Backing Practice - Walmart/SAM'S #1

Sam's Club. Elmsford, NY.

Below is one of the places Danielsahn and I deliver perishable groceries to for Walmart Dedicated... Up to the middle of last year, this used to be a primary location for the 7030 D.C. (where I am assigned). Now it's a secondary location for us and primary for the Johnstown NY D.C. that Danielsahn is assigned to. The reason for the post; he texted me last night as an "oh by the way", that he was going there for the very first time as his second delivery stop. I offered my approach to getting in, docked and out safely. Haven't heard back, so I assume (hope) all went well for him. Please let the Newbies ponder this for a day before the experienced drivers comment. Looking forward to hearing Danielsahn describe his experience as well. Great way to learn from each other!

Here are some data points; we can only deliver to Sam's from 2100-0400; so the dock and surrounding areas are dark (dimly lit). Of the 7 total bays, there is usually only 1 door available, never know where though. I've also waited there, so this fact becomes part of how-to approach this. Also the perimeter, defined by the "whited-lined" parking spaces for cars and light trucks leading into the dock area, is almost always occupied with empty trailers at night, parked "elephant style". There is only one-way in, from the left. Limited space for a condo-53' combo to pull a 180' turn from the access road to "alley-back" in. This is one of those pesky docks designed in the early 80's when 40 and 45' trailers were the common length.

The first time I delivered there; very thankful timing was on my side, there was a WMPF driver departing when I was arriving, he shared his approach to preparing and setting-up for docking at this location. Same approach I suggested to Danielsahn. I will try to periodically post other WM scenarios that have unique challenges and/or unusual set-up requirements. For any other WM (Gladhand, etc.) driver, feel free to add your own Backing Practice Location. Have fun!

This place was a lesson in GOAL. I got out no less than 8 times, because it was tight!

G-town initially told me to hug the left side and swing around in a 360, to set myself up. This was not possible. Because there were several trailers, and a truck in the way, in an already limited area. With the recent Sam's Club closings, Elmsford became over crowded with product. They won't need a remix load any time soon.

So I hugged the right side and brought the trailer around, trying to position it into a half arsed 45. It didn't work. My trailer was perfectly lined up with the trailer on the left side of the hole I wanted, Which was door 4, (2nd one in from the right.) I had to wiggle the tractor into a position so I could jacknife the trailer so my left edge cleared the right edge of the parked trailer, while also avoiding the dumpsters in front of me. On my 4th GOAL, I saw that I had about 1ft of space to start sliding the trailer in. (I wish I took more pictures, but once I started the backing, I forgot.)

After this, it was more like a 90 alley, dock. A few more GOALs and had it docked.

I enjoyed the challenge.

Great job on dealing with this circus Danielsahn. Great job! Baptism by fire. Have you delivered to Valley Stream NY yet? Another fun spot...

Quick question, were the trailers single parked parallel to the curb across from, left of dock, where there is parking spots for cars? If so, that's typical. If double parked, I can understand why you adjusted the setup. Trying to visualuze what you were facing. The net of it a 90' back will always be required here; staring at the trailer tandems in full view of the window.

One of the constants on this account, especially the very busy locations like Elmsford, things constantly change which is why G.O.A.L. before committing to a set-up approach is so vitally important.

Fun.

Thanks, G-Town for the BP. I'm going to register this as Backing Practice™ 23 on the official list.

Also, I'm bumping Backing Practice™ 03.

Possible to just back all around the building if you make sure no trucks would be incoming? I have a couple regular pickup/drop locations that require me to back up nearly 2 1/2 blocks up a hill and around 2 buildings to nearly blind dock.

Depending on how busy the north side was I would honestly consider backing and finishing with an alley dock.

Possible to just back all around the building if you make sure no trucks would be incoming? I have a couple regular pickup/drop locations that require me to back up nearly 2 1/2 blocks up a hill and around 2 buildings to nearly blind dock.

Depending on how busy the north side was I would honestly consider backing and finishing with an alley dock.

I would not recommend that, no. Too busy, plus you'd need to back from the front of the store to the dock, with next to no lighting.

The trailers were parked, jutting into the available space to maneuver. They were parked 3 a feast all at the dock section.

I have not been to Valley Stream yet, but there are a few stores on Long Island, that I would not be disappointed to never see again, lol.

One thing I noticed. I do better with tight spaces, than wide open spaces.

Eww, this doesn't look fun at all.

Possible to just back all around the building if you make sure no trucks would be incoming? I have a couple regular pickup/drop locations that require me to back up nearly 2 1/2 blocks up a hill and around 2 buildings to nearly blind dock.

Depending on how busy the north side was I would honestly consider backing and finishing with an alley dock.

I would not recommend that, no. Too busy, plus you'd need to back from the front of the store to the dock, with next to no lighting.

Ah got cha. Looked pretty lit, but likely other trucks making that illusion. For sure a interesting location.

Possible to just back all around the building if you make sure no trucks would be incoming? I have a couple regular pickup/drop locations that require me to back up nearly 2 1/2 blocks up a hill and around 2 buildings to nearly blind dock.

Depending on how busy the north side was I would honestly consider backing and finishing with an alley dock.

I would not recommend that, no. Too busy, plus you'd need to back from the front of the store to the dock, with next to no lighting.

Ah got cha. Looked pretty lit, but likely other trucks making that illusion. For sure a interesting location.

The docking area is pretty well lit up. However, once you leave the parking lot, the path to the docking area is dark, and poorly lit, with trailers lined most of the length of it. Two trucks could squeeze through in opposite directions, but the side mirrors would be a casualty.