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Yard Switcher Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Request Foods

Yard Switcher - Contract

Holland, MI · On-site

$25/hr

Yard Switcher Operator (Level 5) - 2nd Shift (Temporary Job until August) Hours: 3:00pm - shift end (hours may vary) Entry Rate of Pay: $25.00/hour Request Foods believes that each employee makes a ...

Central Transport

Yard Switcher - Flint, MI

Flint, MI · On-site

Previous yard switcher or CDL driving experience (Class A CDL preferred). * Strong attention to safety and yard organization. * Ability to work in a fast-paced, outdoor environment. * Reliable ...

Sunset Grown

Switcher (B2) Night Shift

Livonia, MI · On-site

The essential function of this position is to move truck trailers in the yard and prepare trucks for loading or unloading our greenhouse grown produce. The switcher makes sure that the area remains ...

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Yard Switcher information

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How much do yard switcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for yard switcher in Michigan is $16.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a yard switcher?

A yard switcher is a tractor-trailer or truck driver who works in the commercial sector. Large companies often employ yard switchers to move trailers or products around the yard or in and out of docks by operating warehouse machinery like forklifts and semi-trucks in tight spaces. Job duties include cleaning and moving trailers, operating under safety procedures, checking vehicle maintenance and service, and possibly recording the weight of containers. Qualifications for this career begin with a high school diploma, but professional truck driving education is required as well as a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Mechanical skills are vital for this job, and prior experience in truck driving is helpful.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a yard switcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Yard Switcher, you need a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), good driving skills, and knowledge of yard operations and safety protocols. Familiarity with yard management systems, radio communication equipment, and basic vehicle maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are essential soft skills for working efficiently and safely. These skills ensure the smooth, safe, and timely movement of trailers and containers within busy logistics yards.

What are some common challenges faced by yard switchers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Yard Switchers often encounter challenges such as navigating tight spaces, coordinating with multiple team members, and managing time-sensitive movements of trailers or containers. Staying alert to safety protocols and maintaining clear communication with dispatchers and other drivers are essential to overcoming these challenges. Regular equipment checks and ongoing training also help Yard Switchers perform their duties efficiently and safely, contributing to a smooth yard operation.

What is the difference between Yard Switcher vs Forklift Operator?

AspectYard SwitcherForklift Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a valid driver's license and yard-specific trainingRequires forklift certification and safety training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor yards, rail yards, or shipping docksIndoor warehouses or outdoor storage areas
Employer & IndustryLogistics, transportation, shipping companiesWarehousing, manufacturing, distribution centers
Common TasksMoving containers, switching railcars, yard organizationOperating forklifts to move pallets and goods

Yard Switchers primarily focus on yard organization and railcar switching in outdoor environments, often requiring a driver's license. Forklift Operators operate forklifts mainly indoors, handling palletized goods, and need forklift certification. Both roles are essential in logistics and warehousing industries but differ in environment and specific skills.

More about Yard Switcher jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Yard Switcher jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Yard Switcher jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Yard Switcher jobs in Michigan?

For Yard Switcher jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Yard Switcher jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Yard Switcher jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Yard Switcher jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Yard Switcher job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Yard Switcher jobs in MI?

For Yard Switcher jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Yard Switcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Yard Switcher job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $34,758 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Yard Switcher - Contract

Request Foods

Holland, MI • On-site

$25/hr

Contractor, Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Request Foods rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Position: Yard Switcher Operator (Level 5) – 2nd Shift (Temporary Job until August)
Hours: 3:00pm – shift end (hours may vary)
Entry Rate of Pay: $25.00/hour
Request Foods believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the success of our company. That contribution includes but is not limited to the assigned responsibilities. This position description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications, and job scope, but does not limit the individual or the organization only to the work identified. It is Request Foods expectation that each member will offer his/her services wherever and whenever necessary to ensure the success of the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Safely operate a yard switcher, with, or without a trailer, to move trailers in and out of docks or around the shipping/receiving docks.
  • Perform yard checks on trailers (refrigerated truck temperature checks, fuel levels, security seal checks, etc.) and complete necessary paperwork in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Refuel refrigerated trailers as necessary.
  • Assist in ensuring safe operation of yard switcher trucks, lift trucks, and order pickers following the manufacturer’s safe operating rules, DOT and OSHA requirements.
In addition to the primary functions listed above, the individual may be called to:
  • When yard work is complete, and/or assistance is necessary on the shipping/receiving docks, will operate an industrial fork truck to load and unload trailers.
  • Operate lift truck in a safe and timely manner to assure proper unloading and storage of received materials and ingredients.
  • Assist in the accurate picking and recording of customer and production department orders.
  • Assist in getting finished shrink-wrapped pallets off from the automated wrapper and delivery to the freezer material handlers for efficient storage.
  • Assist in the production and freezer areas depending on production schedule and warehouse crewing.
  • Assist in staging frozen ingredients for Kitchen and Production teams from freezer requisitions.
  • Assist in selecting orders according to proper products code numbers and quantities.
  • Assist in selecting product from proper location to assure accurate product rotation.
  • Accurately and timely track product/ingredient lot numbers. Use computer system to control inventory and lot accuracy.
  • Load and move frozen ingredients from receiving dock into appropriate freezer location(s).
  • Use computer terminal to look up inventory information and print out part number identification stickers.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications/ Education/ Skills
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) “A”, or have the ability to obtain certification within 3 months
  • Forklift certified or ability to obtain forklift certification.
  • Must have proficient math skills and possess adequate English communication skills in order to understand written and spoken instructions
  • Excellent safety awareness and a sufficient level of physical fitness.
  • Ability to work effectively and efficiently, individually, as well as with others.
  • Good organizational skills and detailed oriented.
Physical Activities Required – The physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by a member to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Extensive sitting, standing and walking
  • Must repeatedly climb in and out of their tractors to hook, unhook and inspect trailers.
  • Exposed to the outside elements and must be able to endure a good deal of walking, bending and lifting.

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