Department: Logistics / Transportation / Maintenance

Reports To: Shipping Supervisor, Shop Maintenance Supervisor, or Logistics Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Suggested SOC Code: 53-7051 – Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators

Position Summary

The Yard Hostler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement, staging, and positioning of trailers, tractors, and other equipment within company facilities. This position supports shipping, receiving, dispatch, and maintenance operations by ensuring equipment is properly located, available, and ready for loading, unloading, repair, and transportation activities.

The Yard Hostler provides operational support to the truck and trailer maintenance shop and helps maintain an organized, safe, and efficient yard environment to maximize fleet readiness and overall operational efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Yard Operations

• Move and position tractors, trailers, and other equipment within company yards and designated staging areas.
• Spot empty and loaded trailers at docks and remove trailers as directed.
• Verify trailer numbers, seals, and equipment locations.
• Coordinate trailer and equipment movements with dispatch, shipping personnel, maintenance personnel, and drivers to support operational and maintenance priorities.
• Direct and coordinate inbound and outbound traffic, including outside carriers, and manage trailer placement and dock assignments to maintain safe, efficient, and unobstructed yard operations in support of shipping, receiving, and maintenance activities.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report defects or damage.
• Perform routine yard checks to maintain awareness of trailer inventory, equipment locations, and operational needs within the yard.
• Complete yard moves and assigned tasks efficiently and make effective use of time.
• Evaluate equipment condition and communicate repair needs to maintenance personnel.
• Maintain assigned vehicles and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
• Operate yard tractors and other company vehicles safely and in accordance with company policies and procedures, including proper coupling and uncoupling of trailers, while exercising care and judgment to prevent equipment and property damage.
• Complete required paperwork and records accurately and timely.

Maintenance Shop Support

• Coordinate and stage tractors, trailers, and other fleet equipment for scheduled service and repairs, including returning repaired equipment to service and positioning units awaiting maintenance.
• Assist shop personnel by moving vehicles and equipment in and out of service bays and supporting preventive maintenance activities by ensuring equipment availability.
• Notify maintenance personnel of visible defects or safety concerns and maintain shop and yard areas in a clean and organized condition.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain effective communication and working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, drivers, dispatch personnel, warehouse personnel, maintenance staff, and outside carriers regarding equipment status and operational priorities.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulations, participate in required safety meetings and training programs, and exercise good judgment to minimize preventable accidents and injuries.
• Maintain a professional attitude and contribute to a safe, productive, and team-oriented work environment.
• Assist with load securement activities and open and close curtain-side trailers as time and operational needs permit.
• Maintain trailer staging areas and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.
• Maintain acceptable attendance and punctuality in accordance with company policies.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of yard operations, trailer spotting procedures, and the safe operation of tractors and trailers in confined spaces.
• Ability to communicate effectively and maintain productive working relationships with drivers, dispatchers, warehouse personnel, maintenance personnel, and outside carriers.
• Ability to identify obvious vehicle and trailer defects, with a working knowledge of commercial vehicle equipment and basic mechanical principles.
• Ability to recognize maintenance issues and effectively communicate repair requirements.
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize multiple assignments, and make efficient use of available resources.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and maintaining a strong attention to detail.
• Commitment to safety and adherence to company policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Class A Commercial Driver License preferred but not required.
• Acceptable driving record meeting company standards.
• Previous experience operating commercial vehicles, terminal tractors, trailers, or similar material handling equipment preferred.
• Ability to work overtime and flexible schedules as operational needs require.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently sit, stand, walk, bend, climb, and reach.
• Ability to repeatedly enter and exit vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to safely secure loads and open and close curtain-side trailers.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to safely work around moving vehicles and industrial equipment.

Work Environment