Hire Truck Drivers in Illinois
Access our network of 85,000+ CDL drivers in Illinois. Average wages of $54,000-$72,000/year with very high demand across all equipment types.
Illinois Driver Market Overview
Driver Pool
85,000+
Avg. Wage
$54,000-$72,000/year
Demand Level
very high
CDL Schools
120+ CDL schools
Our Turnover
69%
Top Hiring Cities in Illinois
#1
Chicago
#2
Rockford
#3
Joliet
#4
Peoria
#5
Springfield
#6
Champaign
Major Employers in Illinois
Amazon (15+ FCs)
Caterpillar (Peoria)
BNSF Logistics Park (Joliet)
Walmart DCs
ADM (Decatur)
Hire Drivers in Illinois by Equipment
Select an equipment type to see Illinois-specific driver availability and requirements.
Dry Van
Class A
Demand: very high
Reefer
Class A
Demand: very high
Flatbed
Class A
Demand: very high
Step Deck
Class A
Demand: very high
Hotshot
Class A or B (varies by GVWR); some non-CDL under 26,000 lbs
Demand: very high
Box Truck
Class B (26,001+ lbs GVWR); non-CDL for under 26,000 lbs
Demand: very high
Car Hauler
Class A
Demand: very high
Tanker
Class A
Demand: very high
Power Only
Class A
Demand: very high
Intermodal
Class A
Demand: very high
CDL Training Pipeline in Illinois
120+ CDL schools
CDL training programs in Illinois
Illinois's CDL training infrastructure produces a steady pipeline of new drivers. Combined with our national network, we can match your Illinois-based positions with both local graduates and experienced drivers from neighboring states.
Why Hire Drivers in Illinois
Chicago is the #1 intermodal hub in North America
I-80/I-90/I-55/I-57 intersection creates the densest freight network
BNSF and UP rail hubs generate massive drayage demand
Manufacturing base provides consistent flatbed freight
Central location reaches 80% of US population within one day
Hiring Drivers in Illinois — FAQ
Chicago handles more intermodal containers than any other city in North America. The BNSF Logistics Park in Joliet and UP Global facilities process millions of containers annually, creating continuous demand for drayage and intermodal drivers.
Illinois drivers earn $54,000-$72,000 per year. Chicago-area intermodal drivers can exceed $75,000 with overtime. However, the high fuel tax (46.7 cents/gallon) and extensive tolls reduce net earnings for owner-operators.
Chicago traffic adds 2-3 hours to many routes, which means drivers need to be experienced with city navigation and have patience for delays. Companies offering Chicago-based positions should factor in detention pay to attract quality drivers.
Intermodal drayage dominates Chicago. Dry van is strong statewide from e-commerce. Flatbed serves manufacturing (Caterpillar, John Deere). Reefer handles food processing (ADM, Tyson) and agricultural freight.
Illinois has 120+ CDL programs producing approximately 10,000 new CDL holders annually. The issue is not supply but retention — many new drivers leave Illinois for states with lower taxes and fuel costs within their first year.