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If you’ve ever visited a large shipping port or warehouse, you may have noticed a worker driving a truck around the yard, moving containers or trailers from one location to another. This employee is known as a yard dog driver. Although yard dog driving may seem like a straightforward task, there is more to this job than meets the eye. Yard dog drivers play a crucial role in the logistics and transportation industry, ensuring that goods are moved safely and efficiently. In this article, we will explore what a yard dog driver is, what their day-to-day activities involve, and why this role is important in modern-day supply chains.
What Does a Yard Dog Driver Do?
A yard dog driver, also known as a yard jockey, yard hostler or yard truck operator, is responsible for moving trailers around the yards or terminals where they work. Yard dogs drive specialized trucks called yard goats or spotter trucks that are designed to move trailers within a limited area like a warehouse, a distribution center, a container yard, a rail yard, or a shipping terminal. They play an important role in ensuring that trailers are properly positioned, stored, and transported in and out of the yards efficiently and safely.
Opportunities for Yard Dog Drivers
Yard dog driving is an important job that pays well and offers plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy driving and working outdoors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, yard dog drivers earn an average annual wage of $39,340, with the top 10% earning more than $57,080 per year. Moreover, the job outlook for yard jockeys is expected to grow by 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
Skills and Qualifications
To become a yard dog driver, you need to have a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) and specialized training in yard operations. You must also have a good driving record, excellent spatial awareness, and the ability to operate a vehicle safely in tight spaces. Other important skills that yard jockeys need include attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a yard dog driver vary depending on the type of yard or terminal they work in, but typically include the following:
- Inspecting trailers to ensure they are in good condition
- Coupling and uncoupling trailers from the yard goat
- Moving trailers from loading docks to parking areas
- Positioning trailers for loading and unloading
- Transporting loaded and empty trailers to and from the yard or terminal
- Keeping accurate records of the trailers they move
Safety Considerations
Yard dog drivers work in a high-risk environment where accidents can easily happen. Therefore, safety should always be their top priority. They must always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety vests, hard hats, and steel-toed boots. They must also follow traffic rules, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and obstacles, and use caution when backing up or driving in reverse. They must also be aware of blind spots and make sure that no one is near them before moving a trailer.
Working Conditions
Yard dog drivers work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme heat or cold. They may also be exposed to loud noise, fumes, and other environmental hazards. They typically work in shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. They must also be able to sit for long periods, climb in and out of the yard goat, and use hand and foot controls to operate the vehicle.
Equipment and Technology
Yard dogs use specialized trucks called yard goats or spotter trucks that are designed to handle trailers within tight spaces. These trucks are equipped with hydraulics to raise and lower the landing gear of a trailer, fifth wheel couplings to connect and disconnect a trailer, and spotter mirrors to provide the driver with a clear view of the trailer and its surroundings. Some yard goats may also be equipped with advanced technology such as sensors, cameras, and GPS to improve safety and efficiency.
Career Advancement
Yard dog driving can be a stepping stone to other career opportunities in the trucking industry such as long-haul trucking, local delivery, or even management positions. Many companies provide training and career development programs for their yard dog drivers to help them improve their skills and advance in their careers. Some yard dog drivers may also have the opportunity to work on a part-time or seasonal basis.
Conclusion
In summary, a yard dog driver is a specialized truck driver who is responsible for moving trailers within a limited area like a warehouse, a distribution center, a container yard, a rail yard, or a shipping terminal. They play an important role in ensuring that trailers are properly positioned, stored, and transported in and out of the yards efficiently and safely. Yard dog driving is a well-paying job that offers plenty of opportunities for those who enjoy driving and working outdoors. To become a yard dog driver, you need to have a Class A CDL and specialized training in yard operations. Safety should always be the top priority for yard dog drivers, who work in a high-risk environment where accidents can easily happen.
Woman working as a yard driver with a uniform blouse, high vis yellow jacket, and black pants holding a walkie talkie
Responsibilities of a Yard Dog Driver
Yard dog drivers are responsible for a variety of tasks in their role. Some of the primary tasks are:
- Moving Trailers: The primary task of a yard dog driver is to move trailers from one location to another. This could be within a yard or to another facility.
- Coupling and Uncoupling: Another important responsibility of a yard dog driver is to couple and uncouple trailers. This can be a difficult task and requires a skilled driver.
- Performing safety checks: Yard dog drivers are responsible for performing safety checks on the trailers they are moving. This includes checking the lights, brakes, and reflectors to ensure the trailer is safe to move.
- Maintaining Records: Yard dog drivers must maintain records of the trailers they are moving. This includes the location of the trailer, any damage, and when it was moved.
- Communicating with Dispatch: Yard dog drivers are in constant communication with dispatch to know where to move the next trailer. It is vital for the driver to communicate effectively with dispatch.
- Coordinating with Other Drivers: Yard dog drivers may need to coordinate with other drivers to ensure all trailers are moved efficiently.
- Operating Equipment: Yard dog drivers operate equipment such as forklifts, hand trucks, and dollies to move trailers and cargo.’
- Maintaining a Clean Workspace: Yard dog drivers must keep their workspace clean and organized to avoid accidents and to promote efficiency.
- Adhering to Safety Procedures: Yard dog drivers must adhere to all safety procedures to keep themselves and others safe while performing their duties.
- Assisting with Other Tasks: Yard dog drivers may assist with other tasks around the yard or facility as needed.
Responsibilities of a Yard Dog Driver
Being a yard dog driver is not just about driving a truck, it involves a lot of responsibilities. Here are the top duties of a yard dog driver:
Moving and Stacking Trailers
A yard dog driver moves and stacks trailers in the yard using special equipment like a yard truck. They need to ensure that trailers are properly aligned and positioned for easy loading and unloading. The yard dog driver also maintains accurate records of trailer locations for easy tracking.
Maintenance and Inspections
A yard dog driver is responsible for performing routine inspections and maintenance on their truck and trailer. They also ensure that the trailer is secure and safe for transportation. The yard dog driver reports any defects or problems to the maintenance department for prompt repairs to prevent accidents.
Communicating with Other Drivers
A yard dog driver communicates with other drivers on the road and in the yard to ensure efficient trailer movement. They coordinate with dispatchers and supervisors to ensure that deliveries and pickups happen promptly. The yard dog driver also communicates with loading dock personnel and warehouse staff.
Adhering to Safety Standards
A yard dog driver must adhere to strict safety standards at all times. They must wear safety gear such as reflective vests and hard hats when working in the yard or on the road. The yard dog driver also follows safe driving practices and traffic rules to prevent accidents and injuries.
Completing Paperwork
A yard dog driver completes necessary paperwork such as delivery and pickup receipts and timesheets. They also maintain accurate records of fuel consumption and report any issues to the appropriate office. The yard dog driver ensures that all paperwork is accurate and submitted on time.
| RESPONSIBILITIES | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Moving and Stacking Trailers | A yard dog driver moves and stacks trailers in the yard using special equipment like a yard truck. They need to ensure that trailers are properly aligned and positioned for easy loading and unloading. The yard dog driver also maintains accurate records of trailer locations for easy tracking. |
| Maintenance and Inspections | A yard dog driver is responsible for performing routine inspections and maintenance on their truck and trailer. They also ensure that the trailer is secure and safe for transportation. The yard dog driver reports any defects or problems to the maintenance department for prompt repairs to prevent accidents. |
| Communicating with Other Drivers | A yard dog driver communicates with other drivers on the road and in the yard to ensure efficient trailer movement. They coordinate with dispatchers and supervisors to ensure that deliveries and pickups happen promptly. The yard dog driver also communicates with loading dock personnel and warehouse staff. |
| Adhering to Safety Standards | A yard dog driver must adhere to strict safety standards at all times. They must wear safety gear such as reflective vests and hard hats when working in the yard or on the road. The yard dog driver also follows safe driving practices and traffic rules to prevent accidents and injuries. |
| Completing Paperwork | A yard dog driver completes necessary paperwork such as delivery and pickup receipts and timesheets. They also maintain accurate records of fuel consumption and report any issues to the appropriate office. The yard dog driver ensures that all paperwork is accurate and submitted on time. |
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I hope this article has given you a better understanding of what a yard dog driver is. With their important role in moving freight around the yard, yard dog drivers keep businesses running smoothly. If you enjoyed this article, then be sure to come back soon because there’s always something new on our site. Thanks again for reading!