CDL-A Yard Switcher Home Daily
CDL-A Yard Switcher Driver Jobs in Memphis, TN — Home Daily
Location: Memphis, Tennessee • Local Distribution Yard
Hourly Pay Yard Only Full-Time
Move 53-foot trailers between dock doors, staging rows and parking lanes at a Memphis distribution facility. Earn $23.50–$25.00 per hour, with overtime after 40 hours in a workweek when applicable. Scheduled shifts typically run 8–10 hours, and drivers return home daily. This position focuses on yard switching rather than highway deliveries.
Weekly Gross Pay
$1,050–$1,500
Typical Week: About $1,350
Hourly Rate $23.50–$25.00
Overtime 1.5× after 40 hours
Home Time Daily
Schedule 8–10 hours typical
Freight Dry Van / Reefer Trailers
Sign-On Bonus None advertised
Job Status: Currently Hiring
• Last Verified: October 10, 2026
- Move trailers between dock doors, staging lanes and designated parking rows.
- Pull loaded trailers from outbound staging and remove empties from receiving doors.
- Confirm trailer numbers, door assignments and seal information before moves.
- Connect and disconnect air lines, electrical connections and fifth wheels safely.
- Complete yard tractor inspections and report equipment defects promptly.
- Communicate with yard control, shipping and receiving teams by radio or yard system.
- Record required duty status and maintain compliance with applicable safety rules.
Pay is hourly, not mileage-based. Weekly earnings depend on scheduled hours, overtime actually worked and any applicable shift differential. No sign-on bonus or guaranteed weekly minimum is advertised.
Base Pay $23.50–$25.00 per hour
Estimated Weekly Gross $1,050–$1,500
Typical Earnings Example $1,350 at approximately 50 hours
Typical Annualized Pay $70,200 at $1,350/week
Overtime 1.5× after 40 hours, when applicable
Pay Cycle Weekly
Earnings are gross before taxes and deductions. The annual figure assumes 52 weeks at the typical weekly amount; actual income depends on hours worked and time off.
Home Time Home daily
Typical Shift 8–10 hours
Shift Options Day, evening or overnight, subject to openings
Workweek Full-time; weekends may be scheduled
Daily Work Trailer moves within the facility yard
Exact start times, days off and overtime availability are confirmed during hiring. Weekend and holiday coverage may depend on warehouse shipping volume.
Equipment Dedicated terminal tractors / yard goats
Fleet Condition Maintained working fleet with mixed service ages
Transmission Automatic
Safety Features Work lights, mirrors and backup cameras where equipped
Trailer Types 53-foot dry vans and refrigerated trailers
Tractor Assignment Shift-based; shared equipment may be used
Yard tractors are selected for frequent coupling, short movements and tight dock approaches. Drivers inspect the unit at shift start, report defects and return equipment to its designated parking area.
The work centers on keeping receiving and shipping doors supplied with the correct trailers. Most assignments involve drop-and-hook moves, staging and empty recovery rather than loading freight by hand.
Inbound Stage arrivals and spot trailers at assigned doors
Outbound Move released trailers to outbound rows
Checks Trailer ID, seal status and visible defects
Coordination Yard control, dock teams and dispatch
- Check the assigned yard tractor and review current yard priorities.
- Receive move instructions and verify each trailer's number and destination.
- Spot inbound trailers, clear occupied doors and stage outbound equipment.
- Report missing paperwork, unreleased trailers or unsafe equipment.
- Expect busier periods around receiving appointments and shipping cutoffs.
- Complete the end-of-shift handoff and park the tractor as directed.
About the Carrier
This operation supports a distribution customer through a dedicated local yard team. Drivers work alongside warehouse personnel to keep trailer positions accurate, minimize dock delays and maintain a safe flow through staging lanes. The operation uses practical, maintained equipment and established yard procedures rather than a premium long-haul fleet. Workload follows the customer's receiving and shipping schedule, so trailer volume can rise sharply around dispatch cutoffs, promotional shipments and seasonal retail demand. Reliable attendance, careful backing and clear communication are central to the role.
Health Benefits Medical, dental and vision options
Retirement 401(k), subject to plan eligibility
Paid Leave PTO according to company policy
Training Site orientation and yard safety training
Sign-On Bonus No bonus advertised
Benefit availability, waiting periods, employee contributions and paid-leave accrual are confirmed in the written offer and plan documents.
- Valid Class A CDL and current DOT medical qualification.
- Yard switching or commercial trailer-backing experience preferred.
- Ability to couple and uncouple trailers safely throughout a shift.
- Acceptable motor vehicle record and employment safety history.
- Ability to follow yard speed limits, radio instructions and site procedures.
- Availability for the assigned shift, including weekends when scheduled.
- Ability to climb in and out of the tractor and perform repeated vehicle checks.
- Dock congestion when inbound arrivals overlap outbound departures.
- Waiting for trailer release, paperwork or a completed loading appointment.
- Rain, thunderstorms, summer heat and reduced visibility in the yard.
- Peak-season shipping surges and weekend staffing changes.
- Equipment defects that require a tractor change or maintenance check.
1
Apply
Submit your CDL-A application and work history.
2
Screening
Review schedule availability and driving experience.
3
Verification
Complete applicable driving, employment and safety checks.
4
Orientation
Review site rules, equipment and yard procedures.
Q: How much do yard switcher drivers earn in Memphis? ▼
The advertised pay range for this position is $23.50–$25.00 per hour. Estimated weekly gross earnings are $1,050–$1,500, depending on hours worked and overtime.
Q: Is this a local driving job with daily home time? ▼
Yes. The work takes place inside the assigned distribution yard, and drivers return home after their scheduled shifts. This is not an OTR or regional route.
Q: Do yard switchers drive on public highways? ▼
Routine duties involve moving trailers within the facility. Any movement outside the yard would depend on the employer's assignment and applicable licensing, insurance and safety requirements.
Q: What equipment does a yard switcher operate? ▼
Drivers operate terminal tractors, commonly called yard goats, to move 53-foot dry van and refrigerated trailers between dock doors, staging rows and parking areas.
Q: Is overtime available? ▼
Overtime may be available when yard volume requires additional coverage. The stated pay structure uses 1.5 times the regular rate after 40 hours in a workweek, when applicable. Actual hours are not guaranteed.
Q: Can drivers with limited yard-switching experience apply? ▼
Applicants with a valid Class A CDL, safe backing skills and relevant commercial driving experience may be considered. Final eligibility depends on the employer's screening and training requirements.
Q: Are benefits and a sign-on bonus included? ▼
Medical, dental and vision options, a 401(k) and PTO may be available subject to eligibility and plan terms. No sign-on bonus is advertised for this position.
Q: What causes delays during a yard-switching shift? ▼
Common delays include dock congestion, trailers awaiting release, paperwork discrepancies, weather and equipment issues. Workload usually follows the warehouse's receiving and shipping schedule.
Memphis offers opportunities for CDL-A drivers seeking yard switcher, yard hostler and local terminal work without regular long-distance driving. Publicly advertised yard-switching positions in the area include hourly rates around $23–$24, with compensation varying by shift, employer and experience. Distribution centers, parcel operations, manufacturing facilities and freight terminals create demand for drivers who can position trailers safely and keep dock schedules moving. These roles typically emphasize backing accuracy, attendance, equipment checks and communication rather than mileage production. Candidates comparing Memphis CDL-A jobs should evaluate the hourly rate, overtime availability, shift assignment, benefits eligibility and actual weekly schedule before accepting an offer.
Memphis is a major Mid-South freight center with interstate access, rail connections, air cargo facilities and extensive warehouse activity. I-40 and I-55 support regional freight flows, while industrial and distribution areas connect the city with nearby communities including Southaven and Olive Branch, Mississippi. For a yard switcher, these networks matter mainly because they influence trailer arrivals, dock appointments and outbound staging requirements; the position itself remains focused on movements within the assigned facility. Retail replenishment, consumer goods, parcel freight and selected temperature-controlled shipments can create uneven workloads across shifts. Busy shipping cutoffs, seasonal peaks, thunderstorms and equipment availability may affect daily yard priorities.
Apply for a Memphis CDL-A Yard Switcher Job
Review the requirements and submit your application for local yard-switching work with daily home time.