Don't do it... - RSR Route Sales Representative UniFirst Employee Review

2.0
May 13, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The environment is old school and the guys are awesome...they really could/should make a TV show about route guys. It'd make tons of money. Management has good intentions but there's only so much they can do to help. It's your route, little buddy. You can make good money ($1200-1500/wk) IF you get a good route...but be prepared to work long hours. (4:30AM-6PM was common for route guys). Here's how it works...if you are lucky enough to get a "good" route...you may be getting off by noon everyday and make twice what another guy makes who's out there for 12 hrs a day...that's just the nature of the route business. You will become immune to all types of nasty sights/smells and receive a first class education in street smarts. Bottom line...if you can avoid doing this, you should. Although if you have some sort of sick masochistic personality you'll probably get a kick out of just how bizare it all is.

Cons

Make no mistake, this job is not for the faint of heart. I worked in the moving business for 5 years before working at Unifirst and it was a cakewalk compared to running a route everyday. While there is certainly something uniquely manly and exhilerating about having such an extreme job, I didn't like being so tired in the mornings before and evenings after work that I would fall asleep driving. If you don't plan on doing this long term, then it's difficult to justify putting yourself through all that. Trucks with no AC, exposure to chemicals, risk of permanent back, knee, shoulder, elbow and wrist injuries. No joke! Do not take what I am saying for granted! This is a dangerous job. Your customers are at best an odd bunch...at worst they are the dregs of society. Some of my customers I wouldn't want to meet in a dark alley...no less see on a weekly basis. If you're looking for a job and are considering doing this because you feel like you need something quick...I would advise you to remain patient and seriously consider your other options...you don't have to do this to yourself.

avatar
UniFirst Response
9y
As a Route Sales Representative, you have the rewarding opportunity to meet, service, and build relationships with a wide array of customers from all types of industries. You must be comfortable meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life. Building relationships with your customers can help lead to greater earning and up-selling potential as well. Making a great income from your route is very possible and we provide the training and tools necessary to achieve this, it just takes effort. UniFirst provides any protective equipment necessary, to service special accounts. Route Sales Representatives are also required to inspect their trucks each morning, and note any deficiencies with their trucks on their Vehicle Inspection log, so they can be addressed. We highly stress workplace safety. Every year, Route Sales Representatives need to be re-certified in Defensive Driving, as well as Workplace Safety. A Route Sales Representative position is not for everyone, but for those who enjoy physical labor, like freedom in their workday, and the opportunity to control their own destiny, it may be a career to consider.

Explore other reviews about UniFirst

5.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Work life balance, opportunities for large commission

Cons

Contractual sales, Being bought out

avatar
UniFirst Response
3w
Thank you for your feedback. We look forward to having you continue to grow with us!
4.0
Jul 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Upper management genuinely cares about their team, and the hiring process is simple and straightforward. Base pay and the monthly stipend are both fair, and I appreciate the company's structure — questions get answered quickly, and you have dedicated team member support. I also like that the role is self-managing, with CDR handling pricing and deal structuring so you can focus on your own performance. Overall, this company really takes care of its employees.

Cons

The pay structure for this role is a bit unique — after a sale closes, the CDR earns commission for the first few months, and then commission transitions over to the drive team. It's certainly not a deal-breaker, just an observation, and I'm not knocking the company for it. All in all, I had a wonderful experience at UniFirst.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All