Freight & Logistics
Port Drayage Driver
Short hauls. Big opportunity.
Salary Range
$55,000–$85,000
Job Outlook
Strong
CDL Required
Class A
Schedule
Local; home daily
Overview
Port drayage drivers move containers short distances between ports, rail yards, and nearby warehouses or distribution centers. A TWIC card is required for port access. It is a locally based position with competitive pay and growing demand tied to import/export volume.
Port modernization and e-commerce import growth drive drayage demand.
A Day in the Life
Drayage drivers pick up containers at port terminals, transport them to nearby warehouses or rail yards, drop and hook, and return for additional turns — often completing 3–5 turns per day.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Home daily
- Competitive pay
- Growing market
- Owner-operator potential
Challenges
- Port congestion and wait times
- TWIC card required
- Chassis availability issues
- Variable turn count affects pay
Endorsements
Helpful to Have
Top Employers
Schneider Drayage
J.B. Hunt
XPO Logistics
Independent drayage carriers
How Diesel Xtrem Prepares You
Our Class A program qualifies you for drayage positions. We also guide you through the TWIC card application process for port access.