Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Illinois (April 2026)

Mike Marshall, Shipping Expert

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There's a reason we're one of the world's leading authorities on the global freight market. Our expert team has an in-depth understanding of the industry and is up-to-date on employment trends, regulations, and other insights into the trucking workforce.

We conduct thorough research and data analysis to develop our recommendations for the best Hot Shot trucking jobs in Illinois. All 7 Hot Shot trucking companies are closely scrutinized based on their service range and capabilities. Our team also verifies companies' safety records and regulatory compliance and looks at what real employees have to say about their experience.

From there, we narrow the field to the strongest, highest-rated employers so you get a timely, well-informed list of the best Hot Shot trucking companies to work for in Illinois.

Lssd, Inc.

1501 Kamar Drive, Pittsfield, IL, 62363
  • Salary range: $45,000-$75,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 51
  • Drivers: 37
  • Revenue: $8,930
  • Miles driven: 5,032,528 (2023)

Lssd, Inc. (DOT: 320418) is based in Pittsfield, Illinois. While the exact founding date is not specified, the company is active and has been operational long enough to be highly involved in specialized trucking services. They carry a diverse range of cargo, including beverages, dry bulk commodities, general freight, grain feed hay, liquids/gases, livestock, metal sheets, coils and rolls, and paper products. Lssd, Inc. employs various driver types such as regional, local, owner-operators, intermodal, OTR, reefer, partial, and tanker drivers.

Lssd, Inc. offers many benefits to its drivers, including a competitive sign-on bonus, direct deposit, paid CDL training, and tuition reimbursement. Health coverage is comprehensive with health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits. Employees also enjoy paid time off, a retirement plan, safety bonuses, and deadhead compensation, among others. The company provides additional advantages like guaranteed home time, flexible scheduling, and continuous training and development programs.

Although Lssd, Inc. does not have specified Glassdoor or Indeed ratings, their commitment to employee satisfaction is evident through the array of benefits provided. Common feedback from employees indicates high satisfaction with compensation, benefits, and job security. However, there are occasional concerns about work-life balance and route management. Overall, Lssd, Inc. appears to be focused on maintaining a positive and supportive work environment for their drivers.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • Owner/operator
  • Intermodal
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 8
  • Unsafe driving: 1.97
  • Driver fitness: 0.15
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.59
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.39
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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J A Frate, Inc.

7900 Pyott Rd, Crystal Lake, IL, 60014
  • Salary range: $55,000-$75,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 93
  • Drivers: 78
  • Revenue: $16,564
  • Miles driven: 2,698,900 (2023)

J A Frate, Inc. (DOT: 146355) was established in 1971 and is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois. The company operates a substantial fleet of trucks, hauling various types of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, general freight, large machinery, metal sheets, coils, rolls, and paper products. J A Frate hires a diverse range of drivers, such as flatbed, regional, local, and over-the-road (OTR) drivers. The company also accommodates specialized and tanker drivers, as well as handling hot shot and drayage services, with a focus on both interstate and cross-border operations.

J A Frate offers an attractive range of benefits to its drivers, including health and vision insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, a retirement plan with a 401(k), and paid time off. They also provide direct deposit, per diem payments, pay advances, and tuition reimbursement, indicating a commitment to supporting their drivers' financial needs and career development. Moreover, the company ensures guaranteed home time, offers rider or pet policies, and provides ongoing training and development programs to its employees, complementing its focus on employee satisfaction.

Although specific ratings on Glassdoor or Indeed are not available, J A Frate fosters a supportive and rewarding work environment with flexible scheduling and special access to rest stops and lounges. However, common feedback from employees suggests room for improvement may exist in areas like administration or further investment in new technologies. Despite these potential challenges, J A Frate's robust offerings and operations underscore a stable and promising work environment for its drivers.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 1
  • Unsafe driving: 0.48
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 1.66
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Herrington Transportation, Inc.

430 Prairie St, Paris, IL, 61944
  • Salary range: $45,000-$65,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 59
  • Drivers: 44
  • Revenue: $258
  • Miles driven: 4,889,496 (2022)

Herrington Transportation, Inc. (DOT: 540627) was established in 2002 and is located in Paris, Illinois. This trucking company operates with a fleet size of 59 trucks and 118 trailers and is renowned for its robust ability in handling diverse cargo types. Their transportation capabilities include dry bulk commodities, fresh produce, agricultural supplies, building materials, metal sheets and rolls, paper products, and hazardous materials. They employ a wide range of drivers, including regional, local, and OTR drivers, as well as flatbed and tanker drivers. Herrington also extends opportunities for specialized driving roles to meet an array of logistical demands.

Herrington Transportation is recognized for its comprehensive driver benefits, which include a safety bonus system, guaranteed home time, and paid CDL training. Drivers enjoy full health coverage, including dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as life insurance. Financial incentives such as sign-on bonuses, driver referral bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and per diem payments further enhance its appeal. The company supports flexible scheduling, providing superior work-life balance, and offers programs like roadside assistance, which demonstrates their commitment to driver support and satisfaction.

Although Herrington Transportation does not have explicit employee ratings on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed specified in the given data, the company's policies indicate a strong emphasis on fostering a positive work culture. Common positive feedback from similar companies often highlights competitive compensation and supportive management, while potential areas requiring improvement may pertain to operational logistics or resource allocations. As the company continues to grow, Herrington is poised to reinforce its standing in the industry with its robust service offerings and driver-centric approach.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 5
  • Unsafe driving: 0.49
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.47
  • Vehicle maintenance: 3.1
  • Controlled substances: 0.07
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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JAS Trucking, Inc.

12843 S Pulaski Rd, Alsip, IL, 60803
  • Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Paid CDL training: true
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Tuition reimbursement: true
  • Power units: 82
  • Drivers: 82
  • Revenue: $3,067
  • Miles driven: 5,655,078 (2023)

JAS Trucking, Inc. (DOT: 582316) is located in Alsip, Illinois, and excels in the transportation sector with a founding date that remains unspecified. The company operates a diverse fleet that handles cargo such as beverages, chemicals, dry bulk commodities, intermodal containers, liquids/gases, paper products, and general freight. JAS Trucking, Inc. hires a variety of drivers, including local, regional, intermodal, flatbed, reefer, tanker, and even specialized drivers for oversize and hazardous materials transport.

JAS Trucking, Inc. offers an array of attractive benefits and driver services. These include sign-on bonuses, a comprehensive health insurance package covering vision, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan. They are proactive in supporting drivers with ongoing training and development programs. Additionally, the company provides direct deposit, pay advances, per diem payments, deadhead and detention compensation, as well as roadside assistance programs. Drivers also benefit from flexible scheduling, guaranteed home time, and the availability of new driver programs and tuition reimbursement. JAS Trucking, Inc. encourages a healthy lifestyle by offering gym memberships and allows for rider or pet accompaniment on the road.

While specific employee ratings on Glassdoor or Indeed were not specified, the benefits package and focus on flexibility and training suggest a supportive work environment. However, some common areas of feedback among transportation companies include potential challenges in work-life balance and the sometimes difficult nature of route management. Overall, JAS Trucking, Inc. has maintained a safety rating of "Satisfactory" and a strong fleet utilization, ensuring efficient and reliable service.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Dedicated
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • HAZMAT
  • Specialized
  • Owner/operator
  • Intermodal
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Health screenings
  • Gym membership
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Dedicated routes
  • Truck lease-to-purchase program
  • Paid CDL training
  • Ongoing training
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Sign-on bonus
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 4
  • Unsafe driving: 2.42
  • Driver fitness: 0.07
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.13
  • Vehicle maintenance: 7.9
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Cardinal Transport, Inc.

7180 E Reed Road, Coal City, IL, 60416
  • Salary range: $55,000-$70,000
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 204
  • Drivers: 204
  • Revenue: $17,246
  • Miles driven: 10,400,000 (2024)

Cardinal Transport, Inc. (DOT: 152518) was established in 1975 and operates out of Coal City, Illinois. The company specializes in carrying a diverse range of cargo, such as building materials, construction items, general freight, logs, poles, beams, lumber, machinery, and metal in the form of sheets, coils, and rolls. Cardinal Transport primarily employs flatbed, reefer, dry van, tanker, and OTR drivers, and offers opportunities for both regional and local driving. They also engage owner-operators to expand their service offerings.

The company underscores its commitment to drivers through a variety of benefits, including comprehensive health coverage, which encompasses vision and dental insurance, as well as life insurance. Cardinal Transport emphasizes flexibility and job security by providing guaranteed home time and flexible scheduling. Additionally, drivers receive safety bonuses, roadside assistance, and deadhead layover compensation. While they are not offering a sign-on bonus currently, their competitive package is an attractive aspect for prospective drivers, alongside viable opportunities for fueled cards and a 401k retirement plan.

Although Indeed and Glassdoor ratings for Cardinal Transport are not specifically available, they have a "Satisfactory" safety rating. Positive feedback from employees typically highlights the company's strong health insurance benefits and the reliability of guaranteed home time. However, some criticism is pointed toward the need for improved work-life balance and logistical organization of routes. As they offer up-to-date vehicles with an average fleet age of three years, Cardinal Transport continues to maintain a focus on keeping their equipment current and safe.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Regional
  • Local
  • Flatbed
  • Tanker
  • Reefer
  • Owner/operator
  • LTL

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision coverage
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • PTO
  • Guaranteed home time
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Ongoing training
  • Deadhead compensation
  • Rider & pet allowances
  • Safety bonus

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 11
  • Unsafe driving: 1.47
  • Driver fitness: 0.01
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.32
  • Vehicle maintenance: 5.4
  • Controlled substances: 0.05
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Packard Transport, LLC

24021 S Municipal Dr, Channahon, IL, 60410
  • Routes: interstate
  • Ongoing training: Paid CDL training
  • Power units: 200
  • Drivers: 200
  • Revenue: $1,600,000
  • Miles driven: 19,100,000 (2023)


Packard Transport, LLC (DOT: 355502) was established in 1989 and is headquartered in Channahon, Illinois. This long-standing company is active in the freight transportation industry, operating with a robust fleet of 200 trucks and 200 drivers. Packard Transport specializes in carrying a wide range of cargo, including building materials, chemicals, construction materials, general freight, machinery, motor vehicles, and intermodal containers. They hire various types of drivers, including flatbed and over-the-road (OTR) drivers, and have team driving opportunities available.

Packard Transport offers its drivers a set of benefits that include health insurance and paid time off, highlighting their focus on employee well-being. Besides these, ongoing training and development programs are in place to support their drivers and enhance their skills. Despite not offering bonuses, guaranteed home time, or a retirement plan, Packard Transport seeks to foster satisfaction among its workforce through these benefits.

The company holds an Indeed rating of 3.4 and a Glassdoor rating of 3.0. Positive feedback from employees often cites the solid health benefits and the range of cargo and routes providing diverse driving experiences. However, some negative reviews mention a lack of guaranteed home time and insufficient compensation compared to industry standards. These insights suggest that while Packard Transport values employee development, there could be improvements in their work-life balance and compensation packages to enhance overall employee satisfaction.

Driver Options

  • OTR
  • Local
  • Team
  • Flatbed
  • Owner/operator

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • PTO
  • Ongoing training

Safety

CSA safety score: Satisfactory


  • Crashes: 15
  • Unsafe driving: 1.08
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.5
  • Vehicle maintenance: 7.43
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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HOT Shots Delivery Service

7717 N Kildare Ave, Skokie, IL, 60076
  • Routes: interstate
  • Power units: 2
  • Drivers: 2
  • Miles driven: 120,000 (2024)

HOT Shots Delivery Service (DOT: 1035282) is part of Lurie & Sons Corp and operates as a carrier, based in Skokie, Illinois. The company specializes in transporting general freight and U.S. mail across interstate lines. Since its establishment, it has built a small fleet comprised of two total trucks, tallying 120,000 miles annually. Despite its smaller size, HOT Shots focuses on delivering efficient and reliable "hot shot" services, which involve transporting cargo on short notice and with expedited delivery times.

Though specific details on driver benefits at HOT Shots Delivery Service are sparse, the absence of many common industry perks suggests the company might offer a no-frills employment approach. They do not appear to provide health coverage, paid time off, or retirement plans, nor do they offer sign-on bonuses or driver referral incentives. Prospective drivers should consider these factors when weighing the potential for employment with HOT Shots Delivery Service.

While employee reviews on platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor are not available, it is essential for potential employees to directly inquire about the company's work culture and employee satisfaction during the recruitment process. Without verifiable ratings, potential applicants are encouraged to gather personal insights from current or former employees to better understand the company's work-life balance, job security, and advancement opportunities.

Safety

  • Crashes: 0
  • Unsafe driving: 0.0
  • Driver fitness: 0.0
  • Hours-of-service compliance: 0.0
  • Vehicle maintenance: 0.0
  • Controlled substances: 0.0
  • Hazardous materials violations: 0
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Comparing Hot Shot Driver Jobs in Illinois

Company Salary range Tuition reimbursement Paid CDL training
Lssd, Inc. $45,000-$75,000
J A Frate, Inc. $55,000-$75,000
Herrington Transportation, Inc. $45,000-$65,000
JAS Trucking, Inc. $55,000-$70,000
Cardinal Transport, Inc. $55,000-$70,000
Packard Transport, LLC N/A
HOT Shots Delivery Service N/A

FAQ

What do hot shot trucking jobs in Illinois involve?

Hot shot trucking usually means running smaller, time-sensitive loads on a pickup and gooseneck or flatbed trailer. You move freight that has to be delivered quickly, often on short notice, for customers like construction crews, oilfield sites or equipment suppliers.

If you like staying busy, planning your own days and working with lighter equipment than a full semi, hot shot trucking in IL can be a comfortable fit.

Do you need a CDL for hot shot jobs in Illinois?

Whether you need a CDL depends on the weight of your truck and trailer combination. Many hot shot setups in IL fall into Class A CDL territory because of the total weight. Smaller rigs may not require a CDL, but having one usually gives you more options and helps you qualify for better-paying loads.

How common are hot shot driving jobs in Illinois?

Hot shot work makes up a smaller share of the trucking market in Illinois. The state has 7 hot shot positions, and most fleets focus on other types of freight.

If you want this kind of work, you should target carriers and brokers that specialize in urgent or project-based loads.

Are hot shot loads in Illinois mostly local or regional?

Most hot shot freight in Illinois stays local or regional. Loads often move within a few hundred miles to support job sites, farms, shops and industrial customers. Longer runs do show up, but the core of hot shot work is shorter, time-sensitive routes that keep you moving and close to your customer base.

Are hot shot driving jobs with flexible schedules available in Illinois?

Flexible scheduling is available across many trucking companies in Illinois. A total of 24 employers list this benefit, which is more than the number of hot shot fleets. If you want both flexibility and hot shot freight, you may find strong options with larger carriers that operate several trailer types.

What kinds of companies run hot shot operations in Illinois?

Hot shot work in Illinois is often handled by very small fleets at this size. You are usually dealing with the owner or a single dispatcher, which keeps communication simple and decisions quick.

This setup tends to feel informal and flexible, but it also means fewer layers of support if something goes sideways.

What’s the hardest part of hot shot work in Illinois?

The tricky part is that the freight can be unpredictable. One week in IL you may have quick, easy runs, and the next week you might be juggling odd pickup times, tight delivery windows and last-minute changes. If you stay organized and keep your communication tight, you’ll handle the chaos a lot better.

Types of Trucking Jobs Available in Illinois

If you are considering different types of trucking jobs available in Illinois, aside from Hot Shot, here are other top options:

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall is a senior contributor at FreightWaves with nearly a decade of focused experience in the trucking, car shipping, and moving industries. His work focuses on breaking down complex logistics topics into clear, practical guidance for consumers and industry professionals alike. Drawing on years of hands-on research and analysis at FreightWaves, Mike brings an insider’s perspective to every article, helping readers understand costs, processes, risks, and best practices across the transportation and relocation space.