Does UPS Hire Felons in 2024?

As a huge employer, hiring tens of thousands of new workers every year, good jobs are always available at UPS. But does UPS hire felons? Will the famous logistics company give you a chance?

When you’re a felon looking for work, the hiring process at many companies can seem like an uphill battle. Far too many employers give felons a flat refusal, even if the applicant is an otherwise perfect fit for the job.

UPS Hiring Policy – Does UPS Hire Felons in 2024?

We’ve got some good news for you. UPS does hire felons. When you apply at UPS, they won’t automatically refuse your application.

While UPS doesn’t make its policy on hiring felons public, we know that the company definitely recruits felons because many felons report being hired by UPS for a variety of jobs.

Which jobs does UPS hire felons for?

The most common UPS jobs for felons include package handlers, warehouse assistants, truck loaders and unloaders, and delivery driver assistants.

It’s true, these aren’t the best jobs in the world, but they’re not the worst either.

What’s more, to make sure that they attract the workers they need, UPS offers a competitive hourly starting wage – currently averaging $15 an hour for part-time workers – plus benefits, and a 401K after a qualifying period.

And if you’re thinking about going back to school to improve your employment prospects, you can get up to $25,000 in tuition assistance.

Another fantastic benefit you get with a job at UPS is union membership once you complete your probationary period. This is rare in today’s workplace environment and shouldn’t be overlooked. A union job is always good to have.

Coupled with a wide range of promotion opportunities, the starting package makes UPS a solid choice for felons looking to get back on their feet with a reputable employer.

That said, you should expect to work hard.

With entry-level warehouse positions, you will be on your feet all day, in a fast-moving, often hot, and dusty environment.

What Felonies Disqualify You From Working At UPS?

Whether your felony will count against you depends on what your felony was for, how long ago the conviction took place, and how long it’s been since you were released from prison or probation.

The type of job you’re applying for will also factor into your chances of getting hired by UPS.

UPS evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis. They will look at your record and see if your felony has any bearing on the job you’ve applied for.

You can expect to have your application turned down if, for example, you’ve got a history of armed robbery or sexual assault, but less serious felonies shouldn’t stand in your way of securing an entry-level job at a UPS warehouse.

Felony convictions for violent crimes will almost certainly cause you problems no matter what job you’re applying for.

On the other hand, they may well overlook a less recent DUI or drug possession felony, for a low-level job like a truck unloader.

You should be aware, however, that having multiple felonies on your record will make it more likely that your application is rejected.

What about driving jobs?

Because driving jobs are unsupervised, drivers are held to a high standard and a recent felony will count against you. Again, if you have an older felony on your record and you haven’t committed any offenses since that time, UPS could hire you.

Obviously, UPS needs safe drivers, so felonies for DUI, drugs, or dangerous driving will put you out of the running.

Does UPS Check Employment History?

Yes, as part of your background check, UPS will check your employment history. The company looks at your work record to make sure that the employment experience you listed on your job application is true.

UPS recently changed its employment history policy for many lower-level positions. According to a 2021 report carried out by NPR, Matt Lavery, the head of online recruiting at UPS, stated that they will now only check up on your most recent employment.

So that’s even more good news for you if your work record is spotty.

Even so, honesty is always the best policy when you’re applying for a new job. While you might be tempted to list experiences that you don’t have, thinking that this will give you a better chance of getting hired, your employment background check will uncover the truth.

UPS may well hire you without experience, but they won’t hire a liar.

How Far Back Does The UPS Background Check For Felons Go?

UPS hasn’t disclosed its background check policy and differing background check periods have been reported by UPS employees.

While 7 years is a fairly standard time period investigated by many employers, some UPS employees claim their background checks looked at 5 years of their history, many reports 7 years, and others state that UPS looked back further than 10 years.

One determining factor will be the type of job you’re applying for. Warehouse positions will be the easiest background checks to pass, while the background check for a driving job will, of course, be more thorough.

Another important consideration will be the state laws that govern background checks.

Currently, the following 13 states limit background checks to 7 years:

• California
• Colorado
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• Texas
• Washington State

What Qualifications Do You Need To Work At A UPS Warehouse?

When you apply for a job at a UPS warehouse, the job listing will state what qualifications you need. And these will very much depend on the type of job and its seniority.

But for entry-level roles, which as a felon are the types of warehouse jobs you will probably have to start with, you don’t need any particular qualifications.

If you didn’t graduate high school, you can still start at the bottom with UPS and make a living wage. To improve your advancement opportunities, look at programs that help you gain your GED. You can even study online; you don’t need to go back into the classroom.

With a high school diploma, you’ll have more opportunities to progress within the company.

Working at UPS warehouses is tough, and UPS is more interested in your physical strength and stamina, your ability to follow instructions, and your organizational skills than in your ability to perform calculus or write a book report.

How Long Is The Hiring Process At UPS?

For most entry-level warehouse roles, the hiring process at UPS is very fast. You can be hired and start working within 2 days.

In 2021, UPS introduced a faster hiring process for entry-level warehouse jobs and driver’s assistants.

For these roles, you complete a simple application on their online jobs portal, choose a location and shift, then watch a short video about the job.

If your application is successful, you should receive your job offer email about 30 minutes later.

Soon after, you’ll get a call from the UPS Human Resources department to finalize your shifts and they’ll tell you what clothing to wear and inform you about any safety gear you need.

Don’t worry about the online application, the questions are very basic. They ask why you want to work for UPS. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Things like that.

The hiring process for other positions, including delivery drivers, takes a little longer. But as long as UPS has open positions, you shouldn’t have to wait longer than 2 or 3 weeks.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQS)

What Disqualifies You From Working For UPS?

Recent felonies involving theft and violence will very likely disqualify you from working for UPS. If you’re hoping to get a driving job with UPS, convictions for driving offenses, theft, violent assault, and drug use will all count against you.

UPS is also extremely unlikely to hire people with convictions for sexual offences and they have very strict policies in place regarding inappropriate workplace behavior.

How Hard Is It To Get A UPS Job?

Getting a job at UPS is fairly easy if you’re applying for an entry-level position at a UPS warehouse. You don’t need qualifications, and while experience working in a warehouse is a bonus, it isn’t essential.

Complete a quick application on the UPS jobs portal, and they’ll give you a decision in around 30 minutes.

Your chances of being hired as a seasonal worker during their busy periods are even better.

Do They Hire Felons In Texas?

Yes, you can get a job at UPS in Texas if you have a felony on your record. UPS doesn’t hire all felons, though.

The type of felony involved and how long ago you received your conviction will be considered when you apply. Background checks in Texas for positions paying less than $75,000 are limited to the past 7 years.

Summary

As you can see, the answer to your question, “Does UPS hire convicted felons?” is a resounding yes.

Although a recent felony conviction may disqualify you, depending on the particular role you’re applying for, and the offense you committed, you should still apply.

UPS evaluates candidates on a case-by-case basis, and the only person who can say for sure is the hiring manager.

Older felonies should be less of a problem, especially in warehouse roles.

While most entry-level jobs at UPS are physically demanding, the pay rates are competitive, and the compensation package includes health benefits, a 401k plan, tuition assistance, and union membership.

Because UPS is an enormous company, you’ll have opportunities to advance your career, if you work hard and show that you are a valuable and dependable employee.

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