Mid Level Intermodal / Drayage Jobs

Mid Level Intermodal / Drayage Driving

You are an established driver with a proven safety record and reliable work history. Most insurance restrictions have lifted, opening access to better carriers and specialized freight. This is when many drivers transition from OTR to regional or specialized hauling for better pay and home time.

Intermodal / Drayage is a specialized segment that rewards your 1-3 years of experience with premium pay. Intermodal drivers (also called drayage drivers) transport shipping containers between ports, rail yards, and warehouse facilities using specialized chassis trailers. The containers — typically 20-foot or 40-foot steel boxes — arrive on cargo ships or trains and need to be moved the 'last mile' to their final destination.

Companies Hiring

Tips for Mid Level Drivers

• 💡 This is the ideal time to transition into specialized freight (flatbed, tanker, hazmat) which pays $8,000-$15,000 more annually than dry van. The learning curve is manageable with your existing skills.
• 💡 Negotiate with carriers — at 1-3 years of experience you are in the sweet spot where insurance is no longer a barrier but you are still hungry for miles. Use competing offers as leverage.
• 💡 Consider LTL carriers like FedEx Freight, XPO, or Estes Express. They offer predictable schedules, union benefits (some), and consistent home time that OTR cannot match.
• 💡 If you want to become an owner-operator eventually, start saving aggressively now. You need $15,000-$30,000 for a down payment and 6 months of operating reserves before going independent.

Frequently Asked Questions