The supply chain is volatile. There have been many problems of late, and we continually hear about overland trucking issues causing additional delays after merchandise finally gets unloaded from delayed cargo ships.
Christmas 2021 was a nightmare, and companies like Walmart and Costco now have their own cargo ships to expedite merchandise to U.S. ports. Even with that extra effort to better control the flow of products, trucks have to expedite the merchandise to distribution centers and eventually to stores so it can be sold to customers.
Our dependence on reliable overland trucking is essential since we receive much-wanted merchandise from Asian countries. A recent study shows heavy turnover of drivers, a huge percentage of which could have been prevented. In a study by WorkStep, a company that focuses on worker retention, the data found that 75% of turnover could have prevented. According to their survey, pay ranked 2nd (up from 7th rank) for drivers leaving their job. The top reason for driver turnover was career growth.
In 2021, the turnover of drivers was 55%; that prompted companies like Walmart to take action and respond to the problem. Today, Walmart drivers can make up to $110,000 a year. That is twice as much as the average truck driver takes home. Such salary levels can present a challenge for major companies, but it will pay off. This action by Walmart certainly will retain and attract new workers.
According to Andrew Keshner of MarketWatch, Walmart drivers made up to $87,500 in their first year on the job. Drivers with more than one year of service now have the potential to earn more than $110,000 according to the company. “We are seeing historic pay increases like this [Walmart action] industry-wide, as carriers look to recruit new drivers amid a national shortage that was exacerbated by the pandemic” according to American Trucking Association spokesman Jeremy Kirkpatrick.
Walmart is creating a training program for prospective drivers and in some areas even paying for commercial driver’s licenses. There are already about 12,000 drivers in Walmart’s fleet, and Walmart is in a hiring mode for more drivers. Walmart said, “our transportation team will continue to grow with our business, and we will continue to invest in them along the way.”
Driver job concerns have changed in recent years. For instance, safety dropped as one of the driver’s main concerns, scheduling now ranks 11th, but job expectations jumped to 3rd spot, and the #1 reason for leaving remains career growth. Workers are looking for positions that offer a path for promotions and opportunities for advancement in their careers.
Forbes.com, Walter Loeb