Finding stable employment is often one of the biggest challenges for individuals with a criminal record. For felons seeking a fresh start, working for a major company like UPS (United Parcel Service) can offer valuable opportunities for growth and financial stability. Many companies, including UPS, are part of the growing trend of second chance job opportunities for felons, which help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into the workforce.
What Are the UPS Hiring Policy Requirements?
UPS, one of the largest logistics companies globally, offers a wide range of job opportunities across different positions, from package handlers to drivers and administrative roles. The company emphasizes diversity and inclusivity in its hiring process, stating that they consider applicants from all backgrounds, including those with criminal records.
While UPS does not have a blanket ban on hiring felons, each candidate is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the conviction, time elapsed since the offense, and the applicant’s overall qualifications.
Key Aspects of UPS Hiring Policy:
- Background Checks: UPS conducts background checks on all applicants. However, having a felony does not automatically disqualify someone from employment. The severity of the offense and its relevance to the position applied for are considered.
- Types of Offenses Considered: Non-violent crimes or older convictions are more likely to be considered favorably, especially for entry-level roles such as package handlers or warehouse workers.
- Position-Dependent Factors: More sensitive positions, such as delivery drivers or management roles, may require a more thorough review of the applicant’s criminal history.
What Jobs Can Felons Get at UPS?
As a company known for employing a large workforce, UPS provides both entry-level and specialized positions across its vast network. In terms of workforce statistics, UPS employs over 500,000 individuals worldwide and regularly hires thousands of seasonal workers during peak periods. While some roles require more stringent background checks, there are several positions where employment opportunities for felons.
1. Package Handler
One of the most common jobs at UPS is that package handlers are responsible for loading, unloading, and sorting packages in warehouses. These positions often have fewer hiring restrictions and are ideal for individuals with a felony conviction.
Many felons have successfully secured package handler roles, as these jobs focus more on physical capabilities and less on background details. UPS hires thousands of package handlers annually, especially during peak seasons. These jobs are known for high turnover and demand, which can improve a felon’s chances of employment.
2. Driver Helper
Driver helpers assist delivery drivers during busy times, such as the holiday season. These positions are often seasonal and do not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Felons who may not be eligible for driving positions could find driver helper jobs a good fit, as they involve assisting with deliveries rather than driving the vehicle.
CDL grants for felons are also available in USA to help individuals with criminal records obtain CDL training and employment in the trucking industry.
3. Warehouse Worker
Warehouse workers at UPS handle organizing packages, managing inventory, and supporting the daily operations of UPS facilities. Similar to package handlers, these positions typically have fewer restrictions on hiring felons, making them accessible roles for individuals with a criminal record.
4. Delivery Driver
UPS delivery drivers represent a significant portion of the company’s workforce and are responsible for delivering packages to homes and businesses. While this job often pays well and offers benefits, it also requires a more thorough background check, especially for felons.
Those with non-violent or older convictions may still be considered for driver positions, depending on the nature of the crime and how long ago it occurred. UPS employs over 127,000 drivers in the U.S., making it a major employer in the logistics and transportation industry.
5. Customer Service Roles
Felons with strong communication skills may be able to secure customer service positions, where they handle inquiries and support customers. While these positions may involve stricter background checks than warehouse jobs, they offer felons with soft skills the opportunity to find office-based employment.
6. Clerical and Administrative Jobs
Clerical or administrative roles include data entry, scheduling, and managing logistics from an office environment. While these roles may require a deeper review of a candidate’s background, non-violent felons or those with older convictions may still qualify.
7. Opportunities for Advancement
Many felons who start in entry-level positions like package handlers or warehouse workers have the opportunity to advance within the company. UPS is known for promoting from within, allowing employees to move into supervisory or management roles over time, provided they demonstrate reliability and commitment.
Background Check Process at UPS
UPS conducts background checks as part of its hiring process to ensure the safety and security of its employees, customers, and operations. For felons interested in working at UPS, understanding the background check process is critical to navigating the hiring steps successfully. Here’s what to expect during the background check, how long it typically takes, and the common reasons for disqualification.
What Does the UPS Background Check Involve?
- Criminal History: The background check at UPS primarily focuses on criminal history. They review past convictions, including misdemeanors and felonies, to determine if the applicant poses any risks to the company. Felonies involving violence, theft, or drugs may receive more scrutiny, especially for roles that involve handling valuable goods or interacting with customers.
- Employment Verification: UPS may also verify the applicant’s previous employment to confirm job history and assess reliability and experience.
- Education Verification: For positions requiring specific qualifications, UPS may verify the applicant’s educational background, ensuring that any listed degrees or certifications are accurate.
How Long the Background Check Takes?
- Time Frame: The UPS background check process typically takes 5 to 10 business days, depending on the thoroughness required for the specific job role. Seasonal positions may see faster processing times due to the urgency of hiring.
- Processing Delays: Some delays may occur if there are issues accessing records or if additional verification is needed for certain positions, such as delivery drivers, where safety and reliability are critical.
Common Reasons for Disqualification
- Violent Felonies: Felons with convictions related to violent crimes (e.g., assault, armed robbery) may find it challenging to secure a position at UPS, especially for customer-facing or delivery roles.
- Recent Convictions: A recent felony conviction may lead to disqualification, as UPS typically considers the time elapsed since the offense. Felons with older convictions, particularly non-violent ones, may have a better chance of being hired.
- Theft or Fraud Convictions: Positions involving package handling, logistics, or transportation may require a clean record regarding theft or fraud. Convictions related to stealing or dishonesty may disqualify applicants from such roles.
- Incomplete Application or False Information: Providing false information on the job application or during the background check process can result in immediate disqualification. It’s essential to be transparent about criminal history.
Tips for Felons Applying at UPS
These tips help improve your chances of securing a job at UPS as a felon.
- Be Honest About Your Record: Disclose your criminal history upfront and provide context.
- Highlight Rehabilitation: Showcase educational programs, job training, or certificates.
- Start with Entry-Level/Seasonal Jobs: Focus on roles like package handler or driver helper.
- Prepare for the Background Check: Know what to expect and be ready to explain your conviction.
- Create a Strong Resume: Tailor it to the job and address employment gaps.
- Leverage Reentry Programs: Use programs like SCORE or Inmates to Entrepreneurs for support.
- Practice for the Interview: Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and past honestly.
- Apply to Multiple Locations: Increase your chances by applying to various UPS locations.
- Use “Ban-the-Box” Laws: Apply in states where UPS can’t ask about your criminal record initially.
UPS employs over 500,000 workers globally, with thousands of new hires each year, particularly during peak seasons. While there are no specific publicly available statistics on how many felons work at UPS, the company is known to be a second-chance employer, contributing to the growing trend where nearly 70 million Americans with criminal records seek fair employment opportunities. Second-chance hiring programs have helped reduce recidivism rates, and companies like UPS play a crucial role in providing career opportunities for those re-entering the workforce.
What is the Application and Hiring Process for Felons at UPS?
The application and hiring process for felons at UPS involves submitting an online application, undergoing a background check, and potentially interviewing for the position. UPS evaluates applicants based on their qualifications and the nature of their felony. Felons are often considered for entry-level positions like package handler or driver helper, and honesty about criminal history is crucial during the process.
Who Does Background Checks for UPS?
UPS conducts background checks through third-party agencies that review applicants’ criminal history, employment verification, and other relevant records as part of the hiring process.
How Much Time Do UPS Background Checks Take?
UPS background checks typically take 5 to 10 business days, depending on the position and the thoroughness required. Delays can occur if additional information or verification is needed.
What Felonies Disqualify You From Working At UPS?
Felonies that may disqualify you from working at UPS include violent crimes (e.g., assault, armed robbery), theft or fraud-related offenses, and recent felony convictions. UPS evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature of the felony, time since conviction, and rehabilitation efforts.
Is Ups Felony Friendly?
Yes, UPS is considered felony-friendly. While they do not have a blanket policy against hiring felons, they evaluate each applicant individually, taking into account factors such as the type of felony, the time since the conviction, and the specific job being applied for. Many felons have successfully been hired for roles like package handlers, driver helpers, and warehouse workers.
Can You Work at Ups with a Felony?
Yes, you can work at UPS with a felony. UPS evaluates applicants on a case-by-case basis, considering the type of felony, time since conviction, and the relevance of the offense to the job. Felons often find opportunities in entry-level roles like package handlers or driver helpers.
Does Ups Hire Felons in Texas?
Yes, UPS hires felons in Texas. As with other locations, applicants are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like the type of felony, time since conviction, and relevance to the job. Many felons in Texas have secured positions in entry-level roles such as package handlers or driver helpers.
