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10 Companies Offering Paid CDL Training in Illinois

Sarah Nguyen

Created at September 26, 2025

Are you searching for paid CDL training in Illinois? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through 10 reputable companies in Illinois that offer paid CDL training programs, helping you earn your license while gaining valuable hands-on experience without the burden of upfront tuition costs.

10 paid CDL training in Illinois

Here are 10 companies in Illinois that offer paid CDL training programs for you to explore:

Double D Express

Founded in 1985 and based in Illinois, Double D Express is a seasoned trucking company with decades of proven experience. The company operates a fleet of 209 trucks, delivering transportation services across the state and beyond. Double D Express handles a wide range of freight, including dry bulk goods, beverages, building materials, chemicals, general commodities, and metals such as sheets, coils, and rolls.

The company hires drivers for various roles, including regional, local, and OTR (over-the-road) positions, as well as flatbed and step-deck operators.

Key features:

Salary range: $60,000 – $70,000 annually
Paid CDL training: Available
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training programs and continuous driver development
Benefits package: Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans: 401(k) program with employer support
Incentives: Safety bonuses, detention pay, layover pay, and stop-off compensation
Work-life balance: Reliable pay and structured schedules
Driver support: Direct deposit, paid vacation, and consistent safety rewards, referral bonuses (no sign-on bonus offered)

U.S Foods

Operating in Illinois, U.S Foods is a long-established company providing transportation services for a wide variety of freight, including beverages, chemicals, fresh produce, general commodities, meat, paper products, and frozen foods. The company primarily operates refrigerated trucks and dry vans, actively hiring regional, dedicated, and OTR drivers, as well as local and LTL drivers.

Key features:

Salary range: $55,000 – $75,000
Paid CDL training: Available
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training programs
Tuition reimbursement: Offered
Benefits package: Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)
Incentives: Sign-on bonuses, advance pay, layover pay, and tuition reimbursement
Well-being perks: Gym membership discounts and wellness programs
Retirement plans: 401(k) and pension options
Work-life balance: Guaranteed home time, paid time off, and compensation during downtime
Driver development: Continuous training and career advancement opportunities

Lssd

Based in Illinois, Lssd is a long-standing trucking company. The company specializes in transporting a wide variety of freight, including beverages, general commodities, dry bulk, hay for livestock, liquids and gases, livestock, metal sheets/coils/rolls, and paper products. Lssd operates with refrigerated trucks, hotshot trucks, tankers, dry vans, and box trucks. They hire a diverse range of drivers, including regional, local, OTR, intermodal, refrigerated, part-time, and tanker drivers, along with opportunities for owner-operators and team drivers.

Key features:

Salary range: $45,000 – $75,000
Paid CDL training: Available
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training programs
Tuition reimbursement: Offered
Benefits package: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans: 401(k) savings options
Incentives: Sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, direct deposit, per diem pay, and tuition reimbursement
Driver support: Fuel card program, breakdown/detention/layover pay
Work-life balance: Flexible schedules, paid time off, and guaranteed home time
Professional development: Continuous training and career growth opportunities

DOT Transportation

Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Illinois, DOT Transportation specializes in the food industry and operates across interstate routes. The company transports a wide variety of freight, including beverages, chemicals, dry bulk, fresh produce, general commodities, intermodal containers, liquids, gases, meat, paper products, and frozen foods. DOT primarily hires dedicated drivers, flatbed drivers, intermodal drivers, and local drivers, while also offering team driving opportunities.

Key features:

Salary range: $60,000 – $80,000
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
Tuition reimbursement: Available
Benefits package: Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans, and disability coverage
Incentives: Lease-to-own truck program, sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, and tuition reimbursement
Work-life balance: Paid time off, flexible schedules, and guaranteed home time
Driver support: Drop-and-hook trailers for added convenience

Nu-Way Transportation Services

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Illinois, Nu-Way Transportation Services specializes in logistics, supply chain management, and transportation solutions. The company hauls a wide range of freight, including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk, general commodities, metals (sheets, coils, and rolls), paper products, and frozen foods. Nu-Way operates with dry vans, flatbeds, and power-only trucks, offering dedicated routes. The company primarily recruits skilled drivers such as hazmat drivers and flatbed operators, while also creating opportunities for owner-operators and team drivers.

Key features:

Salary range: $50,000 – $60,000
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
Tuition reimbursement: Available
Benefits package: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Retirement plans: 401(k) savings programs
Incentives: Sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, referral bonuses, and advance pay options
Work-life balance: Paid time off, flexible schedules, guaranteed home time
Driver support: Truck maintenance assistance and layover pay

Herrington Transportation

Founded in 2002 and based in Illinois, Herrington Transportation specializes in hauling a wide range of freight, including agricultural and farm supplies, beverages, building materials, dry bulk, fresh produce, general commodities, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. The company provides interstate services and employs a versatile driver workforce, including local, regional, and OTR drivers, as well as opportunities for dedicated, hazmat, flatbed, and dry van operators.

Key features:

Salary range: $45,000 – $65,000
Paid CDL training: Available
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training programs
Tuition reimbursement: Offered
Benefits package: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Incentives: Sign-on bonuses, direct deposit, layover pay, and tuition reimbursement
Work-life balance: Paid time off and guaranteed home time
Driver support: Roadside assistance, detention pay, and truck lease-to-own program
Professional development: Continuous training and career advancement opportunities

Keller Trucking Co

Headquartered in Illinois, Keller Trucking, LLC is a reliable transportation company with a proven record of compliance with federal regulations. The company specializes in hauling a wide range of freight, including chemicals, general commodities, intermodal containers, metal sheets, coils, rolls, paper products, and grocery items. Operating with a fleet of dry vans and flatbeds, Keller primarily provides both full truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) services. The company offers diverse employment opportunities, with a strong focus on team drivers, as well as flatbed, regional, and OTR drivers.

Key features:

Salary range: $50,000 – $70,000
Paid CDL training: Available
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training programs
Benefits package: Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans: Pension and savings programs
Incentives: Sign-on bonuses, safety bonuses, referral bonuses, and direct deposit
Work-life balance: Paid time off and guaranteed home time
Driver support: Fuel cards provided and continuous career development programs

J A Frate

Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Illinois, J A Frate, Inc. is a versatile transportation company moving a wide range of freight, including building materials, chemicals, general commodities, paper products, dry bulk, and heavy machinery. With operations extending across multiple states, the company employs regional, local, team, owner-operator, and dedicated drivers. Its fleet of 93 trucks supports diverse transportation needs with dry vans, flatbeds, dump trailers, and more…

Key features:

Salary range: $55,000 – $75,000
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training programs
Tuition reimbursement: Offered
Benefits package: Health, life, and vision insurance
Work-life balance: Paid time off, flexible scheduling, and guaranteed home time
Incentives: Daily pay, direct deposit, and advance pay options
Driver support: Roadside assistance and new driver programs
Professional development: Continuous training and career growth opportunities

HUB Group

HUB Group is a long-established logistics and transportation company, well-known for its dedicated services. Headquartered in Illinois, HUB Group transports a wide variety of freight, including beverages, building materials, general commodities, intermodal containers, logs, poles, beams, lumber, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and frozen foods. The company employs a diverse range of drivers such as regional, dedicated, intermodal, part-time, and refrigerated truck drivers, meeting both regular and specialized freight needs.

Key features:

Salary range: $50,000 – $75,000
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training programs
Tuition reimbursement: Offered
Benefits package: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
Incentives: Sign-on bonuses, advance pay, direct deposit, and safety bonuses
Work-life balance: Guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling
Retirement plans: 401(k) programs and employee stock ownership opportunities
Driver development: Tuition reimbursement, continuous training, and career growth programs

U.S Ground Transportation

Operating primarily in Illinois, U.S Ground Transportation is a federally registered carrier under USDOT. The company hauls a wide range of freight, with a focus on refrigerated goods, packaged products, and dry van shipments. It mainly hires flatbed and refrigerated truck drivers, offering both local and OTR (over-the-road) driving opportunities across the United States.

Key features:

Salary range: $55,000 – $70,000
Paid CDL training: Available
Ongoing training: Paid CDL training programs
Benefits package: Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plans: Comprehensive 401(k) program
Incentives: Safety bonuses and daily pay options
Work-life balance: Flexible schedules and guaranteed home time
Driver support: Continuous training, CDL development programs, and roadside assistance

FAQs

1. How do I get a free CDL in Illinois?

In Illinois, getting a free CDL typically involves either applying for a sponsorship program or looking into state-funded training programs. Here’s how you can get a free CDL:

Trucking companies’ sponsorship: Some trucking companies will pay for your CDL training in exchange for you working for them for a set period after you get your CDL. This is the most common way to get a free CDL, as you’re essentially signing a contract to work for them after you complete your training.
State and Local Workforce Programs: The state of Illinois has various workforce development programs that may provide funding or grants to help pay for CDL training. For example, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) might offer programs that assist with job training for industries like trucking.
Veterans benefits: If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for GI Bill benefits that can cover the cost of CDL training. Contact your local Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs or the Veterans Administration for more information.

2. What trucking companies will pay for CDL training in Illinois?

Several trucking companies provide paid CDL training or offer free training programs in exchange for a commitment to work for them. Here’s a list of some companies that might cover your CDL training costs in Illinois: JA Frate, Double D Express, US Ground Transportation, Keller Trucking, HUB Group, Nu-Way Transportation, DOT Transportation, Herrington Transportation, Lsssd, US Foods,…

Conclusion

Paid CDL training in Illinois is an excellent pathway for anyone ready to begin a trucking career without worrying about high upfront tuition costs. With the 10 reputable companies we’ve highlighted, you not only gain hands-on experience but also set yourself up for stable employment and long-term career growth. We hope you find the company that’s the best match for you.