Yardmasters
Important Information for Active and Retired Yardmasters
The Railroad Yardmasters of America (RYA), organized Dec. 2, 1918, in response to managerial abuses. The RYA voted in 1985 to affiliate with the UTU (now SMART Transportation Division). SMART TD-represented yardmasters today enjoy autonomy and craft preservation, as well as the protective advantages and strength associated with SMART TD membership.
The SMART TD Yardmasters Department represents members in 13 yardmaster locals working under 43 contracts covering employees working on Class I, Class II and Class III railroads, as well as terminal companies, commuter lines and Amtrak. On some smaller short-line railroads, the SMART-TD Yardmasters Department often represents clerical employees in addition to yardmasters.
A yardmaster’s duties include general supervision of all employees in yard service at their terminal locations, and responsibility for expediting the safe and on-time movement of freight through the terminal.
The carriers’ requirements of continuing education and computer literacy for yardmasters and clerks presents an ongoing challenge met consistently and professionally by highly skilled and motivated TD members.
Supplemental sickness and life insurance coverage
- Trustmark/Yardmasters Disability Claim Form
- Supplemental Sickness Benefit Plan for 2010
- Yardmaster Supplemental Life Insurance Plan
- Important insurance information for retiring yardmasters