Does Southeastern Freight Lines do background checks?

Yes. SEFL requires a background check for all positions, plus DOT motor-vehicle-record checks for drivers.

Does Southeastern Freight Lines drug test?

Yes. SEFL requires an alcohol-and-drug test as part of hiring, and drivers are subject to DOT testing.

What SEFL jobs are best for people with records?

Non-driving dock worker, freight handler, and forklift roles generally have the fewest regulatory barriers.

How do I apply to Southeastern Freight Lines?

Apply online at seflcareers.com; hiring is handled locally at each service center with on-site interviews.

Does Southeastern Freight Lines Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

Southeastern Freight Lines reviews applicants individually and requires passing a background check and a drug-and-alcohol test. Non-driving dock roles offer the most accessible path.

Southeastern Freight Lines does not publish a blanket ban on hiring people with records, and it reviews applicants on a case-by-case basis, but every hire must pass a background check and an alcohol-and-drug test. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Lexington, South Carolina, Southeastern Freight Lines (SEFL) is a family-owned less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier operating a network of service centers across the Southeast and Southwest with thousands of employees. The company hires city and line-haul drivers, dock workers, freight handlers, forklift operators, and diesel mechanics. Hiring happens locally at each service center, with on-site interviews, a DOT physical for drivers, and drug screening. Non-driving dock and freight-handling roles carry fewer regulatory requirements and are generally the most accessible for people with records, while driving positions add DOT and motor-vehicle-record standards. Older, non-violent convictions and a clean recent history improve your chances at any SEFL location.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Dock Worker / Freight Handler	Case-by-case	Yes — background + drug/alcohol test	Loading and unloading freight. Non-driving entry point, most accessible.
Forklift Operator	Case-by-case	Yes — background + drug/alcohol test	Moving freight on the dock. Forklift certification preferred.
P&D / City Driver	Case-by-case	Yes — DOT background, MVR, drug test	Local pickup and delivery. Requires a CDL and a clean driving record.
Line-Haul Driver	Case-by-case	Yes — DOT background, MVR, drug test	Longer runs between service centers. Federal DOT standards apply.
Diesel Mechanic / Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — background + drug/alcohol test	Fleet maintenance. Experience and certifications weigh heavily.

Southeastern Freight Lines Hiring Practices

Southeastern Freight Lines is a family-owned LTL carrier that has built its reputation on service quality, and it screens every applicant with a background check and an alcohol-and-drug test as a condition of hire. The company does not publicly advertise a second-chance program, and it does not state a blanket felony ban either, which leaves hiring decisions to individual service centers. Managers interview on-site and weigh your qualifications, work history, and the specifics of your record. Driving roles are the most regulated: city, P&D, and line-haul drivers must meet federal DOT standards, pass a DOT physical and motor-vehicle-record check, and clear drug testing, and any hazmat endorsement triggers a separate TSA background check. Non-driving dock, freight-handling, and mechanic jobs face fewer regulatory hurdles, so they are generally the most realistic entry points. Because each service center hires locally, outcomes can differ from one location to the next.

Tips for Getting Hired

Apply through seflcareers.com and target dock worker, freight handler, and forklift roles first — non-driving positions have fewer regulatory barriers than driving jobs. Because hiring happens at the local service center, apply at the location nearest you and be ready for an on-site interview. Be honest about your record; SEFL evaluates applicants individually, so a straightforward explanation of what has changed helps more than hoping it goes unnoticed in the background check. Emphasize forklift certification, prior dock, warehouse, or material-handling experience, and steady employment, since the company prefers candidates with hands-on freight experience. If you want to drive, keep your motor-vehicle record clean and be prepared for a DOT physical and drug screen. If one service center does not move forward, try another nearby location, and follow up politely — reliability is exactly what LTL operations value most.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply at seflcareers.com and start with dock worker, freight handler, or forklift roles.
2.Apply at the service center nearest you — hiring and interviews happen locally.
3.Be honest about your record; SEFL requires a background check and a drug/alcohol test.
4.Highlight forklift certification and prior dock, warehouse, or material-handling experience.
5.For driving roles, keep your motor-vehicle record clean and expect a DOT physical.
6.If one service center passes, try another nearby location and follow up politely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Southeastern Freight Lines hire felons?: SEFL reviews applicants case by case and has no publicly stated felony ban, but every hire must pass a background check and a drug-and-alcohol test. Non-driving dock roles are the most accessible.
Does Southeastern Freight Lines do background checks?: Yes. SEFL requires a background check for all positions, plus DOT motor-vehicle-record checks for drivers.
Does Southeastern Freight Lines drug test?: Yes. SEFL requires an alcohol-and-drug test as part of hiring, and drivers are subject to DOT testing.
What SEFL jobs are best for people with records?: Non-driving dock worker, freight handler, and forklift roles generally have the fewest regulatory barriers.
How do I apply to Southeastern Freight Lines?: Apply online at seflcareers.com; hiring is handled locally at each service center with on-site interviews.

Take Action — Direct Links

Southeastern Freight Lines Careers
Search and apply for driver, dock, and mechanic positions at SEFL service centers.
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).