Implementing Street Turns in Warehouse Operations: Step-by-Step Guide

Implementing Street Turns in Warehouse Operations: Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

A Street Turn in the context of warehouse operations is an operational tactic that allows inbound trailers to be reassigned directly to outbound carriers without returning the equipment to its home yard. For warehouses and distribution centers, street turns reduce dwell time, free dock capacity, and improve throughput during high-volume periods. Implementing street turns successfully requires planning across people, process, and systems.

Step 1 — Assess Suitability

Not every facility or load is a candidate for a street turn.

Start by assessing:

• Dock flow and peak periods where quicker turnovers would relieve congestion.

• Types of goods: avoid street turns for high-value, hazardous, or customs-bonded loads.

• Carrier mix and relationships: do carriers operate compatible equipment and schedules?

• Regulatory constraints: customs, bonded trailer rules, or local ordinances that govern transfers.

Step 2 — Define Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Document step-by-step procedures that cover:

• Eligibility criteria for loads and equipment.

• Required inspections (seal checks, visible damage) and photo documentation before hand-off.

• Paperwork flow, including bill of lading endorsements, ePODs, driver IDs, and signatures.

• Liability and dispute handling to clarify who is responsible in case of damage or content issues.

• Security provisions (e.g., allowed handoff zones, driver screening, and seal verification).

Step 3 — Align Contracts and Carrier Policies

Formalize street turn processes in carrier contracts and service level agreements.

Address:

• Compensation models for carriers performing street turns (e.g., fee, detention offset).

• Liability transfer points and incident reporting timelines.

• Requirements for driver documentation and equipment acceptance.

Step 4 — Integrate Technology

Leverage systems to orchestrate street turns:

• Yard Management System (YMS) to log trailer locations and availability.

• Transportation Management System (TMS) to match inbound trailers with outbound loads and create alerts.

• Mobile apps for drivers to capture signatures and photos, and to exchange documentation in real time.

• Electronic data interchange (EDI) with carriers for automated notices of arrival and hand-off confirmation.

Step 5 — Train Staff and Drivers

Everyone involved must understand the SOPs.

Training should include:

• How to inspect trailers and document condition.

• Using mobile tools for sign-off and photo capture.

• Security protocols and approved handoff locations.

• Escalation steps for discrepancies or refused handoffs.

Step 6 — Pilot the Program

Start small. Run a pilot for a week or month with a select group of carriers and lanes.

During the pilot:

• Track throughput, turnaround times, and any exceptions.

• Collect feedback from drivers, carriers, and operations staff.

• Adjust SOPs and systems workflows based on real-world issues.

Step 7 — Scale and Monitor

Once the pilot proves the concept, expand incrementally.

Maintain a dashboard with KPIs such as:

• Number of street turns executed and success rate.

• Dwell time reduction and dock utilization improvement.

• Empty miles avoided and associated cost savings.

• Incidents and disputes per turn.

Operational Tips

To make street turns smooth in day-to-day operations:

• Synchronize arrival windows: Stagger inbound and outbound schedules to maximize overlap opportunities.

• Designate a handoff zone: Keep a clearly marked, secure area for transfers to avoid disrupting loading docks.

• Use visual controls: Labels, yard signs, and staged parking reduce confusion.

• Prioritize high-impact lanes: Focus on lanes with frequent equipment scarcity or high repositioning costs.

Handling Exceptions

Plan for common exceptions: damaged seals, missing paperwork, or driver refusals.

SOPs should include:

• Immediate photo and ePOD capture of damage.

• Escalation contact list for disputes and next steps.

• Fallback options such as moving the trailer to a secure yard or scheduling a secondary pickup.

Case Example

A third-party logistics provider integrated its YMS and TMS, defined street turn SOPs, and ran a four-week pilot with two major carrier partners. The result: 18% reduction in trailer dwell, a measurable drop in detention costs, and a 23% increase in usable equipment during peak periods. The pilot highlighted the need for clear seal-management rules and a short checklist for drivers to sign at handoff.

Metrics to Track Ongoing Performance

Maintain continuous improvement by tracking:

• Turn execution rate (planned vs. attempted).

• Time from arrival to handoff completion.

• Cost savings per street turn (fuel, detention, yard fees).

• Customer service impact (on-time outbound departures).

Conclusion

Implementing a Street Turn program at a warehouse requires deliberate planning, documented SOPs, and reliable technology. When executed with attention to safety, legal compliance, and clear carrier agreements, street turns become a scalable lever for improving equipment utilization, cutting costs, and reducing congestion at docks. The friendly reality for operations teams is that a modest upfront investment in process design and system integration often yields rapid, measurable returns.