Walmart is fortifying its supply chain by offering to pay its private fleet drivers up to $110,000 annually, with veteran drivers being eligible to earn even more based on factors like tenure and location, the global retail chain announced on Thursday.
“Our approximately 12,000 drivers are deeply dedicated to safety and professionalism, and today, we’re proud to announce pay raises to ensure Walmart remains one of the best companies in the world to drive for,” company officials stated a news release.
The company says the investments make driving for Walmart’s Private Fleet more enticing than before, so it’s creating new ways to offer existing Walmart associates opportunities to become truck drivers with its new “Fleet Development Program.” Over the course of the 12-week program, supply chain associates can earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and become full-fledged Private Fleet Walmart drivers, with instruction from existing Walmart drivers.
Already established drivers of Walmart’s Private Fleet have been named “Certified Driver Trainers” by the company. After completing specialized training in the Walmart Academies, they began working with trainees, teaching written material overseeing the driving.
At the end of the classroom portion of the training, associates graduate with their CDL through Walmart’s “Live Better U” program, 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, new drivers will receive a Walmart Private Fleet shirt and trucker cap.
The company says investments in pay and training build on multiple recent driver bonuses and improved schedules that enable drivers to spend more time at home.
“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.”
To apply to drive for Walmart, visit drive4walmart.com.
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The global retail chain also recently provided updates on its new Home Office location in Bentonville, including amenities that “prioritize the health and well-being” of its associates, such as state-of-the-art fitness and childcare centers.
“Through the years, Walmart has continued to evolve its benefits to ensure we are supporting every aspect of our associates’ lives – inside and outside of work,” the company said. “And our new Home Office gives us an incredible opportunity to bring those benefits to life on a campus that combines a creative and inspirational work environment with a new, innovative, and holistic approach to supporting associates and their families. We have taken a purpose-driven approach in the design of the entire campus with amenities that promote and prioritize health and well-being for every associate.”
The company unveiled plans for its 360,000- SF Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness center, a “well-being destination with robust programming and resources to support the mind, body and spirit of every individual.” With construction underway, Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness plans to open to members in late 2023.
“Whole Health Institute addresses physical, mental, emotional and social factors that affect well-being,” said Walt Cooper, CEO of Whole Health Institute. “The intentional design of Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness brings that vision to life by creating an environment that goes beyond physical fitness to make holistic health achievable.”
The new facility, designed by Duda|Paine Architects, will offer traditional fitness amenities with “robust, reimagined programming” along with communal and educational spaces, such as a teaching kitchen, three indoor pools, expansive indoor and outdoor racquet and recreation facilities, state-of-the-art fitness, functional training and specialized studio spaces, a Youth Activity Center and more.
The company said a child care center was a top-requested amenity from its associates. The Home Office Child Care Center will support up to 500 children, ranging from infants to Pre-K, of associates based in Northwest Arkansas. Construction of the 73,000-SF amenity is scheduled to be completed in late 2023. Page Southerland Page, Inc. was selected as the design partner for the center.
In support of the construction of Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness and the new Child Care Center, the Walton Family Holdings Trust has canceled Walmart common stock owned by the Trust in an amount equal to approximately $225 million.
“Providing associates with easy access to offerings that enhance health and well-being is an essential element of whole health,” said Alice Walton. “Our family is delighted to provide the support for these innovative resources.”
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