🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Los Angeles, CA
- Route type: Local / Short Regional Shuttle
- Freight: Automotive parts & OEM components
- Schedule: Primarily Monday–Friday, occasional Saturdays
📦 Freight Flow Snapshot
- Daily volume: Multiple port-to-warehouse transfers
- Average haul distance: 20–120 miles
- Primary freight lanes: San Pedro Bay ports to Carson, Torrance, Commerce, Ontario
- Load type consistency: Palletized, drop-and-hook
- Peak dispatch hours: Early morning port appointments
📋 Job Description
- Operate day cab tractors pulling 53' dry vans between Los Angeles area ports and regional automotive distribution centers
- Perform drop-and-hook operations at secure port terminals and inland warehouses supporting OEM production and dealership networks
- Handle palletized automotive components including engines, transmissions, body panels, and EV battery materials
- Work fixed appointment windows coordinated with production schedules and vessel arrivals
- Navigate port gate procedures, chassis availability, and potential congestion while maintaining communication with dispatch
- Complete daily shuttle runs with occasional short regional extensions to San Diego or Bakersfield based on demand
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
Minimum 18 months verifiable CDL-A experience
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Ability to work in port environments with frequent coupling/uncoupling
Endorsements
TWIC card preferred
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Dedicated Freightliner Cascadia day cab
- Fleet average age: 2–3 years
- Features: Automatic transmission, modern safety systems, 53' dry van trailers
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily with most shifts concluding by late afternoon or early evening
- Start times between 4:00 AM – 6:30 AM depending on port appointments
- Typical shift length 9–11 hours, with flexibility during high volume periods
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- San Pedro Bay terminals (POLA/POLB) to Carson / Torrance distribution centers
- Port container yards to Commerce and Ontario automotive warehouses
- Occasional shuttle runs from LA ports to San Diego or Bakersfield support facilities
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are trailers pre-loaded for shuttle runs?
Yes. Most operations use drop-and-hook at secure facilities with preloaded trailers.
How much time do drivers typically spend at the ports?
Gate times vary based on vessel arrivals and terminal congestion. Drivers stay in regular contact with dispatch.
Is the truck assigned or rotated?
Drivers are assigned late-model Freightliner Cascadia day cabs.
What happens during high import volume periods?
Occasional Saturday work may be required. Shifts may run longer due to port delays.
Do I need a TWIC card to start?
Preferred but not always required to begin. Port access training is provided.
How are hours tracked and overtime paid?
Hours are tracked from dispatch to return. Overtime is paid after 40 hours in the work week.
🧭 Dispatch Notes (Live Feed)
- Fixed appointment windows tied to manufacturing schedules and vessel arrivals
- Drivers expected to communicate chassis and gate status during peak congestion
- Drop-and-hook priority at most inland distribution points
- System update: ELD and electronic load boards active
- Load priority status: Production-critical automotive components first
⚠️ Operational Risk Layer
- Weather exposure zones: Minimal – primarily urban and port areas
- Traffic congestion risk: High during morning port gate rushes
- Load delay probability: Elevated during peak import seasons
- Equipment sensitivity: Standard dry van with palletized freight
- Compliance checkpoints: Port security and terminal inspections
🔗 CDL-A Automotive Parts Shuttle Driver – Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles remains one of the busiest freight corridors in the country, with steady demand for experienced shuttle drivers moving automotive components from the San Pedro Bay ports to supporting warehouses across Southern California. This local home-daily position keeps drivers on familiar routes between major terminals and distribution hubs in Carson, Torrance, Commerce, and Ontario, with occasional short hauls to San Diego or Bakersfield. Drivers operate modern Freightliner Cascadia day cabs on drop-and-hook runs, handling palletized engines, transmissions, body panels, and EV battery materials that keep regional manufacturing and dealership networks supplied. Pay starts at $33.25 per hour with overtime after 40 hours, plus a $1,500 sign-on bonus and annual safety incentives. Most shifts start early and finish by early evening, offering predictable home time in a market where port activity creates consistent work. For CDL-A drivers who prefer staying local while working in a structured shuttle operation tied to real production schedules, this role provides stable weekly earnings between $1,400–$1,780 without the long-haul lifestyle.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Automotive Parts Shuttle Driver in Los Angeles, CA.