Job Snapshot
Weekly Pay Target $1,250 – $1,550
Hourly Pay $26 – $30 / Hr
Home Frequency Home Daily
Freight Touch Level No-Touch (Containers)
Typical Hours 40–50 / Week
Run Territory Joliet / Will County / SW Chicago Metro
Position Overview
We're looking for experienced CDL-A drivers for local container drayage work out of the Joliet area. You'll handle short-haul moves of ocean and domestic containers between rail ramps like BNSF Logistics Park, Union Pacific facilities, warehouses in Elwood, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, and other spots across southwest Chicago.
Most of the day involves picking up loaded containers, chassis inspections at the terminal, drop-and-hook deliveries, and returning empties. It's steady local work with daily home time, but expect variable days based on rail schedules, terminal lines, and customer appointments.
Primary operations center around the Joliet intermodal corridor along I-55 and I-80, serving major distribution networks in Will County.
Route Coverage & Operations
Active Driving Territory: Joliet / Elwood / Romeoville / Bolingbrook / SW Chicago Metro
Average Trip Distance: 20-80 Miles
Route Type: Local Intermodal Drayage
Primary Corridors & Highways: I-55, I-80, I-355
Core Delivery Cities: Joliet, Elwood, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Shorewood
Traffic & Route Challenges: Rail terminal congestion, Chicago-area commuter traffic, appointment windows
Freight Specifications
Primary Commodities: Intermodal containers (domestic 53', international 20'/40')
Cargo Securing System: Container chassis with twist locks
Load Profile: Pre-loaded containers - no driver loading/unloading
Standard Trailer Length: 20, 40, and 53 foot containers
Hiring Area
We are hiring drivers who live within reasonable driving distance of Joliet. This includes the southwest Chicago suburbs and Will County area. Being local means you can get home every night without long commutes eating into your off time.
Primary Hiring Cities: Joliet, Elwood, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Shorewood, and nearby Will County communities
Hiring Radius Limit: 50 Miles from Joliet Terminal
Tractor Features & Fleet Specifications
Tractor Fleet: Freightliner Cascadia, Peterbilt 579, and International LT day cabs
Average Equipment Age: Late model (mostly automatic transmissions)
Transmission Setup: Primarily Automatic
Governed Speed: Standard local limits
Electronic Log System: Compliant ELD
Fleet Maintenance & Service Program
We keep our equipment in good shape through regular service at local shops. Drivers turn in issues during the day so mechanics can address them before the next shift.
Active Support Line: 24/7 roadside assistance for breakdowns
Repair Hub Locations: Joliet area service partners
Compensation & Base Earnings
Hourly Rate: $26 – $30 per hour (based on experience)
Overtime: Paid after standard thresholds
Average Weekly Earnings: $1,250 – $1,550 (40-50 hours)
Annual Pay Potential: $62,500 – $77,500
Payroll Schedule: Weekly direct deposit
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the home time frequency on this account? A: Home Daily – most shifts end back in the Joliet area
Q: Do I need a TWIC card? A: Preferred but not always required depending on the terminals you service
Q: What is the target weekly pay for this position? A: $1,250 – $1,550 based on 40-50 hours at $26–$30/hr
Q: How many stops per day? A: Typically 4-8 container moves depending on terminal efficiency and volume
Q: Are the tractors automatic? A: Yes, the majority of our day cabs are automatic transmissions
Local Driver Market & Regional Economy
Joliet sits at the heart of one of North America's busiest inland intermodal hubs. With BNSF and Union Pacific rail facilities nearby, plus major warehouses along the I-55 and I-80 corridors, there's consistent container freight moving through Will County year-round.
Drivers in the southwest Chicago suburbs benefit from strong local demand for experienced drayage operators. The work keeps you close to home while staying active in a key logistics market that supports retail, manufacturing, and import/export supply chains across the Midwest.
