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Frontend Loader Driver Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

CDL Driver - Front Load

Weldon, IL · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Front-End Drivers operate front-end trucks that provide services to a variety of multi-family ... load is secured prior to transporting the load to the landfill • Sitting is required 75% of the ...

Front-End Drivers operate front-end trucks that provide services to a variety of multi-family ... load is secured prior to transporting the load to the landfill • Sitting is required 75% of the ...

Front-End Drivers operate front-end trucks that provide services to a variety of multi-family ... load is secured prior to transporting the load to the landfill • Sitting is required 75% of the ...

Frontend Loader Driver information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$11

$19

$28

How much do frontend loader driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for frontend loader driver in Champaign, IL is $19.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $22.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Frontend Loader Driver vs Excavator Operator?

AspectFrontend Loader DriverExcavator Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL or specialized loader certificationOperator's license, excavator certification
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, warehouses, mining operationsConstruction sites, demolition, excavation projects
Job DutiesLoading, moving materials, site cleanupDigging, trenching, lifting heavy materials

Both roles require similar certifications and are commonly found in construction and industrial settings. The main difference lies in their equipment and specific tasks: Frontend Loader Drivers operate loaders for loading and moving materials, while Excavator Operators handle digging and trenching with excavators. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and job seekers find the right fit for their skills and project needs.

What is a frontend loader driver?

Frontend Loader Drivers are skilled operators responsible for driving and maneuvering frontend loaders, which are heavy machinery equipped with a large bucket at the front for scooping, lifting, and transporting materials such as soil, gravel, or debris. They play a critical role in construction, mining, agriculture, and waste management industries. Their tasks include loading and unloading materials, maintaining the equipment, and ensuring safe operation in compliance with safety regulations. Frontend Loader Drivers must have strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and usually require appropriate licenses or certifications.

What are some common challenges faced by a frontend loader driver on a construction site?

Frontend Loader Drivers often face challenges such as navigating tight or uneven spaces, working in adverse weather conditions, and ensuring safety around other workers and machinery. They must remain vigilant to avoid accidents, especially when visibility is limited or when operating near pedestrians and sensitive equipment. Effective communication with site supervisors and other equipment operators is essential to coordinate movements and maintain workflow efficiency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a frontend loader driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Frontend Loader Driver, you need solid operational skills, knowledge of safety regulations, and typically a valid heavy equipment operator’s license or certification. Familiarity with loader-specific controls, basic maintenance tools, and sometimes GPS or site management systems is common. Attention to detail, communication, and reliability are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient operation, minimize workplace hazards, and support smooth construction or material handling operations.
What are popular job titles related to Frontend Loader Driver jobs in Champaign, IL? For Frontend Loader Driver jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Frontend Loader Driver jobs in Champaign, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Frontend Loader Driver jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Frontend Loader Driver jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Frontend Loader Driver job openings:

CDL Driver - Front Load

GFL Environmental

Weldon, IL • On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


GFL Environmental rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 171 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 90 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Front-End Drivers operate front-end trucks that provide services to a variety of multi-family residential and commercial routes removing and transporting waste or recyclables in fulfillment of customer contracts. This position will service multiple customers per day according to assigned routes. The waste will then need to be transferred to the appropriate station, landfill or drop-off location.


 

Pay: $25-27/hour, depending on experience

Benefits:

• 15 days of paid time off

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision plan options

• Health Savings Account with employer match option

• Paid Parental Leave

• 401(k) with an employer match up to 4%

• Supplemental health plans through Aflac

• Employer paid basic life insurance

• Employee paid short-term disability option

• Employer-paid long-term disability

• Mental health support through Employee Assistance Program

• 7 paid holidays annually

Key Responsibilities:
• Drive commercial frontload or ancillary equipment along designated routes to mechanically collect solid waste and take to post-collection facilities
• Open container enclosures or gates to access cans. As needed, roll 3-4-yard cans on castors into position for dumping
• Perform daily pre- and post-trip inspections; complete and submit a vehicle condition report at the end of the shift
• Courteously interacts with customers and/or the general public along the route to answer questions or respond to requests; Notify supervisor of issues requiring management action
• Clean loose trash off of truck and/or ground around truck and container that spills during dumping process to maintain clean customer site and safety along roads and highways
• Maintains and submits a logbook, daily route/productivity sheet, and vehicle condition report (post-trip inspection sheet) as required by law or company policy
• Maneuver truck into and out of minimum clearance spaces, using mirrors to back up
• Uses a key map and GPS to locate service addresses
• Follows safe operating practices, including lock out/ tag out procedures to ensure proper operation of the truck
• Monitors operations to detect loose debris, using mirrors or direct sight and/or listening for debris falling onto truck during dumping operation; visually scans customer site before and after dumping
• Follow all safety standards, equipment checks and precautions in performance of all duties. Comply with all federal, state/provincial, local and company rules on safety and vehicle operation.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned
Requirements:
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Minimum of one (1) year commercial truck driving experience OR CDL school certificate
• Must be able to meet relevant criteria for safety sensitive functions according to Company standards
• Must be able to demonstrate the ability to safely drive the truck and operate the equipment
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Knowledge of the truck and its components and the basic maintenance Requirements: for safe operation
• Ability to control operations of equipment; maneuvering truck into and out of minimum clearance spaces, using mirrors to back distances of approximately 120 feet or more
• Ability to recognize unacceptable waste (such as gasoline or other flammable materials)
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend associated documents and maps
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Flexibility to accept and adapt to change as well as the commitment to seek continuous improvement
• Ability to exert muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects up to 50 pounds repetitively using proper lifting techniques
• Ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example: two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting or standing
• Ability to follow all company safety policies and procedures
Physical/Mental Demands:
• Ability to stand, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, climb, balance, and smell.
• Visual Requirements: include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus due to the constant maneuvering of vehicle in tight and high traffic areas.
• Ability to regularly lift/move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift/move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 100 pounds. Occasionally move/push up to 300 pounds.
• Ability to enter and exit truck to open doors to corrals multiple times during a shift
• Ability to climb to top of truck to verify that the load is secured prior to transporting the load to the landfill
• Sitting is required 75% of the time due to the primary function of driving.
• Ability to work in usually loud conditions.
Working Conditions:
• Frequently exposed to loud noise, humidity, rainy/stormy, extreme hot and cold weather conditions (depending on season), moving mechanical parts, vibration, toxic and caustic chemicals, fumes and airborne particles
• Work in outdoor environment up to 100% of the time.
• Works route away from branch location on a continuous basis throughout the day.
• Occasionally work in high precarious places.
• Work in motor vehicle traffic conditions constantly.
• Work environment is usually loud.


 

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.


GFL is committed to equal opportunity for all, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, please contact myworkdayrecruitment@gflenv.com
Please note that GFL does not provide visa sponsorship
 for this position. Valid work authorization in the country where the job is located is required. Successful candidates will be required to provide valid documentation confirming their eligibility to work in the country where the job is located prior to their start date.


This hiring process may utilize machine-based systems to assist in screening and assessing applicants. Final selection decisions are made by our recruitment team.


 


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