A Yard Driver is a professional who plays a crucial role in the logistics and transportation industry. They are responsible for operating specialized vehicles, typically in warehouse and distribution center settings, to move trailers and containers within the yard or terminal area. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Yard Drivers.

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Main Responsibilities of a Yard Driver

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Yard Driver:

Adhere to

• Adhere to all safety requirements set forth by American Eagle Outfitters.

• Adhere to all traffic rules and speed limits within the yard area.

Assist in

• Assist dock workers in loading / unloading trailer.

• Assist in loading and unloading activities when required.

• Assist in yard security measures, such as monitoring access points.

Back

Back trailers into loading and staging areas with precision.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with logistics coordinators to prioritize trailer movements based on delivery schedules.

Communicate

• Communicate any delays or issues in the yard to appropriate personnel.

• Communicate with maintenance garage on equipment schedule for inspection lane.

• Communicate with Receiving Supervisor on unloading sequence of backhauls.

• Communicate with supervisor on all changes due to equipment breakdown and / or availability.

• Communicate with yard supervisors and logistics teams to update on trailer availability.

Complete

• Complete all paperwork and forms in an accurate and neat manner.

• Complete special projects and other duties as assigned.

Comply with

Comply with all company policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Conduct

• Conduct training for new Yard Drivers and provide guidance when needed.

• Conduct yard checks to ensure all trailers are accurately accounted for.

Connect

• Connect and disconnect brake lines as needed.

• Connect and disconnect trailers from yard trucks using a fifth wheel or coupling system.

Coordinate with

• Coordinate equipment hook up.

• Coordinate with maintenance personnel for repairs and servicing of yard trucks.

• Coordinate with truck drivers for drop-off and pick-up of trailers.

• Coordinate with warehouse and dock personnel to prioritize trailer movements.

Drive

Drive truck to transport trailers to and from DC docks for loading, unloading and storage purposes.

Ensure

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and company policies.

• Ensure proper functions of all safety related features of the vehicle at all times.

• Ensure that correct trailers are spotted into correct dock doors for loading.

• Ensure trailers are correctly loaded and properly balanced.

• Ensure trailers are not pulled away from docks until properly cleared by Management for removal.

Follow

• Follow all required work safe practices.

• Follow company housekeeping and safety standards.

• Follow proper hand signals and communication protocols while working with other personnel.

• Follow proper procedures for trailer securing and chocking.

• Follow written and / or oral instructions.

Help

Help maintain our vehicles in good working order and the lot in an organized manner.

Hook

Hook assigned tractor to trailer according to daily schedule.

Inspect

• Inspect truck equipment and supplies such as tires, lights, brakes, fuel, oil, and water.

• Inspect trailers for damages and report any discrepancies.

Load

• Load and unload trailers and verifies product count.

• Load and unload trucks, verifying the count and condition of product.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate records of trailer movements and yard inventory.

• Maintain a clean and safe docking area and reports any maintenance or safety issues to supervision.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment.

• Maintain a clean, sanitary and safe work area.

• Maintain a log in accordance with Federal and State regulations and company needs.

• Maintain a professional and courteous attitude towards colleagues and visitors.

• Maintain a valid Class A CDL and current DOT medical card.

• Maintain equipment fuel levels and refuels equipment during appropriate times.

• Maintain safe and efficient dock operation by switching trailers and equipment to and from docks.

• Maintain the vehicle fleet.

Make

Make decisions in sequencing schedule to maintain efficient loading and unloading operations.

Maneuver

Maneuver trailers in tight spaces, ensuring precise positioning.

Monitor

Monitor and maintain the cleanliness and organization of the yard area.

Move

Move trailers from door to door for loading and unloading.

Notify

Notify supervision of current or anticipated repair needs.

Operate

• Operate gasoline or diesel powered tractor-trailer.

• Operate manual and / or mechanical equipment in a safe and efficient manner.

• Operate other yard equipment, such as forklifts, as needed.

• Operate the yard vehicle within tight quarters tight quarters.

• Operate yard trucks to move trailers and containers to designated locations.

Perform

• Perform daily yard checks.

• Perform physical tasks while connecting and disconnecting trailers from the tractor.

• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of the yard truck and report any issues.

• Perform production duties as needed.

• Perform safety checks to secure trailer.

• Perform yard check of all trailers in drop yards and docks.

Place

Place outbound trailer / truck to assigned loading dock.

Position

Position vehicles in the right loading doors for the night trips.

Prepare

Prepare and maintain accurate records and / or logs as required policies and procedures.

Provide

Provide appropriate CDL and endorsements for the position.

Reach with

Reach with hands and arms.

Read

Read, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations policies and / or procedures.

Refuel

Refuel vehicles on site and documents locations and condition of equipment.

Report

• Report any food safety and food quality related issues to management immediately.

• Report any safety hazards or incidents immediately.

• Report overages, shortages, and damages.

Respond to

Respond promptly to emergency situations and accidents.

Secure

Secure all equipment and complete all necessary paperwork at the end of the shift.

Set

Set temperature on thermo king unit as required.

Take

Take vehicles for repair when needed.

Transport

Transport trailers to loading docks for loading and unloading processes.

Travel

Travel companion policy – need to bring a family member on the road with you.

Utilize

Utilize communication devices (e.g., radio, smartphone) for effective coordination.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Yard Driver:

1. Proficient operation of yard trucks and related equipment.

2. Familiarity with trailer coupling and uncoupling procedures.

3. Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in logistics.

4. Ability to navigate and maneuver large vehicles in confined spaces.

5. Basic maintenance and troubleshooting of yard trucks.

6. Familiarity with trailer types and specifications.

7. Knowledge of warehouse and distribution center operations.

8. Experience with pre- and post-trip inspections.

9. Efficient backing and parking skills for trailers.

10. Ability to read and understand transportation manifests and schedules.

11. Knowledge of basic vehicle maintenance and servicing.

12. Understanding of traffic rules and regulations within the yard area.

13. Basic understanding of logistics and supply chain principles.

14. Proficiency in using communication devices for coordination.

15. Knowledge of yard security measures and procedures.

16. Ability to operate forklifts and other yard equipment.

17. Familiarity with trailer loading and securing methods.

18. Basic knowledge of vehicle weight limits and load distribution.

19. Proficient use of GPS and navigation systems for yard operations.

20. Ability to work in all weather conditions.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Yard Driver:

1. Excellent communication and coordination skills.

2. Attention to detail and precision in trailer positioning.

3. Ability to work independently and make quick decisions.

4. Time management and punctuality in meeting schedules.

5. Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.

6. Team player mentality and collaborative approach.

7. Problem-solving skills in managing yard operations efficiently.

8. Patience and calmness in high-pressure situations.

9. Ability to prioritize tasks and handle multiple responsibilities.

10. Strong work ethic and commitment to safety and efficiency.

Conclusion

By embracing these responsibilities and developing the required hard and soft skills, Yard Drivers can contribute significantly to the smooth and efficient flow of goods in the logistics industry. Their crucial role ensures the timely delivery and pickup of trailers and containers, playing a vital part in the overall supply chain process.