Quick Answer

Yes, Sysco considers people with felonies. As the global leader in foodservice distribution, Sysco evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and job requirements. Warehouse worker and selector positions pay $17-$25 per hour with benefits and are the most accessible.

Distribution facilities hire throughout the year for physically demanding work, and the company values work ethic, safety, and productivity. Union representation at some facilities provides additional job security, making Sysco a solid option for people with criminal backgrounds seeking stable warehouse careers with good pay.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Sysco

3. Does Sysco Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at Sysco

5. Background Check Process

6. Best entry point

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution, operating 333 distribution facilities across North America and Europe as of June 2026. It delivers food products, equipment, and supplies to restaurants, healthcare facilities, schools, and other foodservice customers. Sysco has a workforce of about 75,000, roughly 52,000 of them in the U.S., in warehouse, delivery, sales, and operations roles.

For people with felonies, Sysco presents real opportunities. Its distribution centers hire throughout the year for physically demanding warehouse work. These are real jobs with strong pay ($17-$25/hour for warehouse positions), benefits, overtime opportunities, and clear advancement paths. Union representation at some facilities (about 14% of Sysco employees are union-represented) provides added job protections.

Sysco focuses on operational efficiency and reliable service to customers. This means they need dependable warehouse workers who can handle physical demands, work safely, and maintain productivity. If you can demonstrate these capabilities, your criminal background becomes less important than your work ethic.

The nature of food distribution work—physically demanding, fast-paced, and focused on getting products to customers reliably—means the emphasis is on your ability to work hard and show up consistently, not on having a perfect background.

Does Sysco Hire People with Felonies?

Sysco does not have a blanket ban on hiring people with felony convictions. They evaluate each applicant based on the nature of the offense, time since conviction, the position applied for, and overall qualifications. This individualized assessment gives you real opportunities.

In practice, Sysco facilities can hire people with various types of criminal backgrounds for warehouse and delivery positions, depending on the offense and the role. The company follows ban-the-box principles where applicable. The 2012 EEOC guidance is no longer current; applicable employment law remains separate. They focus on whether you can perform physically demanding work reliably and safely.

The type of conviction affects chances somewhat. Drug convictions don't automatically prevent hiring if you can pass drug tests now (commonly required at most facilities). The company focuses on current reliability, so documented recovery and a steady recent work history help.

Violent felonies are evaluated case-by-case but don't automatically disqualify you. Warehouse work involves equipment and physical labor rather than vulnerable populations. If your violent conviction was several years ago and you've maintained clean records since, many facilities will give you chances.

Theft convictions are evaluated carefully since warehouses have valuable food products and equipment. However, a theft record doesn't automatically rule you out. Time since conviction and honesty matter significantly.

Sexual offenses are evaluated carefully. While less problematic than in customer-facing industries, facilities may have specific considerations. Be honest and let them evaluate your situation.

Time since conviction matters. How far back a check can report depends on the type of record and state law; some states limit reporting of older convictions. Clean records for 3-5 years since your last conviction demonstrate positive change and improve chances substantially.

The position you apply for is important. Warehouse selectors and loaders have relatively flexible hiring standards—focusing on physical ability, reliability, and safety consciousness. Delivery drivers require clean driving records but felonies don't automatically disqualify you if your driving record is acceptable. Maintenance technicians with skills are highly valued regardless of backgrounds.

Location affects opportunities. Sysco facilities in areas with tight labor markets may be particularly flexible. Facilities in states with ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring. Union facilities often have structured processes providing protections.

The bottom line is that Sysco needs reliable, hard-working people who can handle physically demanding warehouse work. If you can demonstrate work ethic, commitment to safety, and reliable attendance, you have a real chance, though the offense, time passed, the role, and local law all matter.

Available Jobs at Sysco

Sysco offers several positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Warehouse Selector/Order Picker

($17-$24/hour)

You'll select products from warehouse inventory to fill customer orders, operate electric pallet jacks, lift heavy cases, and meet productivity standards. Very physical work requiring strength and stamina. This is the most common entry position and accessible to people with felonies. Productivity bonuses can significantly increase earnings.

Loader

($17-$22/hour)

You'll load products onto delivery trucks, verify orders, secure freight, and prepare trucks for routes. Physical work requiring attention to accuracy. Good entry position for people with backgrounds who can handle heavy lifting.

Warehouse Worker

($17-$22/hour)

You'll receive products, organize inventory, move freight, maintain warehouse organization, and support operations. Physical work requiring reliability. Accessible for people with criminal backgrounds.

Delivery Driver

($20-$28/hour)

You'll deliver products to customer locations, unload trucks, provide service, and maintain delivery schedules. Requires commercial driver's license (CDL) and clean driving record. Felonies don't automatically disqualify you if your driving record is good. Higher pay than warehouse positions.

Forklift Operator

($18-$24/hour)

You'll operate forklifts to move products, load trucks, and organize warehouse space. Requires forklift certification. Once certified, these positions pay well, and a strong safety record with equipment helps offset a criminal background.

Night Warehouse Worker

($18-$25/hour)

You'll perform warehouse duties on night shifts (typically 6pm-2am or overnight). Physical work with shift differential pay. Night positions are often easier to get with criminal backgrounds because they're harder to fill.

Maintenance Technician

($22-$32/hour)

You'll repair warehouse equipment, maintain refrigeration systems, troubleshoot issues, and ensure facility operations. Requires technical skills or industrial maintenance experience. If you have these skills, criminal backgrounds matter much less because skilled maintenance workers are valuable and scarce.

Sanitation Worker

($17-$23/hour)

You'll clean warehouse areas, maintain food safety standards, and ensure sanitation compliance. Physical work often on night shifts. These positions can be more accessible for people with felonies because they're essential and often harder to fill.

Best entry point

Warehouse Selector or Loader positions offer the most accessible entry points. These roles open up regularly because of their physically demanding nature. Once employed and proving reliability and productivity, moving to better positions or consistent overtime becomes realistic. Many facilities offer productivity bonuses that can add to annual earnings.

Background Check Process

Understanding Sysco's background check process helps you prepare and navigate hiring successfully.

Sysco conducts background checks after making conditional job offers. This means they interview you, decide they want to hire you, and then run background checks. This approach allows you to demonstrate physical capability and work ethic before criminal records are reviewed.

How far back the background check reports criminal history depends on the type of record and state law. Sysco uses professional screening companies checking criminal records at various levels. They also verify employment history.

The process typically takes 5-10 business days. During this time, drug testing is commonly required at most facilities due to safety-sensitive warehouse work with equipment and heavy machinery. Testing happens after conditional offers.

If something appears on background checks that concerns Sysco, the FCRA requires a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report before a final decision. You get a short window to review the report, provide context, or dispute errors. This is your opportunity to explain circumstances. Respond promptly.

Geographic variations matter. In ban-the-box states, Sysco cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Some jurisdictions have stricter regulations. Sysco follows all local laws regarding fair chance hiring.

Union facilities may have additional protections. At unionized warehouses, collective bargaining agreements may include provisions about hiring practices. These contracts sometimes support fair hiring and provide processes for addressing concerns.

The warehouse environment creates some considerations. Sysco must comply with food safety regulations and OSHA requirements. However, these primarily affect specific job duties rather than general employment eligibility.

Application Tips

1. Apply online at sysco.com/careers and search for distribution centers in your area. Create complete profiles and apply to multiple positions and locations to increase chances.

   
   

2. Target warehouse selector and loader positions first. These roles have more flexible standards and open up regularly because of their physical demands.

   
   

3. Don't mention your felony on applications in ban-the-box jurisdictions. Answer honestly if asked, but don't volunteer unnecessary information upfront.

   
   

4. Visit Sysco facilities in person after applying. Some warehouses have HR offices or hold hiring events. Showing up demonstrates work ethic and serious interest.

   
   

5. Be completely honest about backgrounds when asked. Prepare brief explanations that take responsibility and emphasize your commitment to reliable work and safety.

   
   

6. Emphasize any warehouse, physical labor, or logistics experience. Even informal experience demonstrates relevant work ethic and capabilities.

   
   

7. Highlight your reliability, attendance record, and physical capability. Sysco warehouses operate on tight schedules requiring consistent staffing. Give specific examples of dependability and stamina.

   
   

8. Be prepared for physical demands. Warehouse selectors regularly lift 50-80 pound cases for entire shifts. Make sure you're physically capable and communicate this clearly.

   
   

9. Be flexible with shift work. Most Sysco warehouses run multiple shifts including nights and early mornings (some start 2am-4am). Willingness to work any shift increases hiring chances. Night shifts often pay premiums.

   
   

10. Ask your local workforce development program whether it has connections with Sysco or other food distributors in your area.

    
    

11. Dress appropriately for interviews. Business casual demonstrates professionalism even for warehouse positions. First impressions matter.

    
    

12. Express interest in productivity and efficiency. Sysco values workers who meet or exceed productivity standards. Show you understand this is fast-paced work with performance expectations.

    
    

13. Bring references from anyone who can vouch for your work ethic and physical capability. Former supervisors from physical jobs provide valuable credibility.

    
    

14. Ask about overtime opportunities and advancement paths. Showing interest in maximizing hours and growing with the company demonstrates commitment valued by Sysco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my drug conviction prevent me from working at Sysco?

Drug convictions, including felonies, don't automatically prevent Sysco employment. However, you must pass drug tests now. Drug testing is commonly required at most Sysco facilities due to safety requirements in warehouse operations. If your conviction was for distribution rather than possession, be prepared to discuss it honestly. Time since conviction helps—if you've been clean for 2+ years, most hiring managers view this positively. Focus on current sobriety and your work ethic. Warehouse positions are accessible even with drug felony histories if you can pass current drug tests.

Does Sysco do drug testing?

Yes, drug testing is commonly required at most Sysco facilities, though policies may vary somewhat by location. Warehouse work involves operating equipment, heavy lifting, and safety hazards, making testing standard for safety reasons. You'll be tested after receiving conditional offers. Tests typically screen for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Random testing after hire is also common at many facilities. If you're in recovery and on prescribed medications, bring proper documentation. Be prepared to pass drug screens.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to Sysco?

You can apply right away, but chances usually improve with time. If your conviction is less than a year old, expect more scrutiny, though it isn't an automatic disqualifier, especially for warehouse positions. After a few years with a clean record, options expand. How far back a check can report depends on the type of record and state law; some states limit reporting of older convictions. The key is demonstrating stability—consistent work history and staying out of trouble. If you need work and can handle the physical demands, there's no reason to hold off on applying.

Can I work at Sysco while on probation or parole?

Yes, if hired. Employment can help you meet supervision requirements. Be upfront about restrictions like check-ins or travel limits, and discuss any scheduling needs during hiring. Some employers will confirm employment with your probation officer if asked. Stable warehouse work with steady pay and benefits is the kind of job most probation officers support.

Will violent felonies disqualify me from Sysco?

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you. Sysco evaluates circumstances, time passed, and records since then. Warehouse work involves equipment and physical labor but not vulnerable populations. If your violent conviction was 5+ years ago and you've maintained clean records since, many facilities will consider you. Be honest about what happened and emphasize workplace safety commitment. Different facilities have different comfort levels. Apply to multiple locations—some will give chances while others may be more cautious.

What if I have theft convictions?

Theft convictions are evaluated carefully because warehouses have valuable products and equipment. However, they don't make employment impossible. If your theft conviction was 5+ years ago, you've maintained stable employment since, and you're completely honest, some facilities will give chances. Time since conviction matters significantly—10+ year old theft convictions carry minimal weight. Warehouse positions focusing on physical work may be evaluated somewhat more flexibly than positions with more product access. Be honest, take responsibility, and emphasize how you've changed.

Can I become a delivery driver with a felony?

Possibly. What matters most is your driving record—you need a commercial driver's license (CDL) and a clean driving history, and Sysco's drivers are subject to federal (FMCSA) rules, including drug and alcohol testing. Felonies don't automatically disqualify you from driving positions if your driving record is good. However, felonies that involve driving (DUI, vehicular crimes) create more challenges. If your felony is unrelated to driving and your driving record is clean, delivery positions are realistic. These positions pay well ($20-$28/hour) and offer good hours.

Are certain Sysco facilities better for hiring people with felonies?

All Sysco facilities need reliable workers, but warehouses in areas with tight labor markets may be particularly flexible. Facilities in ban-the-box states must follow fair chance hiring. Union warehouses may have structured processes providing protections. However, the most important factors are your physical capability and the facility's current needs. Apply to multiple Sysco warehouses within reasonable distance to find the best opportunities. Don't make assumptions—different locations have different needs and management attitudes.

What should I do if my background check contains errors?

Act immediately if checks contain errors. Under the FCRA, an employer must send a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report before rejecting you based on it, and you get a short window to respond—don't wait. Contact both Sysco HR and the screening company to file disputes. Gather documentation proving errors—court records or documents showing dismissed or expunged charges. Follow up every 2-3 days. Accuracy matters in employment decisions.

Does Sysco offer advancement for people with felonies?

Yes, Sysco offers advancement paths, and once you're hired and proving reliability and productivity, your track record on the job carries a lot of weight. Warehouse selectors can move to lead positions, then supervisory roles. Loaders can become transportation coordinators. Workers can move into maintenance, driving, or management roles. Many facilities provide training and development opportunities. A felony doesn't automatically block promotion, though some roles may involve additional review.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If Sysco doesn't work out or you want to explore similar opportunities in food distribution/logistics, consider these companies:

US Foods: Major food distributor with similar operations. They hire people with felonies for warehouse and delivery positions.

Performance Food Group (PFG): Food distribution company that hires people with criminal backgrounds for warehouse roles.

Gordon Food Service: Food distributor hiring people with felonies for warehouse and delivery positions.

McLane Company: Supply chain services company (owned by Berkshire Hathaway) that hires people with criminal backgrounds.

C&S Wholesale Grocers: Grocery distributor with warehouse facilities that hire people with felonies.

Final Thoughts

Sysco offers solid opportunities for people with felony convictions seeking stable warehouse careers. Its facilities hire throughout the year, and the company evaluates candidates on work ethic and physical capability rather than automatically rejecting people with criminal backgrounds. The combination of strong wages ($17-$25/hour), benefits, overtime opportunities, union representation at some facilities, and advancement paths makes Sysco a strong option for building financial stability.

Take action today by applying at sysco.com/careers to every distribution center within reasonable distance. Focus on warehouse selector and loader positions for fastest entry.

Be honest about your background, emphasize your physical capability and reliability, and show willingness to work any shift including nights and early mornings. With the right work ethic and reliability, you can build a lasting career in food distribution.