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Container Yard Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Yard Jockey

Joliet, IL · On-site

$24/hr

You will be responsible for moving trailers and containers within the yard, ensuring they are properly positioned for loading and unloading. Your attention to detail and safety will be critical in ...

Diesel Mechanic

Northlake, IL · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

... container yard management and switching services. Pacific Rail Services is seeking applicants for the Rail Yard Laborer position to join our ever-growing team. Copy and paste the below YouTube link ...

Yard and Shop Porter

Chicago Heights, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

To help us keep achieving this, we are looking for a Yard and Shop Porter to join our team. If you ... Mopping, changing garbage containers, vacuuming, wiping areas down * Light Maintenance tasks ...

Position Summary An ISO / Tank Container Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, maintaining ... Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when in the yard or working nearcontainers ...

New

Position Summary An ISO / Tank Container Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, maintaining ... Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required when in the yard or working nearcontainers ...

New

Drive hostlers to position containers and chassis within the yard. * Use top loaders, side loaders, and/or cranes to stack, move, and organize containers. * Perform equipment inspections before and ...

Drive hostlers to position containers and chassis within the yard. * Use top loaders, side loaders, and/or cranes to stack, move, and organize containers. * Perform equipment inspections before and ...

Drive hostlers to position containers and chassis within the yard. * Use top loaders, side loaders, and/or cranes to stack, move, and organize containers. * Perform equipment inspections before and ...

Drive hostlers to position containers and chassis within the yard. * Use top loaders, side loaders, and/or cranes to stack, move, and organize containers. * Perform equipment inspections before and ...

Drive hostlers to position containers and chassis within the yard. * Use top loaders, side loaders, and/or cranes to stack, move, and organize containers. * Perform equipment inspections before and ...

Drive hostlers to position containers and chassis within the yard. * Use top loaders, side loaders, and/or cranes to stack, move, and organize containers. * Perform equipment inspections before and ...

Drive hostlers to position containers and chassis within the yard. * Use top loaders, side loaders, and/or cranes to stack, move, and organize containers. * Perform equipment inspections before and ...

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Container Yard information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$22

$28

How much do container yard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for container yard in Chicago, IL is $22.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a container yard called?

A container yard is also known as a container terminal or container depot. It is a designated area where shipping containers are stored, loaded, and unloaded from ships, trucks, or trains. Container yard operators often use equipment like cranes and reach stackers to handle containers efficiently.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A container yard worker typically earns less than $4,000 per week, but some high-paying roles in logistics or freight forwarding, such as experienced freight brokers or warehouse managers, can reach or exceed that amount without a degree. These roles often require specialized skills, experience, or certifications and may involve long hours or physical work.

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

To excel in a Container Yard role, you need a solid understanding of logistics operations, equipment handling, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and, at times, a forklift operator's certification. Familiarity with yard management systems, barcode scanners, and heavy machinery such as cranes or reach stackers is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment are key soft skills. These qualifications ensure efficient container movement, operational safety, and effective collaboration within the logistics chain.

What are the typical work hours and physical demands for a Container Yard position?

Container Yard roles often require working in shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the volume of activity and company scheduling. The job is physically demanding, involving extended periods of standing, walking, and operating equipment outdoors in varying weather conditions. Team members are frequently required to lift heavy objects, move containers, and ensure all equipment is operated safely. Adhering to safety standards and being comfortable in a busy, outdoor setting is essential for success in this role.

What is a Container Yard job?

A Container Yard (CY) job involves managing the movement, storage, and organization of shipping containers in a designated yard area. Responsibilities often include operating heavy machinery such as cranes and forklifts, coordinating container placement, and ensuring proper inventory tracking. Workers in this field must follow safety protocols and communicate with logistics teams to optimize efficiency. This role is essential in ports, distribution centers, and intermodal transport hubs to facilitate smooth cargo handling.

Is it hard to get a job on a container ship?

A container yard worker job typically involves physical labor, operating equipment, and working in outdoor environments. Entry requirements often include a high school diploma, safety training, and sometimes certifications like OSHA, but competition can vary based on location and experience. While some positions are accessible to newcomers, advancing in the industry may require specialized skills or maritime certifications.

How much do you get paid working on a container ship?

Container yard workers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Salaries for crew members on container ships vary widely, with deck officers earning from $3,000 to $10,000 monthly, and entry-level positions starting lower. Additional benefits may include overtime pay, certifications, and hazard pay for certain roles.
What are popular job titles related to Container Yard jobs in Chicago, IL? For Container Yard jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Container Yard jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Container Yard jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Container Yard job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,093 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Rail Yard Laborer/Crane Operator

Pacific Rail Services

Northlake, IL • On-site

$19.50 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Pacific Rail Services rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

322nd of 359 rated logistics


Job description

Pacific Rail Services was founded in 1985. Over the past 36 years, Rail Management Services has grown into one of the largest suppliers of intermodal ramp services in the United States handling over 8 million lifts per year. Today Pacific Rail Services, Pacific Trailer Repair Services, Rail Terminal Services, Terminal Switching Services and PRS Auto employ over 1,800 people devoted exclusively to this business. Rail Management Services maintains over 100 intermodal lift devices including 20 cranes and over 800 hostling tractors, provides trailer/container/chassis repairs and all intermodal administrative services including gate inspections, container yard management and switching services.

Job description:
Pacific Rail Services is seeking applicants for the Rail Yard Laborer position to join our ever-growing team. Copy and paste the below YouTube link to see what you could potentially be doing in this rewarding career field!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uriQMlaUUsI&feature=youtube.
Pacific Rail Services is looking for self-motivated, dependable and hard-working rail personnel to assist in the safe loading and unloading of intermodal double stack container trains at our Union Pacific Global II facility in Northlake IL.
Qualifications:
  • Construction or driving experience a plus, but we are willing to train the right candidates. Great earning potential of 60k - 90k (With OT), excellent health care benefits, employer 401k contribution and PTO based on years of service. 
  • Heavy equipment operating enthusiasts preferred. If you enjoy operating machinery or heavy equipment, then this is opportunity knocking at your door.  Applicants will be expected to apply themselves and learn all job functions (ground person, hostler driver and crane operator) in order to succeed with our organization. 
  • Prospective employees must be able to pass a drug screen, background check and strength test to be considered for appointment. All potential candidates must have valid DL and reliable transportation. All applicants must be available to work nights, weekends, holidays and OT.
  • If you are looking to work, grow and retire with a company in an industry that promotes long term stability, then look no further. The railroad industry is how everything we need and want ships throughout the country, which has made it virtually unaffected by slower economies or pandemics ect. We are considered essential workers.

We offer good pay, health benefits, PTO and 401k. If you seek job stability and room for growth, then a rewarding career opportunity awaits you.

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