Digital Yards, Tangible Gains: Evidence of Change in Third-Party Logistics Yard Performance

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of a Yard Management System (YMS) implemented at a third-party logistics distribution center in the United States. Five years of operational data (2018–2022), including 72 monthly observations of inbound and outbound freight performance (measured in pounds) and detention occurrences (measured in US dollars), were analyzed using one-way ANOVA to assess pre- and post-implementation performance. The results indicated that the YMS significantly improved inbound and outbound freight volume, reduced detention occurrences, and enhanced operational efficiency within the third-party logistics distribution center. These findings suggest that YMS can be an effective tool for enhancing yard-level operational efficiency, reducing delays, and supporting broader supply chain optimization strategies in third-party logistics environments.