Route Trainee - UniFirst

UniFirst Corporation; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Profit sharing

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employee discounts

Stable schedule

Job summary

UniFirst is seeking a Route Trainee in Durham, NC. You will participate in a structured program to become a Route Service Representative, support loading, unloading, deliveries, and route coverage. The role emphasizes customer service, safety, and reliability in a field-based setting.

Expect a Monday–Friday daytime schedule with no nights or weekends. Training leads to a full-time RSR role, with opportunities for growth and advancement within a large garment services company.

Qualifications

• Driver’s License & Safe Driving Record: must be 21+ with valid license, clean record, reliable transportation.
• DOT compliance: physical exam and DOT requirements.
• Educational requirements: high school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to work independently.
• Relevant delivery or route experience is a plus.
• Tech‑savvy and ability to learn new technologies.
• Physical stamina: able to lift and move up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Participate in UniFirst’s Service Certificate Program to train for RSR.
• Assist with loading/unloading route trucks and daily operations.
• Deliver clean garments to customers and return soiled items.
• Provide route coverage when needed to maintain service levels.
• Operate a company walk-in truck along designated routes.
• Work in indoor and outdoor environments with safety as a priority.
• Contribute to service department success and customer relationships.

Skills

Customer service

Time management

Route efficiency

Education

High school diploma/GED/military service

Job description

At UniFirst, we Always Deliver—for our customers and our people. Join us as a Route Trainee (RT) and take the first step toward a rewarding career in service and customer care. As an RT, you’ll receive hands-on training through our robust, blended learning programs while supporting daily operations and preparing to transition into a full-time Route Service Representative (RSR) role. You’ll assist with deliveries, service, and route coverage while learning multiple customer accounts. This is a dynamic opportunity ideal for someone eager to grow, customer-focused, and ready to build a strong foundation in a field-based service role.

What Your Role Entails:

• Participate in UniFirst’s Service Certificate Program: Engage in a hands-on training program designed to prepare you for a Route Service Representative (RSR) role.
• 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: Transport clean garments and products to customers and return soiled items, providing dependable and timely service with every stop.
• Provide Route Coverage When Needed: Step in during RSR absences to manage established routes, upholding UniFirst’s high standards of service and professionalism.
• 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 Department Success: Play a vital role in delivering outstanding service, building customer relationships, and driving the success of our Service Department.
• Maintain a Predictable Schedule: Enjoy consistent Monday-Friday daytime schedule with no nights or weekends.

Core Competencies:

• Customer-centric Mindset: You go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service, building trust and loyalty with every interaction. You understand that the customer experience is at the heart of everything we do.
• Time Management & Route Efficiency: Ability to manage your time effectively to stay on schedule, make prompt deliveries, and complete tasks with precision. You understand how to balance urgency with quality service, ensuring each stop along your route is handled efficiently and professionally.
• Dependability, Collaboration & Communication: You take pride in showing up on time, following through on your responsibilities, and representing UniFirst with professionalism and integrity. You work closely with teammates and leadership to ensure smooth daily operations, resolve issues quickly, and deliver great service. Your consistency and teamwork help drive success every day.

Why You’ll Enjoy This Role:

• Every day is different: Whether you're training, riding along, or covering a route, no two days look the same.
• A path to career growth: This position is your gateway to a full-time commissioned Route Service Representative role.
• Make a direct impact: You’ll be out in the field supporting our customers face-to-face.

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

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.

UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.

UniFirst is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment against any individual on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, religion, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, or any other factor protected by anti-discrimination laws.

If you require an accommodation during any part of the application process due to a disability or medical condition, please contact us by email at TalentAcquisition@un