Officially Going Solo Tomorrow. It's Been A Long Journey.

Well it's happening. I'm done with my 200 hours at Swift and they have my truck ready and everything. I'm more nervous than excited but I'm sure that's normal. I've got a lot of backing skills to improve on and I know my 2 weakest points.

1: My setup. I still don't know when to stop before turning. How far do I pull up before I start turning? Until the back of my trailer is in the middle of the front of the spot I want to go in then I start turning? That's one thing I will need help on.

2: I sometimes forget which way I need to turn the wheel to make my trailer respond. I know it's opposite (I turn my wheel left to make the trailer go right) but in the mirror I get stuck and panic a little.

But even despite all that I know I'm a safe driver. Never once did I trigger the cameras in the truck for following distance or speeding. If a car or truck get in front of me I just back off until I'm 6-8 seconds behind them again. No biggie. I just hope i don't miss any turns and panic or mess up. And those dang round-abouts. I guess at times you just have to hog 2 lanes in order to make your turn? Haha.

Well time to get started on this. I'll keep everyone posted on my first week solo.

Congrats!!! You have hit a milestone. Great job

As a FNG with zero experiance I'm looking forward to following your new adventure. Looking forward to my time comming

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats!

I had the some problem with how far to pull up. I started pulling up " too far" because I learned it's easier to backup to get into position than try to back in when you're too close to the spot.

Congratulations! GOAL, GOAL, GOAL. When backing, put your hands on the bottom of the steering wheel. Without taking them off, raise the hand for the direction you want your trailer to go. Take your time. Always plan and know which way you are going when you get off the interstate.

Good luck.

Great news Sparky. I’ve been with Swift 7 years and will likely retire with them.

Big Scott’s suggestion on hand placement is a good idea. It limits the tendency to over-correct as well.

Here is the thing..

Backing is not learned overnight. It requires hundreds of repetitions to achieve “adequate“. There really is no set formula...just lots of reps and practice.

You will eventually “get it”!

Good luck!

2: I sometimes forget which way I need to turn the wheel to make my trailer respond. I know it's opposite (I turn my wheel left to make the trailer go right) but in the mirror I get stuck and panic a little.

I move my elbow in the direction I want the trailer to go and pull the wheel with the opposite hand. It simplifies things for me.