BENTONVILLE, AR - Walmart is continuously investing in the success of its transportation division, growing its fleet of drivers by 900 last year, and now aiming to add another 500. The retailer reports that this is a two-pronged approach with the expectation to continue meeting high demands and refocus its transportation business to avoid the for-hire market.

“We see it as a competitive advantage,” said Joe Metzger, Senior Vice President of Walmart Transportation, on moving more of its transportation in-house. “Our private fleet continues to do very well on safety, service, and costs,” compared to outsourcing its transportation needs to other fleets, according to Commercial Carrier Journal.

The news source states that Walmart currently employs over 9,000 drivers and is aiming for 9,600 by the end of July. As the big-box retailer is one of few that focuses heavily on the transportation division, experts suggest that many of these new drivers will be transferring in from a competitor’s fleet. This is due, in part, to more attractive pay rates and benefits, but Metzger goes on to explain that there’s more to the story.

“It takes more than that type of compensation to get the quality drivers we’re looking for,” he said. According to the news source, Walmart's fleet offers more predictable work schedules, and drivers don’t have to load or unload the freight. “That’s a critical piece,” he added.

With low turnover rates and extensive employee matchmaking measures, Walmart is well-positioned to achieve transportation domination in no time. We at ANUK will keep our eyes and ears peeled as more industry news comes to light.

Walmart