How to hire a route sales representative

How to hire a route sales representative, step by step

Here's a step-by-step route sales representative hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a route sales representative job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new route sales representative
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

What does a route sales representative do?

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the route sales representative you need to hire. Certain route sales representative roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a route sales representative to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a route sales representative that fits the bill.

   This list presents route sales representative salaries for various positions.

   Type of Route Sales Representative	Description	Hourly rate
   Route Sales Representative	Delivery truck drivers and driver/sales workers pick up, transport, and drop off packages and small shipments within a local region or urban area. They drive trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW)—the combined weight of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo—of 26,000 pounds or less... Show more	$17-25
   Driver/Merchandiser	A driver/merchandiser's role in society is to directly deliver products to customers on time, bearing good communication skills to interpret and relay messages and instructions. A driver/merchandiser is also tasked to check on the truck's condition, repair or replace damaged parts, and deliver it to reliable auto shops if the damage is severe... Show more	$7-27
   Pizza Delivery Driver	A pizza delivery driver is primarily in charge of delivering pizza and other orders to homes, establishments, and other locations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place or company of employment, it typically includes checking to see if the orders are complete and accurate before leaving the restaurant, securing invoices, and accepting and processing payments... Show more	$11-24

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • DOT
   • Strong Customer Service
   • Customer Accounts
   • Work Ethic
   • Upselling
   • REP
   • Cross-Selling
   • Pallets
   • Team Support
   • Good Communication
   • Quality Products
   • Sales Growth
   • Grocery Store

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Manage invoice collection and customer issues.
   • Drive CDL rate truck over assign territory.
   • Complete route in timely manner via CDL truck.
   • Utilize math skills to process payments while on route.
   • Maintain cleanliness of truck and inspect truck for imperfections and safe operation.
   • Distribute daily newspapers to customers; acquire new business via effective sales and marketing techniques.

   More route sales representative duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your route sales representative job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A route sales representative salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, route sales representatives' average salary in north carolina is 35% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level route sales representatives earn 31% less than senior-level route sales representatives.
   • Certifications. A route sales representative with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a route sales representative's salary.

   Average route sales representative salary

   $44,918yearly

   $21.60 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level route sales representative salary

   $37,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 20, 2026

   Average route sales representative salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$54,681	$26
   2	Oregon	$53,593	$26
   3	Washington	$51,187	$25
   4	Montana	$48,624	$23
   5	Michigan	$48,504	$23
   6	Iowa	$48,134	$23
   7	Maine	$46,385	$22
   8	Nevada	$46,174	$22
   9	Alabama	$46,150	$22
   10	Texas	$45,750	$22
   11	Colorado	$44,827	$22
   12	New Mexico	$44,693	$21
   13	Oklahoma	$44,068	$21
   14	Arizona	$43,697	$21
   15	Florida	$43,598	$21
   16	Pennsylvania	$43,254	$21
   17	Minnesota	$43,149	$21
   18	Indiana	$41,806	$20
   19	Maryland	$41,750	$20
   20	Utah	$41,557	$20

   Average route sales representative salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	Johnson Controls	$54,476	$26.19	87
   2	Community Coffee	$54,201	$26.06
   3	PepsiCo	$53,726	$25.83	33
   4	Frito-Lay	$53,696	$25.82	11
   5	Culligan	$52,361	$25.17	19
   6	Herr Foods	$51,278	$24.65	33
   7	Franz Bakery	$50,768	$24.41
   8	Bimbo Bakeries	$49,919	$24.00
   9	Deli Express	$48,375	$23.26	5
   10	BASi	$48,086	$23.12
   11	Peet's Coffee	$47,893	$23.03	9
   12	Wise Foods	$47,052	$22.62
   13	Triton Stone Group	$46,884	$22.54	2
   14	KeHE	$46,728	$22.47	2
   15	Clean Harbors	$46,518	$22.36	44
   16	Cintas	$46,108	$22.17	515
   17	Martin's Famous Pastry Shoppe	$46,094	$22.16
   18	Schwebel's Bread	$45,828	$22.03	20
   19	Hr International	$45,804	$22.02
   20	Dempsey Uniform & Linen Supply	$45,671	$21.96	1

4. Writing a route sales representative job description

   A good route sales representative job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a route sales representative job description:

   Route sales representative job description example

   KLINGSPOR AutoBody, a division of KLINGSPOR Abrasives, Inc., specializing in the manufacture and distribution of high-quality sanding and finishing products for over 125 years, is seeking an individual to call on automotive shops.

   The AutoBody Factory Sales Rep operates a mobile store that focuses on collision, restoration, and customizing shops. We sell our sandpaper plus various allied products. Route truck provided. KLINGSPOR offers a great opportunity for someone that is a self-starter with a winning attitude, and drive.

   Compensation:

   • Base Salary + Commissions + Monthly sales bonus program
   • Plus a Guaranteed Additional On-boarding commissions pay for the first 10 months
   • Inventory, Vehicle and Equipment provided by KLINGSPOR
   • No personal financial investment required
   • KLINGSPOR owns vehicle, inventory and equipment
   • KLINGSPOR handles all account receivables – No financial stress!

   Qualifications/Responsibilities:

   • Team player with a positive and winning attitude
   • Self-Starter
   • Basic computer skills
   • Communications skills to develop prospective customers and maintain current customers
   • Ability to work entire sales process from prospecting to close
   • Knowledge of or ability to learn about products used in body shops.

   Experience in the industry a plus, however, not a requirement.

   Requirements:

   • An insurable driving record
   • Candidate MUST live within the territory
   • Must be able to pass a DOT Medical Card physical exam. CDL not required
   • Ability to lift boxes weighing an approximate maximum weight of 65lbs.

   If this career opportunity interests you, please submit your resume and cover letter.

   We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, age, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

   Company DescriptionKLINGSPOR Abrasives is a manufacturer of the highest quality industrial sanding and grinding products. Our history is a long one which dates back over 125 years. KLINGSPOR originated in Germany where it is today still one of the world's largest and most respected abrasive manufacturers making some of the highest quality products for industrial applications.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right route sales representative for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your route sales representative job on Zippia to find and recruit route sales representative candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting route sales representatives requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new route sales representative

   Once you've selected the best route sales representative candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new route sales representative first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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How much does it cost to hire a route sales representative?