Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Yard Attendant

🎯 Role Definition

The Yard Attendant (also known as Yard Jockey, Yard Driver or Trailer Spotter) is responsible for safe, efficient yard operations that support shipping, receiving and distribution. This role focuses on marshaling trailers, moving containers, staging shipments, inspecting equipment, maintaining yard organization and enforcing safety and DOT compliance. The Yard Attendant collaborates with dispatch, warehouse, drivers and safety teams to ensure on-time trailer movements, accurate inventory staging, and a clean, hazard-free yard.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Material Handler / Warehouse Associate
Delivery Driver or Local Truck Driver
Groundskeeper or General Laborer with yard/industrial experience

Advancement To:

Yard Supervisor / Lead Yard Attendant
Logistics Coordinator / Dispatch Specialist
Fleet Manager or Terminal Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Dock Supervisor
Yard Equipment Mechanic / Maintenance Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Marshal, spot, and position trailers and containers across the facility yard using yard tractors, spotters and other yard equipment, ensuring accurate placement for loading and unloading while adhering to site-specific staging plans and schedules.
Safely couple and uncouple trailers, secure landing gear and perform proper trailer spotting procedures to enable dock operations, ensuring minimal delays to inbound and outbound shipments.
Operate yard tractors, tow motors, forklifts, and other powered mobile equipment (permitted/licensed) to move trailers and materials with strict attention to OSHA and company safety policies and PPE requirements.
Coordinate with dispatch, drivers and warehouse leads via radio and electronic communication tools to prioritize trailer movements, resolve staging conflicts, and maintain real-time yard flow for optimal throughput.
Conduct daily pre- and post-shift inspections of yard equipment (yard tractors, trailer lights, tires, brakes, hitch components) and report defects immediately to maintenance to prevent downtime and unsafe conditions.
Inspect trailers and containers for visible damage, cargo shifting, open doors, or contamination; tag and document discrepancies, and follow escalation procedures before trailers enter the dock.
Manage yard inventory and trailer/asset location control by using handheld scanners, yard management systems (YMS), RFID or spreadsheet tracking to ensure accurate staging and reduce trailer dwell time.
Stage trailers in the correct sequence for loading and unloading based on pick-up schedule, driver ETA, and order priority; reorganize staging to accommodate urgent shipments or schedule changes.
Enforce yard access control by monitoring gates, verifying driver paperwork/credentials, checking for unauthorized personnel, and logging arrivals/departures to maintain site security and compliance.
Load and unload materials from flatbeds or trailers as required, using safe rigging and securing techniques; assist warehouse staff during peak periods to expedite shipment processing.
Operate vehicle wash and lubrication stations for trailers and yard tractors when assigned, ensuring equipment is clean, fuelled, and ready for service.
Complete required shipping and receiving paperwork including trailer condition reports, load verification documents and digital logs; ensure accurate data entry into warehouse management systems.
Support DOT and internal safety audits by providing documentation, assisting auditors during physical yard inspections and implementing corrective actions for any non-conformances.
Monitor yard scale operations, assist drivers with weight checks and documentation, and ensure loads meet legal weight restrictions to avoid fines and ensure road safety.
Secure cargo and apply proper curtain, tarp or load restraint methods for mixed freight and oversized items, documenting special handling instructions for drivers and dock staff.
Perform routine yard maintenance tasks such as clearing debris, grading or compacting high-traffic areas, replenishing traffic signage, and maintaining designated pedestrian walkways to reduce slip/trip hazards.
Respond to on-site incidents and emergencies (spills, trailer fires, vehicle incidents) by following established emergency response procedures, contacting emergency services, and containing hazards when safe to do so.
Collaborate with fleet maintenance to schedule preventative maintenance and coordinate out-of-service tagging for unroadworthy trailers or yard tractors until repaired.
Train and mentor new yard attendants or temporary staff on safe spotting, coupling/uncoupling procedures, radio protocols, and yard management system usage to build team capability.
Perform accurate end-of-shift handovers, documenting incomplete moves, equipment defects, and priority items to ensure continuity across shifts and minimize operational disruptions.
Maintain compliance with environmental, health and safety regulations by identifying hazards, reporting near-misses, and participating in safety meetings, toolbox talks and regular training.
Work flexible hours including early mornings, nights, weekends and possible overtime during peak shipping seasons to meet service level agreements and customer expectations.
Operate within company KPI frameworks (dwell time, on-time trailer moves, incident rates) and contribute suggestions to improve yard layout, traffic flow and process efficiency.
Assist with seasonal tasks such as snow/ice removal, line painting, and temporary staging expansions to maintain yard operability in adverse conditions.
Support cross-functional projects such as implementing a new yard management system, pilot automation or process improvements by offering practical yard-operational insights and validating changes on the ground.

Secondary Functions

Maintain accurate logbooks and electronic records for trailer movements, safety checks and maintenance requests to support continuous improvement and audit readiness.
Provide feedback to operations management on recurring issues such as bottlenecks, damaged trailers or recurring driver non-compliance to drive corrective action.
Help coordinate temporary labor or third-party carrier access during peak periods and ensure contract drivers receive site-specific safety orientation.
Assist in inventory reconciliation for chassis, trailers and reusable containers, flagging shortages or misplacements to procurement or logistics teams.
Participate in pilot programs for telematics, trailer tracking or RFID tagging and help validate system accuracy from a yard operations perspective.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven ability to operate yard tractors / spotters, forklifts and tow motors safely and efficiently; valid operator certifications where required.
Familiarity with yard management systems (YMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), handheld scanners and basic fleet telematics.
Knowledge of DOT regulations, basic vehicle inspection criteria, and cargo securement standards for over-the-road transportation.
Experience with trailer coupling/uncoupling, landing gear operation, and safe use of kingpins, pinch bars and other trailer handling tools.
Ability to perform routine mechanical checks (tires, lights, brakes, hitch components) and accurately complete equipment defect reports.
Competence in basic load restraint and tie-down methods for a variety of freight types (palletized goods, bulk, oversized).
Basic computer skills for data entry, electronic logs, and communicating via email or dispatch software.
Comfortable working with handheld devices, barcode scanners and entering location updates into inventory systems.
Capability to operate scale platforms and interpret weight tickets when required.
Knowledge of site-specific safety procedures, lockout/tagout basics for yard equipment, and spill containment protocols.

Soft Skills

Strong situational awareness and attention to detail to prevent accidents and maintain precise trailer placement and documentation.
Clear radio and verbal communication skills to coordinate effectively with dispatch, drivers, warehouse staff and supervisors.
Problem-solving and adaptability to reprioritize moves and resolve unexpected yard congestion or equipment outages.
Team-oriented mindset with willingness to help warehouse operations during peak periods while maintaining yard responsibilities.
Time management and the ability to multi-task under pressure while keeping accuracy and safety as primary objectives.
Dependability and punctuality — consistent attendance and reliable shift handovers are critical.
Customer service orientation when interacting with carriers, drivers and external vendors to maintain professional relationships.
Proactive approach to safety: reporting hazards, suggesting improvements, and supporting a positive safety culture.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

Vocational training in logistics, transportation, heavy equipment operation, or a related technical field.
Certifications: OSHA 10/30, forklift certification, yard tractor operator certification, or commercial driver’s license (CDL) if applicable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Logistics, Supply Chain or Transportation
Heavy Equipment Operation / Diesel Mechanics
Safety Management / Occupational Health

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0–3 years (entry-level yard roles) up to 3–5+ years for lead positions, depending on industry and site complexity.

Preferred:

1–3 years of prior yard operations, dock operations, or local trucking experience.
Experience using yard management systems (YMS) or warehouse management systems (WMS) and handheld scanning equipment.
Proven record of safe equipment operation and participation in safety/compliance programs.