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Hazardous Materials Transport Jobs in Illinois

Illinois is a major hazmat trucking market due to Chicago's position as the nation's rail-to-truck intermodal hub, the petroleum refinery operations in Joliet and Lemont, and the state's chemical manufacturing base. The Chicago area handles hazmat transloading from rail cars to tanker trucks, serving the broader Midwest market. Illinois also has significant agricultural chemical (fertilizer, pesticide) distribution supporting the state's farming sector.

IL Industry Pay

$65,000 - $95,000

Top Employers

5 Companies

National Growth

+6% through 2028

Hazardous Materials Transport in Illinois

Illinois is a major hazmat trucking market due to Chicago's position as the nation's rail-to-truck intermodal hub, the petroleum refinery operations in Joliet and Lemont, and the state's chemical manufacturing base. The Chicago area handles hazmat transloading from rail cars to tanker trucks, serving the broader Midwest market. Illinois also has significant agricultural chemical (fertilizer, pesticide) distribution supporting the state's farming sector.

Top Hazardous Materials Transport Employers in Illinois

1

Kenan Advantage Group (Midwest)

Hazardous Materials Transport · Illinois

2

Quality Carriers

Hazardous Materials Transport · Illinois

3

Ruan Transportation (chemical div)

Hazardous Materials Transport · Illinois

4

Clean Harbors (Chicago)

Hazardous Materials Transport · Illinois

5

Heritage Crystal Clean

Hazardous Materials Transport · Illinois

Requirements for Hazardous Materials Transport in IL

CDL-A with HazMat (H) endorsement and TSA background check
Tanker (N) endorsement for liquid hazmat loads
TWIC card for port and terminal access
Clean criminal background (TSA security threat assessment)
Hazmat handler training (OSHA 49 CFR 172 Subpart H) every 3 years

Equipment Used in Illinois

Chemical tanker trailersMC-306/DOT-406 fuel tankersMC-331 pressurized tankers (LPG)Dry bulk pneumatic trailersIntermodal ISO tank containersFlatbed with hazmat placards

Trucking in Illinois

State CDL Avg

$52,000 - $80,000

Key Industries

Intermodal & rail transfer, Food processing & distribution, Manufacturing & machinery

Major Cities

Chicago, Joliet, Rockford, Springfield

Top Corridors

I-80/I-55 (Joliet intermodal corridor), I-90/I-94 (Chicago metro)

Start Your Hazardous Materials Transport Career in Illinois

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Hazardous Materials Transport in Illinois — FAQ

What types of hazmat trucking are available in Illinois?

Fuel delivery (gasoline tankers to stations statewide), bulk chemical transport (industrial chemicals between plants and distribution points), agricultural chemical delivery (fertilizer, anhydrous ammonia to farm co-ops), hazardous waste hauling (Clean Harbors operations), and intermodal hazmat drayage from Chicago rail yards.

How does Chicago's rail hub create hazmat trucking jobs?

Chicago is where most East-West rail lines converge. Hazmat shipments arriving by rail car require transloading to tanker trucks for last-mile delivery to chemical plants, fuel terminals, and distribution points. This transloading operation employs thousands of CDL-A hazmat drivers across the metro area.

What is anhydrous ammonia hauling in Illinois?

Anhydrous ammonia is a critical fertilizer applied to Illinois farmland each spring and fall. It is one of the most hazardous materials commonly transported (toxic, high-pressure). Drivers hauling anhydrous ammonia from terminals to farm co-ops and applicators need specialized training and equipment.