Job Description
Hours 5pm until finish may be 3am or 4am
The Yard Switcher ensures the smooth flow of goods by moving trailers and containers as directed by the shipping, receiving, and dispatch teams. The role requires a keen eye for detail, a strong commitment to safety, and the ability to operate specialized vehicles in a fast-paced, often confined, environment.
Key responsibilities
- Move trailers : Transport trailers to and from loading docks, designated parking spaces, and maintenance areas using a terminal tractor or hostler.
- Position trailers : Correctly spot trailers at dock doors for loading and unloading, executing precise backing maneuvers in tight spaces.
- Inspections : Conduct pre- and post-trip inspections on the switching equipment and trailers to identify mechanical issues, potential hazards, and safety concerns. Report any issues promptly to management or maintenance.
- Maintain yard organization : Keep the yard clean, organized, and free of obstructions to ensure clear traffic flow.
- Communicate effectively : Coordinate with warehouse staff, dispatchers, and truck drivers using radio communication systems to prioritize moves and resolve any issues.
- Documentation : Accurately track and log all trailer movements, either manually or using a Yard Management System (YMS), to maintain inventory records.
- Safety compliance : Adhere strictly to all company safety policies and procedures, as well as state and federal regulations (e.g., DOT).
Required skills and qualifications
- Experience : Prior experience operating a yard truck, semi-truck, or similar heavy-duty vehicle is often required or preferred.
- Licensing : A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), typically Class A, is often preferred and sometimes required, especially if public roads are used. A clean driving record is mandatory.
- Safety awareness : A superior awareness of and commitment to safety procedures is crucial, including using personal protective equipment and reporting all incidents.
- Maneuvering skills : Excellent spatial awareness and precision backing skills are necessary for navigating confined spaces.
- Communication : Strong communication skills to interact effectively with colleagues and management.
- Physical stamina : The ability to perform manual labor, including prolonged sitting and operating equipment, as well as physical tasks like connecting and disconnecting trailers.
- Adaptability : The capacity to work independently in a dynamic, fast-paced, and all-weather outdoor environment.
Job Tags
Night shift,