In an effort to bolster its private fleet, Walmart announce pay raises for its approximately 12,000 drivers. The latest investments mean Walmart drivers can now make up to $110,000 in their first year with the company. The company said drivers who have been with Walmart longer can earn even more, based on factors like tenure and location.

"Throughout Walmart’s history, we’ve been committed to turning ambition into opportunity. In the last several years, we’ve cast a wide net, inviting associates from across the business to learn more, see more and do more," said Fernando Cortes, senior vice president of transportation, and Karisa Sprague, senior vice president of supply chain people.

"The investments make driving for Walmart’s private fleet even more enticing than before, so we’re creating new ways to offer existing Walmart associates opportunities to drive with us," said Cortes and Sprague.

Walmart launched its first-ever Walmart Private Fleet Development Program. Over the course of a 12-week program, supply chain associates in the Dallas, and Dover, DE, areas earned their commercial driver’s license and became full-fledged private fleet Walmart drivers.

With a massive training infrastructure already built around the company's Live Better U and academies the company felt its learning ecosystem stood ready to help launch a driver pipeline program. It just needed teachers.

"Fortunately, we have some of the best in the business already employed: the established drivers of our private fleet," said Cortes and Sprague. "Now with another title as Certified Driver Trainers, they turned their attention to training a new generation of associates in our values of safety, courtesy and pride. After completing specialized training in the Walmart Academies, they began working with trainees — teaching written material and, of course, overseeing the actual driving."

At the end of the classroom portion of the training, associates graduate with their CDL through LBU, months of real-world experience under trained instructors, and a dedicated mentor to help them smoothly transition into their new role. In lieu of a graduation cap, they get something just as distinguished: a Walmart private fleet shirt and trucker cap.

The investments in pay and training build on multiple recent driver bonuses and improved schedules that enable drivers to spend more time at home. "There’s never been a better time to join our fleet," said Cortes and Sprague. "Our transportation team will continue to grow with our business, and we’ll continue to invest in them along the way. It’s an exciting time to be part of one of the world’s largest Private Fleets and we plan to keep hiring the best drivers in the industry to join our team."