🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Tampa, FL
- Route type: Local Home Daily
- Freight: 20' and 40' shipping containers (dry and reefer)
- Schedule: Monday–Friday with occasional Saturday, 10–14 hour shifts
📋 Job Description
- Haul intermodal containers between the Port of Tampa Bay, rail ramps, and local distribution warehouses in the greater Tampa metro area
- Perform drop-and-hook operations with occasional live loads/unloads at warehouses
- Complete pre-trip inspections, secure loads, and follow port security procedures including TWIC access
- Navigate major corridors including I-4, I-75, and US 41 while managing port congestion and appointment windows
- Work with dispatch via tablets and phone for daily container assignments and updates
- Return to the terminal near the Port of Tampa Bay at the end of each shift for drop-off
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
At least 1 year of recent verifiable CDL experience
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean or acceptable MVR (no more than 3 moving violations in 3 years, no serious violations)
Physical
Ability to handle occasional physical tasks such as securing loads and opening doors
Endorsements
Valid TWIC card (or ability to obtain quickly)
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Truck assignment: 2018–2024 Freightliner and International day cabs paired with chassis
- Fleet average age: 2018–2024 models
- Features: Standard ELDs, GPS, and dash cams
- Transmission type: Automatic
- Maintenance program: In-house shop and local vendors with regular inspections
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily with return to the terminal near the Port of Tampa Bay each evening
- Shifts typically start between 4:00 AM – 8:00 AM and end when work is complete
- Weekend home time is reliable most weeks with occasional Saturday work during peak volume
- HOS resets at home each night with flexibility for port congestion and vessel schedules
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Port of Tampa Bay container pickup to distribution centers in Brandon and Plant City via I-4 and I-75
- Rail ramp drops in Lakeland area with empty chassis returns to the port along US 41
- Warehouse deliveries in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk counties with backhaul container reloads
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does a typical day look like for this Port Drayage position?
Most days start at the terminal near the Port of Tampa Bay between 4-8 AM. You'll receive container assignments, complete pre-trips, handle port pickups (with possible wait times), make deliveries to area warehouses or rail yards, and return to the terminal by end of shift.
What equipment will I be driving?
You'll operate well-maintained 2018–2024 Freightliner and International day cabs paired with port chassis. The fleet uses standard ELDs, GPS tracking, and dash cams.
Is TWIC card required for this Tampa port job?
Yes, a valid TWIC card is required (or the ability to obtain one quickly) due to port access and security procedures.
How is pay calculated for container moves?
Pay is $0.62–$0.68 per mile (loaded and empty) plus $25–$45 per container move or chassis swap. Detention after 2 hours at $35/hour. Average weekly earnings are estimated at $1,350–$1,750.
What is the home time schedule?
This is a true home daily position. Drivers return to the terminal each night with reliable weekend home time most weeks. Shifts are typically 10–14 hours depending on port volume and assignments.
What experience is needed for this local container role?
At least 1 year of recent verifiable CDL-A experience is required. Experience with port procedures, container handling, and chassis work is preferred but the company will evaluate qualified applicants.
💼 Career Opportunities
Tampa area drivers with container and port drayage experience are in steady demand due to ongoing import/export activity at the Port of Tampa Bay. This local home daily position provides consistent work hauling 20' and 40' containers to warehouses and rail facilities across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk counties. Drivers gain valuable specialized experience in intermodal operations that strengthens their long-term career options in the Southeast freight market. With average weekly pay of $1,350–$1,750 and opportunities for overtime during peak seasons, this role supports reliable earnings while allowing nightly returns home. The mix of port work, drop-and-hook, and local road time helps build a strong safety record and operational knowledge. Many drivers in similar positions advance through performance recognition and safety programs. The position offers stability for those comfortable with variable port schedules and the realities of container freight.
🔗 Local CDL-A Port Drayage / Container Driver – Tampa, FL
Looking for CDL-A jobs in Tampa? This local home daily Port Drayage / Container Driver position offers consistent work out of the Port of Tampa Bay hauling 20' and 40' shipping containers to nearby rail ramps and distribution warehouses in the greater Tampa area. Drivers earn $0.62–$0.68 per mile plus $25–$45 per container move with average weekly pay of $1,350–$1,750 based on 45–55 hours. The role features 2018–2024 day cabs, home daily returns, and Monday–Friday scheduling with occasional Saturdays. Ideal for experienced CDL-A drivers comfortable with port procedures, TWIC card requirements, and local routes along I-4, I-75, and US 41 serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Polk counties. This Tampa container trucking job provides realistic port drayage experience with drop-and-hook freight, detention pay, and a $750 sign-on bonus after 90 days. If you have 1+ year of recent CDL experience and want local truck driving jobs in Florida that keep you home every night, apply today for this dedicated intermodal opportunity in the Tampa Bay area.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for Local CDL-A Port Drayage / Container Driver in Tampa, FL.