Are you wondering if you can work at FedEx with a felony? What are your chances of getting hired at FedEx? Will you get fair consideration, and is it worth applying?
Let’s take a closer look at FedEx and find out how you can improve your chances of getting hired at FedEx with a felony conviction on your criminal record.
Does FedEx Hire Felons?
Yes, you can get hired at FedEx with a felony if you pass the background check. Each applicant’s criminal background is considered; you won’t be excluded automatically.
Although FedEx hasn’t made its official hiring policy public, FedEx job listings include the following information for candidates with a criminal background.
- Having a criminal record is not an automatic or absolute bar to employment with FedEx.
- Your criminal record will be evaluated based on the job sought, the nature of your offense, the timing of the offense, and how relevant your offense is to the job you’re applying for.
And thanks to information from current and former FedEx employees sharing their own hiring experiences with FedEx, it’s clear that FedEx is a second-chance employer with felon-friendly hiring practices.
Hiring managers at FedEx are selective about who they hire. They won’t offer a job to every applicant with a criminal background and are unlikely to hire candidates with recent convictions, violent felonies, or multiple felonies.
FedEx Hiring managers also look for a stable work history and a clean record since the offense took place.
Currently, FedEx operates as several distinct companies, and hiring policies may vary depending on which branch of FedEx you apply to.
Does FedEx Warehouse Hire Felons?
Does FedEx hire convicted felons to work in its warehouses? Is it worth applying? Yes, it’s definitely worth applying because FedEx will hire felons for some distribution center jobs in the FedEx supply chain.
In fact, you’re more likely to be successful applying for a warehouse job than for FedEx driver positions.
In the warehouse, you’re under supervision at all times, so there’s less risk to the company. But when you’re out driving a delivery truck, you’re in control of an expensive vehicle and all the packages it contains.
You should also limit yourself to applying for entry-level jobs rather than management positions.
Once you’ve got your foot in the door, you can prove your worth and look at moving up if you’ve got the relevant qualifications and experience.
But to begin with, FedEx won’t be comfortable putting you in a position with a great deal of responsibility.
Entry-level warehouse positions are labor-intensive. You’ll need to be ready for busy shifts where you’re on your feet all day. Make sure you check the job requirements, so you know what’s expected from you.
Go to https://careers.fedex.com/fedex/ to find current job opportunities at FedEx.
Does FedEx Hire Felons as Package Handlers?
A package handler is an entry-level warehouse position, and FedEx hires felons for this position. This is a common job that felons have been hired for in the past, so if you’re going to apply for a job at FedEx, a package handler is a sensible choice.
There’s no guarantee that FedEx will hire you if you apply, but don’t let that discourage you. Put in an application and see what happens.
The online application itself doesn’t take long, and if you’re invited to an interview, it’s worth taking the time to go through the hiring process.
FedEx has hired felons in the past, and they continue to provide employment opportunities for people looking for a fresh start.
Does FedEx Hire Felons With Theft Charges?
Can you work at FedEx with a felony for theft? You may be able to get a job at FedEx with a theft charge, but if the offense is recent, they may be unwilling to hire you at the moment.
If your conviction is older, you’ve got a stable work history, and haven’t been in any more trouble, then you could be offered a job.
Our advice is to apply for an entry-level position and go through the hiring process.
Can You Drive For FedEx With A DUI?
FedEx lists disqualifying criteria for truck driver owner operators and contract drivers on its website. While this policy applies to drivers operating small and large trucks, it’s reasonable to assume that the DUI policy will be standard for all FedEx drivers, including courier drivers.
The FedEx policy states that a DUI or DWI conviction must be at least 5 years old.
You can view the full FedEx driver disqualification policy by following this link: https://customcritical.fedex.com/us/owneroperator/quals/smstrtrk.shtml
When you apply for a FedEx driving job, your background check will include a review of your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) as well as a criminal background check.
If there are traffic citations or moving vehicle violations on your MVR, you won’t be able to qualify for a position for one, three, or five years, depending on the violation.
FedEx drivers must have held a valid driver’s license for the last three years and be at least 21 years old. Some driving jobs require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Felons Applying To FedEx In New York City Are Protected By The Fair Chance Act
If you’re hoping to work for FedEx in New York City, the Fair Chance Act offers help for felons and provides some protection from unfair discrimination during the application and interview processes.
- Under the Fair Chance Act, employers like FedEx cannot ask about criminal convictions on application forms or during interviews.
- They can’t check your background until they’ve made a job offer.
- A job offer can’t be withdrawn because of a conviction unless the offense has a direct relationship to the position you’ve applied for.
This is strong protection for felons, and if you don’t already know about your rights under the Fair Chance Act, follow this link to the New York City website to find out more: https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/law/fair-chance-law.page.
How Far Back Does The FedEx Background Check Go?
Unless you live in a state with a background check limit, FedEx will receive a report that covers your entire adult history.
That means older offenses will still show up, and you may fail the background check because of an offense that’s many years in your past.
No matter the offense on your record, you should still apply. Every applicant’s criminal background, work history, and rehabilitation is different. Apply and let FedEx make the decision. Don’t prejudge yourself and decide against making an application.
An option to consider for the future is the possibility of getting your record expunged. An expungement wipes the felony off your record so it won’t show up on background reports. Expungement isn’t available in all states or for all felony offenses.
States With Background Check Limits
If you live in a state that limits background checks, an older felony shouldn’t stand in your way of getting a job at FedEx.
These states limit employment background checks to seven years.
- California
- Colorado
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
Is There A Pre-Employment Drug Test At FedEx?
Some positions may require a pre-employment drug test, but for an entry-level position like a package handler, you won’t be tested.
Candidates for driving positions and those operating heavy equipment will need to pass a drug test after the interview.
FedEx will also drug test employees who appear to be under the influence and employees who are involved in a workplace accident.
CDL drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol tests as specified by the Department of Transportation.
Simple Steps To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Hired At FedEx With A Felony
Let’s go through some tips for the application process and the FedEx interview.
Step 1 – Apply For Entry-Level Positions
- Make it easier for FedEx to say yes by applying for entry-level positions. Once you’ve established a solid track record, you can try for a promotion.
- FedEx is always looking for package handlers and warehouse/materials handlers. These are labor-intensive jobs, which are the most common position felons are hired for. Labor-intensive positions have less competition, and there’s always a strong demand for this type of work.
Step 2 – Make An Honest Application & Double Check For Accuracy
- Make sure all the information on your application is accurate. Remember, FedEx will confirm everything when they run your background check.
- The FedEx application asks for the last five years of your work history. Don’t leave gaps in your work history. If you weren’t employed, enter unemployed, student, or homemaker.
- Provide current/former employers’ names, addresses, supervisor contact information, employment dates, and your reason for leaving. Never give a negative reason for leaving an employer! Looking for more hours, a higher salary, or the chance to learn new skills are acceptable reasons.
- Enter your addresses for the last five years. If you can’t remember previous addresses, check your records for the correct details.
- You don’t need a High School Diploma for some entry-level jobs, but having one will help. When you enter your education information, be sure to enter any degrees, diplomas, or trade/technical qualifications you’ve obtained.
- If you’re applying for a driving job, enter your driver’s license details. Be careful to enter your name exactly as it appears on your license, and include all the states where you’ve held a driver’s license in the last ten years.
Step 3 – Learn Some Company Basics
Learn some basics about the FedEx Corporation before your interview.
- FedEx is a global leader offering rapid package delivery services for business and private customers in over 220 countries.
- FedEx companies employ over 400,000 personnel who sort and deliver millions of packages every day.
- The company is committed to inclusion and sustainability, and leads the way in innovative transportation and e-commerce solutions.
Step 4 – Ace Your FedEx Interview
- Show you’re serious about the job and have respect for the employer by wearing a smart outfit for your interview, even if you’re applying for dirty work in a warehouse.
- Be friendly and polite to the hiring manager. Be attentive throughout the interview, and show your positive and energetic attitude.
- Provide copies of your character references and a short letter with a written explanation about your felony.
- Depending on state law, the hiring manager may not ask you about criminal offenses at your interview. But if your felony will show on your background report, you should bring it up. It’s your only chance to discuss your offense and explain the steps you’ve taken to improve yourself and become fully rehabilitated. If you don’t provide this information to the hiring manager during your interview, all FedEx will have to go on is the information on your background report. Don’t leave this to chance. You have a felony on your record. Your interview is your chance to explain it.
- The time to mention your criminal record is at the end of the interview, when the hiring manager asks you if you have any questions. Keep the details brief, explain what happened, mention the type of conviction, accept responsibility, acknowledge your mistakes, and then ask if the manager needs any additional information. Above all, be sincere and truthful.
Summary & Next Steps
Now that you’ve found out that FedEx hires felons for some positions, go ahead and get started on your FedEx application.
For the best chance of getting hired, focus your efforts on entry-level positions and make sure you’re available to work a wide variety of shifts.
You’ll need to pass a background check, but your criminal background will be considered fairly, so don’t feel discouraged.
Prepare for your interview and provide references so you can make the best impression possible.
Securing a job with FedEx is a great employment opportunity for felons, and if you get hired, be sure to take advantage of their offer to contribute towards your education and training.