Does Staples Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Drug Test Type and Process

Staples runs a two-track reality. Retail store applicants generally skip drug testing at hiring; when a store does test, it is a standard urine screen at a third-party clinic covering marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Supply-chain hires are different: distribution-center and warehouse applicants frequently take a pre-employment drug test after a conditional offer, reported as either a urine test or an instant saliva (oral-fluid) test, sometimes administered on site. Delivery drivers in DOT-regulated roles must complete a DOT physical and a DOT 5-panel urine test, and Staples can check the FMCSA Clearinghouse. Because your start date can depend on clearing, respond promptly to test scheduling. If you are unsure whether your specific position is tested, ask the recruiter — it varies by role, facility, and state.

Marijuana Policy

For most Staples retail roles that are not tested at hiring, off-duty marijuana use is generally not a barrier — being impaired at work remains prohibited. Warehouse and machinery roles that do test include marijuana (THC) on the panel, and in states with recreational or medical cannabis laws Staples' handling of a THC positive can vary with local off-duty-use protections. The firm exception is DOT-regulated delivery drivers: under federal FMCSA rules, marijuana is prohibited regardless of state legalization, THC positives disqualify, and a medical-marijuana card does not override the requirement. If you use cannabis and are applying to a warehouse or driving role, assume you may be tested and plan accordingly; for store roles, screening is far less likely.

Tips for Applicants

Match your expectations to the role. If you want the lowest chance of a drug test, retail store positions (sales, cashier, copy/print, tech) are your best bet and are often reachable for people rebuilding after a record — a background check is standard but a record is not an automatic bar. If you are applying to a distribution center, fulfillment warehouse, or any forklift/machinery job, plan for a pre-employment urine or saliva screen. Delivery-driver applicants should be ready for a DOT physical and DOT urine test with no THC allowed. Apply through the official Staples careers site, respond quickly to any testing request, bring valid ID, and ask the recruiter directly what your specific position requires so there are no surprises before your start date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Staples drug test store associates?

Usually not at hiring. Most retail sales associates, cashiers, and copy/print or tech-services staff report no pre-employment drug test. Store-level testing is generally limited to post-accident and reasonable-suspicion situations.

Does Staples drug test for weed?

For untested retail roles, off-duty marijuana use generally will not block you. Warehouse and machinery roles that test include THC on the panel, and handling varies by state. DOT delivery drivers face a strict no-THC federal test.

Does Staples drug test warehouse and distribution workers?

Often, yes. Distribution-center and fulfillment-warehouse applicants commonly take a pre-employment drug screen — reported as either a urine or an instant saliva test — and forklift or machinery operators are especially likely to be tested.

Do Staples delivery drivers get drug tested?

Yes. Staples delivery and CDL roles are DOT-regulated, so drivers must pass a DOT physical and a DOT 5-panel urine drug test (no THC allowed), plus federally mandated random and post-accident testing.

What kind of drug test does Staples use?

Retail and warehouse screens, when done, are typically urine tests, though warehouses sometimes use instant saliva (oral-fluid) tests. DOT drivers take the federal DOT 5-panel urine test.

Does Staples do random drug testing?

Random testing is essentially unheard of for store employees; testing there is mostly post-accident or reasonable-suspicion. DOT-regulated delivery drivers, however, are subject to federally mandated random testing throughout employment.