ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Yard Driver Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Stoughton Trailers

Yard Driver

Brodhead, WI

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Why This Role Matters - Yard Drivers play a vital role in supporting safe operations, efficient production flow, and plant organization . Your attention to detail and commitment to safety help ensure ...

Stoughton Trailers

Yard Driver

Evansville, WI

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Why This Role Matters - Yard Drivers play a vital role in supporting safe operations, efficient production flow, and plant organization . Your attention to detail and commitment to safety help ensure ...

Stoughton Trailers

Yard Driver

Brodhead, WI · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Why This Role Matters - Yard Drivers play a vital role in supporting safe operations, efficient production flow, and plant organization . Your attention to detail and commitment to safety help ensure ...

Stoughton Trailers

Yard Driver

Brodhead, WI

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Why This Role Matters - Yard Drivers play a vital role in supporting safe operations, efficient production flow, and plant organization . Your attention to detail and commitment to safety help ensure ...

Stoughton Trailers

Yard Driver

Evansville, WI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Why This Role Matters - Yard Drivers play a vital role in supporting safe operations, efficient production flow, and plant organization . Your attention to detail and commitment to safety help ensure ...

Stoughton Trailers

Yard Driver

Brodhead, WI · On-site

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Why This Role Matters - Yard Drivers play a vital role in supporting safe operations, efficient production flow, and plant organization . Your attention to detail and commitment to safety help ensure ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsYard Driver JobsYard Driver Jobs in Madison, WI

Yard Driver information

See Madison, WI salary details

$11

$20

$28

How much do yard driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for yard driver in Madison, WI is $20.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.45 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Yard Driver jobs in Madison, WI?

For Yard Driver jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Yard Driver jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Yard Driver job openings:

Yard Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Yard Driver job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,744 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Yard Driver

Stoughton Trailers

Brodhead, WI

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Stoughton Trailers rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

481st of 499 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Stoughton Trailers is a trusted, industryleading trailer manufacturer with strong Wisconsin roots and a commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence. Our yard operations play a critical role in keeping production moving and ensuring trailers are positioned safely and efficiently throughout our facilities.

Position Details:

Schedule: Monday-Thursday: 4:30pm-3:00am
Shift: 2nd
Overtime: Required as business needs

What You’ll Do -

You will safely operate yard equipment to move trailers and units throughout the facility while maintaining accurate documentation and a strong focus on safety.

Key Responsibilities:

Yard Operations & Equipment Handling:

  • Operate yard trucks to move trailers within the yard and plant areas
  • Place units in correct locations, including crowded areas and active work zones
  • Maneuver trailers in tight spaces, frequently operating in reverse
  • Move units in and out of plant buildings as directed
  • Assist security in locating released units and staging them appropriately

Safety, Inspection & Compliance:

  • Perform daily equipment inspections, including fluid checks, and complete required checklists
  • Ensure the safety of employees, contractors, and others working in the vicinity of moving vehicles
  • Safely secure freight moving to and from plants using strapping, chaining, tarping, or other methods as required
  • Communicate equipment issues, safety concerns, or operational problems to management, production, or security

Documentation & Communication:

  • Accurately document all unit movements and submit paperwork in a timely manner
  • Maintain clear communication with team members and supervisors to support yard coordination

Operational Expectations:

  • Perform all assigned tasks in a safe, efficient, timely, and accurate manner in accordance with company policy
  • Contribute positively to a teamfocused environment that supports quality production
  • Maintain reliable attendance and work scheduled hours
  • Support mandatory overtime as required
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support operational needs

What You Bring -

Education & Experience:

  • 1–3 months of related experience and/or training preferred
  • Ability to meet productivity and quality expectations

Licenses & Certifications:

  • Valid driver’s license required
  • Wisconsin CDL may be required if:
    • Operating vehicles over 26,000 lbs (GVW), or
    • Transporting vehicles on public roads or highways
  • Forklift certification required or ability to obtain

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Ability to safely and efficiently back trailers into tight spaces
  • Working knowledge of CDL requirements and classifications (including Hazardous Materials training if applicable)
  • Strong attention to safety and spatial awareness
  • Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively in a team environment

Work Environment & Physical Expectations:

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Accommodations will be evaluated on a casebycase basis, considering job requirements, medical restrictions, and operational needs. Additional details are outlined in the applicable Physical Demands Checklist.

Why This Role Matters -

Yard Drivers play a vital role in supporting safe operations, efficient production flow, and plant organization. Your attention to detail and commitment to safety help ensure trailers are moved correctly and production stays on schedule. If you enjoy operating equipment, working outdoors, and contributing to a teamoriented manufacturing environment, this role offers steady work and meaningful impact at Stoughton Trailers.

What Stoughton Trailers employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply