1

Freight Train Driver Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Ryder will train you on all equipment needed to be successful * Freight: Touch - varies * Would cover multiple Ryder accounts Additional Benefits of Driving with Ryder: * Unlimited driver referral ...

Ryder will train you on all equipment needed to be successful * Freight: Touch - varies * Would cover multiple Ryder accounts Additional Benefits of Driving with Ryder: * Unlimited driver referral ...

Ryder will train you on all equipment needed to be successful * Freight: Touch - varies * Would cover multiple Ryder accounts Additional Benefits of Driving with Ryder: * Unlimited driver referral ...

Ryder will train you on all equipment needed to be successful * Freight: Touch - varies * Would cover multiple Ryder accounts Additional Benefits of Driving with Ryder: * Unlimited driver referral ...

Ryder will Train you on all equipment needed to be successful * Freight: Touch - Groceries Ryder Drivers operate well-maintained, safe trucks, 36 months or newer with 24/7 Roadside Maintenance and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Freight Train Driver information

See Connecticut salary details

$14

$29

$65

How much do freight train driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight train driver in Connecticut is $29.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $26.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freight train driver?

A Freight Train Driver operates heavy freight trains, transporting goods and cargo over long distances. They are responsible for ensuring the train runs safely, adhering to schedules and railway regulations. Duties include monitoring instruments, responding to signals, and handling any operational issues. The role requires strong concentration, quick decision-making, and often involves working irregular hours.

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

To thrive as a Freight Train Driver, you need excellent attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and a valid train driving license or certification, often supported by completion of rigorous training programs. Familiarity with railway signaling systems, onboard control panels, and safety protocols is crucial for operating freight trains safely and efficiently. Dependability, stress management, and effective communication help drivers respond to unexpected issues and coordinate with dispatchers and rail yard personnel. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, timely, and compliant freight transportation across rail networks.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a freight train driver?

Freight Train Drivers often work varied schedules that can include nights, weekends, and holidays, as freight rail operations typically run 24/7. Shifts may be long—sometimes up to 12 hours—and can require being on-call, especially for routes covering significant distances. You’ll work both independently in the locomotive cab and in close coordination with conductors, train dispatchers, and yard crews. This dynamic schedule offers opportunities for overtime but also requires flexibility and a strong commitment to safety. Many rail companies provide structured rest periods and support to help drivers manage work-life balance.

How hard is it to become a freight train driver?

Becoming a freight train driver typically requires completing a training program, obtaining a commercial driver's license with a freight endorsement, and gaining experience operating trains. The process can take several months and involves learning safety protocols, operating procedures, and sometimes passing written and practical exams.

How much do freight train drivers earn?

Freight train drivers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Experienced drivers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, and some may receive additional pay for overtime or night shifts.

What qualifications do you need to drive a freight train?

To become a freight train driver, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with a passenger and freight endorsement, and specialized training or certification in locomotive operation. Experience with train handling, knowledge of safety protocols, and passing medical examinations are also required.

What are popular job titles related to Freight Train Driver jobs in Connecticut?

For Freight Train Driver jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freight Train Driver jobs in Connecticut look for?

The top searched job categories for Freight Train Driver jobs in Connecticut are:

Infographic showing various Freight Train Driver job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,954 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Freight Handler- Part Time

Forward Air

Windsor Locks, CT • On-site

$19.70/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description


The Forklift Operator is responsible for the safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, staging, scanning, and movement of freight. As certified forklift operators within the operation, they provide safe, accurate, and efficient loading, unloading, movement, and documentation of cargo/freight within a multimodal transportation terminal, intermodal yard, warehouse, or dock environment, directly contributing to productivity, workflow coordination, and freight integrity. As the most experienced team members without direct reports, they often assist with mentoring, guiding, and onboarding new Material Handlers and solving complex operational problems on the floor. 

Compensation: $19.70 per hour

Schedule: Monday- Friday 6pm-11pm, onsite

Responsibilities

  • Load and unload freight using sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks, along with other appropriate Material Handling Equipment (MHE), such as pallet jacks, carts, and dollies, and approved physical lifting techniques. 

  • Move, stage, sort, and position freight between dock doors, trailers, and designated warehouse areas in accordance with operating procedures.

  • Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery.

  • Assist drivers with loading and unloading activities following dock and safety procedures.

  • Label, scan, and track freight using handheld scanning devices and company systems to ensure accuracy and documentation integrity.

  • Identify damaged freight and promptly report issues, unsafe conditions, or equipment concerns to supervisory personnel.

  • Abide by all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, and PPE standards.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized dock environment, including work areas, tools, and MHE.

  • Perform tasks under appropriate supervision while learning equipment operation, safety protocols, and job procedures (for developing roles).

  • Support dock productivity, workflow efficiency, and overall operational goals.

  • Work assigned schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime based on business needs.

  • Safely and accurately handle oversized, highvalue, or complex freight.

  • Assist with dock coordination, workflow management, and problem resolution.

  • Prioritize freight and coordinate task assignments, sometimes acting in a lead capacity (without direct supervisory responsibility). 

  • Serve as a subjectmatter expert on dock operations, equipment, and procedures.

  • Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers.

  • All other duties as assigned to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

  • Education: High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED)/equivalent preferred but not required. 

  • Certification/Licensure: Valid forklift certification/licensure (or ability to obtain before operating equipment) required.

  • Experience: 3+ years of dock or warehouse experience required. 

  • Communication: Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing, to understand safety and operational instructions, work assignments, and freight documentation.

  • Ability to recognize numbers, labels, barcodes, and freight markings accurately, and to perform basic arithmetic to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.

  • Basic arithmetic skills to verify freight counts, quantities, and weights.

  • Technology: Willingness and ability to learn and use basic computer systems, handheld scanners, and freight-tracking devices.

  • Equipment: Ability to safely operate material handling equipment (MHE) such as pallet jacks, dollies, hand trucks, order pickers, pallet riders, conveyors, dock plates, dock levelers, sit-down/stand-up forklifts and reach trucks (with company-assisted certification/training), and/or other specialized MHE as required by the site.

  • Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

  • Physical Demands: Extensive standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and twisting for 8-12 hours per/shift, with the ability to lift, push, pull, and carry freight up to 50lbs without assistance, with occasional lifting of freight up to 75lbs with assistance or mechanical aids throughout each 8-12 hour shift, multiple times per/week. 

  • Vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills sufficient to work safely in a noisy dock environment.

  • Environment: Ability to work safely around moving equipment, vehicles, and freight in a non-climate-controlled environment, including frequent exposure to temperature extremes (both hot and cold), occasional outdoor work and/or exposure to precipitation (rain, sleet, snow, etc.), regular exposure to moving equipment, vehicle traffic, exhaust, dust, and moderate to loud noise. 

#LI-onsite

#LI-MP3