Radio communication to yard tractors keeps drivers attacking the highest priority tasks. Real-time communication between yard drivers, hub managers, and information support systems provides complete control of moving stock. Optimizing personnel and moving stock results in shortened stripping and loading time at the doors. Yard management systems use information derived from radio communications, bar codes, manifests, outbound delivery schedules, dock planning files, and vehicle equipment profiles. The management system analyzes all the available information to prioritize tasks and present information to supervisors.
Dispatchers check incoming trucks at the road dispatch office.
They enter the trailer number and origin into the yard management system. The system then searches a yard location file to direct the trailer to a preassigned door number or a yard staging area. The road dispatch office inspects the equipment for maintenance requirements and records any requests. Dock supervisors use hand-held terminals to send trailer move requests to the dispatcher's desktop screen. The request indicates whether the supervisor needs a full trailer moved from a dock, an empty trailer moved to a dock, or partially loaded trailers moved to or from yard staging areas.