🗺 Location & Routes
- Base city: Detroit, MI
- Route type: Local yard / DC operations
- Freight: Retail, automotive & cross-dock trailer movement
- Schedule: Day & night shifts in 24/7 warehouse yards near I-94, I-96, I-275 corridors
📋 Job Description
- Move 53’ trailers between docks, staging lanes, and yard positions inside high-volume Detroit distribution centers under tight dispatch timing.
- Navigate congested warehouse yards near I-94 and I-96 freight corridors, managing constant inbound/outbound trailer flow.
- Coordinate with dispatchers and dock supervisors to reduce bottlenecks during peak automotive and retail shipment cycles.
- Perform pre-move trailer safety checks, including brake lines, landing gear, and seal verification before repositioning.
- Handle weather-affected yard operations including snow, ice, and limited visibility conditions during night shifts.
- Support 24/7 cross-dock operations ensuring continuous movement of freight through Detroit logistics hubs.
✅ Requirements
CDL Class A
Valid CDL-A license required
Experience
6+ months CDL-A preferred (yard or local experience a plus)
Age
Minimum 21 years old
MVR
Clean driving record, no major violations
Physical
Frequent backing, coupling, and trailer positioning in tight yards
Endorsements
None required
🚛 Equipment & Fleet
- Freightliner Cascadia and Kenworth T680 yard tractors in mixed fleet condition with routine rotation schedules.
- Older and newer trailers across retail and automotive accounts, reflecting real Detroit DC wear and high turnover usage.
- ELD systems include Samsara and Omnitracs units with occasional signal delays inside dense warehouse zones.
🏠 Home Time
- Home daily after every shift
- 8–12 hour structured yard operations with rotating day/night schedules
📍 Real Routes Our Drivers Take
- Detroit, MI → Warren, MI (I-75 / I-696 corridor retail distribution centers)
- Detroit, MI → Romulus, MI (I-94 airport logistics and cross-dock freight hubs)
- Detroit, MI → Sterling Heights, MI (I-75 industrial automotive supplier yards)
🎁 Benefits & Bonus Structure
💰 Bonus Structure
📝 Hiring Process
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is highway driving required for this position?
No, all work is strictly within fenced distribution center yards across Detroit logistics hubs.
What kind of freight will I handle?
Mainly retail goods and automotive parts moving through cross-dock and staging operations.
Are shifts stable or rotating?
Both fixed and rotating schedules are available depending on warehouse demand cycles.
How physically demanding is the job?
Moderate physical activity involving frequent backing, coupling, and trailer positioning in tight yards.
What equipment will I use?
Yard tractors and trailers in mixed fleet condition with standard ELD systems.
Is overtime available?
Yes, overtime is common during peak retail and automotive shipment cycles in Detroit.
💼 Career Opportunities
This CDL-A Yard Jockey position in Detroit offers a stable entry point into the Midwest logistics network, especially across high-demand automotive and retail distribution zones. Drivers who excel in tight-yard operations often transition into dedicated local shuttle routes, regional fleet assignments, or lead yard coordinator roles. Detroit’s freight ecosystem is heavily influenced by continuous manufacturing output, cross-border trade with Canada, and 24/7 retail replenishment cycles, creating consistent demand for skilled yard operators. While advancement is not guaranteed, experienced drivers may be considered for trainer roles, dispatch support, or dedicated accounts as warehouse contracts expand. This role is ideal for drivers who prefer structured local work without long-haul uncertainty while still staying active in core freight movement operations.
🔗 CDL-A Yard Jockey / Hostler – Detroit, MI
Detroit CDL-A yard jockey jobs remain in high demand due to the city’s dense concentration of automotive plants, retail distribution centers, and cross-dock logistics hubs along the I-94, I-96, and I-75 freight corridors. This role supports continuous trailer movement inside high-volume warehouse yards where timing and precision are critical to keeping supply chains moving. Drivers in this position operate locally, returning home daily while handling structured 8–12 hour shifts in fast-paced industrial environments. With steady freight flow driven by automotive manufacturing and regional retail demand, yard jockey positions offer consistent weekly earnings and reduced exposure to long-haul freight volatility. Detroit’s logistics network depends heavily on skilled yard operators to maintain dock efficiency, especially during peak seasonal inventory cycles and production surges.
🚀 Apply for This CDL-A Position
Complete the form below to apply for CDL-A Yard Jockey / Hostler – Detroit Distribution Centers in Detroit, MI.
