Backing

I will start my very first load by myself on Tuesday or Wednesday, I am still having a little trouble with backing. While in training, my mentor always took over or they wanted me to hurry up and park because other truck was behind us. I thought we were suppose to take our time no matter what. So what should I do?

Practice as much as possible. Take your time, do as many GOALs as you think you need. Don't get rushed by others. If you are going too slow for their liking, THAT'S TOUGH!

When you are first starting out, it may seem to take forever, but don't get too frustrated with yourself. Backing mastery takes practice. Lots of practice. Learn from your mistakes, and watch what others do, both good and bad.

As long as you don't hit anything, it is a successful backing process.

You are going to have trouble backing for at least 6 months... And I didnt feel Confident until 18 mos.

Practice on your breaks at truck stops way in the back.

Phone wont post a link... But search backing in the bar. There are overhead backing practices on here as well as a few posts I made talking about my progress. You will see you arent alone.

Personally prior to getting in the road I do the pretrip etc and all that good stuff. I also check before getting to the shipper/receiver google reviews to see what other drives have put for advice then I check google satellite view and see if I have enough room for a straight line back an alley dock etc but once I’m their and I’m waiting for a door or prior to going to my door I park open my doors on trailer I give the entire lot a look for anything that can obstruct and have a plan in my head. Don’t be afraid to take your time it’s your truck and job. Ignore the other guys get out and look and people may offer assistance but remember you hit something they aren’t driving it’s you.

I will start my very first load by myself on Tuesday or Wednesday, I am still having a little trouble with backing. While in training, my mentor always took over or they wanted me to hurry up and park because other truck was behind us. I thought we were suppose to take our time no matter what. So what should I do?

Don't get rushed by others. If you are going too slow for their liking, THAT'S TOUGH!

Despite my extremely limited experience, I feel like saying, this is great advice. If you're struggling while backing, and people are waiting for you--if they're ACTUALLY hoping for you to get done backing ASAP, they'll get out and spot you to help you finish.

If have people getting ****ed because you are taking your time trying to back with out hitting anything screw them. It's your truck your carrier your life

GOAL, GOAL AGAIN,

Dont be too prideful or embarrassed to ask someone for help let them know you are as green as a ghord.

I had to learn that way.

It’s normal to be a little stressed out. Most drivers were on their first solo load. As the others have said, take your time and goal. You do have the basic fundamentals down. Remember that your initial setup will make thinks a lot easier. You don’t always have to do a 90 or 45. Use all the room available. Try to get the rear of your trailer pointed where you want it to go before you back up if at all possible. It will take time but to fully understand it but if you keep working at it you will. GOOD LUCK!

Someone called CFI complaining Big Scott took too long backing into a truck stop space and he GOALed. Safety congratulated him lol

Great advice so far. My tips are turn off all radios roll down your windows.

Sometimes you will see the driver in the cab that you're parking next to. Don't be shy about asking for their help. I was parking near the entrance of a busy Pilot. The spot available had limited space for pulling forward. I noticed the driver who was going to be on my blind side. I told him I was confident enough but if I saw me approaching disaster I'd rather be embarrassed than fill out accident forms. I stuck the landing and earned his compliments.

You are going to have trouble backing for at least 6 months... And I didnt feel Confident until 18 mos.

Practice on your breaks at truck stops way in the back.

Phone wont post a link... But search backing in the bar. There are overhead backing practices on here as well as a few posts I made talking about my progress. You will see you arent alone.

I have this one bookmarked, if this what you speak of Kearsey ! :)

Erroll's Back Up Practice spreadsheet (Tm)