Last Updated On: 02/18/2026
Quick Answer
Yes, United Parcel Service (UPS) does hire people with felony convictions. They do not have a publicly advertised second-chance hiring program, but they also do not have a blanket ban on applicants with felony records. Hiring decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and most candidates will not be considered for driver positions.
Note: As of late 2025 UPS is experiencing widespread downsizing.
UPS Felon Friendly Score ™
33 / 50 – Moderately Felon-Friendly
Industry Type (Logistics) — 7/10
Logistics companies like UPS and FedEx historically offer more second-chance opportunities than large corporate retail employers. The restaurant industry is historically the easiest industry for felons to get hired into.
Hiring Discretion — 8/10
UPS locations are all Teamster Union. This is generally good news for applicants with criminal/felony records.
Background Check Policy — 7/10
Background checks are required but felonies are not automatic disqualifiers.
Corporate Restrictions — 6/10
The good news is that they don’t have blanket policies preventing felons from being hired.
Second Chance Ethics —5/10
There is no formal second-chance policy or public commitment to fair-chance hiring.
Comparison to Other Major Employers
| Employer | Overall Accessibility to Felons (Chance of being hired) |
| Waffle House | Extremely High |
| McDonald’s | Moderate – High |
| Walmart | Moderate |
| Target | Low |
| Dollar General | Moderate – High |
Restaurant employers with decentralized hiring authority like typically provide more opportunity than highly centralized corporate companies like UPS.
Best Positions For Felons to Apply For at UPS
Hands down the best positions to apply for at UPS are the following.
1. Package Handler (Warehouse)
- Entry-level
- Physically demanding
- High turnover
- Most common starting position for everyone
This is typically your best entry point.
2. Preloader / Sorter (Warehouse)
- Early morning shifts
- Inside warehouse
- Sime background standards as package handlers
3. Seasonal Positions
These can be anything from warehouse, driver helper and PVD (Personal Vehicle Delivery) driver. You can make a lot of extra cash from around Thanksgiving to Christmas day. These positions can be a good way to get your foot in the door (no guarantees though).
UPS Background Checks
All positions at UPS require a background check after a conditional offer of employment. If you have a felony the hiring manager will look at the following.
- Type of felony
- How long ago it occurred
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Employment stability
Background check results can vary by state. Some states have laws regarding how far back employers can check your criminal history, often 7 years. This can have a major impact on who UPS hires and where they will hire them. Learn more about how background check laws work and how they may affect employment screening.
Union Factor (Important)
ALL UPS positions are unionized under the Teamsters.
- Once hired, union protection can provide job stability.
- But hiring standards may be strictly followed during onboarding.
Getting in is the hard part. Staying employed is very easy if you perform well.
UPS Pay Scale for All Positions
Package Handler / Warehouse Worker
- Average hourly pay across the U.S. is about $19.11/hr. This varies by location.
- In some areas like California it’s higher (~$21.97/hr).
- Other regions like Maryland or North Carolina hold near the national average (~$17/hr).
- Entry ranges can be approximately $15–$24/hr depending on shift, experience, and location.
Key points:
- These roles are physically demanding and often the best starting point for many applicants, including those with felonies.
- Overtime and holiday hiring can boost total earnings.
- Keep in mind that a lot of these positions are part time only!
UPS Drivers
Driver pay is significantly higher than package handlers and usually unionized under the Teamsters.
- Typical reported hourly pay ranges from about $23/hr your first year to $47/hr your 4th year for delivery drivers.
- Bonus compensation, pension, and health benefits significantly increase total income.
Seasonal UPS Pay
During peak holiday seasons (thanksgiving to Christmas) UPS uses thousands of seasonal employees.
- UPS has historically offered boosted wages — for example, holiday package handlers at ~$21/hr and seasonal drivers around $23/hr in past seasons.
Notes on Pay Structure
- UPS wages are heavily influenced by union contracts (Teamsters) — meaning increases are tied to negotiated agreements, seniority raises, and periodic contract adjustments.
- Benefits (health, pension, paid time off) are a major part of total compensation, especially for drivers and full-time employees.
How to Improve Your Chances Of Being Hired at UPS
If you have a felony and want to apply at UPS follow these steps.
1. Apply for Warehouse Roles First
Do not start with driver positions.
2. Emphasize Physical Readiness
UPS jobs are physically demanding. Like extremely physical. Tell UPS about any of the following experience you might have.
- Manual labor experience
- Construction
- Warehouse work
- Athletic background
3. Be Honest About Your Record
Explain briefly if asked about your background.
- What happened
- How long ago it was
- What has changed since
Can You Be Promoted With a Felony at UPS?
Since UPS is unionized, management is not union nor are they promoted from the lower ranks. The good new is that a lot of UPS drivers make way more than the management staff.
Now being promoted from the warehouse to a driver position is very possible but often takes some time since seniority plays a role in this.
What to Do If You’re Denied by UPS
- Apply at other employers that hire felons
- Pursue expungement or record sealing (if eligible)
- Seek jobs with fewer background requirements
Related Employer Information
If United Parcel Service (UPS) doesn’t hire you may want to look into these companies or visit our main jobs page.
- Does Wendy’s Hire Felons
- Does Target Hire Felons
- Does Costco Hire Felons
- Does Amazon Hire Felons
- Does Dollar General Hire Felons
- Does Walmart Hire Felons
- Does Waffle House Hire Felons
FAQ – UPS & Felony Records
UPS handles valuable packages and customer property, so recent theft, burglary, robbery, or fraud convictions are harder to overcome.
If the offense is older and you have steady employment since then, you may still be considered — especially for warehouse roles rather than driver positions.
Probably. Drug possession convictions from several years ago are more likely to be approved than recent trafficking charges.
Yes — this is the most common entry point. Package handler jobs have a high turnover, are physically demanding and entry-level. If you have a felony or criminal record, this is your best starting position at UPS.
Yes but you need to start working in the warehouse first. Nearly all driver at UPS start this way, not just felons.
Seasonal warehouse positions during peak holiday months offer slightly more flexibility. So yes, you will have a decent chance at being hired.
Yes, but apply for warehouse positions. A clean driving record is critical for delivery driver positions.
Disclaimer
Hiring policies vary by location and change over time. Information on this page is based on reported hiring experiences and publicly available data and is not a guarantee of employment. Nothing on this site should be considered legal advice.