United States Postal Service (USPS): Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

The United States Postal Service traces its origins to 1775, when Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General. In 1971, the Post Office Department was reorganized as an independent agency of the federal government, becoming the USPS. Today, the organization operates as a self-funded federal agency that does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products, and services to fund operations.

USPS delivers mail and packages to more than 163 million addresses across all 50 states, US territories, and military bases worldwide. The organization employs approximately 640,000 workers, including both career and non-career employees. The USPS network includes thousands of post offices, stations, and branches, along with processing and distribution centers, vehicle maintenance facilities, and one of the largest civilian vehicle fleets in the world.

The agency's workforce includes:

Career positions include federal benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans through the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), participation in the Thrift Savings Plan, paid leave, and job security protections.

USPS employment data and workforce statistics are publicly available through the Postal Facts publication, which provides transparency into agency operations, delivery volume, financial performance, and employment data.

Yes. As a federal agency handling mail delivery and operating facilities, USPS conducts criminal background checks on all prospective employees. The screening process helps USPS protect its mail, packages, customer information, and postal facilities. After making a conditional job offer, USPS will request a background check through the Postal Service's security office or an authorized consumer reporting agency (CRA).

USPS background checks typically take between two weeks to several months to complete. Federal background investigations are generally more extensive than standard employment screenings in the private sector. The timeline varies based on several factors:

During peak hiring periods, background check processing times may increase due to high application volume. Checkr's guide to background check turnaround times provides additional context on screening timelines.

USPS background checks are conducted according to federal standards and may include:

Because USPS operates as a federal agency, background investigations follow guidelines from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Postal Service regulations rather than solely private-sector standards.

As a federal employer, USPS is not subject to the same state-level lookback restrictions that apply to private employers in many jurisdictions. Federal background checks typically review:

The depth of the background check may correlate with the security requirements of the position and the level of responsibility required by the role. Candidates that would have access to financial systems, secure facilities, vehicles, or sensitive mail may undergo more comprehensive reviews.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) establishes requirements for employers using consumer reports for employment purposes. Under the FCRA, employers must:

While USPS operates as a federal agency and follows federal employment regulations, it generally adheres to FCRA principles when using third-party consumer reporting agencies. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also recommends individualized assessments of  candidates’ criminal history, which consider the nature of the offense, when it occurred, and its relationship to job duties.

USPS also conducts random drug testing, reasonable suspicion testing, post-accident testing, and return-to-duty testing for current employees in safety-sensitive positions, particularly those operating vehicles or machinery.

Candidates should note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law even in states where it has been legalized for recreational or medical use. USPS, as a federal employer, maintains zero-tolerance policies for marijuana use regardless of state laws.

Yes. USPS requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. The Postal Service follows federal drug-free workplace requirements and tests for substances including:

Drug testing typically occurs after a conditional job offer and before the initial start date. The test is usually administered at a designated collection site, and results are processed through a Medical Review Officer (MRO). The MRO reviews positive results and provides candidates an opportunity to explain legitimate medical reasons for positive findings.

USPS also conducts random drug testing, reasonable suspicion testing, post-accident testing, and return-to-duty testing for current employees in safety-sensitive positions, particularly those operating vehicles or machinery.

Candidates should note that marijuana remains illegal under federal law even in states where it has been legalized for recreational or medical use. USPS, as a federal employer, maintains zero-tolerance policies for marijuana use regardless of state laws.

USPS considers applicants with criminal histories on a case-by-case basis. Having a felony conviction does not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment. The Postal Service evaluates:

Certain offenses may result in permanent disqualification or extended ineligibility periods under Postal Service regulations. These typically include:

The USPS Suitability Screening Program evaluates criminal history according to federal regulations and internal policies. Candidates are encouraged to be honest and complete when disclosing criminal history on applications; providing false information can result in disqualification or termination.

Common factors that may disqualify candidates during USPS background screening include:

Disqualification criteria may vary by position type and level. USPS human resources personnel or security officers make final suitability determinations based on the complete background check.

USPS communicates background check results through multiple channels:

If your background check reveals information that may affect your eligibility, USPS or its background check provider should send a pre-adverse action notice along with a copy of the report. This notice gives you time to review the information and dispute any inaccuracies with the background check provider who conducted the report before a final decision is made.

The USPS hiring process timeline can vary significantly. Some candidates receive job offers within a few weeks, while others may wait several months depending on position availability, application volume, and background check complexity. Monitor your applicant portal regularly for potential updates.

If you have not heard back within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 to 60 days after your interview or conditional offer), you may contact the HR office or hiring manager listed in your application correspondence for a status update.

Running a personal background check with Checkr allows you to preview what USPS may see during their screening process and identify potential inaccuracies before they affect your application. A personal background check may include:

Reviewing your own background check helps you:

Create your background check report in minutes with Checkr’s personal background checks. To proactively show your credentials to recruiters or hiring managers, build a free Checkr Profile you can share during the application process.

If USPS is using Checkr to process your background check, you can check your report status in the Candidate Portal. The portal provides:

For additional support, visit the Checkr Help Center for FAQs, step-by-step dispute instructions, and contact information for candidate 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.