Walmart is the world‘s largest company by revenue, operating a vast network of retail stores and e-commerce platforms across the globe. The success and scale of Walmart‘s operations are made possible in large part by its extensive supply chain and distribution capabilities. At the heart of this logistical network are Walmart‘s truck drivers, who transport billions of dollars worth of goods between Walmart facilities, suppliers, and stores each year.
Walmart truck driving jobs are highly sought-after positions due to the company‘s industry-leading pay, benefits, and working conditions. However, the job also has its challenges and isn‘t the right fit for everyone. In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the Walmart truck driver job, including hourly pay, benefits, schedules, requirements, and more. By the end, you‘ll have a clear picture of what the job entails and be able to determine if it aligns with your career goals.
Walmart Truck Driver Job Overview and Requirements
Walmart truck drivers, also known as "private fleet drivers", are responsible for safely and efficiently operating a tractor-trailer to transport freight between Walmart distribution centers, stores, and supplier locations. Typical loads include general merchandise, groceries, and other consumer goods.
To qualify for a Walmart truck driver job, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Have a valid Class A commercial driver‘s license (CDL) with Hazmat endorsement
- At least 30 months of experience driving a Class A tractor-trailer in the past 4 years
- No more than 2 moving violations in a personal or commercial vehicle in the past 3 years
- No serious traffic violations (reckless driving, DUI, etc.) in the past 10 years
- Pass a DOT medical exam, drug test, and background check
- Be at least 21 years old
Walmart also looks for the following attributes in potential drivers:
- Safe driving skills and knowledge of DOT regulations
- Ability to drive in all weather conditions
- Strong work ethic and ability to work independently
- Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
- Basic computer and smartphone skills for logging hours and communicating
While not strictly required, Walmart gives hiring preference to drivers with additional experience and qualifications, such as:
- 5+ years of Class A driving experience
- Experience driving a 53ft trailer
- Tanker and Twins endorsements
- Experience with grocery/perishable goods and high-value freight
- Military veterans with truck driving experience
Walmart Truck Driver Pay
According to Walmart, the average full-time Walmart truck driver earns $87,500 per year, which works out to an hourly rate of approximately $42 per hour based on a 40-hour work week.
However, Walmart drivers are not paid strictly by the hour. Pay is calculated using an activity-based model that includes mileage pay, drop pay, and various bonuses and premiums. Here‘s how it breaks down:
Mileage Pay:
Mileage pay makes up the bulk of a Walmart driver‘s earnings. The exact cents per mile (CPM) rate varies by region, but is among the highest in the industry. For example, in 2021 the average CPM for Walmart drivers was around $0.89 per mile. For a 500 mile trip, this works out to $445 in base mileage pay.
Drop Pay:
In addition to mileage pay, Walmart drivers earn a flat rate for each trailer they drop off at a destination. Drop pay averages around $42 per trailer dropped. For a typical trip with 2-3 drops, this adds up to an extra $84-$126 per load.
Bonuses and Premiums:
On top of the standard mileage and drop pay, Walmart offers several bonus opportunities for drivers:
- Quarterly safe driving bonus (average $1,200 per quarter)
- Annual safe driving bonus
- On-time delivery bonus
- Fuel efficiency bonus
- Referral bonus for recruiting new drivers
- Holiday and weekend driving premiums
Walmart states that with bonuses, the top earning drivers can make over $100,000 per year. Even without maxing out on bonuses, it‘s clear that Walmart driving jobs are some of the highest paying in the industry, especially considering most drivers also qualify for overtime pay.
Benefits for Walmart Truck Drivers
In addition to the top-tier pay, Walmart truck drivers enjoy one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the industry, including:
Health Insurance:
All full-time Walmart truck drivers are eligible for medical, dental, and vision insurance for themselves and their family. Several plan options are available and Walmart covers a significant portion of the premium costs.
401(k) Plan:
The Walmart 401(k) plan allows drivers to save for retirement with a generous company match of up to 6% of your pay.
Paid Time Off:
Walmart drivers earn paid vacation days, sick days, and personal days. The accrual rate increases with seniority. Drivers are also paid for 6 national holidays per year.
Life and Disability Insurance:
Walmart provides basic life insurance and disability coverage at no cost to drivers. Additional supplemental coverage is available for purchase.
Employee Discounts:
All Walmart associates, including truck drivers, are eligible for a 10% discount on general merchandise at Walmart stores. A 10% discount is also available on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Other notable benefits and perks for Walmart drivers include tuition assistance for college courses, adoption expense reimbursement, gym membership discounts, and free counseling services.
Walmart Truck Driver Schedule and Home Time
One of the most common questions about the Walmart truck driver job is about the schedule and home time. Historically, long-haul truck driving jobs have required drivers to be on the road for weeks at a time. However, Walmart has made driver home time a major priority in recent years.
Under Walmart‘s regional distribution model, drivers are assigned to a specific distribution center that primarily services stores within a 300-mile radius. By focusing on shorter routes, Walmart is able to get drivers home more frequently than other over-the-road trucking jobs.
The exact schedule varies by distribution center and freight volume, but most Walmart truck drivers are home at least once per week for a 34-48 hour reset. Some drivers on local routes are home every day. Even drivers assigned to more regional routes that see them away for 5-6 days at a time are still guaranteed to be home weekly.
Walmart also gives drivers the flexibility to take more home time when needed for things like family events, doctor‘s appointments, etc. The company understands the importance of work-life balance and does its best to accommodate driver requests for home time.
Is Walmart Truck Driving a Good Job?
Based on the information above, it‘s clear that Walmart truck driving offers several major advantages compared to other driving jobs. Between the industry-leading pay, comprehensive benefits, focus on safety, and frequent home time, Walmart is often considered one of the best companies to drive for.
However, no job is perfect and there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well. Even with the regional distribution model, Walmart drivers still spend a significant amount of time away from home. The job can be physically and mentally demanding, with long hours and strict delivery schedules. And while the pay is excellent, it does require being out on the road earning those miles.
At the end of the day, whether Walmart truck driving is a good job for you depends on your personal circumstances and priorities. If you enjoy being behind the wheel, don‘t mind some time away from home, and prioritize earning potential, Walmart is hard to beat. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more traditional 9-5 job or being home every night is non-negotiable, you may want to consider other options.
How to Become a Walmart Truck Driver
If you meet the qualifications and Walmart truck driving sounds like a good fit for you, the next step is to apply for an open position. Walmart lists all truck driver job openings on its corporate careers website.
The application process starts with searching for "truck driver" or "private fleet" positions in your area. If you find a match, you‘ll need to create an account and complete the online application.
The application will ask for information about your work history, driving experience, and any moving violations or accidents. You‘ll also need to consent to a background check and indicate your eligibility to work in the US.
If your application is selected, you‘ll be invited to complete a series of online assessments to evaluate your skills and fit for the role. This may include a behavioral assessment, work style assessment, and/or cognitive ability test.
Successful applicants will move on to one or more interviews with a Walmart recruiter and/or hiring manager. If all goes well, you‘ll receive a contingent job offer pending the completion of a DOT medical exam and drug screen.
Once you‘ve cleared the final screening process, it‘s just a matter of completing your new hire paperwork and selecting a start date for orientation. The entire process from application to starting orientation typically takes about 4-6 weeks.
Final Thoughts
Walmart is often held up as the gold standard for truck driving jobs due to its excellent pay, benefits, and commitment to driver safety and well-being. While no job is perfect, it‘s hard to find a better overall package in the industry.
If you have a clean driving record and meet the other qualifications, now is a great time to consider applying for a Walmart truck driver position. The company is rapidly expanding its private fleet and plans to hire hundreds of new drivers in the coming years.
Of course, Walmart isn‘t the only good trucking job out there and it‘s important to evaluate your options and priorities carefully before making a decision. But if you‘re looking for a stable career with top pay and want to drive for the biggest name in the business, Walmart should definitely be on your radar.
