yard jockey questions

Shunter is a other name. if you go a lot to the same place.try to remember his/here name and be friendly with him/here.
they can safe you a lot of time.

 

First off, I can't imagine a job that would be more boring, even though you are going on a "high lope" all the time.

But if you are still interested in it after reading these posts, (actually I did see the post where you sort of lost interest,) there are a couple of ways to go.

First off, is having driving experience. This would be for companies that have huge yards and lots of doors to keep filled. Distribution centers, factories and such would be good candidates for this type of job.

Second is to start working for a smaller LTL in their docks. You will get to do a whole lot of "fun stuff" there. Like packing freight from one trailer to another, using pallet jacks, for lifts, hand trucks and just plain old muscle power.

You will learn to load out trucks for local delivery, being sure to load them so that the driver has to do the most work possible in rearranging the load as he goes. In other words, you will put his first stop in the nose of the trailer, his second stop on top of his first stop, his middle stop will be on the tail gate and his last stop in the middle of the trailer. (This keeps his interest peaked, and makes sure that he stays in the best possible physical condition.)

You can learn to jam 35 feet worth of freight into a 28 foot trailer, smash countless quantities of freight, overturn and rupture 55 gallon drums of hazmat, and other fine arts of trucking.

You can also learn to operate the hostler with these companies.

I think you should "GO FOR IT!"

 

why do you have to tell ALL the secrets Big Don???

 

OK, okay, okie, so maybe I should auto be kalled Big MOUTH Don. . .

 

A few yard dogs I've talked to were actually working for a temp agency that was contracted out to do the job. Often they would do some normal local work for whatever other companies they do work for then have to do yard work 1-2 days a week. Seems kind of half and half on some companies directly hiring their own guys to do it and others contracting it out.

 

I'm a yard jockey. I'll put my two cents in for the benefit of anyone else who stumbles upon this thread.

I drive for a national company outsourced as yard management and shuttle delivery. We are called "yard jockeys" or "spotters."

My company requires 1-2 years experience OTR (depends on how hard up a particular site is for help, they prefer two years.)

We are full time, hourly employees, CDL required because we also must take shuttle deliveries occasionally so they can continue to call us "truckers" and not pay us overtime. (Yes, that IS legal under the FMCSR.)

I hustle almost all day every day. I had to learn how to back again because the turn radius is insanely sharp.

We don't have computers in the truck at our site so all moves are verbally called over a walkie talkie.

I was sore and exhausted the first couple of weeks because I wasn't used to so much physical activity.

Lemme know if anyone has further questions.

 

I did get lucky and was hire with little experience they took time to train me and do few things more like rescue and weekend delivery .
I don't have to load or unload and yes have to hustle to get job done.
But before I did apply to more than 20 companies and got reject by 99% of them I was about to go with cr England at one point till I find this site.
now about to start a new project I want to become a Regional driver with same company (reason more money and will be home every other day ) I will get more training pay by them. .
(sorry for bad grammar I try my best )

 

One thing we must add to this is the pay for Yard Jockeys.

Here in Chicago, I've seen hourly pay range from $12 - $15 an hour. I'm sure the good companys pay more than that. Maybe $18 ?

The good thing about it is your home everyday.

I always give respect to Yard Jockeys. Most of them have OTR experience & are always helpful to us rookies who have never been to their facility.

 

Hi aviatornation!
The yard jockey might work in the patio moving trailers (box) to dock Other word used is switcher. May be you need start to drive as a yard driver, switcher or yard jockey first until you get experience, after that you can try find a local position or "truck driver"

 

I'm a current yard jockey or as the warehouse folks say "yarckey". I only have 2 years experience doing local agricultural trucking pulling doubles and heavy equipment on a lowboy. Couldn't find any driving work so I took a leap and decided on being a hostler!

I got lucky since I'm at a brand new site with plenty of space. The work is fast pace and somehow ended up being very customer service oriented. I receive moves via radio regardless if I'm in the middle of a move or whatever, I simply stop and write it down. I cut plenty of bolts and seals and open more than enough doors. I lost count of how many times I've mounted/dismounted my rig but I sure as hell know my knees haven't!

I enjoy helping the drivers slide tandems and helping 'em connect/disconnect sets, or directing them what they need to do or where to go. Kinda surprised I haven't had a driver ask me how to spell his own name. . . I'm very picky when it comes to the lazy driver who wont open the doors on his empty trailers. I'm trying to get the guard shack on board, MAKE DRIVERS OPEN DOORS IF THEY HAVE AN EMPTY TRAILER! Before they can enter the yard. This cuts my turn around times greatly in between moves.

I also tell drivers when their load and paperwork is ready and am usually prompt about letting them know so they can get the hell outta dodge. But sometimes I get a total jerk, so I make him wait and he doesn't even know it. Overall I miss driving and I suppose my dreams of shifting a 13 or 18 speed have been dashed. I certainly feel my skills deteriorating and to think just two months ago I was 103,000 gross most of the time