Does UPS Hire Felons? A Detailed Answer in 2024!

Does UPS hire a felon? This is the question that is knocking on your mind right? Well, as an Attorney at Law, I am fully aware of the hiring process of UPS company. I have personal contact with some hiring manager at UPS so according to their stances, I will educate you today.

If you are willing to apply for UPS with a criminal history or more specifically if you are a convicted felon, then this guide is for you.

In this article, I will share all the helpful insights like what type of background check they use and what felony convictions can reject your resume. So read this article and know if UPS hires felons in 2023.

Table of Contents

Is UPS Hiring Felons in 2023?

Yes, UPS does hire felons in 2023. UPS or United Parcel Service is one of the best courier and logistics services in the United States. Getting a job in UPS is not an easy task although there are some positions open for felons.

If you are an ex-felon and want to get a fresh start, you can take a chance with UPS. They are offering job opportunities even with felony charges. As a felon, you can get the following jobs in UPS:

Warehouse Worker
Delivery Driver Assistant
Seasonal Employment
Package Handler

During the holiday season, UPS has hired almost 90,000 seasonal package handlers. So you can imagine how many opportunities are there for you if you have a felony on your record.

What is the Hiring Process of UPS?

UPS uses a complete method as a hiring process that helps them to hire felons and other employees. Here is the complete method of hiring process.

Job Application

Start by searching for open positions on the UPS jobs website or visiting a local UPS facility. You can apply online by creating a profile and submitting a resume.

Pre-employment Assessment

After applying, you may need to complete an online assessment focused on basic skills, aptitude, and personality traits. This evaluates your potential job fit.

Interview

If your background and assessment meet UPS standards, you will be contacted to schedule an in-person or video interview. This is your chance to impress the hiring manager. Come prepared to discuss your skills and experience.

Background Check

Following a successful interview, a comprehensive background check will be conducted to verify identity, criminal history, and qualifications. Candidates must grant permission for UPS to run the background check.

Drug Screening

In line with background checks, UPS also requires a drug screening for all new hires. You must pass the drug test before being officially employed.

New Hire Orientation

Once hired, new employees participate in a UPS orientation program to learn about company policies, job duties, safety protocols, and benefits. This ensures you are ready to start working.

Ongoing Training

Many positions also require ongoing hands-on training. For example, delivery drivers must complete extensive classroom and road training. The training prepares you for success in your new UPS job.

The hiring process ensures UPS selects qualified candidates ready to provide reliable services and contribute to company success. With preparation and diligence, you can impress UPS recruiters and move forward in the process.

Does UPS Background Check?

When it comes to background check, UPS has policies in favor of background checks. UPS uses the background check in their hiring process to know about their employee’s history.

You will need to pass a background check if you want to apply for a job there. There are many job seekers who want to join UPS as their career and it has good jobs as well.

If you have a felony conviction on your record then you need to be careful. However, it all depends on the type of felony convictions and the severity of the felony.

For example, if you do not have felony convictions like drug trafficking, grand theft, and other violent crimes in your criminal record then you are more likely to hire by UPS.

What Do UPS Check for in Background Checks?

Here are some of the key things UPS checks for in their background checks:

Criminal Record

Any misdemeanor or felony convictions
Pending criminal cases or investigations
Incarceration history, probation records
Traffic violations like DUI/DWI

UPS conducts courthouse searches to uncover any criminal history that may impact applicant eligibility.

Employment History

Previous employer names and dates of employment
Verification of positions held and duties
Confirmation of compensation and reasons for leaving
Checking for gaps in work history
UPS contacts listed employers to verify details and performance. Dishonesty can disqualify candidates.

Felony Conviction Information

Specific details on any felony pleas or convictions

Nature and context of the felony incident
Sentencing, restitution, and rehabilitation completed
Parole/probation status and restrictions

UPS requests disclosure of felony history and evaluates candidates individually based on circumstances.

Driving Records

Any moving violations or license suspensions
At-fault accidents and related details
Status of driver’s license validity and class
For driving roles, UPS scrutinizes motor vehicle records closely.

The background check allows UPS to thoroughly vet candidates for safety and security reasons. While UPS does hire some felons, being transparent about your history is critical.

What Are the Job Positions Where UPS Hire Felons?

There are many entry-level jobs where UPS is hiring felons. Let’s see what are the UPS positions that you can apply for.

Entry-Level Positions

UPS has several entry-level roles suitable to hire felons. These jobs provide an opportunity to start a career with the company. This is the most suitable UPS position for ex-felons. It is also a steady job where you do not need to struggle a lot.

Delivery Driver Assistants

One entry-level option is working as a delivery driver assistant. In this role, you ride along with the driver to help deliver packages. Responsibilities include loading and unloading the truck, assisting with deliveries, and ensuring timely service. It’s a good way to gain experience in a driver role.

Warehouse Positions

There are various warehouse positions open to felons at UPS. These include package handler, warehouse worker, and loader jobs.

Duties involve sorting packages, loading trucks, preparing orders, and general warehouse tasks. It’s physically demanding work but provides skills and experience.

Supervisor and Management Trainee Roles

UPS also has some supervisory and management trainee roles that involve warehouse work. These positions provide training to develop managerial abilities.

With dedication, warehouse experience can set you up for advancement into supervisory levels at UPS.

Seasonal Employment

UPS often hires for seasonal warehouse jobs and driver helpers during peak periods like the holidays. These short-term positions allow you to get your foot in the door.

Seasonal work can potentially lead to permanent employment.

Package Handler

One specific warehouse role is that of a UPS package handler. As a package handler, you load and unload delivery trucks.

This involves moving packages to sort them correctly, scanning them, and safely loading them onto trucks for delivery. It requires being on your feet and lifting.

What Are the Felonies That Can Reject Your Job Application?

There are certain types of felonies that may result in a rejected job resume at UPS. Here are some felonies that can raise red flags and be a determining factor when UPS hires:

Violent Crimes

Felonies involving assault, battery, or physical violence would likely disqualify candidates from employment at UPS. Positions often require interacting with the public.

Theft

Felonies related to stealing, burglary, shoplifting, or robbery would be problematic for UPS hiring. Cargo and packages can be tempting targets.

Fraud

Financial felonies like fraud, embezzlement, forgery or identity theft raise serious concerns about handling money or customer data.

Drug Trafficking

Drug-related felonies including possession with intent to distribute or trafficking typically prevent hiring. UPS drug tests all employees.

Multiple Felonies

Having multiple felonies on your record can demonstrate a pattern of lawlessness. UPS prefers candidates with only minor records.

Sex Crimes

Any registration as a sex offender would prohibit hiring at UPS where contact with the public is required.

While a single minor non-violent felony might not lead to automatic disqualification, the above types of felonies raise serious red flags for UPS hiring managers. Demonstrating rehabilitation is important.

How Long Does a UPS Background Check Can Go Back?

UPS background checks typically go back seven years when they hire people.

The background screening company that UPS uses will investigate job candidates’ criminal, driving, and other records going back 7 years from the time of application. Some states may allow information to be reported going back further than seven years. However, most states do not allow to check felony conviction information older 7 years.

However, in general, UPS checks will uncover information dating back roughly 7 years in a candidate’s history. Felonies or other red flags older than 7 years may still cause concern for UPS hiring managers, but may be given less weight than more recent occurrences.

Applicants should be prepared to explain and provide context around any criminal charges, driving incidents, or other check findings that date back up to 7 years. Being transparent is important, even about older offenses that the candidate has moved past.

The 7 year scope of UPS background checks aims to give the company a comprehensive overview of candidate qualifications and suitability for open positions. By focusing on the last 7 years, UPS can assess more recent behavior and decision-making. In some cases, older offenses can be overlooked if the past 7 years show reform.

How To Apply For UPS Jobs As A Felony? Tips And Guide

If you’re interested in working for UPS and you have a felony on your record, it’s essential to understand that UPS does offer job opportunities for individuals with a criminal background.

While securing a job at UPS may not be a walk in the park, there are positions that may be available to you. Here are some job options for felons at UPS:

Warehouse Worker: UPS often hires warehouse workers responsible for organizing, sorting, and moving packages within their distribution centers. This role may involve heavy lifting and physical tasks.
Delivery Driver Assistant: Some positions within UPS involve assisting delivery drivers with their routes and packages. This can be a great way to gain experience in the delivery industry.
Seasonal Employment: UPS typically ramps up its workforce during the holiday season significantly. This creates numerous seasonal job opportunities, including package handling positions. Seasonal work can sometimes lead to permanent employment if you perform well.
Package Handler: Package handlers play a crucial role in the UPS operation. They load and unload packages, ensuring they are sorted correctly for delivery. This position requires physical stamina and attention to detail.

To apply for a job at UPS as a felon, consider the following tips and guidelines:

Be Honest: When filling out your application, be honest about your criminal record. UPS may conduct background checks, so it’s better to disclose this information upfront.
Highlight Your Skills: Emphasize any relevant skills or work experience you have that could make you a valuable asset to UPS.
Prepare for Interviews: If you’re called in for an interview, practice your responses to common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your past and what you’ve learned from it.
Work on Rehabilitation: UPS, like many employers, may be more inclined to hire individuals who have demonstrated efforts toward rehabilitation and personal growth since their conviction.
Networking: Sometimes, knowing someone who works at UPS or has a personal connection can be beneficial in securing a job.

What Are the Benefits of UPS Employees?

Here are some of the advantages that you can get as a UPS employee.

Health Insurance

Comprehensive medical coverage through several plan options, including PPO and HMO plans
Dental insurance covers exams, cleanings, fillings, etc. Orthodontia coverage available for kids
Vision insurance provides coverage for eye exams, glasses/contacts
Prescription drug coverage with reasonable copays and deductibles
Option to cover dependents like spouse and children

Retirement Benefits

A pension plan provides guaranteed income in retirement based on the length of service
Have a great tuition repayment plan
401k plan offers pre-tax and Roth savings options with company match on contributions
The stock purchase plan provides an opportunity to purchase UPS shares at a 15% discount

Time Off

2 weeks vacation after 1 year of service, increasing with seniority up to 5 weeks per year
9 paid holidays per year including Christmas, New Year’s, Memorial Day, etc.
Option to cash out unused vacation time
Personal days allotted each year for sick time or personal needs
Maternity and paternity leave for new parents, up to 12 weeks paid leave

Education Assistance

Tuition reimbursement up to $ 25,000-lifetime limit
Assistance with GED programs and college admissions
Free programs for skills training and professional development

Bonus Opportunities

Performance and safety bonuses paid out regularly
Bonuses for perfect attendance and referral bonuses

Additional Perks

Advancement opportunities for managers starting from within the company
Free travel privileges through UPS Airlines
Discounts for cell phone plans, hotels, car purchases, and other services

The comprehensive benefits package at UPS aims to promote health, retirement readiness, and work-life balance for employees.

F.A.Q

Can You Get A US Postal Job With A Felony?

Yes, UPS hire felons. Getting a job with a felony at the US Postal Service is possible, as they consider applicants on a case-by-case basis.

However, they have great employment opportunities for certain convictions. UPS offers all the facilities and time benefits to many felons.

I have criminal records, Can I get the UPS position?

Yes, there are high chances that you will get a job at UPS with criminal records. UPS is a felon friendly workplace for convicted felons.

The hiring policy of UPS is pretty soft on felons for certain positions like entry level jobs.

What To Do To Get A Job At UPS With A Felony?

To increase your chances of landing a job at UPS with a felony, be honest on your application, highlight relevant skills, and show efforts towards rehabilitation.

Also, there are many factors like community service, participation in rehabilitation programs and showing great improvements will enhance your chances to being hired.

Does UPS require prior experience for entry-level jobs that hire felons?

No, UPS provides on-the-job training for new workers without prior experience. For example, package handlers learn skills onsite during orientation and probation periods. Having some related experience can help, but it is not required.

How long after applying does it take to hear back from UPS about a felon-friendly job?

It usually takes a few weeks after applying for UPS to review your background and schedule an interview. The entire hiring process can take 4-6 weeks before finalizing an offer. Be patient during the UPS application procedure.

What kind of drug test does UPS use for pre-employment screening?

UPS conducts 10-panel drug tests on urine samples during the hiring process. Candidates must test negative for all substance classes to gain employment.

Can a felong apply for seasonal driver helper jobs at UPS?

Yes UPS hire felons for season drivers. Seasonal driver helper roles are often available to felons during peak holiday delivery times at UPS. These temporary jobs can lead to permanent opportunities.