🗺 Yard Location & Operations
- Base: Madison Distribution Center yard
- Operations: Full yard spotting and trailer movement
- Freight supported: Dry van, reefer, general retail/grocery merchandise
- Daily focus: Dock spotting, repositioning, and yard organization
🚜 Equipment You'll Operate
- Company yard tractors (hostlers) built for tight maneuvering
- Frequent coupling and uncoupling of loaded and empty trailers
- Regularly serviced equipment with onsite maintenance support
- Designed specifically for heavy yard work and dock alignment
📋 Shift Flow in the Yard
Drivers work closely with warehouse supervisors and dock teams using radio and digital systems. Primary tasks include backing trailers precisely into dock doors, pulling empties to storage, rearranging equipment for better flow, and shuttling units between yard lines, wash bays, and maintenance. Activity spikes with inbound truck arrivals and outbound store replenishment waves. Expect variable intensity — busy surges mixed with steady reorganization periods. All work stays within the facility grounds with no road miles.
✅ Driver Qualifications Needed
CDL
Valid Class A CDL required
Yard Skills
Strong backing and maneuvering experience in tight spaces
Screenings
Acceptable MVR, background, and drug screen
Physical
Able to handle repeated coupling/uncoupling and walk-around inspections outdoors
Schedule
Reliable attendance for rotating shifts including possible nights and weekends
🌨 Working Conditions & Realities
- Full outdoor exposure including Wisconsin winters
- Frequent tight-space backing with pedestrian and equipment traffic
- Shifts of 8–12 hours supporting 24/7 distribution flow
- Coordination with dock staff to maintain product movement
- Pre- and post-move inspections required on every reposition
📍 Madison Yard Jockey Position Details
This yard jockey role at the Madison distribution center keeps trailers moving efficiently across the large facility grounds. You'll handle spotting at loading docks, pulling empties to storage lines, and rearranging equipment as dock priorities shift throughout the day. The operation supports steady retail and grocery supply chains with a mix of dry vans and reefers. Dispatch coordinates via radio during peak receiving and shipping windows, which can create busier periods around truck arrivals or store replenishment cycles. All activity remains local within the yard — no highway miles, consistent daily returns home after your shift. Pay runs hourly with overtime after 40 hours and shift differentials for evenings, nights or weekends. Typical weeks land between $1,150–$1,600 depending on volume and extra hours during peaks. The role demands solid backing skills and comfort working outside in changing Wisconsin weather. Drivers report equipment issues quickly to onsite maintenance and stay in constant communication with warehouse teams to avoid dock delays. This setup works well for experienced CDL-A drivers who prefer predictable local yard work over long-haul routes while still contributing to critical supply chain movement. Quarterly safety and attendance bonuses supplement the base earnings.
🎁 Support & Compensation Package
❓ Questions Drivers Commonly Ask
Is this all yard work or any road time?
Completely yard-based. No over-the-road driving required.
How often will I be home?
Every day after your shift ends at the Madison yard.
What kind of backing experience is needed?
Strong skills in tight spaces and frequent dock alignments are essential.
Are there night or weekend shifts?
Possible depending on coverage needs and volume. Differentials apply.
How physical is the job?
Involves repeated coupling, walking inspections, and outdoor work in all conditions.
⚠️ Who This Role Fits Best
- Drivers who enjoy consistent local yard operations over highway miles
- Those comfortable with frequent trailer backing in confined areas
- Candidates okay with outdoor work and variable shift timing
- Team players who coordinate well with warehouse staff
🚀 Apply Now
Submit your information below for the CDL-A Yard Jockey role in Madison, WI. Qualified applicants will be contacted by our recruiting team.