Route Service Representative - UniFirst

UniFirst Corporation; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

401(k) with company match

Health and life insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Job summary

UniFirst Corporation is seeking a Route Service Representative (RSR) in Knoxville to serve as the face of UniFirst for our customers. You’ll manage deliveries and pickups, grow customer accounts, and represent a company with a nationwide presence while working independently on your assigned route.

This field-based role is commission-driven from day one, with opportunities to upsell additional garments and products.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• DOT compliance required, including a physical exam.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to work independently.
• Prior experience in customer service or route delivery is a plus.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable using new mobile tools.

Responsibilities

• Manage an Assigned Route: serve as the primary contact delivering and picking garments daily.
• Support Daily Operations: assist with loading/unloading route trucks with accuracy.
• Deliver on-time, accurate deliveries and returns maintaining customer satisfaction.
• Grow customer relationships by addressing service needs and upselling products.
• Represent UniFirst on the road with safety and professionalism.

Skills

Customer service

Relationship building

Time management

Sales upselling

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Delivery software

Job description

At UniFirst, we Always Deliver—for our customers and our people. As a Route Service Representative (RSR), you’ll be the face of UniFirst to our customers, building strong relationships and ensuring their needs are met with reliability, professionalism, and care. This is a dynamic role for someone who enjoys being on the move, engaging with customers, and taking ownership of their route. You’ll manage deliveries and pickups, grow your customer accounts, and work independently while representing a company with a strong culture and a nationwide presence. If you’re customer-focused, motivated, and ready to thrive in a field-based service role, this could be your next great opportunity.

What Your Role Entails

• Manage an Assigned Route: Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, delivering and picking garments and products daily.
• Support Daily Operations: Assist our service team by loading and unloading route trucks, ensuring each day begins with accuracy and efficiency.
• Deliver Consistent, Reliable Service: Ensure on-time, accurate deliveries and returns while maintaining strong customer satisfaction.
• Grow Customer Relationships: Build rapport with customers, address service needs, and introduce new garments and products to enhance their experience.
• Drive Sales Growth: Identify upselling opportunities and grow your route, increasing your earning potential.
• Represent UniFirst on the Road: Operate a company walk-in truck along designated routes, delivering exceptional service, prioritizing safety at all times, and reinforcing strong customer relationships.
• Engage in a Physically Active Role: Work across both indoor and outdoor environments that require energy, attention to detail, and a commitment to safety.
• Contribute to Service Excellence: Troubleshoot service issues, manage inventory, and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Maintain a Predictable Schedule: Monday–Friday daytime hours with no nights, weekends – servicing the same route and customers each week to build consistency and trust.

Core Competencies

• Customer-Centric Mindset & Relationship Building: You consistently deliver outstanding service that exceeds expectations, building lasting trust with every customer on your route. You understand that each interaction is an opportunity to strengthen relationships and grow business.
• Time Management, Route Efficiency & Safety Awareness: You manage your route with precision, balancing timely deliveries and pickups with safe driving practices. You maintain a consistent schedule, handle unexpected challenges with ease, and ensure each stop receives the same level of quality service and care.
• Dependability, Problem-Solving & Professional Communication: You take ownership of your responsibilities, showing up prepared, following through on commitments, and representing UniFirst with professionalism. You communicate effectively with customers and internal teams, quickly addressing needs or concerns, and finding solutions that support both service excellence and business growth.
• Sales & Upselling Mindset: You identify opportunities to introduce new garments, products and services that benefit the customer, driving additional revenue while enhancing the value you provide. You approach upselling as a way to strengthen customer relationships, ensuring their needs are met with the right solutions at the right time.

Why You’ll Enjoy This Role

• Consistent Customer Connections: Service the same set of customers on your dedicated route, building trust and strong, long-term relationships.
• Earning from Day One: This is a commissioned role from your first day in the field, with your income growing as you expand and upsell your route.
• Make a Direct Impact: Be the face of UniFirst for your customers—delivering great service, resolving issues, and helping their businesses succeed.

Qualifications

What You Bring to UniFirst

• Driver’s License & Safe Driving Record: Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and reliable transportation.
• DOT Compliance: Meet all Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements, including a physical exam.
• Educational Requirements: High school diploma, GED, or military service required.
• Strong Customer Service Skills: Ability to work independently while maintaining a team-oriented mindset and providing excellent customer service.
• Relevant Experience: Prior experience in customer service, route sales, or delivery, roles is a plus!
• Tech-Savvy: Comfortable using and learning new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience.
• Physical Stamina: Capable of lifting, carrying, and pushing up to 50 lbs., with the ability to remain on your feet for extended periods.

You Will Benefit From

• Competitive Compensation: Competitive wages, 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, health and life insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, and more.
• Training & Development: Formal training through our SCP program to set you up for success as an RSR
• Career Development: Continuous training and growth opportunities
• Company Culture: A supportive and inclusive workplace rooted in a strong sense of community
• Stability & Work-Life Balance: Monday–Friday daytime schedule, no nights or weekends
• Inclusive Culture: A diverse and inclusive work environment that values a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Join UniFirst for a Rewarding Career

At UniFirst, you'll find opportunities for advancement in a supportive and diverse environment. If you're ready to take on a dynamic, customer-focused role with plenty of room for growth, we’d love to hear from you!

About UniFirst

UniFirst is an international leader in the $18 billion-dollar garment services industry. We currently employ over 16,000 team partners who serve 300,000 business customer locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe. We were included in the top 10 of Selling Power magazine’s “Best Companies to Sell For” list and recognized on Forbes magazine’s “Platinum 400 – Best Big Companies” list.