What Is A Yard Shunter And Is It A Job For Me?

If you’ve explored the idea of training as an HGV driver but you don’t like the thought of being on the road for days at a time and travelling long distances away from home, then a role as a yard shunter could be the perfect alternative. 

What is a yard shunter?

A yard shunter, also known as a shunter driver, is someone who manoeuvers large vehicles or vehicles with trailers attached on construction sites and in other closed sites, such as at distribution centres or shipping docks.

Their primary role is ensuring the safety of all involved as these large vehicles move around the site. In addition to manoeuvering the vehicles themselves, yard shunters are also responsible for coupling and uncoupling trailers, carrying out safety inspections on vehicles and ensuring health and safety guidance is followed. 

Why is a yard shunter important for construction sites? 

Collisions can happen anywhere that there is vehicular traffic and in locations like construction sites with additional obstacles and obstructions, the risks are increased. One of a yard shunter’s crucial duties is ensuring that large vehicles move safely around the site.

The same applies in loading docks and shipping yards. Their role is crucial to ensure the safety of everyone who works on site, not just those who are driving HGVs and other large vehicles. 

How do you become a yard shunter?

Before you can find work as a yard shunter, you’ll need to complete an accredited shunter driver training course. This will give you the skills and confidence you need to manoeuver large vehicles and trailers on sites of all sizes. 

You’ll also gain a thorough understanding of the relevant Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines that you’ll need to follow in your role. You’ll also learn about the role of a banksman – the person who guides large vehicles into tight spaces or while making manoeuvres.