Yard Dog Operator Truck Driver

Trane Technologies; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

401K match

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Trane Technologies in Grand Rapids, MI is seeking a Yard Dog Operator to safely move trailers in the finished goods yard and support outbound shipping. You will position, relocate, and stage trailers, coordinate daily movements, inspect equipment, and maintain accurate location tracking in a fast-paced outdoor environment.

The role requires a CDL (or ability to obtain), prior yard/ shipping experience, and proficiency with basic MS Office tools.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in yard operations, shipping, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, or related operations preferred.
• Experience operating yard dog, yard tractor, terminal tractor, or similar trailer-moving equipment preferred.
• CDL required; or ability to obtain.
• Working knowledge of trailer movement, yard flow, shipping support, and safe equipment operation preferred.
• Ability to follow standard work, traffic patterns, and operational procedures required.
• Experience using shipping, trailer tracking, yard management, or reporting systems preferred.
• Powered industrial vehicle experience or certification preferred, where applicable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate yard tractor or other approved yard-moving equipment to move trailers safely and efficiently throughout the finished goods yard.
• Position, relocate, and stage empty and loaded trailers to support shipping schedules and yard flow requirements.
• Perform trailer spotting activities in accordance with established standard work, traffic patterns, and operational procedures.
• Coordinate trailer movements based on daily shipping priorities and direction from yard or logistics leadership.
• Inspect trailers and yard equipment before and during use to identify visible damage, safety concerns, or operating issues.
• Report equipment, trailer, or yard safety issues promptly and follow escalation procedures as required.
• Maintain accurate trailer location awareness and support trailer tracking, logs, boards, or system updates as required.
• Verify trailer numbers, status, and placement accuracy before and after moves.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety rules, yard traffic requirements, and standard work expectations.
• Support inventory and shipment flow by ensuring trailers are available and staged in the correct locations at the correct time.
• Assist with yard organization, visual management, and 5S activities to maintain a safe and orderly work environment.
• Partner effectively with logistics, shipping, transportation, production, quality, and safety personnel.
• Participate in team meetings, operational updates, and improvement initiatives as needed.
• Demonstrate positive, professional, and proactive behavior in alignment with company values.
• Maintain flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or in other departments as business needs require.

Skills

CDL required

Yard operations

Shipping/logistics

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Yard tractor operation

Job description

Be a part of our mission! As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, it's our responsibility to put the planet first. For us at Trane Technologies, and through our businesses including Trane® and Thermo King, sustainability is not just how we do business—it is our business. Do you dare to look at the world\'s challenges and see impactful possibilities? Do you want to contribute to making a better future? If the answer is yes, we invite you to consider joining us in boldly challenging what\'s possible for a sustainable world. Learn about our benefits designed for you to Thrive at work and at home. We boldly go.

Where Is The Work

On-Site (5 days)

What\'s In It For You

The Yard Dog Operator (Truck Driver) is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trailers within the finished goods yard to support outbound shipping flow, trailer staging, and overall yard organization. This role operates yard tractor equipment to position, relocate, and stage trailers in alignment with shipping priorities and standard work. The Yard Dog Operator helps maintain safe yard traffic flow, equipment readiness, trailer accuracy, and compliance with safety and operational requirements. This position works primarily in an outdoor finished goods yard environment and requires the ability to perform effectively in changing and sometimes extreme weather conditions.

What You Will Do

• Operate yard tractor or other approved yard-moving equipment to move trailers safely and efficiently throughout the finished goods yard.
• Position, relocate, and stage empty and loaded trailers to support shipping schedules and yard flow requirements.
• Perform trailer spotting activities in accordance with established standard work, traffic patterns, and operational procedures.
• Coordinate trailer movements based on daily shipping priorities and direction from yard or logistics leadership.
• Inspect trailers and yard equipment before and during use to identify visible damage, safety concerns, or operating issues.
• Report equipment, trailer, or yard safety issues promptly and follow escalation procedures as required.
• Maintain accurate trailer location awareness and support trailer tracking, logs, boards, or system updates as required.
• Verify trailer numbers, status, and placement accuracy before and after moves.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, safety rules, yard traffic requirements, and standard work expectations.
• Support inventory and shipment flow by ensuring trailers are available and staged in the correct locations at the correct time.
• Assist with yard organization, visual management, and 5S activities to maintain a safe and orderly work environment.
• Partner effectively with logistics, shipping, transportation, production, quality, and safety personnel.
• Participate in team meetings, operational updates, and improvement initiatives as needed.
• Demonstrate positive, professional, and proactive behavior in alignment with company values.
• Maintain flexibility to work overtime, weekends, or in other departments as business needs require.

What You Will Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in yard operations, shipping, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, or related operations preferred.
• Experience operating yard dog, yard tractor, terminal tractor, or similar trailer-moving equipment preferred.
• CDL required; or ability to obtain.
• Working knowledge of trailer movement, yard flow, shipping support, and safe equipment operation preferred.
• Ability to follow standard work, traffic patterns, and operational procedures required.
• Experience using shipping, trailer tracking, yard management, or reporting systems preferred.
• Powered industrial vehicle experience or certification preferred, where applicable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications preferred.

Annual Base Salary Range Or Hourly Base Pay Range

$21.79

Compensation Type

Hourly

Incentive Eligible

No

Sales Commission Eligible

No

Disclaimer: We strive to provide competitive compensation for this position, tailored to a variety of factors. The actual compensation will depend on elements such as seniority, merit, geographic location, education, experience, travel requirements, and union designation. Our compensation range is generally based on the national average for the country. Additionally, benefits may vary depending on the region, business alignment, union involvement, and employee status.

Thrive At Work And At Home

• Benefits kick in on DAY ONE for you and your family, including health insurance and holistic wellness programs that include generous incentives - WE DARE TO CARE!
• Family building benefits include fertility coverage and adoption/surrogacy assistance.
• Paid time off includes up to 15 vacation days, paid holidays, sick leave, and additional options to support volunteer and parental leave.
• 401K match up, educational and training opportunities through company programs along with tuition assistance and student debt support.

Disclaimer: Benefit offerings may vary by site as well as Collective Bargaining Agreements and local/state regulations

Safety Sensitive Role

Yes

The company designates certain roles as Safety Sensitive. Safety Sensitive roles may require that you pass additional drug screening.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits and programs. We are an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any legally protected status.