Intermodal Trucking Jobs in Tennessee (January 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

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There's a reason we're one of the world's leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.

We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best Intermodal trucking jobs in Tennessee. All 20 Intermodal trucking companies are closely scrutinized based on their service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real employees have to say about their experience.

From there, we narrow the field to the strongest, highest-rated employers so you get a timely, well-informed list of the best Intermodal trucking companies to work for in Tennessee.

Ozark Motor Lines, Inc.

3934 Homewood Rd, Memphis, TN, 38118
  • Salary range: $50,000-$58,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 765
  • Drivers: 724
  • Revenue: $187,496
  • Miles driven: 77,900,000 (2024)


Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. (USDOT: 96606) was established in 1961 and is headquartered in Tennessee. The company specializes in transporting a range of cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, general freight, intermodal containers, and paper products. Ozark Motor Lines primarily hires a variety of drivers, including regional, over-the-road (OTR), dedicated, and specialized drivers. The company supports both solo and team driving opportunities, although they do not offer opportunities for flatbed or hazmat-certified drivers.

Ozark Motor Lines is recognized for its strong commitment to driver benefits. They provide health, dental, and vision insurance, along with life insurance and a 401(k) retirement plan. Drivers benefit from safety bonuses, tuition reimbursement for CDL training, flexible scheduling, per diem payments, and guaranteed home time. While they do not currently allow rider or pet policies, the company emphasizes ongoing training and development programs for drivers.

Employee feedback on platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed highlights a mixed but generally positive work environment at Ozark Motor Lines, with a Glassdoor rating of 3.7 and an Indeed rating of 3.6. Employees appreciate the company's robust benefits package and supportive work culture. However, there are occasional complaints regarding the lack of work-life balance and the absence of rider or pet programs. Despite these areas for improvement, Ozark Motor Lines maintains a respectable reputation in the trucking industry.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Specialized

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 67
  • Unsafe driving: 1.49
  • Driver fitness: 0.03
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.81
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Purdy Brothers Trucking, LLC

199 Commercial Park Drive, Loudon, TN, 37774
  • Salary range: $57,000-$68,000 per year
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 162
  • Drivers: 165
  • Revenue: $44,193
  • Miles driven: 12,100,000 (2024)

Purdy Brothers Trucking, LLC (DOT: 181677) is a well-established trucking company that does business as a carrier and broker, focusing on a range of services in Tennessee. Specializing primarily in refrigerated foods, beverages, fresh produce, and hazardous materials, the company has an impressive fleet consisting of 162 truck units and 324 trailers. Purdy Brothers Trucking prides itself on employing over 165 drivers for interstate operations, with a strong emphasis on hiring hazmat and reefer drivers, as well as OTR (Over-the-Road) drivers.

The company offers a variety of benefits aimed at attracting and retaining skilled drivers. Among these benefits are competitive general driver salaries ranging from $57,000 to $68,000 per year, with additional perks like a sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, per diem payments, and deadhead or detention layover compensation. Purdy Brothers also supports its drivers with health, dental, vision, and life insurance, alongside a 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. Drivers can expect guaranteed home time, which is vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Driving satisfaction at Purdy Brothers Trucking is reflected in its favorable reviews on platforms such as Glassdoor and Indeed. Employees often praise the company for its comprehensive benefits package, guaranteed home time, and flexible scheduling. However, there are occasional criticisms regarding the volume of loads and the logistical coordination of route assignments. Overall, Purdy Brothers receives commendable feedback for compensatory offerings and advancement opportunities, contributing to a positive workplace culture.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Local
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 16
  • Unsafe driving: 1.6
  • Driver fitness: 0.05
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.4
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.63
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Green Valley Transportation Corp

608 Simmons Road Ste B, Knoxville, TN, 37932
  • Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 36
  • Drivers: 54
  • Revenue: $363
  • Miles driven: 1,795,109 (2024)

Green Valley Transportation Corp (DOT: 434067) is located in Tennessee and operates as an interstate carrier with a satisfactory safety rating. Although the company does not specify when it was established, it boasts a fleet of 36 trucks and 72 trailers. Green Valley Transportation carries a wide variety of cargo, including agricultural supplies, beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, construction equipment, general freight, hay, and intermodal containers. Their operations also cover more specialized cargo like machinery, metals, oilfield equipment, and oversized loads. Green Valley Transportation primarily hires local drivers, owner-operators, and offers opportunities for team drivers as well.

The company is committed to providing significant benefits to its drivers, including paid CDL training and direct deposit. Employees enjoy health benefits covering medical, dental, and vision aspects, alongside tuition reimbursement programs. Additionally, drivers are guaranteed home time and receive deadhead and detention compensation. Green Valley also supports a positive work environment by allowing pets and passengers, providing flexibility in scheduling, and ensuring company uniforms. They aim to attract and retain drivers with a focus on competitive pay within the $50,000 to $60,000 range.

Employee feedback for Green Valley Transportation Corp on platforms like Indeed highlights a mix of positive and negative aspects. While detailed ratings from Glassdoor or Indeed aren't specified, drivers often commend the company for its comprehensive benefits package and supportive work culture. However, some critiques include areas for improvement such as management communication and route planning efficiency. Despite these challenges, Green Valley Transportation maintains a strong focus on employee satisfaction and safety in its operations.

Driver Options

  • Local
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Disability insurance
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 2.37
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.16
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.84
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 3
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Hittman Transport Services, Inc.

1560 Bear Creek Road, Oak Ridge, TN, 37830
  • Salary range: $50,000-$80,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 86
  • Trailers: 420
  • Drivers: 89
  • Revenue: $605,000
  • Miles driven: 7,652,967 (2024)


Hittman Transport Services, Inc. (DOT: 157942) is an active interstate carrier specializing in a wide range of cargo transportation. Founded in Tennessee, their robust operations encompass the transportation of building materials, chemicals, drive/tow away, general freight, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, logs poles beams lumber, machinery large objects, metal sheets coils rolls, and paper products. The company prides itself on hiring drivers across various specializations, including regional, local, dedicated, reefer, flatbed, OTR, team, and tanker drivers, while also welcoming owner-operators.

Driver satisfaction and retention are supported through a comprehensive benefits package offered by Hittman Transport Services. Employees receive health, dental, and vision insurance, life insurance, and access to a retirement 401(k) plan. Other notable perks include sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, direct deposit, guaranteed home time, per diem payments, deadhead detention and layover compensation, and tuition reimbursement. Hittman also emphasizes ongoing training and development initiatives, ensuring drivers' professional growth and skill advancement.

The company's Glassdoor rating stands at a moderate 2.9. Positive feedback from employees often highlights competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and flexible scheduling. However, some areas for improvement include the need for better work-life balance and more organized operations, with previous employees expressing concerns over occasional scheduling conflicts and management communication. Despite these challenges, Hittman Transport Services remains committed to its workforce's satisfaction and operational excellence.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 1.49
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.07
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.71
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 2
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R E West, Inc.

14 Bluegrass Dr, Ashland City, TN, 37015
  • Salary range: $60,000-$80,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 114
  • Drivers: 115
  • Revenue: $2,848,000
  • Miles driven: 9,994,944 (2023)


R E West, Inc. (DOT: 27070) was established in 1969 and is situated in Tennessee. The company is active in the commercial ground transportation industry and specializes in hauling various types of cargo, including building materials, household goods, drive/tow away services, general freight, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, metal sheets/coils/rolls, oilfield equipment, and paper products. They employ drivers for various roles such as flatbed, dry van, and tanker driving. Additionally, they support owner-operators, dedicated, and OTR (Over-The-Road) drivers.

R E West, Inc. offers a variety of compelling employee benefits, including sign-on bonuses, paid CDL training, safety bonuses, and guaranteed home time to enhance driver satisfaction. Health insurance is provided, alongside other benefits such as a 401(k) retirement plan, direct deposit, and paid time off. The company also facilitates a truck lease-purchase program and supports rider or pet policies, adding to the drivers' flexibility and personal satisfaction during long hauls.

With online ratings, R E West, Inc. holds a score of 3.4 on both Indeed and Glassdoor. Employees appreciate the company's efforts to maintain competitive compensation and their dedication to employee progression through ongoing training and development programs. However, some remarks indicate potential areas for improvement, such as better coordination in route assignments and home time scheduling. On the whole, R E West, Inc. is recognized for its steady work culture and diverse cargo handling capabilities.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Owner/operator
  • Freight hauler

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 11
  • Unsafe driving: 0.63
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.94
  • Controlled substances: 0.03
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Highway Transport

10024 Investment Drive, Knoxville, TN, 37932
  • Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 499
  • Drivers: 425
  • Revenue: $8,129,000
  • Miles driven: 33,700,000 (2024)


Highway Transport (DOT: 41216) is a well-established trucking company based in Tennessee with a strong reputation in the transportation and logistics industry. While the specific founding date is not provided, Highway Transport Chemical LLC has a robust fleet and operates interstate. The company specializes in carrying chemicals, liquids/gases, and intermodal containers, employing a variety of driver types, including flatbed drivers, reefer drivers, and team drivers, to ensure efficient and reliable transport services.

Highway Transport offers a range of competitive benefits to attract and retain their drivers. They provide a sign-on bonus, comprehensive health coverage, including dental, vision, and life insurance, and guarantee home time for their drivers. Additionally, the company offers a retirement plan (401k) and paid time off, aiming to foster employee satisfaction and the well-being of their workforce. Safety bonuses and ongoing training and development programs reflect the company's commitment to driver safety and career advancement.

With an Indeed rating of 3.7 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.7, Highway Transport receives mixed feedback from employees. Drivers often praise the company's impressive benefits package and safety incentives. However, some critiques focus on challenges regarding work-life balance and the potential for improvement in route organization. Despite these areas for improvement, Highway Transport continues to maintain a solid reputation in the industry with a satisfactory safety rating.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Dedicated
  • Team
  • Flatbed
  • Reefer

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Ongoing training
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 35
  • Unsafe driving: 0.92
  • Driver fitness: 0.06
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.14
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.46
  • Controlled substances: 0.02
  • Hazardous materials violations: 28
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JIT - Ex, LLC

3344 Cazassa Rd, Memphis, TN, 38116
  • Salary range: $2,029 - $4,329 a month
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 214
  • Drivers: 278
  • Revenue: $3,163
  • Miles driven: 17,700,000 (2024)

JIT - Ex, LLC (USDOT: 974027) is a trucking company operating out of Tennessee. Although detailed information about the founding date is not provided, the company is active and operates across interstate borders. JIT - Ex, LLC carries a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, commodities dry bulk, construction supplies, general freight, grain feed hay, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and utilities. The company hires various types of drivers including regional, local, over-the-road (OTR), intermodal, LTL, and general freight drivers, showcasing their robust hiring strategies.

JIT - Ex offers a comprehensive benefits package to its drivers, which includes a sign-on bonus, health insurance (covering dental, vision, and life), retirement plan (401k), gym membership, and roadside assistance programs. They implement direct deposit and promote flexible scheduling to enhance driver satisfaction. Driver referral bonuses also form part of their recruitment strategy. While details about compensation specifics are limited, general driver salaries range from $2,029 to $4,329 per month, emphasizing their commitment to competitive pay structures in the industry.

The company maintains a focus on safety and regulatory compliance, with a satisfactory safety rating. However, exact Glassdoor and Indeed ratings are not provided. Insights into employee feedback suggest a positive work environment facilitated by diverse driver opportunities and comprehensive benefits but potentially limited by unspecified work-life balance concerns typical in trucking. Despite some crash reports, JIT - Ex remains committed to sustaining its punctual and secure transport services across the country.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Gym membership
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Sign-on bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 23
  • Unsafe driving: 1.76
  • Driver fitness: 0.19
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.4
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.51
  • Controlled substances: 0.03
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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IMC Logistics, LLC

1305 Schilling BLVD West, Collierville, TN, 38017
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 1830
  • Drivers: 1955
  • Miles driven: 86,500,000 (2024)


IMC Logistics, LLC (DOT: 292991) operates from Tennessee and is known for its involvement in marine drayage and intermodal logistics. The company's services extend across a wide range of cargo types, including beverages, building materials, chemicals, construction materials, general freight, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, metal sheets/coils/rolls, paper products, and refrigerated foods. IMC Logistics employs dedicated, expedited, and intermodal drivers, showcasing a preference for local driving opportunities. Their operations are predominantly interstate, emphasizing intermodal transport.

IMC Logistics provides several appealing benefits that attract drivers. They ensure guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling, offering a work environment that respects their employees' need for work-life balance. However, they do not offer health insurance, dental or vision coverage, which might be a point of consideration for potential employees. Despite lacking certain traditional benefits, drivers express appreciation for IMC's commitment to professional development through ongoing training programs.

On employee review platforms, IMC Logistics holds a Glassdoor rating of 4.0 and an Indeed rating of 3.3. Employees highlight the company's positive work culture and supportive management as key strengths. The flexible scheduling and professional growth opportunities are frequently praised. On the downside, some reviews mention a lack of comprehensive health benefits as a weakness. Overall, IMC Logistics is seen as providing a satisfactory working experience, with a robust support system for its drivers, despite some noted shortcomings in benefits.

Driver Options

  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Owner/operator
  • Intermodal
  • Expedited

Benefits

  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Ongoing training

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 50
  • Unsafe driving: 1.22
  • Driver fitness: 0.03
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.12
  • Vehicle maintenance: 4.67
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 7
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Heavy Haul, LLC

6210 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN, 37924
  • Salary range: $65,000-$75,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 16
  • Drivers: 12
  • Revenue: $21,392,000
  • Miles driven: 779,161 (2023)

  • Glassdoor: 4.3 / 5
  • Indeed: 4.2 / 5

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Heavy Haul, LLC (DOT: 2013312) is a seasoned trucking company that operates out of Tennessee. While the exact founding date is not specified, the company has a long-standing presence in the industry. Specializing in heavy haul trucking, they transport a wide array of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, construction materials, general freight, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, large objects, metal sheets, coils, rolls, oilfield equipment, paper products, and utilities. Heavy Haul, LLC hires primarily flatbed and heavy haul drivers who operate in an interstate capacity.

The company is known for offering its drivers a solid benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401k retirement plan. Although they do not provide sign-on bonuses or per diem payments, they ensure drivers have direct deposit options for their earnings. Drivers typically earn between $65,000 and $75,000 annually.

Employee feedback places Heavy Haul, LLC in good standing, with a Glassdoor rating of 4.3 and an Indeed rating of 4.2. Employees often praise the company for its competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. However, some critiques point to a lack of guaranteed home time and challenges in achieving a work-life balance. Despite these concerns, the overall work culture is considered positive, and the company is noted for its commitment to driver retention and satisfaction.

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Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Flatbed
  • Heavy haul

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Sign-on bonus

Safety

  • Crashes: 2
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.58
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.88
  • Vehicle maintenance: 2.9
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Jimmy T Wood, LLC

382 Klinke Rd, Memphis, TN, 38127
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 47
  • Drivers: 36
  • Revenue: $30,386,000
  • Miles driven: 2,188,907 (2024)


Jimmy T Wood, LLC (DOT: 96572) is a Tennessee-based company known for its comprehensive freight services since its establishment. The company operates with a robust fleet of 47 trucks, dedicated to transporting a wide array of cargo. Their freight services include building materials, chemicals, coal/coke, dry bulk commodities, construction machinery, large objects, intermodal containers, logs, lumber, and metal sheets, coils, and rolls. Their logistics involves dry van and flatbed transportation, and they conduct operations on an interstate level. Although they do not hire regional or local drivers, they have a dedicated team of 36 interstate drivers.

Jimmy T Wood, LLC stands out in the industry with its strong focus on employee satisfaction, providing drivers with benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, along with paid time off and guaranteed home time. Although they do not offer a sign-on bonus or a retirement plan, their commitment to long-term driver development is evident through ongoing training and development programs. Despite not offering passenger or pet allowances, the company's dedication to maintaining a supportive work environment is clear.

The company boasts an impressive Indeed rating of 4.5, and a Glassdoor rating of 4.1, reflecting positive employee feedback regarding compensation, benefits, and a supportive work culture. Nevertheless, some employees have raised concerns about work-life balance and scheduling. Feedback often includes praise for the company's reliable operations and safety standards, though there are occasional critiques related to organizational challenges in route planning.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Ongoing training

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 3
  • Unsafe driving: 0.25
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.61
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Comparing Intermodal Trucking Jobs in Tennessee

Company Salary range Tuition reimbursement Paid CDL training
Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. $50,000-$58,000
Purdy Brothers Trucking, LLC $57,000-$68,000 per year
Green Valley Transportation Corp $50,000-$60,000
Hittman Transport Services, Inc. $50,000-$80,000
R E West, Inc. $60,000-$80,000
Highway Transport $50,000-$70,000
JIT - Ex, LLC $2,029 - $4,329 a month N/A N/A
IMC Logistics, LLC N/A
Heavy Haul, LLC $65,000-$75,000
Jimmy T Wood, LLC N/A

Types of Trucking Jobs Available in Tennessee

If you are considering different types of trucking jobs available in Tennessee, aside from Intermodal, here are other top options:

FAQ

What do intermodal trucking jobs in Tennessee involve?

Intermodal trucking is the work that connects rail freight to the road. You pick up a container from a rail ramp or port, haul it to a customer or warehouse, then bring an empty back or grab another loaded box.

A lot of the job is timing and process. You deal with gate lines, appointments, chassis inspections, and terminal rules, so being organized matters just as much as your driving skills.

Do intermodal jobs in Tennessee usually come with dedicated routes?

Many intermodal roles are built around repeat customers and the same ramps, which can feel like a dedicated rhythm even when the freight changes. You may run the same corridor day after day, especially if the carrier has steady contracts tied to a rail yard.

Before you accept a job, ask whether dispatch is lane-based, customer-based, or true “next container up,” because that is what decides how predictable your week feels.

How common are intermodal trucking jobs in Tennessee?

Intermodal is a smaller slice of the trucking workforce in Tennessee. The state has 0 intermodal jobs, and most positions are still concentrated in other freight types.

Openings usually cluster near rail ramps and major distribution zones, so your location within TN can matter a lot.

What should you pay attention to when you inspect a chassis in Tennessee?

A chassis inspection is one of the most important parts of intermodal work. Check tires, lights, brakes, pins, and obvious frame damage before you roll out of the terminal.

Catching a problem at the yard in TN is much easier than finding it after you have burned time, missed an appointment, and need a road call.

What size companies run most intermodal jobs in Tennessee?

Intermodal work in Tennessee is often handled by smaller operations when average company size sits in this range. Communication is usually straightforward because you are dealing with a tight dispatch team.

This style of fleet can be quick to make decisions, but it also means fewer backup options when ramps get congested or equipment is short.

Do intermodal jobs in Tennessee involve a lot of waiting?

Waiting can be part of the job, especially when ramps are busy or appointments stack up. Your day can move fast one hour and slow down the next if a yard gets backed up.

You can reduce downtime by learning peak gate windows in TN and by choosing carriers that plan appointments carefully instead of relying on last-minute moves.

How often do intermodal companies in Tennessee train new drivers?

Across Tennessee, 40 trucking companies offer new-driver programs. Intermodal roles that include training are most often tied to larger carriers with established terminal accounts.

How often do intermodal companies in Tennessee offer health insurance?

Across Tennessee, 145 trucking companies offer health insurance. Intermodal roles with benefits are usually tied to larger carriers that have established HR and safety programs.

What is the biggest mistake people make when starting intermodal work in Tennessee?

Most problems come from rushing the process. Skipping chassis checks, guessing at gate steps, or showing up unprepared for appointments can turn a simple move into a long day.

Keeping a routine in TN helps, especially when terminals are busy and small delays stack up fast.

Do intermodal jobs in Tennessee usually pay by the hour or by the load?

Intermodal pay structures vary a lot. Some carriers pay per move, some pay hourly, and some use a mix that includes extra pay for detention, wait time, or extra stops.

Before you accept a job in Tennessee, it helps to ask how they handle delays at terminals, because that can affect your take-home pay more than the base rate.

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.