Yes. Having a felony doesn’t mean an automatic rejection at Saia. Hiring decisions are made on a case-by-case basis after a background check review.

The company offers a range of jobs at its terminals, and non-CDL positions are often easier to qualify for.

Saia also has a Dock to Driver program. If you qualify for a loading dock position, this is a good way to get paid while you train for your CDL and wait for any disqualifying felonies to age.

Does Saia Have a Felony Hiring Policy?

Saia isn’t a second-chance employer, and they don’t publish their felony hiring policy.

Current and former employees confirm that Saia hires some felons. Passing the Saia background check depends on the nature of the felony, how serious it was, how long ago it happened, and the type of job you apply for.

What Does the Saia Background Check Involve?

Background checks take place after Saia makes a conditional job offer. The company needs to confirm your identity and Social Security number, verify your employment and education history, and check for criminal history.

The background check lookback period varies. Some states limit how far a background report can go and how criminal records can be used, while others allow a full search.

Older felonies may not be disqualifying even if they’re reported on your background check.

Does Saia Drug Test?

Yes, Saia drug tests applicants for driving jobs and for some loading dock positions.

CDL drivers must meet federal DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements. You’ll be required to pass a urine drug screen before you can start driving for the company.

Saia’s drivers also face random drug screens, post-accident testing, and testing if they appear to be using drugs or alcohol on duty.

Even if you’re applying for a non-driving job, it’s safest to assume a drug test could be part of the hiring process.

What Saia Jobs Are Best for Felons?

Loading dock jobs are probably the first positions to look at unless your felony is older.

Saia operates freight terminals across the country and hires workers to load and unload trailers, move freight with forklifts and pallet jacks, secure loads, and check shipments.

These jobs don’t have the same licensing and background requirements that come with commercial driving jobs,

Reports from people who worked in Saia loading dock and forklift positions say the company does hire felons for those roles.

Other non-driving jobs include fleet maintenance, customer service, and terminal support jobs, depending on what’s available near you.

Can Felons Get CDL Driving Jobs at Saia?

Possibly, but getting hired for a driving job is more difficult.

While having a felony doesn’t stop you from qualifying for a commercial driver’s license, Saia drivers also need Hazmat, Tanker, and Doubles endorsements. The Hazmat endorsement is where some felony convictions become a problem.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) carries out a security threat assessment before approving a Hazmat endorsement.

Certain serious offenses permanently disqualify an applicant. Some other offenses temporarily prevent approval.

Depending on the conviction, you can be disqualified if you were convicted within the last seven years or released from prison within the last five years.

If you can’t currently obtain a Hazmat endorsement, applying for a Saia loading dock position makes more sense.

Start on the Dock and Become a Driver Later

Saia’s Driver Academy helps employees move from dock work into commercial driving. That makes a dock position a useful way into the company if you want to drive eventually but aren’t ready for a CDL position now.

You’ll still need to meet Saia’s driving requirements and qualify for the required CDL endorsements before moving into a driver job.

If a temporary Hazmat restriction applies because of an older conviction, working on the dock gives you time to build your work history while you wait to become eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Felon Get a Hazmat Endorsement?

Yes, in many cases, a felony isn’t a barrier to getting a Hazmat endorsement. Some offenses result in temporary disqualification, depending on the date of conviction or release from prison. A smaller group of serious crimes results in permanent disqualification.

Does Saia Hire Felons on Probation?

Possibly, but the type of offense and your probation record will matter. They may be able to hire you for a support role depending on your background check, but you’re unlikely to be hired for a driving job.

Does Saia Hire Felons as Dockworkers?

Yes, loading dock positions are easier to qualify for because they don’t require the CDL and Hazmat endorsements needed for Saia driving jobs. Starting on the loading dock can also lead to a CDL career through Saia’s Driver Academy.

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