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Switcher Driver Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ryder

Part Time Transfer Driver

Des Moines, IA

$18.50/hr

Ryder Drivers are the Captain of the Ship- OUR DRIVERS make decisions to keep yourself and others safe and we protect your job when you do We will buy your truck if you're looking to switch from ...

Ryder

Part Time Transfer Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Ryder Drivers are the Captain of the Ship - OUR DRIVERS make decisions to keep yourself and others safe and we protect your job when you do We will buy your truck if you're looking to switch from ...

Ryder

Part Time Transfer Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Ryder Drivers are the Captain of the Ship- OUR DRIVERS make decisions to keep yourself and others safe and we protect your job when you do We will buy your truck if you're looking to switch from ...

Ryder

Part Time Transfer Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Ryder Drivers are the Captain of the Ship- OUR DRIVERS make decisions to keep yourself and others safe and we protect your job when you do We will buy your truck if you're looking to switch from ...

Ryder

Part Time CDL Class Transfer Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Ryder Drivers are the Captain of the Ship- OUR DRIVERS make decisions to keep yourself and others safe and we protect your job when you do We will buy your truck if you're looking to switch from ...

Ryder

Part Time CDL Class Transfer Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Ryder Drivers are the Captain of the Ship - OUR DRIVERS make decisions to keep yourself and others safe and we protect your job when you do We will buy your truck if you're looking to switch from ...

Ryder

Part Time CDL Class Transfer Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$18.50/hr

Ryder Drivers are the Captain of the Ship- OUR DRIVERS make decisions to keep yourself and others safe and we protect your job when you do We will buy your truck if you're looking to switch from ...

Domino's Pizza LLC

Delivery Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20/hr

Delivery Driver Ideal work for all ages and experience levels! Great job for college students, part ... switch back and forth if you need!) * Must have your own vehicle. * Must have your own insurance.

Domino's

Delivery Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20/hr

Drivers Keep all their Tips. (No tipping-out anyone) * We provide reimbursement for your fuel and ... switch back and forth if you need!) * Must have your own vehicle. * Must have your own insurance.

Domino's Pizza

Delivery Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20/hr

Drivers Keep all their Tips. (No tipping-out anyone) * We provide reimbursement for your fuel and ... switch back and forth if you need!) * Must have your own vehicle. * Must have your own insurance.

Domino's Pizza

Delivery Driver

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20/hr

Drivers Keep all their Tips. (No tipping-out anyone) * We provide reimbursement for your fuel and ... switch back and forth if you need!) * Must have your own vehicle. * Must have your own insurance.

RSS Trailer Repair

Yard Driver - Non CDL A

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$21/hr

Yard Driver - Non CDL A About Us RSS Mobile Trailer Repair is a growing powerhouse in the Trucking ... Safely enter/exit switcher truck multiple times an hour. * Place and remove wheel chocks and Salvo ...

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All JobsSwitcher Driver JobsSwitcher Driver Jobs in Iowa

Switcher Driver information

See Iowa salary details

$16

$21

$27

How much do switcher driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for switcher driver in Iowa is $21.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.42 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a switcher driver?

Switcher Drivers, also known as yard drivers or yard jockeys, are professionals responsible for moving trailers and containers within a freight yard, warehouse, or distribution center. They use specialized vehicles called yard trucks or terminal tractors to position trailers for loading and unloading. Unlike long-haul truck drivers, Switcher Drivers generally work within a confined area and do not drive on public roads. Their role is critical for maintaining smooth operations and minimizing delays in the supply chain. They may also perform basic inspections and ensure trailers are properly secured.

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

To thrive as a Switcher Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), knowledge of yard operations, and experience maneuvering trailers or trucks in tight spaces. Familiarity with yard management systems, two-way radios, and basic vehicle inspection procedures is typically required. Attention to detail, safety awareness, and strong communication skills help a switcher driver excel in coordinating with warehouse staff and managing multiple tasks. These abilities are crucial for ensuring efficient yard flow, preventing accidents, and supporting overall logistics operations.

What are the typical challenges faced by switcher drivers and how can they be addressed?

Switcher Drivers often face challenges such as working in fast-paced environments with tight schedules, navigating busy or confined yard spaces, and coordinating with multiple team members like warehouse staff and dispatchers. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication are key to managing these demands. Additionally, strong attention to safety protocols helps prevent accidents, especially when maneuvering large vehicles in close quarters. Many companies provide ongoing training and support to help Switcher Drivers stay up-to-date with best practices and equipment handling.

What is the difference between Switcher Driver vs Forklift Operator?

AspectSwitcher DriverForklift Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), specialized trainingForklift certification, OSHA training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching facilities, industrial sitesWarehouses, manufacturing plants, distribution centers
Industry UsageRail transport, logistics, freight handlingMaterial handling, storage, shipping
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Switcher Drivers primarily operate specialized vehicles to move rail cars within rail yards, requiring a CDL and specific training. Forklift Operators handle palletized goods in warehouses, needing forklift certification. While both roles involve vehicle operation in logistics, Switcher Drivers focus on rail yard switching, whereas Forklift Operators work in warehouse environments.

What are popular job titles related to Switcher Driver jobs in Iowa?

For Switcher Driver jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Switcher Driver jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Switcher Driver jobs in Iowa are:

Switcher Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Switcher Driver job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,031 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

PH - Switcher PT-1

Federal Express Corporation

Spirit Lake, IA

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Responsible for the movement of trailers to and from the unload / load doors and throughout the yard. May also be responsible for the physical loading, unloading and/or sorting of packages by hand, including lifting, pushing, pulling, carrying and placing, in a safe and efficient manner.

Essential Function
Performs trailer switches defined as hooking and moving a parked trailer from the yard to a load/unload door or hooking and moving a trailer from a door to the yard.
Communicates with management and/or central control to coordinate trailer movements in the yard.
Documents trailer moves using the Yard Management System (where available) or switcher cards.
Performs pre- and post-trip inspections on switcher equipment.
Understands and demonstrates effective yard switching safety processes and procedures. In addition to the above essential functions, Switchers may also be required to perform Package Handler essential functions as follows:
Utilizes "hand-to-surface" methods for all package handling.
Loads and unloads packages onto or from delivery vehicles, trailers, conveyor system carts and load gratings.
Lifts, carries, pushes and pulls packages on a continuous and repetitive basis for approximate shifts of two to four hours.
Determines the appropriate conveyor system by scanning packages, reading labels and charts, verifying numbers and memorizing information and sorts packages accordingly.
Peforms other duties as assigned


Minimum Education
None required

Minimum Experience
No experience required; six (6) months of experience as a package handler or switching/CDL operator experience preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Must have a valid driver's license and maintain a Department of Transportation (DOT) file.
Ability to understand and follow instruction regarding work duties and safety methods.
Ability to discern numbers and information in order to sort packages correctly.
Ability to use basic tools and equipment such as skate wheel rollers, dock carts, hand-held scanners, chutes and unloading devices.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment.

Job Conditions
May work in hot and cold temperatures
May work in an environment with fumes
May work in an area with loud noise


Preferred Qualifications:

Pay Transparency:

Pay:

Additional Details: Shift: OB


For details on our comprehensive benefits, click here.


Federal Express Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer including, Vets/Disability.

Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process. Applicants who require reasonable accommodations in the application or hiring process should contact recruitmentsupport@fedex.com.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

  • Know Your Rights
  • Pay Transparency
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Employee Polygraph Protection Act

E-Verify Program Participant: Federal Express Corporation participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' E-Verify program (For U.S. applicants and employees only). Please click below to learn more about the E-Verify program:

  • E-Verify Notice (bilingual)
  • Right to Work Notice (English) / (Spanish)

Employment Type: PART_TIME

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