Turning Yard Visibility into Cost Savings

Welcome back to the YMS Podcast! In this episode, your hosts Colin Mansfield and Seve Carnera explore how yard management systems can revolutionize cost savings across logistics operations. Whether you're running a large distribution center, a cold storage facility, or managing a fleet, this episode dives into the practical and financial benefits of implementing a dedicated yard management solution.

From automating processes to minimizing downtime, Colin and Seve share real-world stories from customers who’ve uncovered hidden savings—proving that YMS isn’t just a tool but a game-changer for operational efficiency. As Seve highlights, every facility has some form of yard management, even if it’s just a whiteboard or spreadsheet—but a dedicated yard management software unlocks savings that paper and bolt-on solutions can’t match.

Key Topics Covered in this Episode:

Trailer Movement Efficiency: Stop the “Easter egg hunt” by guiding drivers directly to trailers, reducing the search time from 35 minutes to a few seconds.

Reducing Unnecessary Lease Trailers: How facilities identified and cut unused trailers, saving $180,000 annually.

Automating Gate Operations: Simplify gate entry with kiosks, QR codes, and real-time tracking, eliminating manual paperwork and reducing labor costs.

Minimizing Detention Fees: How real-time alerts and proactive tracking can reduce detention and demurrage fees by up to 90%.

Driver and Yard Check Efficiency: Equip drivers with tablets to streamline yard checks, save 50% of the time spent, and avoid weather-related headaches.

Cutting Deadhead Miles: Avoid drivers moving trailers without payloads, lowering fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions.

Colin and Seve also discuss green logistics strategies—showcasing how YMS solutions contribute to sustainability goals by improving driver routes, reducing emissions, and cutting unnecessary fuel costs. For operations looking to go green while saving money, this episode offers practical insights on hitting both targets.

Real Success Stories:

A cold storage operation saved hours per shift by replacing manual trailer hunts with YMS automation.

A peak season logistics provider saw zero lost trailers after implementing YMS for the first time.

One customer reduced detention fees by $50,000/month, easily recouping the cost of YMS.

The podcast explores how companies are now using YMS to bill carriers for reefer fuel and electricity, driving new cost recovery streams.

KPIs and Business Insights:

Data-driven decisions are at the heart of effective yard management. Colin and Seve explain how YMS dashboards provide real-time visibility into yard performance, such as tracking trailer dwell times, inbound/outbound movements, and driver productivity. With detailed KPIs, managers gain actionable insights, enabling them to allocate resources more efficiently and prevent costly bottlenecks.

Bonus Takeaways:

Driver Buy-In: Overcoming initial resistance from drivers who later embrace the system once they see the job become easier and more efficient.

Reducing Guard Shack Labor Costs: How self-service kiosks and automated gates can save up to $400,000 per year by reducing staff requirements at entry points.

Enhanced Visibility Across Sites: Customers can now view all yard activity across multiple facilities, thanks to GPS-enabled tablets, further improving operational coordination.

The Bottom Line:

Implementing a YMS isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about unlocking new efficiencies, increasing visibility, and future-proofing operations. Colin and Seve emphasize that while every operation might look different, the potential savings from YMS are universal. Whether it’s reduced yard checks, fewer lease trailers, or avoiding detention fees, YMS provides both immediate ROI and long-term financial gains.