UPS is one of the largest package delivery companies in the United States, with employees working on all sorts of positions. Whether you’re interested in applying to be a driver or you are an existing employee, this article is for you.
If you are wondering if UPS drug tests its employees, here are some things I’ve found out through my research!
Does UPS Drug Test? UPS Drug Test Explained
Yes, UPS does conduct random drug testing on both potential and current employees. This policy appears to have been implemented as part of their company policy on workplace safety. This practice has also received support from labor unions representing thousands of drivers who work at UPS.
When Does UPS Drug Test Employees?
UPS can drug test at the following times:
Pre-Employment Test
UPS conducts pre-employment drug testing as a means of maintaining a drug-free workplace.
Being the country’s premier package delivery service, UPS requires its employees to be drug-tested before employment in order to ensure that all their drivers are working without any potentially impairing substances in their system.
You will be provided with a drug testing consent form in advance of your interview date. You will be asked to sign this document, in which you give consent for the company to conduct a drug test. You will then be required to produce a urine sample in an allotted time and place for testing purposes.
Random Test
Employees working for UPS are subject to random drug testing throughout their employment. This happens at the discretion of the company and can happen any time, even during your lunch break while you’re on the clock.
Suspicion Based Test
Your supervisor may suspect that you are under the influence of drugs if they find inconsistencies in your behavior or general work performance. If this is the case, they will refer you to a drug test with or without your consent. You can refuse but then risk losing your job if it goes against policy.
Post Incident Test
If you get into an accident while at work, you will be subjected to a post-accident test by either a doctor employed by UPS or a doctor hired privately by the company.
What Type Of Drugs Does UPS Test For?
UPS conducts random drug tests and screens for the presence of illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, opiates, and methamphetamine among other things.
If you fail a drug test due to medication prescribed by your doctors, you will be fine as long as you inform UPS about this.
While you may assume the use of recreational drugs is okay, UPS may still require the supervisor conducting the test to fail their potential new hire.
UPS Drug Test: How Long Does It Take?
For most applicants, the drug test for UPS will take place within a few days of applying. A sample collection appointment will last only a few minutes and must be completed within one hour of its scheduled time.
Can I Refuse a Drug Test At UPS?
You do not have to take a drug test at UPS if it is against your religious beliefs or you think that testing may be an invasion of your privacy. However, refusing the drug test could result in job termination.
If you miss your scheduled sample collection appointment without any notification, you will face disciplinary actions up to and including job termination for failure to comply with the company’s policy.
If there is an incident at work, you are required to take a drug test immediately. If you refuse, you will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including job termination.
What Happens if You Fail the UPS Drug Test?
Are you wondering what happens if you fail your drug test at UPS? The answer varies depending on if you are an applicant or a current employee.
Zero-tolerance for drugs for its employees
UPS has a strict policy of zero-tolerance for any substance that is reported to have psychoactive effects. This includes illegal and legal drugs, including alcohol. Zero tolerance means that you cannot have any traces of the drugs in your system. If you do, even if its from 3 days ago, you can fail the drug test and immediately be removed from employment without further review or opportunity to comment on the results.
For applicants, the offer is contingent on passing the drug test
UPS will not hire any applicant who cannot pass a drug test. If you fail the pre-employment drug screen, your job offer is immediately withdrawn.
Employees who fail a random drug test will be terminated
If you are employed at UPS and you fail a random test, it does not mean that they will automatically fire you. It depends on how many times you have previously failed tests or if this was during probationary period. If it is the first time, they usually give you one last chance but if it’s more than two times in 3 years, then termination is almost certain.
Employees who fail a drug test after an accident can be sued personally
Due to strict liability and zero-tolerance policies, if you are injured at work or cause an accident because of your impairment due to drug use, the company can sue you for all costs incurred. Additionally, there is no protection under Worker’s Compensation claim as the injury was caused by your own negligence.
If I Fail A Drug Test At UPS Can I Reapply?
You must wait one year before applying for new employment with UPS once your sample is given. If you have not used drugs in this period, you should be able to pass the drug test easily.
Conclusion: Does UPS Drug Test?
There are no specific details available about which drugs will be tested for, or which drugs will be the reason why an employee may get fired. However, it is clear that drug tests are conducted on both potential and existing employees, even if they’re not driving vehicles.
Failing a UPS drug test can lead to serious consequences such as getting denied employment when you apply, or termination after you’ve already been hired. Employees should take note of the fact that this policy appears to be strictly implemented regardless of the position they are working in at UPS.