17 Yard Driver Interview Questions and Answers

The job of a yard driver is to move trailers around a trucking company’s yard. This may sound like a simple task, but it’s actually a crucial role in keeping the company’s operations running smoothly. Yard drivers need to be able to safely and efficiently move trailers around the yard, as well as hook and unhook trailers from trucks.

If you’re applying for a job as a yard driver, you can expect to be asked a variety of questions about your experience, skills, and qualifications. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most common yard driver interview questions, as well as sample answers to help you prepare for your interview.

Are you comfortable driving large trucks and other heavy machinery?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you have experience driving large vehicles and can handle the physical demands of this job. If you don’t have any experience driving heavy machinery, explain what type of vehicle you’ve driven in the past and how it compares to a yard truck.

Example: “I’ve been driving trucks for over ten years now, so I’m very comfortable behind the wheel. My last truck was a flatbed with a crane on top, which made it much heavier than your average pickup truck. However, my current truck is similar to yours, so I’m used to driving something quite large.”

What are some of the most challenging aspects of being a yard driver?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re aware of the challenges that come with this role. They want someone who can handle these challenges and still perform their job well. In your answer, share two or three challenging aspects of being a yard driver. Explain how you would overcome these challenges.

Example: “The most challenging aspect of being a yard driver is working in inclement weather. I’ve been driving trucks for five years now, so I’m used to dealing with bad weather. However, it’s always important to be extra cautious when driving in rain, snow or ice. Another challenge is maneuvering large vehicles through tight spaces. It takes practice to learn how to drive these big rigs into tight parking spots.”

How do you stay focused and alert while driving?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you stay safe while driving a yard truck. You can answer this question by explaining your methods for staying alert and awake on the job.

Example: “I have several ways I keep myself focused and alert when driving. First, I make sure to get enough sleep before my shift so that I’m well-rested. I also drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Finally, I try to take breaks every two hours or so to stretch my legs and refresh myself.”

What is your experience with operating specialized equipment for moving cargo?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with operating equipment that is used in shipping and receiving. Describe any previous experience you have with this type of machinery, including what types of machines you’ve operated and how often you worked with them.

Example: “I have extensive experience operating forklifts, pallet jacks and other specialized equipment for moving cargo. In my last role as a yard driver, I was responsible for driving all types of vehicles to move freight from the loading dock to the truck. I also had some training on operating cranes and lifts to load and unload trucks.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.

Employers ask this question to see how you handle conflict. They want to know that you can remain calm and professional when faced with a challenging situation. In your answer, try to focus on the steps you took to resolve the issue.

Example: “In my previous position as a yard driver, I had a client who was very demanding. He would call me several times per day to change his delivery schedule or request additional deliveries. This made it difficult for me to keep up with all of my other clients. Eventually, I scheduled a meeting with him to discuss the problem. I explained that while I wanted to accommodate his requests, I needed to balance them with the needs of my other customers. After our discussion, he agreed to be more flexible.”

If hired, what would be your ideal route and schedule?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience driving a truck and that you know what it’s like to be on the road for long periods of time. They also want to see if your schedule would fit with their company’s needs. When answering, try to think about which route or routes you enjoy most and why. Also consider which routes are the most profitable for the company.

Example: “I’ve driven many different routes in my career, but I find that I really love the interstate routes. I feel like I can get more done when I’m not stopping at every stop sign and traffic light. I also prefer longer routes because they give me more time to focus on getting the job done right. If hired, I’d be happy to drive any route as long as it fits into the company’s plans.”

What would you do if you noticed a mechanical issue with one of the trucks you were supposed to drive?

Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to handle a situation like this. They want to see that you can take initiative and solve problems on your own. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to fix the issue. Show them that you are confident in your mechanical abilities.

Example: “If I noticed a problem with one of the trucks, I would first try to figure out what was wrong. If it was something simple, such as a flat tire, I would change it myself. However, if it was more complicated, I would call my supervisor or another member of management for help. I am very familiar with all aspects of operating these vehicles, so I feel comfortable taking care of most issues.”

How well can you communicate with other drivers and crew members to coordinate schedules and logistics?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your communication skills and ability to work with others. Use examples from past experiences where you had to collaborate with other drivers or crew members to complete tasks on time.

Example: “I have experience working with other yard drivers in the past, and I find that it’s important to communicate with them regularly to ensure we’re all aware of our schedules and deliveries. In my last role, I worked alongside two other yard drivers who were responsible for different areas of the city. We set up weekly meetings to discuss any changes to our routes or deliveries so we could adjust accordingly. This helped us avoid any conflicts or delays.”

Do you have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the necessary qualifications to drive a yard truck. They want someone who can safely operate their vehicles and avoid accidents. In your answer, let them know that you do have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. If you don’t have a clean driving record, explain what happened in an honest way.

Example: “I do have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. I haven’t had any accidents or tickets while operating a vehicle. I am very aware of my surroundings when I am behind the wheel and always follow traffic laws.”

When was the last time you updated your knowledge on safety procedures and regulations related to driving?

Employers ask this question to make sure you are committed to staying up-to-date on industry standards. They want to know that you will be able to follow their company’s policies and procedures, so it is important to show them that you have a passion for learning new things.

Example: “I am always looking for ways to improve my driving skills. I recently took an online course on how to drive in inclement weather conditions. It was challenging at first, but I managed to get through the whole thing and learned some valuable tips. I also subscribe to several newsletters from different companies that offer safety training courses.”

We want to ensure our drivers are familiar with the area. What are some of the main streets and landmarks in this area?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the area you’re applying for. It also shows that you’ve done some research on the company and location before coming in for an interview. When answering this question, make sure to include major streets and landmarks as well as any other information about the area that may be important to know.

Example: “The main street I drive most often is Main Street. There are several businesses along this road including a grocery store, gas station and restaurants. The library is located at the end of this road, which makes it easy to remember where it is when driving through town. Another street I frequently drive is Elm Street because there’s a park at the end of it with a playground and picnic tables.”

Describe your experience with operating cranes and other lifting equipment.

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your experience operating cranes and other lifting equipment. They want to know if you have any previous crane operation experience, as well as how much weight you can lift safely. In your answer, explain what types of cranes you’ve operated in the past and describe a time when you had to operate one under challenging conditions.

Example: “I’ve worked with several different types of cranes throughout my career. I’m comfortable working with crawler cranes, tower cranes and mobile cranes. I also have experience operating boom trucks, which are similar to cranes but used for construction projects.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. When answering, it’s important to highlight a skill or experience that makes you unique from other candidates. You may also want to mention something that relates to the job description.

Example: “I have five years of yard driving experience, but I am still eager to learn new things. In my previous position, I asked my supervisor for advice on improving my skills as a driver. He gave me some helpful tips that helped me become an even better driver. I think this quality is what sets me apart from others because it shows I’m willing to work hard to improve myself.”

Which other industries have you worked in previously?

Employers may ask this question to learn more about your experience and skills. They might also want to know if you have any relevant experience that would help you succeed in their industry. When answering, try to mention industries or companies that are similar to the one you’re interviewing for. If you don’t have much experience, consider mentioning a skill set that could be useful in this role.

Example: “I worked as an auto mechanic for five years before I started driving trucks. My background in mechanics has helped me understand how vehicles work and what repairs they need. It’s also given me valuable troubleshooting skills that I use when diagnosing problems with my truck.”

What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful yard driver?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your personality and how you would fit in with their team. They want someone who is friendly, hardworking and dependable. When answering this question, try to highlight a few of these qualities that you possess.

Example: “I think the most important quality for a yard driver is patience. It can be challenging to maneuver large equipment through tight spaces, so I always make sure to take my time when driving. Another important quality is communication. Yard drivers need to communicate clearly with other employees on site, as well as with supervisors. This helps everyone stay safe while working.”

How often do you perform routine maintenance on the trucks you drive?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your mechanical skills and how often you perform maintenance on the trucks you drive. This can help them determine if you have enough experience working with machinery to be successful in this role. When answering, consider mentioning a specific time when you performed routine maintenance on a truck or other piece of machinery.

Example: “I usually perform routine maintenance on my trucks once every two weeks. I check all the tires for wear and tear, make sure the oil is at the right level and that there are no leaks. I also inspect the brakes and suspension to ensure they’re functioning properly. If I notice any issues during these inspections, I fix them immediately so I don’t cause an accident while driving.”

There is a spill on the road and traffic needs to be redirected. How would you handle this situation?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. Your answer should include a step-by-step process of how you would handle the situation, including who you would contact for help and what steps you would take to redirect traffic safely.

Example: “First, I would call my supervisor to let them know about the spill and ask if they have any suggestions on how to proceed. If not, I would then call the local police department to alert them that there is a spill on the road and we need to temporarily close one lane. Next, I would direct traffic away from the spill by closing one lane and opening the other as a through lane. Then, I would wait until the police arrive to ensure everyone is safe before proceeding.”