Job Snapshot
Weekly Pay Target $1,350 – $1,650
Mileage Rate $0.58 – $0.64 CPM
Weekly Miles 1,700 – 2,100 Miles
Home Frequency Home Daily
Hourly Pay Varies / Hr
Orientation Pay Paid
Freight Touch Level Mostly Drop & Hook
Run Territory AZ, NM, NV, West TX
Position Overview
Phoenix Rail Logistics is hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for regional intermodal container work out of our Phoenix terminal. This role moves 20', 40', and 53' containers between rail ramps, distribution centers, and warehouses across Arizona and into neighboring states.
Drivers handle a mix of local terminal turns and regional runs on I-10, I-17, and connecting routes. Most days start early with pre-planned assignments from BNSF or Union Pacific facilities, followed by deliveries to logistics parks in Tolleson, Goodyear, Buckeye, and Glendale. The operation emphasizes quick chassis swaps and tight appointment windows.
Hiring Corridor: Primary work originates around Phoenix rail yards servicing distribution hubs along I-10 and I-17 corridors.
Typical Day Behind the Wheel
Most shifts begin between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM at the Phoenix terminal. Drivers check Samsara for the first container assignment, complete a pre-trip on their day cab tractor, inspect the chassis twist locks, and head to the rail yard for pickup.
A standard day includes two to four container moves — picking up at BNSF or UP, delivering to West Valley warehouses, then grabbing a reload when possible. Dispatch adjusts moves throughout the day based on rail arrivals and customer unloading times. Drivers usually return to the Phoenix yard by late afternoon unless on a longer regional run to Tucson or Albuquerque.
Route Coverage & Operations
Active Driving Territory: Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, West Texas
Average Trip Distance: Regional container turns and 300–600 mile runs
Route Type: Regional Intermodal
Primary Corridors & Highways: I-10, I-17, US-93, Loop 101, Loop 202
Core Delivery Cities: Phoenix, Tucson, Tolleson, Goodyear, Buckeye, Glendale, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, El Paso, Flagstaff
Traffic & Route Challenges: Morning and afternoon congestion on I-10 through Phoenix metro and warehouse corridors
Freight Specifications
Primary Commodities: Retail merchandise, consumer goods, electronics, home improvement products, packaged foods, e-commerce, industrial supplies
Cargo Securing System: Container chassis with twist-lock systems
Load Profile: 20', 40', and 53' international and domestic containers
Reload Frequency: High backhaul opportunities from warehouse parks
Standard Trailer Length: Container chassis
Hiring Area
We are hiring drivers living within reasonable driving distance of the Phoenix terminal. Local candidates from the greater Phoenix metro area receive priority.
Primary Hiring Cities: Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, Surprise, Peoria
Hiring Radius Limit: Phoenix Metro Area
Tractor Features & Fleet Specifications
Assigned Sleeper: Day Cabs – Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680, Peterbilt 579 (2019–2024)
Average Equipment Age: 2–5 years
Transmission Setup: Automated manual
In-Cabin Active Safety Tech: Forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise on newer units
Driver Camera Security: Forward-facing cameras only
Electronic Log System: Samsara ELD
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the home time frequency on this account? A: Most drivers are home daily with occasional overnights on regional runs
Q: Do I need special endorsements to qualify? A: Standard CDL-A is sufficient; TWIC is preferred
Q: What is the target weekly pay for this position? A: $1,350 – $1,650 depending on volume and accessorials
Q: Are trucks day cabs or sleepers? A: Day cab configuration for regional intermodal work
Q: How many stops per day? A: Typically 2–4 container moves depending on terminal and customer schedules
Q: Is previous intermodal experience required? A: Preferred but not required; we provide orientation on chassis procedures
Phoenix Intermodal Trucking Market
Phoenix has become a major inland port for freight moving from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The combination of strong rail service through BNSF and Union Pacific, plus massive warehouse growth in the West Valley, creates steady demand for experienced container drivers.
Drivers in the Phoenix market benefit from shorter regional hauls compared to traditional OTR work. I-10 serves as the primary artery connecting Phoenix to Tucson and El Paso, while I-17 links to Flagstaff and points north. Loop 101 and Loop 202 handle heavy local traffic around distribution parks in Tolleson, Goodyear, and Buckeye.
Retail imports, e-commerce fulfillment, and manufacturing supply chains keep container volumes consistent year-round. Peak periods around holidays increase activity at rail terminals and DCs, often creating additional detention opportunities for drivers.
For CDL-A drivers looking for intermodal container jobs in Phoenix, this account offers the right balance of terminal work, highway miles, and predictable home time. The operation avoids long cross-country runs while still providing solid weekly mileage through efficient backhauls within the Southwest network.
Local truck driving jobs in Phoenix continue to grow as more distribution centers open. Experienced drivers who understand chassis handling, rail yard procedures, and metropolitan traffic patterns are in demand. This position reflects the day-to-day reality of regional intermodal work in one of the Southwest’s strongest logistics hubs.
