Skip to content
CA · Year-Round

Food Service & Grocery Delivery Jobs in California

California's 39 million residents and massive restaurant industry (the state has more restaurants than any other) make it the largest food service trucking market in the nation. The state's strict emission regulations require newer equipment, and Bay Area/LA traffic congestion extends delivery times. However, California food service drivers earn premium wages to compensate, with many positions paying $70,000-$95,000.

CA Industry Pay

$65,000 - $95,000

Top Employers

5 Companies

National Growth

+6% through 2028

Food Service & Grocery Delivery in California

California's 39 million residents and massive restaurant industry (the state has more restaurants than any other) make it the largest food service trucking market in the nation. The state's strict emission regulations require newer equipment, and Bay Area/LA traffic congestion extends delivery times. However, California food service drivers earn premium wages to compensate, with many positions paying $70,000-$95,000.

Top Food Service & Grocery Delivery Employers in California

1

Sysco (multiple CA DCs)

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · California

2

US Foods (multiple CA DCs)

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · California

3

Shamrock Foods Company

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · California

4

Charlie's Produce

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · California

5

C&S Wholesale Grocers

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · California

Requirements for Food Service & Grocery Delivery in CA

CDL-A (most positions) or CDL-B (some metro routes)
Physical ability to hand-unload 30,000-50,000 lbs per shift
Ability to work early morning shifts (midnight-4 AM start)
Food safety awareness and cold chain handling knowledge
Clean MVR and ability to pass DOT physical

Equipment Used in California

Refrigerated trailers (reefer)Multi-temperature trailersDry van trailersStraight trucks (26 ft)Side-load beverage trucksHand trucks and dollies

Trucking in California

State CDL Avg

$55,000 - $85,000

Key Industries

Port drayage & container hauling, Agriculture (produce, dairy, wine), Technology & e-commerce fulfillment

Major Cities

Los Angeles, Oakland, Fresno, Sacramento

Top Corridors

I-5 (full state north-south), I-10 (LA to Arizona)

Start Your Food Service & Grocery Delivery Career in California

Apply now and get matched with top food service & grocery delivery employers hiring in California.

Food Service & Grocery Delivery in California — FAQ

How much do food service drivers make in California?

California food service drivers earn $65,000-$95,000, among the highest in the nation. Bay Area and LA routes pay even more due to cost of living adjustments. Sysco drivers in California typically earn $75,000-$90,000 with full benefits.

Do California food service trucking jobs require special equipment?

Yes. CARB regulations require 2010 or newer diesel engines. Multi-temperature reefer units must meet emission standards. Many companies are transitioning to electric or natural gas trucks for urban delivery routes in compliance with California's Advanced Clean Trucks regulation.

What are food service delivery hours like in LA and the Bay Area?

Urban delivery routes in LA and the Bay Area start at midnight to 3 AM to avoid traffic and complete deliveries before restaurants open. Routes in these areas are shorter in miles but longer in time due to congestion, parking challenges, and multi-stop complexity.