Job Snapshot
Weekly Pay Target $1,550 – $1,900
Mileage Rate $0.65 – $0.75 CPM
Weekly Miles 2,200 – 2,600 Miles
Home Frequency Multiple times per week
Hourly Pay Varies / Hr
Orientation Pay Paid
Freight Touch Level Minimal – Terminal to Terminal
Run Territory IL, IN, WI, IA, MO
Position Overview
We are hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for regional doubles linehaul runs out of our Joliet terminal. This is terminal-to-terminal work moving consolidated LTL freight across the Midwest using 28' pup doubles combinations.
Most runs are scheduled nighttime and overnight departures with tight windows between major terminals in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri. Expect consistent volume from distribution centers and cross-docks with minimal customer stops.
Hiring Corridor: Lanes primarily originate from the Joliet terminal servicing key Midwest hubs along I-55, I-80, I-90, I-94, and I-65.
Schedule & Dispatch Loop
Night and overnight linehaul operations with structured terminal departures. Most drivers run a 5-day schedule depending on freight and terminal needs.
Weekly Shift: Primarily nights/overnight
Work Schedule Pattern: 5 days common
Daily Shift Window: 10-12 Hours Daily
Typical Daily Start Time: Evening departures
Expected Weekend Reset: Varies by dispatch
Dispatch Operations System: Terminal-based scheduling
Typical Day Behind the Wheel
Your shift usually starts in the evening at the Joliet terminal with a full pre-trip on your day cab tractor and assigned doubles pups. You'll hook up, complete paperwork, and pull out on scheduled runs to other Midwest terminals.
Most of the night is spent on the road with drop-and-hook or relay-style operations at destination yards. You swap trailers as needed and head back according to dispatch. Traffic around Chicago can add time, especially on I-55 and I-80 corridors.
Route Coverage & Operations
Active Driving Territory: Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri
Average Trip Distance: 150-400 Miles
Route Type: Regional LTL Linehaul
Primary Corridors & Highways: I-55, I-80, I-90, I-94, I-65
Core Delivery Cities: Indianapolis, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Rockford, Madison, Davenport
Traffic & Route Challenges: Heavy Chicago metro traffic, winter weather, construction on key interstates
Freight Specifications
Primary Commodities: Palletized industrial products, retail freight, manufactured goods, general LTL shipments
Cargo Securing System: 28' Doubles Pup Configurations
Load Profile: Consolidated terminal freight
Reload Frequency: High – Terminal relays common
Standard Trailer Length: 28 Foot Pups
Loading, Unloading & Touch Freight
Freight Touch Level: Minimal – Mostly drop & hook
Touch Freight Details: Terminal trailer swaps and inspections
Drop & Hook Percentage: High Drop & Hook
Live Loading Ratio: Low
Average Scheduled Stops: 2-4 terminal operations 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
We are hiring drivers who live within reasonable driving distance of the Joliet terminal. This helps keep you off the road during off hours and supports consistent home time.
Primary Hiring Cities: Joliet, Chicago suburbs, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, and surrounding areas
Hiring Radius Limit: 75 Miles from Joliet Terminal
Tractor Features & Fleet Specifications
Assigned Sleeper: Day Cab Tractors – Freightliner Cascadia, Volvo VNL, International LT
Average Equipment Age: Mixed fleet
Transmission Setup: Mostly automatic
Governed Speed: Standard linehaul limits
In-Cabin Active Safety Tech: Collision mitigation systems
Electronic Log System: ELD compliant
Fleet Maintenance & Service Program
Company maintenance shops handle routine service at the Joliet terminal and partner facilities. Drivers report issues at the yard for quick turnaround.
Active Support Line: 24/7 roadside assistance available
Repair Hub Locations: Joliet terminal and regional shops
Compensation & Base Earnings
Mileage Rate (Loaded/Empty): $0.65 – $0.75 CPM
Average Weekly Earnings: $1,550 – $1,900 Target
Annual Pay Potential: $77,500 – $95,000 Gross
Payroll Schedule / Frequency: Weekly (Direct Deposit)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the home time frequency on this account? A: Multiple times per week depending on dispatch
Q: Do I need special endorsements to qualify? A: Doubles/triples endorsement required or ability to obtain
Q: What is the target weekly pay for this position? A: $1,550 – $1,900 based on miles and schedule
Q: Is this mostly drop and hook? A: Yes, high percentage of drop and hook at terminals
Q: What kind of equipment will I drive? A: Day cab tractors pulling 28' doubles pups
Local Driver Market & Regional Economy
Joliet sits in one of the busiest freight corridors in the Midwest. With major intermodal yards, warehouses, and distribution centers nearby, there is steady demand for experienced linehaul drivers who can handle doubles equipment on overnight runs.
The Chicago metro area's logistics network keeps freight moving year-round despite winter weather challenges. Drivers based here benefit from short regional hauls that still deliver solid mileage without the long OTR stretches.
