What is a Yard Truck, Yard Goat and Terminal Tractor?

A terminal tractor, also known as a shunt truck, spotter truck, spotting tractor, yard truck, yard shifter, yard dog, yard goat, yard horse, yard bird, yard jockey, hostler, or mule, is a semi-tractor that moves trailers and containers within a cargo yard, warehouse facility, or intermodal facility, much like a switcher locomotive is used to position railcars.

A yard truck  is built to accommodate a hydraulic lifting fifth wheel allowing the operator to move and lower the trailers without exiting the cab or the need to cranking the landing gear. A yard goat can normally move three units in the same amount of time that a standard tractor would move one unit.

How do I know if we need a yard truck?

If you need to increase driver productivity then you might be looking for a terminal tractor. The easiest way to figure out if you are in need of a truck is to track the time your drivers spend cranking up trailers prior to hooking up. If you notice that the drivers are spending a lot of their time hooking up trailers instead of moving more containers, then you need to look at a yard goat solution.

If your answer requires additional support when moving your containers or trailers with typical truck tractors. Then consider the numerous yard truck advantages; it is extremely efficient and cost-effective. Other options include renting a yard truck short-term, long-term, or lease-to-own.