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 years).
4️⃣ 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.
5️⃣ 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.
6️⃣ 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.
7️⃣ 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:
| Category | What’s Checked? | Who Needs It? |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Records | Felonies, misdemeanors, pending charges | All applicants |
| Driving History | License status, violations, DUIs, accidents | Drivers only |
| Employment Verification | Past employers, job titles, duration | All applicants |
| Education Verification | Degree confirmation (if required) | Management/specialized roles |
| Drug Test | Marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP | Drivers & some safety-sensitive roles |
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:
1️⃣ 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.
2️⃣ 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.
3️⃣ 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)
4️⃣ 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
How far back does UPS check criminal records?
The lookback period varies by state, but in most cases, UPS checks at least 7 years of criminal history. Some states allow employers to review older records, particularly for serious offenses.
What disqualifies you from getting hired at UPS?
UPS may disqualify candidates for:
🚫 Felonies or violent crimes related to theft, fraud, or assault.
🚫 Recent DUI convictions (for driver positions).
🚫 Falsified information on the application.
🚫 Repeated traffic violations (for driving roles).
However, UPS considers each case individually, so minor offenses may not automatically disqualify a candidate.
Does UPS hire felons?
Yes, UPS hires felons on a case-by-case basis. The company evaluates:
✔ The severity of the offense
✔ Time elapsed since the conviction
✔ Relevance of the crime to the job
For example, a non-violent felony from 10+ years ago may not impact eligibility for a warehouse position, but a recent theft conviction might disqualify someone from handling packages.
How can I check my own background before applying to UPS?
Applicants can run a self-background check using services like Exact Background Checks to review:
✅ Criminal records
✅ Driving history
✅ Employment verification
By checking your background beforehand, you can correct errors and prepare explanations if needed.
How do I dispute incorrect information on my UPS background check?
If your background check has errors, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Contact the background check provider (UPS typically uses third-party agencies).
2️⃣ File a dispute and provide documentation proving inaccuracies.
3️⃣ Notify UPS HR about the dispute if it may affect your job offer.
4️⃣ The agency must investigate and correct errors within 30 days under FCRA rules.
How far back does UPS check criminal records?
The lookback period varies by state, but in most cases, UPS checks at least 7 years of criminal history. Some states allow employers to review older records, particularly for serious offenses.
What disqualifies you from getting hired at UPS?
UPS may disqualify candidates for:
🚫 Felonies or violent crimes related to theft, fraud, or assault.
🚫 Recent DUI convictions (for driver positions).
🚫 Falsified information on the application.
🚫 Repeated traffic violations (for driving roles).
However, UPS considers each case individually, so minor offenses may not automatically disqualify a candidate.
Does UPS hire felons?
Yes, UPS hires felons on a case-by-case basis. The company evaluates:
✔ The severity of the offense
✔ Time elapsed since the conviction
✔ Relevance of the crime to the job
For example, a non-violent felony from 10+ years ago may not impact eligibility for a warehouse position, but a recent theft conviction might disqualify someone from handling packages.
How can I check my own background before applying to UPS?
Applicants can run a self-background check using services like Exact Background Checks to review:
✅ Criminal records
✅ Driving history
✅ Employment verification
By checking your background beforehand, you can correct errors and prepare explanations if needed.
How do I dispute incorrect information on my UPS background check?
If your background check has errors, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Contact the background check provider (UPS typically uses third-party agencies).
2️⃣ File a dispute and provide documentation proving inaccuracies.
3️⃣ Notify UPS HR about the dispute if it may affect your job offer.
4️⃣ The agency must investigate and correct errors within 30 days under FCRA rules.
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!
