Does The UPS Store Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

Drug Test Type and Process

Because The UPS Store operates as a franchise, there is no standardized drug-testing process across locations — each independent owner decides whether to screen and how. Where testing does happen, employees describe a standard urine drug screen at a third-party clinic after a conditional offer, similar to other retail jobs. Many applicants report no drug test at all for retail center, print, and packing roles, since these are small storefront positions rather than safety-sensitive or DOT-regulated jobs. A franchisee's decision is also shaped by state and local law and by their own preferences. This is distinct from UPS, the parcel carrier, which runs its own hiring and does test certain package handlers and DOT-regulated drivers. To know for sure, ask the specific store during the interview.

Marijuana Policy

There is no single marijuana policy across The UPS Store network — it depends on the franchise owner and the state. Many locations do not drug test retail associates at all, so off-duty cannabis use is often not a barrier for storefront roles. In states that have legalized cannabis and restrict penalizing lawful off-duty use (such as New York, New Jersey, and California), a franchisee that does test may exclude or de-emphasize marijuana. Regardless of testing, every store expects employees to be unimpaired and professional on the job. If marijuana is a concern, the safest step is to ask the individual store whether they screen and, if so, whether marijuana is included, before accepting an offer.

Tips for Applicants

The UPS Store retail roles are widely accessible and often open to people rebuilding their careers, including those with records — hiring is up to each local owner, so a face-to-face impression matters a lot. Apply directly at the store or through the location's posting rather than assuming a corporate process. During the interview, it is completely reasonable to ask whether they conduct a drug test and background check so you know what to expect. Highlight customer-service skills, reliability, attention to detail (packing, shipping, printing), and comfort with point-of-sale and computers. Remember this is not the same as applying to UPS the carrier; if you want a package-handling or driver job, that is a separate application and more likely to involve testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The UPS Store drug test for weed?

It varies by location. Many franchise owners do not drug test retail associates at all, so marijuana is often not screened for storefront roles. Where an owner does test, marijuana may or may not be included depending on state law. Ask the specific store to be sure.

Does The UPS Store drug test employees?

There is no universal policy. The UPS Store locations are independently owned franchises, so some owners drug test retail associates and many do not. Testing is more common for driver roles (if offered) than for storefront positions.

Is The UPS Store the same as UPS for drug testing?

No. The UPS Store is a franchise of print, pack, and ship centers with owner-set hiring practices. UPS, the parcel carrier, is a separate company that does test certain package handlers and DOT-regulated drivers. Applying to one is not the same as applying to the other.

What kind of drug test would The UPS Store use?

If a franchise owner tests, it is typically a standard urine drug screen at a third-party clinic after a conditional offer, similar to other retail jobs. Many locations do not test retail associates at all.

Does The UPS Store do random drug testing?

Random testing is uncommon for these small retail roles. At most, a franchisee might test pre-employment or on reasonable suspicion. There is no company-wide random testing program for The UPS Store.

Should I ask about drug testing before applying to The UPS Store?

Yes. Since policies are set by each owner, the most reliable way to know is to ask the specific store during the interview whether they conduct a drug test and background check.