Anyone here work for Sysco, US Foods, or other food service companies?
Posted by SidePsychological189@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 35 comments
I dont have my Class A but am studying for my permit and was looking to apply to these companies in hopes they would help with training to obtain a Class A license.
Am I out of my mind or would this be possible? I currently drive a non cdl box truck and am well aware of my worth and its not $18/hr anymore. Im looking to move up the ladder and stay in this industry because I like the work and want to stay in shape.
Any tips on how to get into one of these jobs? I feel like its a highly sought out position but its not for everyone.
crudeshag@reddit
Bro get a trade , a driver career is garbage.
SidePsychological189@reddit (OP)
I broke my foot a few years ago and cant stand for long periods of time. I posted in the Electrician subreddit asking for advice and was told to stick to driving.
TheGucciBandit@reddit
Don’t listen to that guy. You’ll make more in one year rather than waiting for 4-5 years in your trade to make equivalent money. Also food service may not be for you if you can’t stand for long periods of time because you are basically unloading the whole truck by hand and each stop can take you anywhere from 15 mins to an hour+.
crudeshag@reddit
And that's all you'll be, is a driver. Didn't say you can't make money. It is a dead end career.
TheGucciBandit@reddit
“Dead end job” implies no path for career advancement and stagnate pay. This is just not true.
crudeshag@reddit
Ok 👌
SidePsychological189@reddit (OP)
I currently work in food service and have been able to tolerate it just fine. It can take me anywhre from 10min to 1.5hrs to unload a stop depending on the stop. The driving offsets the rest versus on the feet.
crudeshag@reddit
Fair enough , still would advise to not be a driver. It truly is a dead end career.
Atony94@reddit
Thats so crazy that people can say this with a straight face. Theres SO MANY doors that open up with a CDL outside of being a driver for a trucking company.
crudeshag@reddit
Didn't say that . Driving is a dead end career . Having a CDL and going into say rigging , you can drive the crane, sure. Most trade will help you get your CDL if it's pertinent . Being a driver and only a driver is a dead end career. That's crazy people think otherwise .
peffer32@reddit
I'm retired from Sysco and they do have a warehouse to driver program where I was at. Work in the warehouse for a year and they will pay for your training. Personally, I would lose my mind working in the warehouse but hiring has tightened up the last few years. Might be your only way in without experience.
nick_soccer10@reddit
I’ve been at Sysco for 21 years… it’s def not for everyone. But it’s damn good $ and rewarding if you can deal with the stress
Larrythethird22@reddit
21 years damn you must be a shuttle driver now lol
nick_soccer10@reddit
Nope. I do a huge resort three days a week, all pallet drops, about 250 miles round trip. The other two are actual routes, one is a rural route that’s easy just about 300 miles and my other one is the route I’ve had forever that is my big boy city rt. Usually 10/1100. I’ll go to shuttle when I can’t walk anymore, I already don’t ramp, I’ve used liftgate/jack only for years now.
trucksarekewl@reddit
21 years of food service. Sorry dude lol
nick_soccer10@reddit
Tell me about it…. Everything hurts
SidePsychological189@reddit (OP)
Whats the hardest part of your job besides the physical labor?
nick_soccer10@reddit
The warehouse being full of absolute ignorant idiots….. routing….. the places we have to put that damn trailer in… other drivers… the weather…. Traffic…… and also the ignorant idiots in the whouse
SidePsychological189@reddit (OP)
Sounds like I deal with traffic and weather already but the ignorant idiots in the warehouse sounds like another ball game to me. Im lucky I report to one person right now and hes great.
nick_soccer10@reddit
There are good days and bad days…. It is wha you make it. If you stay organized you will be fine.
SidePsychological189@reddit (OP)
Thank you for the feedback. Im still excited with hopes of working for Sysco one day.
nick_soccer10@reddit
I enjoy it. Hope you will too. Hit me up with any ?s
SidePsychological189@reddit (OP)
Thank you
Larrythethird22@reddit
I do LTL and love it
Mirindemgainz@reddit
I do beer, love it close to food service with the kegs I do sometimes but I love it. Great pay local and I don’t work a ton.
redguy4545@reddit
Beer is where it’s at
Livid_Eagle_1291@reddit
I worked for Gordon Food Services. It wasn't bad. Pay was alright. Definitely got and kept me in shape. I went into it with a bad back, and that job didn't help, but I have no real complaints.
taco_2325@reddit
McLane driver here. Some divisions will offer paid training in house to get your class A. It’s fun work and you can make a lot of money but it’s all touch freight (as with any food/beverage service company). You either love it or hate it l, there’s no in between. Best of luck.
TemporaryOk9310@reddit
I do soda, got my cdl through the company.
SidePsychological189@reddit (OP)
Did you get your cdl permit before applying or did they take you without it?
TemporaryOk9310@reddit
I needed to already have my permit to get into the CDL program
jmzstl@reddit
When I was at US Foods, I never heard of them hiring someone off the street specifically to train them to get their license. But they would train their non-CDL and Class B drivers to get a Class A if they were interested.
So a non-CDL job could be your way in.
SidePsychological189@reddit (OP)
My company does the same. They will train their own non cdl drivers for a Class A but my station in the not home station and does not have Class A drivers so it would require me to move.
Ok_Cryptographer_800@reddit
I did it for 3.5 years before moving to beverage. It’s tough work but a lot of companies will either train you directly as a student driver or pay for your license. Only thing you’ll have to sign a contract an be stuck working for them for a year.
Like I say it ain’t for everyone, but you can make some good money and be home every night, a lot of em have weekends off too.
SidePsychological189@reddit (OP)
I currently deliver produce and specialty foods, ran ramps and lift gates. I make a year in a week and I truly enjoy it. Its good to hear they will train you because I am looking for a daily driver position that pays well. I dont mind a contract for a year or two if it means good pay at the end of the day.