Job Snapshot
Weekly Pay Target $1,250 – $1,520
Mileage Rate N/A (Hourly)
Weekly Miles Low (Yard-focused)
Home Frequency Home Daily
Hourly Pay $29.00 – $32.00 / Hr
Orientation Pay Paid
Freight Touch Level Minimal (Trailer spotting & movement)
Run Territory Joliet Distribution Yard & immediate local area
Position Overview
Midwest Logistics Partners is actively seeking professional CDL-A drivers for an immediate vacancy in our yard operations division at the Joliet Distribution Center. This local position focuses on trailer movement and yard management to support continuous warehouse loading, unloading, and outbound dispatch.
Drivers will operate terminal tractors within the large distribution facility and occasionally on short public road transfers between nearby lots. The role emphasizes safe, efficient trailer spotting, precision backing, and coordination with yard coordinators in a busy Midwest logistics hub.
Hiring Corridor: Primary operations centered at the Joliet Distribution Center servicing regional warehouses and cross-dock facilities connected via I-55, I-80, and local industrial corridors.
Schedule & Dispatch
Operations run 24/7 to match warehouse activity. Shifts are structured to support continuous trailer movement while complying with FMCSA Hours of Service rules.
Weekly Shift: 5x8 or 4x10 hour shifts (with OT availability)
Work Schedule Pattern: Rotating shifts including nights and weekends
Daily Shift Window: 8–12 Hours Daily
Typical Daily Start Time: Varies by shift (early AM, day, evening, overnight)
Expected Weekend Reset: Home Daily with weekend work often required
Dispatch Operations System: Radio, handheld devices, and yard management systems
Typical Day in the Yard
Your shift starts with a thorough pre-trip inspection of your assigned yard tractor (Ottawa, Capacity, or similar). You receive assignments from yard coordinators and begin moving loaded and empty 53' dry van trailers between dock doors, staging areas, inspection lanes, and outbound parking.
Throughout the day you perform dozens of trailer spots, communicate via radio with warehouse teams, report equipment issues, and maintain safe speeds in a busy yard environment with forklifts, hostlers, and pedestrian traffic.
Operations & Territory
Active Driving Territory: Joliet Distribution Center yard and immediate local industrial area (IL, occasional short moves to nearby facilities)
Average Trip Distance: Very short (yard moves and local transfers)
Route Type: Yard Jockey / Local Shuttle
Primary Corridors & Highways: I-55, I-80, I-355 access roads and industrial corridors
Core Delivery Cities: Joliet and greater Chicago logistics region
Traffic & Route Challenges: Busy yard traffic, tight backing, weather impacts on lot conditions
Freight Specifications
Primary Commodities: Consumer packaged goods, retail merchandise, household products, general dry freight
Cargo Securing System: 53' Dry Van Trailers
Load Profile: Palletized freight in dry vans
Reload Frequency: High volume trailer exchanges
Standard Trailer Length: 53 Foot Trailers
Trailer Movement & Yard Operations
Freight Touch Level: Minimal (primarily spotting and repositioning)
Touch Freight Details: Trailer coupling/uncoupling, basic inspections
Drop & Hook Percentage: High (yard spotting focus)
Live Loading Ratio: N/A – Support role for warehouse teams
Average Scheduled Stops: Dozens of trailer moves per shift
License & DOT Requirements
License Class: Active CDL-A License
DOT Medical Certification: Required (DOT Medical Card)
Pre-Employment Screening: Clearinghouse Compliant
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Status: Active & Clear Registration
PSP Record Standard: Verified Safe Driving History
Hiring Area
Priority hiring for drivers living within reasonable commuting distance of the Joliet Distribution Center. This local yard role allows you to return home every day without long commutes burning into personal time.
Primary Hiring Cities: Joliet, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Romeoville, and surrounding Chicago suburbs
Hiring Radius Limit: 50 Miles from Joliet Distribution Center
Yard Tractor Features & Fleet Specifications
Assigned Equipment: Ottawa, Capacity, and Kalmar yard tractors
Average Equipment Age: Mixed model years in daily service
Transmission Setup: Primarily automatic
In-Cabin Active Safety Tech: Backup cameras on select units
Carrier Fleet Size: Focused terminal fleet supporting high-volume distribution
Compensation & Base Earnings
Hourly Rate: $29.00 – $32.00 / Hour
Average Weekly Earnings: $1,250 – $1,520 Target
Annual Pay Potential: $62,500 – $76,000 Gross
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: Standard CDL-A (no hazmat or tanker typically required)
Q: What is the target weekly pay for this position? A: $1,250 – $1,520 (based on $29–$32/hr plus OT)
Q: Is this primarily yard work or road driving? A: Primarily yard jockey operations with occasional short local transfers
Local Driver Market & Regional Economy
Joliet, Illinois serves as a major inland logistics gateway with excellent access to Interstate 55, I-80, and rail terminals. The distribution center environment offers stable local employment for CDL-A drivers who prefer yard and short-haul operations over long-distance OTR.
