FedEx ranks among the largest employers in the United States, with more than 484,000 direct employees. FedEx is vital to supply chains and commercial processes worldwide, delivering millions of packages every week. Direct employees include those in retail stores, warehouses, truck driving positions, and even some pilots. However, FedEx also needs outside help to get the job done. The company works with more than 100,000 suppliers globally. Are there requirements for vendor background checks for these businesses?
What is such a process? A vendor background check refers to a screening process that third parties use to satisfy due diligence requirements from the parent company. FedEx does not handle hiring or talent selection for its suppliers or vendors. Instead, the company has an established Supplier Code of Conduct that lays out a multitude of requirements. To have a successful working relationship with FedEx, vendors must clearly abide by these rules. Let's take a closer look at what to know about background screening in this space.
FedEx works with third-party businesses to achieve many goals. In some cases, these vendors or suppliers may offer services or products directly to FedEx employees as a benefit of employment. In other cases, suppliers source key materials for FedEx operations. Others may include transportation contractors. For example, FedEx may work with outside agencies to source pilots and other skilled workers to move parcels from place to place. FedEx makes a strong effort to partner with small businesses and those owned by women when selecting vendors.
In situations like this, companies may choose to enforce vendor background check requirements on their partners. Since a supplier might operate on behalf of FedEx, negligence could reflect badly on the main company itself. Avoiding the PR and legal risks of such events is important. Companies such as FedEx expect their suppliers to work diligently to prevent such possible outcomes.
Online policy documents available from FedEx don't provide specific details on the different types of partners the company makes. There is, however, an extensive Supplier Code of Conduct that outlines key responsibilities in many areas. Does this document have anything to say about how suppliers should hire their employees?
The FedEx Supplier Code of Conduct does not directly mention criminal history background checks or other screening services. FedEx also does not enforce its own hiring process on vendors or suppliers. Despite that, there are clear expectations that suppliers will abide by the law and create safe and secure workplaces. Suppliers must provide equal employment opportunities and prevent harassment from occurring in the workplace.
Suppliers also face stringent data privacy and security regulations from FedEx. The company may inspect suppliers at any time to verify compliance with the standards outlined in the code of conduct. We can reasonably assume that FedEx expects companies to undertake independent efforts to foster the safe, healthy, and secure work environment they demand. Support from a background screening company can help you develop a paper trail to showcase compliance during audits.
Although the company does not speak directly about background checks, these tools are essential for creating the environment FedEx anticipates. An intelligent hiring process that incorporates these solutions is necessary for building a team that can help you grow toward success as a FedEx partner. How can you build such a process?
Without clear requirements for an employer to use vendor background checks, companies need to create their own approach to the hiring process. To maintain safety and security within your business, you should rely on proven best practices and reliable screening tools. Here's a quick look at what such a process might look like.
By building a thorough background check process into your business, you can ensure that you align yourself with the FedEx supplier's code of conduct. In doing so, remember that the company also requires you to abide by all local laws and regulations. This includes hiring rules.
Vendors for FedEx may operate in many different locations. Always abide by any applicable rules and regulations when hiring and using background checks. This includes the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and its disclosure and consent requirements. Likewise, research any local Fair Chance or ban the box requirements. These may require you to delay background checks until later in the hiring workflow. Always comply with the law in your area as the supplier code of conduct requires.
Working with FedEx can be a lucrative opportunity for your business. At backgroundchecks.com, we have the resources and tools necessary to develop smart, safe vendor background checks. Learn more about our VendorSAFE program and explore additional screening resources today. With these resources and easy-to-read reports, you can evaluate every candidate with a full accounting of the facts. Get started with a background check company today and see how easy it is to build a workforce ready to support your goals.