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Yard Hostler Job Description

What does a Yard Hostler do?

A Yard Hostler is responsible for the movement of trailers and shipping containers within a yard or warehouse setting. They operate heavy equipment such as tractors, forklifts and yard dogs to move trailers to and from loading docks and storage areas. They also inspect and maintain trailers and equipment to ensure they are in good working order. A Yard Hostler must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record, as well as basic math skills and the ability to follow safety procedures. They must also have excellent spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination to move trailers in tight spaces.

Our Yard Hostler job description includes the Yard Hostler responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Yard Hostler Example


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If you need an example job description for a Yard Hostler download the one below, alternatively we have many other Transportation and Logistics job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Yard Hostler do?

A Yard Hostler is responsible for operating and maneuvering yard trucks and other light equipment in a safe and efficient manner, while complying with all safety regulations. They must ensure that all cargo is loaded and unloaded in a timely manner, and that the yard is kept clean and tidy. They may also be responsible for inspecting and maintaining the yard trucks and other light equipment, as well as providing assistance with general yard maintenance and repairs. Yard Hostlers should be respectful, professional and have a good working knowledge of the yard operations.

Yard Hostler Role Purpose

The purpose of a Yard Hostler is to safely transport trailers and containers around a yard or within a depot using hostler vehicles. This role involves ensuring that the correct trailers/containers are moved to the correct location and loaded/unloaded in a timely manner and in accordance with safety regulations. The Yard Hostler may also be responsible for performing daily vehicle checks, reporting maintenance issues, and keeping accurate records of all movements.

Yard Hostler Role

A Yard Hostler is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of vehicles within a defined yard area. This includes loading and unloading of vehicles, shunting, picking up and delivering trailers, and responding to customer needs. The role requires excellent communication, customer service, and problem solving skills.

Yard Hostler Duties

  • Operate hostler equipment to move trailers, containers and vehicles around the yard
  • Carry out yard checks to ensure all trailers and containers are correctly positioned
  • Carry out security checks on vehicles, containers and trailers
  • Carry out yard maintenance duties as and when required
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations

Yard Hostler Requirements

  • Ability to drive hostler vehicles
  • Ability to operate a forklift
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Ability to work in busy yard environments

Yard Hostler Skills

  • Ability to operate hostler trucks
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Ability to follow safety procedures

Yard Hostler Personal Traits

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Ability to work independently
  • Good communication skills

How to write a Yard Hostler Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Yard Hostler Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Yard Hostler Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Yard Hostler Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Yard Hostler

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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