How is dock scheduling different from yard management?

Dock scheduling manages appointments and dock utilization. Yard management covers all yard activities. This includes everything from gate entry to trailer tracking and dock moves. YardView’s yard management system (YMS) handles scheduling and yard actions in one platform. This helps keep yard and dock operations aligned.

Can the system support multiple facilities or high-volume yards?

Yes. YardView scales from single warehouses to enterprise networks with many distribution centers.

What happens if trucks arrive late or early?

YardView allows teams to quickly adjust schedules, reassign docks, and notify drivers. This keeps operations on track and reduces disruptions.

Is the system easy for carriers and third parties to use?

Yes. Carriers can quickly book, adjust, and confirm appointments through an intuitive interface. This reduces time spent on phone calls and emails.

What reporting is available?

Dashboards and reports cover dock utilization, appointment compliance, dwell times, throughput, and more. This data helps drive real-world improvements.

How does YardView help reduce detention and demurrage costs?

The software tracks dwell times and appointment compliance. It also sends proactive alerts before issues occur.

What does implementation look like?

Most YardView YMS implementations take six weeks or less. This may be accelerated if needed.

What ROI can I expect?

Customers typically see lower dwell times and up to a 95% reduction in detention fees. They also get faster turn times and better communication.

Does YardView integrate with my TMS, WMS, or ERP systems?

Yes. YardView’s YMS unifies information from multiple supply chain systems. This helps teams see the full picture and act quickly.

Yard Driver Communication and Tasking

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Maximize Driver Productivity and Reduce Idle Time

Good communication between drivers and yard teams is what keeps operations running smoothly. YardView’s yard management software (YMS) optimizes driver tasking to support yard operations. Whether you’re a yard dog, hostler, jockey, or yard truck driver, the software is designed to help you stay connected and on task. By giving drivers clear instructions in the cab, the yard shifts from a manual cost center to a proven source of savings that reduces idle time and protects your margins.

Across industries, poor communication is a common problem. In fact, 86% of people say weak communication and collaboration cause most workplace issues. Additionally, teams may be up to 25% more productive with good communication. (Pumble)

See how YardView yard management software solves this communication challenge.

Talk to a YardView specialist

An in-cab tablet mounted in a truck next to a steering wheel and displaying the YardView YMS software.

Not sure what a yard dog or hostler does?

Visit our Glossary of Yard Management Terms to learn how each role contributes to efficient yard operations.

Real-Time Driver Communication: YMS Alerts, Texting, and In-Cab Updates

Every move in the yard depends on clear, fast communication. YardView makes it easy to send real-time updates and instructions to drivers, ensuring everyone knows where to go and what to do next.

Two Communication Paths: OTR Drivers vs. Yard Drivers

Not all drivers interact with the yard the same way, so YardView supports two communication methods:

Example of a yard driver in-cab tablet screen.

Over-the-Road (OTR) Drivers — Text Messages

OTR drivers typically do not use in-cab yard tablets. They receive automated text updates that guide them through their visit with no app or login required.

Key text communication features include:

Real-time alerts when doors are ready
Automatic notifications when loads are complete
Optional arrival confirmation prompts
Departure instructions once tasks are finished

This keeps visits quick, consistent, and hands-free.

Yard Drivers — Smart Client (In-Cab Tablets)

Yard drivers (yard dogs, hostlers, jockeys, spotters) use YardView’s in-cab smart client to manage all yard tasks in real time.

Key in-cab communication features include:

Move requests sent directly to their tablet or in-cab device
Accept → Start → Finish workflow to update progress
Safety, compliance, and inspection prompts
Lot check and yard audit tools
Next-best-move recommendations

This gives full operational visibility and keeps yard drivers focused, productive, and aligned with yard priorities.

Improving Driver Tasking with an Intelligent YMS

YardView’s intelligent tasking engine is built for yard drivers who use the in-cab smart client. The tasking engine acts as a guard for your bottom line. It ensures drivers aren't crisscrossing the yard or waiting for instructions. By assigning the 'Next-Best Move,' the system can help cut down on empty travel time, which lowers fuel costs and maximizes every labor hour.

Key In-Cab Tasking features for Yard Drivers:

Real-time move requests sent directly to the yard driver’s in-cab tablet
Next-Best Move suggestions to reduce decision-making delays
Driver performance insights, including activity levels, completion times, and idle hours
Live driver locations for better workload balance and asset utilization
Integrated lot check tools to confirm, correct, and update trailer/container positions

These tools help operations leaders make smarter decisions. They also keep yard drivers focused on the most important tasks in real time.

A lot check screen for yard drivers using YardView's YMS.

Easy-to-Use In-Cab Smart Client System

The in-cab smart client is the driver’s command center. It’s designed for simplicity and speed, so yard drivers can focus on moving equipment — not managing software.

Key system highlights:

Works on any tablet, smartphone, laptop, or in-cab computer
Fully responsive design that adjusts to any screen size
Simple, driver-friendly interface with buttons and clear prompts

Giving drivers a clear view of their tasks on screen helps them stay engaged, productive, and responsible.

3 Simple Steps for Drivers to Complete a Move Request

Intelligent Move Assist recommends the “Next best move”. Once created, drivers receive prioritized move requests on their device or in-cab tablet. Requests are displayed in order of priority. Drivers complete the move requests on tablets in their cab with three easy steps:

1. Accept

2. Start

3. Finish

The software captures all activities and records exceptions when tasks aren’t completed.

Built-In Compliance and Safety Checks

Strong communication also supports safety and compliance. YardView supports compliance and safety by asking the right questions at the right time.

Examples of driver prompts include:

Temperature readings
Safety checks
Tally questions
Compliance confirmations
Inspection questions

All answers are recorded and stored, creating a full history of driver actions. This makes it easy to review and audit activity later.

Eliminate Errors with Efficient Lot Checks and Yard Audits

Regular counts of all trailers and equipment in the yard are a key part of good asset management. The YMS makes it easy to perform a lot check or update a trailer.

The tool helps you:

Audit the yard by verifying the location of assets
Update the position of an asset
Update the status, condition or key data points of an asset
Move an asset out of location that was not found during the check

This gives full operational visibility and keeps yard drivers focused, productive, and aligned with priorities.

Automated Gate & Arrival Management: AI, ELD Integration, and Driver Check-in

The gate is an important part of managing traffic and assets as they enter the yard. YardView connects gate activity with driver tasking so teams can track every trailer and container from arrival to departure.

Supported check-in methods:

AI camera image capture
GPS geofencing
Personal device or kiosk check-in
ELD (Electronic Logging Device) integration
QR code scanning

Automated steps guide drivers through check-in, parking, and exit. This creates a smooth, consistent process and keeps the yard organized.

Optimizing Yard Operations: Balancing People, Process, and YMS Technology

Successful yard management depends on more than automation alone. It relies on people, process, and the right technology working together.

YardView supports every role in the yard, from yard drivers and spotters who use the in-cab smart client to OTR drivers who receive text updates before and during their visit. Clear communication and real-time yard visibility help everyone understand the next step, improve teamwork, and keep freight moving.

YardView brings all parts of the yard together and keeps them connected to the wider supply chain.

Do you rely on yard dog rentals or temporary labor?

With YardView’s YMS you may be able to reduce those costs. Our automation tools optimize workflows and improve asset utilization and driver productivity.

Creating a Connected Yard Operation for Full Supply Chain Visibility

Key Benefits for Your Yard

YardView brings communication, tasks, and safety checks into one simple system. This helps your team improve real-time operations across the gate, yard, and dock. The system makes sure your yard works well with the rest of your company's supply chain. It helps everyone, from the driver to the spotter. YardView gives clear directions to improve teamwork across the whole yard.

Key features of using a YMS for yard driver communication and tasking.

Read to Simplify Your Yard Operations?

Together, these tools help you build a smarter, safer, and more productive operation. Ready to see how yard driver communication and tasking can simplify your yard operations?

Book a personalized demo today

Improve Yard Driver Communication and Task Management