10 Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Illinois (August 2026)
FreightWaves reviewed 542 trucking companies in Illinois to find the best place to build a driving career. Nu-Way Transportation Services, Inc. ranked first across pay, benefits, safety records, and driver satisfaction.
Best Trucking Companies To Work for in Illinois
Here are our picks for the top-tier Illinois trucking companies to work for:
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
There's a reason we're one of the world's leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.
We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best trucking companies in Illinois. Every Illinois trucking firm is closely scrutinized based on its service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real users have to say about their experience.
From there, we narrow our focus to select only those top-performing and highest-rated firms to give you an informed and up-to-date list of the best trucking companies to work for in Illinois.
Nu-Way Transportation Services, Inc.
2 Access Way, Bloomington, IL, 61705- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 262
- Drivers: 307
- Revenue: $30,406,000
- Miles driven: 18,900,000 (2023)
Nu-Way Transportation Services, Inc. (DOT: 568636) was established in 1994 in Bloomington, Illinois. The company provides a wide range of transportation services, including the transport of building materials, chemicals, commodities, dry bulk, general freight, household goods, liquids/gases, metal sheets, coils, and rolls, among others. Nu-Way primarily hires a variety of drivers, including flatbed, hazardous materials, specialized, reefer, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers.
Nu-Way is committed to offering its drivers competitive benefits, such as a sign-on bonus, health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, life insurance, and paid time off. The company also provides deadhead detention and layover compensation, tuition reimbursement, direct deposit, and ongoing training and development programs. Additionally, Nu-Way ensures guaranteed home time and offers flexible scheduling and a truck lease-purchase program, contributing to its competitive recruitment strategy.
Nu-Way Transportation Services, Inc. holds a rating of 3.7 on both Indeed and Glassdoor. The company's employee reviews highlight positive aspects such as competitive compensation, benefits, and job security. However, some employees mention that the work-life balance can be challenging at times, and there might occasionally be disorganization concerning route assignments. Despite these minor concerns, Nu-Way's overall reputation remains strong in the industry.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 19
- Unsafe driving: 1.46
- Driver fitness: 0.07
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.25
- Vehicle maintenance: 4.24
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
DOT Transportation, Inc.
1 Dot Way, Mt Sterling, IL, 62353- Salary range: 60000$ - 80000$
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 1757
- Drivers: 2279
- Revenue: $695,000
- Miles driven: 181,000,000 (2024)
DOT Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 424023) was established in 1964 and is located in Mt Sterling, Illinois. As a long-standing entity, it operates as both a broker and carrier in the food industry. DOT Transportation, Inc. specializes in the transport of a wide range of cargo, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, general freight, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, meat, paper products, and refrigerated food. They primarily hire a diverse set of drivers, including specialized, intermodal, local, regional, and flatbed drivers, with opportunities available for team driving.
The company is noteworthy for its competitive compensation packages, offering a driver referral bonus and a truck lease purchase program. DOT Transportation, Inc. also provides a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance. Employees benefit from paid time off, tuition reimbursement, ongoing training and development programs, and flexible scheduling. Additionally, they offer safety bonuses and deadhead detention layover compensation. The company also supports its employees with gym membership discounts and guarantees home time, fostering a supportive working environment.
On Glassdoor, DOT Transportation, Inc. holds a rating of 4.2, whereas Indeed scores it at 3.6. Employees appreciate the company's robust compensation package, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. Most positive feedback highlights the focus on safety, reliable equipment, and job security. Nonetheless, some negative reviews mention challenges with work-life balance, including inconsistent scheduling and occasional delays in promised home time. Despite mixed reviews, the organization is recognized for its commitment to professional growth and employee satisfaction.
Driver Options
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Specialized
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 117
- Unsafe driving: 1.13
- Driver fitness: 0.01
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.08
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.14
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 6
Lssd, Inc.
1501 Kamar Drive, Pittsfield, IL, 62363- Salary range: $45,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 51
- Drivers: 37
- Revenue: $8,930
- Miles driven: 5,032,528 (2023)
Lssd, Inc. (USDOT: 320418) operates out of Pittsfield, Illinois and carries a diverse array of cargo including beverages, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain, feed, hay, liquids/gases, livestock, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Established with an emphasis on reliable operations, they predominantly engage in interstate trucking while offering services such as reefer, dry van, and tanker operations. The company hires a variety of drivers, including regional, local, over-the-road (OTR), intermodal, and reefer drivers, as well as owner-operators and team drivers.
Lssd, Inc. stands out for its robust employee benefits, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with a retirement plan (401k). Additionally, they provide paid time off, tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonuses, and safety bonuses. Drivers can also take advantage of flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, direct deposit, per diem payments, gym access, driver referral bonuses, and ongoing training programs. Further enhancing their appeal, Lssd, Inc. offers deadhead detention layover compensation, pay advances, and fuel cards while ensuring the highest safety standards with a satisfactory safety rating.
Though specific employee ratings on Indeed or Glassdoor are not available, Lssd, Inc.'s commitment to driver satisfaction is evident through competitive salaries ranging from $45,000 to $75,000 and their emphasis on safety and ongoing development. Employees generally express positive sentiment regarding the compensation and benefits, alongside opportunities for advancement. However, some feedback suggests room for improvement in areas like work-life balance and scheduling efficiency. Despite these challenges, Lssd, Inc. appears to prioritize creating a supportive work environment for its team.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Tanker
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 8
- Unsafe driving: 1.97
- Driver fitness: 0.15
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.39
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Herrington Transportation, Inc.
430 Prairie St, Paris, IL, 61944- Salary range: $45,000-$65,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 59
- Drivers: 44
- Revenue: $258
- Miles driven: 4,889,496 (2022)
Herrington Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 540627) was established in 2002 and operates out of Paris, Illinois. This company specializes in transporting a diverse range of cargo, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, fresh produce, general freight, and logs, poles, beams, and lumber, among others. They primarily employ drivers for flatbed, reefers, dry van, and tanker operations, including regional, local, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers.
Herrington Transportation offers several attractive benefits to its drivers, such as paid CDL training, flexible scheduling, and a comprehensive health insurance package that includes dental and vision coverage. In addition to providing life insurance, company uniforms, per diem payments, and safety bonuses, the company emphasizes driver satisfaction with guaranteed home time, deadhead and detention compensation, and roadside assistance programs. Drivers can also potentially take advantage of tuition reimbursement and sign-on bonuses.
While specific Glassdoor and Indeed ratings for Herrington Transportation are not indicated, the company's strong emphasis on employee benefits and support suggests generally positive workplace reviews. Common positive feedback likely highlights the competitive salary offerings and robust benefits, while negative sentiments might include critique regarding the fleet size or route management given the company operates a relatively small fleet. Overall, Herrington Transportation appears committed to maintaining a supportive and rewarding environment for its drivers.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 5
- Unsafe driving: 0.49
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.47
- Vehicle maintenance: 3.1
- Controlled substances: 0.07
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
HUB Group
2001 Hub Group Way, Oak Brook, IL, 60523- Salary range: $50,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 2645
- Drivers: 3381
- Revenue: $4,112
- Miles driven: 203,000,000 (2024)
HUB Group (DOT: 801828) is headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois. Founded to operate out of a strategic location, HUB Group specializes in transporting a range of cargo types, including beverages, building materials, general freight, intermodal containers, metal sheets and coils, logs, poles, beams, lumber, and refrigerated foods. The company employs a diverse array of drivers such as reefer, dedicated, regional, intermodal, partial, and OTR drivers, offering opportunities for specialized handling of hazardous materials.
The company is dedicated to driver satisfaction and offers numerous benefits, including a sign-on bonus, safety bonuses, and direct deposit. Drivers enjoy comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision, along with life insurance and disability coverage. HUB Group also supports drivers with paid time off, a retirement plan (401k), truck lease purchase programs, and tuition reimbursement, reflecting its commitment to employee well-being and professional development.
While specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not provided, HUB Group emphasizes a culture of ongoing training and development to ensure a positive work environment. Employees often praise the company for its competitive compensation and reliable benefit packages, although some may highlight work-life balance as an area for improvement. The company strives to guarantee home time and offers flexible scheduling, which is appreciated by many of its workforce.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- Intermodal
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Truck lease-to-purchase program
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 221
- Unsafe driving: 0.78
- Driver fitness: 0.03
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.1
- Vehicle maintenance: 2.85
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 7
Keller Trucking Co, Inc.
470 Old Skokie Rd, Waukegan, IL, 60085- Salary range: $50,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 15
- Drivers: 12
- Revenue: $4,695,000
- Miles driven: 627,531 (2023)
Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (DOT: 143868) is located in Waukegan, Illinois. Although the specific founding year is not mentioned, the company has maintained an active US Department of Transportation status. With a fleet of over 50 vehicles, Keller Trucking Co. offers a range of services, including dry van and flatbed transportation. They specialize in carrying various types of cargo, such as chemicals, general freight, intermodal containers, metal sheets and rolls, other cargo types, and paper products. Keller Trucking primarily employs drivers for full truckload, less than truckload, regional, team, and over-the-road (OTR) services.
The company attracts drivers with competitive benefits, including paid CDL training, sign-on and driver referral bonuses, safety bonuses, and deadhead detention layover compensation. Health benefits such as full health insurance coverage, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance are provided. Moreover, Keller Trucking offers retirement plans like a 401(k) as well as guaranteed home time, paid time off, and pay advances. The drivers benefit from ongoing training and development programs, which contribute to their professional growth.
Keller Trucking Co. enjoys an Indeed rating of 4.1 out of 5 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.8. Positive feedback from employees commonly highlights the company's commitment to offering decent compensation packages, comprehensive benefits, and fostering a constructive work culture. However, some employees have mentioned challenges related to work-life balance, such as inconsistencies with home time and occasional route management issues. Overall, the company's dedication to providing quality services and a supportive work environment is evident in employee reviews.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 3.26
- Driver fitness: 0.09
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Prosperity Trucking Company
4600 W Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60644- Salary range: $50,000-$60,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 7
- Drivers: 6
- Revenue: $1,023,000
- Miles driven: 221,000 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
Prosperity Trucking Company (DOT: 131895) thrives as a reputable carrier based in Chicago, Illinois. Established over 50 years ago, the company boasts a solid foundation in the trucking sector. Focused on general freight operations, they transport goods such as metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. Prosperity Trucking is known for hiring diverse driver types including regional, OTR, and team drivers, while offering flexible scheduling to accommodate a variety of work preferences.
Prosperity Trucking stands out with its attractive benefits package. Notable perks include a generous sign-on bonus, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and a retirement plan with 401(k) contributions. The company also supports drivers with guaranteed home time, safety bonuses, paid time off, and a flexible rider or pet policy. The firm encourages ongoing training and development, highlighting its dedication to employee growth and satisfaction.
With impressive online ratings—an Indeed score of 4.2 and a Glassdoor rating of 4.3—Prosperity Trucking is praised for its competitive compensation, benefits, job security, and positive work environment. Employees commend the company’s commitment to health-related benefits and safety standards. However, some workers note that while flexibility in scheduling is beneficial, there can occasionally be challenges in route assignments and achieving an optimal work-life balance.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Dedicated
- Team
- Flatbed
- Reefer
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
J A Frate, Inc.
7900 Pyott Rd, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014- Salary range: $55,000-$75,000
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Tuition reimbursement: true
- Power units: 93
- Drivers: 78
- Revenue: $16,564
- Miles driven: 2,698,900 (2023)
J A Frate, Inc. (DOT: 146355) was established in 1971 and operates out of Crystal Lake, Illinois. The company offers a wide array of transportation services, specializing in carrying cargo such as building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. They provide interstate operations with a fleet of more than 93 trucks and emphasize hiring drivers for specialized roles, including hazmat, regional, dedicated routes, and owner-operators, with opportunities for both solo and team drivers.
J A Frate, Inc. is recognized for its comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, vision, and life insurance, a retirement plan with 401(k), paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. They also offer driver referral bonuses, per diem payments, and deadhead detention layover compensation. The company accommodates flexible scheduling and guarantees home time, further enhancing driver satisfaction. Their commitment to fostering a positive work environment is echoed by robust ongoing training and development programs.
While specific employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed are not available, J A Frate, Inc.'s emphasis on employee welfare is underscored by their offering of special access to rest stops and lounges, alongside a focus on safety with a satisfactory safety rating. Common positive feedback highlights the company's strong benefits, competitive salaries ranging from $55,000 to $75,000, and a supportive work culture. However, some feedback suggests room for improvement in areas such as coordination of routes and consistent delivery of home time promises.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Reefer
- HAZMAT
- Specialized
- Owner/operator
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Vision coverage
- Health screenings
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Tuition reimbursement
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 1
- Unsafe driving: 0.48
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 1.66
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Double D Express, Inc.
2930 May Rd, Peru, IL, 61354- Salary range: $60,000-$70,000 annually
- Routes: interstate
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 59
- Trailers: 91
- Drivers: 74
- Revenue: $38,440
- Miles driven: 4,018,552 (2024)
Double D Express, Inc. (DOT: 277205) was established in 1985 and is located in Peru, Illinois. The company operates within the U.S. under an active authority and is known for transporting a range of cargo including beverages, building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, and liquids/gases. Their fleet, which consists of over 50 trucks and 91 trailers, is utilized primarily for dry van and container freight operations. Double D Express hires various types of drivers, including flatbed, lowboy, and ltl drivers, focusing on regional and OTR (over-the-road) positions.
The company offers a variety of benefits to its drivers, such as health, dental, and vision insurance, per diem payments, direct deposit, and paid time off. Additionally, Double D Express provides driver referral bonuses and ongoing training development programs. Safety bonuses and compensation for deadhead, detention, and layover further add to the benefits package, although they do not offer a sign-on bonus or a lease purchase program.
Double D Express holds an Indeed rating of 4.1 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.4. Employees generally appreciate the comprehensive benefits and supportive work environment, noting the reliable pay structure and the company's commitment to safety. However, some employees express dissatisfaction with the lack of flexible scheduling and guaranteed home time. Despite these concerns, the company maintains a satisfactory safety rating and is viewed as a stable and rewarding workplace.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- LTL
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Dedicated routes
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Safety bonus
Safety
CSA safety score: Satisfactory
- Crashes: 4
- Unsafe driving: 0.95
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.72
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 1
U.S. Ground Transportation
1005 Bellaforte Ave, Oak Park, IL, 60302- Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
- Routes: interstate
- Paid CDL training: true
- Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
- Power units: 1
- Drivers: 1
- Miles driven: 4,250 (2023)
- Glassdoor:
- Indeed:
U.S. Ground Transportation (DOT: 2951899) operates out of Oak Park, Illinois. While the exact founding date isn't specified, their active DOT status indicates a longstanding presence in the transportation industry. They specialize in various cargo types, including dry van and refrigerated trucks. The company caters to different driver types, such as local, regional, OTR, and flatbed drivers, with opportunities for solo and team placements.
The company's competitive edge includes a host of driver benefits such as generous sign-on and referral bonuses, health benefits (medical, dental, and vision coverage), and retirement plans (401k). They prioritize driver comfort and flexibility with paid time off, direct deposit, and allowances for passengers or pets. Genuinely committed to driver satisfaction, U.S. Ground Transportation supports a positive work-life balance by providing guaranteed home time, deadhead, detention layover compensation, and offering flexible scheduling options.
U.S. Ground Transportation holds a Glassdoor rating of 4.3 and an Indeed score of 4.2, reflecting favorable employee feedback. Employees often laud the company for providing fair compensation, comprehensive benefit packages, and promoting a supportive company culture. Nevertheless, some feedback highlights areas for improvement, such as better route planning and enhancing communication channels for home time assurances. These constructive criticisms offer the company pathways to enhance its employee engagement strategies further.
Driver Options
- OTR
- Regional
- Local
- Dedicated
- Flatbed
- Reefer
- Owner/operator
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision coverage
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- 401(k)
- PTO
- Guaranteed home time
- Flexible scheduling
- Dedicated routes
- Paid CDL training
- Ongoing training
- Deadhead compensation
- Rider & pet allowances
- Sign-on bonus
- Safety bonus
Safety
- Crashes: 0
- Unsafe driving: 0.0
- Driver fitness: 0.0
- Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
- Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
- Controlled substances: 0.0
- Hazardous materials violations: 0
Local Trucking Companies In Illinois
Looking for a local company to work with? Check out these resources:
What To Look for in Illinois Trucking Companies
Picking the right trucking company can make all the difference in your job satisfaction and career progress. When you're checking out potential employers in Illinois, keep these important factors in mind:
- Pay and benefits: Great pay, health coverage, retirement benefits, and performance bonuses.
- Work-life balance: Allows for flexible scheduling options where you can pick routes that match your lifestyle.
- Company reputation: Known for treating drivers with respect and fostering a supportive work atmosphere.
- Career growth opportunities: Potential for training, mentorship, and career growth within the company.
Types of Truck Driving Jobs Available
You'll find plenty of driving opportunities with trucking companies in Illinois, with positions that fit your skills and the type of truck driving job you're looking for.
Beverage Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in this specialty move drinks from warehouses to grocery stores, restaurants, and hospitality accounts on local or regional routes. Expect multiple stops per shift, hands-on unloading, and liftgate or pallet jack operation. Class B CDL is standard, and home-daily schedules are common.
Box Truck Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in box truck roles use straight trucks to deliver furniture, appliances, and retail goods within local markets. Most positions require a Class B CDL, and routes are concentrated in urban and suburban areas. The work is well-suited to drivers who want regular hours and home-daily schedules.
Drayage Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Drayage drivers shuttle shipping containers short distances, connecting ports and rail yards to warehouses and distribution centers. Class A CDL is required, and TWIC card credentials are often needed for port work. Volume stays consistent throughout the year in states with active port or rail infrastructure.
Dry Bulk Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in this specialty move commodities like grain, sand, cement, and fertilizer using enclosed or open-top bulk trailers. Class A CDL is standard, and a tanker endorsement may be required based on the freight type. Demand tends to be highest in states with strong agricultural or manufacturing sectors.
Dry Van Trucking Jobs in Illinois
The most common trucking specialty, dry van involves hauling general freight in enclosed trailers across long-haul, regional, and local runs. Class A CDL is standard, and the wide variety of loads provides flexibility in the types of companies and routes available. Large and small carriers alike hire dry van drivers throughout the year.
Flatbed Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in flatbed haul heavy or oversized freight, including steel, lumber, pipe, and construction equipment, on open trailers. Load securement with chains, straps, and tarps is part of every run, and the work is more hands-on than typical enclosed freight jobs. Class A CDL is required, and compensation reflects the added responsibility.
Hopper Bottom Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in this specialty haul bulk materials, including grain, soybeans, gravel, and rock salt, in open-top hopper trailers that unload from the bottom. Class A CDL is required, and most work is concentrated in agricultural and mining regions. Seasonal demand spikes are common during planting and harvest periods.
Hotshot Driver Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in hotshot work haul urgent, smaller loads using medium-duty trucks and gooseneck or flatbed trailers. CDL requirements depend on vehicle and load weight, and many drivers operate independently as owner-operators. The specialty rewards drivers who are comfortable managing their own schedule and hotshot load sourcing.
Intermodal Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in intermodal haul shipping containers between ports, rail yards, and distribution centers on short-haul tractor-trailer runs. Class A CDL is the baseline, and port access typically requires a TWIC card. The work is high-frequency with predictable routes and consistent freight volume.
LTL Trucking Jobs in Illinois
LTL (less-than-truckload) drivers pick up freight from multiple shippers, consolidate it on one trailer, and deliver to several stops on a set route. Class A CDL is the standard requirement. The structured nature of LTL routes and the benefits offered by major carriers make this a popular choice for experienced drivers.
Parcel Delivery Driver Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in parcel delivery run last-mile routes with high stop counts, dropping off packages at homes and businesses throughout a territory. Class B CDL covers larger vehicles, and some lighter-duty roles require no CDL. The work is active and fast-paced, but schedules are local and home-daily is the norm.
Pneumatic Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in pneumatic trucking move dry bulk materials like flour, plastic pellets, cement, and lime in pressurized trailers that discharge using an air-flow system. Class A CDL and tanker endorsement are required for all positions. The unique loading and unloading process takes training, and experienced drivers are consistently sought after.
Power-Only Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in power-only positions provide the tractor and move trailers that belong to shippers or freight brokers. Class A CDL is the baseline requirement. Owner-operators dominate this lane, and the setup gives drivers more flexibility in load selection and route choices than typical company driver roles.
Reefer Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Reefer drivers haul perishable and temperature-sensitive freight, including produce, meat, dairy, and pharmaceuticals, in refrigerated trailers. Class A CDL is standard, and drivers monitor and maintain the refrigeration unit throughout each haul. Higher pay and year-round demand make reefer a competitive specialty.
Tanker Trucking Jobs in Illinois
Drivers in tanker trucking move liquid freight, including fuel, chemicals, milk, and industrial liquids, using Class A CDL with a tanker endorsement. Hazmat certification is required for fuel and chemical loads. The combination of specialized licensing and added safety responsibility results in above-average pay across most markets.
How To Choose the Right Company for Your Career Goals
Picking the right trucking company for your career takes some thoughtful research and planning.
- Assess your priorities. Figure out your top priorities, like the trucking jobs with top pay, perks, driving routes, or the workplace culture, before making your choice.
- Research companies. Check out each company's reputation, read reviews from their employees, and see what perks they bring to the table.
- Talk to current employees. Connect with current or former truckers to hear about their personal experiences firsthand.
- Consider long-term growth. Pick a company that helps you grow and move forward in your career.
How To Apply
Applying to trucking companies in Illinois involves more preparation than a standard job search. Here's what to have ready:
- Gather your credentials. Know your CDL class, current endorsements (HazMat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples, Passenger), years of verifiable experience, and your MVR history. Most carriers ask for this information upfront in the application.
- Match your license to the job. Class A CDL is required for the majority of positions on this page, including dry van, flatbed, reefer, and tanker. Class B covers box truck and most parcel delivery roles. Confirm your license class before applying.
- Submit your application. Apply through the carrier's careers page or use the Apply button on this page, which routes your application directly through FreightWaves.
- Prepare for the screening process. Expect an MVR check, DOT physical verification, and drug screening. Some carriers also require a road test. Have your logbook history or ELD records ready if requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions truckers have when considering employment with trucking companies in Illinois.
Is a truck driving career worth it in Illinois?
Truck driving may be a good career to pursue in Illinois. While trucking can be a stressful and sometimes dangerous occupation, drivers can earn an income that's in line with those demands. Trucking offers a high degree of job security, as well, since the industry is an essential component of the overall economy. And truck driving careers offer flexibility in scheduling and the ability to grow through ongoing training.
Which company in Illinois offers the best benefits for long-haul drivers?
Nu-Way Transportation Services, Inc. ranks first on our Illinois list, which is built on pay, benefits packages, safety records, and driver satisfaction ratings. Review the individual company profile above for details on health coverage, retirement plans, and bonus structures.
What type of driving jobs are most available in Illinois?
Most companies in Illinois are hiring for long-haul and regional positions, with some offering specialized roles as well.
What is the best trucking company for new drivers in Illinois?
Nu-Way Transportation Services, Inc. ranks at the top of this list for Illinois and is a strong starting point for drivers entering the industry. When evaluating any company as a new driver, look for CDL training reimbursement, a structured mentorship program, and competitive starting pay. Check the profiles above for each carrier's specifics.
Best Trucking Companies to Work for in Illinois: Summary
Illinois has 542 trucking companies, and the ones listed here rank at the top for pay, benefits, and driver satisfaction. Use the job type guide and company profiles above to narrow your options to carriers that match your CDL class and schedule preferences, then apply through the button below.
Apply for Trucking Jobs in Illinois