⭐ Why Drivers Choose This Job
- Home every day, no long-haul weeks
- Steady port and rail container volume
- Drop-and-hook chassis moves simplify work
- Predictable short regional shuttle cycles
- Strong weekly pay for local freight work
- Chicago market keeps freight flowing daily
- Low-touch freight, minimal loading stress
🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Gary, Indiana
- Route type: Local intermodal drayage (home daily)
- Freight: ISO containers, port & rail intermodal freight
- Schedule: Early dispatch 3–6 AM, variable returns due to rail congestion
📋 Job Description
- Move containers between Gary port yards and Chicago rail ramps
- Perform drop-and-hook chassis operations daily
- Inspect chassis, verify pins, and secure containers
- Handle 3–5 shuttle cycles per shift depending on volume
- Manage appointment-based rail terminal dispatch schedules
- Navigate congestion on I-94, I-65, and Tri-State Tollway
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
6+ months CDL-A experience preferred
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record preferred
Physical
Chassis inspection and coupling tasks required
Endorsements
TWIC preferred for port access
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: International LT / Volvo VNL day cab
- Fleet average age: 3–5 years
- Features: Automatic transmission, Samsara ELD, container chassis (tri-axle)
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily after shift completion
- Early morning dispatch between 3–6 AM
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Gary, IN → Bedford Park Intermodal Terminal
- Gary, IN → Willow Springs Rail Ramp
- Gary, IN → Elwood Logistics Hub
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this home daily work?
Yes, drivers return home after each shift.
Do I need TWIC?
Preferred but not strictly required at hiring.
How many loads per day?
Typically 3–5 container cycles per shift.
Is freight touch required?
No-touch freight, mostly drop-and-hook chassis work.
What causes delays?
Rail congestion, traffic on I-94, and port staging delays.
When do shifts start?
Most dispatch starts between 3–6 AM.
🔗 CDL-A Port Drayage Container Driver – Gary, IN
Gary CDL-A drivers are essential to the Chicago intermodal freight network, moving containers between Great Lakes ports and rail ramps. This home-daily drayage role offers steady weekly earnings, predictable shuttle cycles, and consistent freight demand driven by imports and manufacturing distribution. Drivers handle chassis inspections, port pickups, and short-haul transfers through high-traffic corridors like I-94 and I-65. Expect early morning dispatch, rail terminal delays, and seasonal volume spikes during retail and industrial peak periods. Despite congestion and scheduling variability, this position provides stable local income and strong weekly pay potential for experienced CDL-A professionals.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Port Drayage Container Driver in Gary, Indiana.
