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Does McLane Company Hire Felons?

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Sometimes

McLane Company hires people with records for warehouse and driver positions. Background checks are required but the company uses individualized assessment.

McLane Company does hire people with felony records for some positions. McLane is one of the largest wholesale grocery and foodservice distributors in the United States, owned by Berkshire Hathaway. The company operates over 80 distribution centers nationwide and employs approximately 25,000 people. Warehouse selector, loader, and forklift operator positions are the most accessible for people with records. CDL driver positions require DOT compliance and have stricter background requirements. McLane runs background checks on all applicants but considers results individually, weighing the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the position. The physically demanding nature of warehouse work and the industry's high turnover create consistent hiring opportunities.

Hiring by Position

PositionRecord ReviewBackground CheckNotes
Warehouse Selector / Order PickerCase-by-caseYesPhysically demanding role picking orders in temperature-controlled warehouses. Most accessible entry point.
Warehouse Loader / UnloaderCase-by-caseYesLoading and unloading trucks. Night shifts available. High turnover creates frequent openings.
Forklift OperatorCase-by-caseYesRequires forklift certification. May involve drug testing due to equipment operation.
CDL Delivery DriverCase-by-caseYes — DOT-compliant check + MVRDOT-regulated position. DUI/DWI within 5 years typically disqualifies. Drug trafficking convictions are disqualifying.
Maintenance / FacilitiesCase-by-caseYesEquipment and facility maintenance roles. Technical skills valued.

Background Check Policy

McLane Company conducts background checks on all new hires. For warehouse positions, the check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. For CDL driver positions, McLane must comply with DOT regulations, which include more comprehensive checks. The company uses individualized assessment, considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the job. McLane follows FCRA procedures and provides pre-adverse action notices before making negative employment decisions based on background check results.

What Disqualifies You

Disqualifying factors depend on the position. For warehouse roles, violent felonies within 5-7 years and theft felonies within the past 5 years are the most common concerns. For CDL driver positions, DUI/DWI within 5 years, drug trafficking, and serious moving violations are typically disqualifying per DOT regulations. Sex offenses are generally disqualifying for all positions. Drug possession felonies older than 3-5 years are typically less of a barrier for warehouse roles.

Application Tips

Apply through McLane's careers website (mclaneco.com/careers) or through job boards. Target warehouse selector and loader positions, which have the highest volume of openings and most turnover. McLane's warehouse work is physically demanding (often in cold environments for grocery distribution), so be prepared for that reality. Night shifts and weekend availability are particularly valued. If you have a CDL, note that McLane is one of the higher-paying CDL positions in distribution, but the background requirements for driving are strict.

Why McLane Can Be a Good Option

McLane is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, meaning it is a financially stable company with good benefits. The distribution industry has chronic labor shortages, especially for physically demanding warehouse work. This creates opportunities for people who might be screened out by other employers. McLane distribution centers operate 24/7, offering multiple shift options. The company offers competitive pay for warehouse work, often $16-$22 per hour plus incentive pay based on productivity.

Application Tips for People with Records

  • 1.Apply at mclaneco.com/careers or through Indeed. Look for warehouse selector and loader positions.
  • 2.Be prepared for physically demanding work in temperature-controlled warehouses (refrigerated and frozen sections).
  • 3.Highlight any warehouse, forklift, or logistics experience you have.
  • 4.Night and weekend availability is highly valued and may give you an edge in hiring.
  • 5.If you have a clean driving record and CDL, McLane driver positions pay well but have stricter background requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does McLane hire felons?
McLane considers applicants with felony records on a case-by-case basis. Warehouse positions like selector and loader roles are the most accessible. CDL driver positions have stricter DOT-mandated requirements.
Does McLane do background checks?
Yes. McLane runs background checks on all new hires. Warehouse checks typically cover 7 years. CDL driver checks are more comprehensive per DOT regulations.
Does McLane drug test?
Yes. McLane typically drug tests warehouse employees and all CDL drivers. Driver positions require DOT-mandated drug testing including pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing.
How much does McLane pay?
McLane warehouse selectors typically earn $16-$22 per hour plus productivity incentive pay. CDL drivers can earn $65,000-$90,000 annually. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off.
Is McLane warehouse work hard?
Yes. McLane warehouse work is physically demanding. Selectors may lift 50+ pounds repeatedly and work in refrigerated or frozen environments. The work is fast-paced with productivity requirements. However, the pay reflects the difficulty of the work.

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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).