CDL-A Retail Distribution Shuttle Driver

This shuttle role centers on planned trailer cycles that keep retail and e-commerce freight moving between South Florida warehouses and distribution points rather than long highway runs.

• Completes multiple short trailer movements within a single shift.
• Handles drop-and-hook exchanges and live load or unload sequences.
• Verifies trailer numbers, seals and load status before each departure.
• Communicates gate delays and trailer shortages to dispatch promptly.
• Follows customer-specific gate and dock procedures at every facility.
• Maintains accurate ELD records while staying within HOS limits.

Variable local structure mixes hourly base with activity payments on qualifying shuttle movements. A representative week runs about 48 paid hours.

Slip-seating or temporary reassignment occurs when a unit is in maintenance. Drivers may receive a regular assigned tractor when available.

Palletized retail merchandise, e-commerce freight, household goods and general dry freight move through planned shuttle cycles rather than fixed long-haul lanes.

• Doral to Medley via local industrial corridors and I-75 access.
• Medley to Fort Lauderdale using I-95 corridor.
• Doral to West Palm Beach on Florida’s Turnpike.
• Fort Lauderdale back to Doral via I-595 and I-75.
• Medley to West Palm Beach via Florida’s Turnpike.
• West Palm Beach return to Doral on the Turnpike.
• Dispatch resequences based on trailer availability and appointments.

• Valid Class A CDL and current DOT medical card
• 6+ months local or regional CDL-A experience preferred
• Clean acceptable MVR with no disqualifying violations
• Ability to operate 53' dry vans in congested warehouse yards
• Comfortable with frequent trailer exchanges and short movements
• Must meet company and insurance qualification standards

• I-95, I-595 and Florida Turnpike congestion
• Warehouse gate queues during concentrated receiving periods
• Empty trailer shortages during retail peaks
• Dock waits when doors remain occupied
• Heavy rain reducing highway speeds and increasing braking distance

Miami ranks among Florida’s more active CDL-A labor markets. Local dedicated shuttle, LTL, parcel, grocery, private fleet and warehouse-transfer operations compete heavily for drivers who want to sleep at home every night. Port-related drayage, import warehousing and consumer distribution add further demand. OTR dry-van openings exist but face stronger competition from carriers seeking drivers willing to stay out multiple nights. Schedule reliability and effective hourly earnings matter more than pure mileage for most local candidates. Seasonal retail peaks and year-round e-commerce volume keep hiring relatively steady, though traffic congestion and limited yard space influence which accounts attract and retain drivers longest.

South Florida’s freight base is driven by consumer demand, e-commerce fulfillment and import-related warehousing concentrated in the western Miami-Dade industrial corridor around Doral, Medley and Hialeah. Retail replenishment and household goods move northward through Broward and into Palm Beach County along I-95, I-595 and Florida’s Turnpike. Dense population and limited industrial real estate create constant pressure on warehouse capacity and appointment windows. Seasonal shopping peaks increase outbound trailer volume while quieter periods reduce available shuttle movements. Weather events and highway congestion can stretch even short distances into significant on-duty time, making flexible local cycles more practical than fixed long-haul lanes for many distribution accounts serving the region.