When the average American thinks of trucking companies, names like JB Hunt and Schneider may be the first to come to mind. But Walmart remains one of the highest-paying trucking gigs with their own Private Fleet.

The success of Walmart in transporting its own goods is no shock to truck drivers, so it may be only natural that Walmart is expanding a recently-implemented training program for its driving team.

Walmart’s Associate-to-Driver Program

Last year, Walmart tested a new pilot program called “Associate-to-Driver”, launched in Delaware and California. The program was designed to train associates from stores, distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and transportation offices to become truck drivers for Walmart’s Private Fleet.

According to Walmart, 56 workers completed the program – a 12-week training course – and earned their CDLs. This put these new drivers to earn up to $110,000 driving with the company in their first year on the road.

The salary of a truck driver far surpasses that of a store associate, so the program is a win-win for Walmart and its workers.

In their official statement, Walmart boasted about their safety record:

“ Our fleet is continually recognized for its commitment to safety. In fact, the American Trucking Association 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.”

Walmart will be expanding the Associate-to-Driver program, and new locations will be announced soon.