ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Local Class A Owner Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

ARL Network

CDL A Owner Operator

Chicago, IL

$2.5K - $3.5K/wk

At least 23 years of age * 2 years verifiable Class A CDL tractor-trailer experience, including 6 ... Local intermodal: in and out of the rail yards every day -- no over-the-road, no weeks away from ...

ARL Network

CDL A Owner Operator

Joliet, IL

$2.5K - $3.5K/wk

At least 23 years of age * 2 years verifiable Class A CDL tractor-trailer experience, including 6 ... Local intermodal: in and out of the rail yards every day -- no over-the-road, no weeks away from ...

New World Van Lines

CDL A Owner Operator

Chicago, IL

We are seeking a skilled and reliable CDL Class A Owner Operator to join our team at New World Van Lines. As a crucial member of the New World Van Lines team, this position will be responsible for ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Livingston, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Elwood, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Green Valley, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Beaverville, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Troy Grove, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Lebanon, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Big Rock, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Huey, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Waterloo, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Hebron, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

Forward Air

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Chicago, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Best-in-class miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week across Forward's closed ... A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner ...

DSL Express

Class A Owner - Operator OTR Driver

Alsip, IL · On-site

$312K - $460K/yr

DSL Express is NOW HIRING OWNER OPERATORS who want to make good money with a great company! Very ... Must have Class A CDL. Additional Endorsements a bonus. * Must have 2+ yrs CDL Exp. * Must have ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLocal Class A Owner Operator JobsLocal Class A Owner Operator Jobs in Illinois

Local Class A Owner Operator information

See Illinois salary details

$624

$4.3K

$7.4K

How much do local class a owner operator jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average weekly pay for local class a owner operator in Illinois is $4,259.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $2,328.85 and $6,336.54 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a local Class A owner operator?

A Local Class A Owner Operator is a professional truck driver who owns and operates their own commercial vehicle (usually a tractor-trailer) and holds a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). They typically contract with transportation companies or find their own freight, focusing on local or regional routes that allow them to return home daily or frequently. As independent business owners, they are responsible for managing their business operations, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with safety regulations. This role offers more autonomy compared to company drivers but also comes with the responsibility of handling all business-related expenses and logistics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a local Class A owner operator?

To excel as a Local Class A Owner Operator, you need a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a clean driving record, and knowledge of DOT regulations. Familiarity with electronic logging devices (ELDs), GPS navigation systems, and basic truck maintenance tools is typically required. Strong time management, self-motivation, and customer service skills help build client relationships and ensure on-time deliveries. These competencies are vital for maintaining safety, efficiency, and business profitability in local freight operations.

What are some common challenges faced by local Class A owner operators, and how can they be managed effectively?

Local Class A Owner Operators often face challenges such as managing their own schedules, maintaining their vehicles, and ensuring consistent work through contracts or freight brokers. Balancing time on the road with administrative tasks like invoicing and compliance paperwork can also be demanding. Effectively managing these challenges involves strong organizational skills, building reliable relationships with shippers or dispatchers, and staying proactive with vehicle maintenance to avoid unexpected downtime. Many operators find that joining reputable carrier networks or leveraging load boards helps secure steady work while allowing them to maintain some independence.

What is the difference between Local Class A Owner Operator vs Local Company Driver?

AspectLocal Class A Owner OperatorLocal Company Driver
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A, permits for haulingCDL Class A, often with company-specific training
Work EnvironmentIndependent, self-managed routes, often on own equipmentEmployed by a company, assigned routes, using company trucks
Employer & Industry UsageFreight, logistics, trucking companies, independent contractingSame industries, employed directly by carriers

In summary, Local Class A Owner Operators operate their own trucks and manage their routes independently, while Local Company Drivers work for a trucking company using company-owned equipment. Both roles require a CDL Class A license and serve similar industries, but differ mainly in equipment ownership and employment structure.

What are popular job titles related to Local Class A Owner Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Local Class A Owner Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Local Class A Owner Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Local Class A Owner Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Local Class A Owner Operator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Local Class A Owner Operator job openings:

Local Class A Owner Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Local Class A Owner Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $221,495 per year, or $106.5 per hour.

CDL A Owner Operator

Chicago, IL

ARL Network
Transportation and Warehousing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about ARL Networkexternal

$2.5K - $3.5K/wk

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Job Requirements:

•At least 23 years of age

•2 years verifiable Class A CDL tractor-trailer experience, including 6 months with the trailer type being hauled

•Current DOT physical

•Not prohibited in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

•No more than 100 CSA points

•Tractor model year 2000 or newer

•Must meet ARL Transport's IBE qualification standards

Job Description:

CDL-A OWNER OPERATOR - LOCAL INTERMODAL

HOME DAILY  •  JOLIET, IL & SURROUNDING AREA General Express — a division of ARL Transport - $2,500 – $3,500

 Gross weekly settlement 

The Run

•

Local intermodal: in and out of the rail yards every day — no over-the-road, no weeks away from home.

•

Service area: IL, IN, WI, IA and MI. About 95% of our freight has you home daily.

•

Freight mix: domestic containers, import/export intermodal rail, and depot moves in marine and domestic containers.

•

Load types: live load, live unload, and drop-and-hook.

•

Specialty work: some containers are refrigerated, and we haul ISO tanks for operators with tanker experience.

Compensation

$2,500 – $3,500 per week in gross settlement revenue. This is the typical weekly range for owner operators running a full schedule — before fuel, insurance, maintenance and other business expenses. Actual earnings vary based on loads accepted, hours run, and equipment.

Programs & Support

•Lease purchase options

•Bobtail and physical damage insurance

•IFTA program, IRP plate program, and PrePass

•Company depot, maintenance and warehousing operation in Joliet, located between G4 and BNSF LPC

Requirements

•At least 23 years of age

•2 years verifiable Class A CDL tractor-trailer experience, including 6 months with the trailer type being hauled

•Current DOT physical

•Not prohibited in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse

•No more than 100 CSA points

•Tractor model year 2000 or newer

•Must meet ARL Transport's IBE qualification standards

Nice to Have (Not Required)

•Tanker endorsement or ISO tank experience — opens up additional freight

•Prior intermodal or rail yard experience

APPLY TODAY

https://intelliapp.driverapponline.com/c/arltransport?r=1820

Questions? Call the Joliet terminal direct: 815-714-2845  or  815-207-1461Wage Range: $2500 per week - $3500 per week Weekly USDGeneral Description of Benefits: Lease Purchase Options! Bobtail and Physical Damage Insurance. IFTA Program, IRP Plate Program, Pre-Pass Program + more!