Disorganized, unprofessional, and a complete waste of time
I went through the entire onboarding process. I completed the background check, got cleared, and booked multiple shifts through the JobStack app. The app showed the jobs as confirmed and ready to go.
Then I called the branch to confirm, and they told me I needed a drug test. That was never mentioned in the job posting, the app, or anywhere during the booking process. The person on the phone had no idea my background check was even complete. That tells me the left hand has no idea what the right hand is doing.
If I had not called, I would have shown up to the job site and been turned away. That is time, money, and energy wasted because PeopleReady cannot communicate basic requirements to their own workers.
What went wrong: The drug test was required but never disclosed in the job listing or app. There is no communication between systems. The app let me book shifts, but the branch did not know my status. I had to chase them down to find out I was not actually cleared to work. The branch staff could not answer basic questions about my own file.
I have seen other workers report the exact same issues. People drive long distances for drug tests and background checks, only to have the job cancelled with no explanation. Some people complete all the requirements and still get told they do not qualify with no reason given.
The JobStack app makes it seem like you are ready to work, but the branch office operates completely separately. You are left chasing down information they should be giving you upfront.
If you need quick cash, use Instawork or Wonolo instead. PeopleReady is not worth the headache, the wasted trips, or the uncertainty.
UPDATE: I have since learned that clients can add requirements like drug tests and training after a job is posted. The app shows "Instant Booking" as if all requirements are met, but the branch later informs you of additional hurdles. In my case, the drug test and training were never listed in the job posting. I also learned that the training must be conducted by the client's trainer, and the branch has no control over when that happens. I called the branch and escalated to corporate. I am still waiting for a clear answer about whether my booked shifts are actually confirmed. Workers should be aware that "Instant Booking" does not mean you are fully cleared to work. You may still need to complete requirements that were never disclosed upfront.
Update – August 2026
After escalating this to the CEO of TrueBlue, corporate connected me with the Charlotte branch's market manager. The phone number she provided did not work. She blamed the entire issue on an IT glitch and offered no accountability for the hidden requirements or the broken "Instant Booking" status.
Corporate closed the loop with a thank you and no resolution.
I've moved on to Instawork, where the process actually works. Save yourself the headache and use literally any other platform.