35 years run local. I always hear what you are saying and the biggest fear for a trucker is backing up. Use that fear, it will help prevent you from hitting anything. When I use to train it was always the driver who was not the I know it all that stayed out of trouble. Like Brett said just GOAL get out and look. From experience your fear is really not the backing, it who watching you. As men with out ego's we all want to hit the hole the first time. After 35 years I have days that I ask myself where is my head and still today. There are days no problem and others that even the best of use have a hard time. I tell drivers pick an angle that you can be comfortable with. I use 90 degree back 99 per cent of the time because I can see my trailer wheels move and it uses the shortest amount of space. Only problem with the 90 is your tail spin. But I am sure with the nervousness it will make you even more aware of your surroundings. And as for those guys watching, remember they had to learn just as you did and don't let them make you think they are the king of backing up. Trust me the have there days too. Just do your best and believe me when I tell you, you will look back in a year or so and all this will be a natural thing.
Posted: 10 years, 11 months ago
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My biggest anxiety
35 years run local. I always hear what you are saying and the biggest fear for a trucker is backing up. Use that fear, it will help prevent you from hitting anything. When I use to train it was always the driver who was not the I know it all that stayed out of trouble. Like Brett said just GOAL get out and look. From experience your fear is really not the backing, it who watching you. As men with out ego's we all want to hit the hole the first time. After 35 years I have days that I ask myself where is my head and still today. There are days no problem and others that even the best of use have a hard time. I tell drivers pick an angle that you can be comfortable with. I use 90 degree back 99 per cent of the time because I can see my trailer wheels move and it uses the shortest amount of space. Only problem with the 90 is your tail spin. But I am sure with the nervousness it will make you even more aware of your surroundings. And as for those guys watching, remember they had to learn just as you did and don't let them make you think they are the king of backing up. Trust me the have there days too. Just do your best and believe me when I tell you, you will look back in a year or so and all this will be a natural thing.