Caterpillar: Company Profile & Background Check FAQs

Caterpillar Inc. was formed in 1925 through the merger of two pioneering California-based equipment companies: Holt Manufacturing Company, which had developed and commercialized the first successful track-type tractor, and C.L. Best Tractor Co., a leading producer of wheeled and tracked farming and earthmoving equipment. The combined company adopted the Caterpillar name and established itself as the dominant supplier of crawler tractors and construction machinery. Over the following century, Caterpillar expanded its product portfolio into mining equipment, energy systems, marine engines, and financial services, growing from a regional manufacturer into a globally integrated industrial enterprise.

Today, Caterpillar is headquartered in Irving, Texas, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAT. The company organizes its operations into four primary business segments: Construction Industries, which produces equipment for infrastructure, forestry, and building construction; Resource Industries, which manufactures machinery and technology solutions for mining and quarrying operations; Energy & Transportation, which supplies reciprocating engines, turbines, and related services for oil and gas, power generation, marine, and rail applications; and Financial Products, which provides financing and insurance services to customers and dealers. Caterpillar distributes its products through an independent dealer network that spans approximately 160 countries.

Caterpillar has reported annual revenues exceeding $64 billion in recent years, reflecting sustained global demand for infrastructure development and energy production. The company employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide, with manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, research and development operations, and service organizations located across North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.

Company culture and employee programs:

Caterpillar has received recognition as a top employer in multiple markets and has been included in lists such as Forbes' Best Employers for Diversity. The company maintains formal programs centered on safety, sustainability, and workforce development. Employee benefits for eligible workers may include:

Yes. Caterpillar conducts background checks on candidates for most positions as a standard part of its hiring process. The scope and specific components of the background check vary depending on the role, the hiring location, and applicable state and local laws. Manufacturing, engineering, and operations roles may have specific screening requirements related to safety and equipment operation. Finance, legal, and administrative roles may include employment and education verification. Roles classified as safety-sensitive, such as those involving operation of heavy machinery, vehicles, or hazardous materials, may carry additional screening requirements. Regardless of role type, candidates must provide written authorization before a background check is conducted.

Most background checks completed during the Caterpillar hiring process are finished within three to five business days, though actual timelines vary depending on the types of searches ordered and the accessibility of records. Some database searches return results within minutes, while searches requiring manual courthouse retrieval or third-party verification can extend the process. Factors that may affect how long a Caterpillar background check takes include:

For general guidance on screening timelines, see Checkr's resource on background check turnaround times.

The components included in a Caterpillar background check vary by role and location. Common elements of the screening process may include:

The specific combination of searches included in any individual report is determined by the position and the hiring location's applicable requirements.

For most positions, Caterpillar's background check typically covers seven years of criminal history, consistent with the standard look-back period under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). However, the applicable look-back period can vary based on several factors:

Many states and municipalities have also enacted "ban-the-box" laws that restrict when and how employers may ask about criminal history during the hiring process. Candidates should review the fair-chance hiring laws applicable in their state or city.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that governs how consumer reporting agencies collect and report background check information, and how employers may use that information in hiring decisions. Key FCRA protections for candidates include:

These protections apply regardless of the employer or the specific position being applied for.

Caterpillar requires pre-employment drug testing for many of its positions, particularly those in manufacturing plants, field service operations, construction sites, and other safety-sensitive environments. Given the nature of Caterpillar's work, which involves operating heavy machinery, handling industrial materials, and working in high-risk environments, the company places significant emphasis on maintaining drug-free workplace standards.

Drug testing at Caterpillar is typically conducted after a conditional offer of employment has been extended and is often administered at a designated third-party testing facility. The type of test and substances screened may vary by role and location. Candidates who do not pass the required drug screening may have their conditional offer rescinded. Some locations and roles may also require drug testing as part of ongoing random screening programs after hire, consistent with the company's safety policies and applicable federal or state requirements.

The Caterpillar hiring process for most positions generally follows these steps:

How long it takes to get hired at Caterpillar varies by role, location, and hiring volume. The background check phase typically takes three to five business days once initiated, while the overall process from initial application to start date can span several weeks depending on the position and business unit.

Candidates going through the Caterpillar background check process should be aware of the following requirements:

Running a personal background check with Checkr lets you preview what Caterpillar may see before you apply. Reviewing your own report gives you the opportunity to identify and dispute any inaccurate or outdated information before it appears in an employer's search.

A personal background check through Checkr can include:

To get started, visit Checkr Personal Background Checks or create a portable Checkr Profile that you can share with prospective employers directly.

If Caterpillar initiated your background check through Checkr and you have questions about your report status, you can log in to the Candidate Portal or find answers and support through the Checkr Help Center.

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.

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.