UNITED STATES - The crucial role of transportation cannot be overstated. For retailers as large as Walmart, a fleet of drivers is critical to success. With a strategy in place, the company has expanded its Fleet Development program.

“Through this expanded pilot, associates in stores, distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and transportation offices within a 50-mile radius of a participating transportation office will be eligible to apply to the Associate-to-Driver program,” wrote Fernando Cortes, Senior Vice President of Transportation in a recent blog post. “After they complete the 12-week training course and earn their CDLs, they have a coveted Walmart driving job ready to step into.”

As the blog post went on to say, the program is a win for associates looking to develop their careers and is also a win for the retailer. Investing in its talented team and building a stronger fleet certainly sounds like a strategy to get behind.

Walmart’s fleet is continually recognized for its commitment to safety. 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,” added Cortes.

We’ll continue to keep an eye on the latest retail updates, so keep your own eye out for that little green apple.

Walmart