Does Coca-Cola do background checks?

Yes, Coca-Cola bottlers conduct background checks. CDL positions require DOT-compliant checks.

Does Coca-Cola drug test?

Yes, most Coca-Cola bottlers require pre-employment drug testing, especially for production and driving positions.

How much does Coca-Cola pay?

Warehouse associates earn $15-$22/hour. Production workers earn $15-$21/hour. CDL drivers earn $50,000-$75,000/year.

What is the difference between Coca-Cola Company and bottlers?

The Coca-Cola Company makes the syrup and handles marketing. Independent bottling companies manufacture, bottle, and distribute the products. Each bottler hires its own employees.

Does Coca-Cola Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-04-01

Sometimes

Coca-Cola bottlers hire some people with records for warehouse and production roles. Bottlers are independent companies.

Coca-Cola Bottling companies hire some people with felony records, primarily for warehouse, production, and merchandising positions. It's important to understand that Coca-Cola's bottling and distribution is handled by independent bottling companies (Coca-Cola Consolidated, Liberty Coca-Cola, Swire Coca-Cola, etc.), each with their own hiring policies. The Coca-Cola Company itself handles corporate functions. Warehouse and production plant positions at bottling companies are the most accessible for people with records. CDL delivery driver positions have DOT requirements.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Warehouse Associate	Sometimes	Yes	Bottling plant warehouse. Loading, unloading, and inventory.
Production Line Worker	Sometimes	Yes	Bottling and canning line operations. Manufacturing environment.
Merchandiser	Sometimes	Yes	Stocking Coca-Cola products in retail stores. Customer interaction.
Forklift Operator	Sometimes	Yes	Operating forklifts in warehouse. Certification required.
CDL Delivery Driver	Sometimes	Yes — DOT compliant	Delivering products to retailers. DOT background check and drug test required.
Maintenance Technician	Sometimes	Yes	Plant and equipment maintenance. Industrial skills valued.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Hiring Practices

Coca-Cola products are manufactured and distributed by independent bottling companies, not by The Coca-Cola Company itself. Major bottlers include Coca-Cola Consolidated (the largest US bottler), Liberty Coca-Cola, Swire Coca-Cola, and Coca-Cola Beverages Florida. Each bottler has its own hiring policies. Warehouse, production, and merchandising positions are the most accessible for people with records. The bottling industry has significant physical labor demands and shift-based operations that create consistent hiring needs.

Background Check Process

Coca-Cola bottling companies conduct background checks on all applicants. The scope depends on the position and the specific bottler. Warehouse and production positions typically receive standard criminal history checks. CDL delivery positions require DOT-compliant checks including criminal history, MVR, drug testing, and FMCSA Clearinghouse verification.

What Disqualifies You

Violent felonies and sex offenses are typically disqualifying. Theft convictions are assessed individually. For CDL positions, DUI/DWI and drug offenses have specific disqualification periods. Drug convictions may be more strictly assessed due to workplace safety concerns in manufacturing environments. Each bottler evaluates records based on their own policies.

Tips for Getting Hired

Identify which Coca-Cola bottler operates in your area and apply through their career portal. Target warehouse associate and production line positions. Forklift certification is valuable and increases pay. Be willing to work all shifts — bottling plants operate 24/7. Physical fitness is important for warehouse and delivery roles.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Find your local Coca-Cola bottler's career page — each bottler is a separate company.
2.Target warehouse and production positions for the best chances with a record.
3.Forklift certification increases your chances and pay rate.
4.Be willing to work all shifts including nights and weekends — plants run 24/7.
5.Physical fitness matters — warehouse and production roles are physically demanding.
6.CDL positions require DOT compliance — ensure your driving record is clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Coca-Cola hire felons?: Coca-Cola bottling companies hire some people with felony records, especially for warehouse and production roles. Each bottler has its own hiring policies.
Does Coca-Cola do background checks?: Yes, Coca-Cola bottlers conduct background checks. CDL positions require DOT-compliant checks.
Does Coca-Cola drug test?: Yes, most Coca-Cola bottlers require pre-employment drug testing, especially for production and driving positions.
How much does Coca-Cola pay?: Warehouse associates earn $15-$22/hour. Production workers earn $15-$21/hour. CDL drivers earn $50,000-$75,000/year.
What is the difference between Coca-Cola Company and bottlers?: The Coca-Cola Company makes the syrup and handles marketing. Independent bottling companies manufacture, bottle, and distribute the products. Each bottler hires its own employees.

Take Action — Direct Links

Coca-Cola Consolidated Careers
Largest US Coca-Cola bottler career page.
National HIRE Network
Employment resources for people with records.

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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).