Skip to content
IL · Year-Round

Food Service & Grocery Delivery Jobs in Illinois

Chicago is a natural food distribution hub, sitting at the center of America's railroad and highway network. The city's diverse restaurant scene (12,000+ establishments), massive institutional food needs, and position as a Midwest distribution center make it a top food service trucking market. Sysco, US Foods (headquartered in Rosemont, IL), and Performance Food Group all operate major DCs in the Chicago area.

IL Industry Pay

$58,000 - $88,000

Top Employers

5 Companies

National Growth

+6% through 2028

Food Service & Grocery Delivery in Illinois

Chicago is a natural food distribution hub, sitting at the center of America's railroad and highway network. The city's diverse restaurant scene (12,000+ establishments), massive institutional food needs, and position as a Midwest distribution center make it a top food service trucking market. Sysco, US Foods (headquartered in Rosemont, IL), and Performance Food Group all operate major DCs in the Chicago area.

Top Food Service & Grocery Delivery Employers in Illinois

1

US Foods (Rosemont HQ)

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · Illinois

2

Sysco Chicago

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · Illinois

3

Performance Food Group

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · Illinois

4

Reinhart Foodservice

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · Illinois

5

Gordon Food Service

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · Illinois

Requirements for Food Service & Grocery Delivery in IL

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 Illinois

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

Trucking in Illinois

State CDL Avg

$52,000 - $80,000

Key Industries

Intermodal & rail transfer, Food processing & distribution, Manufacturing & machinery

Major Cities

Chicago, Joliet, Rockford, Springfield

Top Corridors

I-80/I-55 (Joliet intermodal corridor), I-90/I-94 (Chicago metro)

Start Your Food Service & Grocery Delivery Career in Illinois

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

Food Service & Grocery Delivery in Illinois — FAQ

Is US Foods headquartered in Illinois?

Yes. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois (near O'Hare Airport), and the company is one of the largest food distributors in the country. Their Chicago-area distribution centers employ hundreds of truck drivers serving the greater Chicagoland market.

What is the food service trucking season like in Chicago?

Year-round, with seasonal shifts. Restaurant delivery is consistent throughout the year. Winter presents challenges with ice, snow, and cold temperatures that affect unloading at outdoor docks. Summer brings outdoor dining demand and festival/event catering that increases delivery volumes.

How does Chicago's location benefit food service trucking careers?

Chicago's central location means food service drivers can transition between multiple employers without relocating. Sysco, US Foods, PFG, Reinhart, and Gordon Food Service all operate within the metro area, giving drivers competitive options and leverage for better pay and routes.