I read that one late last night.
Stupid on many levels.
Its unfortunate for all those involved. This is why you never stand between ANY vehicle and a fixed object. Also the person moving the vehicle is supposed to stop immediately if they lose sight of the spotter.
Being a new driver and given my history with backing (which still keeps me humble). I have personally avoided parking at truck stops for the time being. For the most part. I have pulled into some pull through spaces but none of that wacky backy shyte.
My backing is getting better bit by bit, but I am still way to nervous to attempt it.
From my observation the truck lots are designed to maximize truck parking to encourage and maximize profits.
Fuel, coffee, showers, bottled water and the occasional popcorn snack is about all I use em for. And I'll typically do the shower thing mid day on my 30 when parking is more plentiful.
I am fortunate that lost of the receivers on my route allow over night 10 hour break parking. Fine by me, well lit and secure. Noisy but with the chaotic background I grew up in I'm used to sleeping in chaos and noise.
Be safe big strappers
Moe your customers are noiser than truckstops??? Paper plants are usually quieter than that. However it is good your customers allow you to park. It will save you alot of time on your clock. I do it when possible, my problem is alot of our customers don’t allow it. I do use reserve parking at truck stops alot.
Backing is always a challenge. Some are just bigger than others. Some days I do very well and some I struggle, espically at the end of a long day and I’m tired. Always be vigilant and take your time.
PJ yes... many of my customers have trains running products into them and the horns and brakes screeching are crazy. Also so many trucks and yard dogs constantly blowing horns or beeping when backing up. ... some places really stuck to sleep. Most truck stops quiet down as the night goes on.. many of my reefer customers get busier.
If you read the article, the truck backing did not bother to even GOAL because the diagram clearly shows he was setup to back into a space already taken by another Swift driver. He basically need to do an offset in which I'm sure he didn't have enough room.
Goal people
A refrigerated trailer.
Operating While Intoxicated
That TA is a den of swift trucks.. also late at night, that back row can get crazy. That said, while I can appreciate some drivers readiness to help spot people.. what gets me is when they're stupid enough to get behind the truck they're spotting. I prefer to goal myself because at the end of the day, spotter or not, the driver is responsible for any accidents. The mayhem can be entertaining to watch. I learned so much as a new driver by parking early and watching that madness.
not watching mirrors too. The spotter was in the blindside mirror and the newbie never looked so the spotter ran behind to be in the driver side mirror. SAD
Having looked at the police drawing of the trucks positions I have to wonder just how bad of a driver you have to be to back into the only other truck on that row. (Kidding of course, there was probably trucks in all the spots). I do not usually spot other trucks unless they truly need or ask for the help but NEVER ever get between two trucks. I chose whichever side needs spotting and always within mirror view. I always decline if someone offers to spot me as I'm pulling up, occasionally someone will just be walking by and start to spot as I'm backing but I ignore their instructions then thank them for "helping" when I'm parked. I don't have any problems with backing though. For those that do have trouble with backing do you like it when someone just starts helping to guide you back and would you prefer someone offers help spotting or would you prefer to do it on your own?
I deliver to Amazon yards, always hustling trucks in and out and idling rigs...the only thing missing is the sou ds of reefers and the pleasant sounding automated voice of "Attention customer number XX your shower is ready!!"
Other than that it may as well BE a truck stop
Moe your customers are noiser than truckstops??? Paper plants are usually quieter than that. However it is good your customers allow you to park. It will save you alot of time on your clock. I do it when possible, my problem is alot of our customers don’t allow it. I do use reserve parking at truck stops alot.
Backing is always a challenge. Some are just bigger than others. Some days I do very well and some I struggle, espically at the end of a long day and I’m tired. Always be vigilant and take your time.
A refrigerated trailer.
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Trucker Suffers Injuries While Helping Swift Driver Attempt to Park at Truck Stop