Yard Driver

Job Responsibilities

Strategic and tactical work for which this position is accountable

The Yard Driver is responsible for:

• Trailer Movement: Moving trailers between dock doors, storage locations, and maintenance areas using a terminal tractor or yard truck.
• Docking Operations: Safely maneuvering and position trailers into tight dock spaces, including frequent backing in and precise alignment with dock doors.
• Equipment Inspection: Performing routine inspections of trailers and terminal tractors to identify safety hazards, maintenance needs, or mechanical issues. Reporting any problems to maintenance or management promptly.
• Yard Efficiency: Maintaining an organized yard layout to maximize the flow of goods and support efficient shipping and receiving operations.
• Driver Coverage: Filling in for other CDL A roles, such as egg deliveries, transporting trucks for service, or moving equipment between sites.
• Operational Support: Assisting with additional tasks as needed, which may include cleaning empty trailers, operating forklifts, or fueling yard equipment.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Capabilities and traits essential to perform satisfactorily

• Knowledge of yard operations, including shipping, receiving, and warehouse logistics.
• Knowledge of safe trailer handling, docking procedures, yard traffic flow, and equipment inspection standards for trailers and terminal tractors.
• Ability to safely operate a yard truck/terminal tractor and maneuver trailers in tight spaces, including precise backing to dock doors.
• Ability to perform routine equipment inspections and identify maintenance or safety issues.
• Ability to maintain an organized yard and prioritize tasks to support efficient shipping and receiving operations.
• Ability to operate material handling equipment, such as forklifts (if required).
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work independently or as part of a team in a fast-paced environment while maintaining situational awareness and following safety procedures.

Education and experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required.
• Two years of experience in a warehouse, distribution center, logistics yard, or similar environment.
• Experience operating yard trucks, terminal tractors, or maneuvering trailers, including backing into dock doors or tight spaces, preferred.
• Experience following safety procedures and conducting basic equipment inspections.
• Previous experience as a yard jockey, hostler driver, CDL driver, or forklift operator, and experience in shipping and receiving or distribution operations preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position requires the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in an agricultural setting. Employees must be able to:

• Regularly required to stand, drive, climb, bend, twist, crawl, talk, see, hear, and walk;

• Lift, push, and pull up to 100 pounds (with assistance) on occasion;
• Climb in and out of yard trucks multiple times per shift;
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions;
• Work long hours in a fast-paced environment, which may include weekends and holidays.

Employees will be exposed to:

• All types of weather, including extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust;
• Loud machinery, farm vehicles, and various equipment/tools (PPE may be required);
• Farm and industrial environment - including noise, dust, odors, manure, and varying terrain;
• A dynamic work environment with frequently changing tasks based on project demands;

A reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.