Ultimate Yard Management Glossary: A–Z List of Key Terms

Quick Jump Links to Terms

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

Appointment Scheduling

• Definition: The process of coordinating truck arrival and departure times to avoid congestion and improve yard throughput.
• Why it matters: Effective scheduling reduces dwell time, detention fees, and dock bottlenecks.
• See also: Dock Managment and Scheduling, Dock Scheduling Software

Automation

• Definition: The use of technology to automate yard logistics.
• Why it matters: Serves to improve the movement, monitoring, and management of trucks, trailers, containers and assets in the yard.
• See also: Automation and Data Sharing, Self-service and contactless visits

B

Bill of Lading (BL or BoL)

• Definition: A legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that describes the kind, amount, and destination of goods being transported.
• Why it matters: Serves as a receipt, contract, and title of goods. Critical for dispute resolution.

Blind seal verification

• Definition: A tractor moving without a trailer attached.
• Why it matters: Cargo theft is on the rise and logistics yards have become a target.
• See also: Bling seal verification

Bobtail

• Definition: A tamper-evident seal and digital record used to secure high-value outbound shipments.
• Why it matters: Common when drivers drop a trailer and move on to pick up another load. Too many bobtails may indicate scheduling gaps that reduce yard efficiency.

C

Carrier

• Definition: A company which is responsible for transporting goods commercially.
• Why it matters: Carriers directly affect delivery schedules, detention costs, and service quality.
• See also: Carrier-booked appointments

Cargo Theft Prevention

• Definition: The implementation of certain strategies to help safeguard cargo from theft.
• Why it matters: Cargo theft is on the rise and logistics yards have become a target.
• See also: Bling seal verification

Cargo Yard

• Definition: A designated space where trailers, containers, or cargo are staged, stored, or transferred.
• Why it matters: An important part of the supply chain, especially for efficient movement of assets and utilization of space.
• See also: Purpose-Built YMS

Carbon Tracking

• Definition: The process of measuring, monitoring and reporting on emissions.
• Why it matters: Some jurisdictions have compliance requirements.
• See also: Reports and analytics

CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

• Definition: A specialized license required for operating commercial motor vehicles.
• Why it matters: It certifies a driver’s ability to safely and effectively operate a large commercial vehicle or truck.

Chassis

• Definition: A wheeled frame used to carry a shipping container on a truck.
• Why it matters: Efficient chassis management ensures that trailers are loaded and unloaded accuracy which helps avoid delays.

Commitment

• Definition: The number of trailers a carrier agrees to maintain in your yard for their loads.
• Why it matters: Every trailer and shipment are important to the overall success of the yard.

Container

• Definition: A standardized shipping box, often loaded onto a chassis, used in truck, rail, or ocean freight. Sizes include 20’, 40’, 48’, or 53’.
• Why it matters: Serves as a tool to store assets that are moved, stored and processed in the yard.

D

Deadhead

• Definition: When a truck travels without carrying any cargo.
• Why it matters: Reducing empty miles improves fleet efficiency and improves fuel usage.

Detention

• Definition: A fee charged when a trailer is held by a shipper or receiver beyond the agreed time.
• Why it matters: This directly impacts the efficiency of, and profitability of, supply chain activities associated with the yard.
• See also: Average rates for detention and demurrage

Demurrage

• Definition: A fee charged when freight sits at a port or rail terminal longer than allowed.
• Why it matters: This is one of the largest avoidable costs in transportation, and better scheduling and YMS alerts help reduce these fees.
• See also: Dock scheduling, Reports and analytics

Digital Twin

• Definition: Digital imagery and or simulation used to visualize the yard and activities in the yard.
• Why it matters: Serves as a critical tool supporting operational efficiency and providing real-time visibility of all assets and movements in the yard.
• See also: Real-time visibility

DC (Distribution Center)

• Definition: A warehouse facility where products are received, stored, and shipped to retailers or customers.
• Why it matters: Ensures efficient operations and optimal use of resources.

Dock / Loading Dock

• Definition: A platform for loading and unloading trailers or railcars.
• Why it matters: Effective management of dock activities ensures the smooth movement of vehicles, increases throughput, and improves safety.
• See also: Dock management and scheduling

Dwell Time

• Definition: The total time a trailer spends in the yard or at a dock door.
• Why it matters: High dwell time is often a leading indicator of inefficiency, congestion, or poor dock scheduling.

E

ELD (Electronic Logging Device)

• Definition: A tool used by trucks to automatically record activity and ensure compliance with all governmental hours of service regulations.
• Why it matters: It supports safety, compliance, efficiency and improved decision-making.
• See also: FMCSA

Emissions Reporting

• Definition: The process of quantifying and documenting emissions associated with yard activities.
• Why it matters: It supports the environment and is regulated in some areas.
• See also: Reporting

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System

• Definition: A software system that helps manage a businesses finance, inventory, and operations.
• Why it matters: It’s an existing operational system, and by integrating with a YMS you can gain a broader understanding of overall business operations.
• See also: Integrating a YMS and a WMS, TMS, or ERP

Exception Management

• Definition: Handling unexpected delays, damaged shipments, or urgent priorities.
• Why it matters: A fast, coordinated response minimizes disruption to downstream supply chain operations.

F

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA)

• Definition: The branch of the Department of Transportation that is dedicated to overseeing the trucking industry.
• Why it matters: It is intended to promote safe and efficient transportation in the trucking industry.
• See also: FMCSA

Freight Brokerage

• Definition: An intermediary between a shipper and the carrier.
• Why it matters: Helps connect shippers with carriers to help optimize freight movement.

Freight Consolidation

• Definition: Combining multiple shipments into a single transport unit to reduce costs.
• Why it matters: Reduces transportation costs and carbon footprint while optimizing trailer usage.

G

Gate Management

• Definition: The process of managing, and ensuring authorized access, for vehicles entering and exiting a yard.
• Why it matters: It helps maintain security, track assets and manage traffic flow.
• See also: Gate and access control, Contactless visits

I

Integration

• Definition: Combining data from multiple systems (TMS, WMS, ERP) to improve visibility and decision-making.
• Why it matters: Connecting YMS, WMS, and TMS eliminates silos and provides full operational visibility for smarter decision-making.
• See also: Systems integration

L

Load Prioritization

• Definition: Determining which trailers or shipments should move first based on urgency or operational needs.
• Why it matters: Ensures urgent loads ship first, reducing stockouts and improving customer satisfaction.
• See also: Dock visibility and automation

LTL (Less Than Truckload)

• Definition: A shipment that does not fill an entire truck.
• Why it matters: It can reduce overall visibility of assets in the yard, increase touchpoints, and potentially create delays.

M

Mobile-First Yard Management

• Definition: Yard operations designed for smartphones and tablets to allow real-time updates, tracking, and task completion from anywhere in the yard.
• Why it matters: Puts yard updates in the hands of drivers and spotters in real time, speeding up communication and reducing errors.
• See also: Mobile-first yard management

O

OSHA Yard Safety Standards

• Definition: Guidelines designed to ensure the safety of workers in the yard management or logistics industry.
• Why it matters: Provides specific criteria governing things like equipment use, material handling, and environmental hazards.
• See also: OSHA, Reports and analytics

P

Predictive Analytics

• Definition: Using historical and real-time data to forecast congestion or optimize trailer movements.
• Why it matters: Moves yards from reactive to proactive to help prevent bottlenecks before they happen.
• See also: Automated move guidance

R

Real-Time Tracking

• Definition: Using QR codes, barcodes, GPS, or sensors to track and monitor trailer location and status in real time.
• Why it matters: Without it, teams are guessing. Real-time visibility reduces dwell time and supports compliance reporting.
• See also: Real-time visibility

Reefer

• Definition: Refrigerated container that maintains cargo temperature throughout transit.
• Why it matters: Critical for cold chain integrity, because temperature control impacts food safety and regulatory compliance.
• See also: Cold storage, Food manufacturing

Requestor

• Definition: User who submits a move request in the YardView yard management system.
• Why it matters: Serves as a role-based activity tailored to the needs of a specific user.

Y

Yard Check

• Definition: Scheduled inventory review of trailers in the yard, often validated in a YMS.
• Why it matters: Manual checks waste labor and are error-prone, and digitizing them increases accuracy and efficiency.
• See also: Performing lot checks

Yard Data

• Definition: The collection and analysis of data related to the operation of a yard.
• Why it matters: Supports operational efficiency and optimal performance levels.
• See also: YMS Reports

Yard Flow

• Definition: The efficient movement of trucks, trailers, or containers withing a yard.
• Why it matters: Involves coordinating the arrival, staging, dwell time, departure and other activities to optimize space utilization.
• See also: Turn your yard into a competetive advantage

Yard Management System (YMS)

• Definition: Software that tracks trailers, dock doors, and yard activity in real time.
• Why it matters: It serves as the nerve center of yard operations, providing critical, real-time visibility into assets and activities, optimizes trailer movement, and lowers costs.
• See also: Core features

Yard Moves

• Definition: The movement of trailers within the yard, typically handled by a yard driver or yard jockey.
• Why it matters: Inefficient moves add fuel costs and waste labor. Optimized moves save time and reduce congestion.

Yard Optimization

• Definition: Process of improving trailer placement, dock efficiency, and workflow in the yard.
• Why it matters: Ensures every truck, trailer, and container is in the right place at the right time to maximize throughput.
• See also: Productive yard management

Yard Spotter

• Definition: A person responsible for maneuvering trailers and containers within a yard or distribution center property.
• Why it matters: Help move trailers as quickly, efficiently, and safely as possible.
• See also: Supply chain employee retention

S

SCAC (Standard Carrier Alpha Code)

• Definition: Unique identifier for road transport companies in the U.S.
• Why it matters: Help businesses quickly identify and track freight carriers, and streamline administrative processes for billing and invoicing.
• See also: NMFTA SCAC Code

Shuttle Moves

• Definition: Short runs to off-site customers or deliveries as "shuttles".
• Why it matters: It’s important to track all asset movements to maintain full operational visibility.

Smart Camera

• Definition: Technology that captures video or images in the yard to track trailers, identify issues, and improve operational safety.
• Why it matters: Automates asset visibility, reduces human error, and adds a safety layer for compliance audits.

Smart Yard

• Definition: A yard equipped with advanced technology (automation, QR codes, smart cameras, etc.) to monitor activity and assets in the yard in real time to improve visibility, reduce errors, and optimize operations.
• Why it matters: Transforms static operations into dynamic, data-driven environments to help reduce bottlenecks and costs.

T

3PL (Third-Party Logistics)

• Definition: An external company that provides logistics services such as transportation, warehousing, or yard management on behalf of shippers or carriers.
• Why it matters: Many shippers outsource yard management to 3PLs to reduce costs and focus on core business.
• See also: Industries, What a 3PL Should be Looking For

TMS (Transportation Management System)

• Definition: Software that automates transport planning, execution, and reporting.
• Why it matters: Optimizes transportation costs and improves service levels, and it works best when integrated with YMS and/or WMS.
• See also: Seamless integration

Trailer Types

• Definition: Dry van, flatbed, container, intermodal, etc.
• Why it matters: The right trailer prevents freight damage and ensures regulatory compliance. Misuse leads to delays or fines.

Turn Time

• Definition: Time between trailer arrival and departure from a yard or dock.
• Why it matters: Faster turn times mean more capacity, reduced detention, and happier carriers.
• See also: Improve load turnaround times

W

WAIRE Program

• Definition: A set of California regulations designed to reduce emissions associated with warehouse operations by requiring facilities to earn points through cleaner practices.
• Why it matters: Required compliance checks are important and can be time-consuming.
• See also: WAIRE compliance

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

• Definition: The implementation of certain strategies to help safeguard cargo from theft.
• Why it matters: Operational decisions are optimized when connected with a YMS and dock scheduling tool.
• See also: Seamless integration