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Walmart Shifts to Centralized LTL Consolidation Model

Walmart has launched a new Prepaid Consolidation program that restructures how suppliers deliver merchandise into its network. Under the initiative, participating prepaid suppliers funnel shipments to automated consolidation centers rather than directly to Walmart's 42 regional distribution centers. Walmart then manages outbound transportation from these hubs. Suppliers pay per-case fees but benefit from larger consolidated loads, reducing per-pallet transportation costs. A published regional price-per-case rate card covers both handling and outbound moves with no additional markups from third-party logistics partners. The program grants suppliers flexibility to ship directly to Walmart or leverage approved 3PLs. For carriers, the model concentrates freight into centralized hubs instead of fragmented runs, requiring tighter scheduling and potential network realignment. Walmart says the consolidation reduces inbound variability and sharpens replenishment precision. Walmart is rolling out the program in phases aligned with volume and capacity.