Fleet Farm: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

According to the company's careers site, Fleet Farm opened in 1955 when Stewart Mills Sr. and his twin sons, Stewart Jr. and Henry II, opened the first Fleet Wholesale Supply in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to sell merchandise to farmers. The company calls itself a one-stop shop for life in the Midwest, offering value-priced merchandise and services ranging from auto parts to pet supplies.

Fleet Farm's headquarters are in Appleton, Wisconsin, and its distribution center is in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The careers site lists stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota, and describes stores in 50 locations.

The careers site organizes jobs into retail stores, retail management, distribution and warehouse, and corporate offices. Store roles serve customers across the company's merchandise departments, distribution roles focus on on-time delivery to the stores, and corporate roles support the business from the Appleton headquarters.

Company culture and employee programs:

Fleet Farm lists honesty, integrity, efficiency, hard work and courtesy as its core values and describes a mission of making customers for life. Benefits, pay and scheduling vary by role, store and whether a position is full-time or part-time, so candidates are encouraged to confirm specifics during the hiring process.

Yes. Employers in the farm, home and outdoor retail industry, including Fleet Farm, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks on job candidates, provided they follow applicable federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, background screening is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which sets requirements around candidate consent, disclosure, and adverse action procedures. Fleet Farm stores are spread across five Midwest states, so state and local rules on screening may differ from one store to another.

Fleet Farm is generally reported to conduct background checks as part of its hiring process, though its screening policy is not publicly detailed. Large retailers commonly screen candidates because store and warehouse teams handle cash, inventory and equipment. The scope of the Fleet Farm background check may vary depending on the role, the store or distribution center, and the state.

The Fleet Farm hiring process typically starts with searching for jobs by category or location on the company's careers site and applying online. Store candidates may interview with a department or store manager, while distribution and corporate candidates may speak with recruiters and hiring managers. Those who receive a conditional offer are usually asked to consent to a background check before a start date is confirmed. Steps may vary by role and location.

A Fleet Farm background check can take anywhere from a few business days to longer, depending on the searches ordered and how quickly courts and agencies respond. Candidates who have worked or lived in more than one Midwest state may see longer timelines because more courts are searched. Candidates who want more detail on typical timelines can review background check turnaround times.

The specific components of a background check are determined by the employer. For a role at a farm and home retailer like Fleet Farm, a background check may include some or all of the following:

Candidates should review any disclosure and consent forms provided during the hiring process to understand which searches will be conducted for their specific role.

Fleet Farm does not publicly detail a drug-testing policy, and whether a test applies may depend on the role and location. Retailers with distribution operations sometimes use drug screens for warehouse or equipment-related roles, while store positions may be handled differently. Candidates should review the offer paperwork and any disclosure forms to see whether a drug test applies to their position.

The lookback period for a background check depends on the type of search and the laws of the state or country where the candidate lives or worked. In the United States, the FCRA generally limits consumer reporting agencies from reporting most negative information older than seven years, with certain exceptions for higher-salary positions and specific record types such as convictions. Some states have stricter limits. Candidates with records in multiple jurisdictions may see different lookback windows applied to different searches within the same report.

Fleet Farm does not publicly state how it handles felony records, and decisions are typically made case by case. Factors that may influence a decision include the type of offense, how much time has passed, and the duties of the role, such as handling cash, operating equipment or working in a distribution center. Many states and cities have enacted "ban-the-box" laws that limit when employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process. Candidates are encouraged to be honest on their application and to be prepared to discuss their background if asked.

Candidates applying to Fleet Farm will typically be asked to provide written consent before a background check is initiated, usually through a disclosure form during the hiring process. Be prepared to supply your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number and address history. Roles that involve driving may also require a valid driver's license number.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a US federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information. Under the FCRA, employers must obtain written consent before running a background check, provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights if they intend to take adverse action based on the results, and allow the candidate an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information before a final decision is made. For a detailed overview of how the FCRA applies to background checks, visit Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

A distribution or warehouse role at Fleet Farm typically involves criminal history searches and identity checks, and it may include drug screening where equipment or safety-sensitive work is involved. Roles that involve driving company vehicles may add a motor vehicle record check. The disclosure form each candidate receives lists the searches that apply to that position.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Fleet Farm may see and help you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your job application. In one secure report you can review:

Create your report in minutes at Checkr Personal Background Checks. To showcase verified credentials proactively, build a free Checkr Profile you can share with recruiters, hiring managers, or potential employers.

Check your report status in the Candidate Portal. Or, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, dispute steps, and to contact support.

The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.