Dry Van Jobs in Illinois

CDL-A dry van driver positions in Illinois (IL). Average pay: $52,000 - $78,000.

CDL-A$52,000 - $78,000

Illinois Dry Van Pay

$52,000 - $78,000

CDL Required

CDL-A

National Demand

Very High

Dry Van Market in Illinois

The Midwest is dry van country. Chicago alone processes more intermodal freight than any other U.S. city, and the surrounding region is packed with distribution centers serving the nation. I-70 through Indianapolis, I-80 through Iowa, and I-94 through Wisconsin are perpetually busy with dry van trailers. Consumer packaged goods from Procter & Gamble (Cincinnati), packaged foods from General Mills (Minneapolis), and e-commerce from Amazon's sprawling Midwest network keep dry vans full.

About Illinois Trucking

Illinois is the freight capital of North America. Chicago's rail intermodal yards, O'Hare air cargo, and convergence of six major interstates make it the single most important freight hub on the continent. More truck freight originates or terminates in Illinois than any other state.

Key Industries in Illinois

  • Intermodal & rail transfer
  • Food processing & distribution
  • Manufacturing & machinery
  • Agriculture (corn, soybeans)
  • E-commerce fulfillment

Top Dry Van Corridors in Illinois

1

Chicagoland intermodal to regional (I-55/I-80)

2

I-57 Chicago to Memphis (retail freight)

3

I-94 Chicago to Detroit (consumer goods)

4

I-88 western suburbs to Iowa

Companies Hiring Dry Van Drivers in Illinois

Schneider National

#1

J.B. Hunt

#2

Werner Enterprises

#3

Heartland Express

#4

Coyote Logistics

#5

Other Equipment Types in Illinois

HazmatIntermodal / DrayageBox Truck

Dry Van Jobs in Other States

AlabamaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriNebraskaNevadaNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsin

Dry Van Trucking FAQ for Illinois

How much do dry van drivers earn in Illinois?

Dry van driver salaries in Illinois (IL) vary based on experience, endorsements, and the specific freight market. The midwest region's demand for automotive parts, food processing, and agricultural products directly influences pay rates. Top employers include Schneider National, J.B. Hunt, Werner Enterprises, and Heartland Express. Drivers with 3+ years of experience and a clean record typically earn toward the top of the pay range.

What qualifications do I need for dry van jobs in Illinois?

To work as a dry van driver in Illinois, you'll need a CDL-A for full-size trailers — dry van is considered the entry-level equipment type, making it ideal for new CDL holders building their experience. Illinois follows federal CDL testing standards administered through the state's DMV or licensing authority. Most dry van carriers in the midwest region also run background checks and require a current DOT medical card.

What is the job outlook for dry van drivers in Illinois?

The demand for dry van drivers in Illinois remains strong due to the state's role in automotive parts, food processing, and agricultural products. Key freight lanes include Chicagoland intermodal to regional (I-55/I-80) and I-57 Chicago to Memphis (retail freight). The nationwide CDL driver shortage — estimated at over 80,000 unfilled positions — means qualified dry van drivers in Illinois have significant leverage when negotiating pay and home time.