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:
1️⃣ Online Application Submission – Candidates apply via the official UPS careers portal.
2️⃣ Initial Screening & Interview – UPS recruiters review applications and conduct interviews.
3️⃣ Conditional Job Offer – Candidates receive an offer contingent on passing the background check.
4️⃣ Background Check Process Begins – UPS performs a background check, including criminal records, employment verification, and driving history (for driver roles).
5️⃣ Drug Screening (If Required) – Certain positions, especially drivers, may require drug tests.
6️⃣ 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:
1️⃣ 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).
2️⃣ 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.
3️⃣ 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