Does Express Employment Professionals Drug Test?
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Express Employment Professionals drug testing depends on the client company, but many clients require it. Express specializes in light industrial and warehouse placements where drug testing is common. Office assignments are less likely to require testing.
Express Employment Professionals drug testing depends on the client company, but testing is more common through Express than through some other staffing agencies because Express specializes heavily in light industrial, manufacturing, and warehouse placements where drug testing is standard. Many Express clients require pre-assignment urine drug testing for all temporary workers. Office, administrative, and professional placements may not require testing, but these represent a smaller share of Express's business. Your Express recruiter will inform you whether testing is required for your specific assignment. Express is one of the largest privately held staffing agencies in the United States, with over 860 franchise offices.
Drug Testing by Position
| Position | Tested? | Test Type | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse / Light Industrial (temp) | Yes — most clients require it | Urine | Pre-assignment |
| Manufacturing / Production (temp) | Yes — most clients require it | Urine | Pre-assignment |
| Construction / Skilled Trades (temp) | Yes — most clients require it | Urine | Pre-assignment |
| Office / Administrative (temp) | Varies by client | Urine or oral fluid | Pre-assignment (if required by client) |
| Express Internal Staff | Varies by franchise | Urine (if required) | Pre-employment |
Express Employment and Drug Testing — More Common Than Average
Express Employment Professionals is one of the largest staffing agencies in the United States, with a strong focus on light industrial, manufacturing, warehouse, and skilled trades placements. Because these sectors heavily involve safety-sensitive work — operating machinery, forklifts, power tools, and heavy equipment — a higher percentage of Express assignments require drug testing compared to staffing agencies that focus primarily on office work. If you are applying through Express for an industrial or warehouse position, you should expect to be drug tested before your assignment begins.
Client-Driven Requirements
Like all staffing agencies, Express implements the drug testing requirements of its client companies. Each client has its own policies, and Express facilitates the testing process. When you visit an Express office to apply, your recruiter will discuss available assignments and inform you which ones require drug testing. The test is typically a standard urine drug screen conducted at a third-party collection site. Some Express franchise offices may also conduct testing at their own locations.
Franchise Model May Cause Variation
Express Employment Professionals operates as a franchise system, with individual offices owned and operated by local franchisees. This means that policies and practices can vary somewhat between offices. Some franchise locations may have their own drug testing policies in addition to client requirements. If you are unsure about the drug testing requirements for a specific Express office or assignment, contact the office directly and ask your recruiter before accepting a placement.
Recent Policy Changes
- 2020-2021: Some Express clients reduce drug testing during pandemic labor shortages; Express offices adapt to client changes
- 2024-2026: Industrial and warehouse clients continue requiring testing; some office clients have reduced requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Express Employment drug test all temp workers?
- No, but many Express assignments require drug testing. Express specializes in light industrial and warehouse placements where testing is standard. Office and administrative assignments are less likely to require testing. Your Express recruiter will inform you about requirements for your specific assignment.
- What type of drug test does Express Employment use?
- When testing is required, Express typically uses a urine drug test (urinalysis). The standard panel screens for marijuana (THC), cocaine, amphetamines, opiates, and PCP. Testing is usually conducted at a third-party collection site, though some Express franchise offices may handle testing on-site.
- Does Express test for marijuana?
- It depends on the client and the state. Many Express clients still include marijuana (THC) in their testing panels, particularly for safety-sensitive positions. In states with laws restricting pre-employment marijuana testing for non-safety-sensitive positions, those protections apply to temporary workers.
- Can I get an Express assignment without drug testing?
- It is possible but may be more limited. Because Express specializes in industrial and warehouse placements, many of its assignments require testing. Office and administrative assignments are less likely to require screening. Discuss your preferences with your Express recruiter.
- What happens if I fail a drug test at Express?
- If you fail a drug test for a specific assignment, that placement will be withdrawn. The failed test may affect your eligibility for future placements through that Express office, particularly for assignments that require drug testing. Policies may vary by franchise location.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Express Employment Professionals — Find jobs
Search for temporary and full-time positions through Express
- Express Employment — Office locator
Find your nearest Express Employment office
- SAMHSA — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Federal resource for substance abuse treatment and recovery support
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