Job Snapshot
Weekly Pay Target $1,250 – $1,550
Hourly Rate $28 – $31 / Hr
Home Frequency Home Daily
Run Territory Joliet / Southwest Chicago
Equipment Day Cab Tractors + Container Chassis
Freight Touch Level No-touch container moves
Experience 12+ months preferred
Position Overview
Midwest Rail Logistics is hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for local intermodal container work out of the Joliet rail terminals. You'll handle short-haul moves of domestic and international containers between rail yards, distribution centers, and warehouses in the southwest Chicago area.
This is day cab work with multiple turns per shift. Drivers pick up containers, complete chassis inspections, make customer appointments, and return empties. Most days stay within the Joliet-Will County corridor with occasional runs into the broader Chicago metro.
Operations center around Joliet rail facilities servicing major interstates including I-55, I-80, and I-355.
Typical Day Behind the Wheel
Your shift usually starts with a pre-trip inspection on your assigned day cab tractor at the Joliet terminal. You'll get your container assignments, check the chassis, and head out to pick up loads from rail ramps.
Most of the day involves running between Joliet, Elwood, Romeoville, and nearby warehouses. Expect multiple container turns, gate checks at rail facilities, and customer appointments. You'll return empties and finish with post-trip paperwork.
Route Coverage & Operations
Active Driving Territory: Joliet / Southwest Chicago Metro
Average Trip Distance: 20-80 Miles
Route Type: Local Intermodal Drayage
Primary Corridors & Highways: I-55, I-80, I-355, I-294
Core Delivery Cities: Joliet, Elwood, Romeoville, Minooka, Bolingbrook
Traffic & Route Challenges: Rail terminal congestion, appointment windows, heavy warehouse traffic
Freight Specifications
Primary Commodities: Intermodal Containers (domestic & international)
Cargo Securing System: Container chassis with twist locks
Load Profile: No-touch container transport
Standard Trailer Length: 20', 40', 45', 53' containers
Hiring Area
We are hiring drivers who live within a reasonable commute to the Joliet rail terminals. Priority goes to candidates in Will County and surrounding southwest Chicago suburbs.
Primary Hiring Cities: Joliet, Plainfield, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Shorewood
Hiring Radius Limit: 50 miles from Joliet terminals
Tractor Features & Fleet Specifications
Tractor Fleet: Freightliner Cascadia, Peterbilt 579, International LT Day Cabs
Transmission Setup: Primarily automatic
Average Equipment Age: Mixed fleet, well-maintained
Electronic Log System: Compliant ELD
Fleet Maintenance & Service Program
We keep equipment running through scheduled service at local shops and our terminal area. Drivers report issues through dispatch for quick turnaround.
Active Support Line: 24/7 Roadside Assistance
Repair Locations: Joliet area shops
Compensation & Base Earnings
Hourly Rate: $28.00 – $31.00 per hour
Average Weekly Earnings: $1,250 – $1,550
Annual Pay Potential: $62,500 – $77,500
Payroll Schedule / Frequency: Weekly Direct Deposit
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the home time frequency on this account? A: Home daily
Q: Do I need special endorsements to qualify? A: No Hazmat or Tanker required
Q: What is the target weekly pay for this position? A: $1,250 – $1,550 based on hours worked
Q: Is previous intermodal experience required? A: Preferred but not required — we train qualified drivers
Local Driver Market & Regional Economy
Joliet sits at the heart of one of the busiest intermodal hubs in the country. With major rail facilities and warehouse clusters along I-55 and I-80, drivers here enjoy steady container volume year-round. The southwest Chicago freight corridor supports consistent local work even when long-haul markets slow down.
CDL-A drivers familiar with rail terminal operations and Chicago area traffic patterns do well in this market. Container drayage keeps equipment moving between rail ramps and distribution centers serving the broader Midwest.
