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Rail Yard Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Cargomatic

Yard Hostler Driver

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

... rail yard. This role is crucial to maintaining a smooth workflow, spotting trailers into active loading dock doors, staging areas, and parking stalls without driving on public highways. Key ...

Cargomatic

Yard Hostler Driver

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

... rail yard. This role is crucial to maintaining a smooth workflow, spotting trailers into active loading dock doors, staging areas, and parking stalls without driving on public highways. Key ...

Cargomatic

Yard Hostler Driver

Moreno Valley, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

... rail yard. This role is crucial to maintaining a smooth workflow, spotting trailers into active loading dock doors, staging areas, and parking stalls without driving on public highways. Key ...

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All JobsRail Yard JobsRail Yard Jobs in Riverside, CA

Rail Yard information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do rail yard jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail yard in Riverside, CA is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rail yard worker do?

Rail yard workers, also known as rail yard operatives or switchmen, are responsible for organizing and directing the movement of trains and railcars within a rail yard. Their tasks include assembling trains, switching railcars to different tracks, inspecting equipment, and ensuring safety procedures are followed. They play a crucial role in making sure that freight and passenger trains are correctly formed and ready for their scheduled departures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail yard worker?

To thrive as a Rail Yard Worker, you need a good understanding of rail operations, safety procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio communication devices, railcar switching equipment, and basic mechanical tools is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are important soft skills for ensuring efficient and safe yard operations. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing accidents, maintaining workflow, and supporting the smooth movement of freight within the rail yard.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a rail yard environment?

Working in a rail yard often involves managing complex logistics, coordinating with multiple teams, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Employees may face challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment, and responding quickly to operational changes or emergencies. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential, as the role often requires collaboration with train crews, dispatchers, and maintenance staff to ensure safe and efficient rail operations.

What is the difference between Rail Yard vs Rail Car Loader?

AspectRail YardRail Car Loader
Primary RoleManaging and coordinating train movements, switching cars, and overseeing yard operationsLoading and unloading cargo from rail cars at specific locations
Work EnvironmentLarge rail yards with multiple tracks and switching equipmentRail cars at loading facilities, often outdoors or in warehouses
CertificationsTypically requires safety training, possibly a commercial driver’s license (CDL)Safety training, sometimes OSHA certifications

Rail Yard workers oversee the overall operation of rail yards, coordinating train movements and managing switching tasks. Rail Car Loaders focus specifically on loading and unloading cargo from rail cars at designated sites. While both roles require safety training and involve outdoor work, Rail Yard positions involve broader operational responsibilities within a rail yard environment, whereas Rail Car Loaders specialize in cargo handling at loading points.

What is a rail yard job?

A rail yard job involves working in a facility where trains are assembled, disassembled, and maintained. Workers may perform tasks such as switching cars, operating equipment, and ensuring safety protocols in a busy environment that requires knowledge of rail operations and safety procedures.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Yard jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Rail Yard jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Yard jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Yard jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Rail Yard jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Rail Yard job openings:

Rail Yard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Yard job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $37,371 per year, or $18 per hour.

Yard Hostler Driver

Moreno Valley, CA • On-site

Cargomatic
Trucking • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Cargomaticexternal

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Drive specialized terminal tractors to maneuver trailers between parking stalls, staging zones, and loading docks.

  • Perform trailer inspections, verify trailer numbers, and log trailer movements using digital systems.

  • Communicate with warehouse and logistics staff to coordinate trailer placement and ensure proper loading and unloading.

Cargomatic rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Yard Hostler Driver

Employment Type: On-Site | Experienced 

Compensation: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour

Locations & Schedules:

  • Moreno Valley, CA - 
    • Monday - Thursday, 3:00 PM -1:00 AM 
    • Friday -  Sunday, 3:00 PM - 1:00 AM 
  • Prince George, VA
    • Monday - Thursday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
    • Monday - Thursday, 6:00 PM - 4:00 AM 
    • Friday - Sunday, 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM 
    • Friday - Sunday, 6:00 PM - 4:00 AM
Yard Hostler Driver

The Yard Hostler Driver is responsible for safely and efficiently moving semi-trailers, shipping containers, and straight trucks around a warehouse, distribution center, or rail yard. This role is crucial to maintaining a smooth workflow, spotting trailers into active loading dock doors, staging areas, and parking stalls without driving on public highways.

Key Responsibilities

  • Shunting Trailers: Drive specialized terminal tractors to maneuver 53-foot trailers between parking stalls, staging zones, and active loading docks.

  • Hydraulic Control: Use in-cab hydraulic lifts to raise and lower trailer legs, moving equipment safely without the need to manually crank landing gear.

  • Yard Management: Verify trailer numbers for accuracy and log every trailer movement using onboard digital systems, inventory tracking tools, or dockyard management systems.

  • Safety & Inspection: Perform thorough pre-trip and post-trip equipment inspections on yard tractors and trailers. Chock trailer wheels, manage dock locks, and report any damage or maintenance needs to supervisors.

  • Coordination & Communication: Communicate effectively with warehouse, dock, and logistics staff via two-way radio or phone to ensure trailers are placed correctly for loading and unloading schedules.

  • General Maintenance: Keep the yard clean, organized, and safe. Use assigned fuel stations to fuel vehicles as needed and accurately fill out driver vehicle inspection reports and logs accurately.

Requirements & Qualifications

  • Driver's License: Must have a clean driving record and be able to pass an MVR background screening.

  • Experience:

    • Must have previous experience as a Yard Hostler/Yard Goat, operating yard equipment or tractor-trailers, a minimum of 2+ years of experience is highly preferred.

    • Experience repositioning, driving, and hauling international and/or domestic containers is required.

  • Spatial Skills: Exceptional mirror-backing and maneuvering skills in tight, congested, and busy industrial spaces.

  • Knowledge of Regulations: Working knowledge of DOT regulations governing safe driving, hours of service, inspection, maintenance, and vehicle safety control systems.

  • Basic Skills: Ability to read, write, and perform basic mathematical calculations to handle receipts, maintain logs, and use handheld minicomputers/tablets.

Physical Requirements

  • Physical Stamina: Comfort working outdoors in all weather conditions and frequently climbing in and out of the tractor cab.

  • Lifting: Ability to safely lift and transport items, sometimes up to 50 pounds.

  • Medical Standards: Must meet the medical standards of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) DOT Department of Transportation, which includes passing a drug and alcohol test.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Cargomatic is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

 
 

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