Trucking in Illinois
Owner-operator guide for Illinois (IL) — rates, freight volume, regulations, top shippers, and everything you need to run profitable lanes through the Springfield state.
Quick Stats
Freight Volume
very highO-O Friendly
6/10
Fuel Tax
46.7 c/gal
Parking
limitedAverage Rates Per Mile
| Equipment | Rate/Mile |
|---|---|
| Dry Van | $2.50 |
| Reefer | $2.80 |
| Flatbed | $3.05 |
Key Highways
I-80I-90I-94I-55I-57I-74I-88
These corridors connect Illinois's major freight cities: Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, Joliet. Knowing these routes is essential for planning efficient loads in and out of the state.
Top Industries
1Logistics/intermodal
2Manufacturing
3Agriculture
4Food processing
5Financial services
Top Shippers
BNSF Logistics Park
Amazon (15+ FCs)
Caterpillar (Peoria)
John Deere
ADM (Decatur)
Walmart DCs
Trucking Regulations
- Highest fuel tax in Midwest
- Chicago congestion — plan extra 2-3 hours
- Tollway fines aggressive — get I-Pass
- Cook County additional diesel tax
- No Jake brake in many towns
Toll Roads & Winter Conditions
Toll Information
Illinois Tollway extensive — I-Pass required; $50-100/week
Winter Conditions
Brutal winters; lake-effect snow near Chicago; I-80 whiteout conditions
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking in Illinois
In Illinois, dry van rates average $2.50/mile, reefer rates average $2.80/mile, and flatbed rates average $3.05/mile. Actual rates vary by lane, season, and load specifics.
Illinois scores 6/10 on our owner-operator friendliness scale. The state has very high freight volume with limited truck parking availability. Key industries driving freight include Logistics/intermodal, Manufacturing, Agriculture.
Key trucking regulations in Illinois include: Highest fuel tax in Midwest. Chicago congestion — plan extra 2-3 hours. Tollway fines aggressive — get I-Pass. Cook County additional diesel tax. No Jake brake in many towns. The state fuel tax rate is 46.7 cents per gallon.
The major freight highways in Illinois are I-80, I-90, I-94, I-55, I-57, I-74, I-88. These corridors connect the state's key freight cities: Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield, Joliet. Illinois Tollway extensive — I-Pass required; $50-100/week.