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NJ · Year-Round

Food Service & Grocery Delivery Jobs in New Jersey

New Jersey's dense population (the most densely populated state in the U.S.) creates extraordinary food distribution intensity. The state serves as a food service gateway for the entire tristate area, with massive distribution centers along the NJ Turnpike and I-78/I-287 corridors. New Jersey food service drivers earn premium wages due to high cost of living, traffic congestion, and the sheer volume of stops in a compact geography.

NJ Industry Pay

$62,000 - $95,000

Top Employers

5 Companies

National Growth

+6% through 2028

Food Service & Grocery Delivery in New Jersey

New Jersey's dense population (the most densely populated state in the U.S.) creates extraordinary food distribution intensity. The state serves as a food service gateway for the entire tristate area, with massive distribution centers along the NJ Turnpike and I-78/I-287 corridors. New Jersey food service drivers earn premium wages due to high cost of living, traffic congestion, and the sheer volume of stops in a compact geography.

Top Food Service & Grocery Delivery Employers in New Jersey

1

Sysco Metro NY/NJ

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · New Jersey

2

US Foods (multiple NJ DCs)

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · New Jersey

3

Wakefern Food Corp (ShopRite)

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · New Jersey

4

Allegiance Retail Services

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · New Jersey

5

Baldor Specialty Foods (NJ DC)

Food Service & Grocery Delivery · New Jersey

Requirements for Food Service & Grocery Delivery in NJ

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 New Jersey

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

Trucking in New Jersey

State CDL Avg

$55,000 - $85,000

Key Industries

Port drayage (Newark-Elizabeth), Pharmaceutical manufacturing, Food distribution

Major Cities

Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Edison

Top Corridors

NJ Turnpike/I-95 (full state), I-78 (Newark to PA)

Start Your Food Service & Grocery Delivery Career in New Jersey

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

Food Service & Grocery Delivery in New Jersey — FAQ

Why do New Jersey food service drivers earn more?

NJ food service pay ($62K-$95K) reflects the state's high cost of living, extreme traffic congestion (especially near NYC), and the demanding multi-stop routes in densely populated areas. Union positions at Wakefern (ShopRite) and other NJ employers often include pension benefits.

What is the role of Wakefern/ShopRite in NJ food distribution?

Wakefern Food Corp, the cooperative owner of ShopRite, is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the U.S. Their NJ distribution centers supply 280+ ShopRite stores. Wakefern drivers earn competitive wages with union benefits, making it one of the most desirable food service trucking employers in the state.

Is New Jersey a good state for food service trucking careers?

Excellent. NJ's density means more employers per square mile than almost anywhere else, giving drivers strong negotiating leverage. The proximity to NYC adds even more options. Pay is high, routes are mostly local (home daily), and the constant demand provides exceptional job security.