FedEx is one of the most popular shipping companies in the world. They are known for their fast and reliable service. But does FedEx drug test? What kind of tests do they require, and which positions are required to take drug tests? In this blog post, we will answer all of your questions about FedEx and drug testing!
Table of Contents
Does FedEx Drug Test?
FedEx is committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace. This is largely due to the fact that many of the duties FedEx employees perform on a daily basis, from operating machinery to driving trucks, are dangerous in nature.
This is why FedEx requires their employees to take a drug test. For instance, FedEx drivers must take the DOT-regulated five-panel test for drugs that checks for cocaine, THC, opioids, PCP, and amphetamines.
However, which tests are given to other workers remains unclear since this information is not accessible to the public domain. Though, most employees recollect having had to give a urine sample at some point during their employment tenure.
Why Does FedEx Conduct Drug Test Their Employees?
As we mentioned earlier, FedEx requires its employees to take a drug test in order to ensure a safe and productive workplace. Not only does this protect the employees, but it also protects the company as a whole.
At FedEx, employees work with large machinery, handle hazardous materials, and drive big trucks every day. This can pose a real threat to its customers’ and employees’ health and safety. By conducting drug tests, FedEx can minimize the chances of accidents and injuries occurring in this dangerous workplace.
In addition, drug testing also helps to improve employee productivity and morale. That is why FedEx requires all applicants to take a pre-employment drug test.
What Type of Drug Test Does FedEx Use?
Many people who have applied for a job at FedEx have reported being asked to take a drug test. Of those applicants, most said they were given a urine test. Urine tests can be used to screen for marijuana use, but also for other drugs as well.
Some of the substances that can be detected through urine tests include:
Alcohol
Amphetamines
Barbiturates
Benzodiazepines
Cocaine
Marijuana
Methadone
Methamphetamines
Opioids
PCP
However, some employees have also reported having to take blood drug tests and mouth swabs. So, if you are applying for a job at FedEx, you should be prepared to take any type of drug test.
What Substances Does FedEx Test For?
While FedEx does not share which drugs it tests for publically, it is known that they use a five-panel test specifically for the positions regulated by the DOT (Department of Transportation), such as delivery drivers.
The drugs tested for in this five-panel test are:
Amphetamines – checks for street drugs and legal prescription drugs like Adderall
Cocaine – checks for powder or crack cocaine
Opioids – checks for heroin and prescription drugs such as Fentanyl
PCP – also known as phencyclidine or “angel dust”
THC – checks for marijuana, whether for medical or recreational consumption
If you are taking prescription medications that might appear on a drug test, it is important to tell the hiring manager before undergoing a drug screening.
Note that it is illegal in most states to drive with traces of certain drugs in your system. Therefore, if you take certain prescription medications, you may not be able to get a job as a driver. However, depending on the company’s rules, you might still qualify for other positions, such as package handler.
Safety is a number one priority for FedEx, which is why they routinely test their drivers. In fact, all driver guidance comes directly from the DOT in order to ensure safety and protect everyone on the roads.
However, as was stated before, there is no official information on which panels FedEx uses for non-DOT drug tests.
While it’s possible that the five-panel test is used for all positions, making the process simpler, FedEx might have higher standards internally and require a more comprehensive exam. The type of panel used could also differ based on the contractor, as some may opt for different tests.
So, if you were wondering “does FedEx drug test for weed?”, the answer is most probably yes.
What Time Does FedEx Drug Test?
FedEx has the authority to administer drug tests to its employees at any time. According to some reports, drug tests may be conducted before hiring, randomly during employment, and even during job promotions. In some instances, the candidate might take the drug test a few days after receiving an offer. Yet, in other cases, the test could happen on the day of their interview.
However, other FedEx employees say they have never had to take a drug test. It all depends on your position within the company, as well as your location and management team.
Does FedEx Drug Test Their Regular Office Workers?
In order to create a workplace free of drugs and alcohol, FedEx requires all employees to take a urine drug test, office workers included.
Does FedEx Drug Test Their Drivers?
Drivers are expected to adhere to a higher standard set by the DOT, which is why they’re required to pass a five-panel drug test prior to being hired.
Commercial truck drivers are drug tested not only during their initial DOT physical but also at random intervals throughout the year. Some states require this examination yearly, while others mandate it every few years.
Does FedEx Drug Test Their Handlers?
It seems that drug testing policies for package handlers at FedEx differ. Some applicants report having to take a urine-based drug test, while others allege that managers are so desperate to hire new employees that they do not enforce this rule.
It also appears that drug screening is more common for FedEx Express positions than FedEx Ground positions.
Even though there is a lot of conflicting information, it’s important to remember that FedEx employees must follow the Code of Conduct. This means that if you’re applying for a position at FedEx, it’s likely you will be drug tested. However, know that there is always a chance this might not happen.
Does FedEx Drug Test Their Managers?
FedEx workers often take drug tests when they are being considered for a promotion. Managers, in particular, are subject to this type of testing since they are in charge of leading other employees.
Where Are FedEx Drug Tests Conducted?
It’s unclear where FedEx conducts drug tests. Some employees have mentioned being sent to a third-party testing site, while others claimed the drug testing was conducted on-site. So, it really varies.
How Long Do the Results From a FedEx Drug Test Take?
FedEx generally receives drug test results within a week, so the candidates can expect a call after the results come in.
What If You Fail Your Drug Test?
If you fail a drug test when applying for a job at FedEx, the company must contact you and inform you about your result. However, in most cases, it is the hiring manager who will reach out to applicants with the results.
Almost assuredly, you will not be given the job if you cannot pass the drug test. This is especially true for positions such as driving jobs. Additionally, you may have to pay for the drug test and other related employment fees.
If an already employed worker fails their random drug test, they may be suspended or terminated from their position. If they are in the DOT program, they may also lose their commercial driver’s license.
However, if an employee does fail a drug test, they may be able to explain the results and save their job. For example, if you take medication that could cause a false positive, you should inform your employer before the test is conducted.
Can You Legally Refuse a FedEx Drug Test?
Although you may decline a drug test, doing so has negative consequences.
For example, you may not get a job if you refuse to take a drug test. Employers often make taking a drug test a condition of employment, so if you refuse to take one, it’s likely that FedEx won’t hire you.
Additionally, refusing a drug test could mean losing your job and your commercial driver’s license if you’re a truck driver.
So, while you can technically refuse a drug test, it’s not recommended.
Does FedEx Conduct Random Drug Testing Post-Hiring?
Yes, FedEx does conduct random drug testing post-hiring. In fact, all truck drivers employed by FedEx are subject to random drug testing throughout the year.
However, random drug tests are usually conducted in special circumstances, such as:
An accident or injury in the workplace
Drugs found on the premises
Suspicion of theft
An employee coming to work late twice during a 6-month period
An employee doesn’t show up for work and doesn’t notify a supervisor beforehand
Final Thoughts
FedEx does drug test their employees, both during the hiring process, and after they are hired. However, there is conflicting information about how often these tests are conducted and what types of positions are subjected to them.
If you’re applying for a job at FedEx, it’s important to be aware that you may have to take a drug test.
We hope this blog post was helpful. Thank you for reading!
