Intermodal Service Employee - Cincinnati, OH

About the role

Intermodal Service Employees (ISE) are responsible for safely performing activities and completing processes that place customer freight for movement on a train from the origin to the CSX Intermodal Terminal destination across the network. ISEs also ensure the availability of customers’ freight for pick‑up after it arrives at the destination terminal.

Primary Activities and Responsibilities

• Securement
  • Ascending and descending rail cars.
  • Inspection and securement of trailers, containers, and intermodal flatcars.
  • Assisting lift operators in proper positioning of equipment.
  • Lifting interbox connectors (IBC) and related accessories.
  • Operation of powered IBC carts.
  • Working in a high‑paced outdoor environment around moving equipment and vehicles.
• Yard and Lift Operations
  • Operating utility tractors (hostlers) to move equipment on the terminal.
  • Operating lift machines that place and remove equipment to and from railcars.
  • Connecting, moving, and parking chassis, trailers, and containers on terminal property.
  • Inspecting equipment for condition and operational readiness.
  • Ascending and descending vehicle ladders/stairs.
  • Connecting and disconnecting airlines (gladhands).
  • Manually operating crank handles to raise and lower chassis landing‑gear legs.
  • Operating various lift‑equipment configurations to load and unload trailers and containers to/from railcars, stacks, ground, or chassis.
  • Prolonged sitting in equipment cabs; using joystick controls, radios, equipment displays, and onboard computers.
  • Lifting and lowering containers and trailers from elevated heights (60‑70 feet) safely and efficiently.
• Clerical Duties
  • Utilizing Microsoft Office systems.
  • Using computer systems to obtain and input information regarding intermodal cars and equipment.
  • Knowledge of hazmat requirements and responding to minor spills as necessary.
• Other Duties
  • Knowledge of FRA and AAR securement regulations and railway line‑clearance requirements.
  • Contributing positively to a team focused on customer service and productivity targets.
  • Identifying defective components and indicating corrective actions.
  • Inspecting and applying end‑of‑train devices and performing air‑brake tests.
  • Cleaning, lubricating, and maintaining securement devices and special intermodal equipment.
  • Miscellaneous activities as assigned by a manager.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications
  • 18 years of age or older.
  • Valid driver’s license.
• Preferred Qualifications
  • 1 year experience working in a heavy industrial environment.
  • 1 year experience operating heavy machinery.
  • 3 years of outdoor work experience.
• Physical Requirements
  • Stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, crawling, balancing, climbing.
  • Physical agility including lifting, pushing, pulling, and walking.
  • Walking long distances over uneven terrain.
  • Working outside in adverse weather (snow, ice, rain, heavy winds, extreme heat).
  • Driving a tractor/trailer combination in an industrial setting.
  • Moderately heavy to heavy industrial work.
  • Meeting color‑vision and hearing requirements per FRA regulations.
  • Demonstrating auditory and visual acuity, tracking, and inspection abilities.
• Job Requirements
  • Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, and safety‑toe boots.
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard work week, overtime, various shift work, extra board, and on‑call status.
  • Complete annual training and pass safety‑rules examinations.
  • Position governed by a collective bargaining agreement; membership required.
  • Pass all required assessments, background screening, post‑offer medical examination, and drug test (hair and urine).
  • May be required to provide sensitive personal information to Customs Border Patrol or other governmental agencies as mandated.

Pay

Effective July 1 2026, the rate is $30.43 per hour at 100 % productivity (90 % until qualified, up to 8 months, at $27.39 per hour).

Benefits

• Aetna TCU Medical Plan – $215.94
• Aetna TCU Employee‑Only Plan – $143.96

Training

New hires complete four days of hands‑on and classroom‑based training at their home terminal, including a required exam with a passing score of 85 % or higher. Afterward, employees begin on‑the‑job training for up to eight months.

Schedule

Work hours may include nonstandard weeks, overtime, shift work, extra board, and on‑call duties. Employees must be prepared for varied schedules.

About Us

CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company providing rail, intermodal, and rail‑to‑truck transload services across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation’s economic expansion, connecting every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, more than 230 short‑line railroads, and over 70 ocean, river, and lake ports. CSX is committed to diversity, veteran support, and a safe work environment.