🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Los Angeles, CA
- Route type: Local Port Drayage / Yard-to-Yard Shuttle
- Freight: Import containers, empty repositioning, chassis swaps
- Schedule: 10–12 hour rotating day shifts tied to vessel unload cycles
📋 Job Description
- Move import containers from Port of LA / Long Beach terminals to nearby staging yards
- Perform rapid drop-and-hook container transfers within tight 5–25 mile radius
- Coordinate chassis swaps and verify container availability at port gates
- Operate in high-congestion corridors including I-710 and Alameda Corridor
- Manage dispatch timing aligned with vessel discharge cycles and terminal flow
- Maintain ELD logs and comply with port security and TWIC procedures
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
6+ months port/drayage preferred
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
No-touch freight, occasional chassis handling
Endorsements
TWIC preferred
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: Day cab Freightliner Cascadia (or equivalent)
- Fleet average age: 1–4 years
- Features: Automatic transmission, GPS dispatch systems, ELD compliance, container chassis operations
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily after shift completion
- Overtime available depending on port congestion and vessel flow
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Port of Los Angeles → Carson container yards via I-710 South
- Long Beach Terminal → Compton staging yards via Alameda St Corridor
- San Pedro Port → Vernon industrial district via SR-47 / I-110 interchange
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How often do drivers get stuck in port congestion?
Delays are common during vessel peaks at LA/Long Beach. Detention pay applies after 2 hours depending on terminal conditions.
Do I need TWIC for this job?
TWIC is strongly preferred since most pickups occur inside secure port terminals, but onboarding assistance may be available.
How many container moves per shift?
Typically 6–12 moves depending on congestion, chassis availability, and dispatch timing windows.
Is the schedule predictable?
Shifts are structured but vary with vessel arrival cycles, so start/end times can shift slightly day to day.
What kind of freight is handled?
Mainly import containers, empty repositioning units, and chassis swaps within the port logistics network.
Is overtime available?
Yes, overtime is common during peak shipping cycles or when port backlog increases.
💼 Career Opportunities
Port drayage operations in Los Angeles remain one of the most consistent CDL-A employment sectors due to continuous import flow through the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Drivers in this role operate inside a tightly controlled freight ecosystem where container turnover, chassis availability, and terminal congestion directly shape daily workload. Unlike long-haul trucking, advancement comes from operational efficiency rather than miles driven, making experienced port drivers highly valued by intermodal carriers and logistics contractors. Many drivers transition into dedicated rail yard positions, regional container transport, or fleet dispatch coordination roles after gaining terminal experience. With growing import volumes and ongoing infrastructure constraints in Southern California, demand for reliable shuttle drivers remains stable year-round, especially for those familiar with Alameda Corridor routing and I-710 industrial flow patterns.
🔗 LOCAL PORT SHUTTLE CDL-A DRIVER — CONTAINER TRANSFER OPERATIONS – Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles CDL-A port shuttle drivers play a critical role in one of the busiest freight ecosystems in the United States, supporting container movement between the Port of Los Angeles, Port of Long Beach, and surrounding industrial hubs like Carson, Compton, Vernon, and Wilmington. This local drayage position focuses on short-haul container transfers within a 5–25 mile radius, ensuring rapid movement of import freight from marine terminals to staging yards and distribution centers. Drivers typically earn between $1,700–$2,400 per week, supported by hourly pay structures of $30–$38 depending on shift timing, congestion exposure, and port delay conditions. Home daily scheduling is standard, though shift lengths can vary between 10–12 hours based on vessel arrival cycles and terminal throughput. The role demands strong familiarity with I-710, Alameda Corridor logistics routes, and port gate procedures, where timing and efficiency directly affect trip volume. High freight density, continuous import flow, and strict appointment systems create consistent demand for experienced CDL-A drivers in the Los Angeles port network, making this one of the most stable local trucking opportunities in Southern California.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for LOCAL PORT SHUTTLE CDL-A DRIVER — CONTAINER TRANSFER OPERATIONS in Los Angeles, CA.
