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Yard Driver Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Dollar Tree

1st Shift Yard Driver

Maquoketa, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

A "yard goat" at Family Dollar refers to a yard driver or yard jockey, who is responsible for moving trailers and equipment within the distribution center's yard. They operate yard equipment to load ...

Dollartree

1st Shift Yard Driver

Maquoketa, IA

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

A "yard goat" atFamilyDollar refers to ayard driveroryard jockey,who isresponsible for moving trailers and equipment within the distribution center's yard.They operate yard equipment to load and ...

Coop FE

Yard Labor/Delivery Driver

George, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Requirements Yard Laborer/Delivery Driver * Assist in lumber yard stocking, loading, unloading, and organizing of products and materials * Assist customers with product and material questions

TMC Transportation

Yard Instructor

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

Class A CDL REQUIRED - must be able to pass MVR, background and Clearinghouse * 2 Years Experience PRIMARY FUNCTION: The primary function of a Yard Instructor is to instruct, evaluate, and prepare ...

Kemps

Yard Driver - Floater (CDL Class A)

Le Mars, IA · On-site

$1.2K - $1.6K/wk

OUR YARD DRIVER FLOATERS MAKE: * $29.59 per hour * $6000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 5:00 PM - 1:30 AM. Schedule is subject to change when vacation relief is needed BENEFITS: * 401(k) ...

Kemps

Yard Driver - Floater (CDL Class A)

Le Mars, IA

$1.2K - $1.6K/wk

OUR YARD DRIVER FLOATERS MAKE: * $29.59 per hour * $6000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday 5:00 PM - 1:30 AM. Schedule is subject to change when vacation relief is needed BENEFITS: * 401(k) ...

Lazer Logistics

Local CDL A Yard Driver

West Branch, IA · On-site

$26/hr

As a Local Yard Driver with Lazer Logistics in West Branch, IA, you will stay in one location for your entire shift. No traffic, no long routes, and no multiple stops. Instead, you focus on moving ...

Lazer Logistics

Local CDL A Yard Driver

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$26/hr

As a Local Yard Driver with Lazer Logistics in Ottumwa, IA, you will stay in one location for your entire shift. No traffic, no long routes, and no multiple stops. Instead, you focus on moving ...

Lazer Logistics

Local CDL A Yard Driver

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$26/hr

As a Local Yard Driver with Lazer Logistics in Waterloo, IA, you will stay in one location for your entire shift. No traffic, no long routes, and no multiple stops. Instead, you focus on moving ...

Lazer Logistics

Local CDL A Yard Driver

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

$1.6K/day

As a Local Yard Driver with Lazer Logistics in Marshalltown, IA, you will stay in one location for your entire shift. No traffic, no long routes, and no multiple stops. Instead, you focus on moving ...

Lazer Logistics

Local CDL A Yard Driver

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$23/hr

As a Local Yard Driver with Lazer Logistics in Cedar Rapids, IA, you will stay in one location for your entire shift. No traffic, no long routes, and no multiple stops. Instead, you focus on moving ...

Lazer Logistics

Local CDL A Yard Driver

Baxter, IA · On-site

$1.2K - $1.6K/wk

As a Local Yard Driver with Lazer Logistics in Marshalltown, IA, you will stay in one location for your entire shift. No traffic, no long routes, and no multiple stops. Instead, you focus on moving ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsYard Driver JobsYard Driver Jobs in Iowa

Yard Driver information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$19

$26

How much do yard driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for yard driver in Iowa is $19.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Yard Driver, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), strong vehicle maneuvering skills, and a good safety record. Familiarity with yard management systems, trailer spotting equipment, and basic vehicle maintenance is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work independently are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure efficient and safe movement of trailers within busy yards, reducing delays and maintaining smooth logistics operations.

What is a yard driver?

Yard Drivers, also known as yard jockeys or yard hostlers, are responsible for moving trailers and containers within a freight yard, warehouse, or distribution center. Their main duty is to efficiently position trailers for loading and unloading and organize them for outbound shipments. Unlike over-the-road truck drivers, Yard Drivers typically do not drive on public roads but instead operate specialized vehicles, such as yard trucks or terminal tractors, within the confines of a facility. This role is crucial for maintaining smooth logistics operations and ensuring timely shipment handling.

What does a yard driver do?

A yard driver works in a truck yard to organize tractor trailers within the space and to ensure trucks and trailers are ready for unloading, loading, and transport. A yard driver operates equipment such as semi-trucks and yard tractors—also called yard mules—to move trailers around the truck yard, in and out of loading docks. Other typical job duties for a yard driver include cleaning and basic maintenance of trailers and refrigerated trailers, conducting pre and post-trip inspections, loading, and unloading cargo.

What are the main challenges yard drivers face during their shifts, and how can they be managed?

Yard Drivers often work in fast-paced environments where coordinating the movement of trailers efficiently and safely is critical. Navigating tight spaces, dealing with changing weather conditions, and communicating effectively with warehouse staff and dispatchers are common challenges. Staying vigilant about safety protocols, maintaining clear communication, and being adaptable to shifting priorities can help manage these challenges. Many companies also provide ongoing training and support to help Yard Drivers succeed and advance.

What is the difference between Yard Driver vs Forklift Operator?

AspectYard DriverForklift Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often preferredForklift certification required
Work EnvironmentOutdoor yards, warehouses, shipping docksIndoor warehouses, loading docks
Primary DutiesTransporting goods within yard, moving containersOperating forklifts to load/unload and stack goods
Industry UsageLogistics, shipping, manufacturingWarehousing, distribution centers

Yard Drivers and Forklift Operators both work in logistics and warehousing environments, but Yard Drivers focus on transporting goods across yards and shipping areas, often outdoors, while Forklift Operators handle lifting and stacking goods indoors using forklifts. Credentials differ, with Yard Drivers typically needing a driver's license and Forklift Operators requiring certification. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right role for your skills and career goals.

More about Yard Driver jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Yard Driver jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Yard Driver jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Yard Driver jobs in Iowa? For Yard Driver jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Yard Driver jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Yard Driver jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Yard Driver jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Yard Driver job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Yard Driver jobs in IA? For Yard Driver jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Yard Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Yard Driver job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,844 per year, or $19.2 per hour.

1st Shift Yard Driver

Dollar Tree

Maquoketa, IA • On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Dollar Tree rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 2,513 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 39 rated national retailers

Job description

Monday through Friday 5am to 1:30pm
Family Dollar's busy and expanding Warehouse/Distribution Center is currently looking for a team player with proven retail distribution success to work in a fast-paced distribution center.
Essential Job Functions include:
  • A "yard goat" at Family Dollar refers to a yard driver or yard jockey, who is responsible for moving trailers and equipment within the distribution center's yard. They operate yard equipment to load and unload merchandise, ensuring efficient movement of inventory.

  • Safely operates a yard tractor (yard goat) to maneuver trailers and equipment around the distribution center yard.

  • Precisely spots trailers at designated locations, including dock doors for inbound and outbound shipments.

  • Coordinates with warehouse staff to prioritize and complete tasks related to inventory movement.

  • May also assist with general warehouse tasks as needed, including loading trailers and using forklift equipment.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required

  • Ability to lift 50lbs

  • Ability to adapt to job duty and department changes as required

  • Previous warehouse experience preferred.
    What we offer you:

  • Full benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision. Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and 401K.

Full time
302 Family Dollar Pkwy,Maquoketa,Iowa 52060
Transportation
Family Dollar

What Dollar Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Dollar Tree

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, we put value front and center for our customers. We do this by providing our customers with quality merchandise, amazing values, convenience, and a fun shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for the thrill of the hunt at Dollar Tree or shopping for your favorite brands at Family Dollar, you’re sure to find savings on a great selection of merchandise in our stores.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chesapeake, VA, US

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