🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Orlando, Florida
- Route type: Local Home-Daily Intermodal Drayage
- Freight: 20ft / 40ft / 53ft Import & Domestic Containers
- Schedule: Variable start times based on rail arrivals (typically 4AM–7AM)
📦 Freight Flow Snapshot
- Daily volume: Varies with rail schedule (8–18 container moves typical)
- Average haul distance: 15–80 miles
- Primary freight lanes: Orlando Rail Ramp ↔ Local distribution centers, Jacksonville overflow, Lakeland yards
- Load type consistency: Moderate — heavy on import surges
- Peak dispatch hours: Early morning and post-train offload windows
📋 Job Description
- Perform local drayage moves of import/export and domestic containers between Orlando rail terminal, nearby container yards, and regional warehouses
- Handle chassis pickups, drop-and-hook operations, and live yard moves as assigned by dispatch
- Work closely with rail schedules, terminal staff, and warehouse receivers to manage tight turnaround windows
- Reposition empty chassis when needed and manage occasional detention time during peak offload periods
- Maintain accurate ELD logs and communicate real-time status updates through Samsara and rail tracking systems
- Adapt daily plans as train arrivals, customs releases, and yard congestion shift priorities
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
6–12 months CDL-A experience preferred, container/chassis experience a plus
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Ability to secure containers and maneuver in busy rail yards
Endorsements
TWIC card preferred but not always required
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Peterbilt 579 Day Cab (2020–2023 models)
- Fleet average age: 3–6 years
- Features: Automatic transmission, Samsara ELD, rail integration, idle restriction enforced
🔄 Freight Cycle Workflow
- Load assignment flow: Dispatch assigns based on real-time rail releases and container availability
- Pickup → delivery cycle: Rail ramp or yard pickup → delivery to warehouse/staging → return empty or next load
- Drop & hook ratio: High — frequent chassis swaps
- Detention handling: Paid after standard free time per terminal policy
- Empty miles probability: Moderate — mostly chassis repositioning
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Orlando Rail Ramp to local distribution centers along the I-4 corridor (short dray, 20-45 minutes)
- Container handoff between Orlando yards and Jacksonville port rail overflow facilities
- Staging yard repositioning and empty chassis returns during afternoon windows
🧭 Route Scenarios (Dispatch Variants)
- Scenario A: Early rail release — steady container moves between ramp and nearby DCs with minimal wait time
- Scenario B: Train delay or congestion — extended yard wait followed by clustered afternoon deliveries
- Scenario C: Import surge day — multiple live loads with frequent chassis changes and possible evening work
- Fallback Load Plan: Empty chassis repositioning or short yard moves when primary freight is delayed
🏢 Company & Fleet Model
- Carrier type: Established intermodal drayage carrier focused on Southeast rail ports
- Dispatch model: Dynamic, rail-integrated dispatch with ongoing updates
- Equipment ownership: Company fleet with dedicated yard maintenance support
- Maintenance model: Contractor network plus on-site yard team
- Turnover risk: Moderate — typical for variable intermodal work
🏠 Home Time
- Daily home time guaranteed, though end times vary with rail activity (mid-afternoon on lighter days, into evening during peaks)
- Shifts driven by train schedules rather than fixed clock-in times; weekend work common during surges
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How predictable are the daily start times?
Start times usually fall between 4:00–7:00 AM but can shift based on overnight train arrivals. Dispatch provides updates the night before when possible.
Is detention time paid?
Yes. Detention is paid after the standard free time allowed by each terminal or customer.
What kind of experience is really needed?
6–12 months of CDL-A driving is preferred. Prior container or chassis experience helps but is not mandatory — we provide yard training.
How often do drivers sit waiting at the rail yard?
It happens, especially during peak import periods or when trains run late. Some days have more waiting than others.
Are there opportunities to work overtime?
Yes, particularly during retail seasonal peaks and when multiple trains arrive close together.
Do I need a TWIC card?
Preferred for certain terminals, but not required for every assignment. We can guide you if needed.
🧑✈️ Driver Type Fit Matrix
- New CDL-A driver fit: Possible with strong yard skills and willingness to learn rail operations
- Experienced driver fit: Strong fit for drivers comfortable with variable schedules and container work
- Owner-operator fit: Not applicable (company equipment only)
- Team driving compatibility: Not applicable (solo day cab)
- Work-life balance rating: Moderate — daily home time but variable hours
🔗 CDL-A Local Intermodal Drayage Driver – Orlando, Florida
Drivers based in the Orlando area looking for local container work will find this intermodal drayage role centered around the Orlando rail ramp and surrounding yards. You'll move 20', 40', and 53' containers between rail terminals, distribution centers along the I-4 corridor, and occasional overflow connections toward Jacksonville. Pay combines hourly rates with per-move compensation, typically landing between $1,350 and $1,800 weekly depending on train volume and personal efficiency. Shifts are home daily but follow the unpredictable rhythm of rail arrivals rather than a set schedule — expect early starts and occasional evening finishes during busy import periods. The fleet consists of well-maintained Peterbilt 579 day cabs paired with intermodal chassis. Work includes a mix of drop-and-hook, live loads, and chassis repositioning. While the job offers consistent local miles and daily home time, it also involves waiting periods when trains are delayed or yards are congested. This position suits drivers who handle variability well and prefer staying close to home instead of long-haul runs. If you have basic CDL-A experience and don't mind yard maneuvering and schedule changes, this can be a solid local opportunity in Central Florida's growing logistics network.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Local Intermodal Drayage Driver in Orlando, Florida.