Job Snapshot
Weekly Gross Target $4,800 – $6,800
Pay Model Per Container Move
Weekly Moves 9–14
Home Frequency Home Daily
Experience 2+ Years Class A
Key Credential TWIC Card Required
Freight Touch Level Live Unload Common
Run Territory NJ, Eastern PA, Southern NY, CT
Position Overview
This intermodal Owner Operator opening is available with a confidential mid-sized carrier focused on port drayage and regional container moves out of the Port Newark–Elizabeth Marine Terminal complex. Drivers handle import and export containers moving to warehouses, distribution centers, rail ramps, and manufacturing customers across the Northeast.
Most runs start and end in the Newark area with TWIC-required gate access at major terminals including Maher, APM, and PNCT. Expect a mix of local drayage and short regional hauls on I-78, I-95, and connecting routes. Owner Operators supply their own day cab tractor while using company and pool chassis.
Hiring Corridor: Primary operations center around Port Newark and Elizabeth servicing distribution hubs in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and parts of New York and Connecticut.
Typical Day
Most drivers start between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM after checking evening dispatch for first container assignments. Pickups usually happen at Port Newark or Elizabeth terminals once gates open and containers clear customs or inspections.
You'll verify container and seal numbers, complete chassis inspections, then head out on routes like I-78 toward Allentown or local runs to Edison, Piscataway, or South Kearny warehouses. Many deliveries are live unload at distribution centers. After dropping, you often get reloaded or reposition an empty before returning to the port area.
Port congestion and vessel schedules can shift plans midday. Dispatch stays in contact via mobile app and phone for adjustments. Most drivers finish with an export return or empty reposition and head home the same day.
Route Coverage & Operations
Active Driving Territory: NJ, Eastern PA, Southern NY, CT
Primary Corridors: I-78, I-95, I-80, I-81, NJ Turnpike, Route 1&9
Core Terminals: Port Newark, Maher Terminal, APM Terminals Elizabeth, PNCT
Typical Destinations: Allentown, Harrisburg, Edison, Piscataway, South Kearny, Scranton, Bronx
Freight Specifications
Primary Commodities: Import/export containers (retail goods, electronics, consumer products, building materials, industrial components)
Container Sizes: 20', 40', 45', occasional 53'
Load Profile: 60% live unload, 30% drop & hook, 10% empty returns
Daily Moves: 1–3 container transactions typical
Intermodal & Port Operations
Rail Ramp Access: Nearby facilities in North Bergen and regional transloads
Port Access: Maher, APM, PNCT and surrounding terminals
TWIC Requirements: Required for independent gate operations
Chassis: Pool and steamship line supplied 20/40/45 ft chassis
Detention & Demurrage: Compensation available after free time with proper documentation
Owner Operator Program Details
Gross Revenue: $4,800 – $6,800 weekly average
Fuel Program: Fuel surcharge on qualifying moves
Chassis: Provided by carrier and pools
Insurance Options: Owner Operator responsible for tractor coverage
Settlement: Weekly with accessorials for detention, driver assist, congestion
Sign-on Incentive: Up to $2,000 paid over first 90 days
Hiring Area
Priority for drivers living within reasonable driving distance of the Port Newark area. Local knowledge of terminal procedures and Northeast traffic patterns is a big plus.
Primary Hiring Radius: 75 miles from Newark, NJ
Tractor Requirements
Tractor Types: Day cab preferred – Freightliner Cascadia, Peterbilt 579, Kenworth T680, Volvo VNL (2019–2024 models common)
Requirements: Tandem axle, sliding fifth wheel, air-ride suspension, ELD compliant
Transmission: Automatic or manual accepted
Safety Tech: Collision mitigation and lane departure common on newer units
Home Time Frequency
Most runs allow home daily returns to the Newark metro area. Longer runs to Pennsylvania or Connecticut may require occasional overnights, but the majority of work keeps drivers local.
Home Reset: Daily for local moves
Weekend Work: Available and rotates with port volume
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often will I be home? A: Most days home daily, occasional overnights on longer regional moves
Q: Do I need a TWIC card? A: Yes, required for port terminal access
Q: What is the average weekly gross? A: $4,800 – $6,800 depending on moves and regional runs accepted
Q: Who supplies the chassis? A: Carrier and major chassis pools at the terminals
Q: Is this mostly local or regional? A: Primarily local drayage with regular short regional opportunities to PA and NY
Local Driver Market & Regional Economy
The Port Newark–Elizabeth complex drives massive container volume into the Northeast. CDL-A Owner Operators familiar with intermodal operations benefit from consistent import/export freight year-round, supported by major distribution centers in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. I-78 and I-95 corridors see heavy container traffic feeding retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce supply chains.
Drivers based near Newark stay close to home while accessing steady work through established steamship lines and warehouse networks. Port activity creates reliable move counts even outside peak seasons, with opportunities for additional revenue through detention, congestion, and repositioning pay.
