Nevada-based third-party logistics provider YMX Logistics has expanded its YMX OS yard operating system to automate data capture, analysis and decision-making, and deliver autonomous yard operations across multi-site networks.

Each YMX deployment includes an enterprise-grade yard management system that provides real-time visibility, orchestration and control across yard operations. It can be used in addition to existing yard management systems or standalone.

Self-service kiosks, real-time location systems powered by computer vision and sensor-based technologies, and mobile applications create continuous, accurate operational data across yard environments.

A digital twin decision engine powered by AI and predictive analytics lets teams analyse, test and continuously optimise yard operations. The model evaluates layout configurations, fleet sizing, labour planning, traffic flow and electrification strategies, enabling accurate and quantified operational and financial impacts.

Electrification is integrated into the operating model, aligning yard workflows, charging infrastructure and energy management strategies to increase the performance of electric yard trucks. By treating EV adoption as part of a system rather than a standalone initiative, its helps improve use, reduce energy costs and accelerate progress towards sustainability targets.

With standard processes, reliable data and central control in place, YMX deploys autonomous yard trucks as an integrated extension of its operating model, particularly in environments where consistency and reliability are difficult to maintain.

In addition to these capabilities, a commercial pricing model is designed to align with measurable performance outcomes. Traditional yard outsourcing models have largely been structured around labour, equipment or hourly-based pricing, often resulting in limited visibility into true operational efficiency and cost drivers. The OS introduces a more structured approach, moving away from transactional pricing towards a performance-aligned model tied to execution and system efficiency.

“What’s been missing in yard operations isn’t more tools, it’s a system that connects execution to measurable outcomes,” said Matt Yearling, CEO of YMX (ymxlogistics.com). “The yard operating system standardises how yards are run, allowing enterprise shippers to continuously improve transportation and warehousing performance, resulting in major financial, sustainability and safety gains across their networks.”

The model has already been deployed in large-scale operating environments. At one of the largest distribution centres operated by a top-five US grocery retailer, implementation of YMX OS (ymxlogistics.com/ymx-os-yard-operating-system) resulted in a reduction of yard truck fleet requirements, alongside improvements in throughput and safety performance. Fuel consumption, emissions and operating costs declined and, within six months, the retailer expanded the programme to nine more facilities.

“In an era defined by global volatility, yard operations can no longer remain a dark spot in the supply chain,” said Bart De Muynck, founder of Texas-based Better Supply Chains (www.bettersupplychains.com). “What YMX has built is a new operating model for the yard. By converging physical execution with digital intelligence, their teams are enabling autonomous orchestration and continuous optimisation, giving enterprise shippers predictable performance and genuine resilience across their distribution networks.”