Started School Today

Well started school today and this is different. Lot of standing around watching people struggle like crazy just straight line backing. Much less alley docking. Of course I'm just standing around watching. Finally I get my turn and I'm rather confident from my many years of pulling 16 to 24 foot trailers. I straight line back 3 consecutive times ,off set back twicd,and alley dock and nail all if it first time in. Get out and see jaws dropping. Instructor said that's how it's done. Got several asking questions to me now. It just comes natural to me. Those years of pulling lawn equipment paid off. Some of these guys been here over a month and still can't back. I'm not gonna be waiting my ass in line for them to get it figured out. I'm ready to roll.

Hello

Do you care to share where you are going to school?

Chris

There was a guy in the class of ahead of me who thought the same way, I got to test same week as him when he failed on the parallel parking section.

It just comes natural to me. Those years of pulling lawn equipment paid off.

Good for you, previous knowledge on how a trailer turns is a huge advantage. Lots of us have no concept of that so natural talent has little to do with it. Those struggling probably didn't spend years backing any trailer.

Good luck to you.

I'm at Southern States in South Alabama. I certainly don't know all there is to know,but yes the years of pulling trailers has its benefits no doubt. Kind of wish this was a little more organized though. Maybe the ones with experience grouped together and those struggling grouped with another trainer to explain it more to them. Can't complain though as the wheels are in motion.

Well started school today and this is different. Lot of standing around watching people struggle like crazy just straight line backing. Much less alley docking. Of course I'm just standing around watching. Finally I get my turn and I'm rather confident from my many years of pulling 16 to 24 foot trailers. I straight line back 3 consecutive times ,off set back twicd,and alley dock and nail all if it first time in. Get out and see jaws dropping. Instructor said that's how it's done. Got several asking questions to me now. It just comes natural to me. Those years of pulling lawn equipment paid off. Some of these guys been here over a month and still can't back. I'm not gonna be waiting my ass in line for them to get it figured out. I'm ready to roll.

That's awesome!!! Congrats on the leg up! =)

I hear ya on the prior experience. Before trucking, I had about 15 years worth of backing a 14 ft utility trailer every single day. As a young man my dad and I were in a fishing tournament circuit every year, and I did all the backing/launching. Imagine the high pressure situation that was! Scores of boats, all wanting to be first on the water. You better back that trailer up and get out of the way pronto!

Good luck Randall. Keep your head in the game, even the best can fail.

Kind of wish this was a little more organized though.

Randall, I can't tell you how many times we've heard that. I'm convinced there's some method to this madness. In trucking there's going to be plenty of days, people, and experiences that will never make sense to you. It's best to start rolling with the punches early in your career.

Just yesterday I was getting unloaded in Atkins, VA, and the forklift operator had four bundles left on my trailer when he announced to me that he'd be back after his lunch break to get those last four bundles off! It was all of five minutes worth of work, but I sat in my truck and waited an hour on him as he enjoyed his lunch break. It made no sense, and the driver waiting behind me was having a fit!

Right now you want to just go with the flow, and learn to follow whatever directions you're given. Trust me, you'll be in charge of your own destiny soon enough. For now just go with the flow.

The Boot Camp Approach To Trucking

Turtle I definitely do know about the boating thing. I have a boat as well and when we go it is the same way everyone wanting to rush in. Old school I am just gonna go with the flow. Had my 2nd round in truck after lunch and again nailed it. Some of the drivers are having me coach them with their turning a bit. I've certainly enjoyed today and ready for tomorrow. I knew this was in my veins.

Awesome you're doing well up to this point. Remember, the only easy day was yesterday.