Is Being a Walmart Delivery Driver a Good Gig? What You Need To Know About the Job, Pay, Perks and More
As an expert ecommerce seller, I often get asked if driving for Walmart is a good job opportunity. There seems to be growing interest in Walmart‘s delivery driver roles that provide the freedom of the open road while earning solid pay.
In this comprehensive 3200 word guide, I‘ll share everything you need to know about the Walmart delivery driver job based on my research and conversations with drivers. You‘ll learn the key details about duties, pay, skills needed, perks, downsides and more to decide if it‘s the right job for you or not.
Let‘s dive in!
What Exactly Does a Walmart Delivery Driver Do?
The core duty of a Walmart delivery driver is to deliver orders from Walmart stores, fulfillment centers or distribution hubs to customers‘ homes and businesses.
This includes:
- Picking up baskets, boxes or bags of customer orders from designated Walmart locations
- Safely loading all items into your vehicle and securing them
- Driving to each customer‘s delivery address within the provided time frame
- Unloading orders and bringing items to customers‘ doors
- Collecting payments from customers upon delivery, when required
- Providing excellent customer service throughout the entire delivery process
- Following assigned delivery routes and schedules
- Carefully checking orders to ensure accuracy, item conditions and quality
- Using hand trucks or other equipment to move large, heavy items
- Resolving any delivery issues or customer concerns professionally
It‘s a fast-paced job that calls for organization, time management skills, attention to detail and a dedication to top-notch customer service. You‘ll likely deliver Walmart.com orders, Walmart Grocery deliveries or Walmart Express items.
Here‘s a look at key delivery driver duties along with typical shift activities:
| Shift Phase | Main Delivery Driver Activities |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Check in at the store/hub, review delivery manifest, load vehicle, inspect orders |
| In Transit | Follow optimal delivery route, verify addresses, contact customers, drive safely |
| At Drop-Offs | Greet customers, verify identity, bring items to door, handle payments/signatures, resolve any issues |
| After Shift | Return equipment, submit receipts and records, provide feedback on deliveries |
Delivering for Walmart requires energy, diligence and top-notch people skills. You‘re the face of Walmart, interacting directly with customers and ensuring orders arrive on-time and intact. It‘s hard work but very rewarding!
How Much Does Walmart Pay Delivery Drivers?
The pay for Walmart delivery drivers includes multiple components:
Hourly Base Pay
The average base pay for Walmart delivery drivers is $15 – $20 per hour based on location and experience. Walmart doesn‘t publicly share its driver pay scale.
Here‘s a breakdown of reported hourly base wages:
- Walmart In-House Drivers: $17 – $20/hour
- Walmart Spark Drivers: $15 – $18/hour
- Walmart Express Drivers: $16 – $19/hour
Bonuses & Incentives
Walmart offers delivery drivers bonuses and incentives based on performance, safety, availability and other factors.
For example, Walmart Spark drivers can earn an extra $50 – $300 per week by completing more deliveries during peak bonus times like weekends or holidays.
Tips
Happy customers often tip Walmart delivery drivers, especially around the holidays. From my conversations with drivers, average weekly tips range from $20 up to $150+. Tips make up a nice chunk of drivers‘ overall earnings.
Mileage Reimbursements
For Walmart drivers using their own vehicles, the company provides mileage reimbursement of $0.50 – $0.60 per mile. This helps offset fuel and vehicle wear-and-tear costs.
When you factor in all pay components, total hourly earnings for Walmart drivers frequently reach $18 – $25 per hour or more. But it requires diligence and providing excellent service to customers.
Key Requirements to Become a Walmart Delivery Driver
To get hired as a Walmart delivery driver, here are the main requirements:
- Valid driver‘s license with clean driving record
- Reliable, insured vehicle (for Spark drivers)
- Ability to lift 25-50 pounds repeatedly
- Basic math and reading skills
- Friendly and professional demeanor
- 18+ years old
- High school diploma or GED
Walmart also prefers drivers to have:
- Prior delivery or driving experience
- Familiarity with the local area
- Smartphone and data plan
- Customer service skills
Applicants must consent to background checks and MVR screening. These gig-worker type roles tend to have a relatively low barrier to entry compared to other jobs.
The Pros of Working as a Walmart Delivery Driver
Flexibility – Create your own schedule and choose delivery windows that fit your life. You control your availability.
Good Pay – Earn above-average wages in this industry, with upside from tips and incentives.
Independence – Experience the freedom of the open road. Minimal supervision or oversight on deliveries.
Low Pressure – Customer service is important, but less branding pressure than Walmart in-store roles.
Rewarding – Provide an essential, helpful service while getting paid. Play a valuable role in the community.
Advancement Potential – Can eventually translate the role into Warehouse or Operations Management positions.
Unexpected Perks – Driver bonuses, potential free Walmart + membership, employee shopping discounts.
The flexibility to build your own schedule around other jobs or school is a major perk to many. And who doesn‘t love extra earning opportunities through tips and incentives?
Potential Downsides of the Job
Physical Demands – Loading vehicles, carrying orders, going up steps or inclines. Lots of lifting, bending, pushing/pulling.
Variable Hours – Schedules can fluctuate week to week. Peak delivery times get extremely busy.
Driving Factors – High mileage leads to more oil changes, brake repairs and vehicle depreciation.
Limited Structure – Have to be very self-motivated. Lack of co-workers or manager oversight on road.
Occasional Bad Customers – Most people are pleasant, but some interactions can be extremely unpleasant.
Weather Conditions – Still expected to complete deliveries in rain, snow, heat waves and other elements.
Less Job Security – More risk of reduced schedules or layoffs. Peak season roles often temporary.
The job isn‘t for everyone. But going in with reasonable expectations of the pros and cons means less chance of burnout or disappointment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Hired as a Delivery Driver
If you want to get hired on as a Walmart delivery driver, here are the key steps:
1. Check Walmart Delivery Job Openings
Search current delivery driver openings on Walmart‘s careers website or apps like Spark Driver. New positions are posted frequently.
2. Submit Your Application
Apply online and make sure to highlight your clean driving record, customer service skills and delivery experience if applicable.
3. Complete Any Assessments
If selected, you may need to complete online questionnaires or tests focused on driving safety, ethics, attitudes and personality.
4. Interview for the Role
The interview may be in-person or virtual. Be ready to speak about your driving and work history.
5. Pass Background Screens
You‘ll need to clear motor vehicle records and criminal background checks.
6. Attend Orientation
Walmart employees attend orientation. Spark drivers complete online training courses.
7. Start Delivering!
Once hired, you‘ll receive delivery offers via an app. Exceed expectations and earn great tips!
Persistence is key – keep applying until you land a Walmart delivery job. Consider getting some experience with UberEats or Instacart to boost your appeal.
How Do Walmart Drivers Compare to Third-Party Couriers?
There are some notable differences between Walmart‘s in-house drivers versus third-party courier drivers:
Pay Structure – Walmart drivers earn hourly pay. Third-party drivers like DoorDash or UberEats earn per delivery.
Flexibility – Third-party drivers freely choose their hours. Walmart drivers get assigned shifts.
Benefits – Walmart drivers may qualify for health insurance and other benefits. Third-party drivers do not.
Expenses – Third-party drivers pay for their own vehicle costs. Walmart reimburses drivers‘ mileage.
Job Security – Walmart drivers have more stability. Third-party gigs can deactivate drivers anytime.
Brand Loyalty – Walmart drivers officially represent Walmart. External drivers have less branding pressure.
There are pros and cons to each approach. But Walmart‘s delivery driver positions tend to come with greater compensation, structure and job security compared to freelance gigs.
Expert Tips for Succeeding as a Walmart Delivery Driver
Based on my ecommerce experiences, here are my top tips for excelling as a Walmart delivery driver:
Learn Efficient Routes – Study maps to find the fastest routes. Time management is crucial. Use GPS wisely.
Master Organization – Always confirm order contents before leaving. Keep your vehicle tidy and professional.
Provide 5-Star Service – Be polite, patient and respectful during every customer interaction.
Drive Defensively – Allow plenty of time between stops. Safety first. Avoid distracted driving.
Track Your Metrics – Note mileage, deliveries per hour, tips earned – it will optimize your efficiency.
Take Care of Yourself – Bring healthy snacks, stay hydrated, wear supportive shoes and stretch on breaks.
Bond with Customers – Build rapport by learning and using customer names. Send delivery confirmations and thanks.
Report Issues Promptly – Communicate any order problems, vehicle breakdowns, app glitches right away.
Work Peak Times – Opt for mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays to earn bonuses.
Provide Feedback to Walmart – Share ideas to improve processes, driver resources and customer service.
Follow these tips and you‘ll quickly become a top-tier Walmart delivery driver. Take pride in your work and customers will take notice.
The Final Verdict: Is Working as a Walmart Driver Worth It?
In my professional opinion, being a Walmart delivery driver is generally a good gig – especially if you value schedule flexibility and earning decent pay with minimal barriers to entry.
However, it requires diligence, organization, customer service skills and comfort with physical demands. Plus the role comes with less structure and variability in hours and earnings.
Overall, if you:
- Love driving and working independently
- Enjoy interacting with customers
- Can handle fast-paced, active work
- Have a clean driving history
Then a Walmart delivery driver job aligns well with your strengths and could provide solid opportunities.
But if you prefer set schedules, an office environment and predictable paychecks, it may not be the right fit. Look at your needs and assess whether the pros I outlined outweigh the cons before applying.
I hope this guide provided an insightful overview from my expert perspective of everything that comes with being a Walmart delivery driver. Let me know if you have any other questions!
