Shunt Truck Training: Yard Safety Training
Duration: Full Day
Keeping your entire operation moving
Shunt trucks - also known as yard trucks, spotter trucks, or terminal tractors - are designed to move empty or loaded trailers within yard environments. They are commonly used in ports, terminals, warehouses, distribution centres, and industrial facilities where frequent trailer movement is required.
The primary function of a shunt truck is to safely and efficiently relocate trailers over short distances within a job site. While these vehicles are purpose-built for yard operations and are generally safer than highway tractors, they are still operated in environments where risks are present and must be managed carefully.
This training provides practical, job-focused information to help operators work safely while using a shunt truck in real yard conditions.
Understanding Yard Hazards
Shunt truck operators regularly work in busy, confined spaces and must manage blind spots, pedestrian traffic, forklifts, and other moving equipment. These vehicles often operate while handling heavy or potentially hazardous loads and under time-sensitive conditions.
Although shunt trucks reduce many risks associated with traditional tractor-trailers, unsafe practices, reduced visibility, and complacency can still lead to incidents. This course addresses those hazards by reinforcing safe behaviours and proper operating procedures.
When Shunt Trucks Are Beneficial
Shunt trucks are commonly used in operations that involve:
- Moving empty or loaded trailers within a yard
- Frequent short-distance travel
- Repeated stops and starts throughout a shift
- Multiple trailer attachments and detachments each day
Shunting refers to these short-distance trailer movements, and shunt trucks are designed to perform this work efficiently while reducing strain on operators.
Shunt Truck Efficiency and Safety in Yard Operations
Shunt trucks offer several design features that support safe and efficient yard work:
- A shorter wheelbase provides a tighter turning radius, making them well-suited for confined spaces
- Operators can connect, lift, and move trailers without leaving the cab, reducing exposure to slips, trips, and falls
- Improved visibility helps operators maintain better awareness of their surroundings, supporting safer maneuvering and increased confidence
Reduced Operational Costs and Sustainability
Modern shunt trucks are available in both diesel and electric models, allowing organizations to choose equipment that aligns with operational and sustainability goals. Electric models offer benefits such as reduced emissions, quieter operation, improved ergonomics, and performance across a wider temperature range.
By allowing operators to perform tasks from within the cab, shunt trucks also reduce the risk of injuries associated with frequent climbing, repetitive movement, and strain - common issues with standard tractor operations.
Safety Through Training and Continuous Improvement
Safe shunt truck operation depends on more than equipment alone. Awareness, training, and consistent application of safe behaviours play a critical role in preventing incidents. This program reviews the key steps required to operate a shunt truck safely and encourages continuous improvement through positive safety practices.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR THIS COURSE
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the importance of safety in shunt truck operations
- Identify relevant legislation, including the rights, roles, and responsibilities of workplace stakeholders
- Recognize common hazards and apply controls to eliminate or reduce risk
- Understand shunt truck equipment and safe operating procedures
- Recognize the importance of documentation and record-keeping
- Demonstrate effective inspection practices and safe operation
What you Get
Our shunt truck training is delivered directly at your workplace to ensure it reflects real operating conditions. Training can be tailored to your specific yard layout, traffic patterns, and equipment to provide practical, relevant learning.
Participants receive:
- Certificate of completion
- Participant workbook
- Record of training
- Training interval reminders
- Theoretical evaluation
- Practical evaluation
What safety training complements shunt truck training?
Shunt truck training focuses on the safe operation of the vehicle within yard environments. To build a more comprehensive safety program, the following training courses are strongly complementary.
Yard Safety / Traffic Management Plans
Why it’s complementary:
Shunt trucks operate within shared yard spaces that include pedestrians, forklifts, delivery vehicles, and fixed infrastructure. Yard safety training expands awareness beyond the shunt truck itself and helps workers understand traffic flow, designated walkways, blind spots, signage, and communication procedures.
Key topics:
Pedestrian and vehicle interaction, right-of-way rules, speed limits, designated safe zones, backing procedures, visibility controls, and traffic signage.
Forklift Operator Safety
Why it’s complementary:
Forklifts and shunt trucks frequently operate in the same areas. Without shared safety awareness, the risk of collisions increases. Forklift safety training helps ensure all operators understand each other’s limitations, blind spots, and safe operating practices.
Key topics:
Forklift stability, load handling, pedestrian awareness, operating speeds, maneuvering in tight spaces, and battery or propane safety.
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System - GHS)
Why it’s complementary:
Shunt trucks may move trailers carrying hazardous materials. Operators must be able to recognize hazard labels and understand how to respond safely in the event of a spill or exposure.
Key topics:
Hazard pictograms, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), safe handling and storage, and emergency response procedures.
Defensive Driving (Commercial Vehicles)
Why it’s complementary:
Although shunt truck operations are typically low-speed, defensive driving principles remain essential. Operators must anticipate hazards, manage space, and respond appropriately to changing yard conditions.
Key topics:
Hazard perception, space management, adverse weather awareness, fatigue management, backing procedures, distraction prevention, and incident reporting.
Spill Response Training
Why it’s complementary:
Trailers may contain liquids or hazardous substances. Knowing how to identify and respond to spills helps reduce environmental impact, injuries, and downtime.
Key topics:
Spill identification, use of spill kits, required PPE, containment methods, and reporting procedures.
Fire Extinguisher Training
Why it’s complementary:
Fire risks may exist when handling flammable materials or operating certain equipment. Fire extinguisher training prepares workers to respond safely and effectively before a situation escalates.
Key topics:
Fire classifications, extinguisher types, the P.A.S.S. method, and workplace fire response plans.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Machine Guarding
Why it’s complementary:
If operators are involved in inspections or minor maintenance tasks, understanding energy control procedures is critical to prevent unexpected equipment movement or start-up.
Key topics:
Energy isolation, hazardous energy recognition, and lockout procedures.
By combining shunt truck-specific training with these complementary safety modules, workplaces can build a much more robust and effective yard safety program, mitigating a wider range of potential hazards.
Get in touch with us today to register or learn more.
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