Yard Jockey (CDL-A Training Opportunity)

Clemens Food Group; Hatfield Township (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Clemens Food Group in Hatfield Township, PA, is hiring a Yard Jockey to support a safe, efficient transportation operation. You will learn trailer movements, yard operations, and inspections, with a potential path toward an internal CDL-A Apprenticeship.

Starting in a six-month hands-on role, you’ll contribute to on-time departures, product quality, and overall operational performance while building foundational transportation experience.

Qualifications

• Safety-minded with a focus on accurate trailer handling.
• Reliable attendance and ability to follow directions.
• Good communication across teams and with supervisors.
• Strong organizational skills for yard operations.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate yard tractors to move, spot, and stage trailers.
• Position trailers at loading docks based on priorities.
• Set and verify refrigerated trailer temperatures.
• Track trailer movements and statuses throughout the yard.
• Perform daily yard checks and equipment inspections.
• Coordinate with Garage and Transportation teams.
• Maintain accurate records and support on-time departures.

Skills

Safe operation

Dependability

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Job description

Yard Jockey | Your Pathway to a CDL-A Career

Onsite | Monday-Friday | 5:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Why Join Clemens Food Group?

Looking to build a career in transportation but haven't earned your CDL-A yet? This could be your opportunity to get started.

At Clemens Food Group, we're looking for dependable, safety-focused individuals who are ready to work hard, learn the operation, and take ownership of their future.

We're hiring Yard Jockeys to help keep our transportation operations running safely and efficiently. But for someone with long-term career goals, this opportunity could be more than just moving trailers.

Here's The Opportunity

You'll begin by working as a Yard Jockey for six months, gaining hands-on experience with trailer movements, yard operations, equipment inspections, and transportation coordination.

After six months, depending on your standing, attendance, and performance, you may be eligible for consideration to transfer into Clemens Food Group's internal CDL-A Apprentice Training Program.

Your first six months are an opportunity to demonstrate what you're capable of and work toward the next step in your transportation career.

The Impact You'll Make

Every trailer movement matters.

As a Yard Jockey, you'll play an important role in keeping our production, cold storage, and transportation operations connected.

Your attention to detail, commitment to safety, and ability to stay organized will directly impact:

• On-Time Deliveries: Helping ensure trailers are positioned and ready when needed.
• Product Quality: Maintaining proper refrigerated trailer temperatures to protect product integrity.
• Operational Efficiency: Keeping trailers moving and minimizing unnecessary delays.
• Workplace Safety: Following procedures and operating equipment responsibly.
• Team Success: Supporting coworkers across departments to keep daily operations running smoothly.

This isn't just about moving trailers. It's about being someone the operation can count on.

What You'll Do

In this role, you'll:

• Safely operate yard tractors to move, spot, and stage trailers throughout company property.
• Position trailers at loading docks based on production and shipping priorities.
• Set and verify refrigerated trailer temperatures.
• Track loaded, empty, refrigerated, and dry trailers.
• Perform daily yard checks and communicate trailer locations and statuses.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections.
• Identify equipment issues and coordinate with Garage and Transportation teams.
• Communicate with coworkers and supervisors using handheld radios.
• Maintain accurate records of trailer movements and daily activities.
• Help support on-time departures and established operational performance goals.
• Assist route drivers and other team members when needed.

You'll be working in an active, fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly. Staying focused, organized, and safety-minded will be essential.

What Makes This Role Exciting?

A potential pathway into a CDL-A career.

For candidates interested in growing into commercial driving, this position offers a chance to gain valuable transportation experience while demonstrating readiness for additional training.

Your first six months: Build your foundation.

During your initial six months as a Yard Jockey, you'll focus on:

• Learning yard operations and trailer handling procedures.
• Developing safe and consistent equipment operating habits.
• Building relationships with the Transportation team.
• Demonstrating dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Meeting performance expectations and following company procedures.
• Showing accountability, initiative, and a willingness to learn.

After six months: Work toward your next opportunity.

Depending on your standing, attendance, and performance, you may be considered for transfer into Clemens Food Group's internal CDL-A Apprentice Training Program.

Transfer is not automatic or guaranteed. It is dependent on meeting applicable requirements and receiving approval for the internal opportunity.

The goal is simple: Give motivated individuals an opportunity to demonstrate their potential while building a foundation for a future in transportation.

What We're Looking For

You don't necessarily need to have worked as a Yard Jockey before.

We're looking for individuals who bring the right combination of safety awareness, dependability, communication, and willingness to learn.

What You'll Need

• Ability to safely operate yard tractors and related equipment.
• Commitment to following safety procedures and completing equipment inspections.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Attention to detail when handling trailers, equipment, and documentation.
• A team-oriented approach and willingness to support coworkers.

Experience That Would Be Helpful

• Previous Yard Jockey or trailer spotting experience.
• CDL-A or commercial vehicle experience (not required).
• Heavy industrial equipment operation.
• Warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, or logistics experience.
• Familiarity with refrigerated trailers or cold storage operations.

Skills & Mindset

Safety First

You understand that doing the job correctly and safely matters more than taking shortcuts.

Dependability

You show up ready to work, follow through on commitments, and understand how your attendance affects the team.

Accountability

You take ownership of your work, learn from feedback, and consistently work to improve.

Attention to Detail

You recognize that accurate trailer placement, temperature settings, and documentation make a difference.

Adaptability

You can adjust when priorities shift while maintaining focus and professionalism.

Teamwork

You communicate clearly, help others succeed, and contribute to a positive work environment.

Growth Mindset

You're interested in developing your skills and potentially building a long-term career in transportation.

Your Future at Clemens Food Group

Start in the yard. Build your experience. Work toward your CDL-A.

We know that a career in transportation can begin in different ways.

This Yard Jockey opportunity provides a potential starting point for individuals who want to gain hands‑on experience and pursue a future as a CDL-A driver.

You'll spend your first six months learning the operation, supporting the team, and demonstrating your commitment through your attendance, standing, safety practices, and job performance.

After that initial six-month period, you may be considered for transfer into our internal CDL-A Apprentice Training Program, depending on your standing, attendance, performance, and applicable program requirements.

The opportunity is there to work toward. What you do during your first six months matters.

If you're dependable, safety-focused, motivated to learn, and ready to take the first step toward a transportation career, we'd like to hear from you.

Apply today and explore where your career at Clemens Food Group could take you.

Agency Statement

Clemens Food Group does not accept unsolicited resumes from search or staffing firms. All resumes submitted by search or staffing firms to any employee at Clemens Food Group via email, the Internet, or directly without a valid written search agreement for this role, and without having been asked to participate in this by Talent Acquisition, will be deemed the sole property of Clemens Food Group, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired. Firms not authorized to submit candidates will not be eligible for any fee or ownership claim. Mandates not mandatory.

EEO Statement

It is the policy of Clemens Food Group to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. All employees are subject to a pre-employment screening process including a background check and drug screen. In addition, we will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to your recruiter. Mandates not mandatory.