Trucking in Illinois
Illinois is the freight capital of the Midwest, and that title runs through Chicago. Five major interstates — I-90, I-94, I-80, I-55, and I-57 — converge in the metro area, creating one of the densest freight networks in the country. Roughly 260 inspection stations perform over 400,000 vehicle inspections annually, and truck parking runs at 94 percent utilization statewide, making Illinois one of the hardest states in the region to find a legal spot for the night. The state operates two separate toll systems: the Illinois Tollway (7 roads, 294 miles) and the privately-operated Chicago Skyway on I-90, where 5-axle tolls are climbing past $66 in 2026.
What catches out-of-state drivers off guard is the truck speed split. In Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties, trucks over 8,001 lbs are capped at 60 mph while cars get 70 mph. Illinois State Police enforce the differential aggressively, and the tickets are not cheap. Add in Chicago’s municipal code — Inner Loop freight bans, boulevard restrictions, residential parking prohibitions — and the metro becomes its own regulatory environment that rewards preparation.
The biggest infrastructure story in Illinois right now is the $1.2 billion I-80 rebuild in Will County. Sixteen miles from Ridge Road to US 30 are being reconstructed through the end of 2028, affecting 80,000+ vehicles daily (25 percent of them trucks). The I-55/I-80 interchange ramps are being rebuilt in phases, with new flyover connections coming online through 2026. For carriers running east-west through northern Illinois, this project is a daily planning factor — check i80will.org for live ramp closures and detour routing. Meanwhile, the state is investing $197.5 million to add 100+ truck parking spaces at rest areas along I-24, I-55, and other corridors, with TPIMS real-time availability technology.
I-80 Construction Status: The Will County rebuild is active through 2028. Check i80will.org for current ramp closures and detours. (Live construction feed coming soon.)
Starting a Trucking Company in Illinois?
If you’re launching a new carrier in Illinois, our free guide walks you through every step from business formation to passing your first FMCSA safety audit. Start with the decision guide or jump to insurance costs for new authorities.
Major Trucking Corridors in Illinois
Illinois Trucking Insurance Requirements
State Minimums (Intrastate)
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $20,000 |
Federal Minimum (Interstate)
$750,000
Required for interstate for-hire carriers
RMS Recommendation: We recommend $1,000,000 CSL for most carriers. Most brokers and shippers require $1M, and it protects your personal assets.
Coverage Types for Illinois Truckers
Major Freight Hubs in Illinois
Chicago Metro
Where I-90, I-94, I-80, I-55, and I-57 converge -- the freight capital of the Midwest.
Joliet/Will County
Intermodal hub south of Chicago with BNSF and Union Pacific facilities along I-80.
Rockford
Northern Illinois distribution center with Chicago Rockford International Airport cargo operations.
Illinois Trucking Regulations
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Speed Limits | Trucks over 8,001 lbs limited to 60 mph in 6 metro counties (cars get 70 mph). Towing vehicles: 60 mph statewide on interstates. |
| Weight Limits | 20K single axle, 34K tandem, 80K GVW. Height 13.6 ft. Width 8.5 ft on designated routes. |
| Weigh Station Threshold | All vehicles over 8 tons (16,000 lbs) must stop at open weigh stations. |
| Spring Thaw | Jan 15 - Apr 15: counties can restrict to 5 tons/axle on posted roads for up to 90 days. |
| Oversize/Overweight Movement | No Sunday movement for oversize loads. No movement on 6 holidays. Tollway requires SEPARATE permit. |
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Illinois Trucking Insurance FAQ
What are the minimum insurance requirements for trucking in Illinois?
Illinois intrastate minimums are $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $20,000 property damage. For-hire carriers with GVW over 10,001 lbs need $750,000. RMS recommends $1M CSL for all Illinois operations.
Do I need a separate license to operate intrastate in Illinois?
Yes. Intrastate for-hire carriers need a Public Carrier Certificate from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Insurance lapses can suspend your certificate.
What is the truck speed limit in the Chicago area?
Trucks over 8,001 lbs are limited to 60 mph in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties -- while cars get 70 mph. Actively enforced by Illinois State Police.
How much do Skyway tolls cost for a semi truck?
The Chicago Skyway hit $45.40 peak / $32.40 off-peak for 5-axle trucks in 2025, with 2026 rates above $66. E-ZPass is mandatory -- no cash lanes.
What is the status of I-80 construction in Will County?
The $1.2B I-80 rebuild covers 16 miles from Ridge Road to US 30. It affects 80,000+ vehicles daily and runs through end of 2028. Check i80will.org for updates.
Do I have to stop at every open weigh station in Illinois?
All vehicles over 8 tons (16,000 lbs) must stop at open weigh stations. Drivewyze PreClear and PrePass are available at multiple locations.
Are there toll discounts for trucks on the Illinois Tollway?
Yes. I-PASS and E-ZPass users save roughly 50 percent compared to Pay By Plate rates. I-PASS is compatible with E-ZPass across 19 states.
What are the spring thaw restrictions for trucks in Illinois?
Spring thaw posting runs January 15 through April 15. Counties can restrict roads to 5 tons per axle for up to 90 days.