1

Cdl Graduate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

CDL-A Local Driver

Merrillville, IN ยท On-site

$1.8K/wk

Class A Driver - Local Reefer Home daily. Nightshift. Reefer. Off two days between Monday-Thursday. Slip seat Day Cabs. Driver uses pallet jack to deliver. Direct deposit pay every Friday. Three day ...

CDL-A Local Driver

Merrillville, IN ยท On-site

$96K - $97K/yr

CLASS A DRIVER- LOCAL-REEFER * HOME DAILY. * NIGHTSHIFT. * Reefer. * OFF 2 DAYS BETWEEN MONDAY-THURSDAY. * Slip seat Day Cabs. * Driver uses pallet jack to deliver. * Direct Deposit Pay every Friday ...

CDL-A Semi Local Driver

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$500/day

We are looking for Professional experienced drivers to join our family. You will be assigned to dedicated route. Join us Today- We are waiting to talk to you! Proud Equal Employment Opportunity ...

CDL-A Local Driver

Merrillville, IN ยท On-site

$1.8K/wk

Class A Driver - Local Reefer Home daily. Nightshift. Reefer. Off two days between Monday-Thursday. Slip seat Day Cabs. Driver uses pallet jack to deliver. Direct deposit pay every Friday. Three day ...

CDL-A Shuttle Spotter Driver

Joliet, IL ยท On-site

$27 - $28/hr

We are looking for Professional drivers to join our family. You will be assigned to a dedicated account. Join us Today, We are waiting to talk to you! Proud Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We ...

CDL-A Semi Local Driver

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$500/day

We are looking for Professional experienced drivers to join our family. You will be assigned to dedicated route. Join us Today- We are waiting to talk to you! Proud Equal Employment Opportunity ...

CDL-A Semi Local Driver

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $104K/yr

We are looking for Professional experienced drivers to join our family. You will be assigned to dedicated route. Join us Today- We are waiting to talk to you! Proud Equal Employment Opportunity ...

CDL Driver

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

This is a high-travel, field-based CDL driving position requiring travel throughout either Eastern or Western US for extended periods (3-4 months at a time). The CDL Driver operates specialized rail ...

CDL Driver

Wheaton, IL ยท On-site

$25/hr

CDL Driver Founded in 1892, Hines operates multiple locations throughout Illinois, including millwork, wall panel and truss manufacturing facilities, providing specialty building products to ...

CDL Driver

Alsip, IL ยท On-site

$24 - $28/hr

CDL Driver I Founded in 1892, Hines operates multiple locations throughout Illinois, including millwork, wall panel and truss manufacturing facilities, providing specialty building products to ...

CDL Driver

Grayslake, IL ยท On-site

$25/hr

CDL Driver Founded in 1892, Hines operates multiple locations throughout Illinois, including millwork, wall panel and truss manufacturing facilities, providing specialty building products to ...

CDL Driver

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

At Foundation Building Materials (FBM), our CDL Drivers are essential - delivering materials safely, efficiently, and with pride. Enjoy local routes, daily home time, competitive pay, and a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cdl Graduate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$703

$1.6K

$2.1K

How much do cdl graduate jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average weekly pay for cdl graduate in Chicago, IL is $1,568.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,307.69 and $1,744.23 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CDL graduate?

A CDL Graduate job is an entry-level trucking position for individuals who have recently obtained their Commercial Driver's License (CDL). These jobs often provide hands-on training and mentorship to help new drivers gain experience on the road. Many companies offer CDL Graduate programs to assist with the transition from training to full-time driving. Positions may include local, regional, or over-the-road (OTR) routes depending on the employer.

What types of entry-level opportunities are available for CDL graduates, and what can I expect in my first year on the job?

CDL Graduates often start in entry-level positions such as local delivery driver, regional freight driver, or as a trainee alongside experienced mentors. In the first year, you can expect structured training, shorter routes, and hands-on support to help you build confidence and become familiar with company protocols. Many companies offer advancement opportunities, performance-based incentives, and the chance to transition into long-haul or specialized driving roles as you gain experience. The initial focus is on honing your driving skills, understanding safety standards, and learning efficient trip planning, all while adapting to the demands of a professional driving career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the CDL graduate position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CDL Graduate, you need a solid understanding of safe driving practices, traffic laws, and basic vehicle maintenance, typically supported by a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and completion of an accredited training program. Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation, and pre-trip inspection protocols is often required. Strong communication skills, reliability, and a commitment to safety help new drivers excel as they transition into professional roles. These skills ensure the ability to operate commercial vehicles responsibly, adapt to varying routes and schedules, and maintain compliance with industry regulations.

What other jobs can I use my CDL for?

A CDL graduate can pursue various transportation-related jobs such as truck driver, delivery driver, bus driver, or freight hauler. These roles typically require operating large vehicles, adhering to safety regulations, and maintaining a commercial driver's license. Skills gained during CDL training are applicable across many logistics and transportation positions.

What trucking companies hire new CDL graduates?

Many trucking companies hire new CDL graduates, often offering training programs and entry-level driving positions. Companies such as Schneider, Swift, Prime, and CR England are known for recruiting recent graduates and providing support to help them gain experience and obtain their commercial driver's license. These companies typically require a valid CDL and may offer apprenticeship or mentorship programs for new drivers.

What job categories do people searching Cdl Graduate jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cdl Graduate jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cdl Graduate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cdl Graduate job openings:

Infographic showing various Cdl Graduate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,562 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Lead CDL-A Truck Driver Recruiter | Performance-Based

CDL Network

Joliet, IL โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

About us

CDL Network recruits CDL-A drivers and places them with a small group of carriers we've checked out ourselves. We need a Lead CDL-A Truck Drier Recruiter, who is driven and motivated to grow with the company.


Role Description This role is full-time, can be on-site (Joliet IL) or remote. The position is responsible for managing the end-to-end recruiting process for CDL-A truck drivers, including sourcing candidates, conducting initial screenings, communicating with hiring carriers, monitor the team of existing (2) recruiters and provide training and support for the team to hit its targets. It also involves supporting the marketing manager with decision making on advertising and pricing.


The role oversees recruitment campaigns, builds and maintains talent pipelines through job boards, social media, referrals, and partnerships with driving schools, and tracks performance metrics to optimize hiring outcomes. The Lead Recruiter provides guidance to junior recruiters, ensures consistent candidate communication, and supports offer negotiations in line with company policies. This role is performance-based, with measurable targets tied to driver hiring volume, quality of hires, and time-to-fill metrics.


Qualifications

  • Experience in high-volume recruiting specifically for CDL-A truck drivers, with a track record of meeting performance targets.
  • Strong skills in candidate sourcing, screening, pipeline management and using job boards.
  • Knowledge of the trucking and logistics industry, CDL-A requirements, and relevant compliance considerations.
  • Ability to lead and mentor recruiting team members, prioritize multiple requisitions, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse candidates and stakeholders.
  • Comfort with data-driven decision-making, including tracking KPIs, reporting progress, and adjusting strategies based on results.
  • Proficiency with standard office software and online recruiting tools.


What you'll do:

  • Call, text, and email every new lead within minutes of it coming in.
  • Qualify drivers: CDL-A, experience, endorsements, pay and home-time expectations.
  • Present the candidate to the carrier.
  • Coach the junior recruiters and hold the team to the highest standards
  • Give marketing straight feedback on lead quality by source
  • Build a pipeline from drivers to the carriers


How to apply:

  • Send your resume with your experience listed. CDL-A Truck Driver recruiting is a must.
  • If available, provide some data on your previous achievements/hired drivers at your previous relevant job.