Position Overview
Our recruiting team is hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for local container shuttle operations on behalf of a confidential carrier serving the Newark Marine Terminal network. This home daily role focuses on moving import and export containers between Port Newark, Port Elizabeth, nearby rail facilities, transload warehouses, and distribution centers across northern New Jersey.
Drivers complete multiple container moves per shift in day cab tractors pulling container chassis. The work involves gate procedures, appointment coordination, and short-haul transfers along the New Jersey Turnpike corridor. Operations center around the busy Port of New York & New Jersey, where efficient terminal navigation and chassis handling keep drivers productive.
This local intermodal account offers consistent daily work supported by steady port volumes rather than long highway runs.
Typical Day Behind the Wheel
Shifts usually start between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM at the Newark terminal. Dispatch sends the first container assignment ahead of time. Drivers complete pre-trip inspections on their assigned day cab tractor and chassis before heading into Port Newark or Port Elizabeth for the initial pickup.
A standard shift includes live container pickups at marine terminals, deliveries to warehouses in areas like Edison, Secaucus, or Kearny, empty returns, and possibly rail support moves. Traffic on I-95, I-78, and US-1/9 is common, especially during morning and afternoon peaks. Drivers coordinate with dispatch throughout the day as new moves come in based on terminal availability and customer appointments.
Most drivers finish back at the Newark terminal in the afternoon or early evening for post-trip inspection, paperwork submission, and equipment staging before heading home.
Route Coverage & Operations
Active Driving Territory: Northern & Central New Jersey
Primary Corridors & Highways: I-95 (NJ Turnpike), I-78, I-280, US-1/9, NJ-440, Route 21
Core Locations: Port Newark, Port Elizabeth, Maher Terminal, APM Terminals, Edison, Secaucus, Kearny, Jersey City, Croxton Intermodal
Average Daily Moves: 4–8 container transfers
Local Driver Market & Regional Economy
Newark, NJ remains one of the strongest markets for local intermodal CDL-A drivers in the Northeast. The Port of New York & New Jersey handles massive container volumes year-round, creating steady demand for experienced shuttle drivers who know terminal operations and can navigate the dense logistics network around Port Newark and Port Elizabeth.
Drivers based in the Newark area benefit from short but productive routes connecting marine terminals to major warehouse districts in Edison, Secaucus, Kearny, and Jersey City. Freight includes retail imports, consumer goods, and industrial cargo moving through Maher Terminal, APM Terminals, and nearby rail facilities like Croxton Intermodal.
Major corridors such as the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), I-78, and US-1/9 see constant container traffic. Local drivers familiar with gate procedures, appointment systems, and port congestion patterns are highly valued. Seasonal vessel surges can increase opportunities, while the consistent baseline volume from international trade provides stability even during slower periods elsewhere in trucking.
For CDL-A drivers looking for local container work near Newark, this type of shuttle position offers predictable home time without the long weeks away common in OTR roles. The combination of port drayage and short regional transfers keeps drivers engaged while supporting strong hourly earnings potential through volume and accessorial pay.
Northern New Jersey's logistics infrastructure — including distribution centers, transload facilities, and intermodal yards — continues to expand, supporting ongoing hiring for reliable local drivers who can handle the unique demands of container operations in a busy port environment.
