The Walmart Skinny v2020

My father was hired on at WalMart in 02. I was a teenager and I remember him going to atleast 2 interviews, perhaps it was 3 and he wore a full blown suit to these interviews. You literally had to be highly referred by high ranking drivers already employed there to get this job and you couldn’t have anything at all on your driving record. Times have changed and yes mileage varies quite a bit these days compared to days of old.

 

2 years ago.

And I know it’s been stated many many times in the WM forum here…but each DC literally has it’s own procedures, quirks, rules, and hiring system. How one DC operates, isn’t necessarily how another DC will operate. Especially now since they decentralized the hiring and onboarding process. So if I were to offer one word of advice for anyone considering a career at WM, it’s to speak to a driver or drivers who currently drive or very recently drove for the DC you’re looking to hire on with. I personally couldn’t advise what it’s like to drive at any other DC than my own..because chances are, they’re much different.

 

REO6205,

I too had the same experience. I applied to the Smyrna, De. DC when it first opened. I was moving to Delaware but still living in Florida and made 3 flights to Delaware for 3 separate interviews with at least 4 people at each interview. I had a road test and passed and returned to Florida and after 2 weeks I had to check with them and they didn't have a decision yet so I withdrew my application. I never experienced as much BS and micro management anytime in my 45 year career.

 

2 things I enjoy….big fat paychecks, and lots of time off. Those 2 are usually not associated with trucking, especially together. WM gives me both. I understand that being asked to put down the phone while driving and delivering loads on time and not putting trucks in the ditch is too much to ask for some. But for me it works.

 

I did not mean to imply that they are a bad company. I had applied because the wage and benefit package was as attractive and better than anywhere. I just could not believe how many hoops you had to jump through and how many people does it take to interview 1 driver? A yes or no within those 2 weeks after all was said and done couldn't have been too much to ask. Especially after 3 round trip flights, rental cars and meals just to interview was my interest in the job.

 

Good for you. Nobody here blames you or said anything negative about you or WM as a whole as a fleet. Some of their policies aren’t for many of us. By the way, I’ve been driving for over 18 years. 5 years of those dedicated to 5 of your DC’s. Guess what? I’ve never had a ticket, never hit anything, and never put my truck in a ditch……………….

 

Well, I left WM and came back…for just over a year. Figured I’d post my leaving WM on this thread because when @flightwatch initially wrote it I agreed with a lot of what he was saying in that post and subsequent ones. Total time at WM is just around 2 years. Made good money and loved the pto.

However…

I was not enjoying my job, which was reflecting on my hometime and other areas of my personal life. Sick of CT, MA, Southern NY, NJ. Absolutely sick of trucking in those states.

WM is going fully automatic which I know most of the industry is going but I like a stick and shifting when I want to not when I computer thinks it should. I won’t miss all the beeps and nanny devices that are on the trucks. The auto braking is another thing I won’t miss. Seeing phantom objects and hard braking on the interstate is not my idea of safe.

I won’t get into a whole thing because a lot has been said by other drivers leaving. It works for some people. Just not for me. I have a good friend who loves it there. To each his own.

I gave my notice. Last day is next week. Bought myself a truck and gonna try my hand at o/o. Will it be harder? Yup. I’m not looking for easy. I’m looking to enjoy trucking again. Gonna stick up in northern New England, hauling propane to start with. Looking forward to this change…

 

Good Luck to you! I hope all goes well! Safe travels!