They all suck!

Yes, I do think its hard to get into WalMart. I used quotations because that's what everyone says as well. No offense meant. Like I said, I would like to work there myself but need to put in my time before even applying. Unlike some of the rookies out there I know you don't start at the top and get given everything you want. You have to earn it.

 

It's only a matter of time before Walmart treats the drivers the same as they treat the store associates.
Ever wonder why only the drivers are treated well, while the store jobs are low paying part time crap jobs.

Some upper management type will set his sites on the drivers eventually , then watch out .

 

I have talked to some wally-world drivers recently who said they are not treated any better than anyone else in trucking.

 

I've thought the same thing. Surprised it hasn't happened already. After Sam Walton died, his kids have really shown they are all about the bottom line. Look how long the lines are in their stores. They are too cheap to even have enough cashiers to accomodate the crowds.

Sooner or later, they will either get rid of private fleet, or cut driver pay and benefits to bottom feeder levels.

 

Still a good paying job but Wal Mart has seen driver turnover increase in the last few years. Their rules and the consequences of breaking them are numerous and for some people the whole "cultural lifestyle" and kissing the hand that feeds you just doesn't seem appealing. I personally am thankful I no longer pull a dry a van and deliver junk to Wal Marts anymore. From the front gate to the exit gate people are just dicheads and many of their DC's. Not a company for everyone.

 

LOL, ok. I guess if that makes you feel better.

Yes, Walmart Transportation is always changing things, as they are always trying to be more efficient. They will not get rid of the private fleet, as it costs them less than contract carriers. With the private fleet, they can control the quality of the drivers that they hire, plus they can monitor those drivers to make sure they continue to perform at that high level. Thus, while there are lawsuits on the private fleet, they are much less numerous than with contract carriers. Lawsuits for Walmart (they are the big dog, so they have a bullseye on their back) are one of the major costs. Anyone who is pulling a Walmart trailer is looked at the same as a private fleet driver.

The reason you hear complaining is demographics. Due to hiring requirements, Walmart drivers are older by nature. Older folks do not like change, and as I said Walmart Transportation is always changing. Yes, there will be more turnover soon, as a large part of the fleet is getting ready to retire. Again, demographics. When I was hired, there were over 1000 applicants. In my hiring batch, they interviewed 16 and hired 5. There was an earlier hiring batch, but only 2-3 were hired. This was the first hiring, at my DC, in 6 years.................. and there are close to 200 drivers at my DC.

As for the rules and consequences, I would appreciate if you would let me know about them. This is the most laid back job I have ever had, and you have to work hard to get fired from Walmart. Everyone goes out of their way to make you happy. This wholesale rudeness that you are talking about just does not exist anywhere I have been, and most people who have contracted to Walmart say the same thing.

This job may not be for everyone, but it truly is one of the best truck driving jobs in existence.

 

No body forces anyone to work as a truck driver, it is a choice and one that is promoted as a way to make the big bucks quickly without actually earning it. No other industry or profession allows someone to start with a large amount of pay without putting in their dues as this one.

Thinking about what Extreme4X4 said, I have to agree with part of his point, but what I don't agree with is expecting the driver to find companies with higher standards, we all should demand it in this profession from our fellow professionals, not accepting poor driving or promoting the idea that driving is easy to do.

 

I agree with that. Drivers are treated the way they are, because they allow themselves to be treated that way.

Is there a quick and easy answer, no. However, at some point, the true truck drivers (and not the people who drive trucks, otherwise known as seat warmers) have to make it known that we have had enough.

 

We know, you have already reminded us of that several times.

 

I didnt read ALL of the posts, but after being a trucker for 8 months, (spare me the "you aint a trucker yet crap) the thing that makes me shake my head the most is the whole "Well, that's trucking for ya" stuff you hear from experienced drivers. Ex, "dont figure your pay in hours, it'll make you cry", or sitting at a shipper for hours on end like you're the equivalent of whatever it is that's stuck to their shoes & your time doesn't matter. I drive reefer & now that it's summer, I love the grocery warehouses that make you open your doors & then sit in the dock for 3 hours before they unload you & then want to refuse the load because it's out of temp range by the time they get around to unloading your trailer & try to blame the driver. A little heads up here: we aren't all as dumb as we look (I wander around with a blank look on my face so people don't talk to me 'cause I look like the missing link. I'm not Jimmy Hoffa, but for the love of christ, the way the trucking industry is now, it DOES SUCK & it aint gonna get any better as long as the baggy short, neck tattoo guys keep multiplying out of the mills. I wear baggy shorts only because I dont have an ### to hold them up. Gotta go, my half hour break is up. Back to making $3.50/hr