Sams Distribution Center: Hiring, Background Check & Employment Verification FAQs

Sam's Club was founded by Sam Walton, with the first location opening on April 7, 1983, in Midwest City, Oklahoma, as a membership-based warehouse retail concept operating alongside the broader Walmart chain. From its earliest days, Sam's Club leveraged Walmart's sophisticated distribution network, which industry analysts at the time described as among the most advanced systems in retail, moving merchandise mechanically whenever possible to minimize handling costs from factory to customer. Sam's Club grew steadily through the 1980s and 1990s, including its first acquisition in 1987 with the purchase of the West Monroe, Louisiana-based SuperSaver Wholesale Warehouse Club chain, and by 2000 had grown to more than 450 stores.

In recent years, Sam's Club has undertaken a major multi-year transformation of its supply chain, investing in new distribution and fulfillment centers with cutting-edge automation across the country. Since 2023, the company has announced or opened new distribution and fulfillment centers in locations including Lithia Springs, Georgia; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Edwardsville, Illinois (serving the greater St. Louis area); Shakopee, Minnesota; and Jacksonville, Florida, among others. As of Walmart's 2025 annual report, Sam's Club locations are served by more than 30 distribution facilities across the U.S., part of a broader Walmart logistics network exceeding 370 facilities globally.

Sam's Club distribution centers typically employ hourly associates in roles such as warehouse selectors and order pickers, forklift and heavy equipment operators, inventory and logistics coordinators, and shift supervisors, supporting the movement of goods from suppliers to individual Sam's Club locations and, increasingly, directly to members through e-commerce fulfillment. New distribution center openings have each created dozens to more than 100 new local jobs.

Company culture and employee programs: As part of Walmart Inc., Sam's Club distribution center employees have access to the broader corporate benefits, training, and advancement opportunities available across Walmart's logistics network. The company has emphasized modernization and automation as central to its ongoing supply chain strategy. Benefits, scheduling, and advancement opportunities can vary by facility and role, so candidates should confirm specifics with a recruiter during the hiring process.

Yes. Employers in the retail distribution and logistics industry, including Sam's Club and its parent Walmart, are legally permitted to conduct pre-employment background checks on job candidates, provided they comply with applicable federal, state, and local laws. In the United States, employment screening is governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which requires employers to obtain written consent, provide disclosures, and follow adverse action procedures.

Sam's Club distribution centers are generally reported to conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, which is standard for large-scale warehouse and logistics employers, particularly for roles involving heavy equipment operation such as forklifts.

The hiring process for warehouse and distribution roles at Sam's Club typically includes an online application, an interview, and a background check prior to a final offer. Equipment operation roles may also involve a safety or skills assessment.

Background check timelines can vary based on the type of screening requested and how quickly records can be verified. Learn more about typical background check turnaround times to understand what factors can affect the process.

A typical pre-employment background check for a distribution center role may include:

Under the FCRA, criminal history reporting is generally limited to seven years for most background checks, though state laws may extend or restrict this timeframe depending on the type of record and jurisdiction.

Hiring decisions involving candidates with criminal records are generally made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and its relevance to the role. Some states have adopted "ban-the-box" laws that restrict when employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process.

Candidates can generally expect to provide personal information such as full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number, along with signed consent authorizing the background check, in compliance with FCRA requirements.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that regulates how employers can use background check information in hiring decisions. It requires employers to notify candidates before running a check, obtain written consent, and follow specific adverse action procedures if a decision is made based on background check results.

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Sam's Club may see during the hiring process, helping you address any concerns before you apply. A personal background check can include:

Learn more about Checkr Personal Background Checks and explore your Checkr Profile to see what information may appear in your own background check.

If you're a candidate with a background check in progress through Checkr as part of your application to Sam's Club or another employer, you can check your status through the Candidate Portal. For additional support, visit the Checkr Help Center.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. All information is for general informational purposes only. Checkr does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of this information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. This article may contain links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader. Checkr does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites and disclaims any affiliation with the companies mentioned in this article unless otherwise stated.