TAMPA, Fla., Jan. 24, 2019 – Walmart is announcing today an investment in driver wages. This investment represents Walmart’s commitment to maintaining its position as one of the best jobs in the transportation industry and the importance of recruiting and retaining the best drivers.
Beginning in February drivers will receive a per mile increase of $0.01 and a 50-cent increase in activity pay for arrive and arrive/drop occurrences. That means Walmart drivers will now be paid up to $1 every time they arrive at their destination and drop a trailer. With this increase, Walmart drivers can earn an average of $87,500 in their first year of employment with an all-in rate of nearly 89 cents per mile.
“Our business is constantly changing, and it’s important that our fleet of truck drivers remains the safest and best trained on the road every day,” said Chuck Carter, Walmart general transportation manager in Brooksville, Fla. “This wage increase is exciting, as it allows us the opportunity to find and keep those drivers that represent our principles and work to be the best at serving our stores, our customers and the places they call home.”
“Transportation is critically important to our state’s economy and truck drivers are at the tip of the spear in ensuring efficient movement of goods and materials that keep our state’s economy growing,” said Florida State Representative Blaise Ingoglia, who also serves as chair of a state committee focused on transportation issues. “I commend Walmart for their support of their driver fleet in this competitive marketplace. This is another example that a vibrant free market is the path to wage increases, prosperity, and more opportunities”.
The perks and benefits of driving for Walmart extends well beyond the competitive per/mile rate and activity-based pay. Some of the reasons truck drivers say they enjoy working for Walmart include:
· Great benefits. Walmart drivers have access to company benefits on the first day and can earn as much as 21 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) in their first year.
· Predictable home time. Walmart operates on a weekly schedule, so drivers know they will be home and on the road. We use a bidding process two to three times a year to set their schedules, so drivers know where they stand on work-life balance.
· Walmart is one of the safest fleets operating with contemporary well-maintained equipment. At Walmart our drivers drive and earn money rather than waiting for a truck to be fixed. Walmart offers quarterly safety bonuses and a safety incentive and recognition programs. The American Transportation Association has awarded Walmart the Safest Fleet in the Over 250 Million Mile Division for the past 5 consecutive years.
· Transportation offices all over the country. Walmart operates more than 70 transportation offices throughout the U.S.
· No-touch freight. Walmart truck drivers don’t unload trucks.
· Safe parking. Walmart drivers park in well-lit, safe parking in Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs and distribution centers across the country.
“The modern trucking industry operates in every aspect of economic life, delivering everything from textbooks and medical supplies to retail goods and construction materials, and truck drivers are an essential component of ensuring the trucking industry remains healthy in our state,” said Dr. Ken Armstrong, President and CEO of Florida Trucking Association. “Walmart’s drivers set a high industry benchmark for professionalism and performance, and we applaud Walmart’s commitment to retaining and recruiting highly talented individuals for their private fleet.”
This wage increase is the latest step from Walmart to maintain the strength of its professional trucking fleet. Walmart’s drivers are helping the company recruit the best drivers, and the company is seeing an increase in referrals. The company also dramatically revamped its hiring and onboarding program, shortening the application and onboarding time by more than 50 percent.
Each year, Walmart’s 8,000 drivers travel over 700 million miles and deliver millions of cases of merchandise to Walmart and Sam’s Club 4,700 locations across the nation — all while remaining one of the largest and safest fleets on the road. Walmart drivers are among the most experienced as well. To drive for Walmart, a commercial driver must have at least 30 months of full-time experience with no serious traffic violations in the last three years.
To apply to drive for Walmart, visit drive4walmart.com.
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About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, nearly 265 million customers and members visit our more than 11,200 stores under 55 banners in 27 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2018 revenue of $500.3 billion, Walmart employs over 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting http://corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at http://facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/walmart.
About Walmart in Florida
In Florida, Walmart serves customers at 386 retail units and online through Walmart Grocery Pickup, Walmart.com and Jet.com. We are proud to employ 107,448 associates in Florida. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $7.7 billion with Florida suppliers in FY18, which supported 110,430 supplier jobs. Learn more at the Walmart Today blog, and our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram channels.