Walmart expanding fleet, rolling out referral bonuses

Retail giant launching ad campaign as it looks to add to its workforce of some 7,500 drivers.     Walmart said it is seeking to increase the size of its private trucking fleet. The company said it is seeking to add hundreds of drivers, all of which will be long haul drivers.
   The company currently has about 7,500 drivers and 6,500 tractors that handled nearly 2 million loads last year, with each driver traveling an average of 100,000 miles.
    The company said, “New drivers earn on average $86,000 annually, have access to benefits on day one, receive as many as 21 days of paid time off in their first year, enjoy predictable home time, don’t load or unload freight and can earn quarterly safety bonuses and incentives.”
    The company is offering bonuses of up to $1,500 to drivers and other transportation division employees for referrals and is rolling out a television ad campaign to recognize and recruit drivers.