Walmart a company that is controlled by the Walton family is arguably the largest company in the world when measured by the revenue they generate annually. A report released by the Fortune Global 500 list in 2019 shows that Walmart rakes in US$ 514.405 billion annually.
As the largest company in the world, Walmart is also the largest private employer in the world with 2.2 million employees.
One of the sources of employment from Walmart is to become a trucking contractor with them. As a trucking contractor with Walmart, your core job responsibility is to handle the transportation of goods from suppliers to Walmart distribution centers or directly to Walmart stores.
You are also responsible for maintaining a reliable fleet, complying with regulations, and providing excellent service to meet Walmart’s transportation needs. Please note that the trucking contractor that works for Walmart is a key part of the operational chain of the company.
They play a critical role in ensuring the efficient and timely transportation of goods to Walmart stores. The fact that trucking contractors with Walmart can boast of having some of the best pay in the industry means that it will be competitive to secure a trucking contract with Walmart.
If your concern is how to beat other competitors and secure a trucking contract with Walmart, then you are reading the right article.
Steps to Get a Trucking Contract With Walmart
Please note that in order to get a trucking contract with Walmart you are expected to meet the requirements and standards of Walmart, and here are the things you would need to do successfully to secure a trucking contract with Walmart.
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You Must Meet the Minimum Requirements
If you are looking to secure a trucking contract with Walmart, then one of the first things you should consider is to check whether you meet the minimum requirements that are expected from trucking companies that want to work with Walmart.
Although there is no recent information on how you can secure a trucking contract with Walmart, but at least you must have a minimum of 5 functional trucks under your fleet size, your business must be duly registered, you should have the basic equipment needed for loading, transporting and unloading goods, your safety records must look good, and you will be required to meet the financial specification (working capital).
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Prepare Your Business Documents
Since Walmart will be dealing with you as a business entity, you must make sure all your business documents are intact.
As expected, before approaching Walmart for a trucking contract, you must make sure you have all the needed business and trucking licenses, permits, insurance certificates, driver’s licenses, and any other documents that will aid you in getting the trucking contract with Walmart.
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Obtain Your Department of Transportation (DOT) Number
Another very important document you will need if you want to apply for a Walmart trucking contract is a Department of Transportation (DOT) Number. This is important because, without the Department of Transportation (DOT) Number, it will be illegal to operate as a trucking company in the United States.
If you don’t already have a Department of Transportation (DOT) Number, you can visit the nearest Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) office to apply and obtain your Department of Transportation (DOT) Number.
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Review Walmart’s Carrier Requirements
Another thing you would need to do if you want to secure a trucking contract with Walmart is to make sure you visit Walmart’s official website to see the current carrier requirements and what you would need to submit when applying for a trucking contract with Walmart.
You never can tell, the requirements for the specific trucking contract you want to apply for might have changed hence you need to be on the same page with the organization.
Please note that you will also be required to apply and obtain industry certifications like ISO 9001 or C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism). This will help demonstrate your commitment to quality and security, increasing your chances of being selected.
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Meet with Walmart Representatives
If you are certain that you have what it takes to work as a trucking contractor with Walmart, then you should make plans to attend the conferences, trade shows, or networking events that are regularly organized by Walmart.
You are likely going to connect with Walmart’s logistics representatives and then ask them all the questions you are not clear about. The truth is that you are likely going to meet with people who will help give you vital information that will help you scale through the application process.
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Submit your Application
After meeting with the representatives of Walmart and you have all your questions answered, then you can go ahead to fill out the required application form and then submit your applications. Please note that you will be required to attach the required supporting documentation.
As expected, you are required to submit your company’s business documents, safety records, fleet capabilities, and any supporting documents that can help you win the contract with Walmart.
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Wait for the Review and Approval of Your Applications
If you successfully submitted your application, then you have to wait for a review of your application. After the review of your application, the application can either be approved or declined. Please note that it usually takes a few weeks for your application to be reviewed. If after a week you didn’t get feedback from Walmart, then you can reach out to them to make inquiries about your application.
In conclusion,
Once you are able to secure a trucking contract with Walmart, you must be ready to implement robust safety and compliance programs within your company. This includes maintaining an excellent safety record, adhering to Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, and investing in driver training and fleet maintenance.
You are also expected to focus on developing a reliable and efficient transportation operation. This may involve upgrading your fleet, optimizing routes, investing in tracking technologies, and ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.