Hey there! Ever wondered what it's like to be on the road, delivering essential goods, and how much you could earn doing it? If you've been curious about the earning potential of Sysco local truck drivers, you've come to the right place! This guide will break down everything you need to know about their salaries, benefits, and what the job entails. Let's hit the road!
Understanding Sysco Local Truck Driver Compensation
Sysco, a global leader in foodservice distribution, relies heavily on its dedicated team of local truck drivers to deliver food and other products to a vast array of customers, including restaurants, schools, and hospitals. These drivers are often home daily, making it an attractive option for those who prefer regular schedules.
The compensation for Sysco local truck drivers can vary based on several factors, but generally, it's a competitive package that includes base pay, potential incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program.
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| How Much Do Sysco Local Truck Drivers Make |
Step 1: Discovering the Average Earnings
So, let's get right to the core question: how much do Sysco local truck drivers make?
As of July 2025, the average annual pay for a Sysco CDL Driver in the United States is around $68,805 a year. This translates to approximately $33.08 per hour, or about $1,323 per week and $5,733 per month. However, it's important to understand that this is an average, and actual earnings can fall within a wide range.
The hourly wage for Sysco Truck Drivers generally ranges from $18.99 (25th percentile) to $31.73 (75th percentile) across the United States, though some top earners can reach as high as $49.52 per hour. Some job postings even indicate earning potential of up to $90,000 to $103,000 annually, especially in active markets.
Step 2: Factors Influencing Your Paycheck
While the averages give you a good starting point, several elements can significantly impact how much you, as a Sysco local truck driver, might actually earn.
2.1 Experience Level
The more experience you have, the more you're likely to earn. New drivers or those with less than a year of experience might start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with a proven track record of safe driving and efficient deliveries can command higher wages. Sysco often prefers candidates with at least one year of customer delivery experience.
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2.2 Location, Location, Location!
Just like real estate, where you drive matters. Salaries can vary significantly depending on the cost of living and demand for drivers in a particular region. For instance, a Sysco Truck Driver in Chicago, IL, might make around $28 per hour, which is slightly higher than the national average. Top-paying cities for Sysco Truck Driver jobs include Denton, MT ($70,477/year), Nome, AK ($69,900/year), and various cities in California like Berkeley and San Francisco.
2.3 Performance-Based Incentives and Overtime
Sysco often offers productivity incentives and overtime opportunities. This means that if you're an efficient driver who consistently meets or exceeds delivery targets and is willing to work extra hours, especially during peak seasons or for specific routes, you can significantly boost your earnings. Many Sysco driver positions emphasize flexibility, including overtime, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.
2.4 Type of Route and Freight
Sysco drivers handle a variety of products, from fresh produce to frozen foods. Some routes might involve more physically demanding "touch freight" – meaning you'll be manually loading and unloading products that can weigh anywhere from 40-60 pounds on average, and up to 100 pounds repeatedly. Routes with more stops or heavier case counts can sometimes translate to higher earnings, especially if compensation includes piece pay or stop pay components.
Step 3: Diving into the Benefits Package
Beyond the base salary, Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package that adds significant value to a driver's overall compensation. These benefits are a crucial part of the total earning picture.
3.1 Healthcare and Retirement
Sysco provides comprehensive healthcare benefits, which typically include medical, dental, and vision coverage. They also offer generous retirement benefits, such as 401(k) plans, to help drivers plan for their future.
3.2 Paid Time Off
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Drivers at Sysco generally receive paid vacation and holidays, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
3.3 Career Development and Growth
Sysco emphasizes ongoing job skills and leadership development training. They have a culture of promoting from within, offering career growth opportunities for drivers looking to advance their careers within the company. This could include moving into dispatch, management, or training roles.
3.4 Employee Perks and Safety Programs
Sysco offers employee discount programs, service recognition, and employee rewards. There are also discounts on Sysco stock (SYY) and referral programs. A strong focus on safety programs is a core value, with initiatives designed to ensure the well-being of their drivers. Tuition reimbursement is another benefit that can help drivers further their education.
Step 4: The Day-to-Day Life and Requirements
Understanding the daily responsibilities and qualifications is essential for anyone considering a career as a Sysco local truck driver.
4.1 What a Typical Day Looks Like
A Sysco local truck driver's day typically starts early. After conducting pre-trip inspections, drivers follow assigned routes to deliver food products to various customer locations. This involves:
Operating a tractor-trailer safely and efficiently.
Manually unloading/delivering various products using hand trucks or hand carts.
Verifying orders with customers and obtaining signatures.
Collecting payments (cash or checks) where required.
Handling damaged goods and returns, completing necessary paperwork.
Maintaining accurate delivery records and completing DOT logs.
The role is physically demanding, requiring drivers to lift, push, or move products repeatedly. Drivers need strong customer service skills as they build relationships with clients.
4.2 Essential Qualifications
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To become a Sysco local truck driver, you generally need:
Age: Must be 21 years or older.
CDL-A License: A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with a clean driving record is mandatory. Sysco also offers driver trainee programs for those without a CDL, helping them obtain the necessary licensing.
Background and Drug Screen: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen is required.
Language Proficiency: Ability to read and speak English sufficiently to communicate with the public, understand traffic signs, and complete reports.
Physical Ability: The ability to handle the physical demands of the job, including lifting and moving heavy products.
Experience (Preferred): While not always a strict requirement, Sysco often prefers candidates with:
1 year of customer delivery experience.
6 months of hand cart/hand truck experience.
6 months of food and beverage experience.
2 years of consistent work history.
FAQ: Sysco Local Truck Driver Careers
How to become a Sysco local truck driver?
To become a Sysco local truck driver, you generally need to be at least 21 years old and possess a valid Class A CDL with a clean driving record. You'll also need to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen. Sysco sometimes offers trainee programs if you don't have a CDL yet.
How to apply for a Sysco local truck driver position?
You can apply for Sysco local truck driver positions through their official careers website (careers.sysco.com) or through various job boards like ZipRecruiter. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience, especially customer delivery or food/beverage experience, and showcase your clean driving record.
How to prepare for a Sysco truck driver interview?
Familiarize yourself with local routes, highlight any past delivery and customer service experience, and demonstrate strong safety awareness. Be ready to discuss your flexibility for overtime and weekend work, and prepare questions about the company culture and growth opportunities.
How to know the exact salary for a Sysco driver in my area?
While national averages are provided, the best way to determine the exact salary for a Sysco driver in your specific area is to check job postings for your region on Sysco's career website or reputable job boards. Salaries can vary significantly by location.
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How to get a CDL if I don't have one?
Sysco sometimes offers CDL A Delivery Truck Driver Trainee programs where they will help you obtain your Class-A CDL within a specified timeframe (e.g., 90 days of the start date). Otherwise, you'll need to enroll in a certified CDL training program at a truck driving school.
How to handle the physical demands of the job?
Sysco local truck driving involves "touch freight," meaning you'll be manually loading and unloading products. This requires physical stamina and strength. Regular exercise and maintaining good physical condition can help you manage the demands of the job effectively.
How to progress in a Sysco truck driving career?
Sysco offers career growth opportunities and promotes from within. You can advance by demonstrating consistent excellent performance, taking advantage of ongoing training, and potentially moving into roles like lead driver, dispatcher, or even management within the transportation department.
How to maximize earnings as a Sysco driver?
To maximize your earnings, focus on efficiency to complete routes within designated times, be open to overtime hours, and excel in customer service to potentially benefit from performance-based incentives. Working weekends and holidays when business needs are high can also increase your pay.
How to understand Sysco's benefits package?
Sysco's benefits package typically includes comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision), generous retirement plans, paid vacation and holidays, employee discount programs, and tuition reimbursement. Review the specific benefits offered for the position you're interested in during the application process.
How to maintain a clean driving record?
Maintaining a clean driving record is paramount for any truck driver. This involves consistently adhering to all traffic laws, practicing defensive driving techniques, avoiding accidents, and staying clear of any traffic violations that could lead to points or suspensions on your license.
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