Job Description

LTL Yard Lead - Cross Dock Operations

HRforGrowth® is engaged as the exclusive talent acquisition partner to conduct this search on behalf of a client organization that is hiring for this role. HRforGrowth is not the employer for this position. HRforGrowth identifies, evaluates, and presents top-tier candidates through its global talent acquisition practice; all employment decisions — including final selection, offer terms, compensation, and conditions of employment — are made solely by the hiring organization.

Position Title: Yard Lead

Location: High-Volume LTL Cross Dock Facility (100-130 Dock Doors)

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.

About HRforGrowth:

HRforGrowth is a full-service HR and talent partner built to support companies that are scaling, transforming, or navigating change. HRFG is globally recognized for delivering quality, speed, and cost-effective talent solutions across every level of the workforce. Through its global talent acquisition practice, HRforGrowth applies world class rigor and precision to identifying exceptional professional and executive talent on behalf of its clients — from temporary staffing to permanent hourly workers through to placing C-suite executives. HRforGrowth is presenting this opportunity in its capacity as the retained search partner and does not serve as the employer of record for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

In its recruiting and search practices, HRforGrowth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. HRforGrowth evaluates and presents candidates to its clients without regard to any protected characteristic.

The hiring organization for this position is expected to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local equal employment opportunity laws — including those enforced by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) — in its hiring decisions, terms of employment, and workplace practices.