Reality Check: Why This Job Exists
Warehouses lose money every hour a trailer sits in the wrong spot. Logistics in 2026 moves fast. Companies need someone to constantly shuffle trailers — pull empty trailers from dock doors, back full ones in, move trailers between staging areas, prepare loads for outbound trucks.
That’s what yard jockeys do. They operate terminal tractors (small, high-visibility truck cabs) to move 53-foot trailers around warehouse yards. No customer interaction. No deliveries. No public roads. Just repetitive backing, docking, and repositioning on private property.
For people with records, this is one of the best transportation jobs available. It pays $20–$26/hr (non-CDL) or $25–$32/hr (CDL), requires minimal scrutiny, and often leads to free CDL training and truck driving careers.
The 2026 reality: Companies like Ryder, NFI, XPO, and Amazon increasingly use non-CDL yard jockeys because insurance barriers are lower for private property operation. They care about your ability to reverse a 53-foot trailer into a tight dock door — not your conviction from 5 years ago.
Forklift-certified workers often transition into yard jockey roles faster”
and link it there.
What a Yard Jockey Actually Does
Docking and undocking: Pull empty trailers away from loading docks. Back full trailers into dock doors for loading/unloading.
Shunting: Move trailers from staging areas to loading zones. Reposition trailers based on shipping schedules.
Inspections: Check trailer seals (tamper-evident locks). Document trailer damage. Verify trailer numbers match paperwork.
Private property only (non-CDL roles): You never leave the warehouse lot. You operate entirely on private, gated property. This is why non-CDL yard jockeys don’t need a Commercial Driver’s License — you’re not driving on public roads.
The environment: You work outdoors in all weather (heat, cold, rain, snow). You climb in and out of the cab 40–60 times per shift. You reverse trailers into tight spaces repeatedly. It’s physically repetitive and mentally focused.
Non-CDL vs CDL Yard Jockey Roles
This distinction determines accessibility, pay, and scrutiny level.
| Feature | Non-CDL Yard Jockey | CDL Yard Jockey |
|---|---|---|
| License Needed | Standard driver’s license (Class C) | Class A CDL |
| Driving Area | Private warehouse property only | Can drive on public roads between facilities |
| Typical Pay | $20–$26/hr | $25–$32/hr |
| Insurance Scrutiny | Lower (not on public roads) | Higher (DOT and insurance rules apply) |
| Background Barriers | Easier for people with recent records | Harder if conviction is <5–7 years old |
| Drug Testing | Standard pre-employment drug test | DOT drug testing + random testing |
Why start with non-CDL: Insurance companies are the real gatekeepers in trucking. They often bar people with felonies from driving multi-ton rigs on highways for 7–10 years post-conviction. Those same insurers have looser rules for drivers operating strictly on private, gated property.
Non-CDL yard jockey work proves reliability and builds experience without triggering the insurance barriers that block CDL driving roles.
Why Yard Jockey Jobs Are Felon-Friendly
No customer interaction: You’re moving trailers in a warehouse yard surrounded by other workers. No homes, no deliveries, no trust-based customer relationships.
Operational necessity: Turnover is high because the work is repetitive and involves all-weather outdoor labor. If you show up consistently, you’re immediately more valuable than 40% of applicants.
Performance is measurable: Most yards in 2026 use AI monitoring systems (Birdseye, SmartDrive, Lytx) that track every move. If the data shows you dock 40 trailers per shift without accidents, companies don’t care about your 2018 theft charge. The system proves you’re safe.
No “public trust” factor: You’re not handling money, entering homes, or representing the company to customers. You’re performing a mechanical task in a controlled environment.
Private property operation (non-CDL): Lower insurance scrutiny. Less regulatory oversight. Easier hiring.
Requirements & Background Checks (2026)
Yard jockey work is felon-friendly, but it’s not a no-standards job.
Valid driver’s license: Cannot be suspended or revoked. Most companies check your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) going back 3–5 years.
Clean-ish driving record:
- No DUIs in the last 3–5 years (some companies say 7 years)
- No more than 1–2 minor speeding tickets in the last 3 years
- No serious accidents (at-fault with injuries) in the last 5 years
Your driving record matters more than your criminal record in yard jockey hiring. A 10-year-old assault conviction with a clean MVR beats a clean criminal record with 3 recent speeding tickets.
Drug testing: Pre-employment urine test (5-panel or 10-panel). Some companies also do random testing. Marijuana is still disqualifying even in legal states because this is a safety-sensitive role.
DOT physical (sometimes): Even for non-CDL roles, large carriers (Ryder, Penske, NFI) may require a DOT medical card proving you can safely operate heavy equipment. This is a basic physical exam ($60–$100, usually employer-reimbursed).
Background checks: 7-year criminal history checks are standard. Violent offenses are often overlooked. Theft and fraud matter more (trailer access = inventory access). Recent convictions (<3 years) face more scrutiny than older ones.
2026 AI Monitoring Reality
Yard jockey cabs now have AI-powered cameras that flag:
- Seatbelt violations
- Cell phone use while driving
- Speeding on property
- Unsafe backing maneuvers
- Hard braking incidents
What this means: If you have a history of rule-breaking or shortcuts, this job will force you to change behavior or you’ll be terminated by algorithm. The system is unforgiving but fair — it tracks everyone equally.
For people on probation or parole, this is actually protective. Your compliance is documented. Your safety record is measurable. Bias matters less.
The CDL Bridge Strategy (90-Day Path to Free CDL)
This is how you turn a $22/hr yard jockey job into a $60k–$80k/year trucking career without paying $4,000–$7,000 for CDL school.
Step 1: Get hired as non-CDL yard jockey
Apply to companies like NFI, DHL, Ryder, XPO, Penske, or Amazon. Pay: $20–$26/hr.
Step 2: Prove reliability for 90 days
Show up on time. Don’t hit anything. Follow safety rules. No violations. Document your performance.
Step 3: Request CDL training
Many logistics companies have “Dock-to-Driver” or internal CDL training programs. They pay for your CDL training while you continue working. You owe them 9–12 months of service after certification. These programs are competitive and not guaranteed — but yard jockeys are far more likely to be considered than outside applicants
Step 4: Get Class A CDL for free
Complete training. Get CDL. You now have tractor-trailer experience on your resume, which makes you a lower-risk hire for OTR (over-the-road) companies.
Step 5: Move into truck driving or stay in yard work
You can transition to CDL truck driving ($50k–$75k first year) or stay in CDL yard jockey roles ($25–$32/hr with better benefits).
Why this works: You avoid upfront CDL school costs. You prove reliability before triggering stricter CDL background checks. You have employer sponsorship, which reduces insurance barriers.
Reality check: Not every company offers this. Ask during interviews: “Do you have internal CDL training programs? What’s the timeline and commitment?” If they don’t, yard jockey work is still valuable experience you can leverage elsewhere.
Where to Find Yard Jockey Jobs (2026 Search Strategy)
Don’t just search “yard jockey.” Use these keywords on Indeed, ZipRecruiter, or LinkedIn:
- Non-CDL Spotter
- Yard Hostler (No CDL)
- Trailer Switcher
- Terminal Tractor Operator
- Warehouse Driver (On-Property)
- Shunt Driver
Companies that hire broadly:
- Ryder: Large logistics provider, multiple locations
- Penske: Truck leasing and logistics
- NFI Industries: Third-party logistics, many warehouses
- XPO Logistics: Major freight and logistics company
- DHL Supply Chain: Distribution and warehouse operations
- Amazon (DSP and fulfillment): Yard operations at fulfillment centers
- Sysco, US Foods: Food distribution warehouses
Pro tip — Cold storage facilities: Refrigerated and frozen food warehouses are the hardest yard jockey jobs to fill because it’s freezing on the dock. If you’re willing to work in the cold, these facilities often overlook records that dry warehouses wouldn’t. Pay is slightly higher ($22–$28/hr) due to harsh conditions.
Pay, Shifts & Overtime Reality
Non-CDL yard jockey pay: $20–$26/hr depending on location and company size. Higher in metro areas and union facilities.
CDL yard jockey pay: $25–$32/hr. Some facilities pay $35–$40/hr for specialized operations (ports, rail yards).
Shift premiums: Night shifts often pay +$1–$3/hr extra. Weekend shifts may include differentials.
Overtime: Yard jockeys often work 10–12 hour shifts (4 days/week). Overtime after 40 hours is time-and-a-half. During peak seasons (holidays, harvest seasons for food distribution), 50–60 hour weeks are common.
Schedule reality: Many yard jockey jobs are 24/7 operations. Expect rotating shifts, night work, weekends, and holidays. This is harder on personal life but often works for people needing schedule flexibility for probation/parole reporting.
Who Yard Jockey Work Is Best / Worst For
Good fit if:
- You’re comfortable working alone (minimal social interaction)
- You can handle repetitive tasks without mental burnout
- You’re willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- You need stable hourly pay with overtime potential
- You want a path into CDL truck driving without upfront costs
- You’re on probation/parole and need documented compliance
Bad fit if:
- You have serious back or knee issues (climbing in/out of cab 50+ times daily)
- You can’t handle extreme heat or cold (no climate control outside the cab)
- You struggle with high-pressure, fast-paced environments (tight deadlines, constant movement)
- You need social interaction to stay mentally healthy
- You can’t follow strict safety rules consistently (AI monitoring will catch you)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Lying about your MVR: Motor vehicle records are easy to verify. Companies will find out. Be honest about tickets and accidents upfront.
Ignoring the physical demands: If you have bad knees or back problems, climbing in and out of a truck cab 60 times per day will destroy you within months. Be realistic about your physical condition.
Thinking non-CDL = no scrutiny: You still face background checks, drug tests, and driving record reviews. It’s easier than CDL driving, but it’s not a free pass.
Skipping the DOT physical: Some companies require it even for non-CDL roles. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, severe vision problems, or other medical issues, get these addressed before applying.
Treating it like a dead-end: Yard jockey work is a bridge to CDL driving, logistics supervision, or warehouse management. Use it strategically — don’t get trapped in one role forever.
Bottom Line
Yard jockey work is a bridge job. It’s the most stable way to transition from warehouse labor to professional driving without a CDL.
You won’t get rich. You will earn $40k–$55k/year (with overtime) in a monitored environment that satisfies probation requirements while building transportation experience.
Use yard jockey work to:
- Stabilize income fast ($20–$26/hr non-CDL)
- Prove reliability in a measurable, documented way
- Access free CDL training through employer programs
- Build tractor-trailer experience without public road scrutiny
- Transition into truck driving ($50k–$80k/year) when ready
For most people, yard jockey work is a $45k–$55k/year job with overtime — solid, not spectacular.
If you’re considering CDL driving but have barriers (recent record, insurance issues, no money for school), start here. Prove yourself in a yard jockey role, let the company pay for your CDL, then leverage that into better opportunities.
Related: See our CDL Guide for full truck driving paths, Warehouse & Logistics Guide for foundation roles, or Forklift Certification for another equipment-based skill upgrade.