Upper Lakes Foods Driver Reviews & Salary

3.8
37 Reviews
Upper Lakes Foods Reviews, CDL Class A Jobs and Salary
Leading Independent Wholesale Food Distributor in Minnesota

Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. is the largest independent, wholesale food supplier in Minnesota. The company has three locations situated in Cloquet, MN, Northfield, MN, and Janesville, WI. We distribute food throughout the Upper Midwest. Upper Lakes Foods specializes in serving foodservice operators such as independent eateries, assisted living centers, schools, and national and regional foodservice chain accounts with a strong emphasis on customer service.

Company Info
Positions
Fleet Info
Requirements
Company Info
You need to know!
Where is the company located?
Which available positions does the company have?

OTR position

TAX Form?

W2

Any types of bonuses?

$7,500 sign on bonus

Where does the company operate?

We distribute food throughout the Upper Midwest.

What type of loads does the company have?

Upper Lakes Foods specializes in serving foodservice operators such as independent restaurants, assisted living facilities, schools, and national and regional foodservice chain accounts with a strong focus on customer service.

Who are your biggest customers?
  • Baker Boy
  • Brakebush
  • Cloverdale
  • Hormel
  • Lyons
  • Red Diamond
  • Trident
  • Tyson
  • Ventura Foods
Positions
OTR Solo Company Driver
How much does the company pay?
  • Up to $70,000 - $80,000 a year
  • Up to $1,458 - $1,666 per week
  • Up to $0.48 - $0.55 per mile

CPM and Hour rates can change depending on the market and fuel prices! For more information, you can Apply, and the company will contact you to discuss details! Thank you for understanding!

Which routes does the company operate?

We distribute food throughout the Upper Midwest.

What is the schedule?

Typically OTR Monday through Friday and home on weekends.

Any types of benefits?
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401K w/ Match
  • Vacation and PTO
  • Holiday Pay
Supplemental Pay?

Per Diem of $25/Day

Fleet Info
You need to know!
How many trucks does the company have?

We have 79 Power units

What trucks model does the company have?
  • Volvo
  • Kenworth
What type of trailers does the company have?

Reefer

Requirements
You need to know!
Requirements to start work with Upper Lakes Foods
  • 2 years OTR/Regional
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • 23 years of age or older.
  • No moving violations or DOT reportable accidents in the last three years.
  • Demonstrates proficient knowledge of general DOT regulations.
  • Ability to use, or learn to use equipment such as global positioning systems (GPS) i.e. XRS, and tools used to perform the job.
  • Willing to work in all weather conditions and adhere to all safety practices and company policies.

Why Upper Lakes?

Why Upper Lakes?

Leading regional food service company. For over 50 years, we’ve been involved in aiding many enterprises and organizations in succeeding in the food industry. While others opt to cut corners, we concentrate on maximizing your profits with creative, economical solutions. As a family-operated company, we can promptly address your needs. Each client at Upper Lakes Foods has an assigned account executive to ensure your success.

All information and pictures we took from original company resources; here are all the backlinks! Reference Information

Company Snapshot BY FMCSA

Before you will go to a Company be sure, it's a good company for you
with good Safety Rating & OOS Rates by FMCSA

Last Update: 05.02.2025
  • Authority from: 08/28/2008
  • U.S. DOT#: 243005
  • U.S. MC# 654584
  • Number of Vehicles: 79
  • Number of Drivers: 90
  • Number of Inspections: 119
  • Unsafe Driving: 1.28
  • 2024 Crashes: 2
  • Maintenance Score: 4.83
  • Insurance: UNION INSURANCE CO.
  • Insurance Policy #: CPA3311453
  • Insurance coverage: $1,000,000
  • Insured from: 01/07/2025

BASIC STATUS (Public information) Behavior Analysis & Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs)

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Feedback

A total of 37 reviews

Reviews of our users

Here we found more important reviews from other resources!

5

They pay on time, their orders are clear, and they respect deadlines. It’s not glitzy or fancy, but it’s solid

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5

They’re not going to win any awards for innovation, but they’re reliable and do what they do well.

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5

If you’re in it for the long haul, it’s a steady paycheck, but if you’re looking for shortcuts or easy money, this ain’t the place.

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4

The customer service is pretty lackluster, though

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3

Very quick unloading and nice people

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1

Horrible customer service. I was looking for a vendor for my start up business and the sales rep stood me up. I had to get in touch with him. He wasn't even gonna let me know. Said he had a personal issue come up. Well I can work with that but he knew he had customers today so he should have told his boss and they could have got in touch with me. That didn't happen. So this place won't get my business. You don't treat customers this way.

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5

I was broke down in Yuma, Arizona the other day with a trailer issue I need an extra pair of hands, one of your drivers saw I needed help and came right over to lend a hand. They don’t make drivers like that anymore. Hope you guys know what you got. I tried to poach him to come over to my company but he said you guys treated him good…. Thanks Scott truck number 63407 P.S …..we got it fixed

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5

Quick in quick out just get their on time and your good.

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1

unloading by Appt. i waiting on door 3 hrs until start unload. higher lumper fee. NO WARM RESTROOM FOR DRIVERS!!!! TODAY 17°F!!! SNOW STORM!

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1

Driver in Kenworth cut me off with my young toddlers in back running me off the road. Almost took mt left front ture off with his ICC bumper. Made report.

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5

Best place ever, very nice place and employees great service here can’t complain wish every warehouse is like this 😎😎

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5

I delivered here today for the first time. Immediately upon arrival, I had to stop at guard shack and check in. The gentleman that came out was so very kind, I appreciate his approach and kindness. After check in, I went around to receiving, parked along the fence, and walked my paperwork into the office. The lady there was also very kind. She figured out how much my lumper was going to be and I paid her with a personal credit card. It was a very simple process. She advised me to just go back out to my truck and wait and they would bring the paperwork to me, as they did. Thank you Upper Lakes Foods for having good people on staff. It makes the world's difference to a driver.

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3

Security guard was exceptionally friendly and warm when entering their compound. The lady "Julie" (receiving office) was quite exceptionally the complete opposite. Very UNfriendly, ALL business, and SHORT about it. One might say this particular "human being" simply has no sense of humour...but it is absolutely doubtful she has ever even seen the definition of the word humor. Planning to bring a dictionary along if I ever revisit this facility!!!

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1

Paid 375 for the lumper fee, and they didn't even let me use the restroom. They show you cold, smelly plastic can outside. It's like pay and don't bother us anymore kind of company

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5

Good place to deliver your load, quick unloading.

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5

Awesome place to delivery . Unloaded in about a hour . Lady at receiver is very kind .

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4

Nice place to deliver just no overnight parking

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5

Great place, nice people. Very fast.

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5

Great place good people

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5

Upper Lakes Foods offers a fulfilling work experience. My role was both challenging and rewarding, with a strong support system for drivers. The company provides well-maintained, modern equipment, and while some routes can seem overwhelming, they are manageable. Excellent benefits and competitive pay add to the appeal.

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5

The company fosters a welcoming, family-like atmosphere, making it easy to communicate with management. The work is physically demanding, but the pay is worth it. Reliable equipment and an outstanding team of coworkers and managers make this an excellent workplace. Highly recommended.

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5

As an OTR driver, I had a great experience here. The company values its drivers, offering newer trucks, ample miles, and weekly home time. They accommodate preferences for specific routes, which is appreciated.

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5

This company prioritizes family, always ensuring employees can address personal matters. I love working here and wouldn’t consider leaving for another job. Thank you, Upper Lakes Foods.

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1

This job comes with significant challenges—misrepresented hours, excessive workloads, and insufficient staff. Management lacks competence, making the work environment difficult. Not a family-friendly company.

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5

An outstanding workplace, easily the best job I've had. Management is fair, approachable, and willing to support employees. Competitive pay and an enjoyable work environment made this role very fulfilling. I would have stayed if I hadn’t relocated.

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5

A true family-oriented company where management is flexible with scheduling. Work opportunities range from three to six days per week. The pay is average for the industry, and while some days are hectic, others are smooth, creating a balanced work experience.

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1

Compensation and benefits leave much to be desired. No 401k matching, expensive health insurance, and recent pay cuts make this a less-than-ideal workplace.

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1

Management lacks accountability and regularly alters work hours. Promises made are often broken, leaving drivers stranded without communication until tasks are completed.

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4

While the job itself is decent, the unstable third-shift schedule poses challenges. No alternative shifts are available, making it difficult to maintain family stability.

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4

Despite tough and demanding work, the benefits and team dynamics make this a worthwhile employer. Employees receive all necessary gear, including uniforms and weather-appropriate clothing. Advancement is possible but limited. The company provides valuable on-the-job training and helps employees develop endurance.

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4

Management attempts to be accommodating, but the fast-paced nature of the foodservice industry can be overwhelming. Compensation is below industry standards, potentially due to the company's small, family-run structure.

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5

This is a great job, but the early wake-up time (1 a.m.) is challenging. Balancing family life with a 12–14 hour daily schedule is tough, though the pay is solid. The long-term sustainability of this schedule is questionable.

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4

A solid workplace overall. Management is reasonable and approachable. Compensation is good, and there’s plenty of overtime for hourly workers. However, be prepared for intense physical labor and misrepresented work hours. Expect 13–14-hour shifts, with occasional 16-hour days. If you can manage the workload, it's a great job.

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3

Upper Lakes Foods provides job stability and decent pay. While the hours are inconsistent and sometimes odd, the income is enough to support a family. A satisfactory place to work.

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4

I enjoyed coming in and completing my tasks while working alongside helpful and friendly staff. They made learning the job an easier process.

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4

A decent place to work. Compensation is good, and there is no shortage of hours. Management was respectful, and I never experienced issues with them.

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4

Upper Lakes Foods has been a positive experience for both me and my family. I’ve been working at the Janesville, WI facility for six months, and it has exceeded our expectations. I appreciate my coworkers, supervisors, and management. Excited for the future and new opportunities ahead.

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