Loblaws Maple Grove Distribution Center

This is a non-​retail distribution center, where truckloads of food come in from all over North America for unloading. The food is then redistributed to outbound trucks which deliver to your friendly local food store.
I have been visiting this location for years, usually performing a drop-​n-​hook procedure, where I drop off a loaded trailer and hook up to an empty trailer to return to the States. In that respect, I am usually in and out in no time.
There are separate driveways for ‘company’ trucks and outside vendors like myself. This streamlines the operation tremendously, allowing Loblaws trucks to move about effortlessly, while the other guard shack sorts out the various inbound loads and directs them to specific doors. Both driveways are located along Vondrau Drive north of Maple Grove. For outside vendors, use 95 Vondrau Dr. in GPS to find the drive leading to guard shack.
When I have to do a live unload, well, that’s a different story. Sometimes it goes quick, and other times it can take just about forever. It all depends on whether they need the product or not, but also if there is an empty trailer available and waiting.
Safety is first and foremost the most important feature of the Maple Grove location. Nobody wants to see someone injured while on the premises and they have come up with safety procedures to follow. A 22 kph speed limit is pretty much adhered to and provides for a safer work environment whenever I step out of my truck.
All in all, this is an efficient operation. They have definitely worked out the kinks over the years.