What is trailer spotting?

[vdilly]

Newbie and unable to find satisfactory answer via Google. What does this mean and whats involved? Also, what are some of the costs or charges related with trailer spotting?

[vwaggs]

Locating a trailer at a customer, dock or some specific location other than by chance. If at a customer the payoff is freight. Usually you spot X number of trailers at a new account, then take an empty or one loaded w/their freight in and pull an empty or one loaded w/their freight out.

[Gonfercoffee]

yard switcher, yard jockey, spotter all the same
your job is to put trailers in doors and pull them out
that's it

[truckinusa]

I worked for a small LTL company and we spotted trailers for a large customer every time we came in with a load. That way they didn't have to have a spotter and pay him. Each driver moved one trailer.

Now I deliver to Kraft and they have all kinds of spotter outfits. Shuttle X, Mesco, DCS(JB Hunt), etc. I guess they outsource all the spotting needs. They don't employ any drivers on or off the yard.

[ranger309]

Yeah, outsourcing drivers to logistics companies is what many large businesses have transitioned to over the last 15 years or so. Store deivery drivers are becoming a dying breed. I am honestly surprised that Walmart hasn't switched to using 100% logistics company drivers yet.

[vdilly]

Appreciate all the great answers guys. Very useful information. Stay tuned for more newbie questions, this has been an immensely helpful forum for me to get up to speed on my new career!