Walmart expands Associate-to-Driver pilot program
Walmart is expanding its Associate-to-Driver pilot program for associates working in stores, distribution centers, fulfillment centers and transportation offices in participating locations so that they will be able to take advantage of its Fleet Development program.
In a post on Walmart’s website, Fernando Cortes, senior vice president of transportation said that Walmart associates know the crucial role its Private Fleet of more than 13,000 drivers play across the company in delivering items to customers.
Acknowledging that many Walmart associates have long been interested in stepping into these driver roles themselves but felt limited by the time and expense of the training required, Cortes said that’s why the launch of Walmart's Fleet Development program last year was such a game changer.
"It gave supply chain associates in select parts of the country a path to earn their commercial driver’s license and became full-fledged Private Fleet Walmart drivers," Cortes said.
Since the program was announced last year, Walmart has trained 56 associates from various supply chain roles. The retailer is now expanding the program to include store associates within a 50-mile radius of a hiring transportation office.
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“After they complete the 12-week training course and earn their CDLs, they have a coveted Walmart driving job ready to step into,” Cortes said, noting that Walmart drivers can make up to $110,000 in their first year with the company, in addition to the suite of benefits the company offers.
"And that’s just a start – drivers who have been with Walmart longer can earn even more, based on factors like tenure and location," Cortes said.
Cortes went on to say that the Associate-to-Driver program allows participants to learn driving "from the best of the best – our current Walmart driving instructors.
Noting that Walmart's fleet is continually recognized for its commitment to safety, Cortes said that the American Trucking Association has awarded Walmart the Safest Fleet in the Over 250 Million Mile Division for six consecutive years.
"By training our new drivers in this program from day one, we can help guide them to approach all parts of the job focusing on the values of safety, courtesy and pride so that we will never disappoint our fleet, customers or families,” Cortes said.
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Lastly, Cortes said the program is a win for associates, who can take the next step in their career journey without leaving the company.
Cortes added, "It’s a win for Walmart as we can continue to invest in our talented team of associates. And it is a win for customers and members, as our fleet continues to deliver every day. It’s exciting to be part of one of the world’s largest private fleets, and we plan to keep hiring and growing the best drivers in the industry to join our team.”
To apply to drive for Walmart, visit here.