Rockford, IL
Looking for regional CDL-A work around Rockford? Here's the pay, the home time, and a fast way to get matched with carriers hiring right now.
Rockford is home to UPS's second-largest North American air hub at Chicago Rockford International Airport, and sits at the crossroads of I-39 and I-90, giving carriers an uncongested north-south route around Chicago.
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 Rockford and nearby communities like Loves Park, Machesney Park, Belvidere, that translates to steady freight and regional runs you can actually build a schedule around.
Regional CDL-A pay in this market typically runs about $70k to $93k a year for company drivers, before sign-on bonuses, detention, and per diem. The number that matters most is weekly miles times your rate — a strong rate on thin miles loses to a steady seat every time.
Most regional CDL-A work here moves dry van and reefer for the region's retail, grocery, and manufacturing shippers, with flatbed and tanker available for drivers who want a pay premium and have the endorsements.
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 Rockford) plus ~7% in accessorials (detention, stop pay, per diem), over 50 working weeks.
| Experience | Rate (typical–good) | Weekly gross | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 years | $0.58–0.64/mi | $1,402–$1,552 | $70,106–$77,618 |
| 2–5 years | $0.62–0.70/mi | $1,502–$1,678 | $75,114–$83,877 |
| 5+ years | $0.68–0.77/mi | $1,627–$1,853 | $81,374–$92,641 |
From the CDL Lane pay model — cents-per-mile researched across 100+ carriers (how we calculate), adjusted for Illinois. Run your own numbers in the pay calculator.
Tell us your experience, freight, and schedule. We'll line up regional carriers hiring near Rockford — free, fast, no obligation.
Get matched →Regional CDL-A drivers in the Rockford market typically earn $70k–$93k a year, with the exact number driven by experience, weekly miles, and freight type — the table above breaks it down by experience band.
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 Rockford — including Loves Park, Machesney Park, Belvidere.