What does a yard switch operator do?
Yard switch operator responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real yard switch operator resumes:
- Attend core computer and network systems training before receiving additional instruction in DOD information systems and defense messaging systems.
- Maintain communication network equipment and switches, operate and install communication equipment, and operate diagnostic equipment specific to network switches.
- Help OTR drivers when they can't get to a trailer.
Yard switch operator skills and personality traits
We calculated that 63% of Yard Switch Operators are proficient in DOT, Pre-trip, and Pallets. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Mechanical skills, and Customer-service skills.
We break down the percentage of Yard Switch Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- DOT, 63%
Need to do trailer checks to make sure trailer going in door is ready for the dot inspections.
- Pre-trip, 15%
Do a pre-trip on your truck at the start of the day.
- Pallets, 9%
Unloaded trucks sorted pallets drove three different fork lifts cleaned up did bablers loaded them on trucks
- Safety Rules, 4%
Ensured all drivers and vehicles maintain and comply with DOT and customer specific safety rules and regulations.
- Unload Trailers, 3%
Jockey trailers from docks to yard, unload trailers, hook-up pup trailers.
- Roll-Off Procedures, 2%
Operated Yard Truck in a safe manner during numerous roll-on/roll-off procedures involving loaded and empty containers.
"dot," "pre-trip," and "pallets" are among the most common skills that yard switch operators use at work. You can find even more yard switch operator responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. The most essential soft skill for a yard switch operator to carry out their responsibilities is communication skills. This skill is important for the role because "all rail employees have to be able to communicate effectively with other crewmembers and passengers to keep the trains on schedule." Additionally, a yard switch operator resume shows how their duties depend on communication skills: "accounted for and maintained various types of communication equipment and encryption devises worth over 2 million dollars. "
Mechanical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling yard switch operator duties is mechanical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "all rail employees work with complex machines." According to a yard switch operator resume, here's how yard switch operators can utilize mechanical skills in their job responsibilities: "checked vehicles to ensure that mechanical, safety, and emergency equipment was in good working order. "
Customer-service skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of yard switch operators is customer-service skills. This skill is critical to many everyday yard switch operator duties, as "conductors on passenger trains ensure customers’ comfort, make announcements, and answer any travel questions a passenger has." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "ensured all drivers and vehicles maintain and comply with dot and customer specific safety rules and regulations. "
Hand-eye coordination. For certain yard switch operator responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "hand-eye coordination." The day-to-day duties of a yard switch operator rely on this skill, as "locomotive engineers have to operate various controls while staying aware of their surroundings." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what yard switch operators do: "assisted with the coordination and installation of the new voip sl -100 switch. "
The three companies that hire the most yard switch operators are:
- Averitt Express12 yard switch operators jobs
- Papa John's International8 yard switch operators jobs
- YRC Freight5 yard switch operators jobs
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Compare different yard switch operators
Yard switch operator vs. Trains service conductor
A yard jockey is responsible for identifying reliable and efficient equipment to support a warehouse or distribution center's daily operations, especially on manufacturing processes and delivery tasks. Yard jockeys negotiate with transportation and equipment suppliers with minimal costs but high-quality performance. They also assist in moving equipment, loading and unloading merchandise, and scheduling regular maintenance for vehicles and machinery. A yard jockey must have excellent time-management skills, as well as the ability to multitask to perform duties within the fast-paced environment under minimal supervision.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between yard switch operators and trains service conductor. For instance, yard switch operator responsibilities require skills such as "pre-trip," "cdl class," "pallets," and "safety rules." Whereas a trains service conductor is skilled in "customer service," "itil," "cdl," and "conduct interviews." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that trains service conductors earn slightly differ from yard switch operators. In particular, trains service conductors are 10.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a yard switch operator. Additionally, they're 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Yard switch operator vs. Yard jockey
Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them. They are also responsible for the maintenance and repair of the machine, and they should be able to troubleshoot problems and provide remedies to them. They must be knowledgeable about the different parts of the machine and how to mitigate any challenges that may arise. Operators should be alert, detail-oriented, and familiar with safety and health guidelines.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real yard switch operator resumes. While yard switch operator responsibilities can utilize skills like "dot," "pre-trip," "cdl class," and "truck yard," yard jockeys use skills like "cdl," "tractor trailer," "work ethic," and "dock doors."
Yard jockeys earn a higher average salary than yard switch operators. But yard jockeys earn the highest pay in the transportation industry, with an average salary of $46,844. Additionally, yard switch operators earn the highest salaries in the hospitality with average pay of $47,308 annually.In general, yard jockeys achieve similar levels of education than yard switch operators. They're 0.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Yard switch operator vs. Switch foreman
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a yard switch operator is likely to be skilled in "pre-trip," "cdl class," "pallets," and "safety rules," while a typical switch foreman is skilled in "safety guidelines," "freight cars," "rail cars," and "mainframe operations."
When it comes to education, switch foremen tend to earn higher degree levels compared to yard switch operators. In fact, they're 10.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Yard switch operator vs. Operator
Types of yard switch operator
Updated January 8, 2025
