For many drivers, the term “local route” conjures up images of early mornings, family dinners, and steady income. However, this perspective falls short when it comes to the realities of local food service trucking. It involves intensive labor, demanding schedules, relentless effort, and extensive hours behind the wheel—all while driving a day cab.
If you’re just starting out, you’re not only lifting heavy loads daily; you’re working hard for every route, every weekend off, and every bit of seniority, securing it one delivery at a time.
Let’s explore the true nature of food service delivery, including key drops, multi-day hauls, and everything in between.
Starting on the Extra Board
In numerous food service companies, seniority is key. So, if you’re new, you won’t get a dedicated route. Instead, you’ll mostly work from the Extra Board, filling in for drivers who are ill, on holiday, or on leave.
Your deliveries may vary from grocery stores to schools, hospitals, fast-food places, or family restaurants. The day’s tasks are often not revealed until dispatch informs you, and even then, changes can happen at the last moment. Being on the Extra Board often means you’re “on call,” questioning whether you’re ever truly “off.”
The Challenge of Two-Day Routes
For far deliveries, you’ll be assigned to a 2-day route. This entails:
- Traveling hundreds of miles to rural or small-town locations.
- Completing multiple stops on Day 1, often exceeding 10.
- Staying in a hotel when your driving time runs out.
- Waking early on Day 2 to finish your stops and possibly pick up additional loads on the route back.
Remember, this isn’t a holiday; you still need to work hard to meet your delivery schedule, or risk running into time issues that can affect future assignments.
Understanding the Unloading Process
Let’s delve into the unloading process, which distinguishes food service trucking from other kinds. During a typical stop:
- You may have to park in a dark street or tight parking lot.
- Setting up your ramp, hoping for good weather conditions.
- Using a hand truck, preferably one that functions properly.
- Loading as many boxes as possible while maintaining balance.
- Navigating tricky paths such as curbs and tight kitchen spaces.
Moreover, you’ll be delivering in various weather conditions, as restaurants require their supplies regardless of the elements.
Key Drops and Routes to Closed Businesses
A unique feature of food service trucking is executing key drops—delivering to closed establishments without staff present. With this responsibility, you must:
- Unlock the establishment.
- Accurately deliver the necessary goods to specific storage areas.
- Secure the premises when you leave.
- Provide proof of delivery with detailed notes.
Errors, such as placing frozen items in the wrong area, can lead to significant costs and damage your reputation with clients.
Compensation Structure
Food service positions usually don’t pay hourly wages; instead, they are often based on mileage, stops, and piece count. Top performers can earn a respectable income but must work hard to earn it.
Pros and Cons of the Job
Let’s evaluate the advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- High earning potential for those who are efficient and dependable.
- Local routes lead to more time at home eventually.
- Excellent physical activity, keeping you fit.
- Job stability, as the demand for food is constant.
Disadvantages:
- The job is physically strenuous and requires commitment.
- Extra Board pressure leads to a lack of route consistency.
- Tight schedules create a high-pressure environment.
- Working conditions can be challenging, including dark or unsafe areas.
A Typical Day in the Life
Consider Marcus, a 32-year-old driver at a regional food distribution company, who takes a 2-day route to rural South Carolina:
On Day 1, he delivers 1,726 total pieces, and on Day 2, he secures a backhaul from a poultry processing plant, returning to the yard by 10:00 AM.
Conclusion
Local food service trucking is not for everyone; it involves much more than just driving—it’s about the actual delivery. This includes loading, unloading, maneuvering through tight spaces, and working hard to advance to better routes. If you possess the stamina, dedication, and determination to push through your initial challenges, this can become a highly rewarding local trucking career, both financially and personally.
