Yard Lead

Yard Lead - Cross Dock Operations

Position Title: Yard Lead Location: High-Volume LTL Cross Dock Facility (100-130 Dock Doors) Pay Rate: $22.00 per hour Schedule

• 1st Shift: 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM
• 2nd Shift: 2:30 PM - 10:30 PM
• 3rd Shift: 9:30 PM - 6:30 AM

Position Summary The Yard Lead is responsible for overseeing trailer management, yard organization, trailer tracking, trailer security, and hostler coordination within a high-volume LTL cross-dock operation. This role serves as the operational owner of trailer visibility and movement across the facility, ensuring every trailer is accounted for, properly secured, accurately positioned, and available to support dock operations. The Yard Lead works closely with Operations Managers, Logistics Clerks, Shift Leads, Hostlers, Drivers, and customer representatives to maintain accurate trailer inventory, coordinate trailer movements, perform trailer inspections, and support efficient freight flow. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, urgency, communication skills, and the ability to manage a fast-paced operation supporting 100-130 dock doors.

Essential Responsibilities Yard Operations & Trailer Management

• Maintain accountabilities for all trailers located on-site and off-site.
• Track trailer locations, movements, status changes, and door assignments throughout the shift.
• Ensure all trailer inventory is accurately recorded and updated in operational tracking systems.
• Coordinate trailer staging and movement to support inbound and outbound freight operations.
• Conduct routine yard audits to verify trailer locations and inventory accuracy.
• Investigate and resolve missing, misplaced, or incorrectly assigned trailers.
• Monitor trailer dwell times and support efficient trailer utilization.

Trailer Security & Inspections

• Perform routine trailer inspections and trailer checks throughout each shift.
• Verify trailer numbers, locations, conditions, and assignment status.
• Ensure loaded trailers are secured and locked when required.
• Verify trailer seals and report discrepancies immediately.
• Inspect trailers for visible damage and report maintenance concerns.
• Monitor yard conditions to ensure trailers remain organized, secure, and operationally ready.
• Maintain accurate records of trailer inspections and security checks.
• Lock trailers and perform trailer checks often.

Hostler & Movement Coordination

• Direct and prioritize hostler trailer moves based on operational needs.
• Communicate trailer movement requests between dock operations and hostler teams.
• Ensure trailers are staged at the appropriate doors to support production schedules.
• Coordinate emergency and priority trailer moves as business needs dictate.
• Support smooth traffic flow throughout the yard and docking areas.

Operational Support

• Partner with Operations Managers and Shift Leads to support daily operational goals.
• Provide updates regarding yard capacity, trailer inventory, and movement status.
• Identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements.
• Support peak-volume operations and special projects as needed.
• Participate in shift turnover meetings and communicate critical operational information.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a safe working environment throughout the yard.
• Ensure all trailer movements comply with company safety policies.
• Report damaged equipment, unsafe conditions, and operational risks.
• Conduct routine yard inspections and enforce safety standards.
• Support compliance with customer requirements and company procedures.

Qualifications Required

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in transportation, logistics, cross-dock, yard operations, or warehouse operations.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Experience tracking assets, equipment, or trailers.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in varied weather conditions.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office and operational tracking systems.

• Experience in LTL, transportation, trucking, or freight operations.
• Previous experience as a Yard Coordinator, Yard Jockey, Hostler Coordinator, Dispatcher, or Operations Lead.
• Experience with Yard Management Systems (YMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Knowledge of trailer inspection procedures and yard safety standards.