CDL-A Regional Midwest Dry Van Driver — Chicagoland Freight Network
Hiring Radius: 100 miles from Joliet, IL
📍 Joliet, Illinois 🚚 Regional Dry Van ⚙️ Late-Model Equipment
● Terminal Location: Joliet, IL
Average Weekly Pay
$1,550 – $1,750
Estimated Annual: $80,000 – $90,000+
Sign-on Bonus: Up to $2,000
Home Time: 1-3 nights out
Driver Type: Company Regional
Job Snapshot
Weekly Pay Target $1,550 – $1,750
Mileage Rate $0.60 – $0.66 CPM
Weekly Miles 2,300 – 2,700 Miles
Home Frequency 1-3 nights out
Hourly Pay Detention & Stop Pay
Orientation Pay Paid
Freight Touch Level 65% Drop & Hook / 35% Live
Run Territory Midwest Regional
Position Overview
We're hiring experienced CDL-A drivers for regional dry van runs out of our Joliet terminal. This account moves retail distribution, consumer goods, packaged foods, industrial supplies, and manufacturing freight across the Midwest. Most freight originates from the big warehouse parks around Joliet, Elwood, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook.
Drivers typically run lanes to Indianapolis, Columbus, Milwaukee, Davenport, and St. Louis. Expect 2,300–2,700 miles per week with a good mix of drop-and-hook and live loads. The schedule keeps you moving but gets you back to the Joliet area several times a week.
This is solid regional work for drivers who want consistent miles without being gone for weeks at a time. The freight stays steady year-round thanks to the volume coming through the Chicagoland logistics network.
Position Highlights
- Late-model tractors (mostly 2020–2024) with assigned trucks when available
- 65% drop-and-hook, 35% live load/unload
- Samsara ELD with forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise, and lane departure warning
- Most runs return through Joliet multiple times per week
- Detention paid after 2 hours and stop pay for additional deliveries
- Steady freight from major distribution centers in the Joliet area
Schedule & Dispatch Loop
Dispatch windows usually start between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Most drivers get their first load the night before or early morning via Samsara. Routes are planned one to two days out but can adjust based on customer needs.
Weekly Shift: Regional – 1-3 nights out
Work Schedule Pattern: Varies with freight – weekend home time when possible
Daily Shift Window: Typically 10–14 hours
Typical Daily Start Time: Early morning departures
Typical Day Behind the Wheel
You start with a pre-trip inspection on your assigned tractor, then head to the customer or drop yard to grab your loaded trailer. Many outbound loads are already staged in the Joliet area. Most runs involve one primary delivery with an occasional second stop.
After unloading or dropping, you'll often pick up a backhaul or head back toward Illinois. Dispatch usually has your next load lined up before you finish the current one. Traffic around the I-80/I-55 area and Chicago expressways is the biggest variable, especially during rush hours.
Route Coverage & Operations
Active Driving Territory: Midwest – IL, IN, OH, WI, IA, MO
Primary Corridors & Highways: I-80, I-65, I-90, I-94, I-55
Core Delivery Cities: Indianapolis, Columbus, Milwaukee, Davenport, St. Louis
Average Trip Distance: Regional turns with multiple stops possible
Freight Specifications
Primary Commodities: Retail goods, consumer products, packaged foods, industrial supplies, manufacturing freight
Cargo Securing System: 53-foot dry van trailers
Reload Frequency: Good backhaul opportunities on most runs
Standard Trailer Length: 53 Foot Dry Vans
Loading, Unloading & Touch Freight
Freight Touch Level: Mostly no-touch with some live load/unload
Drop & Hook Percentage: 65% Drop & Hook
Live Loading Ratio: 35% Live Load / Live Unload
Average Scheduled Stops: 1–2 per day
Driver Safety & HOS Responsibilities
- Complete thorough pre-trip and post-trip inspections on your tractor and trailer
- Verify BOLs, trailer numbers, and seals before leaving the yard or customer
- Communicate delays and detention times to dispatch promptly
- Maintain accurate ELD logs and follow HOS regulations
- Drive defensively through Midwest traffic and variable weather
- Report any equipment issues right away through the maintenance system
Required Experience
- Minimum 12 months of recent verifiable Class A tractor-trailer experience
- At least 21 years of age
- Acceptable MVR and PSP record
- Ability to pass DOT medical and drug screen
- Comfortable with ELD systems and electronic paperwork
License & DOT Requirements
License Class: Active CDL-A License
DOT Medical Certification: Required (Current Medical Card)
Pre-Employment Screening: Clearinghouse Compliant
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Status: Active & Clear
Physical & Medical Standards
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally for securement devices, paperwork, or minor freight handling
- Able to climb in and out of the cab and walk around equipment for inspections
- Pass pre-employment drug test and physical
Hiring Area
We are hiring drivers who live within reasonable driving distance of the Joliet terminal. This helps keep you from burning extra hours just getting to work.
Primary Hiring Cities: Joliet, Chicago suburbs, and surrounding Illinois areas
Hiring Radius Limit: Approximately 100 miles from Joliet
Weekly Mileage Levels
Drivers on this account average between 2,300 and 2,700 dispatched miles per week. The volume out of Joliet keeps things fairly steady with good backhaul support.
Expected Average Miles: 2,300 – 2,700 Miles Weekly
Typical Deadhead Ratio: Low – good reload opportunities
Tractor Features & Fleet Specifications
Assigned Sleeper: Freightliner Cascadia, Kenworth T680, Volvo VNL (2020–2024)
Average Equipment Age: Recent model years
Transmission Setup: Primarily automatic
Sleeper Convenience Pack: Inverter and refrigerator in most sleepers
In-Cabin Active Safety Tech: Forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise, lane departure
Electronic Log System: Samsara ELD
Trailer Equipment Configurations
Trailer Fleet: 53-foot dry vans (2019–2024 models)
Drop & Hook Percentage: 65%
Live Loading Ratio: 35%
Standard Trailer Length: 53 Feet
Fleet Maintenance & Service Program
We handle routine maintenance at our facilities in the Joliet area with vendor support across the Midwest. Roadside assistance is coordinated 24/7 through our maintenance team.
Home Time Frequency
Most drivers are out 1–3 nights per week. Routes are built to bring you back through the Joliet terminal several times weekly. Weekend home time is scheduled when freight allows.
Compensation & Base Earnings
Mileage Rate (Loaded/Empty): $0.60 – $0.66 CPM based on experience
Average Weekly Earnings: $1,550 – $1,750
Payroll Schedule / Frequency: Weekly direct deposit
Stop Pay & Accessorial Rates
Detention Pay: $18 per hour after 2 hours
Additional Stop Pay: $30 per stop after the first
Breakdown Pay: $125 per qualifying breakdown
Safety & Performance Bonuses
- Sign-on Bonus: Up to $2,000 paid in installments
- Safety Bonus: Up to $900 annually
- Quarterly Performance Bonus: Based on on-time performance and compliance
Our Onboarding & Hiring Process
- Submit your application online
- Recruiter will contact you for a phone screen
- Experience and background verification
- Orientation and equipment familiarization
- Get on the road with your first dispatch
Real Route Examples
Common runs include Joliet to Indianapolis via I-80/I-65, Joliet to Columbus via I-80/I-90, Joliet to Milwaukee via I-94, and Joliet to St. Louis via I-55. Many loads start from distribution centers in the Joliet/Elwood area.
Distribution Centers Served
Freight moves in and out of major retail and manufacturing distribution campuses around Joliet, Elwood, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook.
Driver Challenges & Lane Realities
- Chicago Area Traffic: Rush hour congestion on I-80, I-55, and I-294
- Live Unload Delays: Occasional 1–2 hour waits at busier retail facilities
- Weather: Midwest winter conditions on the interstates
Highway Guide & Logistics Corridors
Primary Highway Lanes: I-80, I-55, I-65, I-90, I-94
Weekly Schedule Example
A typical week might include multiple turns out of Joliet with returns mid-week. Weekend resets are usually at home when routing works out.
Pay Calculation Example
At 2,500 miles and $0.62 CPM plus detention and stops, most drivers land in the $1,550–$1,750 range weekly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often will I be home? A: Usually 1-3 nights out with multiple returns to Joliet each week
Q: What kind of freight will I haul? A: Dry van retail, consumer goods, and manufacturing freight
Q: Are trucks assigned? A: Yes, whenever operationally possible
Q: Is this drop and hook? A: About 65% drop-and-hook, 35% live
Local Driver Market & Regional Economy
Joliet sits in one of the strongest inland logistics markets in the country. The area around the CenterPoint Intermodal Center and surrounding warehouse parks generates steady dry van freight moving to Midwest retail and manufacturing destinations. Drivers based here benefit from consistent volume that doesn't disappear during slower seasons.
Major interstates like I-80, I-55, and I-94 give you good access throughout the region while keeping most runs within a reasonable distance for regular home time. CDL-A regional opportunities in the Chicagoland freight corridor remain strong because of the high concentration of distribution activity.
