Yes, UPS does drug test for most, but not all of the company’s positions, and whether a drug test is performed also depends on the job location.
The UPS careers website lists certain positions that are subject to Department of Transportation or Federal Aviation Administration requirements, which require drug testing.
According to the UPS Employee Handbook, employees may be dismissed for working under the influence of drugs or alcohol and for “consuming alcohol or illicit drugs/substances during the working day on or off company premises.”
This information was obtained after hours of research from various websites with answers from current and former UPS employees, the UPS careers website, and the UPS Employee Handbook.
What Type of Drug Test Does UPS Use?
Our research indicates that UPS uses urine drug tests, mouth swab drug tests, and hair drug tests.
Urine drug tests, including the instant varieties, can range from four-panel to sixteen-panel. The number of panels means the number of substances that are tested for. The specific substances that are tested can vary depending on the type of test used. Five-panel is the most commonly used.
Five-panel urine drug tests test for:
- Marijuana/Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Opiates
- Amphetamines
- Phencyclidine
Mouth swab drug tests can detect a variety of different substances, including:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Methamphetamine
- Opioids
- Phencyclidine
Hair tests can detect long-term use of:
- Alcohol
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Nicotine
- Opioid
- Phencyclidine
These drug tests are paid for by UPS, and can occur on-site or at an independent laboratory.
When Does UPS Drug Test?
Our research indicates that UPS drug tests pre-employment and also if there is suspicion of substance use or in the event of a workplace accident. There have also been reports of random and scheduled drug testing from current and former employees.
UPS Drug Testing Process
How Long Do UPS Drug Test Results Take?
Many current and former UPS employees have reported that drug testing is performed at orientation and that the results are read immediately. UPS may also send prospective and current employees to an independent laboratory to take the drug test, which can take several days to result depending on the complexity of the test.
What Happens if you Fail a Drug Test at UPS?
UPS will terminate employees who fail a drug test. Those who fail a pre-employment drug test will not be hired.
Does UPS Call You if You Fail a Drug Test?
We could not find specific information to answer this question, but typically, employers will contact you if you fail a drug test.
Employee Drug Testing Policies for UPS
Does UPS Drug Test Seasonal Employees?
Many current and former seasonal UPS employees report that no drug test was conducted, while other seasonal UPS workers state that there was drug testing.
Does UPS Drug Test Warehouse Employees?
According to current and former UPS warehouse workers, some say they were drug tested, while others state they were not.
Does UPS Drug Test Employees?
Our research indicates that drug testing varies by position and location. For example, package handlers at certain locations do not get a drug test upon hire, yet drug testing is performed on package handlers at other locations. Drivers receive drug testing at orientation and randomly. Drug testing is also required if there is suspicion of drug use and for on-the-job accidents.
Does UPS Drug Test For a Promotion?
We could not find specific information to answer this question, but typically, companies will drug test for a promotion.
Does UPS Drug Test if You Get Injured on the Job?
Yes, UPS requires drug tests after on-the-job accidents. This is consistent with most companies who drug test after accidents in the workplace that result in damage to properties or injury within the workplace. This is for liability reasons as a positive drug test would void any potential worker’s compensation claims.
Marijuana Drug Testing at UPS
Does UPS Drug Test For Weed?
Yes. THC panel is included in urine tests, both the instant ones and those conducted at an independent laboratory, the mouth swab test, and the hair test. Regardless of the test you recieve, THC will be one of the indicators.
Does UPS Accept a Medical Marijuana Card?
According to current and former UPS employees, marijuana is not accepted. This includes medical marijuana and in states where recreational marijuana is legal.