Roadie: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Roadie Inc. was founded in 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia, by Marc Gorlin, a serial entrepreneur who also co-founded the small business lender Kabbage. The company launched its web and mobile apps in January 2015 with a distinctive "on-the-way" delivery model: instead of employing couriers, Roadie matches deliveries, called Gigs, with independent drivers already heading in the same direction. Unlike most delivery startups, Roadie launched nationwide from the start rather than city by city, which helped it reach smaller towns and rural communities that traditional couriers often struggle to serve.

Roadie grew by partnering with large enterprises. Delta Air Lines became its first enterprise customer in 2015, using the platform to deliver mishandled luggage, a relationship that expanded to more than 70 US airports. Other major customers have included The Home Depot, Walmart, Tractor Supply Company, and Best Buy. In September 2021, UPS agreed to acquire Roadie, with the deal expected to close in the fourth quarter of that year, and Roadie has continued to operate under its own brand as part of UPS.

Today, Roadie describes its platform as the nation's largest local same-day delivery network, reporting more than 310,000 independent drivers covering over 30,000 zip codes and reaching 97 percent of US households. The company's offerings span same-day and local next-day delivery, big and bulky items up to 300 pounds, ship-from-store programs, returns pickup, and specialized services such as prescription delivery. People who work with Roadie fall into two groups: independent gig drivers who choose deliveries through the app, and corporate employees in engineering, operations, sales, and support roles based largely in Atlanta.

Company culture and employee programs: Roadie's driver network is built on flexibility, with drivers using their own vehicles and choosing gigs that fit their schedules and routes; earnings vary by gig, distance, and item size. On the corporate side, the company has been recognized as a top workplace in Atlanta and maintains a startup-style culture within the UPS family. Because drivers are independent contractors rather than employees, benefits and programs differ substantially between the two groups, and candidates should confirm details for the specific role or driver program they are pursuing.

Yes. Companies in the delivery and logistics industry, including Roadie, are legally permitted to conduct background checks on prospective drivers and employees, provided they follow applicable federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, screening through a consumer reporting agency is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires consent, disclosures, and adverse action procedures. The FCRA applies to gig platform screening as well as traditional employment screening.

Roadie is generally reported to require background checks for people who sign up to drive on its platform, which is standard practice across gig delivery platforms whose drivers handle customer goods and visit homes and businesses. Driver screening typically covers criminal history and may include driving record review, and certain gig categories, such as pharmacy deliveries, can carry additional certification requirements. Corporate hires are also commonly screened. The exact scope of a Roadie background check may vary by role, gig type, and location.

For drivers, the process is a platform signup rather than a traditional job application. Prospective drivers download the app or register online, provide personal and vehicle information, and consent to screening before being approved to claim gigs. For corporate roles, the process typically includes an online application, phone or virtual screening, and interviews with the hiring team, followed by a background check after a conditional offer. Timelines vary, and driver approval generally depends on how quickly screening results are returned.

Turnaround time depends on the searches ordered, the responsiveness of courts and agencies, and the number of jurisdictions in a candidate's history. Many gig platform screenings are completed within a few business days, while reports involving county courthouse research in multiple locations can take longer. Candidates can learn more by reviewing background check turnaround times.

The company determines which searches to include for each role or driver program. For a delivery platform like Roadie, a background check may include some or all of the following:

Drivers and candidates should review the disclosure and consent documents they receive to understand which searches apply.

Lookback periods depend on the type of search and the laws of the state where the person lives or works. Under the FCRA, consumer reporting agencies generally cannot report most negative information older than seven years, though criminal convictions can often be reported further back under federal law, with exceptions for certain higher-paying positions. Several states impose stricter limits, so a report may apply different lookback windows to different searches.

Roadie does not publish a detailed public policy on approving drivers or hiring employees with felony records, and decisions are typically made case by case based on the platform's screening criteria. Factors commonly considered include the nature and severity of the offense, how recent it is, and its relevance to delivering goods to homes and businesses. Many states and cities have "ban-the-box" laws that limit how and when criminal history can be considered, and some of these protections extend to gig work depending on the jurisdiction. Applicants with records should provide accurate information during signup or application.

Prospective drivers are typically asked to consent to a background check during the app signup process and to provide accurate personal information, including full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, and driver's license details. Corporate candidates generally complete a standalone disclosure and authorization form after a conditional offer. Accurate information helps ensure the correct records are searched and avoids approval delays.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect, use, and share background check information, and it protects gig workers as well as traditional job applicants. Companies must obtain consent before ordering a report, and if they intend to take adverse action based on the results, they must provide a copy of the report and a summary of rights, along with an opportunity to dispute inaccurate information. For a deeper overview, read this introduction to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Roadie may see and helps you identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your driver approval or 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.