Walmart announced Thursday it would increase pay for its long-haul truckers and begin a new driving program as the mega-chain battles a driver shortage.
Drivers will now bring in up to $110,000 during their first year with the retailer, Walmart announced.
The current salary for a new truck driver working their first year for Walmart is estimated to be around $87,500 on average, according to a report.
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Along with changes to driver salaries, Walmart also opened up about the launch of a 12-week program in Texas and Delaware. During the program, individuals will earn their commercial driver’s license and be admitted to Walmart’s fleet of trucks. Earning the license can cost up to $5,000 per driver, and Walmart announced it would cover the costs.
Currently, only supply chain associates close to the locations are eligible for the program, spokeswoman Anne Hatfield said. However, in the future, all employees of the retailer will be eligible to apply, Hatfield noted.
The national trucker shortage reached an all-time high of 80,000 in 2021, the American Trucking Associations trade group reported. An aging workforce, lack of women, and the pandemic have all exacerbated the shortage, according to the report.
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Walmart intends to bring in 400 and 800 drivers through the program annually, according to Hatfield.
