Access our pool of pre-screened power only drivers in Illinois. Class A CDL holders with 1+ years OTR with various trailer types experience, placed within 48-72 hours.
Demand
very high
Adj. Wage
$55,000-$70,000/year
Placement
48-72 hours
State Pool
85,000+
CDL Required
Class A
Power Only Driver Requirements in Illinois
Credentials Needed
CDL Class:Class A
Endorsements:None required
Experience:1+ years OTR with various trailer types
Wage Range:$55,000-$70,000/year
Equipment-Specific Skills
Experience coupling and uncoupling various trailer types
Familiarity with trailer inspection and pre-trip procedures
Adaptability to different trailer handling characteristics
GPS-equipped tractor for real-time trailer tracking
Illinois Market for Power Only Drivers
Top Cities for Power Only Hiring in Illinois
#1
Chicago
#2
Rockford
#3
Joliet
#4
Peoria
#5
Springfield
#6
Champaign
Employers Driving Power Only Demand in Illinois
Amazon (15+ FCs)Caterpillar (Peoria)BNSF Logistics Park (Joliet)Walmart DCsADM (Decatur)
Why Hire Power Only Drivers in Illinois
Chicago is the #1 intermodal hub in North America
I-80/I-90/I-55/I-57 intersection creates the densest freight network
BNSF and UP rail hubs generate massive drayage demand
Manufacturing base provides consistent flatbed freight
Central location reaches 80% of US population within one day
What Our Power Only Drivers Bring to Your Illinois Operation
Flexibility — can run different trailer types on different lanes
Lower overhead for owner-operators (no trailer payment)
Access to more load options through broker networks
Good fit for drivers who want variety in their freight
Popular option for fleet expansion without capital investment
Our typical placement time for power only drivers is 48-72 hours. In Illinois, where demand is very high, availability may be tighter — we recommend submitting requests as early as possible.
Power Only drivers in Illinois typically earn $55,000-$70,000/year. This reflects the state's very high demand level and the Class A requirement. Chicago and Rockford tend to offer the highest rates.
Power Only drivers in Illinois need a Class A CDL. We verify all credentials as part of our screening process. Illinois has 120+ CDL schools producing new CDL holders.
The top cities for power only driver demand in Illinois are Chicago, Rockford, Joliet, Peoria. Major employers driving this demand include Amazon (15+ FCs), Caterpillar (Peoria), BNSF Logistics Park (Joliet).
Our Illinois power only driver pool draws from 85,000+ CDL holders statewide. We deliver a 69% turnover rate versus the 91% industry average, saving you the $8,000-$12,000 cost of replacing a driver. Chicago is the #1 intermodal hub in North America.