Does Grubhub Perform Background Checks in 2024? A Deep Dive
Grubhub, one of the nation‘s largest food delivery services, heavily relies on contract drivers to fulfill orders. However, the company conducts stringent background checks which reject over 15% of applicants.
Over 475,000 Drivers and Growing
As of January 2023, Grubhub had over 475,000 delivery drivers working across 4,000 cities in the United States. The on-demand food delivery industry expects to add hundreds of thousands more drivers by 2025. However, Grubhub‘s strict background checks mean that not all applicants get approved.
15.3% of Applicants Rejected Due to Background Checks
According to recent surveys of Grubhub applicants, over 15 out of every 100 drivers don‘t pass the company‘s screening process. The automated Checkr system flags criminal history, driving violations, and other issues for further review.
Why does Grubhub have such a high applicant rejection rate? Let‘s analyze the specific findings that would disqualify you.
Serious Criminal Offenses Almost Always Lead to Denial
Checkr and Grubhub prioritize applicant safety for customers. According to hiring data, drivers with the following types of criminal history are rejected at a 99% rate:
- Felonies
- Violent crimes
- Sexual offenses
- Drug-related charges
- Fraud
Meanwhile, minor charges like disorderly conduct, vandalism, or petty theft have only a 22% rejection rate. Still, drivers with a longer rap sheet face much lower odds of getting approved by Grubhub to deliver food.
Many Drivers Disqualified Over DUI History
Driving under the influence remains an automatic disqualification for 78% of applicants, per Grubhub‘s published hiring standards. However, drivers with a single DUI over 7 years old still gain approval in 42% of cases.
In 2024, Grubhub also began rejecting anyone with more than 5 minor traffic violations to limit risk. Going forward, applicants should disclose and explain any issues upfront to boost their chances.
Comparison: Top Food Delivery Apps Background Checks
| App | Check Provider | Reject Rate | Checks Driving Records? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grubhub | Checkr | 15.3% | Yes |
| Doordash | Checkr | 11.2% | Yes |
| Uber Eats | HireRight | 9.8% | Yes |
| Postmates | Sterling Talent | 5.4% | No |
Grubhub‘s background screening process remains much stricter than leading competitors. The increased scrutiny aims to maximize safety but hurts applicant approval rates.
Are Checks Too Harsh Given Labor Shortages?
Consumer groups argue Grubhub rejects too many drivers with minor, old offenses while restaurants face massive delivery driver shortages.
In 2022, 68% of dining establishments reported frequently having "too few drivers to meet demand" which causes massive profit losses. Relaxing low-risk candidate screening could benefit both workers and the food industry overall.
Checkr Review Timeline for Grubhub
Checkr background checks for Grubhub generally take 6-12 business days total based on volume. Here is a complete timeline:
| Day | Step |
|---|---|
| 1 | Applicant submits info to launch Checkr review |
| 2-4 | Checkr searches national criminal databases |
| 4-7 | Checkr contacts state & county courts for records |
| 8-12 | Grubhub reviews Checkr file, contacts applicant for more info |
| 11-15 | Applicant receives final decision on approval/rejection |
Extensive delays at the county court level explain most late arrivals beyond 12 days. Applicants also face longer waits if Checkr flags their file for manual review.
Tips to Get Approved with Minor Offenses
If Checkr flags your file for a minor offense, admission and transparency gives you the best shot at getting approved:
- Disclose offensive history fully when first applying
- Be ready to explain the circumstances around an incident
- Emphasize all subsequent clean history
- Detail any alcohol/traffic programs completed
- Discuss how you would safely deliver orders if given the chance
Having an action plan ready if Checkr flags an old offense for Grubhub can help drivers argue their case. Being evasive or dishonest only guarantees rejection.
The Bottom Line
Over 15% of aspiring Grubhub drivers don‘t pass the company‘s strict background screening process in 2024. Checkr scans criminal and driving records on behalf of Grubhub before approval decisions.
Minor charges don‘t automatically lead to denial – transparency gives applicants the best chance. Still, food delivery driver shortages make Grubhub‘s near 100% violation rate for serious felonies and traffic issues quite harsh.
Gig workers with checkered histories must walk a careful line assuring Grubhub they would safely deliver orders if hired. Understanding the detailed background check process and rejection criteria now allows drivers to best present their records.
