15+ Best Yard Management Software 2023 Review + Pricing

With the ever-increasing complexity of supply chains, relying on manual or outdated yard management processes is no longer viable. Today, organizations require robust and intelligent yard management software that can streamline operations and drive tangible results. Imagine the impact of eliminating costly detention and demurrage charges, reducing idle time, and unlocking the full potential of your yard’s throughput.

The real burning question is how can you find the perfect yard management software to answer all your yard woes. If you take that leap without doing proper homework, your venture is bound to be problem-stuck.

To help you with this ordeal, we have prepared this guide. Here’s what we’ll cover today:

• How to pick the right yard management system for your needs
• 16 best yard management solutions of 2023
• What features do these 16 solutions offer?
• How much do they cost?

11 Features To Look For When Choosing The Right Yard Management System: The Ultimate Checklist

Before we get into the exciting list of the best yard management systems available, let’s take a moment to talk about what really matters when choosing the perfect one for your needs. We’ve compiled the ultimate checklist of 11 must-have features that you should keep an eye out for.

What’s great is that we’ve used these very same criteria to evaluate the YMS on our list and we’ve based their ranking on how well they measure up.

Real-Time Visibility Into Yard Operations

• Live tracking of trucks, trailers, and containers within the yard.
• Status updates on shipments, including arrivals, departures, and delays.
• Real-time alerts and notifications for important events or exceptions.
• Interactive map or graphical representation of the yard layout and asset locations.

Dynamic Appointment Scheduling

• Ability to schedule and manage appointments based on actual arrival times.
• Drivers can book and change appointments on their own.
• Flexibility to adjust appointments based on changing priorities and conditions.
• Automated confirmation, reminders, and alerts for appointment booking and rescheduling to streamline workflows.

Digital Check-Ins

• Paperless and automated check-in process for drivers and carriers.
• Capture important data like arrival time, load details, and documents digitally.
• Streamlined communication between guards, yard personnel, and drivers.

Dock Scheduling

• Efficient allocation of dock resources to maximize throughput.
• Prioritization of shipments based on urgency and operational requirements.
• Visibility into dock availability and potential bottlenecks.

Document Digitization

• Ability to digitize and store important yard-related documents, like bills of lading, packing list, and inspection records.
• Paperless documentation process for streamlined data entry and retrieval.
• Centralized document repository accessible to authorized personnel to reduce the risk of misplaced or lost paperwork.
• Integration with other systems to facilitate seamless data exchange and eliminate manual data entry.

Carrier & Driver Management

• Robust database to store detailed information about carriers and drivers, including names, contact details, trailer numbers, certifications, and compliance records.
• Efficient onboarding process to register new carriers and drivers into the system.
• Monitoring and validation of carrier insurance and compliance.

Reporting & Analytics

• Comprehensive reporting capabilities to track KPIs related to yard operations.
• Customizable dashboards that provide real-time insights into yard efficiency, truck turnaround times, and asset utilization.
• Historical data analysis to identify trends, optimize processes, and make better decisions.
• Automatic generation and distribution of reports for improved visibility and collaboration.

Mobile Access

• Support for all smartphones and tablets.
• Mobile applications for drivers, carriers, and yard personnel to facilitate communication and data exchange.
• Real-time updates and notifications delivered to mobile devices for prompt response to changes.

Integration Capabilities

• Seamless integration with existing WMS, TMS, and other relevant software.
• Compatibility with GPS and other tracking technologies for real-time visibility into yard operations.
• 2-way data synchronization to ensure accurate and up-to-date information across all integrated systems.
• APIs and data connectors that facilitate easy data exchange for a connected supply chain ecosystem.

Software Roadmap

• Regular updates and improvements to the YMS based on customer feedback and industry trends.
• A clear and well-defined software development roadmap that outlines future enhancements and new features.
• Support for future technology advancements to ensure the system remains relevant and up-to-date.

Support & Training

• Comprehensive onboarding and training for yard personnel and administrators to ensure successful implementation and usage.
• Availability of online documentation, tutorials, and user guides for self-paced learning and troubleshooting.
• Access to a dedicated support team that can provide timely assistance and address any technical issues that may arise.
• Regular software updates and patches to address bugs and security vulnerabilities, ensuring system reliability and stability.

16 Best Yard Management Software For Increasing Operational Productivity

Now let’s get the review started. Here are our top 3 picks for the leading yard management solutions of 2023:

• Vector
• C3 Yard
• FourKites Dynamic Yard

Let’s get started with a detailed review of the 16 best yard management software.

01

Vector

Vector is a highly advanced and customizable yard management solution. Our cutting-edge self-service check-in feature empowers drivers to effortlessly check in to any facility using our user-friendly mobile app, convenient SMS service, or hassle-free kiosk system. Say goodbye to frustrating congestion at the door, as our advanced solution will get drivers in and out of your facility up to 3 times faster than ever.

With our user-friendly platform, you can effortlessly view and oversee all your dock schedules in a single, centralized location. It automatically factors in availability and priority, ensuring that every driver and carrier is efficiently directed to the appropriate spot. With our intuitive app, you can easily communicate with drivers and carriers, keeping them in the loop with real-time updates on their appointments.

Vector effortlessly transforms your paper Bill of Ladings (BOLs) into electronic versions with just a few clicks. These digital documents are then sent directly to the driver along with timestamps and GPS locations. With clearer and more accurate information, you can bid farewell to costly mistakes and enjoy smoother operations.

Vector Features

• Dynamic Scheduling: Drivers can make their reservations, get reminders, and modify/change time slots. You can view and accept or reject changes in real time.
• Digital Check-in: The yard check-in process is self-serve (and guard-less) with no standing in line required.
• Yard Workflows: Automate processes and organize your yard for maximum visibility and efficiency.
• Dock Door Management: Sync your dock door operations with the rest of the yard for smooth sailing.
• Reporting and Analytics: Know what’s working and what isn’t with reporting tools that let you make informed decisions to improve the state of your yard.
• Support, APIs, and Roadmap: An experienced YMS service vendor will have your back with quick communications, continuous API updates, and more.

Vector Pricing

Get in touch with us for affordable, custom plans.

02

C3 Yard

C3 Yard is a comprehensive yard management solution that brings together cutting-edge technology and industry expertise to deliver efficiency, visibility, and control over your yard operations. It helps minimize dwell times, increase throughput, and improve overall productivity.

C3 Yard puts the power of data in your hands so you can optimize your yard effectively. It breaks down silos and fosters consistent communication among all stakeholders involved in your yard operations.

C3 Yard Features

• Real-Time Visibility: With its intuitive dashboard, you can monitor the status and location of every asset in your yard, be it trailers, containers, or equipment.
• Efficient Yard Planning: The system allows you to allocate space, assign dock doors, and plan trailer movements based on priority, reducing congestion and streamlining your operations.
• Yard Activity Tracking: C3 Yard captures data on trailer moves, yard jockey tasks, and gate activities, providing you with a historical log for analysis and performance evaluation.
• Collaboration and Communication: Whether it’s communicating with truck drivers, yard personnel, or other departments, C3 Yard keeps your team connected, enhancing coordination and minimizing delays.

C3 Yard Pricing

The cost varies depending on the size of your operation and specific requirements.

03

FourKites Dynamic Yard

FourKites Dynamic Yard gives you real-time visibility of your in-transit and in-yard freight so you can stay on top of your operations. Implementation is quick and hassle-free which makes it an ideal solution for yards of all sizes.

FourKites Dynamic Yard provides SKU-level visibility for better inventory management and more accurate planning. It streamlines the process of scheduling and managing appointments to help you avoid congestion and delays in your yard.

FourKites Dynamic Yard Features

• Yard Inventory Visibility: Get insights into the availability and location of inventory within the yard.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensure adherence to regulatory and safety requirements within the yard.
• Geofencing: Set up virtual perimeters to trigger alerts and automate actions based on predefined locations.
• Warehouse Management System integration: Integrates with your existing WMS for better supply chain management.

FourKites Dynamic Yard Pricing

FourKites Dynamic Yard provides tailor-made plans for its solution.

04

YardView

YardView is a robust and efficient yard management solution that’s fine-tuned over 25 years of industry experience. With its cloud-based architecture, the software offers a modern and flexible solution that can be seamlessly integrated into your existing infrastructure.

YardView can be up and running in no time which minimizes disruptions and lets you experience the benefits sooner rather than later. The company provides regular updates to its software so you always have access to the latest features, enhancements, and security patches.

YardView Features

• Real-time Tracking: You can track the movement of assets, trailers, and shipments in real time for better coordination and planning.
• Yard Visualization: Visually monitor the status and location of assets, shipments, and equipment and get a comprehensive overview of your yard operations.
• Reporting & Analytics: YardView offers robust reporting and analytics capabilities for actionable insights to make data-driven decisions and identify areas for improvement.
• Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrate YardView with your existing systems, like fleet management solutions, warehouse management solutions, or a transportation management system.

YardView Pricing

Custom pricing is available on demand.

05

Kaleris Digital Yard

Kaleris Digital Yard is a multi-mode rail and truck yard management solution used by 350+ companies among Fortune 1,000 shippers since its inception in 2004. It has been specifically designed to cater to the needs of both liquid and dry bulk shippers and receivers.

Kaleris Digital Yard provides you with a comprehensive view of network-wide carrier contracted capability and availability. With this information at your fingertips, you can make more informed decisions and streamline your supply chain processes. It offers robust driver management which simplifies coordinating and managing drivers within the yard.

Kaleris Digital Yard Features

• Real-time Notifications: Get real-time notifications and alerts and stay informed about critical events.
• Yard Capacity Planning: Analyze historical data and current trends for forecasting and optimizing yard space utilization.
• Equipment Tracking & Maintenance: Optimize equipment utilization, streamline maintenance schedules, and minimize downtime.
• Electronic Document Management: Eliminate the need for physical paperwork and reduce administrative burdens with electronic document management.

Kaleris Digital Yard Pricing

Custom pricing plans are available on demand.

06

Transloads.co

Transloads.co is an all-in-one yard management system that is designed as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform. It leverages the power of modern cloud architecture to ensure accessibility from anywhere, at any time. The software enables swift recovery and minimizes disruptions in case of unforeseen incidents or technical glitches.

Transloads.co delivers uninterrupted service for effective yard operations. Through their training programs, Transloads.co equips your staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to maximize the benefits of the software. It offers a range of customization options, allowing you to adapt it to your unique processes and workflows.

Transloads.co Features

• Advanced Yard Management: From real-time visibility of inventory to efficient trailer management, the software streamlines your yard operations and reduces bottlenecks.
• Inventory Management: The software tracks and manages stock levels, monitors expiration dates, and optimizes storage space.
• Mobile Accessibility:co provides an advanced mobile app to access and update yard management information on the go.
• Collaboration & Vendor Portal: Through a secure vendor portal, you can share relevant information, exchange documents, and coordinate activities.

Transloads.co Pricing

• Pay-per-payload ($29.95/payload): For new yards with low load volume.
• Pay-per-month ($799.95/month): For yards with high shipment volume.

07

Descartes Dock Scheduling & Yard Management

Descartes Dock Scheduling & Yard Management combines advanced technology with intelligent features to optimize efficiency. Every action and transaction within the system is meticulously recorded which provides an audit trail for loss prevention and government compliance.

The software provides enhanced security measures to safeguard valuable assets and protect against unauthorized access. With its trailer content visibility, you can get real-time insights and quickly locate specific items, manage inventory effectively, and ensure that the right products are dispatched to the correct destinations.

Descartes Dock Scheduling & Yard Management Features

• Yard Task Prioritization: Prioritize tasks based on urgency, resource availability, and operational requirements for optimized workflow.
• Equipment Tracking: Track the location and status of equipment, like forklifts and yard trucks, to ensure their availability and minimize downtime.
• Yard Capacity Optimization: Optimize yard space utilization by intelligently allocating resources, maximizing throughput, and reducing congestion.
• Gate Management: Streamline gate operations with automated check-in and check-out processes to reduce waiting times and improve overall efficiency.

Descartes Dock Scheduling & Yard Management Pricing

You can contact their sales team for a customized quote.

08

IntelliTrans YardRunner

IntelliTrans YardRunner is a comprehensive rail yard management system that offers the integration of interactive maps for intuitive visualizations of the rail yard layout. You can use its “drag-and-drop” functionality to effortlessly generate inbound, outbound, and internal switch lists.

Another valuable feature of IntelliTrans YardRunner is its ability to generate Bills of Lading. This simplifies the documentation process and eliminates the need for manual data entry. With real-time updates and customizable dashboards, YardRunner provides the tools necessary to optimize processes, improve productivity, and drive success in rail yard operations.

IntelliTrans YardRunner Features

• Document Management: Centralize and manage essential yard-related documents for easy retrieval and reference.
• Yard Optimization Analytics: Leverage advanced analytics to identify operational inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process optimization.
• Performance Reporting: Generate comprehensive reports and dashboards to monitor KPIs, evaluate performance trends, and drive data-based decision-making.
• Compliance Management: Ensure compliance with safety regulations, industry standards, and government requirements through automated checks and alerts.

IntelliTrans YardRunner Pricing

Contact their support team for pricing quotes.

09

Transporeon Dock & Yard Management Hub

Transporeon Dock & Yard Management Hub is a renowned YMS that delivers significant cost savings of up to 30% and improves your warehouse productivity by 20%. It revolutionizes equipment fleet operations and improves the visibility of your inbound and outbound assets.

The platform also provides real-time visibility and insights into driver activities for a safer working environment and reduced accident risks. With the ability to accurately schedule and allocate time slots for loading and unloading, you can minimize wait times, reduce congestion, and enhance operational efficiency.

Transporeon Dock & Yard Management Hub Features

• Driver Coordination: Seamlessly coordinate driver activities, assign tasks, and track their progress for efficient task execution and reducing the risk of delays.
• KPI Monitoring: Track and analyze KPIs related to yard operations, like asset utilization, turnaround time, and dock productivity.
• Customizable Dashboards: Tailor the platform’s dashboards and reports to suit your specific business needs.
• Integration Capabilities: Integrate the Transporeon Dock & Yard Management Hub with other existing systems like TMS, WMS, or ERP systems, to create a unified and efficient supply chain ecosystem.

Transporeon Dock & Yard Management Hub Pricing

Customized plans are available on demand.

10

Peripass

Peripass is a SAAS+ platform that helps resolve the complexities of managing yard assets and makes coordinating with drivers and load operators easy. It provides self-service access to various stakeholders involved in the supply chain. Key personnel can access the platform directly, reducing dependency on intermediaries and streamlining the entire process.

Peripass removes the need for labor-intensive manual tasks, like manual check-ins, paper-based documentation, and time-consuming administrative work. It leverages advanced algorithms and intelligent data processing to optimize resource allocation, track assets, and streamline operations.

Peripass Features

• Intelligent Resource Allocation: Analyze historical data and real-time information to optimize the allocation of resources.
• Dynamic Appointment Scheduling: Peripass eliminates scheduling conflicts, reduces wait times, and keeps operations running like clockwork.
• Digital Communication Channels: Peripass provides digital communication channels within the platform for efficient and instant communication.
• Security & Access Control: Define user roles, permissions, and authentication protocols for a secure environment for managing assets and information.

Peripass Pricing

Contact the Peripass sales team for a custom pricing quote.

11

Yard Management Solutions

Yard Management Solutions is an efficient software platform that can reduce your operational costs by 25%. It provides enterprise-wide awareness with a holistic view of your entire supply chain network. It integrates data from various sources for optimized operations and timely delivery of goods.

Yard Management Solutions meets time constraints and controls the number of inbound and outbound shipments per hour. With optimized gate operations, streamlined yard processes, and intelligent scheduling algorithms, it handles a higher volume of shipments within the same time frame. With it, you can reduce your facility’s detention spending by 95%.

Yard Management Solutions Features

• Driver Self-Check-In: Enable drivers to complete check-in processes independently.
• Proactive Alerting: Receive real-time alerts and notifications for critical events or deviations.
• Vendor Collaboration: Facilitate seamless collaboration and communication with external vendors and partners.
• Intelligent Scheduling: Optimize the allocation of resources, personnel, and equipment to maximize efficiency and throughput.
• Reporting & Analytics: Generate comprehensive reports and leverage powerful analytics tools to gain actionable insights and make informed decisions.

Yard Management Solutions Pricing

Custom pricing plans are available on demand.

12

Körber Yard Management System

Körber Yard Management System is an advanced software solution catering to both manually controlled and automated yards. Regardless of the complexity and scale of your operations, it serves as a powerful tool for businesses with multiple yards and clients,

With its integrated control capabilities, the Körber YMS gives you a centralized view and management of all your yard equipment and peripherals. It is highly scalable and flexible and as your business grows and evolves, this system can adapt to your changing needs without requiring significant modifications or disruptions.

Körber Yard Management System Features

• Yard Task Prioritization: Prioritize and assign tasks based on predefined rules.
• Exception Handling: Identify and handle exceptions like deviations from planned schedules or unexpected events.
• Dock Door Management: Efficiently manage dock doors, scheduling arrivals and departures to minimize wait times.
• Yard Maintenance Tracking: Keep track of maintenance schedules for yard equipment to facilitate proactive maintenance.

Körber Yard Management System Pricing

Körber YMS offers tailor-made plans based on your requirements.

13

Project44 YMS

Project44 YMS analyzes various factors such as historical data, real-time traffic information, and weather conditions, and provides predictive ETA for your shipments. It also offers prescriptive analytics with actionable insights on how to improve your supply chain processes.

Project44 YMS dispatches tasks to users and eliminates the need for manual coordination. It also provides slot booking and gate management capabilities. With this optimization of the flow of goods at the gate, you can maximize your operational efficiency and reduce costly delays.

Project44 YMS Features

• Data Visualization & Reporting: Generate insightful reports and visualize data through interactive dashboards.
• Task Dispatching: Seamlessly assign tasks to users for effective coordination across your supply chain network.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in your supply chain and proactively mitigate them.
• Intelligent Load Optimization: Suggests the most efficient and cost-effective way to load your goods to maximize the capacity of shipments.

Project44 YMS Pricing

You can contact Project44 YMS for customized pricing quotes.

14

Exotrac Yard Management System

Exotrac Yard Management System is a cloud-based platform that offers a high level of security and an impressive 99.9% uptime. Unlike many other complex and expensive systems, Exotrac YMS provides a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise functionality.

Exotrac YMS provides a complete timeline and searchable history of all yard activities. You can easily track the movement of assets, monitor loading and unloading activities, and access historical data for analysis and reporting purposes. The software caters to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, retail, food, chemical, and many more.

Exotrac Yard Management System Features

• Carrier Management: Easily manage carrier information, track performance, and maintain accurate records.
• Electronic Proof of Delivery (ePOD): It allows drivers to capture signatures and submit delivery confirmations digitally.
• Yard Activity Dashboard: A comprehensive dashboard that displays real-time data and key metrics related to yard activities.
• Yard Mapping: Intuitive yard mapping capabilities that let you visualize your yard layout, allocate parking spots, and optimize asset placement.

15

GoRamp YMS

GoRamp YMS is a cutting-edge solution that automates and digitizes key processes to reduce your operational work by 70%. With it, you can efficiently plan your resources to ensure smooth operations and maintain a steady flow of goods in and out of your facility.

Whether it’s tracking the availability of loading docks, managing labor allocation, or optimizing equipment utilization, GoRamp YMS empowers you with the information you need to make informed decisions and maximize the efficiency of your resources. It minimizes the risks associated with manual operations and ensures that safety protocols are followed consistently,

GoRamp YMS Features

• Third-Party Integration: Seamlessly integrate with third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and other external systems.
• Performance Benchmarking: Compare your supply chain performance against industry benchmarks and best practices.
• Compliance Management: Integrate compliance checks and documentation processes into the system for regulatory compliance.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor and analyze the performance of carriers, drivers, and other stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.

GoRamp YMS Pricing

Available on demand.

16

WISE Yard Management Software

WISE Yard Management Software offers a comprehensive suite of tools to enhance productivity, reduce errors, and provide an audit trail of your yard activities. It can increase dock productivity by 33%.

WISE YMS offers a new level of information visibility. With it, you get real-time insights into the details of each trailer, down to the SKU level. It also allows you to implement cross-docking and interleaving strategies effortlessly.

WISE Yard Management Software Features

• Automated Task Management: Automate tasks like check-in/check-out, trailer assignments, and priority management.
• Yard KPI Tracking: Monitor KPIs related to yard operations like trailer dwell times, throughput, and resource utilization.
• Yard Security & Compliance: Implement advanced security measures and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Historical Data Analysis: Analyze historical yard data to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for process optimization and cost reduction.

WISE Yard Management Software Pricing

Contact their sales team for a tailor-made pricing plan.

Conclusion

The advent of yard management software has heralded a new era, liberating supply chain professionals from the shackles of manual processes and catapulting them into an era of streamlined operations and enhanced visibility.

As supply chains become more complex and customer expectations continue to rise, organizations recognize the need for efficient yard operations to meet the ever-evolving demands.

One yard management software that is capable of revolutionizing yard operations is Vector yard management software. Our YMS solution offers comprehensive features which make it the ultimate solution for optimizing yard operations, improving efficiency, and driving supply chain success.

Contact us now for a demo or to discuss how our yard management solution can benefit your business.