CDL A Local Driver
Company : Dayton Freight
Location : Des Plaines, IL, 60016
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 29 December 2025
Overview
Pay is $35.50 per hour
- $35.50 per hour
- Overtime after 40 hours
- Work-life balance
- Growing company
- Friendly & Positive culture
- New Equipment & Clean facilities
- Comprehensive benefits package: Health, Dental, Vision, AD&D, etc.
- Paid holidays (8); paid vacation and personal days
- 401(k) plan, Company match
Responsibilities
P&D Drivers are responsible for transporting, loading and unloading freight in a productive, safe and claims-free manner between our Service Centers and our customers.
- Perform pre and post trip inspections on the tractor and trailer that is being utilized
- Properly document all freight control processes
- Read and understand maps, road signs, shipping papers, hazardous materials markings and labeling identifications
- Affix correct placards to tractor/trailer when necessary
- Maintain cleanliness of company vehicle
- Assist customers in preparation of shipping papers
- Interact and converse with external/internal customers
- Safely operate a forklift to unload/ load products when indicated and needed
- Participate in Dayton Freight’s training and improvement programs
- Be available for irregular work schedules, alternating work shifts and/or assignments
- Adhere to the operational procedures and guidelines contained in the Dayton Freight Driver/Dockworker Manual
Qualifications
- At least 23 years of age
- At least 18 months of commercial driving experience
- Valid Class A CDL with Hazardous Materials and Tank Endorsement
- Valid DOT Physical/Medical Card
- No DUI, Citation/Conviction for Reckless Operations in the past 3 years
- Less than 2 moving violations in the past 3 years
- Basic math skills
- Fluent in English
- Legally eligible to work in the United States
- Able to pass a drug screen
Benefits
- $35.50 per hour
- Overtime after 40 hours
- Work-life balance
- Growing company
- Friendly & Positive culture
- New Equipment & Clean facilities
- Comprehensive benefits package: Health, Dental, Vision, AD&D, etc.
- Paid holidays (8); paid vacation and personal days
- 401(k) plan, Company match
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Frequently asked questions
Local CDL A drivers in Des Plaines primarily focus on short routes between nearby service centers and customers, allowing for a more predictable schedule and daily home time. Unlike long-haul trucking, local routes often involve frequent loading and unloading, requiring strong organizational skills and customer interaction.
In Illinois, local CDL A drivers often need hazardous materials and tank endorsements, especially when transporting specialized freight. These certifications ensure compliance with state regulations and broaden job opportunities within companies handling diverse cargo types.
Employers value safe driving records, proficiency in vehicle inspections, and effective communication with customers. Additionally, familiarity with local routes and the ability to operate equipment like forklifts can distinguish applicants in the competitive local driving market.
Dayton Freight emphasizes a positive, friendly culture with new equipment and clean facilities. Their focus on work-life balance, comprehensive benefits, and training programs creates a supportive environment that many local drivers find more rewarding than larger, less personal carriers.
Drivers receive training aligned with Dayton Freight’s operational manuals, including pre- and post-trip inspections and freight control documentation. This structured approach helps ensure claims-free deliveries and adherence to safety regulations, fostering a dependable driving workforce.
The $35.50 hourly wage is competitive for local CDL A drivers in the Des Plaines area, especially given overtime pay, benefits, and paid time off. This rate aligns well with regional demand and the cost of living, making it an attractive offer for qualified drivers.
Des Plaines, being a logistics hub near Chicago, has a strong need for local CDL drivers due to ongoing freight activity. This demand supports job stability and can lead to consistent hours, making it a favorable market for drivers seeking long-term employment.
Traffic congestion around the Chicago metro can impact commute times to Dayton Freight’s Des Plaines facility. Drivers often plan around peak hours or use alternate routes to optimize punctuality and reduce stress associated with daily travel.
Shifts for local CDL A drivers at Dayton Freight typically allow drivers to return home daily, promoting healthier work-life balance. Unlike regional or long-haul positions, these local assignments reduce extended time away from family, which many drivers find beneficial.
While Dayton Freight requires at least 18 months of commercial driving, new CDL holders can explore entry-level local driving opportunities elsewhere. Some companies offer training programs or mentorship to help inexperienced drivers develop the skills needed for local freight delivery.