FedEx has a strong culture of establishing a drug and alcohol-free workplace. One of the main reasons is that so much of what FedEx employees do, from operating heavy machinery to driving massive trucks, is inherently dangerous.
It also means that employees are working at their highest potential. In this article, we answer all of your questions about FedEx’s drug testing policy!
Does FedEx Drug Test In [currentyear]?
FedEx is committed to creating a drug- and alcohol-free workplace and thus conducts pre-employment drug tests in [currentyear]. Drivers are required to take the DOT-mandated five-panel test that looks for THC, cocaine, PCP, amphetamines, and opioids. It’s unclear which test other workers take, as this information is not publicly available. However, most employees report having a urine sample taken.
We’ve got a lot more information about FedEx’s drug testing policy, so be sure to read our entire guide for more facts and tips!
Why Does FedEx Drug Test?
FedEx has a history of promoting strict drug and alcohol policies in order to ensure a safe, drug-free workplace.
Of course, having a safe workplace is important for a lot of industries, but it’s especially important for a company dealing with heavy machinery, hazardous materials, and large trucks.
Therefore, FedEx conducts pre-employment drug tests on all applicants in an attempt to keep customers and employees safe.
What Kind of Drug Test Does FedEx Use?
According to current employees, FedEx uses a urine drug test most of the time. The company also points out that the temperature of the urine is taken to ensure that it’s a genuine sample.
That being said, some employees also report having taken mouth swabs and blood drug tests.
What Drugs Does FedEx Test For?
FedEx does not publically provide information about the drugs it tests for.
However, it is known that FedEx uses a five-panel test for Department of Transportation (DOT) – regulated positions (e.g. delivery drivers).
This panel includes testing for the following drugs:
- THC – Detects the presence of marijuana, whether consumed medically or recreationally
- Opioids – Includes heroin and prescription drugs like Fentanyl
- PCP – Also known as phencyclidine or angel dust
- Cocaine – Detects the presence of powder cocaine or crack cocaine
- Amphetamines – Includes street drugs and legal prescription drugs such as Adderall
If you take a prescription medication that might show up as a controlled substance, you should disclose this information to a hiring manager before the drug screening process.
It’s also worth noting that state laws limit the number of controlled substances you can have in your system when driving.
Thus, taking certain prescription medications could disqualify you from getting a job as a driver. Still, you may be able to work as a package handler.
As mentioned previously, it’s unclear which panel FedEx uses for non-DOT drug tests.
On one hand, it’s possible that FedEx uses the same five-panel test for all positions to make things easier.
However, it’s also possible that FedEx’s internal standards require a more extensive test.
Similarly, the panel used could vary from location to location since local contractors may use different tests.
When Does FedEx Drug Test?
FedEx conducts drug tests after completing an interview and proposing a position to prospective candidates.
In some cases, the test might be scheduled a few days after the candidate receives an offer. In others, the drug test could be on the same day as the interview.
Does FedEx Drug Test Print Office Employees?
As part of its commitment to creating a drug- and alcohol-free workplace, FedEx drug tests print office employees using a urine test.
Does FedEx Drug Test Drivers?
Drug testing is required of all FedEx employees, but it’s especially important for drivers.
Drivers must pass a DOT-mandated five-panel drug test as part of the hiring process.
They are also drug tested at every DOT physical. In some states, this examination is yearly, in others, it is every couple of years.
Does FedEx Drug Test Package Handlers?
Drug testing for package handlers seems to vary.
Some applicants report having to complete a urine-based drug test. Others claim that FedEx managers are so desperate to hire that they do not enforce this requirement.
There might also be a difference between those applying for FedEx Express and FedEx Ground positions.
Apparently, drug screening is common for Express positions, but not so much for Ground positions.
Still, despite all of the conflicting information, it’s important to remember that FedEx’s Code of Conduct applies to package handlers.
So, if you’re applying for this position, plan to be drug tested, but know that it might not happen.
Does FedEx Drug Test Operations Managers?
It seems fairly common for FedEx employees to go through drug testing as part of receiving a promotion.
Does FedEx Send You Off-Site to Drug Test?
Just like with other aspects of the drug testing policy, where FedEx conducts drug tests is unclear.
Some employees mention being sent to a third-party testing site, while others claimed that drug testing was done on-site.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Results From a FedEx Drug Test?
FedEx gets drug test results within a week (usually in 24 to 48 hours) and contacts candidates to inform them of the results soon after.
What Happens If You Fail the FedEx Drug Test?
FedEx is legally required to contact you to let you know you failed the drug test. In most cases, the hiring manager is the one responsible for contacting applicants regarding the results.
For almost all positions, it’s likely that you won’t get hired if you fail the drug test. That’s especially true for those applying as drivers.
In some cases, you may be asked to pay for the cost of the drug test and any other costs associated with your employment processing.
If you fail a random drug test after signing on with FedEx, you might be fired or suspended. In some severe cases, your employer might refer you to treatment.
Can I Refuse a FedEx Drug Test?
While you can legally refuse to take a drug test, there are consequences for doing so.
Namely, employers can make job offers contingent on drug screening. If that’s the case, not taking the test disqualifies you from the job.
Does FedEx Do Random Drug Testing After Hiring?
FedEx retains the right to randomly drug test employees. Still, this is unlikely to happen unless…
- There is an accident or injury in the workplace
- Drugs are found on the premises
- There is suspicion of, or actual, theft
- An employee is late to work twice during a 6-month period
- An employee fails to show up for work without notifying a supervisor beforehand
To learn more, you can also see our posts on whether or not FedEx hires felons, does FedEx pays weekly, and UPS vs FedEx.
Conclusion
FedEx is serious about employee and customer safety. One of the main ways the company ensures that its operations are running smoothly is to conduct pre-employment drug tests.
In most cases, these panels use a urine sample to test for THC, cocaine, PCP, opioids, and amphetamines.
