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Forklift Driver - Manufacturing 2nd / 3rd Shift - Decatur, IL

Caterpillar · Decatur, IL · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about the forklifts and other mobile equipment you've run, and in what kind of setting.

What they are checking: Whether their equipment experience is real and recent enough to be safe on a busy plant floor from day one.

Tell me about a time you found a count that didn't match what the system said. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they fix inventory errors at the source instead of quietly working around them.

This is 2nd and 3rd shift, 40 hours a week, with overtime available. How have you handled late shifts and extra hours before?

What they are checking: Whether they can sustain the schedule reliably, since attendance on off shifts is a common reason hires don't last.

Tell me about a near miss or incident you saw on a forklift. What changed afterward?

What they are checking: Whether they report and learn from close calls rather than hiding them to avoid blame.

What would you do

You're moving parts that keep a production line running in Decatur. How do you decide what to move first when three areas call at once?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that a starved line costs more than a slow dock and can prioritize by impact.

A supervisor asks you to rush a load and skip strapping it because the line is waiting. What do you say?

What they are checking: Whether they will hold a safety line under production pressure without being difficult about it.

How do you keep track of where you stored something so the next shift can find it?

What they are checking: Whether they think about handoffs between shifts, since lost parts on 3rd shift stop 1st shift.

About the work

Walk me through your pre-shift inspection on a forklift. What would make you tag it out?

What they are checking: Whether they treat the inspection as a real check that can stop the truck, not a form to sign.

How do you handle a tall or off-balance load when you're working near pedestrians in an aisle?

What they are checking: Load stability and pedestrian awareness, which are where most serious forklift injuries actually happen.

What's your experience with shipping and receiving, like checking paperwork against what's on the truck?

What they are checking: Whether they catch shortages and damage at the dock, where a mistake is cheapest to fix.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Operations Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Forklift Driver – Manufacturing (2nd/3rd Shift) – Caterpillar, Decatur, IL Location : Decatur, Illinois Pay : Starting at $20.40/hr + $1.00 shift premium Job Type : Full-time, Supplemental Schedule: 2nd and 3rd Shift | 40 hours/week | Overtime available Join Caterpillar’s Manufacturing Team in Decatur Caterpillar is hiring Forklift Drivers to support our manufacturing and logistics operations on 2nd and 3rd shift in Decatur, IL . As a Material Handler , you’ll play a key role in moving, storing, and shipping parts and supplies that keep our production lines running. If you have experience in warehouse operations, inventory control, or shipping and receiving , this is your opportunity to build a career with a global leader in heavy equipment manufacturing. Key Responsibilities · Operate forklifts and other mobile equipment to move materials safely and efficiently. · Receive, verify, and store incoming parts, tools, and supplies. · Pick, pack, and ship orders using handheld scanners and warehouse systems. · Maintain accurate inventory records and resolve discrepancies. · Perform daily housekeeping and equipment inspections. · Work may take place indoors or outdoors depending on the task. Candidates should be comfortable working in changing temperatures and weather conditions. -Forklift certification is provided - no driver's license required. Basic Qualifications · Minimum 1 year of experience in a warehouse, logistics, or manufacturing setting. · Ability to obtain forklift certification (training provided). · Basic math and computer skills. · Strong communication and teamwork mindset. · Commitment to safety and quality. - Comfortable working in a structured, safety-first environment Preferred Qualifications · Previous experience as a forklift driver, warehouse associate, or material handler. · Background in inventory control, order picking, or shipping and receiving. · Familiarity with warehouse management systems (WMS). What Caterpillar Offers · Competitive Wages: $20.40/hr + $1.00 shift premium -Hands-on Training: Forklift certification and safety training provided on-site to ensure confidence and readiness from day one ·Health Care Benefits: Coverage starts Day 1 (must enroll within 31 days) · Wage Increases: Automatic every 26 weeks, with performance-based acceleration · Annual Market Adjustments · Paid Lunch Period · Overtime Pay: 1.5x for hours over 40/week · Career Growth: Opportunities to advance within Caterpillar Additional Information · This is a Supplemental position with limited benefits. · All candidates must pass a pre-employment drug screen. · After applying, look for an email titled "Your Online Assessment..." and check your spam folder. You will be asked to complete an Online Assessment – this will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Competencies • Safety Focus – Demonstrates a commitment to working safely, following procedures, identifying potential hazards, and contributing to a safe work environment. • Responsibility & Dependability – Takes ownership of assigned work, follows through on commitments, maintains attendance standards, and consistently delivers quality results. • Teamwork & Collaboration – Works effectively with others, communicates respectfully, supports team goals, and contributes to a positive and productive work environment. • Functional Expertise & Continuous Learning – Learns and applies job-related knowledge, follows established processes, solves routine work challenges, and adapts to new tools, equipment, and procedures. Safety is a core value at Caterpillar. We owe it to our employees and families to work in a safe and secure workplace. All candidates for employment must successfully pass a preemployment drug screen for prohibited substances Caterpillar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified individuals - including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities - are encouraged to apply. Please ensure you frequently check the e-mail account you provided on your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method in our recruiting process. Summary Pay Range: $0.00 - $0.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. • Medical, dental, and vision benefits* • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* • 401(k) savings plans* • Health Savings Account (HSA)* • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* • Health Lifestyle Programs* • Employee Assistance Program* • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* • Career Development* • Incentive bonus* • Disability benefits • Life Insurance • Parental leave • Adoption benefits • Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees Posting Dates: Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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