BENTONVILLE, AR - As transportation and shipping remain a source of pressure for the grocery industry, Walmart is taking steps to bolster its transportation fleet through a new initiative. Launching its Private Fleet Development Program, the retailer hopes to attract and retain invaluable drivers to help mitigate pressing shipping concerns.

As part of the initiative, Walmart will be recruiting drivers by rolling out pay raises to ensure the company remains one of the best companies to drive for, with investments of up to $110,000 in the driver’s first year with the retailer.

“And that’s just a start—drivers who have been with Walmart longer can earn even more, based on factors like tenure and location,” jointly writes Senior Vice President, Transportation Fernando Cortes and Senior Vice President, Supply Chain People Karisa Sprague. “The investments make driving for Walmart’s Private Fleet even more enticing than before, so we’re creating new ways to offer existing Walmart associates opportunities to drive with us.”

According to a post on its website, this new Private Fleet Development Program consists of a 12-week program for prospective drivers to earn their commercial driver’s license. Walmart already includes access to its Live Better U program, where the company covers the cost of tuition and books for a college degree.

To learn more about this newly launched initiative, click here.

How will this latest transportation strategy bring new developments to Walmart’s cold chain? Keep reading ANUK to find out.

Walmart