Does Sysco Hire Felons?

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Why Sysco Hires People with Records

Sysco is the dominant player in food distribution, delivering food and related products to over 700,000 customer locations including restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and hospitality businesses. The company operates approximately 330 distribution facilities across the United States. Food distribution is a physically demanding, time-sensitive business. Warehouse selectors work in refrigerated and frozen environments, often lifting 50-100 pounds repeatedly throughout a shift. Delivery drivers navigate urban traffic, carry heavy cases into customer locations, and work early morning hours. This labor intensity creates high turnover and persistent demand for workers. Sysco, like many food distribution companies, has learned that reliable workers with criminal records are a valuable part of their workforce. The company uses fair chance hiring practices and evaluates criminal history individually rather than applying blanket exclusions.

Background Check Process

Sysco conducts background checks on all new hires after extending a conditional offer of employment. The standard check includes a criminal history search (typically covering 7 years), a Social Security number trace, and identity verification. For CDL delivery driver positions, additional DOT-mandated screening is required, including a motor vehicle records check, FMCSA Clearinghouse query for drug and alcohol violations, and a physical examination. Sysco follows Ban the Box practices and does not ask about criminal history on the initial application. The background check generally takes 3-7 business days. If the check reveals criminal history, Sysco uses individualized assessment considering the nature and gravity of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the job. Under the FCRA, if Sysco considers rescinding an offer, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and an opportunity to respond.

Warehouse vs. Delivery Driver Roles

The two main career paths at Sysco for people with records are warehouse work and CDL delivery driving. Warehouse positions (selectors, loaders, forklift operators) are based inside Sysco distribution centers. The work involves picking customer orders from warehouse racks, moving pallets, loading trucks, and managing inventory. Warehouse environments include ambient, refrigerated (34-38 degrees F), and frozen (-10 to 0 degrees F) areas. The work is physically demanding but does not require a CDL or customer interaction, making the background screening less intensive. CDL delivery drivers transport food orders from the distribution center to customer locations. This role requires a Class A CDL, a clean driving record meeting DOT standards, and the ability to pass a DOT physical and drug screen. Drivers interact with customers and handle product, so the background review is somewhat more thorough. However, the extreme demand for CDL drivers means Sysco is still willing to hire drivers with records in many cases.

Pay and Benefits

Sysco offers some of the best compensation in the food distribution industry. Warehouse selectors are often paid on a piece-rate or incentive system, and productive selectors can earn $20-$30+ per hour, with some exceeding $60,000-$70,000 per year with overtime. Base warehouse pay starts at $17-$22 per hour. CDL delivery drivers typically earn $60,000-$90,000+ per year including base pay, overtime, and incentives. Fleet mechanics earn $24-$36 per hour. Full-time employees receive comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) with company match, paid time off, company-paid life insurance, disability coverage, and an employee stock purchase plan. Sysco also offers CDL training reimbursement for employees who want to transition from warehouse to driving roles.

How to Apply

Sysco posts all positions on their careers website at sysco.com/careers. You can search by location, job type, and keyword. The application is completed online. Sysco operates distribution centers in most major metropolitan areas and many mid-size cities across the country, so there is likely a facility within commuting distance. Many Sysco facilities also host hiring events, particularly when they need to fill a large number of warehouse positions quickly. Local workforce development agencies and staffing firms may have connections to Sysco distribution centers. For warehouse positions, emphasize physical fitness, reliability, willingness to work in cold environments, and any experience with warehouse, manufacturing, or physical labor work. For driver positions, your CDL and clean driving record are the primary qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sysco hire felons?

Sysco does hire people with felony convictions on a case-by-case basis. Warehouse positions (selectors, loaders, forklift operators) at distribution centers are the most accessible. CDL delivery driver roles are also available but require meeting DOT requirements. The company uses individualized assessment and does not automatically disqualify applicants based on criminal records.

Does Sysco do background checks?

Yes, Sysco conducts background checks after a conditional offer of employment. The standard check covers 7 years of criminal history. CDL positions have additional DOT-mandated screening. Sysco follows Ban the Box practices and does not ask about criminal history on the application.

How much do Sysco warehouse workers make?

Sysco warehouse selectors are often paid on incentive/piece-rate systems and can earn $20-$30+ per hour, with productive workers earning $60,000-$70,000+ per year with overtime. Base warehouse pay starts at $17-$22 per hour. Full-time employees receive health insurance, 401(k) with match, and other benefits.

How much do Sysco drivers make?

Sysco CDL delivery drivers typically earn $60,000-$90,000+ per year including base pay, overtime, and incentives. Some experienced drivers in high-cost markets earn over $100,000. CDL Class A is required, along with a clean driving record and DOT physical.

Does Sysco drug test?

Yes. All Sysco employees are subject to pre-employment drug screening. CDL drivers are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing, including random testing throughout employment. Warehouse workers may be subject to post-accident and reasonable suspicion testing.

What is it like to work in a Sysco warehouse?

Sysco warehouse work is physically demanding. Selectors pick and assemble orders from warehouse shelves, often lifting 50-100 pound cases repeatedly. Much of the work is in refrigerated (34-38 degrees F) or frozen (-10 to 0 degrees F) environments. The work is fast-paced with incentive-based pay. It requires stamina and physical fitness but rewards hard workers with competitive pay.

Can I get CDL training through Sysco?

Sysco offers CDL training reimbursement at many locations. A common path is to start as a warehouse worker, demonstrate reliability and strong performance, and then transition into CDL training with Sysco's support. This can be an excellent career advancement strategy for people who start in the warehouse.

How far back does Sysco's background check go?

Sysco's standard background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. State laws limiting lookback periods are respected. DOT driving history checks for CDL positions may cover a longer period. The individualized assessment considers time elapsed as a key factor.