Chicago, IL
Looking for reefer regional CDL-A work around Chicago? Here's the pay, the home time, and a fast way to get matched with carriers hiring right now.
Chicago is North America's largest rail hub, where roughly one in four U.S. freight trains either originates, terminates, or passes through, feeding six Class I railroads and ten converging interstate highways.
Runs within a multi-state region (typically a 500–1,000 mile radius), balancing solid weekly miles with more predictable home time than OTR. For CDL-A drivers based in Chicago and nearby communities like Cicero, Bedford Park, Bolingbrook, that translates to steady freight and reefer regional runs you can actually build a schedule around.
Regional CDL-A pay in this market typically runs about $74k to $96k a year for company drivers, before sign-on bonuses, detention, and per diem. Reefer typically pays a few thousand dollars a year above comparable dry-van work, with refrigerated loads often commanding the highest per-mile rates among standard trailers, especially in produce season. The number that matters most is weekly miles times your rate — a strong rate on thin miles loses to a steady seat every time.
Temperature-controlled trailers hauling food, produce, frozen goods, and pharmaceuticals — pays a bit more than dry van for drivers comfortable with reefer units and tight delivery windows.
Reefer typically pays a few thousand dollars a year above comparable dry-van work, with refrigerated loads often commanding the highest per-mile rates among standard trailers, especially in produce season.
Illinois rates run about 4% above the national average for the same freight, which is baked into the numbers below. Figures assume 2,250 paid miles a week (typical for regional out of Chicago) plus ~7% in accessorials (detention, stop pay, per diem), over 50 working weeks.
| Experience | Rate (typical–good) | Weekly gross | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 years | $0.61–0.68/mi | $1,477–$1,627 | $73,862–$81,374 |
| 2–5 years | $0.66–0.73/mi | $1,577–$1,753 | $78,870–$87,633 |
| 5+ years | $0.71–0.80/mi | $1,703–$1,928 | $85,129–$96,396 |
From the CDL Lane pay model — cents-per-mile researched across 100+ carriers (how we calculate), adjusted for Illinois and reefer freight. Run your own numbers in the pay calculator.
Tell us your experience, freight, and schedule. We'll line up regional carriers hiring near Chicago — free, fast, no obligation.
Get matched →Regional CDL-A drivers in the Chicago market typically earn $74k–$96k a year, with the exact number driven by experience, weekly miles, and freight type — the table above breaks it down by experience band.
More than dry van — grocery DCs run tight appointment windows and live unloads. Good reefer carriers offset it with detention pay from the first or second hour; always confirm the detention policy in writing.
Rates firm up in produce season (roughly May–September) when refrigerated capacity tightens. Annual figures here average that out; strong reefer fleets keep miles steady year-round.
That's the standard: a 500–1,000 mile radius with weekly home time, usually weekends. Confirm the exact home-time policy with each carrier in writing — "most weekends" and "every weekend" are different jobs.
A valid CDL-A and a reasonably clean driving record cover most openings. Tell CDL Lane your experience, preferred freight, and home base and we'll match you with carriers hiring near Chicago — including Cicero, Bedford Park, Bolingbrook.