Yard Hostler Jobs for OPT Students
Yard Hostler jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with authorization in transportation, logistics, or a related field. These roles involve moving trailers and vehicles within freight yards, requiring a commercial driver's license. OPT students in logistics or supply chain programs are well-positioned for this hands-on work.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60 retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.
Job Description
We are seeking a Yard Hostler, 2nd Shift to join our team. This is a full-time Yard Hostler/Spotter at our Midway, Kentucky Distribution Center, just 15-20 minutes outside of Lexington. Yard Hostlers/Spotters are responsible for the safe placement of assigned trailers to their assigned doors and staging areas.
Please note that this position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates who apply will not be considered for this role.
A day in the office looks like this:
- Staging trailers to their assigned loading/unloading doors
- Cleaning and sweeping trailers as needed/instructed
- Maintaining communication with supervision throughout the shift
- Communicating all truck issues observed to supervision
- Conforming to all safety rules and using all appropriate safety equipment
Qualifications
Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Proven ability to maneuver trailers (turning radius/backing/docking)
- No history of revocations for unsatisfactory driving
- Must be able to pass the Lakeshore safety training
- Good attendance and adherence to work schedule
- Ability to pass DOT Drug and Alcohol screening
Additional Information
And here’s our end of the bargain!
- Competitive compensation based on skills and experience, and bonus eligible
- Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
- Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
- 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
- Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
- Generous employee discount
- Casual dress…and we really mean it
At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.
We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.
To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.
Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information.
Company Description
At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60 retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.
Job Description
We are seeking a Yard Hostler, 2nd Shift to join our team. This is a full-time Yard Hostler/Spotter at our Midway, Kentucky Distribution Center, just 15-20 minutes outside of Lexington. Yard Hostlers/Spotters are responsible for the safe placement of assigned trailers to their assigned doors and staging areas.
Please note that this position is open to internal candidates only. External candidates who apply will not be considered for this role.
A day in the office looks like this:
- Staging trailers to their assigned loading/unloading doors
- Cleaning and sweeping trailers as needed/instructed
- Maintaining communication with supervision throughout the shift
- Communicating all truck issues observed to supervision
- Conforming to all safety rules and using all appropriate safety equipment
Qualifications
Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Proven ability to maneuver trailers (turning radius/backing/docking)
- No history of revocations for unsatisfactory driving
- Must be able to pass the Lakeshore safety training
- Good attendance and adherence to work schedule
- Ability to pass DOT Drug and Alcohol screening
Additional Information
And here’s our end of the bargain!
- Competitive compensation based on skills and experience, and bonus eligible
- Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
- Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
- 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
- Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
- Generous employee discount
- Casual dress…and we really mean it
At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.
We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.
To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.
Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.
Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Yard Hostler
Confirm your OPT category matches the role
Yard Hostler positions fall under transportation and logistics. Make sure your OPT authorization covers this field before applying. If your degree is in supply chain, operations management, or logistics, you're in a strong position to qualify.
Get your CDL before your OPT start date
Most Yard Hostler roles require a commercial driver's license. Obtaining your CDL while still on your student visa simplifies the process. Starting the licensing process early avoids losing work authorization time to testing and waiting periods.
Target freight, trucking, and third-party logistics companies
Large freight carriers and logistics operators hire Yard Hostlers regularly and often have experience with OPT workers. Companies with established HR departments are more likely to understand OPT authorization and handle your paperwork without confusion.
Highlight safety certifications and physical readiness
Employers screening Yard Hostler applicants prioritize safety records and physical capability. Listing OSHA training, forklift certifications, or prior yard or warehouse experience in your resume makes you a more competitive candidate against non-OPT applicants.
Track your OPT end date and plan your STEM extension early
If your logistics or supply chain degree is STEM-designated, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Begin the extension process at least 90 days before your current OPT expires to avoid any gap in work authorization.
Ask employers about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
OPT has a fixed end date, so understanding a company's sponsorship history matters. Raise the H-1B question during later interview stages, once the employer has expressed clear interest, so the conversation lands with appropriate context and weight.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Yard Hostlers in the United States?
Yes, F-1 OPT students can work as Yard Hostlers as long as the role is directly related to their field of study. Degrees in logistics, supply chain management, transportation, or operations management typically satisfy this requirement. You'll need to confirm that your EAD card is active and lists the correct employer before your first day of work.
Does a Yard Hostler role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as supply chain management, industrial engineering, or transportation science, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension even in a hands-on Yard Hostler role. Check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm your specific program qualifies.
Where can F-1 students find Yard Hostler jobs that are open to OPT workers?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you focus on employers already familiar with OPT requirements rather than spending time applying to companies that won't consider candidates without existing authorization. It's a more targeted starting point than general job boards.
Do I need a CDL to work as a Yard Hostler on OPT?
Most Yard Hostler positions require at least a Class A or Class B commercial driver's license, since the role involves moving semi-trailers and large vehicles within freight yards. You can obtain a CDL as an F-1 student, though state licensing requirements vary. Getting your CDL before your OPT period starts means you won't lose authorized work time to the testing process.
Will Yard Hostler employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT ends?
H-1B sponsorship in transportation and logistics is less common than in tech or finance, but it does happen at larger freight companies and third-party logistics providers with established immigration processes. Roles where the employer can document a specialty occupation requirement tied to your degree give you the strongest case. Raising the sponsorship question during late-stage interviews, once mutual interest is clear, tends to produce more honest answers.
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