🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Houston, TX
- Route type: Local intermodal rail shuttle
- Freight: ISO containers, 53’ domestic containers, chassis freight
- Schedule: Appointment-based rail windows, day & night shifts rotating
📋 Job Description
- Pickup & delivery completed in 2–4 move cycles per shift within fixed rail appointment windows, operating live ramp conditions with occasional release delays.
- DOT inspections performed at yard entry and exit gates during active shift transitions, often under live queue conditions with intermittent hold periods.
- ELD logs updated during rail wait periods and post-delivery staging, with timing affected by ramp congestion and container release sequencing.
- Load securement checks performed during chassis hookup and drop phases, frequently in yard staging zones under active gate coordination.
- Loading/unloading support limited to container positioning and drop-and-hook verification during scheduled rail release events.
- Compliance handling completed during terminal dwell periods, including seal verification and dispatch confirmation under shifting appointment windows.
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
6–12 months intermodal or local driving preferred
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Basic chassis handling and occasional coupling tasks
Endorsements
TWIC preferred
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Yard-based rotation depending on ramp staging conditions
- Fleet average age: 4–6 years (balanced intermodal fleet rotation)
- Features: Volvo VNL day cabs, chassis fleet integration, automatic transmissions, GPS yard tracking, ELD systems
Equipment assignment may shift between available tractors based on terminal staging conditions.
🏠 Home Time
- Daily home return after shift completion
- Occasional extended yard cycles during peak rail congestion periods without overnight stay requirement
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Englewood Yard → Cedar Port Industrial Park container delivery loop
- Settegast Rail Ramp → Port Houston inland warehouse distribution run
- Pearland Intermodal → North Houston DC chassis reposition cycle
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What experience is required?
6–12 months CDL-A experience preferred, especially intermodal or port driving exposure.
Is home time daily?
Yes, drivers return home daily after completing rail ramp shuttle assignments.
What type of freight is hauled?
Primarily ISO containers, 53’ domestic boxes, and chassis-mounted intermodal freight.
What equipment is used?
Volvo day cabs with chassis pool equipment and yard tracking systems.
Is TWIC required?
Not required but strongly preferred for faster terminal access.
How is pay structured?
Hourly pay plus detention compensation based on rail delay and yard wait time.
💼 Career Opportunities
Drivers entering this intermodal rail shuttle role in Houston step into a steady local operation tied directly to port and rail freight movement. The position is structured for home-daily schedules with consistent movement between rail ramps and distribution centers. Over time, drivers often transition into dedicated port accounts, heavier industrial shuttle routes, or specialized container handling assignments. Experience gained in chassis operations, yard coordination, and rail timing builds a strong foundation for advancement into regional intermodal lanes or trainer roles. The fleet supports long-term driver retention through predictable freight cycles and structured shift rotations. Safety-focused drivers may move into lead positions overseeing ramp coordination or compliance support. With continued growth in Gulf Coast import volume, intermodal demand remains stable, supporting consistent career development and steady freight availability across multiple terminal operations.
🔗 CDL-A Intermodal Rail Shuttle Driver (UP/BNSF Corridor) – Houston, TX
This Houston intermodal CDL-A position supports continuous rail-to-warehouse container movement across major Gulf Coast logistics corridors. Drivers operate within a structured local schedule focused on rail ramp pickups, chassis coordination, and short-haul distribution cycles. The role emphasizes predictable home daily routing with consistent freight demand tied to port activity and inland rail congestion patterns. Equipment includes modern day cabs and chassis systems designed for frequent yard transitions and terminal efficiency. Weekly earnings typically range from $1,400–$1,950 depending on shift structure, detention activity, and freight flow conditions. Drivers benefit from stable appointment-based operations, structured dispatch communication, and repeatable route cycles across industrial Houston freight zones.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Intermodal Rail Shuttle Driver (UP/BNSF Corridor) in Houston, TX.