Menu

D.M. Bowman

What Is A Yard Jockey?

Yard Jockey Jobs at DM Bowman

There are a variety of jobs available within the trucking industry. You can be a driver, a manager, a dispatcher—or, if you have the skills, you can be a yard jockey. Yard jockey is one of the most difficult positions in the trucking world, which is why they typically attract the most driven and dedicated candidates. If you’re considering a career as a yard jockey, there are a few important things that you should know about the responsibilities of the position and the benefits of DM Bowman yard jockey jobs.

What Is A Yard Jockey?

A yard jockey is one of the most vital roles in executing the delivery of hauled cargo. Typically, this cargo will reach its destination at a warehouse or cargo yard, where its contents must then be unloaded and delivered to the client. This process is managed by a yard jockey, who operates a terminal tractor and moves semi-trailers to their intended destination.

The position is great for professionals who are skilled in multitasking. In addition to managing semi-trucks and moving cargo, yard jockeys have a litany of other responsibilities too, including inspection of equipment, giving directions to drivers, and communicating with all other members of the cargo yard team.

A cargo yard isn’t the only place that a yard jockey can work. Yard jockeys might also be found at factories, rail yards, or anywhere else that cargo is loaded or unloaded from semi-trucks. Anyone considering a career in the trucking industry can test the waters with a yard jockey job and see if a career in the field is the right fit for them.

Pros and Cons of Yard Jockey Work

Working as a yard jockey has plenty of advantages for anybody looking to get started in the trucking world. Many established drivers started in this position, learning the ropes and later embarking on long-haul routes. Some of the advantages of this position include:

  • Go home daily with no long-term time away from home
  • Enjoy an introduction to the world of trucking
  • Master multitasking with a range of responsibilities

Though these benefits are certainly attractive, a yard jockey job isn’t for everybody. There are plenty of reasons why you might consider looking for other jobs in the trucking industry. Some of the disadvantages of a yard jockey job include the following:

  • Some positions entail long hours
  • Loading cargo can be dangerous if not done correctly
  • Pay may not be as lucrative as other trucking jobs

These pros and cons make it clear that the yard jockey position is ideal for some — but not everybody. It’s great for beginners in the trucking industry and veterans who are looking to take a break from driving without retiring from the industry completely.

Job Description

The yard jockey job description is a great place to start if you’re considering this career. Yard jockey jobs near me will often entail responsibilities such as the following:

  • Operate terminal tractor
  • Move semi-trucks
  • Inspect equipment
  • Oversee safety
  • Communicate with drivers
  • Load and unload trailers

There are also certain characteristics, in addition to these responsibilities, that a yard jockey must be able to satisfy:

  • Ability to work collaboratively
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Dedication to safety protocol
  • Physical ability to load and unload cargo
  • Certification to drive a terminal tractor

Any candidate who meets the criteria of this job description might find a yard jockey job to be extremely fulfilling. Whether you’re new to trucking or a seasoned vet, this job is a great fit for professionals who are committed to communication and safety.

Working at DM Bowman

DM Bowman operates from our headquarters in Williamsport, Maryland, offering a locally owned and operated experience to our clients and our staff. Unlike other companies that are too big to become invested in, we take pride in providing our drivers, yard jockeys, and every other staff member with a family mentality.

This stems from our company’s commitment to integrity. Since the company’s founding in 1959, we have developed a reputation for exemplary service and competitive benefits. We believe that our employees are the foundation of what we do, so we invest in each staff member by providing a generous sign-on bonus and routes that allow you to come home daily.

In many ways, our yard jockeys are the backbone of operations, and we seek to hire the best. Whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience under your belt, we want to help you find the job that’s best for you—whether that’s yard jockey, team driver, CDL driver, or our competitive internship program.

Best Jobs for Yard Jockeys

Yard jockeys are some of the hardest working professionals in the trucking industry. Though they don’t do long-haul driving, they are responsible for the most important parts of cargo delivery — communication and unloading. Any professional interested in a yard jockey job can find the best positions available at DM Bowman. Reach out to us online for more information on the opportunities we have available and the benefits that come along with DM Bowman.