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Does Publix Drug Test?

Does Publix Drug Test? In this article, we’ll explain the drug testing process at Publix stores, Publix distribution, and Publix manufacturing.

Publix is a large retail chain with a pleasant work environment and good pay and benefits. Many entry-level jobs have basic hiring requirements, and the application process is quick and easy.

As a recreational drug user, it’s important to know what to expect when you apply for a new job. And before you apply for a job with Publix, you’ll need to know: do Publix drug test, how does Publix drug test, and what drugs do they test for?

Does Publix Drug Test Retail Store Applicants in 2024?

Does Publix Drug Test

When you attend your Publix interview, they will ask you to take a drug test if they want to hire you. The sample for the drug test is taken at the store, and you’ll know within a day or two if your test was negative.

Retail workers are tested for:

  • Opiates
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamine and methamphetamine
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)

As of 2022, Publix no longer tests for marijuana on their pre-employment drug test for most retail workers.

However, if you apply to work at Publix pharmacy, you’ll need to take a test that includes a marijuana screen.

Publix retail associates enjoy good rates of pay, a competitive benefits package that includes tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for advancement with the company.

Related Article; Does Publix Background Check on Applicants?

Are Distribution Center Applicants Drug Tested?

Publix distribution has 2 main job categories: warehouse workers and delivery drivers.

Publix Warehouse

Publix warehouses ship out over 800 million cases of product every year and their warehouses are clean, efficient, and high-tech.

When you apply for a job at a Publix warehouse, you’ll need to pass a drug test. Drug tests are given on-site after a successful interview.

At Publix warehouse, you’ll work in a busy environment and you’ll need to be physically fit.

In fact, Publix advertises its warehouse work as an alternative to a workout. Except with this workout, you get paid!

While warehouse work at many companies can be low-paid, at Publix, the rates are good. One of the better opportunities on offer is Warehouse Selector.

As a Warehouse Selector, the more efficiently you work, the more you get paid. Plus, you get perks, including free hot meals, employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, a 401(k), a free stock ownership plan, paid vacation, paid parental leave, paid sick days, and health insurance.

Once you’ve established a good track record in the warehouse, if you want to, you can apply to become a Publix truck driver.

Publix Truck Drivers

Publix Truck Drivers

Publix delivery drivers drive Publix trucks from warehouses to stores. Collectively driving over 60 million miles a year.

Truck driver positions are filled from within and Publix will train you for this job, meaning you won’t need to pay for an expensive CDL training school.

Drivers need to hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and because of this, the type of drug test you need to take is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Current DOT regulations require a 5-panel urine test when you apply for a job along with regular random drug tests. You will also be drug tested after an accident and if there’s cause to suspect you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs at work.

The 5-panel DOT urine test checks for the following substances:

  • Opioids – natural opiates like heroin and synthetic opioids derived from codeine
  • Cocaine
  • Marijuana
  • Amphetamine and Methamphetamine
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)

Does Publix Manufacturing Drug Test?

Publix has its own manufacturing division, producing things like baked goods and dairy products. These state-of-the-art facilities provide a clean and orderly working environment with plenty of opportunities for career progression.

You’ll need to take a drug test after your interview and you may be subject to random drug tests during the course of your employment.

If you appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at work, you’ll be tested, and drug tests are also carried out after an accident.

Does Publix Do Random Drug Tests?

The Publix drug and alcohol policy that you have to follow as a Publix employee allows for random drug testing.

The nature of random testing means that you’ll never know when a test is coming. You could go for years without being selected for a random drug test, or you could be picked several times in one year.

Publix is an ‘At Will’ employer, which means that if they wish, they can fire you for any reason, so failing a drug test could cost you your job.

However, if you’re a good worker in all other respects, you could be given a warning and asked to agree to regular drug testing.

What Type Of Drug Test does Publix Do?

What Type Of Drug Test does Publix Do?

Publix uses a mouth swab drug test for retail, warehouse, and manufacturing positions. This kind of drug test uses a swab to take a sample of your saliva.

The testing process should take about 20 minutes to complete. You’ll be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 10 minutes prior to your test. This is so you aren’t able to rinse your mouth or chew gum in an effort to cheat the test.

Then you’ll be given a swab to place in your mouth for between 2 to 5 minutes. Once the swab has absorbed enough saliva, the indicator will turn blue and the sample collection is complete.

Afterward, the swab is placed inside a fluid-filled container and sent off to a lab for analysis. The sample will be sent with a chain of custody report and you’ll be given a copy of that report.

Results for negative tests take 1 to 2 days to come back, but if your sample is positive the lab will need to run a different type of test to confirm the result, which will take more time.

Unless the lab is very busy, your results should be back within 1 week.

Drivers need to take urine drug tests following DOT regulations.

Which Drugs Does Publix Test For?

All Publix drug tests at retail, warehouse, and manufacturing will screen your pre-employment sample and any random drug test samples for the following drugs:

  • Opiates
  • Cocaine
  • Amphetamines and methamphetamine, including ecstasy and MDMA
  • Phencyclidine (PCP)

Applicants for pharmacy positions will also be screened for marijuana on their pre-employment and random drug tests.

Marijuana is one of the drugs checked for in the event of an accident that results in a worker’s comp claim for injuries sustained on the job.

The drug detection window for saliva tests is fairly narrow and in most cases drugs can’t be detected after 48 hours have passed since your last use.

Marijuana can linger in your system for longer though, and heavy use can be detected for several weeks.

The DOT urine drug test for truck drivers checks for substances with the following detection times:

  • Opioids – up to 4 days
  • Cocaine – up to 4 days
  • Marijuana – up to 30 days with light occasional use (over 70 days with regular use)
  • Amphetamines and methamphetamine – up to 4 days
  • Phencyclidine (PCP) – up to 14 days

Does Publix Test For Marijuana

Publix doesn’t include a drug screen for marijuana during the pre-employment drug test unless you’re applying for a job in the pharmacy or a driving job.

However, once you’re hired, if there’s a reasonable suspicion that you’ve been using the substance at work, then you will have to take a drug test and that test will test you for the presence of marijuana.

With marijuana, smelling of the drug is a very common giveaway, but other signs managers are on the lookout for include:

  • Slurred speech
  • Lethargy
  • Lack of attention to tasks
  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Uncoordinated movements
  • Emotional changes

Publix also carries out random drug tests and if you work in the pharmacy, your random test will include a screen for marijuana.

If your drug test is positive for marijuana, you could be fired because being under the influence of drugs at work violates the Publix drug and alcohol policy.

Another possible course of action is being offered the opportunity to keep your job as long as you willingly submit to multiple random drug tests, although being offered this option is by no means guaranteed.

Frequent-Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Publix Require A Drug Test For Employment?

Does Publix Require A Drug Test For Employment?

Yes, you will need to take a drug test to work at Publix retail stores, Publix warehouses, and Publix manufacturing. You’ll be given a drug test on-site after your interview.

Publix tests all applicants for opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, and phencyclidine. Applicants for Publix pharmacy positions and driving jobs will also be tested for marijuana.

Does Publix Give Random Drug Tests?

The Publix drug and alcohol policy allows for random drug tests, although current employees state that the tests are rare.

As with the pre-employment drug tests, most employees will be tested for opiates, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and phencyclidine (PCP) Pharmacy staff and drivers will also be tested for marijuana.

Besides random drug tests, the other time when you will face a drug test is after any accident that causes an injury eligible for worker’s comp.

For this test, you will be screened for the presence of marijuana, and if the test determines that you were under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident, you will most likely lose your job and have your worker’s comp claim denied.

Does Publix Do Mouth Swab Drug Test?

Yes, the standard drug test that Publix uses is a mouth swab test. The type of mouth swab they use is a sponge swab, which you need to hold in your mouth against your cheek for a few minutes.

Once the indicator turns blue, the swab has collected enough saliva, and the collection is complete. The swab is then sealed in a container and sent to a lab for analysis.

What Kind Of Drug Test Does Publix Warehouse Use?

Publix warehouse uses a saliva drug test for pre-employment drug tests. The drug test is given on-site after you’ve finished the interview. The whole process will take around 20 minutes to complete.

Publix also uses mouth swab tests for random drug tests and post-accident or incident drug tests. Drivers at Publix warehouses take a DOT-approved urine test.

Conclusion

When you apply for a job at Publix, you will have to take a drug test. The drug test is carried out at the store, warehouse, or manufacturing facility after your interview.

Publix uses a saliva test to screen for the presence of commonly abused illegal drugs, but they no longer test for marijuana on pre-employment screens unless you’re applying to work in the pharmacy.

Your sample will be tested for opiates, cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and phencyclidine (PCP).

Publix drivers are subject to a 5-panel urine test following DOT regulations.

Once you’re employed, you may be selected for a random drug test at any time, and if you’re involved in an accident resulting in an injury that is eligible for worker’s comp, you’ll need to take a test. Post-accident drug tests will always include a test for marijuana.

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