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Container Owner Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

Equipment Operator

Franklin, TN · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

FPT is a wholly-owned business of Cleveland-Cliffs and has an immediate opportunity for an ... Responsible for positioning trailers and containers around the yard and emptying gaylord boxes as ...

Cornerstone Systems, Inc.

AP Rail Analyst

Memphis, TN · On-site

$20 - $26.75/hr

As an employee-owned and operated organization, we specialize in providing comprehensive ... Our services include intermodal transportation, railcar consolidation, truck brokerage, container ...

Purity Dairy

Filler Operator 3rd Shift

Nashville, TN · On-site

$23.50/hr

... containers is made in a safe, efficient, and high-quality manner. Monitor conveyor lines for ... Purity Dairy is a farmer-owned brand of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a dairy marketing ...

The Spice and Tea Exchange

Sales Associate

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$12 - $16.25/hr

Maintain inventory levels throughout the store, e.g. on shelves, counters and tables, in containers ... This franchise is independently owned and operated by a franchisee. Your application will go ...

Schnellecke Logistics USA

Material Handler

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$14.50 - $17.50/hr

... containers are staged in the correct locations Perform visual quality checks on packaging and ... Founded in Wolfsburg, Germany, and still family-owned and operated by the third generation ...

Bongards Creameries

Night Shift Machine Operator

Humboldt, TN

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Bongards Creameries is a member owned Coop that has been operating since 1908. We take pride in our ... Open cheese packages and place in rework containers * Cleaning and Sanitizing of machines, all work ...

Perkins Restaurant and Bakery

Dish Person

Collierville, TN · On-site

$11.50 - $14.75/hr

The Perkins system includes 81 company-owned and operated restaurants and 234 franchised units ... All preparation containers and pans require soaking, scrubbing and sanitation manually. * Loads ...

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Container Owner Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$584

$4K

$7K

How much do container owner operator jobs pay per week?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average weekly pay for container owner operator in Tennessee is $3,989.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,182.69 and $5,934.62 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Container Owner Operator job?

A Container Owner Operator is an independent truck driver who owns and operates their own truck to transport shipping containers. They typically work with ports, rail yards, and shipping companies to move containers between locations. Unlike company drivers, owner-operators handle their own business expenses, such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance. This role offers greater earning potential and flexibility but also requires strong business management skills. Many Container Owner Operators lease onto larger carriers or work independently to find freight loads.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Container Owner Operator position, and why are they important?

Successful Container Owner Operators require a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), experience with freight logistics, and the ability to handle and maintain tractor-trailer equipment reliably. Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs), dispatch software, and safety inspection tools is essential for compliance and efficient operations. Strong time management, problem-solving, and customer service skills help operators build trust and effectively navigate challenges on the road. These skills ensure timely, safe cargo deliveries and successful management of both business and customer relationships.

What are some common challenges faced by Container Owner Operators, and how can they be managed?

Container Owner Operators often face challenges such as tight delivery schedules, variable fuel costs, port delays, and the responsibility of maintaining their own vehicles. Staying organized with scheduling tools, maintaining open communication with dispatchers, and investing in regular preventative maintenance can help manage these issues. Additionally, understanding port procedures and establishing relationships with terminal operators can streamline pickups and drop-offs. Adaptability and proactive planning are key for navigating these challenges and ensuring consistent, profitable operations.
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Container Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Container Owner Operator job openings in Tennessee as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $207,459 per year, or $99.7 per hour.
Equipment Operator

Equipment Operator

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

Franklin, TN • On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Cleveland-Cliffs rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 111 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 29 rated mining

Job description

Location: Smyrna, TN
Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors, buyers, sellers and recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and is a key supplier to the metals industry of North America. FPT is a wholly-owned business of Cleveland-Cliffs and has an immediate opportunity for an Equipment Operator at our Middle Tennessee location. The Equipment Operator is responsible for the processing of scrap metals using various tools and equipment including front end loaders.
Summary of Responsibilities:
  • Ensure adherence to safety standards including use of required personal protective equipment (PPE), remove hazards as identified, and maintain cleanliness of the site.
  • Load and unload materials from storage, production areas, docks, delivery vehicles, staging areas, or containers using mobile equipment or by hand.
  • Sort a variety of recycled materials and metals to separate out high-grade metals and removes any non-conforming metals.
  • Operate & maintain heavy equipment including but not limited to front end loaders, manlift, yard vehicle, car crusher, shear, and or yard switch tractor.
  • Operate & maintain baler and remove finished bales from the baler, weigh and properly place them in finished goods inventory.
  • Operate & maintain mobile equipment including but not limited to forklifts, skid steers, manlifts, street sweeper, and/or water trucks.
  • Perform tasks involving physical labor using tools, including but not limited to standard hand tools, torch, bander, saw zall, and wire snips.
  • Identify scrap including the grade and type of material and any undesirable elements within the material.
  • Responsible for positioning trailers and containers around the yard and emptying gaylord boxes as required.
  • Responsible for switching rail cars, locomotive operation.
  • Remove fluids from incoming materials or vehicles as required.
  • Perform cleaning duties related to plant equipment and general housekeeping.
  • Assists mechanics in the maintenance of equipment including plant equipment.
  • Interacts with customers or drivers to direct or assist them.
  • Performs other general laborer tasks as required.
  • Performs daily inspections of equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • High School Diploma/GED or may consider 1+ years of equipment operator experience.
  • Ability to work independently.
  • Must be able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records.
  • Ability to follow oral and written communication.
  • Ability to climb ladders or steps to reach objects.
  • Ability to endure physical and outdoor work on a daily basis.
  • Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
  • Work cooperatively with other employees and the public.
  • Must be able to work in an environment where routinely exposed to dust, dirt, vibrations, extreme climate and changes in weather.
  • Pre-Employment background, physical, and hair drug screen required.

Ferrous Processing and Trading is a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. Cleveland-Cliffs is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including top pay with variable compensation opportunities, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@clevelandcliffs.com or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

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