Reference Points For Backing

What do you for refence points when backing

I usually pick something on the ground for where a line would be if there's no line available. could be puddles, dirt, anything that's there. If there's a line, I just use it as an offset line, and pretty much aim for tandems on it. Docks, I use lines if available, if not just use a straight look line our from the yellow corner mark.

And finally I just kinda zen freestyle it a lot. I don't know how to explain it, but it's just instinct for whatever arc to the point I want the trailer to be at. Most of the time it works, but a lot of times I just correct as needed in process.

Where do I want my tandems to go? Where do I want my trailer to go?

I heard many times that you should be looking at the tandems , not at the trailer's corner. And I believe that it is not a joke, it actually works for some people. But what matters at the end, is what works, and for me it is definitely a corner of my trailer - with this point I always back faster and better. And when I need precision (parking or sliding tandems) I look at my step and the ground underneath, there is always something to see, a stain, a pebble, anything. And then I look at the step, which is about 3' long.

First thing is making sure you have a good setup to start. Don’t rush it. Than you want to aim with your tandems. Most of the facilities I deliver to are high volume and have dark lines in the docks from spotters and other drivers pulling trailers out. Line up your tandems on that dark line. Should line you right up. Obviously that dark line won’t be there for every situation so you will have to improvise. Make up an imaginary line. If there is a truck or trailer next to where you want to back, decide how close you want to stay next to that object and draw a line in your head and follow it.

But as always get and look. Only time and practice will get you better.

Also use anything across from you. If there is an empty space directly across from you then pull forward into it and straight back. Most times I do a 45 degree to set up then cut it hard. When tires look as they are heading into spot, I cut it the other way to straighten out. There is no shame in pulling forward.

Yep I use ALL available space around me. Sometimes I set up off kilter, then adjust better to start backing in, using like mentioned painted marks, lines, and I use the corner of my trailer gauging space on my left and if in doubt I will GOAL a couple times lol get that better view from the rear of the trailer and spacings. Last delivery was easy peasy, wasn't trailers around the dock they sent me to, and fully open in front of me. So I whipped around to be directing in line with dock and straight backed from painted lines up front and at dock. Not often I have to drop AT a dock, usually just in a parking slot. Tried once last week with tandems all the way back, had to at the guard shack...I thought it was easier? NOPE ! So forward they went, until I parked then slid em back again, as they wanted em.

Remember doing 1 VERY tight park between 2 trailers using a 90 back. Took me a bit to wiggle it in, without rubbing the other 2 I had to squeeze between, I mean was INCHES on both sides, barely could get to the landing gear crank..But I did it whewwwww ! Pucker up moments