🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Fort Worth, TX
- Route type: Local Intermodal Drayage
- Freight: Domestic and international containers
- Schedule: Monday–Friday with weekend availability based on demand
📋 Job Description
- Haul domestic and international containers within the Dallas–Fort Worth intermodal market between regional rail terminals, container yards, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and industrial parks throughout North Texas
- Perform container drayage operations including pickup appointments, secure chassis, inspect containers before departure, manage gate transactions, and deliver to warehouses on scheduled receiving windows
- Coordinate with dispatch regarding rail availability, terminal congestion, and appointment schedules
- Complete container inspections, twist-lock verification, seal verification, chassis inspection, weight compliance, and documentation accuracy
- Handle occasional chassis repositioning, empty container movements, and detention after qualifying wait times
- Navigate I-35W, I-20, SH 360, Loop 820, Alliance logistics corridor and surrounding industrial districts with awareness of traffic, construction, and weather conditions
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
Minimum 2 years of recent Class A experience preferred; previous intermodal or container experience strongly preferred
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Acceptable motor vehicle record
Physical
Ability to safely inspect chassis and containers and manage owner operator business responsibilities
Endorsements
TWIC card preferred or ability to obtain if required for port access
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Owner operators supply their own equipment
- Fleet average age: Not applicable - owner operator position
- Features: Sleeper or day cab tractors accepted; late-model highway tractors preferred; ELD compliant; sliding fifth wheel recommended; air-ride suspension preferred
- Transmission type: Not specified
- Maintenance program: Owner operator responsible for maintenance
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily operations with variable daily start times based on rail release schedules
- Primarily Monday through Friday with weekend work available depending on freight demand
- Early morning dispatches common with some afternoon availability
- Workday length influenced by terminal activity, rail delays, gate congestion, and customer appointments
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Rail terminal to North Fort Worth distribution center via I-35W and local corridors
- Alliance industrial district to Arlington warehouse using SH 360 and I-20
- Dallas rail facility to Grand Prairie manufacturing facility via I-30 and President George Bush Turnpike
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical day look like for an Intermodal Owner Operator in Fort Worth?
Daily operations center around container drayage with rail terminal pickups, chassis selection, container inspections, deliveries to distribution centers, and empty returns. Work is influenced by rail schedules, gate transactions, and appointment windows.
Do I need to supply my own trailer?
No. Trailers are generally not required as containers move on carrier-provided or customer-provided chassis. You supply your own tractor.
What freight will I be hauling?
Primarily domestic intermodal containers, international import containers, export containers, consumer merchandise, industrial materials, and general dry cargo in sealed containers. All no-touch freight.
Is this truly home daily?
Yes. This is a local home daily position, though actual workday length varies based on terminal congestion, rail delays, weather, and customer schedules.
What experience is needed for this intermodal drayage role?
Minimum 2 years recent Class A experience preferred with previous intermodal or container experience strongly preferred. Knowledge of container securement, chassis inspection, and Hours of Service is important.
How does compensation work for Owner Operators?
Percentage-based revenue settlement per completed load with additional pay for chassis repositioning, detention, fuel surcharge, empty moves, and occasional specialized premiums. Weekly settlements.
💼 Career Opportunities
Experienced CDL-A owner operators in the Fort Worth market have strong opportunities in the growing intermodal drayage segment. The Dallas–Fort Worth area continues to expand as a major logistics hub with consistent container volumes moving through major rail terminals and the Alliance logistics corridor. This local intermodal position allows drivers to build specialized knowledge in container handling, rail gate procedures, chassis management, and terminal operations. Skills developed in drayage translate well across regional freight markets and provide valuable experience for future opportunities in port operations or dedicated intermodal accounts. Drivers who master efficient routing around I-35W, I-20, and Loop 820 while managing variable terminal conditions often achieve strong weekly revenue through consistent dispatch acceptance and time management. The owner operator model offers direct control over equipment and operations while maintaining home daily stability in one of Texas's busiest freight markets.
🔗 CDL-A Intermodal Owner Operator – Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth CDL-A owner operators looking for local intermodal container work will find strong opportunities in the Dallas–Fort Worth rail and drayage network. This position focuses on hauling domestic and international containers between rail terminals, container yards, and North Texas distribution centers using major corridors including I-35W, I-20, SH 360, and Loop 820. Drivers perform chassis selection, container inspections, seal verification, gate transactions, and appointment-based deliveries in a primarily home daily schedule. The role offers percentage-based revenue settlement with additional pay for detention, chassis repositioning, and empty container moves. With Fort Worth's position as a major freight hub supported by extensive warehouse development and rail infrastructure, experienced intermodal drivers can expect steady container volumes throughout the year. Owner operators benefit from weekly settlements, fuel surcharge programs, and the $2,000 onboarding incentive while maintaining control over their equipment and operations in this dynamic local market.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Intermodal Owner Operator in Fort Worth, TX.