard.
Operating Schedule Dispatch provides first assignment evening before. Subsequent loads updated after deliveries. 34-hour resets frequently at home.
Typical Start Time 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM dispatch window.
Weekend Work Varies with customer shipping schedules and lane assignments.
Truck Parking Secured tractor parking at Savannah terminal. Overnight at truck stops along I-16, I-75, I-95, I-26 corridors.
Real Routes Our Drivers Take
Drivers operate primarily within the Southeast supporting import distribution freight from Savannah-area warehouses.
Primary Operating Area: Southeast Regional (250–650 miles from Savannah)
States Covered: Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee
Major Cities / Markets: Atlanta GA, Charlotte NC, Jacksonville FL, Greenville SC, Birmingham AL, Nashville TN
Freight Corridors: I-16, I-75, I-95, I-26, I-20, I-24, I-77, I-285
Common Freight Movement: Savannah-area warehouses to regional distribution centers with backhauls from Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Greenville
Typical lanes include Savannah to Atlanta via I-16/I-75, Savannah to Charlotte via I-95/I-26/I-77, Savannah to Jacksonville via I-95 South, and others. Reloads adjust based on availability with dispatch minimizing empty miles.
License & Driver Requirements
Drivers must meet qualifications for this dedicated regional import distribution account.
Verifiable Class-A Experience: 6 months or more preferred. 3–6 months considered with strong safety record.
CDL License Class: Valid Class A CDL
Required Endorsements: None specified beyond Class A
Current DOT Medical: Required
Hiring Process
Qualified applicants receive recruiter contact within one business day.
Application Review Initial phone call reviews CDL experience, employment history, and availability.
Recruiter Contact Phone discussion of qualifications for Savannah account.
Driver Qualification CDL validation, MVR review, employment verification, Clearinghouse query, drug screen.
Orientation Paid one-day orientation at Savannah terminal covering policies, procedures, and equipment.
First Dispatch Equipment assignment and first load within one to two business days after orientation.
Full process typically completes in five to seven business days.
A Typical Day on This Account
Dispatch window begins between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Drivers start at warehouses near Garden City, Pooler, or Port Wentworth.
Shift Start
Pre-trip inspection, verify paperwork and seals, depart for scheduled customer appointments.
During the Day
Complete deliveries or drop & hook, communicate with dispatch, handle trailer exchanges or live load/unload as assigned, manage reloads.
End of Shift
Post-trip inspection, submit documentation, prepare for next dispatch or return toward Savannah.
Approximately 45% drop & hook, 30% live load, 25% live unload. Schedules adjust for customer appointments and freight availability.
Challenges of the Job
Every CDL-A driving position comes with responsibilities beyond simply operating a commercial vehicle. Freight schedules, 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.
Traffic & Congestion
Delays on I-16, I-95, I-75 corridors and around Atlanta and Charlotte metropolitan areas.
Loading & Unloading Delays
Gate queues of 20–45 minutes common during peak import activity. Live load 1–2 hours, live unload 45–120 minutes.
Changing Weather
Dispatch coordinates for weather events affecting primary Southeast corridors.
Flexible Dispatch Times
Routes vary with vessel schedules, warehouse inventory, and customer replenishment needs.
Hours of Service Compliance
Drivers monitor HOS and notify dispatch of potential impacts from delays.
Physical Job Requirements
Enter and exit tractor multiple times, perform inspections, secure cargo with load bars or straps up to 50 pounds when required.
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 road, weather, and freight conditions generally enjoy more consistent schedules, higher productivity, and stronger long-term career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the home time frequency on this account? A: Home Weekly with 4–5 nights out typical before return to Savannah area.
Q: What equipment configurations do drivers run? A: Freightliner Cascadia, International LT, Kenworth T680 tractors with 53-foot dry van trailers.
Q: What medical and wellness benefits are provided? A: Medical, dental, vision coverage and 401(k) with matching after eligibility.
Q: What is the required Class A road experience? A: 6 months preferred; 3–6 months considered with strong safety record.
Q: What freight will I haul? A: Palletized imported consumer goods from Savannah-area distribution warehouses.
Q: Is unloading required? A: Approximately 25% of loads involve live unload; most are drop & hook or live load.
Career Opportunities
This dedicated regional import distribution position suits CDL-A drivers seeking consistent Southeast freight from a major port market without daily marine terminal drayage. Drivers comfortable with warehouse appointment management, documentation accuracy, and variable reload planning based on import volumes will find the operation matches their experience. The account provides stable work in the Savannah logistics network with home weekly returns, modern equipment, and dispatch support familiar with regional distribution challenges. Professional drivers who maintain strong safety records and communicate effectively with warehouse and dispatch teams maintain reliable schedules on this account.
CDL-A Dedicated Import Freight Driver Jobs in Savannah, GA
The Savannah logistics market supports strong demand for CDL-A dedicated distribution drivers due to its position as a major East Coast container port. Imported consumer goods move steadily from Garden City Terminal area warehouses into Southeast retail and manufacturing supply chains, creating reliable regional freight lanes.
Freight moves along I-16, I-95, I-75 and connecting corridors to Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville and other distribution hubs. Drivers handle palletized shipments originating after port unloading, focusing on domestic leg transportation between logistics parks and customer facilities.
This dedicated account offers home weekly scheduling with typical earnings of $1,310–$1,810 weekly based on mileage and activity pay. Drivers operate late-model Freightliner Cascadia, International LT and Kenworth T680 tractors pulling 53-foot dry vans.
Regional retail, consumer goods distribution and e-commerce activity generate year-round demand with seasonal increases during holiday periods and inventory builds.
Experienced regional dry van drivers comfortable with appointment-based deliveries and Southeast corridor operations will find this position aligns with established import-supported freight patterns in the Savannah market.
