In the transportation industry, intermodal shipping refers to moving freight using multiple modes of transport, such as cargo ships, trains, and trucks. By using the same container throughout the shipping process, businesses can boost efficiency and reduce costs. Intermodal truck drivers play a critical role in this growing sector.
These drivers use specialized skills and commercial driving training to transfer cargo from ships or trains to trucks and then transport the goods to the next hub. A career in intermodal trucking offers several advantages, including flexibility and a strong job outlook.
Intermodal Truck Driver Job Description
An intermodal truck driver is any commercial driver who transports cargo that travels by more than one mode of transportation in the same container. For example, when international cargo arrives at a U.S. shipping port, intermodal truck drivers transport that freight to a rail facility or haul the cargo directly from the port.
Intermodal truck drivers can have local, regional, or over-the-road driving jobs. Some work in local distribution hubs where they have regular hours and return home at the end of their shift. Other intermodal drivers transport goods within a regional area, such as by hauling cargo from a regional airport to a rail terminal in another state, which is also known as drayage. Some of these drivers cover thousands of miles.
Work Settings
Like other truck drivers, intermodal drivers spend much of their time on the road. What sets their role apart is the origin and destination of their cargo.
For example, intermodal truck drivers may work at port terminals where goods are transferred from cargo ships to semitrucks. They can also work at rail terminals, loading cargo on or off of railroad cars. Some intermodal drivers work at mixed cargo terminals, where they transfer goods from cargo ships to ground transportation networks using trucks. Intermodal drivers also work at cross-dock facilities or distribution hubs, which connect modes of transportation while sorting and loading cargo. Drivers who specialize in intermodal shipping also work in supply chain centers.
Job Responsibilities
The job responsibilities of an intermodal truck driver include overseeing the process of loading and unloading shipping containers, operating heavy trucks, and following safety regulations.
While on the road, intermodal drivers need the same safety and road skills as other heavy truck drivers. A commercial driving program trains drivers to seek licensure and entry-level trucking positions.
Education and Experience Requirements
Working in intermodal trucking requires both education and experience. Intermodal truck drivers need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and the road skills to safely operate heavy vehicles.
Commercial Driving School
Commercial driving programs prepare students for the CDL exam and for a career in trucking, covering areas such as air brake systems, federal regulations, and commercial vehicle classifications. Programs also include hands-on components in which students gain experience operating heavy trucks and tractor trailers.
After completing a commercial driving program, graduates can earn their CDL and pursue employment as a commercial driver.
Class A CDL Requirements
Jobs in intermodal trucking typically require a Class A CDL. This license allows drivers to operate tractor trailers, tanker vehicles, flatbeds, and other heavy trucks.
In order to obtain a Class A CDL, candidates must complete entry-level driver training and pass the CDL skills test. This three-part exam includes a vehicle inspection test, a basic controls test, and a road test. Depending on the role, intermodal drivers may also need a hazardous materials endorsement on their CDL.
Intermodal Driver Skills
Working in intermodal trucking requires specialized skills. Whether they are driving locally, regionally, or nationally, intermodal drivers work in distinctive settings, including at port terminals, rail terminals, and distribution centers. These settings require an understanding of the drop-and-hook process, in which cranes move containers directly from one mode of transportation to another, and other transfer methods.
Intermodal drivers must also know how to safely operate heavy trucks and follow federal trucking regulations.
Job Outlook for Intermodal Truck Drivers
Truck drivers benefit from a strong job outlook. Around 214,000 job openings for heavy and tractor trailer truck drivers are expected to be available annually from 2022 to 2032, according to projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Because trucks transport more U.S. freight than any other transportation mode, the increase in demand for goods in recent years has led to a greater need for commercial drivers. The growth of e-commerce is also boosting demand for truck drivers.
Become an Intermodal Truck Driver at All-State Career
Are you interested in working as an intermodal truck driver? The All-State Career Advanced Tractor Trailer Driving Program — offered at campuses in Baltimore; Pittsburgh; and Essington, Pennsylvania — provides training in tractor-trailer operation, vehicle inspections, and federal transportation regulations, among other areas.
The program prepares students to take the Class A CDL exam and pursue a variety of commercial driving jobs, including entry-level positions as intermodal truck drivers. With the right training, you can build a stable and rewarding career in this growing industry.
Recommended Readings
How to Become a Commercial Truck Driver
7 Commercial Truck Driving Jobs With CDL Training
What Is the Difference between CDL A, CDL B, and Class C Licenses for Commercial Truck Driving?