-- CDL Agency, a Chicago-based trucking company, has announced the implementation of a flexible scheduling program designed to attract and retain qualified drivers for its fleet operations. The initiative responds to growing competition for drivers in the regional freight market and reflects changing workforce expectations regarding work-life balance.
The program, which will be available to both new and current employees, offers multiple shift patterns, part-time opportunities, and route options tailored to individual availability. CDL Agency expects the change to appeal to drivers seeking local trucking jobs that allow them to remain closer to home while maintaining consistent income.
Addressing the Driver Shortage
The transportation industry has experienced a persistent shortage of commercial drivers in recent years, driven by increased freight demand, an aging workforce, and shifting employment preferences. Many drivers now prioritize predictability in scheduling and reduced time away from home, creating heightened competition among employers offering local CDL jobs and other regional opportunities.
Andrew Pletniov, owner of CDL Agency, stated, “Our focus is on adapting to the realities of today’s labor market. Drivers value stability, but they also value time. By building flexibility into our scheduling, we aim to create a structure that supports both professional and personal priorities.”
Program Structure
The new scheduling options will allow drivers to choose between fixed routes, rotating shifts, or on-demand assignments. For those interested in cdl a jobs with less overnight travel, CDL Agency will expand its portfolio of short-haul and same-day delivery routes. This approach is intended to help balance operational needs with individual driver preferences.
Part-time driving roles are also being introduced, opening opportunities for individuals seeking supplemental income without committing to full-time long-haul schedules. The company’s dispatch and route-planning systems have been updated to accommodate these new patterns without compromising delivery timelines.
Benefits for Local Drivers
The primary focus of the initiative is to enhance the appeal of local trucking jobs within the Chicago area. By reducing time away from home, the program supports drivers with family obligations, educational pursuits, or secondary employment.
In addition, predictable scheduling can contribute to improved driver health and safety. Industry studies suggest that irregular hours and extended time on the road can lead to fatigue and other health risks. CDL Agency believes that its flexible scheduling model will help mitigate these challenges while maintaining operational efficiency.
Industry Context
Demand for cdl a jobs remains high across the United States, particularly in metropolitan regions like Chicago, where freight traffic is consistently strong. Local trucking jobs in these markets often serve as entry points for new drivers seeking experience before pursuing regional or long-haul routes.
However, competition from larger carriers and the rise of gig-based delivery platforms has changed the employment landscape. Drivers searching for “local CDL jobs near me” now encounter a wider variety of opportunities, making retention strategies increasingly important for employers.
Technology Integration
To support the rollout of its flexible scheduling, CDL Agency has upgraded its dispatch software to provide real-time route assignments, automated shift swaps, and predictive scheduling tools. These systems allow drivers to view available routes, request changes, and confirm assignments through a mobile platform, reducing administrative delays.
The technology also enables managers to monitor route completion times and adjust assignments based on traffic conditions, weather, and delivery priorities. CDL Agency anticipates that these efficiencies will help sustain service quality while accommodating diverse scheduling requests.
Collaboration with Training Programs
In addition to adjusting scheduling for current drivers, CDL Agency is collaborating with local CDL training programs to attract new entrants to the industry. Partnerships with vocational schools and community colleges will introduce students to the company’s operational model and highlight the benefits of local trucking jobs.
This outreach is designed to encourage graduates to consider positions with the company upon obtaining their commercial licenses, particularly those interested in cdl a jobs that prioritize regional routes over long-haul assignments.
Economic Implications
The flexible scheduling initiative also reflects broader economic factors affecting the trucking sector. Fluctuations in fuel prices, shipping demand, and regulatory requirements have prompted many companies to reevaluate driver recruitment and retention strategies. For CDL Agency, investing in workforce stability is viewed as a means of maintaining consistent service levels for its customers while reducing turnover costs.
The company estimates that improved retention will decrease recruitment expenditures and training time, allowing resources to be redirected toward equipment upgrades and safety initiatives.
Driver Feedback and Pilot Results
Prior to the full rollout, CDL Agency conducted a three-month pilot program involving 25 drivers from its Chicago fleet. Participants were given options to select preferred shifts and routes, with results monitored for on-time delivery rates, overtime usage, and driver satisfaction.
Survey responses indicated that 88% of participants favored the new scheduling model, citing improved work-life balance and reduced fatigue. Operational metrics during the pilot showed no significant decline in delivery performance, suggesting that flexible scheduling can be implemented without negatively affecting service reliability.
Challenges and Considerations
While the program has received positive feedback, CDL Agency acknowledges the complexity of balancing driver preferences with operational demands. Route allocation will continue to depend on freight volume, customer requirements, and regulatory compliance regarding hours of service.
The company plans to monitor workload distribution to ensure equitable access to preferred routes and shifts while maintaining consistent coverage for all service areas.
Future Expansion
CDL Agency intends to expand the flexible scheduling program to its regional operations by early 2026. The company is also exploring the possibility of integrating performance-based incentives tied to safety, efficiency, and customer feedback into the new scheduling framework.
According to Pletniov, “The goal is to create a sustainable model that works for drivers and the company alike. As we refine the program, we’ll continue listening to driver input and adapting to both market conditions and individual needs.”
About Us: CDL Agency is a Chicago-based trucking company providing transportation solutions for a range of industries. The company offers local trucking jobs and cdl a jobs for experienced and entry-level drivers, with an emphasis on operational safety, reliability, and employee support. CDL Agency serves customers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding regions.
Contact Info:
Name: Andrew Pletniov
Email: Send Email
Organization: CDL Agency
Address: 1280 Townline Rd, Mundelein, IL 60060
Phone: 773-829-4489
Website: https://cdlagency.com/
Release ID: 89167293
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