Route Coverage Specialist - UniFirst

UniFirst
Melrose Park, IL

At UniFirst , we Always Deliver—for our customers and our people. Join us as a Route Coverage Specialist, a key service professional integral to the success of our operations. In this role, you’ll provide exceptional service by stepping in to cover delivery routes when our Route Service Representatives (RSRs) are unavailable. With training on multiple routes, you’ll ensure our valued customers experience seamless service every time. This dynamic, fast-paced opportunity is perfect for someone proactive, agile, and who enjoys variety.

What Your Role Entails:

  • Develop Proficiency Across Multiple Routes: Learn the ins and outs of multiple routes, including customer-specific details, to provide top-tier service.
  • Deliver Garments and Product to Customers: Safely load, transport, and unload clean garments, flat goods, and other products to customers along established routes. Collect and secure used or soiled garments and products for return, ensuring timely and accurate service to meet customer standards
  • Provide Excellent Customer Service: Step in and deliver high-quality service, supporting strong customer relationships through positive interactions and clear communication.
  • Problem Solving: Resolve customer requests independently, using problem-solving skills to ensure satisfaction and maintain customer loyalty.
  • Operational Excellence: Accurately manage invoices, conduct inventory audits, and maintain the safety and appearance of your vehicle.
  • Safety: Follow all traffic laws, safety standards, and company policies to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself, your customers, and the company.
  • Route Support: Collaborate with the Service and Management Teams to support new account installations, assist RSRs on routes, contribute to rerouting efforts, and collections. You will also have the opportunity to upsell and strengthen customer relationships.
  • Effective Communication : Share customer feedback and potential solutions with location leadership. Stay informed about competitor activity in the local market.

Core Competencies:

  • Time Management & Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing routes, conditions, and customer needs.
  • Customer-Centric Mindset: UniFirst is a service-driven company, and as a Route Specialist, you’ll play a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Collaboration & Team Support: While autonomy is key, collaboration within the Service, Production, Sales and Office Department is essential to ensure success.

Why You’ll Enjoy This Role:

  • Variety: Every day brings new routes and new experiences, ensuring no two days are alike.
  • Agility: Perfect for those who thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy navigating different routes, weather conditions, and schedules.
  • Autonomy: Work independently while being part of a supportive team that values service excellence and adaptability.
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.
  • 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 salary, 401(k) with company match, profit sharing, health and life insurance, paid time off, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, and more.
  • Work-Life Balance: Monday–Friday day shift schedule.
  • Career Development: Continuous training and growth opportunities.
  • 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.

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 need accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an e-mail to [email protected] or call 800-347-7888 to let us know the nature of your request.

UniFirst Recruiters and/or representatives will not ask job seekers to provide personal financial information when submitting a job application. Please be vigilant as such requests for information may be fraudulent.

Posted 2026-03-18

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