Walmart has been the leader and innovator in the nation when it comes to “turning ambition into opportunity.” It has further cemented this vision by taking the same approach for their supply chain. America’s biggest retailer has started the Walmart Private Fleet Program.

On Thursday, the company also announced that it was raising the pay of approximately 12,000 drivers. It described their drivers as professionals who were “dedicated to safety.” The pay rise had been undertaken to make sure that the company remained one of the world’s best companies, for its drivers.

The new investments by the big box retail could lead to an income of up to $110,000 in their first year of service. Experienced drivers, who have been with Walmart for longer periods of time will earn additional benefits which will be based on factors such as tenure as well as location.

Walmart associates have access to the Live Better U program where the retailer covers expenses for tuition and books that will help to get a college degree. They also have a network of Walmart Academies across the U.S. Now the company has debuted its “first ever Walmart Private Fleet Development Program.”

The program has a duration of 12-weeks. Supply chains associates in the following locations: Dallas, Texas and Dover, Delaware earned their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Armed with a CDL they become drivers for the program. About 20 workers have completed the program and up to 800 workers could complete the program by the end of the year.

                                                                                                             

The company said that it was providing their supply chain associates with other skills that had been developed in its Academies and LBU through its massive training infrastructure. These training institutions equip Walmart stores and their associates with specific skills that are needed as per their role in the company, and with leadership skills, with college degree, and with certifications.

This already available infrastructure helped Walmart to launch the driver pipeline program. The CDL drivers, in turn help trainees as teachers and mentors, leading to a larger number of qualified drivers for Walmart.