CDL-A Truck Driver

Heartland Express

Hanover Park, Cook County
CDL A Otr Dry Van
$61,036 - $61,036/yr
Apply Now

Posted Yesterday

What to Expect

This is a full_time Over-the-Road (OTR) dry van position with Heartland Express in Hanover Park, Cook County. You will need a CDL Class A license and 3_plus of experience. The position pays $61,036 - $61,036/yr.

Job Description

Job Description Heartland Express is Now Hiring CDL-A Drivers for Multiple RoutesEarn $51,000-$103,000 per Year*Multiple Home Time Options - No-Touch Freight Advantages for Regional CDL-A Truck Drivers: - Earn $51,000-$103,000 per year* - Various home time options - Quarterly safety bonus: 1-3 CPM - Dry van freight: no-touch freight drop & hook - Up to $2,000 401(k) match available (*Depending on route and experience, speak with a recruiter for more details) Route Options: - OTR - Regional - Dedicated Paid Orientation: - Orientation every Tuesday at our state-of-the-art HQ in North Liberty, IA - Get your assigned truck by Friday - Single occupancy hotel room each day of orientation - Breakfast and lunch during orientation - Transportation reimbursement (some exclusions apply) Learn More About the Heartland Difference! Apply Now. About Heartland Express: Heartland Express is an award-winning industry leader for on-time service. We hire the best truck drivers in the industry. Our truck drivers are some of safest, most experienced drivers on the road today. We're looking for drivers to join our fleet to help us service some of the top shippers in America. Join our team and know you're amongst the best the industry has to offer! Additional Benefits: - Paid orientation & training - 48 state operating area - Latest Kenworth, Freightliner, & International tractors - Our trucks run 68 MPH - Paid vacation - Health, dental, vision, & life insurance - Detention pay: $20 per hour - Breakdown pay - Newly updated and remodeled coast-to-coast terminal facilities - Free showers - Free laundry - TV, food, & much more Qualifications: - Class A CDL - 6 months of verifiable tractor-trailer driving experience within the last year - Must be at least 21 years of age - Safety first attitude with a proven driving record Experience the Heartland Difference! Apply Now.

Requirements

  • CDL Class A license
  • 3_plus of driving experience
  • Clean MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)
  • At least 21 years old (interstate)
  • Valid DOT physical card

About Over-the-Road (OTR) Trucking

OTR trucking involves long-haul routes that cross multiple states, often keeping drivers on the road for two to three weeks at a time before returning home. These positions are ideal for drivers who enjoy travel and independence, and they typically offer the highest pay in the industry. OTR drivers are the backbone of America's freight system, moving goods coast to coast on tight schedules.

Learn more about over-the-road (otr) trucking →

A Day in the Life

A typical day as an OTR dry van driver starts early with a thorough pre-trip inspection of your tractor and enclosed trailer. You hit the interstate and cover 450 to 550 miles, stopping for fuel, meals, and mandated 30-minute breaks. Much of your day is spent on the open highway, managing your Hours of Service log and communicating with dispatch about your next load. At the end of your shift you park at a truck stop or rest area, settle into the sleeper berth, and prepare for another day on the road.

Pros & Cons of Over-the-Road (OTR) Driving

Pros

  • + Highest earning potential among driving positions
  • + See the country and enjoy the freedom of the open road
  • + Opportunities available even for newer CDL holders
  • + Carriers often provide sign-on bonuses and full benefits
  • + Consistent freight volume means strong job security

Cons

  • Weeks away from home and family at a time
  • Irregular sleep schedules and limited exercise options
  • Truck stop meals can make healthy eating challenging
  • Wear and tear from long hours in the driver seat
  • Limited personal space living in a sleeper cab

About Dry Van Trucks

Dry van trailers are fully enclosed, non-temperature-controlled boxes used to haul general freight such as consumer goods, electronics, and packaged food. They are the most common trailer type on American highways and offer the widest variety of available loads. Dry van driving is often recommended for newer CDL holders because loading and unloading is typically handled by warehouse staff.

Browse all dry van jobs →

Career Path

1

CDL Training & First Year

Complete CDL school, earn your Class A license, and gain your first year of OTR experience with a training carrier.

Read guide →
2

Experienced OTR Driver

With 1-2 years of clean driving, you qualify for better carriers, higher CPM, and more desirable lanes.

Read guide →
3

Specialized or Lease Operator

Move into higher-paying specialized freight (Hazmat, oversized) or explore lease-purchase programs.

Read guide →
4

Owner-Operator or Trainer

Run your own truck as an owner-operator or mentor the next generation as a driver trainer.

Read guide →

Trucking in Illinois

Chicago is one of the largest intermodal freight hubs in North America, creating massive driver demand.

Average driver salary in Illinois: $52,000 - $76,000/yr

Browse all Illinois trucking jobs →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this over-the-road (otr) job pay?

This position pays $61,036 - $61,036/yr. Actual pay may vary based on experience, endorsements, and miles driven.

What CDL class do I need for this job?

This position requires a CDL Class A license. Class A allows you to operate combination vehicles over 26,001 lbs GVWR.

What is the trucking job market like in Illinois?

Chicago is one of the largest intermodal freight hubs in North America, creating massive driver demand. The average truck driver salary in Illinois ranges from $52,000 - $76,000 per year.

Last updated: June 2, 2026

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