Does PACCAR Hire Felons?
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PACCAR conducts background checks but evaluates applicants with records case-by-case. Its truck plants hire in volume, and a felony is not an automatic disqualifier for production roles.
PACCAR does hire some people with felony records, decided case-by-case. The Fortune 500 company is one of the world's largest heavy-duty truck manufacturers, building Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF trucks plus engines and parts. It is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, and runs major U.S. assembly and parts plants in Texas (Denton), Ohio (Chillicothe and Columbus), Washington (Renton), and Kentucky (Louisville), along with PACCAR Parts distribution centers nationwide. PACCAR conducts background checks and drug testing but does not apply a blanket ban — recruiters evaluate applicants with felony records individually, considering the offense and the role. Its large manufacturing and warehouse workforce means frequent openings for assemblers, production workers, and material handlers, often with paid training and competitive pay and 401(k) matching. Non-CDL shop roles may not require a drug test at every site, while any CDL-driving position triggers a federally mandated screen.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assembly / Production Worker | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Building trucks and components on the line at Kenworth/Peterbilt plants. High-volume entry role; paid training. |
| Warehouse / Material Handler (PACCAR Parts) | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Picking, packing, and shipping parts at distribution centers. Forklift certification helps. |
| Maintenance / Machine Technician | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Servicing plant equipment. Skilled trade; certifications and experience help offset a record. |
| Welder / Fabricator | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Metal fabrication for truck frames and components. Certification strengthens the application. |
| Quality / Line Inspector | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Inspecting builds against spec. Attention to detail valued; often promoted from production. |
PACCAR Hiring Practices
PACCAR is a global commercial-truck manufacturer — parent of the Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF brands — headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, and founded in 1905. Its U.S. footprint includes large truck-assembly plants in Denton, Texas; Chillicothe and Columbus, Ohio; Renton, Washington; and a plant in Louisville, Kentucky, plus PACCAR Parts distribution centers across the country. These plants employ a large manufacturing workforce and hire steadily for assembly, production, warehouse, and skilled-trade roles. PACCAR conducts background checks and evaluates applicants with felony records on a case-by-case basis rather than applying an automatic ban — recruiters weigh the nature of the offense and the position. Drug testing practices vary by site and role: non-CDL shop workers may not always be tested, while any position requiring a commercial driver's license triggers a federally mandated drug screen. Competitive pay, benefits, and 401(k) matching make these solid rebuilding jobs.
Tips for Getting Hired at PACCAR
Apply through the official PACCAR careers site and target assembly, production, and PACCAR Parts warehouse openings at a plant or distribution center near you — those roles hire in the highest volume and often include paid training. Off-shift positions typically fill fastest and can be easier to enter. Be honest about your record; because PACCAR reviews convictions individually, a clear explanation plus evidence of rehabilitation, training, or steady employment can make the difference. Skilled trades are a strong angle: welding, machining, forklift, or industrial-maintenance certifications add real value and can outweigh an older, non-violent record. If you are pursuing a role that requires a CDL, be ready for a federally required drug and alcohol test. Applying near a major PACCAR hub such as Denton, Texas, or Chillicothe, Ohio, maximizes the number of openings available to you.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply at jobs.paccar.com and target assembly, production, or PACCAR Parts warehouse roles.
- 2.Prioritize off-shift openings at plants near you — they hire in volume and fill fastest.
- 3.Be honest about your record; PACCAR reviews convictions individually, so explain clearly.
- 4.Bring documentation of rehabilitation, training, or steady work history.
- 5.Highlight welding, machining, forklift, or maintenance certifications and experience.
- 6.For CDL-driving roles, expect a federally required drug and alcohol test.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does PACCAR hire felons?
- PACCAR hires some people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. Its truck plants and parts distribution centers evaluate applicants individually rather than applying a blanket ban.
- Does PACCAR do background checks?
- Yes. PACCAR conducts criminal background checks on new hires and considers the nature of the offense and its relevance to the job when reviewing applicants with records.
- Does PACCAR drug test?
- Drug testing varies by site and role. PACCAR may conduct pre-employment, post-accident, random, and reasonable-suspicion tests; any CDL-driving position requires a federally mandated screen, while some non-CDL shop roles may not.
- What jobs does PACCAR hire for?
- Common openings include assembly/production worker, warehouse/material handler at PACCAR Parts, maintenance technician, welder/fabricator, and quality inspector at Kenworth and Peterbilt plants.
- Where are PACCAR plants located?
- PACCAR is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, with major U.S. truck plants in Denton, Texas; Chillicothe and Columbus, Ohio; Renton, Washington; and Louisville, Kentucky, plus nationwide parts distribution centers.
Take Action — Direct Links
- PACCAR Careers
Search and apply for manufacturing, warehouse, and skilled-trade positions across PACCAR.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.