If you want to boost how well your logistics work, you first need to understand that logistics isn't one big, simple system. It’s actually a living, moving system that needs constant updates, real-time tracking, and smart tools that all work together.
One key part of this system is yard and dock operations. In the past, they were seen as just add-ons to transport or warehouse work. But now, companies know better. A messy yard can mess up the whole supply chain, so they’re turning to the best tech out there to manage it better.
With rising costs and tighter timelines, businesses want to make every part of their supply chain faster and smarter. A well-run yard helps with that. It keeps things efficient, makes the most of what’s available, and boosts output.
To understand what’s really going on in yards today, we asked 170 businesses across industries like retail, grocery, manufacturing, and distribution. Most of the people who responded were senior managers or execs. Their answers give us a clear picture of how companies are dealing with yard challenges and how they’re using new tech to stay ahead.
While some areas of logistics are jumping into automation quickly, yards and docks have been slower to catch up.
Many yards still run mostly on manual work, and that causes problems. In fact, 35.9% of companies said manual tasks were one of their top three challenges.
Poor coordination means teams don’t always know what’s happening, and that leads to confusion. During busy times, yards can get crowded fast. When that happens, it’s hard to park trailers in the right spots, which leads to delays. Without real-time updates, it becomes tough to find the trailers you need. That’s why 34.1% said yard congestion is one of their biggest headaches.
Another big issue is finding enough workers. 32.4% of companies said they struggle with labor shortages. After the pandemic, wages have gone up and people are switching jobs more often, making it tough to hire and train.
On top of that, 30% of businesses said they lack real-time visibility into their yards. When problems pop up, like a truck arriving late, it’s hard to react fast without knowing what’s going on.
Busy seasons make things worse. When trucks are late, it causes delays all the way through the yard. If the team doesn’t know what’s coming, they can’t prepare, and that creates traffic jams and missed deadlines.
Busy seasons make things worse. When trucks are late, it causes delays all the way through the yard. If the team doesn’t know what’s coming, they can’t prepare, and that creates traffic jams and missed deadlines.
Since many yards rely on people instead of automation, 27.1% said they don’t have enough tech in place. This raises costs, especially with worker salaries. 22.9% mentioned that higher operational costs are a real problem.
So, how do companies handle peak season chaos?
53.8% hire temporary workers
57.3% adjust production schedules
50.3% rely on overtime
44.4% use technology to get more done
When carriers arrive late:
60.2% reschedule and notify partners
48.5% build in extra time just in case
50.88% have backup plans
37.4% make manual adjustments
For companies trying to manage all these challenges, having the right automation tools can bring relief. While there are many types of tech out there, most businesses agree on what really matters.
First, the system has to be easy to use. Most companies (60.6%) said that if a tool is simple to understand, their teams are more likely to use it. Right behind that was functionality. A yard tool needs to actually do the things that matter on the ground, especially since every yard runs differently depending on its size and setup.
Another important factor is functionality. Even the most advanced tools are only helpful if people know how to use them. 52.4% of companies said that good customer support is essential. When there’s a problem, they want to know that help is just a call or message away.
Beyond this, vendor support and responsiveness also ranked at the top of the list of satisfaction drivers, with 45.3% calling it vital for them to pick a solution.
Another big challenge for companies is Lack of intergartion. Most businesses use several systems, like TMS, WMS, and ERP, often made by different companies. Since each one has its own way of working, it becomes hard to connect them smoothly. This makes it stressful for teams who need all that data to flow easily. In fact, nearly half of the people we surveyed (47.6%) said this was the biggest obstacle when trying to adopt new technology.
Some companies also want to reduce their reliance on manual labor, but many tools on the market don’t offer enough automation. About 38.2% of businesses were disappointed with these limited features. Others pointed out the high cost of upkeep, 34.7% said maintenance was too expensive. And 29.4% of respondents mentioned that these tools don’t grow well with their business, making it hard to scale as operations get bigger.
When we asked companies what features they wanted most in yard management software, the top answer, picked by 58.6%, was real-time visibility. That’s not surprising, since being able to see what’s happening in the yard at any moment helps solve major problems like not knowing where trailers are, missing delays, and not using space or staff efficiently.
Next on the list, 40.8% of respondents said it was important for the yard system to connect easily with the tools they already use. Close behind, around 40% (39.6%) wanted the software to include automated dock scheduling to help things run more smoothly. And 32.5% said they need reporting and analytics so they can make smarter choices based on real data.
Beyond the technology itself, cost and affordability play a major role, with 58% of respondents calling this a criterion for vendor selection. That being said, regardless of other preferences, 89% of all respondents mentioned it was either important or extremely important for the solution to have a great driver experience for them to adopt the solution. Enhance Real-Time Visibility and Automation
Besides the features, cost and affordability really matter. In fact, 58% of the people we surveyed said price is a big factor when choosing a vendor. But no matter what else they’re looking for, one thing stood out, 89% said it’s important, or even extremely important, that the system offers a great experience for truck drivers. That’s a key part of whether they’ll decide to use the solution or not.
To make a real impact, companies should focus on tools that boost real-time visibility and bring in more automation. These upgrades help everything run faster, smoother, and with less stress for both teams and drivers.
These days, companies are using more and more different types of software to run their operations. But that often leads to integration problems, which are all too common.
That’s why it’s really important to check how well a new tool works with the systems you already use before choosing it. Getting the integration right from the beginning is key—if your tools can’t share information smoothly, it can slow things down and make it harder for your business to grow.
Using advanced technology is great, but it’s just as important to choose a vendor you can count on. You need a partner who offers 24/7 support, keeps the system updated, and helps train your team. It’s also smart to set up clear service agreements that guarantee the system will stay up and running—and that any issues will be fixed quickly. That way, you can avoid delays and keep your operations running smoothly.
Sustainability is a critical consideration in an industry that is frequently pulled up for being a significant emitter of carbon emissions. Working with a partner that takes environmental impact seriously is a good start. Look for energy-efficient technologies that can optimize yard layouts to reduce fuel consumption, and tools that track and manage emissions. Besides helping to stay compliant with regulatory standards, it also helps to improve stakeholder perception.
Sustainability really matters, especially in logistics, which is often blamed for high carbon emissions. That’s why it’s important to work with vendors who care about the environment. Look for smart, energy-saving tools that help plan yard layouts better and cut down on fuel use. Tools that can track and manage emissions are also a big plus. Not only does this help your business meet regulations, but it also makes a great impression on customers and partners.
In an industry that’s always changing, being efficient is more important than ever. The more efficient your operations, the better your profits. That’s why dock and yard management can’t be treated as a behind-the-scenes task anymore, it’s now a key part of cutting costs, running smoothly, and keeping customers happy.
Our survey shows that the logistics world is at a turning point. With rising labor costs, outdated manual processes, and the need for real-time updates, companies must act quickly and plan smart. Using modern technology isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must.
For companies ready to take control and improve, now is the time to move forward. By teaming up with trusted providers like C3 Solutions, you can use powerful tools to cut delays, boost sustainability, and reach your goals faster.