🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Orlando, FL
- Route type: Local home daily intermodal drayage
- Freight: 20', 40', and 53' intermodal containers (dry and reefer)
- Schedule: Monday–Friday primary with possible weekend or night shifts during peak seasons. Variable start times (early mornings common), 10–14+ hours/day
📋 Job Description
- Move loaded and empty intermodal containers between the CSX intermodal terminal, port-related facilities, and customer warehouses/distribution centers throughout the Orlando metro area
- Perform drop-and-hook operations at rail ramps and customer facilities with occasional live loads/unloads or chassis swaps
- Conduct chassis handling, container inspections, seal verification, and container number verification
- Navigate rail yards, marine terminal areas, and industrial parks while managing long gate lines, chassis pool availability, and appointment windows
- Handle ingate/outgate procedures, paperwork, and communication with dispatch via phone/tablet amid variable rail schedules and traffic on the I-4 corridor
- Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, maintain ELD compliance, and manage detention time when applicable
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
At least 1 year recent container/chassis or drayage experience preferred
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Ability to handle chassis and container inspections, yard maneuvering, and typical port/rail operations
Endorsements
TWIC card a plus (not always required). Current medical card required
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Day-cab units; new drivers start on available trucks
- Fleet average age: 4–5 years
- Features: ELDs, GPS, and cameras standard. Primarily container chassis equipment
- Transmission type: Automatic
- Maintenance program: On-site maintenance shop at Orlando terminal with vendor roadside support
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily — return to the Orlando terminal area each evening
- Primary Monday–Friday schedule with early morning starts common
- Possible weekend or night shifts during peak import seasons
- Daily hours typically 10–14+ depending on terminal delays and volume
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- CSX Orlando intermodal terminal to local warehouses and distribution centers along the I-4 corridor with drop-and-hook container delivery
- Empty container returns from customer facilities back to rail ramps or port-related yards with chassis swaps
- Local drayage moves between marine terminal areas, customer DCs, and CSX facilities involving ingate/outgate procedures and seal verification
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical day look like for an Orlando container drayage driver?
Drivers start early at the terminal, pick up containers at the CSX rail ramp or nearby facilities, deliver to local warehouses via drop-and-hook, handle chassis swaps, and complete inspections before returning home daily. Expect variable gate wait times and appointment coordination.
Is previous intermodal or chassis experience required?
At least 1 year of recent container/chassis or drayage experience is preferred. Candidates must be comfortable with container inspections, seal verification, and yard operations.
What equipment will I be driving?
You will operate day-cab Freightliner Cascadias and International LTs (2018–2023 models) pulling container chassis. All trucks have automatic transmissions, ELDs, GPS, and cameras.
How does home time work with rail and port schedules?
This position is home daily with returns to the Orlando area each evening. Schedules are primarily Monday–Friday, though peak seasons may include occasional weekends or nights.
Are there opportunities for overtime and detention pay?
Yes. Pay is hourly plus overtime after 40 hours, with per-move pay and detention on applicable loads. Average weekly earnings range from $1,300–$1,750 based on 45–58 hours.
Do I need a TWIC card for this position?
A TWIC card is a plus but not always required. You must have a valid CDL-A, clean MVR, and current medical card. All drivers must pass screenings and a yard test.
💼 Career Opportunities
Orlando’s position as a major logistics hub in Central Florida creates steady demand for experienced CDL-A intermodal drivers. This local container drayage role provides daily home time while building specialized skills in chassis handling, rail ramp operations, and port drayage procedures that are highly valued across the industry. Drivers gain proficiency with container inspections, seal verification, ingate/outgate processes, and managing terminal congestion — expertise that transfers well to other drayage, regional, or dedicated opportunities in Florida and beyond.
The combination of consistent local miles, overtime availability, and performance bonuses supports reliable earning potential in the $70k–$92k range annually. Many drivers in this segment advance by developing strong safety records for bonus eligibility or move into trainer or lead driver roles as they master the unique challenges of intermodal freight. With ongoing volume between CSX facilities, ports, and distribution centers, this experience positions drivers for long-term stability in one of trucking’s most in-demand local segments.
🔗 Local CDL-A Intermodal / Container Drayage Driver – Orlando, FL
Orlando CDL-A drivers looking for consistent local work with home daily schedules will find strong opportunities in intermodal container drayage. This position moves 20', 40', and 53' containers between the CSX intermodal terminal, nearby port facilities, and customer warehouses throughout the Orlando metro area. Drivers enjoy hourly pay of $27.00–$30.50 plus overtime after 40 hours, per-move pay, and detention, averaging $1,300–$1,750 weekly while returning home each evening.
The role involves drop-and-hook operations, chassis swaps, container inspections, and seal verification using a fleet of 2018–2023 day-cab Freightliner Cascadias and International LTs with automatic transmissions. Expect typical rail yard and port challenges including gate lines, appointment windows, and variable daily hours within a 100-mile radius. Experience with chassis and container work is preferred, along with a clean MVR and medical card. A TWIC card is beneficial.
Benefits include medical/dental/vision after 60 days, 401(k), paid holidays, PTO, and a $900 sign-on bonus after 90 days. This realistic local intermodal opportunity suits experienced drivers comfortable with yard operations, inspections, and the dynamic pace of Central Florida logistics along the I-4 corridor. Search CDL-A jobs in Orlando or explore more local truck driving positions in Florida.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for Local CDL-A Intermodal / Container Drayage Driver in Orlando, FL.