Why Has My Backing Gotten So Bad?

After about 6 months out here I feel like I should be way better at it then I am, I think after having a couple of close calls trying to get in to REALLY tight spots it's made me nervous and made me loose some of the skills and confidence that I've had before. Thankfully I've never hit anything except for the one time I clipped a trailer my first week on a trainers truck. I always swallow my pride and pull up for get out and look which is why I haven't hit anything since then even if it makes me look like a jackass. I don't think it's a lack of skill that's causing my problems I think it's nerves after the couple of close calls and getting banned from a customer for taking over an hour to get squared up with a dock.. I'm making really good money and getting good miles I don't want to loose my job over this, does anyone have any advice on what I should do?

It might help us help you if we could trust anything you say. Last week you told us you got banned from the customer. Then you recanted with this statement...

I sent my FM a message about what happened, he or someone in the carrier had a talk with the customer, I assumed the customer probably called right away.i guess I'm not banned the person working shipping and receiving didn't have the power to do that, but they aren't happy

Now you are back to claiming you were banned.

I think it's nerves after the couple of close calls and getting banned from a customer for taking over an hour to get squared up with a dock.

I think you can see why I have a hard time believing you are really interested in learning from us. You do seem to enjoy engaging us with your troubles, but it is so hard to take you seriously when you can't keep the stories straight.

After about 6 months out here I feel like I should be way better at it then I am, I think after having a couple of close calls trying to get in to REALLY tight spots it's made me nervous and made me loose some of the skills and confidence that I've had before. Thankfully I've never hit anything except for the one time I clipped a trailer my first week on a trainers truck. I always swallow my pride and pull up for get out and look which is why I haven't hit anything since then even if it makes me look like a jackass. I don't think it's a lack of skill that's causing my problems I think it's nerves after the couple of close calls and getting banned from a customer for taking over an hour to get squared up with a dock.. I'm making really good money and getting good miles I don't want to loose my job over this, does anyone have any advice on what I should do?

It sounds like your confidence has taken a hit. Don't let it get to you so much. Get out and look as many times as it takes to back it in safely, ska roo the impatient drivers. Don't even think twice about them. I'm sure you are better now than you were 6 months ago, if you weren't youd have hit several trucks or objects by now. Your truck has a G.O.A.L. sticker on it or the company has it plastered somewhere and it's for a good reason. Great advice. I rarely ever GOAL but if I have any doubt about space or where my trailer is I will get out in a hot minute regardless of where I'm sitting or who may be inconvenienced by it.

So in closing, you haven't lost any previously held backing skills, just backing confidence. If you have a no l kik network spot again I recommend getting out, lining up an imaginary line with where you need to be and pouring a thin line of water as a guide or lay a couple gloves in line as a guide. Eventually you will get to the point where you don't need the aids but use them till you get there. This is why we all recommend at least a full year OTR before doing local or any of the various DG type accounts. It often takes a year or more to perfect your skills. Don't get discouraged.

Zach,

I'll have to agree with Old School on this one. When you started any of your posts you had the sympathy and attention of the great people here on TT in trying to help you with your problems. You were somewhat combative in your responses and seemed to flip-flop with your answers. Hopefully you can figure out your rookie errors and take the time to think out what you have learned or done wrong and correct your mistakes. Take some pride in the fact that you are still driving and not injured yourself or anyone else. You will get better with time as most of us are not perfect but we all improve over time. Just don't become too competent and make a mistake that could cost you.

*a no line spot again

It might help us help you if we could trust anything you say. Last week you told us you got banned from the customer. Then you recanted with this statement...

I sent my FM a message about what happened, he or someone in the carrier had a talk with the customer, I assumed the customer probably called right away.i guess I'm not banned the person working shipping and receiving didn't have the power to do that, but they aren't happy

Now you are back to claiming you were banned.

I think it's nerves after the couple of close calls and getting banned from a customer for taking over an hour to get squared up with a dock.

I think you can see why I have a hard time believing you are really interested in learning from us. You do seem to enjoy engaging us with your troubles, but it is so hard to take you seriously when you can't keep the stories straight.

Whatever, I made this post to see why my performance hasn't been good recently and how to fix it not to argue with you, no I wasn't completely banned, you already know what happened so I guess complained about would have been a better word to use. All I was trying to do was see if anyone had the same issue I did and if they had any advice on how to perform my job better but heaven forbid of course you find a reason to knit pick something I say.

Zach, when a person wants help, what they say is critical for what they get in response. I can no longer tell when you're serious or just enjoying your drama. It's super frustrating trying to help you.

Hot damn you are dramatic Zach. You said…. “No I wasn't completely banned, you already know what happened”. Okay so than why did you say otherwise in this post?

You also said “All I was trying to do was see if anyone had the same issue I did” Zach come on man EVERY SINGLE ROOKIE DRIVER HAS ISSUES BACKING. Nobody gets called in by their company and is told “hey driver you take a long time backing in to places, you don’t hit anything and you eventually get backed in but you take to long you’re fired”

You are doing just fine. I don’t know if you say things to get attention but my goodness.

Zach, I have seen less drama at a High School Prom than what I read in your posts. You "were banned," but then "you weren't" until you were just "partially banned." It would be helpful to the Veterans here if you would get your facts straight before you come here asking for opinions. The Veteran's here do an excellent job trying to assist inexperienced drivers with their issues that they present, and exhibit patience when doing so. Old School is one of the most honest and patient with his opinions/suggestions and when he appears to grow frustrated with a fellow driver here who seems to not want to listen, then there is an issue, If you cannot get your act together, then don't come here asking veterans for opinions, to then just respond in a combative manner as though they have no idea of the situation you are dealing with.

Ya I dont know why they are pulling your posts apart. I get the jist of all your posts and I would be ****ed if they were doubting me. I like this forum and it seems you do too. I think your posts are genuine and your really looking for ideas.

It might help us help you if we could trust anything you say. Last week you told us you got banned from the customer. Then you recanted with this statement...

I sent my FM a message about what happened, he or someone in the carrier had a talk with the customer, I assumed the customer probably called right away.i guess I'm not banned the person working shipping and receiving didn't have the power to do that, but they aren't happy

Now you are back to claiming you were banned.

I think it's nerves after the couple of close calls and getting banned from a customer for taking over an hour to get squared up with a dock.

I think you can see why I have a hard time believing you are really interested in learning from us. You do seem to enjoy engaging us with your troubles, but it is so hard to take you seriously when you can't keep the stories straight.

Whatever, I made this post to see why my performance hasn't been good recently and how to fix it not to argue with you, no I wasn't completely banned, you already know what happened so I guess complained about would have been a better word to use. All I was trying to do was see if anyone had the same issue I did and if they had any advice on how to perform my job better but heaven forbid of course you find a reason to knit pick something I say.