Walmart driver Warren Crane shares the philosophy that helped him reach his 5 million milestone.
At Walmart, major milestones happen every day. But few of them are as rare as a Walmart driver reaching 5 million safe miles.
In Danielsville, Georgia, driver Warren Crane has done just that. In his 36-year career, spanning 5 million miles on the open road, he hasn’t had one single accident. Warren credits his success to his obsession with safety, which has given rise to a mantra of sorts.
“You gotta take it one mile at a time, one day a time,” Warren says. “You gotta stay focused, stay dedicated to safety and just be aware of your surroundings — and when in doubt, get out and look.”
For Warren, his safety record started early.
“I grew up on a farm and I just brought my skills with me from there – I remembered what I did when I was young growing up,” Warren shares. The first truck he ever drove was a 1967 International Harvester, a truck that now attracts a small market of dedicated collectors.
“I was driving when I was 13 or 14 years old,” Warren explains. “Back then you worked on the farm. You had to do a little bit of everything. I mean, they tell you jump in and go, you jump in and go!”
In his years on the road, Warren says he hasn’t seen a ton to write home about. Many of the miles feel the same.
But he has had new experiences because of his stellar safety record at Walmart: He rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street in August of 2018. He was in the limelight again at 2024 Associates Week, where he was called on stage during the Walmart U.S. meeting to be honored for his safe mileage.
And what’d he receive for his many miles accident-free? The legendary tractor awarded to legendary Walmart drivers! See, good things really do come to those who drive safe.
He’s also able to take part in training new drivers, something he enjoys and a great opportunity for his trademark saying to make an appearance.
“I tell 'em, guys, slow down. Take your time. Stay focused. Always be aware of your surroundings. There's no shame in getting out looking,” Warren says. “Well, the shame comes in if you hit something, and I’ll say, did you get out and look? Right there behind the wheel, it’s one mile at a time, one day at a time.”
As he looks back on his career, Warren is sure to say that without the team surrounding him, he could never have reached such an incredible milestone. Safe driving isn’t just about one person behind the wheel. It takes a team of people who care about being their best.
“We have some of the finest shop associates in the industry,” Warren says. “They keep us safe, they do the heavy lifting and I do the rest and so do the other Walmart drivers. Everything, the dispatchers, the coordinators, the FTMs, the safety managers, everything, it all comes back to teamwork.”
Despite his impressive career, Warren says he’s not quite finished driving for Walmart. He wants to see 1 million more safe miles before he retires. And he thinks that’s an achievable goal. How?
One mile at a time, one day at a time.
