Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Food Distribution Drivers Make More on Average than Rest of the Industry

If you’re wondering where the best money is for drivers, look no further than the food distribution sector, according a new survey conducted by the International Foodservice Distributors Association.

November 19, 2019
Food Distribution Drivers Make More on Average than Rest of the Industry

Drivers in foodservice distribution make more on average than drivers in other sectors, according to IFDA. 

Source: IFDA 2019 Hourly Compensation Survey: Driver and Warehouse Positions Edition, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018

1 min to read


If you’re wondering where the best money is for drivers, look no further than the food distribution sector, according a new survey conducted by the International Foodservice Distributors Association.

Ad Loading...

The IFDA released the results for its 2019 Compensation Survey: Driver and Warehouse Positions Edition, in which the group found that average hourly wages for foodservice distribution employees are highly competitive and surpass those of many other occupations for U.S. workers.

Ad Loading...

In particular, delivery drivers in the food distribution sector had an average annual wage of $67,291 compared to a $51,960-average for all U.S. workers. Against other drivers the disparity is even worse, according to IFDA’s survey.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' numbers, the average for heavy-duty truck drivers is $45,570 and light truck or delivery services drivers average just $36,920.

For comparison to other industries, construction equipment operators average $52,190 per year, roofers average $43,870 and stonemasons average $44,370.

IFDA’s survey was based on data from 93 distribution companies, representing 699 facilities. The report includes salary information for five driver positions and 19 warehouse positions. The full survey is available through IFDA.

More Drivers

Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
DriversFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver in yellow safety vest walking alongside tractor-trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 25, 2026

How One Company is Using Smart Suspension Technology to Reduce Driver Injuries and Improve Retention

America’s Service Line adopted Link’s SmartValve and ROI Cabmate systems to address whole-body vibration, repetitive strain, and driver turnover. The trucking fleet is already seeing measurable results.

Read More →
Illustration with photos from some of the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For honorees
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 24, 2026

CarriersEdge Announces 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For

The 18th annual contest recognizing the best workplaces for truck drivers sees changes to Top 20, Hall of Fame

Read More →
Illustration of driver students around trucks with distressed graphic elements and safety cones
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 19, 2026

FMCSA Targets 550+ ‘Sham’ CDL Schools in Nationwide Sting Operation

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued more than 550 notices of proposed removal to commercial driver training providers following a five-day nationwide enforcement sweep. Investigators cited unqualified instructors, improper training vehicles, and failure to meet federal and state requirements.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Illustration showing a driver behind the wheel, DOT offices, and examples of problematic non domiciled CDL
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 18, 2026

DOT Alleges Illinois Issued Illegal Non-Domiciled CDLs

Illinois is the latest state targeted and threatened with the loss of highway funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation in its review of states' non-domiciled CDL issuance procedures. The state is pushing back.

Read More →
 Illustration showing a driver behind the wheel, DOT offices, and examples of problematic non domiciled CDL
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 12, 2026

FMCSA Locks in Non-Domiciled CDL Restrictions

After a legal pause last fall, FMCSA has finalized its rule limiting non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses. The agency says the change closes a safety gap, and its revised economic analysis suggests workforce effects will be more gradual than first thought.

Read More →
Photo of Stone's Truck Stop
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 5, 2026

Trucker Path Names Top Truck Stops for 2026

Truck driver ratings reveal the best chain and independent truck stops in the country.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

6 Dashcam Tactics to Improve Safety & ROI

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →