Torchora
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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Trailer Supervisor

💰 $65,000 - $85,000

LogisticsSupply ChainTransportationManagement

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a proactive leader with a knack for orchestrating complex logistical operations? This role requires an experienced and highly organized Trailer Supervisor to join our team and take ownership of our fast-paced yard environment. In this critical role, you will be the central point of command for all trailer movements, inventory management, and yard personnel. You will be responsible for directing a team of yard drivers and hostlers, ensuring the precise and timely positioning of trailers for loading and unloading, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency. This position is ideal for a hands-on supervisor who thrives under pressure and excels at optimizing processes to keep our supply chain moving flawlessly.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Lead Yard Driver / Hostler
  • Senior Logistics Coordinator
  • Dispatcher

Advancement To:

  • Yard Manager
  • Transportation Operations Manager
  • Fleet Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Warehouse Supervisor
  • Dispatch Supervisor

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Directly supervise, train, and schedule a team of yard drivers, spotters, and hostlers, providing clear direction and performance feedback to ensure peak productivity.
  • Manage and coordinate the daily flow of inbound and outbound trailers, ensuring timely placement at dock doors to meet shipping and receiving schedules.
  • Maintain a precise, real-time inventory of all trailers, containers, and chassis within the yard using the Yard Management System (YMS) to track location, status, and contents.
  • Conduct regular yard audits and physical inventory checks to verify system accuracy and identify and resolve any discrepancies in trailer counts or placement.
  • Enforce strict adherence to all Department of Transportation (DOT), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and internal company safety protocols to foster a zero-incident culture.
  • Champion and lead daily safety briefings and ensure all personnel are equipped with and properly using personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Optimize yard layout and traffic flow patterns to maximize space utilization, reduce congestion, and improve the overall efficiency of trailer movements.
  • Act as the primary point of communication between yard operations, warehouse management, dispatch, and carrier partners to ensure seamless coordination.
  • Oversee the condition of the trailer fleet, coordinating with the maintenance department to schedule preventative maintenance (PM), inspections, and necessary repairs.
  • Perform daily pre-shift inspections of yard equipment, including hostler trucks, to ensure they are safe and in proper working order.
  • Monitor and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) such as trailer dwell time, turn times, and asset utilization, implementing strategies for continuous improvement.
  • Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all yard-related tasks to ensure consistency, safety, and operational excellence.
  • Address and resolve any operational issues, such as misplaced trailers, equipment malfunctions, or personnel conflicts, in a timely and effective manner.
  • Manage the assignment of trailers to outbound loads based on load requirements, trailer condition, and customer specifications.
  • Ensure the yard is kept clean, organized, and free of hazards, conducting regular walk-throughs to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Investigate and report on any accidents, injuries, or property damage that occur within the yard, completing all necessary documentation.
  • Maintain accurate and detailed records of employee hours, trailer moves, and other operational data for reporting and analysis.
  • Provide coaching and ongoing development to team members, identifying training needs and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Manage the yard's security protocols, including checking seals on loaded trailers and monitoring access to the yard.
  • Coordinate with third-party carriers for the drop-off and pickup of trailers, ensuring smooth and efficient gatehouse operations.

Secondary Functions

  • Generate and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly reports on yard activity and KPIs for senior management.
  • Participate in cross-functional team meetings to discuss and improve overall site logistics and workflow.
  • Assist in the development of the departmental budget and manage operational costs, including labor and equipment expenses.
  • Support the implementation of new technologies and systems, such as upgraded YMS or telematics, to enhance yard operations.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Deep proficiency with Yard Management Systems (YMS) and Transportation Management Systems (TMS) for tracking and managing assets.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of DOT, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and OSHA regulations pertaining to transportation and yard safety.
  • Strong computer literacy, including advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) for reporting and communication.
  • Solid understanding of fleet maintenance programs, including scheduling preventative maintenance and managing repair orders.
  • Experience with radio frequency (RF) scanner equipment and other logistics-related hardware.
  • Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (CDL - Class A) is highly preferred and a significant advantage.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team-building skills with a proven ability to motivate and manage a diverse workforce.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, essential for clear coordination between drivers, management, and warehouse teams.
  • Superior organizational and time-management capabilities, with the ability to prioritize competing tasks in a high-pressure, dynamic environment.
  • Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills to swiftly identify, troubleshoot, and resolve complex operational challenges.
  • A relentless commitment to safety with meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of yard operations.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to handle conflict resolution and foster a positive, collaborative team atmosphere.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Business Administration
  • Transportation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of direct experience in a high-volume transportation, logistics, distribution, or yard environment.

Preferred:

  • At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory, team lead, or management capacity is strongly preferred.
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