Many products move across the world inside shipping containers—steel containers of various lengths but of standard measurements—that are commonly known as intermodal containers. These containers can be loaded on ships, trains, and trucks and allow for efficient international shipping. Many of Alberta’s imports and exports travel in shipping containers, and the first and last trip for most containers’ cargo is done by truck.

Drivers in this sector pull a trailer called a container chassis, which can quickly load and unload a shipping container by a crane or intermodal loader. Intermodal drivers work between sea or rail ports and the final destinations of the container’s products. There are several intermodal inland rail ports in Alberta.

  • Seasonality

    Work is nonseasonal, but some carriers will have busier times of the year.

  • Method of Pay

    Intermodal drivers may see various pay deals, such as hourly, by the trip, and by distance (i.e., by the mile).

Equipment and Tasks

While intermodal drivers see a lot of routine in terms of loading and unloading, the routes run and the work routines may vary significantly between employers.

  • Equipment

    Drivers will see day cab and sleeper cab highway tractors and intermodal chassis. Container hauling equipment can vary in length and may be temperature-controlled (refrigerated and/or heated).

  • Tasks

    Drivers can expect to perform common driving-specific tasks like city and highway driving, pre-and post-trip vehicle inspections, cargo securement (making sure containers are properly locked onto the chassis), and customer service-related responsibilities. Snow removal from containers and chassis may be a requirement.

Lifestyle in the Industry

The lifestyle of an intermodal driver is often quite desirable when compared to other commercial driving roles. However, employer operations can vary considerably, and drivers may find significant differences between companies.

  • Work Shifts

    Intermodal driver work shifts will vary in length. Shorter shifts are more common with city drivers, and longer shifts can be up to 14 hours of work in a 16-hour window. The start times vary and may be around the clock.

  • Physical Demands

    Intermodal offers a less physically demanding driving career than many other types of driving. This is mainly because loading and unloading is performed by machine, and cargo securement activities are relatively simple. Drivers will still have to perform driving-related tasks like inspections and cranking the landing gear legs on trailers.

  • Work/Life Balance

    Many intermodal drivers are home every night, whereas others drive longer routes and are away from home for longer periods of time. This varies by employer.

  • Predictability

    Work in this sector is fairly predictable, but routines can change with little notice.

  • On-Call

    There is no significant on-call component to this driving career.

Getting Started

In this sector, larger companies have online application systems, but smaller employers may have to be researched and contacted directly. Once a driver has passed the pre-hire safety checks and is hired, they are orientated by the company and can expect to be paired with a senior driver for a period of time.

Drivers may get their start in intermodal driving by working as a labourer or shunt driver for a warehouse or port. Some companies do intermodal work along with other trucking work, and such places may be able to transfer an interested individual from one type of driving into intermodal.

  • Mandatory
    Requirements

    A Class 1 licence is required, and drug and alcohol testing are common. Cross border drivers will have to be at least 21 years old to drive commercially in the USA, be compliant with the USA’s drug and alcohol testing requirements, and be legally able to enter the USA and Canada (including compliance with any public health requirements from either country). Criminal record checks and the necessary documentation to enter the USA would also be required.

  • Preferred Skills &
    Previous Experience

    Previous driving experience is preferred, especially in the areas where the carrier operates. Customer service experience and the ability to stay calm under pressure are also desirable qualities in potential new drivers.

Red Flags

Drivers in this sector work alongside large equipment, like cranes, loaders, and trains. This is in addition to the hazards present in commercial driving. People interested in starting a career as an intermodal driver should be on the lookout for these potential red flags (aka signs that an employer may not be operating safely):

  • Equipment and vehicles that are in poor condition.
  • Being pressured to become an owner-operator early into one’s career or any other signs of employee misclassification.
  • A lack of safety training by an employer, including transportation-specific training for the vehicles being driven and training on how to safely load and unload equipment.
Quick Facts:
  • Intermodal containers and shipping containers both refer to the standard-sized containers used to ship products around the world.
  • Intermodal drivers often enjoy less physically demanding working conditions than other commercial drivers.
  • This sector of the transportation industry is generally steady throughout the year.
  • Intermodal drivers need to be aware of the details of their employment arrangement and ensure they’re properly classified.

More Help

Are you interested in learning more about working safely in transportation? Check out our Resources page for insights from industry experts and organizations. We’ve taken great care to present information relevant to those interested in truck and bus driving careers, those already employed in trucking or busing, and employers navigating labour challenges.

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