Controlling and operating your company’s yard is a costly and time-consuming part of the logistics process. The best way to streamline the flow of your company’s resources is to partner with a trusted third-party provider. For many businesses, this is a better option as opposed to keeping yard management in-house, which can distract a business from focusing on its core competencies.

For a deeper insight into the benefits of working with a yard management provider, we spoke with Matt Capocci, the Director of Dedicated Logistics for Carter.

What are the potential limitations of a company keeping Yard Management in-house?

Typically, a company would be allocating resources to this supply chain function that would take away from their core competencies. A manufacturer, as an example, should ideally be focused on making their products inside their plants. By outsourcing the yard management process to an expert third party, this eliminates many intangibles associated with operating a yard fleet effectively and efficiently. A competent third party will reduce overall cost with proper staffing, equipment, and technology systems to enable the operation to run efficiently, every day.

How can this positively impact a company's efficiency, turnover, and the bottom line?

A company should be able to see reductions in these areas with a strong yard management partner. A solid provider will manage the day-to-day flow of inbound and outbound products and maintain proper levels of staff and equipment at all times. This partner will be able to measure performance daily and make corrections as needed effectively. Allowing an experienced logistics provider to manage this process as a true partner will typically lead to significant cost reductions over time.

What should companies look for in a Yard Management provider?

Companies need to focus on a provider that has a strong record for safety and employs daily operational measures to ensure care at all times. A culture of continuous operational improvement and reduction in cost is very important. A willingness to provide updated equipment and regular maintenance is also key. Finally, the ability to demonstrate the value and benefits of yard management software is very desirable.

Aside from being home daily, are there other driver benefits of Yard Management routes/positions?

We see many benefits in this role that are important to professional drivers today. Quality of life is enhanced since many drivers live closer to the location they are working daily. The yard tractors are easier to drive (most are automatic), which makes it less of a physical job. Hours are much more accommodating and can mirror a manufacturing shift whereby drivers work fewer days per week. Pay is typically on an hourly basis and is more predictable for budgeting purposes. Finally, this driver job fits a greater segment of the driver population, since the work is similar to a regular position working regular hours.

Resource: An interview with Matt Capocci, Director of Dedicated Logistics-Southeast