Walmart Is Offering New Truck Drivers Big Bucks
Would you like to train to drive the big diesel rigs? That was the opening line of a TV commercial I saw a lot as a kid. And the answer was “Yes!” Somehow I got sidetracked by other things. But I could see a lot of other people jumping at the chance to hit the open road behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler, especially for Walmart.
According to NBC Chicago, Walmart is giving its truck drivers a pay raise — and looking to hire more of them. The retail giant has launched a new training program that will allow workers in its fulfillment centers to become certified truck drivers, after completing a 12-week course. New drivers can earn between $95,000 and $110,000 in their first year!
Even before this new program, Walmart truck drivers were making an average of $87,500 in their first year. And the demand for more drivers is there. The American Trucking Associations, the nation’s largest trucking industry trade group, estimates that the U.S. is short about 80,000 drivers. I’m guessing Walmart will get a few takers.
By the way, here’s that commercial I mentioned. It’s a daytime TV classic. Tell me it doesn’t make you want to call the number at the bottom of the screen.
