Does Americold do background checks?

Yes. Americold runs a third-party criminal background check after extending a conditional job offer.

Does Americold drug test?

Yes, Americold requires a pre-employment drug screen, and safety-sensitive roles may be subject to further testing.

What positions at Americold are most open to people with records?

Forklift operator, order selector, freight handler, and sanitation roles in the warehouse are generally the most accessible.

Does Americold have a second chance hiring program?

Americold has publicly promoted reentry and second-chance workforce outreach, though hiring is still decided case by case per role and location.

Does Americold Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

Americold hires some people with records case by case. It does not ask about convictions on the initial application and runs a background check plus drug screen after a conditional offer.

Americold does hire people with felony records, though decisions are made case by case. Americold is one of the world's largest temperature-controlled warehouse operators, running roughly 240 cold-storage facilities across North America, Europe, Australia, and South America, with about 13,000 employees. The company does not ask about criminal history on its initial online application, and it runs a formal background check plus a drug screen only after extending a conditional offer. Warehouse roles — forklift operator, order selector, freight handler, and sanitation — are the most commonly available and the most open to applicants with records. Americold has publicly promoted second-chance and reentry outreach as part of its workforce programs. Reports from current and former employees indicate that non-violent records, especially older ones, are frequently accepted, while recent theft or drug-related felonies can be harder to overcome for roles involving inventory and product handling.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Order Selector / Warehouse Worker	Case-by-case	Yes — after conditional offer	Selecting and building pallets in freezer/cooler. High-volume entry role, often the most accessible.
Forklift Operator	Case-by-case	Yes — after conditional offer	Moving pallets and loading trailers. Forklift certification is a plus.
Freight Handler / Loader	Case-by-case	Yes — after conditional offer	Loading, unloading, and staging freight. Physical, cold-environment work.
Sanitation / General Warehouse	Yes	Yes — after conditional offer	Cleaning and facility upkeep. Limited inventory handling, often more accessible.
Warehouse Supervisor / Lead	Case-by-case	Yes — comprehensive check	Team leadership. Internal promotion is common; record gets closer review.

Americold Hiring Practices

Americold operates a large network of refrigerated distribution centers that supply grocery, food-service, and retail supply chains, which creates steady demand for warehouse labor and consistent turnover. The company uses a conditional-offer hiring model: you apply online, interview, and only then complete a third-party background check and drug screen. Because Americold does not ask about convictions on the initial application, your record is reviewed later in the process and weighed against the specific role. Physical warehouse positions in freezer and cooler environments are the easiest entry points, and many are staffed temp-to-hire through staffing agencies that can be more flexible on background. Roles that involve inventory accuracy or high-value product handling receive closer scrutiny, so theft- and drug-related felonies are the most likely to raise concerns. Older, non-violent, or unrelated convictions are frequently accepted, particularly when you can show steady work history and rehabilitation.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply directly at careers.americold.com and also consider the staffing agencies that fill many of Americold's warehouse shifts — agency placements can be a faster route in for people with records. Target order-selector, forklift, and freight-handler roles rather than positions with cash or high-value inventory responsibility. Be ready to work in cold environments; showing you can handle freezer and cooler conditions is a strong selling point. Be honest if asked about your record during the interview, and briefly explain what has changed since — Americold reviews history after a conditional offer, so a straightforward account helps. Highlight any forklift certification, warehouse, food-handling, or logistics experience, since these directly match the job. If one facility passes, apply to another location, because hiring managers at different distribution centers make their own calls. Following up after applying shows the reliability warehouse operations depend on.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply at careers.americold.com, and also try staffing agencies that fill Americold warehouse shifts.
2.Target forklift, order selector, and freight handler roles — the most accessible entry points.
3.Be prepared to work in freezer and cooler environments; cold-tolerance is a plus.
4.Highlight any forklift certification or prior warehouse, logistics, or food-handling experience.
5.Be honest about your record if asked — the background check comes after a conditional offer.
6.Apply at multiple Americold locations; each facility makes its own hiring decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Americold hire felons?: Yes, Americold hires some people with felony records on a case-by-case basis, especially for warehouse roles. It does not ask about convictions on the initial application and reviews records after a conditional offer.
Does Americold do background checks?: Yes. Americold runs a third-party criminal background check after extending a conditional job offer.
Does Americold drug test?: Yes, Americold requires a pre-employment drug screen, and safety-sensitive roles may be subject to further testing.
What positions at Americold are most open to people with records?: Forklift operator, order selector, freight handler, and sanitation roles in the warehouse are generally the most accessible.
Does Americold have a second chance hiring program?: Americold has publicly promoted reentry and second-chance workforce outreach, though hiring is still decided case by case per role and location.

Take Action — Direct Links

Americold Careers
Search and apply for warehouse and operations positions at Americold facilities.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).