Helped Another Driver

This morning while doing my pre-trip, I noticed another driver struggling to back into this spot. After another 4-5 minutes I got out to help him out, and while I was helping I noticed two other trucks waiting for the guy to back in, one of them went to the other truck not sure what they were talking about but they started laughing and putting up hand jesters which I assume was how much room he had.

I don't see the point in making fun of people, we were all there at some point. I've had a few drivers help me out while I was fresh out of orientation, so figured I'd pay it forward. This guy seem d rather new or had very limited backing experience but regardless we got him into the spot and helpfully anything I told him might help him out in the future.

Sorry quickly typed this up while getting loaded in Buffalo, NY.

Jamie that's a great thing to do. I've had several drivers who volunteered to help me. I've been able to help direct several backers myself. Always a courteous and professional thing to do. And it's a sad thing if anybody uses somebody's struggles as a source of amusement.

I can only hope that once I start driving, I run in to more guys w/ your mindsets than those jack-a$$es out there that think they know it all and are so far above everyone else!

Nice job, Jamie!

Yes you will. The vast majority of drivers are happy to help. Now sometimes you have to ask for that help, so don't be afraid to ask.

This is nice and good but please do not forget it is the drivers responsibility to G.O.A.L. (multiple times if necessary), not a bystander. I’ve helped others struggling, but only if asked. Most do not want help. I am of the strong opinion that when learning the “art of the setup and backing” its best to leave someone to figure it out on their own and only offer unsoliscited intervention if they are at risk of hitting something.

In addition never rush or become distracted from the peanut gallery mocking your folly...no one is born knowing how-to back the wagon. I’ve on more than one occasion mentioned that to the self-proclaimed critic. And turn the CB off...that too can be hugely distracting in a TS until you become experienced.

if they are at risk of hitting something.

This driver was at risk of hitting something, he was very close to the truck he was backing beside and the truck up front. He was kind of like at a 45 degree angle on his blind side and his trailer was very close to the other trailer. But he did get out and look once, other then that he relied on me to tell him if he was going to hit anything.

Before I decided to help, he kept pulling up and backing up making the same mistake, so he kept getting into the same pickle.

Some people don't like to help, I personally don't mind any extra help if it helps,but if I have any doubt I'll get out and look or pull up to readjust.

I really do agree with G-Town about how you really learn to back when you are left to do it yourself. That was my experience. I never minded somebody watching my rear end, er, I mean the trailer rear end, but if someone is telling you every turn of the steering wheel to make, you learn very little. And please remember, if you help someone out, position yourself where they can see you at all times otherwise bad things can happen. (the least of which is to get your foot run over and have to go to the hospital in a TOE truck.)

if they are at risk of hitting something.

This driver was at risk of hitting something, he was very close to the truck he was backing beside and the truck up front. He was kind of like at a 45 degree angle on his blind side and his trailer was very close to the other trailer. But he did get out and look once, other then that he relied on me to tell him if he was going to hit anything.

Before I decided to help, he kept pulling up and backing up making the same mistake, so he kept getting into the same pickle.

Some people don't like to help, I personally don't mind any extra help if it helps,but if I have any doubt I'll get out and look or pull up to readjust.

I always use goal, I will also reset and pull away since I sometimes approach a spot wrong....don't worry about pulling up either, get it done right...