Does US Foods Hire Felons?

Hiring by Position

Understanding US Foods Distribution Center Operations

US Foods operates approximately 70 distribution centers across the United States, and these facilities are the primary source of jobs for people with criminal records. Distribution centers are large warehouse operations where food products are received from suppliers, stored (in dry, cooler, and freezer sections), picked to fill customer orders, and loaded onto delivery trucks. The work runs around the clock, with most order selection happening overnight and early morning to prepare for daytime deliveries. Warehouse selectors (order pickers) are the most common position and the backbone of the operation. They walk through warehouse aisles — often in refrigerated (34°F) or frozen (-10°F to 0°F) environments — selecting items from shelves and building pallets to fill customer orders. The work is physically demanding: selectors may lift 20,000-50,000+ pounds per shift and walk several miles. But the pay reflects the difficulty: US Foods warehouse selectors typically earn $18-26 per hour depending on location, often with incentive pay for productivity, making these some of the better-paying warehouse jobs available.

Warehouse Positions: Your Best Path at US Foods

Warehouse selector and forklift operator positions at US Foods distribution centers are the most accessible roles for people with felony records. US Foods conducts a standard criminal history check for warehouse positions, and the company's practical need for reliable warehouse workers means they take a reasonable approach to criminal records. Non-violent felonies older than 2-3 years are unlikely to prevent hiring for warehouse roles. Property crimes, drug possession, and other non-violent offenses are generally acceptable with time elapsed. Theft convictions may receive slightly more scrutiny since warehouse workers handle food inventory, but older theft convictions typically are not disqualifying. US Foods warehouse jobs offer competitive pay, overtime opportunities (warehouse operations often require overtime during peak periods), benefits for full-time employees (health insurance, retirement, paid time off), and the potential for advancement to lead, supervisor, or driver positions. The main challenge is the physical nature of the work and the cold storage environments, which are not for everyone.

CDL Delivery Driver Positions at US Foods

US Foods employs thousands of CDL delivery drivers who deliver food products to restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and other customers. This position is more selective for people with records than warehouse roles for two reasons: DOT regulations and customer contact. As a CDL position, all federal DOT requirements apply — FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse check, pre-employment drug test, MVR review, criminal history search, previous employer verification, and physical examination. US Foods' company standards typically require no felony convictions within 5 years for non-violent offenses, no DUI/DWI within 5 years, a clean MVR, and successful completion of all DOT requirements. Additionally, US Foods drivers interact directly with customers at delivery locations — entering restaurants, kitchens, and institutional facilities. This customer-facing aspect means the company is more cautious about violent offenses, theft, and sex offenses for driver positions than for warehouse roles. The job itself is physically demanding: drivers typically hand-unload 700-2,000+ cases per day, often up and down stairs and through tight kitchen areas, while also driving their route safely.

Background Check Process at US Foods

US Foods conducts background checks on all applicants after a conditional offer. For CDL driver positions, the screening is DOT-compliant and includes criminal history search (typically 7 years), MVR review from all states, FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse query, pre-employment DOT drug test, previous employer verification (3 years), and CDL status verification. For warehouse and non-driving positions, US Foods conducts a standard criminal history check. The company follows FCRA requirements and provides pre-adverse action notices when background findings may affect hiring. US Foods applies individualized assessment, weighing the offense type, time elapsed, and job relevance. Some distribution centers may have slight variations in their practical approach to background checks, influenced by local management and labor market conditions. Distribution centers in areas with tight labor markets may be more flexible, while locations with abundant applicant pools may be more selective.

US Foods vs. Sysco and Other Food Distributors

US Foods is the second-largest foodservice distributor in the US, behind Sysco. For people with criminal records exploring food distribution jobs, it helps to understand the competitive landscape. Sysco is the largest with over 300 distribution centers and similar types of positions. Performance Food Group (PFG) is the third-largest. McLane Company (owned by Berkshire Hathaway) distributes to convenience stores and restaurants. Gordon Food Service is a large privately held distributor. All of these companies have similar job structures: warehouse selectors, forklift operators, CDL drivers, and maintenance staff. Background check practices across the industry tend to be similar — warehouse roles are the most accessible, and driving roles require DOT compliance. If US Foods does not have a distribution center near you or does not hire you, Sysco, PFG, and other food distributors are worth trying. The food distribution industry has persistent labor needs, especially for warehouse selectors willing to work in cold environments and drivers who can handle physically demanding delivery routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does US Foods hire felons?

US Foods does hire some people with felony records. Warehouse selector and forklift operator positions are the most accessible. Non-violent felonies older than 2-3 years are generally not barriers for warehouse roles. CDL delivery driver positions are more selective, typically requiring 5+ years since a felony conviction and DOT compliance.

Does US Foods do background checks?

Yes. CDL driver positions undergo DOT-compliant screening including criminal history, MVR, Clearinghouse query, drug testing, and employer verification. Warehouse and non-driving positions undergo standard criminal history checks. US Foods follows FCRA requirements for all background checks.

How much do US Foods warehouse workers make?

US Foods warehouse selectors typically earn $18-26 per hour depending on location, with additional incentive pay based on productivity that can significantly increase earnings. Overtime is often available. Full-time warehouse workers receive benefits including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid time off. The pay reflects the physically demanding and cold-temperature nature of the work.

Does US Foods drug test?

Yes. CDL driver positions are subject to mandatory DOT drug testing including pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing. Warehouse positions are typically subject to pre-employment drug testing. US Foods also queries the FMCSA Clearinghouse for CDL driver applicants.

What is a warehouse selector at US Foods?

A warehouse selector (order picker) walks through US Foods distribution center aisles selecting food products from shelves to fill customer orders. Selectors work in dry, refrigerated (34°F), and frozen (-10°F to 0°F) warehouse sections. The job involves heavy lifting (cases of food products, 20,000-50,000+ lbs per shift), walking several miles per shift, and meeting productivity targets. It is physically demanding but pays well.

Can I become a driver at US Foods starting from the warehouse?

Yes. US Foods promotes from within, and experienced warehouse workers who obtain a CDL can transition to delivery driver positions. Having an established track record at US Foods can work in your favor during the driver background review, as the company already knows your reliability and work performance.