Step-by-Step Guide to UPS Background Checks

What is a UPS Background Check?

A UPS background check is a pre-employment screening process that evaluates a candidate’s criminal history, driving records, employment history, and other relevant information before hiring. United Parcel Service (UPS) conducts these checks to ensure workplace safety, protect company assets, and comply with legal regulations.

UPS hires for various positions, including delivery drivers, package handlers, warehouse workers, and seasonal employees, each requiring different levels of background screening. A clean background check can significantly impact a candidate’s chances of securing a job at UPS.

Why Are UPS Background Checks Important?

UPS handles millions of packages daily, employs thousands of workers, and operates in high-security environments. Conducting thorough background checks helps:
Ensure workplace safety – Verifies that employees have no history of violent or serious criminal offenses.
Protect customer trust – Ensures drivers and package handlers maintain integrity while handling deliveries.
Meet legal compliance – UPS adheres to state and federal employment laws that require thorough employee screenings.
Reduce liability risks – Hiring responsible and reliable employees helps minimize risks of theft, fraud, and negligence.

UPS Hiring Process & Role of Background Checks

UPS follows a structured hiring process to screen and onboard new employees. Here’s an overview of how background checks fit into the process:

Online Application Submission – Candidates apply via the official UPS careers portal.
Initial Screening & Interview – UPS recruiters review applications and conduct interviews.
Conditional Job Offer – Candidates receive an offer contingent on passing the background check.
Background Check Process Begins – UPS performs a background check, including criminal records, employment verification, and driving history (for driver roles).
Drug Screening (If Required) – Certain positions, especially drivers, may require drug tests.
Final Hiring Decision – Once the background check is cleared, the candidate is officially hired.

Note: UPS may disqualify candidates for serious criminal offenses, falsified information, or poor driving records (for driving positions).

How UPS Background Checks Compare to Other Employer Screening Processes

UPS background checks are similar to those conducted by other major logistics and delivery companies, but they have some unique aspects.

Factor	UPS	FedEx	Amazon	USPS
Criminal Background Check	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Driving Record Check	Yes (for drivers)	Yes (for drivers)	No (only for some roles)	Yes (for drivers)
Employment History Verification	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Drug Test	Yes (for drivers & some positions)	Yes	No (except warehouse roles)	Yes
Screening Duration	1-2 weeks	1-2 weeks	1 week	2-4 weeks

UPS places a strong emphasis on driving record checks, making their screening process more rigorous for delivery drivers compared to companies like Amazon, which uses independent contractors.

Step-by-Step Process of the UPS Background Check

Once a candidate receives a conditional job offer, UPS initiates the background check process. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

Candidate Provides Required Information

The applicant must submit personal details such as:
Full legal name
Social Security Number (SSN)
Date of birth
Driver’s license (for driver positions)

UPS may also require consent for background screening through an electronic authorization form, complying with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

UPS Initiates Background Screening

UPS partners with third-party background check agencies to conduct the verification process. The scope of the check depends on the role. For example:

• Drivers undergo a more detailed check that includes driving history and drug testing.
• Warehouse workers and package handlers primarily undergo criminal background and employment verification.

Review of Criminal Records

UPS screens candidates for felonies, misdemeanors, and other criminal offenses. However, the company follows Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, which means:
A criminal record does not automatically disqualify a candidate.
UPS considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the job.
Some states limit how far back employers can check criminal history (typically 7-10 years).

Driving Record Check (For Driver Positions)

For UPS delivery drivers, a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check is conducted to assess:
Traffic violations (speeding, reckless driving, DUIs)
License suspensions
Accidents or infractions

Note: A history of DUIs, reckless driving, or excessive violations may disqualify a candidate from driving roles.

Employment & Education Verification

UPS confirms previous employment to ensure:
The candidate worked at the listed companies.
Job titles and dates match the applicant’s resume.
No significant gaps in employment raise red flags.

Education verification is typically required for management or specialized roles rather than entry-level positions.

Drug Testing (For Certain Positions)

UPS requires drug tests for drivers and some safety-sensitive roles. The test screens for substances like:
Marijuana (varies by state laws)
Cocaine
Opiates
Amphetamines
PCP

UPS uses urine drug testing and follows Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines for driver positions.

Final Decision & Hiring Confirmation

If the candidate passes the background check, UPS proceeds with onboarding. If any red flags appear, UPS may:
Request additional documentation.
Give the candidate a chance to dispute errors.
Rescind the job offer if the findings violate company policies.

Types of Information Included in a UPS Background Check

UPS background checks vary by job type but typically include:

How Long Does the UPS Background Check Take?

On average, a UPS background check takes 3-10 business days. However, factors affecting the timeline include:
State laws – Some states have restrictions on reporting timelines.
Criminal record complexity – Multiple records may take longer to verify.
Employment verification delays – If previous employers take time to respond, it could slow down the process.

Tip: Candidates can check their application status on the UPS Careers Portal or contact HR if their background check is delayed.

Who Needs a UPS Background Check?

UPS screens candidates for a variety of roles, including:

Job Position	Background Check Required?	Drug Test?
Delivery Driver	Yes	Yes
Warehouse Worker	Yes	No
Package Handler	Yes	No
Seasonal Employee	Yes	No
Corporate Roles	Yes	No (unless required for safety-sensitive roles)

UPS conducts the most thorough background checks for drivers, given the responsibility of operating company vehicles and interacting with customers.

Benefits of UPS Conducting Thorough Background Checks

UPS’s background checks provide several advantages, ensuring safety, compliance, and quality hiring.

Enhances Workplace Safety – Reduces the risk of hiring individuals with violent or criminal records.
Protects Customers & Company Assets – Prevents potential fraud, theft, and misconduct.
Ensures Compliance with Federal & State Laws – Adheres to FCRA, EEOC, and DOT regulations.
Minimizes Legal Liabilities – Helps UPS avoid negligent hiring lawsuits.
Improves Hiring Quality – Ensures employees are trustworthy and reliable.

Mentioning Exact Background Checks

For job seekers looking to pre-check their own background before applying to UPS, Exact Background Checks offers:
Criminal background reports
Driving history verification
Employment verification services

By reviewing their records in advance, applicants can fix any discrepancies and increase their chances of passing UPS’s screening process.

Legal Aspects of UPS Background Checks

UPS must comply with federal, state, and industry regulations when conducting background checks. The following legal frameworks guide the process:

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Compliance

The FCRA protects job applicants by ensuring that background checks are:
Conducted with the applicant’s consent.
Accurate and up-to-date—candidates can dispute incorrect records.
Used fairly—UPS must notify applicants if adverse action is taken due to their report.

Tip: If your background check contains errors, you can dispute them with the reporting agency before UPS makes a final hiring decision.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidelines

The EEOC prohibits discrimination in hiring decisions based on race, gender, age, disability, or other protected factors. UPS follows these guidelines by:
Considering the nature of the crime (if applicable).
Assessing whether the offense is relevant to the job role.
Allowing candidates to provide explanations or dispute findings.

UPS cannot reject a candidate based on a criminal record alone; the decision must be job-related and consistent with business necessity.

State-Specific Background Check Laws

Certain states have ban-the-box laws, restricting when employers can ask about criminal history. In states like California and Illinois, UPS can only conduct background checks after making a conditional job offer.

Additionally, some states limit how far back employers can check criminal records:

• California, New York, and Texas: 7-year limit
• Illinois and Washington: 10-year limit
• No limit in some states (e.g., Florida, Indiana)

Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations (For Drivers)

UPS delivery drivers must comply with DOT regulations, including:
Clean driving history—serious offenses (DUI, reckless driving) may disqualify applicants.
Random drug and alcohol testing after hiring.
Medical exams to ensure fitness for driving roles.

UPS follows strict DOT compliance to maintain safety standards for its drivers and customers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About UPS Background Checks

What types of information are included in a UPS background check?

• A UPS background check typically includes criminal records (felonies, misdemeanors), driving history (for driver positions), employment verification, education verification (if required), and drug testing (for drivers and some safety-sensitive roles).

Why are background checks important for UPS, and how do they benefit the company?

• Background checks are important for UPS to ensure workplace safety, protect customer trust, comply with legal regulations, and reduce liability risks. They help UPS hire responsible and reliable employees, minimizing risks of theft, fraud, and negligence.

How does the UPS background check process compare to other major logistics and delivery companies?

• UPS places a strong emphasis on driving record checks, making their screening process more rigorous for delivery drivers compared to companies like Amazon, which uses independent contractors. UPS background checks are similar to those of FedEx and USPS, which also include criminal background checks, driving record checks (for drivers), employment history verification, and drug testing.

What steps are involved in the UPS background check process?

• The process includes the candidate providing required information, UPS initiating background screening, review of criminal records, driving record check (for drivers), employment and education verification, drug testing (for certain positions), and a final decision and hiring confirmation.

What legal aspects govern UPS background checks?

• UPS background checks are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which ensures applicant consent and accuracy of reports; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines, which prohibit discrimination; state-specific background check laws, including ban-the-box laws and limitations on lookback periods; and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for driver positions.

Conclusion: The Importance of a UPS Background Check

A UPS background check is a critical step in the hiring process, ensuring that employees are trustworthy, reliable, and qualified for their roles. It helps UPS:
Maintain workplace safety
Comply with state and federal laws
Hire responsible and professional employees

For applicants, understanding the screening process can help increase their chances of getting hired. By checking your own background, addressing potential concerns, and being honest during the application process, you can navigate UPS’s hiring process with confidence.

If you’re considering applying for a UPS job, running a self-background check with Exact Background Checks can help you identify and fix any potential issues before UPS conducts its screening.

Final Tip: Stay prepared, review your records, and ensure everything on your application is accurate to improve your chances of passing the UPS background check successfully!