How Yard Jockeys Operate: Equipment, Communication, and Safety

Introduction

Yard jockeys move, stage, and position trailers inside yards and terminal areas—work that requires specific equipment, disciplined communication, and strong safety habits. This article breaks down the practical side of how jockeys operate day-to-day, with a focus on tools, procedures, and beginner-friendly safety practices.

Key equipment

Yard operations rely on a small set of specialized tools. Knowing these helps a new jockey understand what they will handle and why each item matters:

• Yard tractors (terminal tractors) — Purpose-built for short-distance trailer moves. They have a single-axle design, 360-degree visibility in many models, a sliding fifth wheel, and easier cab access for frequent in-and-out tasks.
• Dollies and tow bars — Used to move trailers without a tractor hitch or to link non-powered trailers.
• Handheld devices and radios — Many yards use handheld terminals or tablets tied to a yard management system (YMS) to assign moves; radios are used for immediate coordination and safety alerts.
• Spotter vehicles — Small utility vehicles used by spotters when a jockey cannot see the precise trailer spot or when backing into tight areas.

Common operational processes

Typical yard workflows follow a few standard steps to keep trailers moving smoothly:

1. Check-in and staging: Incoming trailers are verified at the gate, assigned a staging area, and recorded in the YMS.
2. Assignment: Dispatch or the YMS assigns moves to yard jockeys, prioritizing urgent loads and dock availability.
3. Pre-move inspection: Jockeys check trailers for obvious defects, secure loads, and verify trailer numbers match assignments.
4. Movement and placement: Trailers are moved to docks, inspection areas, or parking spots. Drivers use spotters or follow YMS guidance for exact placement.
5. Post-move reporting: Jockeys update the system or report to dispatch once moves are complete, noting damage or issues.

Communication best practices

Clear, concise communication prevents delays and accidents. Beginner jockeys should adopt these habits:

• Use standard radio protocols: say the yard ID, the action, and a short confirmation (e.g., "Gate to Jockey 3: Move trailer A123 to Dock 5. Acknowledged.").
• Confirm trailer numbers and assignment before coupling.
• Use hand signals if radio contact fails, and ensure both parties agree on meanings.
• Log moves promptly in the YMS or notify dispatch of manual moves.

Safety procedures

Safety is central to yard operations. The yard is a high-risk environment with heavy equipment and limited sightlines. Beginners should prioritize:

• PPE: High-visibility vest, steel-toe footwear, gloves, and eye protection where required.
• Pre-operation checks: Inspect brakes, lights, steering, coupling mechanisms, and tires before each shift.
• Speed limits and designated routes: Observe yard speed limits and drive only in marked lanes; avoid shortcuts across pedestrian routes.
• Blind spot awareness: Use mirrors and spotters when backing or positioning near dock doors and congested areas.
• Seatbelt and cab entry: Always use the cab steps and handholds; wear a seatbelt while the vehicle is moving.
• Trailer securement: Check trailer landing gear, wheel chocks, and ensure trailer brakes are applied when necessary.

Handling exceptions

Yards are dynamic, and exceptions happen: missing paperwork, damaged trailers, or blocked lanes. General guidance for handling these issues includes:

• Stop and notify dispatch if you encounter a safety hazard or jammed trailer.
• Tag damaged trailers and follow site procedures for out-of-service equipment.
• If a trailer's paperwork is missing or mismatched, do not move it—notify gate or dispatch and document the discrepancy.

Technology in the yard

Modern yards use technology to speed moves and improve accuracy. Yard management systems track trailer locations, assign moves, and log activity. Telematics can monitor tractor usage, idle time, and driver behavior. For beginners, understanding how to read move assignments on a handheld device and update statuses is often part of initial training.

Real-world scenario

Imagine a busy grocery distribution center: a shipment arrives and is assigned to a loading dock. The yard jockey receives the move on a tablet, confirms the trailer number with the gate agent, performs a quick inspection, couples the trailer with the yard tractor, and delivers it to the dock. Throughout, the jockey communicates with the dock lead to ensure the trailer arrives when dock personnel are ready, minimizing dwell time and keeping the supply chain moving.

Beginner checklist

Before your shift ends, make sure you:

• Performed pre- and post-shift checks.
• Logged all completed moves in the YMS or notified dispatch of manual moves.
• Reported any maintenance needs or safety incidents.
• Parked the yard tractor in the designated area and secured keys as required.

Conclusion

For a beginner, operating as a yard jockey means mastering a mix of equipment, communication, and safety habits. By learning the yard layout, practicing clear radio procedures, and following safety checklists, new jockeys can effectively support dock operations and ensure trailers move efficiently and safely through the facility.