YardDogSign inStart free trialBeyond the spreadsheet
A yard spreadsheet can be a practical starting point. YardDog adds a purpose-built workflow for teams that need shared trailer spots, status updates, driver check-in and issue reporting.
Compare the workflow
| Task | Spreadsheet | YardDog |
|---|---|---|
| Find a trailer | Search or filter cells. Location depends on your sheet’s layout. | Search trailer numbers and notes in a yard organized into sections, rows, spots and dock doors. |
| Share changes | Cloud spreadsheets can support live collaboration. Offline copies and screenshots can fall behind. | Team members work from shared company records, with tools matched to their roles. |
| Handle arrivals | Enter driver and trailer details into cells or connect a separate form. | Enable guest driver check-in so yard staff can review incoming requests and assign spots. |
| Report an issue | Use notes, extra tabs, attachments or a separate message thread. | Report a trailer issue with comments and optional photos, then follow its review status. |
| Review changes | Version history depends on the spreadsheet product and plan. | Review recorded yard activity in a four-month activity view. |
| Customize records | Flexible columns, formulas and exports. | Purpose-built trailer and yard fields; confirm they fit your process in the trial. |
| Pay for tools | May already be covered by an office subscription; other costs depend on the product. | $49 USD per company per month at the standard rate after a 14-day trial. |
When a sheet fits
A spreadsheet may be enough when one person maintains a small, stable yard, changes are infrequent and the existing layout is easy for everyone to understand. It can also be useful when formulas, custom columns or spreadsheet exports are central to your process.
Switching tools adds setup and training. There is little value in changing a workflow that already gives your team accurate, timely information.
When to try YardDog
Consider a trial when trailer locations are spread across texts, screenshots and separate files, or when your crew needs a consistent way to review arrivals and report trailer problems.
Try a representative section of your yard. Have people in different roles record a move, find that trailer and review an issue. Check whether the next shift can understand what changed without a separate explanation.
People keep it accurate
Neither a spreadsheet nor YardDog automatically knows that a trailer moved on the ground. Someone must record the update. YardDog’s shared records can help coordinate that work, but they do not replace an agreed process for entering accurate information.
Read the tracking limitations, try the interactive demo and review pricing before choosing.