The Midwest is a central hub for national transportation. From agricultural commodities, to energy materials and construction goods, Illinois in particular plays an important role in keeping the domestic supply chain moving. As a result, Illinois trucking companies have grown to be some of the largest in the nation.
With thousands of freight businesses spread across the state, there are plenty of short- and long-haul trucking opportunities to be found. Whether you’re looking for a small family-owned and operated business or a nationwide operator, the best trucking companies in Illinois offer safety, comfort and fair compensation. Learn more about what these businesses have to offer.
Quicklook: Best trucking companies in Illinois
- Best for competitive pay & new drivers: Roehl Transport -Apply Now
- Best for nationwide routes: Sutton Transport Inc. -Match Now
- Best for dry commodities: Beelman Truck Company -Match Now
- Best for next-day delivery: Thrift Trucking -Match Now
- Best for family-owned business: McLeod Express -Match Now
- Best for LTL: A&B Freight Line, Inc. -Match Now
6 best Illinois trucking companies
The following trucking companies in Illinois offer exceptional service, reliability and safety while playing a huge role in the transportation of goods. If you’re looking for CDL jobs in Illinois, these companies include benefits, flexibility and a variety of job offerings. Be sure to check company websites to see which jobs are available.
Roehl Transport
Ranked in the top 100 trucking companies serving the U.S. and Canada, Roehl Transport has more than 1,900 tractors and 5,000 trailers. It also offers drivers new vehicles with greater driving comforts, with an average truck age of less than two years.
With a founder and CEO who both started out as drivers and the latter still on the road today, Roehl is welcoming to new drivers and treats employees well, making it a good starting point for trucking jobs in Illinois.
Best for: Competitive pay, jobs for new drivers
Established: 1962
Location: Marshfield, Wisconsin
Employees: 2,950+
Carrier type:
- LTL
- Truckload
- Reefer
- Flatbed
- Curtainside
- Dedicated
Services provided:
- Logistics
- Intermodal transport
- Truckload services
- Fleet management
- CDL training
Revenue: $500 million
Indeed employee reviews: 3.1/5 stars with 678 reviews
Sutton Transport, Inc.
Sutton Transport, Inc. is based in a suburb of Chicago and provides reliable, nationwide service, making it first on the list for trucking jobs in Illinois. Its Chicago terminal is located near O’Hare International Airport and the railway station, making it a central spoke for processing freight through one of busiest port areas in the country. Sutton’s Highland, Illinois terminal is a short drive from the intersecting transport arteries around St. Louis, Missouri, the nation’s “Gateway to the West.” It has 850 pieces of equipment and 13 transportation terminal centers.
Best for: Nationwide Routes
Established: 1979
Location: Weston, Wisconsin
Employees: 700
Carrier Type:
- LTL
- Truckload
- Hazmat
Services Provided:
- LTL shipping
- Nationwide volume LTL
- Logistics
- Freeze protection shipping
- Hazardous material shipping
- Expedited and guaranteed shipping
Revenue: $96.6 million
Google Rating: 3.8/5 stars on 34 reviews
Beelman Truck Co.
Beelman, a pioneering force since its establishment in 1906, reigns as an industry leader in the dry bulk trucking business, boasting an impressive fleet of over 700 power units and covering an astounding 70 million miles annually. As a thriving family-owned enterprise, Beelman continues to expand its operations, solidifying its reputation as a go-to destination for those seeking a rewarding career. With the ability to provide comprehensive rail and barge terminaling services, particularly for dry commodities, Beelman serves as a one-stop shop that offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and professional fulfillment. Choosing to work at Beelman means joining a dynamic team committed to excellence and making a lasting impact in the transportation industry.
Best for: Dry commodities
Established: 1906
Location: East Saint Louis, Illinois
Employees: 350
Carrier type:
- Side-dump trucks
- End-dump trucks
- Pneumatic tanks
- Flatbed
- Vans
Services provided:
- Transloading
- Barge and rail terminals
- Dry commodity transportation
Revenue: $171 million
Indeed rating: 2.8/5 stars with 107 reviews
Thrift Trucking
Thrift Trucking, based in Central Illinois, stands out as a premier choice for individuals seeking rewarding trucking jobs in the area. With a strong focus on prompt delivery services, including next-day deliveries across most parts of the state, they have built a reputation for efficiency and reliability. Their commitment to friendly operations, courteous drivers, and a diverse range of customer offerings sets them apart. Thrift Trucking is a full-service company equipped with cutting-edge technologies, providing national and regional shipping services that ensure unparalleled opportunities for professional growth. Choosing to work at Thrift Trucking means joining a team that values excellence, flexibility, and the satisfaction of both employees and customers alike.
Best for: Next-day delivery
Established: 1961
Location: Peoria, Illinois
Employees: 29
Carrier type:
- LTL and less-than-container load (LCL)
- Full truckload
- Expedited
Services Provided:
- Next-day delivery to Central Illinois
- Repalletizing and shrink wrapping
- Hazardous materials
- Inside and residential deliveries
- Lift-gate deliveries
- Trailer storage
- Hot-shot deliveries
Revenue: $17 million
Google rating: 4.5/5 stars with 17 reviews
McLeod Express
McLeod Express, a standout in the trucking industry, began as a humble family-owned and -operated business in 1986. Over the years, it has flourished into a powerhouse with a workforce exceeding 400 employees, establishing itself as a true exemplar of success among family-operated trucking companies in the U.S. At McLeod Express, safety is paramount, ingrained in the very fabric of the company culture and embraced by all, from upper management to every employee. This unwavering commitment to safety and well-being makes McLeod Express a prime destination for individuals seeking the finest trucking jobs in Illinois.
Best for: Family-owned business
Established: 1986
Location: Decatur, Illinois
Employees: 400+
Carrier type:
- Van
- Flatbed
- Refrigerated
Services provided:
- Bulk
- Heavy-haul
- Intermodal
- Warehousing
- Freight management
Revenue: $130.3 million
Google rating: 3.5/5 stars with 115 reviews
A&B Freight Line Inc.
A&B Freight Line, a pioneering force since its establishment in 1955, has evolved into one of the most reliable LTL and distribution carriers in the Midwest. Through unwavering dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to exceptional customer service, A&B remains the preferred carrier for numerous businesses. Despite substantial growth, A&B retains its invaluable quality of being small enough to genuinely appreciate and value each customer. Choosing to work at A&B Freight Line guarantees a fulfilling career rooted in a rich legacy of trust, reliability, and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.
Best for: LTL
Established: 1955
Location: Rockford, Illinois
Employees: 65
Carrier type:
- LTL
Services provided:
- Regional
- Interstate
Revenue: $5.8 million
Google rating: 4/5 stars with 20 reviews
Final thoughts on trucking companies in Illinois
Trucking companies in Illinois benefit from their central location, which offers easy access to both coasts. The port of Chicago is a major hub of transportation and imports, exponentially increasing opportunities for trucking jobs in Illinois. Taken together, Illinois trucking companies offer excellent benefits, salaries and less downtime so you can drive more and earn more with diverse CDL jobs in Illinois.
Ready to get started? If you haven’t earned a CDL, find the best CDL schools in Illinois, and start planning your routes with some of the best roads for truckers.
FAQ
CDL drivers’ salaries vary greatly in Illinois — from
Illinois is home to thousands of trucking companies. This includes over 2,000 in Chicago alone, with thousands more spread across the state.
To start a trucking company in Illinois, you’ll need:
A commercial driver’s license (CDL)
Any necessary endorsements required for your business
A U.S. Department of Transportation number that is used with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
A motor carrier operating authority number
You may also need International Registration Plan Inc. credentials and an International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) decal
A legally-registered entity (such as a limited liability company) and IRS-issued employer identification number
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