Terminal Tractor Operator

T. Parker Host Career Center; Avondale (LA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Host Terminals in Avondale is seeking a Terminal Tractor Operator to safely move trailers and equipment across the terminal, yard, and dock areas. You will coordinate with operations and drivers to maintain flow, safety, and service standards while handling various cargo equipment and staging tasks.

The role requires a safety-focused mindset, the ability to work nights or weekends as needed, and a valid driver’s license with TWIC eligibility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• TWIC card required or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to work nights, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Strong safety awareness and ability to operate in a fast-paced maritime setting.

Responsibilities

• Operate terminal tractors to move trailers, containers, and other equipment throughout terminal and yard.
• Position equipment at loading docks, staging areas, warehouses, and work zones.
• Conduct pre-shift inspections and report maintenance or safety concerns.
• Maintain safe operating practices in congested environments.
• Coordinate with operations, dispatchers, drivers, and vessel teams to support workflow.
• Secure trailers and verify proper coupling/uncoupling.
• Ensure correct placement of trailers, containers and chassis per instructions.
• Follow safety procedures, OSHA standards, and customer requirements.
• Maintain awareness of surrounding personnel and hazards.
• Assist with yard organization and traffic flow as needed.
• Operate in varying weather conditions and complete documentation timely.
• Support additional terminal and operational duties as assigned.

Skills

Valid driver’s license

TWIC card

Safety awareness

Independent work

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Description

Title: Terminal Tractor Operator

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Company: Host Terminals

Reports To: Operations Manager

Avondale Global Gateway is a 254-acre former shipyard on Mile 108 of the Mississippi River, redeveloped into a multimodal logistics terminal with significant warehousing and storage capabilities. T. Parker Host acquired Avondale in 2018 from Huntington Ingalls Industries and has since reestablished its iconic prominence into a model of ingenuity. Avondale Global Gateway is a historic property with four docks and over one mile of waterfront, uniquely accommodating ships, barges, rail and trucks. This facility offers immediate access to the regional and interstate highway system and is positioned at the interchange of six Class I railroads, creating the ability for cargo to be distributed in all directions.

Avondale Global Gateway has become integral to HOST’s continued efforts of shifting the transportation paradigm and rethinking how cargo moves – providing exceptional service and solutions to our customers.

Position Summary

The Terminal Tractor Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trailers, containers, chassis, and other equipment throughout the terminal, warehouse, and yard operations. This position plays a critical role in supporting vessel, warehouse, and trucking operations by ensuring equipment is properly positioned to maintain operational flow, safety, and customer service standards.

The ideal candidate is safety-focused, dependable, and capable of operating in a fast-paced maritime and logistics environment while maintaining compliance with company policies and operational procedures.

Core Principles

• Our PEOPLE are our greatest assets
• Their SAFETY is our top priority
• We provide exceptional SERVICE
• We believe every RELATIONSHIP is important
• We build on our LEGACY
• We conduct all business with INTEGRITY
• We know today's OPPORTUNITIES are tomorrow's growth
• We are DETECTIVES, understanding all activities within our markets

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

• Operate terminal tractors (yard trucks/yard mules) to move trailers, chassis, containers, and other cargo equipment throughout terminal and yard locations
  • Including, but the movement of dry van trailers, flatbeds, hopper trailers, tank trailers, loaded and empty containers, and equipment positioned at vessel, warehouse, rail, and truck loading areas.
• Position equipment at loading docks, staging areas, warehouses, and operational work zones
• Conduct pre-shift inspections of assigned equipment and report any maintenance or safety concerns
• Maintain safe operating practices while maneuvering equipment in congested operational environments
• Coordinate with operations, warehouse personnel, dispatchers, vessel teams, and drivers to support workflow efficiency
• Secure trailers and verify proper coupling and uncoupling procedures
• Ensure trailers, containers, and chassis are accurately placed according to operational instructions
• Follow all company safety procedures, OSHA standards, terminal rules, and customer requirements
• Maintain awareness of surrounding personnel, equipment, and operational hazards
• Assist with yard organization and traffic flow as operational needs require
• Operate equipment during varying weather and environmental conditions
• Complete required operational documentation, inspections, and reporting accurately and timely
• Support additional terminal and operational duties as assigned

Qualifications & Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Previous experience operating terminal tractors, yard trucks, forklifts, heavy equipment, or commercial vehicles preferred
• Valid driver’s license required
• TWIC card required or ability to obtain one
• Ability to safely back trailers into docks and confined operational areas
• Strong situational awareness and commitment to workplace safety
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with operations personnel
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as operational demands require
• Basic understanding of terminal, warehouse, or logistics operations preferred

Physical Requirements

• Must meet “fit for duty” requirements upon job offer (pre-employment physical and drug test)
• The employee must meet physical requirements including but not limited to, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing up/down ladders and stairs, negotiating uneven and moving surfaces
• Must be able to work in difficult conditions with exposure to all weather conditions (rain, ice, snow, wind, heat, etc.)
• Ability to lift up to 75 pounds.
• Able to work extended shifts up to 12 hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, with flexibility to respond to emergencies or after-hours incidents as needed
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to maintain alertness and awareness in high-traffic operational environments