With the rise of eCommerce, there has been a strong demand for delivery drivers, package handlers, and other positions.
FedEx is one of the logistics companies actively hiring, and you might wonder about drug testing.
So, does Fedex drug test? Let’s take a look.
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Does FedEx Drug Test?
The answer is yes. FedEx conducts drug tests as part of the measures taken to create a safe workplace.
In fact, FedEx has a strong culture of establishing an alcohol and drug-free workplace.
And because driving is a major task for FedEx freight employees, FedEx has to follow legal requirements set by the US Department of Transportation, including drug tests for drivers.
FedEx Drug Test Policy
FedEx doesn’t have a detailed drug test policy available to job applicants.
However, you can read the company’s Code of Conduct.
This document clearly explains that FedEx is an alcohol and drug-free workplace, suggesting that FedEx doesn’t tolerate drug use.
The document also explains that employees should feel free to ask questions and report concerns if they notice something that seems unsafe, including drug abuse.
Who Does FedEx Drug Test?
FedEx is the largest delivery service behind the USPS.
There are many different positions, and drug testing can vary depending on what you apply for.
Does FedEx Drug Test Drivers?
Driving while intoxicated or impaired is illegal in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Even states that allow recreational or medical marijuana have laws against impaired driving.
FedEx drug tests drivers to comply with these state laws.
FedEx also has to drug test drivers to comply with federal regulations from the US Department of Transportation.
Does FedEx Drug Test Package Handlers?
Testing seems to vary for package handlers since it’s a starting position.
There are reports of applicants going through drug screening for FedEx Express positions, but it appears that testing is less common for FedEx Ground jobs.
However, the Code of Conduct still applies to package handlers, and you should assume that FedEx could do random drug testing at any time.
Does FedEx Drug Test Operations Managers?
Some FedEx employees report going through drug testing as part of receiving a promotion.
It seems very unlikely that you could become an Operation Manager without undergoing testing at some point.
Where Does FedEx Drug Test?
FedEx has a presence in every state and practices for drug screening seem to vary slightly.
Does FedEx Drug Test in Colorado?
Testing seems to vary from one location to another for entry-level positions like package handlers.
However, you should expect a pre-employment drug screening if you’re applying to be a driver since FedEx will have to follow DOT regulations.
Does FedEx Drug Test in Texas?
Feedback from FedEx employees suggests that are random drug tests in most Texas locations.
Package handler positions might not have to go through a drug test as part of the hiring process.
How Often Does FedEx Drug Test?
As a prospective employee, you might wonder when FedEx will test you and run a criminal background check.
Does FedEx Drug Test at Orientation?
It depends on the position. Because FedEx Ground drivers are a DOT-regulated position, FedEx can’t hire you before completing a drug screen and alcohol testing.
Plus, FedEx will request your testing records from other DOT-regulated employers for the past two years.
For other positions, testing can vary.
FedEx works with local contractors to manage warehouses and other facilities, which means that the drug testing policy varies.
For instance, an applicant reported that FedEx drug tested people in Nevada as part of the orientation.
However, people who applied for FedEx jobs in Chicago said they only had to undergo a background check.
If there is a FedEx ground drug test during orientation, it will probably happen after the warehouse tour.
You might have to come in for confirmation testing if there are any doubts about your test results.
While FedEx doesn’t require COVID 19 testing, you should know that most facilities will ask you to fill out a voluntary health questionnaire about any symptoms you might be experiencing.
You might also have to go through a temperature check.
Does FedEx Drug Test After You Get Hired?
Some FedEx workers reported a urine test when they received a promotion from package handler to another position.
A lot of employees say they had to undergo random testing once in a while.
You should also expect additional drug tests according to state regulations.
For instance, in New Jersey, DOT-regulated drivers have to pass a physical exam once a year that includes a drug screening.
Does FedEx Do Random Drug Tests on Employees?
Yes, there are multiple reports of employees having to go through a random drug test.
Plus, FedEx sometimes uses drug tests when there is reasonable suspicion.
For instance, you might have to take a drug test because a manager noticed drug use symptoms or someone found drugs on the premises.
Note that managers often organize random tests when there are known issues with drugs.
If you work in a facility with a culture that does align with FedEx’s drug-free policy, you should expect random tests that are more frequent.
What Panel Drug Test Does FedEx Use?
FedEx uses urine testing.
For DOT-regulated positions, FedEx has to use a five-panel test.
It’s unclear which panel FedEx uses for non-DOT drug tests.
It’s possible that FedEx uses the same five-panel test for all positions to make things easier.
The DOT panel includes testing for THC, opioids, PCP, cocaine, and amphetamines.
Note that this panel is a minimum requirement set by the DOT.
FedEx doesn’t share any official information about the panel it uses.
It’s possible for the panel to include more than five substances since FedEx could have its own internal requirements that exceed what the DOT asks for.
The panel used can also vary from one location to another since local contractors oversee drug testing.
Because testing for these five drugs is what the DOT requires, the Amazon drug test is similar.
You can also expect this same five-panel test when applying for a position with other delivery services.
What Does FedEx Test For?
Pre-employment drug testing for drivers includes a five-panel test.
The following illegal drugs are included:
- THC, which a test can detect if you consumed medical or recreational marijuana
- Opioids, a category that includes heroin and prescription drugs like Fentanyl
- PCP, also known as phencyclidine or angel dust
- Cocaine, which the test can detect if you consumed cocaine or crack cocaine.
- Amphetamines, which include street drugs and legal prescription drugs like the medications used to treat ADD
If you take a prescription medication that can show up as a controlled substance on a test, it’s best to disclose this information to the hiring manager before the drug screening process.
Because there are state laws that limit the amount of controlled substances you can have in your system when driving, some prescription medications will disqualify you from getting a job as a driver.
However, you might still be able to work as a FedEx package handler.
How Long Does it Take for FedEx Drug Tests and Background Checks to Come Back?
You should get your drug test result within 24 to 48 hours.
Background checks typically take a week to come back.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test at FedEx?
You can legally refuse to take a drug test. However, there are consequences if you refuse.
For instance, in Michigan, your employer can legally take the same disciplinary action as if you failed a test, including firing you.
Employers can also make job offers that are contingent on drug screening.
It means that the offer doesn’t stand if you don’t pass the test.
Refusing to take a drug test probably means FedEx won’t hire you.
And for drivers, DOT regulations mean that FedEx can’t legally hire you before you pass a drug test.
If you use synthetic urine, it seems likely that FedEx will consider that you can’t pass a test because of a substance abuse problem and will refuse to hire you.
If you fail a drug test, FedEx has to legally notify you that they decided not to hire you because of the failed test.
Can You Still Get Hired if You Fail a Drug Test at FedEx?
As a driver, FedEx can’t hire you if you fail a drug test.
For other positions, it seems unlikely that FedEx will give you another chance if you fail a test.
If you failed a random test after hiring, FedEx might fire you or suspend you.
In some cases, your employer might refer you to treatment.
Wrapping Up
If you apply for a position at FedEx, you should expect a pre-employment drug test.
Drivers have to meet DOT requirements, and FedEx has a strict policy to maintain a workplace free of drugs and alcohol for other positions.
Working at FedEx could be an excellent option for your career.
It’s a huge company that offers competitive pay and benefits.
However, it’s essential to make sure you can pass a drug test before applying.
