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

CDL-A Owner Operator Driver

Huey, IL · On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

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

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 ...

Local Class A Driver

Dupo, IL · On-site

$28 - $39/hr

Local Class A Driver Hot Job KFS TRUCKING - Dupo, IL 62239 Overview Salary Range $28.00 - $39.00 Hourly Description Job Title: Class A Delivery Driver FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly) Pay Range: $28 ...

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The Driver is responsible for operating a Class A vehicle to transport life-saving medical products to our local customers. The Driver plays a critical role in building positive relationships with ...

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Trailer rental options available through local partners Transparent Costs We believe in being ... Class A CDL required * Minimum 2 years OTR experience * Must own a sleeper cab truck (2015 or newer ...

Local Class A Driver

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$26.75 - $38.75/hr

The Driver is responsible for operating a Class A vehicle to transport life-saving medical products to our local customers. The Driver plays a critical role in building positive relationships with ...

Local Class A Driver

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$26.75 - $38.75/hr

The Driver is responsible for operating a Class A vehicle to transport life-saving medical products to our local customers. The Driver plays a critical role in building positive relationships with ...

Local Class A Driver

Grayslake, IL · On-site

$26.75 - $38.75/hr

The Driver is responsible for operating a Class A vehicle to transport life-saving medical products to our local customers. The Driver plays a critical role in building positive relationships with ...

Showing results 21-40

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 10, 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 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 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 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 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 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:
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, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% 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 Driver

Forward Air

Huey, IL • On-site

$4.1K - $5.2K/wk

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Contracting CDL-A Owner Operators
  • PAY THAT ADDS UP - Solo Owner Operators earn up to $1.31 per loaded mile*
  • LESS WEIGHT. MORE MONEY. - 99% no-touch, drop & hook freight
  • TOP PAY. TOP MILES. - Earn up to $250,000 per year*
Why Drive for Forward Air?

At Forward Air, Owner Operators aren't just drivers - they're business partners. Forward is built around helping Owner Operators run a stronger, more profitable operation, with programs designed to offset rising industry costs and keep more revenue where it belongs - in your pocket. Running through Forward's closed terminal network, Owner Operators get access to steady freight, strong pay, and the kind of support that helps a business, not just a truck, succeed.

If you're looking for a partner that treats your business like it matters, Forward Air is ready to move you forward - solo or as a team.

CDL-A Solo Owner Operator Overview
  • Pay built for owner operators. Solo Owner Operators earn up to $250,000 per year, with base CPM of $1.31 loaded, $1.18 empty + FSC. Solo Owner Operators gross on average $4,100 - $5,200 / week - drivers can also earn additional compensation on all miles based on load destination.*
  • Freight that's easy on your truck. Run 99% no-touch, drop & hook freight averaging just 26,000 pounds - lightweight loads that mean less wear and tear on your equipment and more of your revenue staying put.
  • Best-in-class weekly miles. Solo Owner Operators average 2,500 miles per week running Forward's closed terminal network of 100+ nationwide locations, keeping you moving and earning consistently. Drivers are typically out 3-4 weeks at a time.
  • Support built around your success. A dedicated Driver Support Team is available to help with any concerns that come up, giving Owner Operators the backing they need to run a successful business.
Owner Operator Perks & Support
  • Programs designed to save you money. Forward offers an assortment of cost-saving programs - including a substantial fuel surcharge program - built to help Owner Operators offset rising industry expenses and keep more of what they earn.
  • A network built to keep you earning. Routes run exclusively between Forward's nationwide terminal locations, supporting some of the strongest average annual revenue in the industry for Owner Operators who partner with Forward.

All pay and bonus amounts may vary by job type, location, experience level, and performance and are subject to change based on company discretion. Talk with a recruiter to confirm specific details.

There is no deadline to apply. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Driver Requirements
  • Valid Class A CDL
  • 12+ months verifiable driving experience
  • Must be 23 years of age
  • Equipment must be newer than 10 years old