Question 1

Is yard management a separate product or included in Dock Optimizer?

Accepted Answer

Yard management is included in Dock Optimizer — not a separate product or add-on. Trailer tracking, spot assignment, yard moves, and dwell time analytics all come with the same platform your team uses for dock scheduling.

Question 2

Do we need hardware — cameras, sensors, or GPS — to use yard management?

Accepted Answer

No hardware is required. Dock Optimizer tracks trailer location and status through software-based check-ins and operator updates, not GPS transponders or camera infrastructure. Most facilities are fully operational within a day.

Question 3

How does Dock Optimizer track trailers without GPS?

Accepted Answer

Yard status is maintained through structured check-in and move events. When a carrier checks in at the gate, the trailer is assigned a yard spot. When an operator moves a trailer, they log the destination spot. The yard map reflects the current state in real time based on these events.

Question 4

Can drivers see their assigned yard spot on their phone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After a geo-fenced check-in, drivers receive their assigned spot number and any special instructions on their phone — no app download required. The experience works in any mobile browser.

Question 5

Does Dock Optimizer replace our existing YMS?

Accepted Answer

For facilities running a standalone yard management system, Dock Optimizer can integrate with it via the Integration Hub rather than replace it. For facilities without a dedicated YMS, Dock Optimizer typically covers all the needed yard visibility functions.

Question 6

How long does implementation take?

Accepted Answer

Most facilities are live in 1-3 days. There is no hardware to install and no carrier onboarding required — carriers interact via a link, not an account.

Question 7

What gate systems does it integrate with?

Accepted Answer

Dock Optimizer integrates with gate systems via the REST API and webhook connectors in the Integration Hub. Contact us for specifics on your gate infrastructure.

Question 8

Can we use yard management without dock scheduling?

Accepted Answer

Dock Optimizer is designed as an integrated platform — yard management and dock scheduling share the same appointment and carrier data. You can configure which modules your team actively uses, but they work best together.