Walmart recently announced it was expanding its Associate-to-Driver program, which allows employees working in stores, distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and transportation offices to become drivers.
Through this expanded pilot program, associates in stores, distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and transportation offices within a 50-mile radius of a participating transportation office will be eligible to apply to the Associate-to-Driver program. Then, after they complete the 12-week training course and earn their CDLs, they have a driving job ready to step into.
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Drivers in Walmart's private fleet can make up to $110,000 in their first year with the company, in addition to the suite of benefits the company offers. rivers who have been with Walmart longer can earn even more, based on factors like tenure and location, according to a statement from the company. Walmart has some 13,000 drivers.
"The Associate-to-Driver program allows participants to learn driving from the best of the best – our current Walmart driving instructors," said Fernando Cortes, Walmart's senior vice president for transportation in a statement on the company's website. "Our fleet is continually recognized for its commitment to safety. In fact, the American Trucking Associations 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.
"The program is a win for associates, who can take the next step in their career journey without leaving the company. 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."
