CDL Driver's License, Cargo/Freight, Class A License, Cost Control, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), Facilities and Maintenance, Legal, Logistics, Safety/Work Safety, Truck Driver, Warehousing
DSL Express and partners are now hiring experienced Class A CDL Solo OTR Truck Drivers from the Villa Park, IL and greater Chicagoland area to run our updated and modernized fleet. This is a strong market for us because Chicagoland is one of our core freight areas, and we need serious drivers from the west suburbs and surrounding Illinois communities who can help service nationwide OTR routes that regularly connect back through this region. Pay is pretty good. The minimum full-time pay here is $104,000 per year on the low end. This is an OTR position. You can live in Villa Park, nearby suburbs, elsewhere in Illinois, or out of state, but drivers from this market are especially valuable to us because of how much freight moves through the Chicago area.
Typical Pay Highlights:
- 30% of line haul OR 65 per mile + bonuses (the choice most solo drivers prefer).
- Average weekly gross: $1,900 – $2,400 with peaks reaching $2,700+ on legal hours.
- Switch between percentage and miles pay whenever you choose.
- Consistent drivers earned between $115,000 and $125,000 in 2025.
- Anyone who wants to put in the effort will make good money!
Pay Details & Realistic Expectations:
Pay is performance-based. In 2025, 87% of our drivers went with the 30% percentage plan because it consistently delivered better earnings in the current market. Slow season (Q1) typically ranges from $1,900–$2,100 per week with some weeks hitting $2,400. Peak seasons (Q2 and Q4) usually run $2,100–$2,400 with some $2,700 weeks. Q3 is somewhere between. This seasonal pattern has been reliable for the past 25 years. A few exceptional top performers reached $145,000 last year driving full time.
Pay Options:
- Percentage Pay (Best Option for Most Solos) - We pay up to 30% of line haul plus bonuses. We intentionally keep miles lower on percentage (2,000–2,500 in slow season and up to 3,000 in busy season) because it maximizes earnings, reduces fuel costs, and helps prevent burnout.
- Miles Pay Option - Switch at any time. Up to 65 cents per mile plus bonuses based on experience and record. Typical miles: 2,500–3,600 per week.
- Team Pay (Miles Only) - Up to 75¢ per mile split. Average $2,000–$2,600 per driver per week. Note: Solo percentage pay is currently the stronger choice in this market.
Apply here and get approved faster! --
https://www.dslfreight.com/join-our-team/Important Info About Our Work Ethic:We receive a large number of applications and are selective —
we only want “A” stringers and Division 1 professionals. If you are honest, motivated, hard-working, and dependable, you will earn excellent money and be treated like family. If you are looking to coast, miss stops, or hang around truck stops, this is not the right fit.
We are fair, but success here depends on your effort.Still here? Great — Here’s the link again: https://www.dslfreight.com/join-our-team/
What Makes DSL Express Different:
- We are an established 25-year-old company (since 2001) that is large enough to provide excellent support but small enough that you won’t feel like just another number.
- We welcome veterans and offer fair chance employment to anyone willing to work hard.
- 24/7 dispatch from three offices with real, experienced staff.
- Late-model trucks (mostly automatics, with manuals available) equipped with fridges and inverters.
- Our own maintenance facilities in Chicago and Las Vegas.
- You get a dedicated dispatcher who actually learns how you operate.
- All no-touch freight in dry van or reefer trailers.
- Strong partnerships with other carriers that give us big-company power with a family-owned atmosphere.
Perks:
- No forced dispatch.
- Take the truck home on hometime with parking assistance.
- Fuel cards and EZ-Passes provided.
- Weekly direct deposit.
- Flexible and reliable home time.
- Hazard occupational insurance (lost wages, medical, and beneficiary coverage).
- Monthly bonuses for safety, delivery, and communication.
- Additional bonuses for passing DOT inspections.
Job Description:
- Class A CDL required (additional endorsements are a plus).
- Minimum 2+ years verifiable CDL driving experience.
- Clean MVR and acceptable PSP report.
- Dry van or reefer — all no-touch freight.
- Must be able to use modern ELD systems and pass pre-employment drug screen.
Driver Requirements:
- Must be physically fit and prepared for the demands of over-the-road driving.
- Valid Class A CDL with no pending suspensions.
- Current valid medical card.
- No failed or refused drug/alcohol tests in the last 4 years.
- No DWI, DUI, or BAC convictions in the last 4 years.
- No reckless driving convictions in the last 3 years.
- No more than 3 moving violations or accidents in the last 3 years.
- No license suspension for points or unpaid tickets in the last 3 years.
- No more than 2 moving violations in the past year.
- At least 3+ years of verifiable work history (including non-driving time).
About DSL Express:WE'VE BUILT A REPUTATION ON EXCELLENCE IN SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS... DSL Express is a family-owned company with 25+ years in the Midwest, West Coast, and East Coast. We’re part of a federation of 5 companies with ~500 trucks total and 60+ years of combined experience. We have strong relationships with Chicago shippers/brokers and partners nationwide/Canada. Our experienced dispatchers (10+ years average) keep a low ratio (~5 trucks per dispatcher) so they can focus on you — flexible home time, the loads/miles you want, and support when needed. Yard parking, mechanic shops, and warehouses in Chicago + Las Vegas offices make life easier. Visit www.dslfreight.com or call 888-602-1140 x140 to learn more!