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Cargo Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Pinkerton

Cargo Security Escort

Fountain Valley, CA · On-site

$43 - $45/hr

The Cargo Security Escort, assigned to a specific client, will meet with transport drivers to approve routes, oversee the loading of high-value cargo, and ensure security procedures are followed ...

Dk Express Cargo Inc

Truck Driver - CDL

Stockton, CA · On-site

$1.5K - $2.4K/wk

CDL Class A Truck Driver - Up to $0.60+ CPM | Dedicated Freight | No-Touch Freight DK Express Cargo is hiring experienced CDL Class A drivers to join our growing team. We offer year-round dedicated ...

Dk Express Cargo Inc

Truck Driver - CDL

Stockton, CA · On-site

$1.5K - $2.4K/wk

CDL Class A Truck Driver - Up to $0.60+ CPM | Dedicated Freight | No-Touch Freight DK Express Cargo is hiring experienced CDL Class A drivers to join our growing team. We offer year-round dedicated ...

Dk Express Cargo Inc

Truck Driver - CDL

Stockton, CA · On-site

$1.5K - $2.4K/wk

Bonus based on performance CDL Class A Truck Driver - Up to $0.60+ CPM | Dedicated Freight | No-Touch Freight DK Express Cargo is hiring experienced CDL Class A drivers to join our growing team. We ...

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All JobsCargo Driver JobsCargo Driver Jobs in California

Cargo Driver information

See California salary details

$12

$18

$23

How much do cargo driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo driver in California is $18.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cargo driver?

Cargo drivers are professional drivers responsible for transporting goods and freight from one location to another, typically using trucks, vans, or other commercial vehicles. Their duties include loading and unloading cargo, ensuring safe and timely delivery, following route schedules, and complying with transportation regulations. Cargo drivers may work for logistics companies, retailers, or as independent contractors, and must often hold a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). They play a vital role in the supply chain, helping businesses and consumers receive products efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cargo driver?

To thrive as a Cargo Driver, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), strong knowledge of road safety regulations, and experience in handling and securing freight. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and cargo tracking software is typically required. Dependability, attention to detail, and good communication skills help ensure timely deliveries and positive interactions with clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and reliability in cargo transportation.

What are some common challenges cargo drivers face when making deliveries, and how are these typically managed?

Cargo drivers often encounter challenges such as navigating unpredictable traffic, adhering to strict delivery schedules, and ensuring the safe handling of goods. To manage these, drivers rely on route planning tools, maintain clear communication with dispatchers, and follow safety protocols for loading and unloading cargo. Many companies also provide ongoing training and support to help drivers handle unexpected situations efficiently, ensuring timely and secure deliveries.

What is the difference between Cargo Driver vs Delivery Driver?

AspectCargo DriverDelivery Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, commercial driving license (CDL) often requiredDriver's license, standard license usually sufficient
Work EnvironmentTransporting goods over long distances, often in trucks or large vehiclesDelivering packages locally or regionally, often in smaller vehicles
Industry UsageLogistics, freight, shipping companiesRetail, food services, courier services

While both Cargo Drivers and Delivery Drivers operate vehicles to transport goods, Cargo Drivers typically handle larger shipments over longer distances using trucks, requiring CDL licenses. Delivery Drivers usually focus on local or regional deliveries in smaller vehicles, often with standard licenses. The roles differ mainly in scope, vehicle size, and industry applications, but both are essential in the transportation and logistics sectors.

Cargo Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cargo Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,020 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Cargo Security Escort

Pinkerton

Fountain Valley, CA • On-site

$43 - $45/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Pinkerton rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 118 rated security

Job description

170+ Years Strong. Industry Leader. Global Impact.
At Pinkerton, the mission is to protect our clients. To do this, we provide enterprise risk management services and programs specifically designed for each client. Pinkerton employees are one of our most important assets and critical to the delivery of world-class solutions. Bonded together, we share a commitment to integrity, vigilance, and excellence.

Pinkerton is an inclusive employer who seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our network of industry subject matter experts.

The Cargo Security Escort, assigned to a specific client, will meet with transport drivers to approve routes, oversee the loading of high-value cargo, and ensure security procedures are followed throughout transit. This role includes activating dashcams, monitoring loading and unloading, addressing security concerns, and compiling incident reports, while also handling post-operation equipment returns and identifying any deficiencies. The part-time positions require flexibility and will work anywhere from 4 to 12 hour shifts and be reimbursed for mileage.


  • Represent Pinkerton’s core values of integrity, vigilance, and excellence.
  • Meet with the assigned transport driver to discuss and approve the designated route.
  • Oversee the loading of the high-value cargo.
  • Ensure the dashcam is activated during the entire transport.
  • Escort the high-value cargo by adhering to pre-approved routes.
  • Conduct security oversight during the unloading process, adapting to specific protocols as determined by the shipping vendor.
  • Communicate with various shipping vendors to address any concerns or identified risks.
  • Prepare comprehensive incident reports for any events, occurrences, or deviations that require documentation.
  • Return to the client site post-operations to securely deposit equipment, including dash cameras and locks. 
  • Identify and escalate equipment deficiencies/failures.
  • All other duties, as assigned.

High School Diploma or GED with law enforcement, military, and/or security experience. Current California Driver's License, California Guard Card, Exposed Firearm Permit, and CCW/HR218 required. 

  • Safe driving practices.
  • Problem resolution skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Situational security awareness skills.
  • Able to complete assignments with little supervision.
  • Computer knowledge; Microsoft Office.

Working Conditions:

With or without reasonable accommodation, requires the physical and mental capacity to effectively perform all essential functions;

  • Regular computer usage.
  • Occasional reaching and lifting of small objects and operating office equipment.
  • Rapid and effective decision-making during unusual or emergency situations.
  • Must obtain and maintain a valid driver's license in accordance with your state requirements for type of vehicle assigned and have good driving record as outlined in the Company's Driver Certification policy.
  • Frequent sitting, standing and/or walking.
  • Travel, as required.

Pinkerton is an equal opportunity employer to all applicants and positions without regard to race/ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex/gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital/prenatal status, pregnancy/childbirth or related conditions, religion, creed, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any protected status by local, state, federal or country-specific law.


Benefit options include employer-paid life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D, medical, (HSA) Health Savings Account, (FSA) Flexible Savings Account, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(K), paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, and holidays) and several employee assistance-related programs. This information provides a brief benefit overview. Upon the acceptance of an employment offer, the new employee will receive comprehensive plan details based on specific eligibility rules.


USD $43.00 - USD $45.00 /Hr.

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