Quick Answer
Yes, Coca-Cola bottling and distribution facilities hire people with felony convictions case-by-case. Independent bottling companies operate under Coca-Cola franchise agreements, meaning hiring varies by specific bottler. Positions include warehouse associate ($15-20/hour), delivery driver ($18-25/hour), production operator ($16-22/hour), merchandiser ($14-18/hour), and forklift operator ($16-21/hour). Warehouse and production roles are most accessible. CDL driver positions require clean driving records (typically 3-5 years). Major bottlers include Coca-Cola Consolidated, Swire Coca-Cola, Reyes Coca-Cola, and Liberty Coca-Cola.
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Last Verified: October 2025
About Coca-Cola Bottling/Distribution
Coca-Cola bottling and distribution is operated through independent bottling companies franchised by The Coca-Cola Company. These bottlers manufacture, distribute, and sell Coca-Cola products in assigned territories. Major bottlers operate large distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and delivery fleets employing thousands of workers.
Bottling facilities need employees who can work in manufacturing and warehouse environments, operate production equipment, load and deliver products, merchandise in stores, and maintain quality standards across beverage operations.
For people with records, Coca-Cola bottling matters because manufacturing and distribution work values physical capability, reliability, and work ethic over corporate credentials. Warehouse and production positions offer good pay, union representation in many facilities, and career stability in essential consumer goods industry.
Does Coca-Cola Bottling Hire People with Felonies?
Yes, but it varies by independent bottler.
Bottling Company Structure
Coca-Cola bottling is franchised to independent companies:
Coca-Cola Consolidated: Largest Coca-Cola bottler in U.S.
Swire Coca-Cola: Western U.S. bottler
Reyes Coca-Cola: Multi-state bottler
Liberty Coca-Cola: Southeast bottler
Many regional bottlers: Territory-specific operations
Each bottler makes independent hiring decisions. Some very felon-friendly, others more selective.
Real-World Practice
Warehouse associates, production operators, and merchandisers with felony records get hired regularly. Beverage distribution needs workers willing to do physically demanding work, handle early morning schedules (delivery drivers often start 3-5am), and work reliably.
Delivery driver positions require CDL licenses and clean driving records, creating additional hurdles but not impossible barriers.
What Affects Hiring Decisions
Bottler's approach: Individual bottling companies set policies. Some actively embrace second-chance hiring, others take standard approaches.
Time since conviction: 3-5 years helps significantly. Clean record since conviction demonstrates stability.
Type of offense: Theft can be problematic in warehouse/distribution with product access. DUIs create major issues for driver positions. Drug offenses evaluated based on circumstances. Violent offenses considered based on safety factors.
Position applied for: Warehouse and production most accessible. Merchandiser positions require driving and store access. CDL driver positions need clean driving records.
Union representation: Many bottling facilities have union representation, providing grievance procedures and fair treatment protections.
Available Jobs at Coca-Cola Bottling
Positions vary by bottler but typically include:
1. Warehouse Associate / Distribution Center Worker
Pay: $15-20/hour
What you do: Receive and store products, pick orders for delivery trucks, load trucks with beverages, operate forklifts, maintain warehouse organization, physical labor.
Requirements: Physical capability (lift 50+ pounds regularly), forklift certification (training often provided), reliability, early morning availability
Why it works: High-volume hiring for warehouse operations. Physical work focus. Essential operations role. Many facilities union-represented.
2. Production Operator / Bottling Line Worker
Pay: $16-22/hour
What you do: Operate bottling and canning equipment, monitor production lines, perform quality checks, maintain equipment, ensure production targets met.
Requirements: Mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, ability to work rotating shifts, follow safety procedures
Why it works: Manufacturing environment with good pay. Shift work (days, evenings, nights, rotating). Union representation common. Skill development.
3. Forklift Operator
Pay: $16-21/hour
What you do: Operate forklifts in warehouse moving pallets of beverages, load/unload trucks, organize inventory, maintain equipment.
Requirements: Forklift certification (training provided by many employers), physical capability, safety consciousness, reliability
Why it works: Skilled position with specialized certification. Better pay than general warehouse. Clear responsibilities.
4. Merchandiser / Retail Sales Representative
Pay: $14-18/hour
What you do: Stock Coca-Cola products in stores, build displays, rotate inventory, maintain brand presence, drive company vehicle between accounts.
Requirements: Valid driver's license, physical capability, customer service skills (working with store managers), reliability
Why it works: Independent work visiting multiple retail accounts. Physical work stocking shelves. Company vehicle provided. However, requires clean driving record.
5. Delivery Driver / Route Driver
Pay: $18-25/hour
What you do: Deliver beverages to retail accounts, unload and stock products, collect payments, maintain delivery vehicle, build customer relationships.
Requirements: CDL (Class B typically), clean driving record (usually 3-5 years), physical capability (heavy lifting all day), early morning start times (3-5am common), customer service
Why it works: Good pay for CDL drivers. Independent route work. However, requires clean driving record and CDL, creating barriers for many.
6. Quality Control Technician
Pay: $16-21/hour
What you do: Perform quality tests on products, monitor production standards, maintain quality documentation, ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
Requirements: Attention to detail, basic lab skills (training provided), follow procedures precisely, computer literacy
Why it works: Technical position with less physical demands. Important quality assurance role. Skill development in food safety.
7. Maintenance Technician
Pay: $20-28/hour
What you do: Maintain and repair bottling equipment, perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot breakdowns, keep production running.
Requirements: Mechanical/electrical skills, technical training, problem-solving ability, various shift availability
Why it works: Skilled trade position with excellent pay. Technical expertise valued. Job security through specialized skills.
Best entry point: Start as Warehouse Associate or Production Operator, demonstrate reliability and strong work ethic, learn operations and safety procedures, then advance to Forklift Operator, Quality Control, or Maintenance Technician based on skills and interests. Driver positions possible if you obtain CDL and have clean driving record.
Background Check Process
Understanding checks at bottling facilities:
When It Happens
Background checks occur after interviews, before final offers. Manufacturing and distribution employers conduct thorough checks due to safety-sensitive environments and company vehicle use.
What They Check
Comprehensive checks typically including:
Criminal records: Usually 7-10 years
Driving record (MVR): Essential for any position requiring driving (merchandisers, drivers)
Employment history: Verification of previous jobs
Drug testing: Pre-employment required for all positions
Identity verification
Driving Record Critical for Some Positions
Merchandiser and driver positions require acceptable driving records:
Clean record (no major violations) for 3-5 years typically
DUIs very problematic for any driving position
Multiple violations create insurance concerns
Must have valid, unsuspended license
Warehouse and production positions don't require driving records unless operating company vehicles.
How Long It Takes
Background and driving checks take 7-14 business days typically.
What Happens If Issues Arise
HR reviews findings according to company policy
You may be contacted for explanation
Hiring manager provides input
Decision made considering position requirements
Union facilities may have additional procedures ensuring fair evaluation.
Application Tips
Maximize chances at Coca-Cola bottlers:
1. Identify Your Local Bottler
Research which Coca-Cola bottling company operates in your area. Each bottler has separate hiring processes and philosophies.
2. Apply Through Bottler's Career Site
Don't apply through Coca-Cola Company website—apply directly through your local bottler's careers page.
3. Target Warehouse or Production Positions
If you have a background, focus on warehouse associate or production operator roles which have most accessible hiring.
4. Emphasize Physical Capability
Beverage distribution is physically demanding: "I'm comfortable with physically demanding work—lifting cases of beverages all day, working in warehouse environments, maintaining fast pace."
5. Show Willingness for Early Hours
Many positions start very early (3-5am for drivers, early shifts for production): "I'm available for early morning start times. I understand distribution and delivery operations begin early, and I have reliable transportation for any shift time."
6. Highlight Reliability
Beverage distribution depends on consistent operations: "I take attendance seriously. Manufacturing and distribution can't function with unreliable employees. I show up every shift."
7. Be Honest About Driving Record
If applying for driving positions, be upfront about driving history. Don't waste time pursuing driver roles if your record disqualifies you.
8. Mention Union Interest (if applicable)
Many facilities are unionized: "I'm interested in union representation and the fair treatment and benefits that provides."
9. Prepare for Drug Testing
All positions require pre-employment drug testing. Many facilities have random testing programs. Plan accordingly.
10. Visit Facilities if Possible
Some bottling facilities accept in-person applications or inquiries. Visit during business hours to express interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I be a driver with a DUI?
A: Very unlikely. Delivery and merchandiser positions require clean driving records. Recent DUIs (within 5-7 years) typically disqualify you due to insurance requirements. Focus on warehouse or production positions instead.
Q: Do all Coca-Cola bottlers hire felons?
A: No. Each bottling company makes independent decisions. Some actively embrace second-chance hiring, others are more selective. Research your specific local bottler.
Q: Will my drug conviction matter?
A: It depends. Drug convictions receive case-by-case evaluation, but you must pass pre-employment drug testing and remain clean. Beverage facilities have zero-tolerance drug policies due to safety-sensitive equipment.
Q: Can I work in production with a felony?
A: Possibly. Production positions evaluate backgrounds case-by-case. Non-violent convictions with several years passed receive more favorable consideration. Demonstrate rehabilitation and reliability.
Q: Do I need manufacturing experience?
A: No for entry-level. Bottlers provide training for warehouse and production positions. Any manufacturing, warehouse, or physical labor experience helps but isn't required.
Q: Are these union jobs?
A: Many Coca-Cola bottling facilities have Teamsters or other union representation, providing better pay, benefits, and job protections. Union presence varies by facility and region.
Q: What if I can't pass a drug test?
A: You cannot work at Coca-Cola bottling facilities without passing drug testing. This is non-negotiable in manufacturing and distribution. Get clean before applying.
Q: Can I advance to management with a felony?
A: Possibly. Bottlers promote from within based on performance. Supervisory and management positions have higher standards, but advancement isn't impossible with proven track record.
Similar Beverage Distribution Companies
If Coca-Cola bottling doesn't work out:
PepsiCo Bottling/Distribution – Major competitor with similar opportunities and structure.
Dr Pepper/Snapple Distribution – Beverage distribution with warehouse and driver positions.
Anheuser-Busch Distribution – Beer distribution with similar warehouse/driver opportunities.
Regional beverage distributors – Independent distributors serving local markets.
Food distribution companies – Sysco, US Foods, etc., with similar warehouse and driver positions.
Apply to multiple beverage and food distributors to maximize opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Coca-Cola bottling and distribution offers solid opportunities for people with felony records in warehouse and production positions. Independent bottlers make their own hiring decisions, creating variation but also opportunities.
Be honest about your background, emphasize your physical capability and reliability, and target warehouse or production positions. Many people with felonies have built stable careers in beverage distribution, earning good wages with union benefits and advancement opportunities.
Start here: Identify which Coca-Cola bottler operates in your area and visit their careers site at coca-colacompany.com/careers to apply for warehouse or production positions. Highlight your reliability and willingness to perform physically demanding work, often in early-morning shifts.
Does Coca-Cola Bottling/Distribution Hire Felons in 2026?
Last Updated: January 2026
Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center
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Pay:
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