🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Saint Paul, MN
- Route type: Local home-daily drayage
- Freight: Intermodal containers (20’, 40’, 53’)
- Schedule: Monday-Friday with occasional voluntary Saturday
📋 Job Description
- Pickup loaded import containers at BNSF Northtown and CP rail terminals then deliver to MN/WI distribution centers completing 2–4 turns daily.
- Perform drop-and-hook operations at rail ramps while coordinating with terminal clerks and updating ELD for appointment windows.
- Return empty chassis and reposition export containers across the Twin Cities corridor handling 120–260 miles per day.
- Conduct pre-trip inspections, seal verification, and landing gear checks on container chassis during peak import cycles.
- Navigate rail congestion and detention periods with paid wait time while maintaining YMS updates for yard flow.
- Complete post-trip documentation and equipment staging for next-day dispatch in regional warehouse network.
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
Intermodal or container drayage experience preferred
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Ability to couple/uncouple containers, yard movement, and dock backing
Endorsements
TWIC card preferred, none strictly required
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Dedicated day cab tractors assigned by seniority and availability from shared regional pool.
- Fleet average age: 2–7 years with rolling replacement every 5–6 years based on mileage.
- Features: Lane assist, stability control, and Omnitracs ELD on International LT and Freightliner Cascadia units.
- Transmission type: Automatic transmissions standard across the fleet.
- Maintenance program: Hybrid in-house and vendor network with rapid response for terminal-adjacent breakdowns.
🏠 Home Time
- Drivers return to Saint Paul base after final container drop or empty return completes the dispatch cycle each day.
- Dispatch planning follows rail appointment windows and warehouse receiving hours to support consistent evening releases.
- Weekend rotations are voluntary and driven by peak holiday import surges with premium incentives offered.
- Late inbound rail delays trigger adjusted final loads while prioritizing same-day home return whenever operationally feasible.
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- BNSF Northtown Rail → Eagan Distribution Hub → I-35E South
- CP Intermodal Yard → Woodbury Retail Cross-Dock → I-94 East
- Saint Paul Staging Yard → Cottage Grove Warehouse → I-494 South
- Minneapolis Rail Ramp → Hudson WI Facility → I-94 East / WI-35
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many turns or loads do drivers typically handle per day?
Most drivers complete 2–4 drop-and-hook container moves daily depending on rail terminal flow and warehouse appointments.
Is experience with intermodal containers required?
Intermodal or chassis handling experience is preferred. Newer drivers with strong local CDL-A backgrounds receive additional yard training.
What are the typical start times and shift length?
Shifts generally begin between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM and run 10–13 hours based on daily rail and delivery volume.
Are trucks assigned to drivers or slip-seated?
Day cab tractors are primarily assigned by seniority with occasional slip-seating during peak periods or maintenance.
How is detention and wait time at rail yards handled?
Detention time at terminals is paid after applicable free time per load, with drivers logging accurately in the Omnitracs ELD.
Can drivers expect consistent home daily time?
Yes, the operation is designed for daily returns to the Saint Paul area with rare exceptions during extreme rail congestion.
💼 Career Opportunities
This local intermodal drayage position serves as a strong entry point into the Twin Cities freight network. Drivers gain deep knowledge of rail terminal procedures, container handling, and regional distribution patterns that support advancement opportunities. Many progress from drayage routes into dedicated local store delivery or yard supervisor roles within the same operation. Internal pathways often lead to dispatcher positions, fleet trainer opportunities, or transportation coordinator roles as drivers demonstrate reliability and operational understanding. The stable rail-supported freight flow through BNSF and CP hubs provides year-round work with predictable cycles, allowing drivers to build seniority and access safety/performance bonuses. Long-term team members frequently move into cross-training on specialized equipment or mentoring new hires while maintaining home daily schedules. The Minnesota logistics corridor continues to see steady import/export volume, creating reliable career progression within established 3PL and carrier networks.
🔗 Local CDL-A Intermodal Drayage Driver – Saint Paul, MN
Saint Paul CDL-A drivers are needed for local intermodal drayage operations supporting the busy Twin Cities rail network. This position focuses on efficient container movement between BNSF Northtown, CP intermodal facilities, and regional warehouses across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Drivers enjoy home daily schedules with weekly pay of $1,300–$1,700 based on variable hours tied to warehouse and rail demand. The role uses well-maintained International and Freightliner day cabs pulling container chassis in a modern safety-equipped fleet. Operations center on drop-and-hook efficiency with paid detention during peak import periods. This stable local opportunity offers strong earning potential through overtime, safety bonuses, and referral incentives while keeping drivers close to home. The Twin Cities intermodal corridor provides consistent freight volume year-round with seasonal peaks during holiday retail surges. Join a team focused on reliable regional container logistics with modern ELD systems and clear dispatch communication.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for Local CDL-A Intermodal Drayage Driver in Saint Paul, MN.