How to Back Up a Tractor Trailer (+ a Great Trucker Story)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ม.ค. 2019
- Backing up a tractor trailer is one of the most difficult maneuvers a professional truck driver must learn and master.
There are some little tidbits of advice you may find useful if you're looking to improve your backing up skills.
Also check out these articles on our website for more backing up tips:
Backing Up
www.smart-trucking.com/backin...
Setting Up For a Dock
www.smart-trucking.com/settin...
Truck Driver Skills
www.smart-trucking.com/truck-...
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4 years ago, When I worked for Swift (I went through their school to get my CDL) they didnt teach us the 45, I didnt learn how to really back until abt 6 months later when a home depot yard dog decided to take 15 minutes out of his day and teach me what no one else took the time to show me. Never had trouble backing into any hole after that.
This guy teaches people more in his short video than 20 hrs packages from driving schools.
Thank you!
The use of toys to teach is more valuable than many other videos on backing
Thanks! I tried filming it with my truck and trailer but I just wasn't happy with the camera angles! Dave
A quiet truck stop is your friend. When you come across one, don't take a pull thru spot, back it in. Practice makes perfect. I do that to this very day, I always try to back it in at the end of the day, you can never get enough practice.
especially because someone pulling doubles might need that spot
It's also an good ideal to look up satellite imagine of the destination. It helps on planning how you going to get in the dock.
I do that frequently
They all say there’s no shame. But then you have truckers rushing you and giving you looks and then storm by when you’re finally in the whole. And then you have the other half just looking and waiting for you to hit something.
Everybody tries - Hell with others - Brother do your best. As only God is perfect. I have spoken to Truck Drivers driving more than 35 years still they say they say, they are not perfect.
Life is a learning experience and keeps going till you live.
The person who disliked was the four wheeler parked in the corner
Or some SUPER TRUCKER. Dave
Absolutely! What idiot's would thumb down this information. 😤
Haha yes
It's the 63 guys that did a 90 degree and hit something lol
I love your story! I had the same thing happen to me in Manhatten ,NY @ the Jacob Javitts Convention Center. I couldn't make the turn and was stuck. The COP told me to make the turn or he would site me for blocking traffic. I told him if I complete my turn I would take out at least three cars on the right side. He said f$$k em. They knew they shouldn't have parked there. I made the turn and drug three cars down the street. I stopped and got out and three tow trucks were lined up behind me to tow them away. That was my first trip as a rookie driver to NYC and I never feared going there again!
Tim England lmao my good old city yea they even park on the crosswalks Brooklyn ny is worst didnit for 16 years local
Backing from a 90 is how they school's teach. I did not know about the 45 until another truck driver showed me.
Zeth Truthless yes the 90 I’m in CDL school now and I have a good bit of trouble with it. I know I’ll get it but man!!! It’s hard for me
FYI, for the CDL TEST for the 90 degree alley backing, you only MUST start at the 90 degree setup point. You absolutely CAN go and do a re-setup from ANY position you desire. You must be still in the 70 foot (IIRC) front curb (or cone simulated) zone while backing.
You can also drive real close to the parked trailers docked, you look at your mirror and crank that wheel to the right and when you see your spot again turn the wheel to the left. Perfect setup. Worked every time for me. That is also when you have the room. Takes practice but you will get it. Time in grade is all, then comes the confidence you worked so hard to attain and then you are proud of yourself. Rightfully so. Kudos all.
@@barbarasakatos3150 Perfect explanation!!! thank You
A tip for newbies and old truckers alike: if your trailer has manual (hand valve) air suspension, dump your trailer air bags BEFORE you touch whatever it is you are backing up against. You risk damaging your trailer, and many docks have bumper pads, so dumping your air bags while the trailer is against the building destroys and removes them, and this makes the owners/managers of places livid.
A side story: I got a job working at a trucking warehouse while I was in driving school. I learned how to pass the test at school, and I learned how to be a trucker at work. It blows my mind how much they don't teach you in these schools. You'd think living in BC that they would show you how to chain-up, but many schools (including mine) skip this. Luckily some of the truckers at work were able to show me before I got a crash course of the shoulder of a snowy hill in the middle of a blizzard. I was never shown how to fuel a truck properly (I was filling only one side for a my first couple refuels haha), and not once did we go through a scale. I did learn how to do a good pre-trip and how to pass that test, so they did their job, but there is so much more to this industry that people need to learn before they hit the pavement with their full license.
Completely agree! Thanks for writing in! Dave
Learned 20 yrs ago from my uncle, no trucking school, rode with him for 2 months learning flatbed and driving. I had my B license at 19 but tri axle log trucks weren't anything like a tractor trailer. You sound like my uncle and grandpa, both excellent truckers. Thanks for the video.
Thank you sir!
As a stupid four wheeler who can't even be trusted with a utility trailer, I really enjoyed this video. I'm always in awe of the professionals who seem to be able to magically put a trailer down an alley or tight spot only inches wider than the trailer.
Been driving for 2 years now. I've surprised myself every week of it. Every day i come close to property damage of some kind, because that's how i have to think about it.
Every day i save many 4wheelers lives by not driving like everyone else in heavy traffic. I appreciate your appreciation for what we do.
Just remember we leave room in front of us for a reason 😉
Thanks for watching! Dave
2danandrews yeah, your like the guardian of the road! OMG SO COOL
Supreme Renegade I doubt he thinks of himself that way, but at least he can spell. 😂🤨
There is a big issue with CDL class A test , I don’t know about other states but here in NJ they only allow 2 get out and look for your parking maneuvers. A NEW GUY THAT CAN BARELY MOVE THE TRUCK AND KNOWS a little more than nothing about parking or how the truck and trailer reacts to movement. They expect the guy to park it in one shoot or getting out and look only twice. The good driver is not the one who parks faster, the good driver is the one who parks without hitting anything.
Yeah the reason behind that though is to demonstrate that the truck driver has skill. A "NEW GUY THAT CAN BARELY MOVE THE TRUCK AND KNOWS a little more than nothing about parking or how the truck and trailer reacts to movement," shouldn't be able to pass the cdl test and hit the public streets. That"s how people get killed.
Same with FL, we also could only pull forward twice before loosing points. Ridiculous in real life. A 3 week crash course and studying like mad to pass written tests, and only a couple of hours total behind the wheel for manuvers and road driving. Full classes too, there were 35 in mine ended with about 20. The classes that came in on both of the 2 weeks after had more. Stressful as hell
You should only get out and look as many times as you need.
Completely agree with you! Had another guy write in and tell me about that 2 pull up rule as well. What a stupid rule. New Jersey would be better off spending their time on cleaning up that state rather than wasting time and money coming up with stupid rules like that. Dave
Thats how it is in the south as well nd prob most places. This is stupid nd definitely sends the wrong message. In the rule world, get your butt out as many times as you need to. Hitting someone is way more embarrassing then taking your time. As for the 90, back as close to the hole as you can, then pull up and do a straight back. For the parallels, back ur tandems a few feet behind the cones then do an offset back. Aim your tandems for the back line going between the cones. Once ur about a foot from the line jack the trailer. When ur trailer is in the spot just pull up nd straighten it.
A four-year university could not explain that nowhere near as perfectly as you did sir! AND THAT'S THE PROBLEM, THEY HAVE NO EXPERIENCE, THANK YOU!
When I started with JB hunt, the orientation instructor told us that one of their drivers was at a receiver and noticed a box sitting in the middle of the dock he was suppose to back into. The driver thought that box was empty. He didn't get out and check to make sure. He started to back and ran over the box thinking it was empty and backed up to the dock. Afterwards, he got out his truck, walked towards the back and looked at that box he ran over. There was a homeless guy inside who was obviously killed when his tires ran over and crushed the guy. I have no idea what happened to that driver because they never told us, but always check to make sure the area you are backing into is clear.
The CDL schools need you for an instructor.
Dave, I completely agree with the whole CDL school. I paid 10,000$ for a course that was 3 months long, teaching us different trailers, trucks, mechanics and loading of oversize and all sorts of flatbed loads. But once I passed my test, my instructor, named Dan, who had been driving for 30+ years looked over at me and said "Okay, now I'm going to teach you how to actually drive a truck." and he took me out and taught me how to float gears, how to dock properly, and other small tricks. Their job is to teach you how to pass the test, but some of the instructors do care about the students.
10,000 bucks?! Damn i though 2,000 was a lot. Obviously you did it in payments right?
Good to hear! Dave
@@MrXmannymanx Nope, I saved up all my pennies. Working on cars on the weekends and working as a landscaper during the week. Paid it all out at once.
@@MrXmannymanx The course was well worth the price though. I'm entering my third year driving, no accidents and pulling 70k on the deck every day!
Oof man I got mine for under $700 bucks. Nobody should be paying more than $2000 for CDL school.
I volunteer all the time to be a spotter but rarely a director. The difference is as a spotter I let them drive and only intervene when things are headed to a crunch.
This made me smile. 😁
When I was 12 and it was a beautiful spring day my Dad was busy doing yardwork. My chores were done so I wanted to go fishing. Problem was our little aluminum fishing boat was on it's trailer in the backyard. Dad said if I wanted to go so bad to put the "damn" thing in myself.
I had helped get it ready several times with Dad so that was no problem. I had hitched up to the utility trailer many times to our yard tractor. Never had backed a trailer in my life. Got to the community boat ramp a figured out real quick this was going to require thought.
After heading for the weeds a couple times it occurred to me that if I'm backing up I should steer in reverse too. 💡
Paddled the boat to our slip and went home. After lunch Dad said he'd help me put the boat in. After he got through yelling Mom reminded him that if I couldn't wait to do it myself.
Dad got an odd look and said "If you can put it in yourself you don't need me to go with you.", then added "Don't make me come looking for you, be back before dark.".
When I bought my first travel trailer I was worried that I would look like an idiot when backing up. I was told to grab the bottom of the steering wheel and move to the direction that I wanted the trailer to go. Best advice ever and I always give big rigs the right of way.
The first time you depend on a spotter will be the first time you hear a crunch. The spotter will disappear faster than any magician.
been driving for 2 years now and i still struggle with backing up. thank u for this upload
Been driving for about the same time. Some days I back in just perfect other days I think how am I still so bad at this.
Juan Rodriguez guess what!? I’ve been driving for YEARS and I also struggle with it at times..
just because you’re a teacher, doesn’t mean you’re good at math.
Some people got it, and some don’t... including me.. HOWEVER!!! that doesn’t mean you and I are stupid.. that just means we will trust our instincts and do whatever it takes too finish our day with a damage free truck and trailer. Hell, there were times when I was younger, that I clocked off for “lunch” because I new, it was going to take at least 15-20 mins to get the bitch back up in the hole at certain places.. the bad asses will honk and yell.. if your lucky, they will jump in and back it for you while you eat your lunch. Just be sure to tell them, if they wreck, idk who you are and I’m calling the cops for vehicle theft.. lol they drop the super trucker attitude pretty quit lol nothing destroys someone’s confidence like going back to prison haha
Do other truck drivers help you ?
I've been driving for 20 years, and still struggle with backing up at times. Did a delivery a couple weeks ago. Was supposed to back into a bay that I thought was impossible. One of the employees there was an ex long time trucker. He told me how to do it, and it worked. I was humbled. Doesn't matter how long you've been driving. You don't know everything. You're always learning.
Each situation is different when backing. You will get it all. 👍👍👍👍
I've been driving as long as this gent and I gotta say that he has it figured out and his videos are well worth watching.
That is one hell of a storyteller, and a teacher too...I just love him
Even though I’m a younger driver I was extremely lucky to be able to learn from my Grandpa and my pops. Grandpa drove for 40 years and my pops drove for 27. Learned a lot from them two, but I can still learn a lot more; learning more and more everyday. Can never stop learning. Love the old trucker stories and love the videos Dave! 👍🏻🚛💨
Thank you Christopher! Dave
I was taught by my Dad and Grandfather. They both drove for their entire lives. Made good living, made us proud, and I have all of the respect in the world for them. I am a third generation truck driver, my son is 4th. I taught my son 9 years ago and he never looked back.
And how much damage has he caused ?..... by not looking back .
This guy is right, a lot of book work not enough time behind the wheel . Currently going school . I 1,000 percent agree to this guy !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Damned straight about spotters. I’ve seen so many guys get enthusiastically waved right into buildings & other vehicles.
Excellent advice; get out and check. I've checked four or five times sometimes but I'm pleased to say I've never hit another trailer when backing.
Love the story at the end. Now who, like me, misses the 1970s?
You are right about CDL schools only preparing you to pass the test. I was very lucky in that my neighbor drives, and brings his rig home with him. We would go to a big empty parking lot, and he would have me set up again and again. He also taught me the ‘electric side mirror blindside trick’! (Praise the Lord!) I feel like I’m a decent backer after 5 years, but I always get out and look. I have never damaged another piece of equipment. As a lady driver, I will agree with you about NOT following someone else’s spotting (I do trust my team partner.) - I appreciate the willingness of all the fellas who want to help me, but when you get some guy wiggling around behind your rig like Elvis... I don’t tell them this, but the only reason I’m watching them is to make sure I don’t run them over! lol (Ladies, this is why they teach you to look at the space between your dual wheels on your pre-trip inspection... you’ve got to make sure Elvis isn’t still stuck in there from yesterday! 😂) I love that story about the ‘good cop,’ too. What luck!
This is soooooo awesome. Stress relieving for the lesser mortals like me
I don’t think of my self as a truck driver but after I retired as a Fire Captain I drove a flatbed for a local scrapyard as well as a truck and trailer both with roll offs took 80 k or less scrap metal to a Berkeley Ca foundry, I also used the flatbed to pick up the metal from 3 drum gates from millerton dam. Had to take an empty trailer drop it at the dam, then back onto the dam and pick up a loaded trailer pull it off the dam and drop it then hook up the empty trailer back it onto the dam and drop it, then pull off the dam and hook up the loaded trailer again and haul it to the yard. The width of the dam was about 15 feet. I had only been driving a few months when I got the dam job 😃 none of the other drivers wanted it. I found that when backing, grab the bottom of the steering wheel and push the wheel in the direction you wanted the trailer to go work like a charm. I only drove about 6 years then said to heck with it.
Yes I had a old timer told me about grabing the bottom of the wheel. Don't even have to think about it.
The school i went to gave us lots of seat time, it was geared towards just getting our licenses but i went to a company that put me in a truck with a 20yr vet for 2 months thats where i learned the most. Everyday i use what he taught me and its never done me wrong.
Nice
... cuz I definatley know what he's talking about wam bam thank u mam now gimme my license so I can mske.some cash... say what school did u attend I'm in Tampa fl... am changing my restaurant job into truck driving I'm 32 just eating up what people are talking about from experience first...
Got a dandy union job as a "utility man" in Worcester, ma. Back in 1965. I had no idea what the job title meant but knew it was better pay than I had had before. Showed up for work to find myself being the "yard man" at a large pie bakery. My job was to fuel and check out the tractors and back trailers into the loading docks, then pull them back out, put them in line outside, then back in another empty. After two years I went to road work. What a wonderful experience to set me up everafter!
Spoken like an old timer ! Respect sir
I was always told "if in doubt, get out" I've always used that logic be it driving a bus or lorry
Same here. Get out 50 times if you need to. Also told/taught If you have the room take it.
Your never too old to learn. I dont care how long you've been behind the wheel . Idle speed is how I approach it. I trip out on guys who just floor it as they're backing. Great vid!
Thanks, and you're right, you're never too old to learn! Dave
Same here. Also by the time you get to the door, not slamming into the dock is key. It's happened a time or two by mistake on my part and it's painful
I always tell guys(spotters) to get out the way because I don’t trust them. Been solo for 3 years now not a scratch on anything lol. I have torn of some mud flaps though lol backing to close to the curb once I get in the whole...
I never drove A class trucks but even I know that you don't 90° the truck. Always give yourself room.
Thank you for this video.
Dave, you are absolutely right! It's all in the setup!! The most important point in backing. Thank you!!!
The driving school I went to we had to do serpentine backing among other styles and positions of backing. It was 3 weeks long. 1 week of class and the other with seat time.
Texaslady, i laughed me butt off when a young lady did a blind side into a last open spot at a Pile Up Truck Stop on I 95 N of Nyc. First shot in and while i did a lookout for she did not need me! She got out and thanked me and said she had a stressfull day. First trip thru the Bronx and having to blindside!! lol.
Absolutely correct, set up, set up, set up.
Thank you! Dave
I 2nd that emotion!
2 of the biggest tips I ever got for backing and still use to this day:
1) If you have too much trailer in one of your mirrors, turn the wheel toward that mirror
2) When pulling up, NEVER turn the wheel to the right. Doing so will eventually put you into a blind side back. Instead, pull left for 10 feet then go straight for 10 feet.
Interesting!
Man you're preaching the truth @ the 47 second mark. I made my class A cdl and have 0 confidence in ability to drive a tractor trailer. The problem at my school was too many students and not enough trucks. That meant very little seat time but the instructors were good guys
I started playing American Truck Simulator a couple weeks ago and I gotta say i have a newfound appreciation for what truckers do. Might be time for a career change!
I'm teaching my 15 year old grandson how to back then up. We have started with straight line backing. It's the first must. Get it straight and keep that way. Cornering and backing will come next.
Appreciate the tips about scanning the area. Other things to calculate: looking at the striped lines. Are they there? Do they line up with the pads around the door? Look at other trailers in doors. Are their wheels "on the line" to be centered or just inside the line? Or two inches inside the line? And do you have have duals or super singles with a narrower track? Adjust accordingly. Makes a big difference in centering the trailer perfectly to get in straight so the dock plate will land in the trailer.
Also look at the dock itself. Does it have those big metal door crunching bumper stops sticking out on either side? Are they painted so you can see them? Are they scratched or bent? Then you know this is gonna be a tight fit. You must be accurate or you're gonna have damage.
Another reason to scan is to check for a chock in your tire path. And pallet wood with nails! If it's nighttime and the lighting sucks get out and look right then before you turn out for your 45 setup. And if the stripes are worn out, covered in dust, mud or snow, put some kind of marker to help identify the "end of the line". A glove, a bag of trash, a flashlight, anything to help visualize if needed. I use one of those roadside hazard strobe lights; keep two handy in the door pocket so I can hop out quickly and assist my backing with lights. They work great!
This is lot of visual input and judging to do when you think about, so go slow! Even stop for a moment if you need. There are no cash awards for zipping into a tight spot at a crowded shipper.
Just started as a yard jockey and you're right, backing up is definitely the hardest part.
First day of doing it and it only got worse as the day went on. My first couple of times backing into a hole, just by fluke I jack knifed it in with no corrections.
Practice will make perfect!
Your comments about CDL schools are spot on. Currently attending one. Very little seat time. 2 weeks classroom 2 weeks "driving". Most of our driving is practicing maneuvers (straight line, offset, and alley dock) with single axle daycabs and 28ft trailers. Very little real world driving.
That's not good! Point that out to them!
I started trucking 7 months ago and love taking every piece of education from you sir big respect from Ohio U.S.
**backing is fun 😂
The hardest part is backing up a night time where it's so dark and I have to get out and look as much as I can and I take my time doing it
thats funny story, i'm a english fellow living in quebec and i can surely relate , especially in old montreal and the cops .
Tax payers paid for my cdl training. It was worth their money, I learned things that I wouldn’t have learned in a regular cdl school that I would have had to pay for it myself(more like my parents at the time). Was trained in a 18speed Peterbilt, learned how to operate water truck and dumb truck as well, did a lot of backing and driving with different types of trailers from low boy, dry van, tank and flatbed.
So you're the guy that took my bumper off all those years ago. :) :)
Love your videos!
Thanks! Sorry about the bumper! Dave
Haha are you really that guy or just messing lol
Thank u sooo much for this video. I really appreciate you for it. I'm gonna be delivering tonight for my first time and doing a 90° by myself. Wish me luck in Des Moines and Omaha, lol.
I'm getting here late and you'll have done it by now. How'd it go?
Found the only decent cop in Montreal because if he was French you would still be there. Great video!
And in handcuffs! Actually, I've met a few good cops there!
Not a truck driver here. Just wanna say Ive seen drivers getting impatient waiting for trucks backing in. People!!! These guys get us everything we need in life, lets give them a few minutes of your day to do it safely and stress free! We all benefit!
GOAL!!! Can't stress that word enough. GET OUT AND LOOK!!!! Simple advise, I don't are how many time you use your goal, it will always save you a lot of problems. Great advice Dave. Had a similar experience in Hunts Point, New York. But the cop was standing right there and told me to run over this brand new Cadillac. And then after I did, he put a ticket on the guy's car. Cop comes over inspects the trailer tires, called the company, told them what happened. Told them to put 4 brand new tires on the trailer and send him the bill, he would insure the car owner would pay for the tires.......
Nice!! Love it when it goes like that! Dave
Funny thing is, I seen a Swift training video about that.
Did some reefers based out of Norfolk NE, delivering to mom and pop stores. I was fresh out of my company 6week training with instructor, and had about 4 weeks by myself.
I really learned a lot about backing in to all those crazy places that looked like they really didn't plan for full size sleeper cabs.
Best way to learn though, right? Dave
I've had my CDL license many years. The most stressful part of trucking is backing, when you have master that ....you have master trucking.
YOUR A GREAT TEACHER AND A GREAT MAN YOUR LOVE FOR TRUCKING SHOWS ON YOU I THINK YOU TEACH THE YOUNGER GENERATION MORE THAN SCHOOLS OR COMPANIES KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YOU AND YOUR WIFE GOD BLESS YOU
Always great information. Dad put me behind the wheel at 15 yrs old. He would get out and have me put the trailer into the dock by myself.
Gotta love when a cop says go ahead, they’ll (4wheelers) move or be crushed it’s not your problem anymore.
Yup, it was kinda cool! Dave
Get out and look is probably the best advice I've ever heard and that's what I've always done.
It's no shame to be extra careful truckers.
Shame is when you wipe out someone's fender or door or worse.
Old hands please don't laugh at new drivers because they just have no practical driving experience in real life situations and that's a different world from the driving school.
Safe trucking y'all.
If I got some guy trying to be helpful and spot for me I just tell not to say anything or wave his arms unless I’m going to hit something then he can scream, yell , and wave his arms as much as he wants. It’s amazing how many times I have seen a driver and a co-driver both in the cab while he is trying to back in a tight spot. In the end it’s the driver that’s responsible. Take Care and hopefully some of these new drivers will learn from this video.
I've seen that too! Thanks for reminding me, I gotta tell that story! Dave
I’ll say working on a farm and hauling hay really helped me learn driving with a trailer. Also being able to practice with an empty step deck trailer is nice so you don’t have any blind spots.
Yes, I can see that, try backing a fully loaded trailer of green tobacco through 2 sets of doors with less than three inches of clearance on the sides and tractors don't have mirrors at 13.
I’m currently learning from my Father, I got my permit and he took me with him for 2 months and I leaned on the wheel. But like you said for the test here in NJ I had to pay for 16 hours of class and 4 tries at the test, which is what I’m doing now. There teaching me the things I need to pass but how to actually do the work or how to park in some sketchy situations my dad has taught me that. Thank you dad
General rule of driving is 'patience'.
This video is informative.
My Father taught my brother and me to drive. I spent a good part of my life with my Father going backwards. My first time on the big road with my Father in the passenger seat was across Great Salt Lake going into Nevada from salt lake city.
I knew he was Canadian, he sounds like the don cherry of truck driving, thanks for the tips man! I am a rookie driver and this is very helpful thanks bud!
I worked the dedicated Sears account at Swift. It really is a lot of fun having to back up and do other maneuvers in a full parking lot, or having to do a trailer swap and having someone park right in front of your trailer so you can’t get to it.
Yeah, mall parking lots can be no fun at all! Dave
Ran dedicated for best buy for a while and now I'm doing local flatbed work with quite a few home depot deliveries. Building suppliers don't always have the biggest yards either. Learned pretty quickly to make google maps satellite view my best friend in places like that.
less than one minute into this video and this guy points out one of the biggest truths.
truck driving schools teach you how to pass a test. youll go out with your lead driver needing to learn from him. fortunately i learned fast and didn't need any instruction on how to back, but was taught different methods how to back like a u turn into a straight back and setting up for a 45, things the school didn't teach
i'd say i was at school for 12 hours, and got less than 20 minutes of seat time. every day.
Yup, and that's a huge problem as I see it! You and I both know that some people never do develop the feel for how to drive these things. I think a good school should spend enough time with it's students to determine who should and should not get a license.
Great illustration of how to back up a trailer. Again it get out as often as needed to check
The desk jockeys are the ones that make the snyde, snarky comments and replies on your videos...😄👍
Yup, them and a few SUPERTRUCKERS. Nobody worth worrying about. Dave
@@SmartTrucking SUPERTRUCKERS in their own minds...😂😄😃😀
I had a situation like that in Brooklyn, NY. I had a 5 pallet street delivery (which shouldve been delivered by a straight truck) on a one way street. When I left I couldnt make any of the turns off the street. It was so tight being one way and there were cars parked right up to the corners. To make a long story short it was stressful but I got out.
All major cities are like that. Many old buildings built in the 30s and 40s when they only had 25 ft trailers, not 48 and 53 footers. Even the streets really can't accommodate big trucks.
I hate deals like that! Dave
That's why I don't go to places like that unless they pay extra, a Lot extra!
I drive 53's in NYC and it's crazy! I love it, but it is very challenging to say the least. I got stuck just like you did in Brooklyn on a small street off Meeker Ave. Cars parked on all corners and there was no way I was getting out on the road I needed to be on. The only option was to back back out onto Meeker into traffic. Talk about being Mr. Popular! Lmao I have a wireless backup camera that I have for situations like this in NYC. It lives in its case most of the time, but it saved my ass that day. I walked back, stuck it to the ICC, connected it to my phone and I had another pair of eyes. I don't need it to back up, but it sure is nice to be able to see the blind spot behind the trailer! People will walk/bike right behind the damn trailer even if it's moving backwards. Cars will pull right up behind you and you can't see them. Most are just clueless as to what needs to happen in order for us to maneuver our trailers. I'm headed to that stop tomorrow as a matter of fact, fun fun!
Damn i hear ya
I just completed training with Wilson Logistics in Missouri. I was in a truck,first day. After 1 week on the training pad,i drive locally with a trainer for 10 days. Actual work driving. Went back to the pad,practiced 2 more days,then tested. This outfit gives plenty of actual driving.
This reminds me of people with any trailers. Great tips
Hey man I just wanted to say thank you. I’m jumping on with my trainer tomorrow morning. It’s taken me a few months to get it done start to finish from learning to school to getting my first job. I want to thank you, all your advice has really helped me out I talk to other guys and they can’t believe I’m green because I know so much 60% ive learned from you. You’ve helped make a safe smart driver I guarantee it.
Thank you boss man.
I watch all your videos.
Been driving for 6 months now
And every backing I do I learn and struggle
Stay safe and thanks for watching! Dave
I can back up real good.. been alley docking it real good since the very first time at the school
I ve been driving for 5 years. I never went to school. I learned working at a shop and getting tips from veteran people drivers. I would back our trailers into the shop for the 2 years working there. I have never been an accident, or have gotten tickets.. (I’m knocking on wood as I type).
Great videos. 5 months with my CDL, great knowledge for us new guys
Only hard earned experience can be the source of your awesome stories. Thanks for sharing.
TH-cam recommended me this video and I watched it all the way through, and I have nothing to with trucking...good story telling right there.
Thanks Ariel!
Backing down right of ways for pipelines is close to that. What ever weird and wild curves, and long straightaways. It's fun lol
Wholeheartedly agree with your school observations. We started at 6:00 AM in class and wouldn’t get behind the wheel until after lunch the first week... (We were learning the pre-trip).
The second week we would start getting seat time at 9:30 AM for backing practice. Again, from 6:00 until 9:30 we were in class.
Week 3 you had your backing test (provided you passed your Air brakes and pre-trip) By this time you started to get more road time. 9:00 AM if you passed everything but the road test you were on the road.
Week 4 you got tested either Monday or Tuesday and if you passed everyday after that until graduation on Friday you were driving.
You had to drive one hour at night, and quitting time everyday was 4:00 PM.
Honestly the backing was a much tougher test than the road test. I struggled with the parallel park but got the rig in and passed. Halfway thru the road test I knew I passed.
Backing by far is the toughest part in my opinion. Instructors need another week for perfection work and need to ease up on the student and let the student refine his/her skills once the test has been passed.
The Parallel park should be removed from the test IMO... replace it with the dock...,
Just some observations...,
Really good observations! Believe it or not, parallel parking is quite easy once you get the hang of it and I agree that there should be a larger focus on backing. Many new drivers end up driving nights because the senior guys want the day work, so maybe there should be more of that. Overall, the more seat time you get the more your driving will improve. It bothers me how very little seat time there is.
PS Oh, and yes, GOAL (get out and look) I see many truckers doing videos in truck stops making fun of new drivers and laughing at them. Would it kill them to GOAH?? (Get out and help - LOL my silly term but it's important. Thank you for the great content as usual.
I've seen some of those videos. I would be embarrassed/ashamed to put a video out of me ridiculing someone when I could of been helping. I try to help drivers when I can, not just in backing but with other things I've learned along the way. We're all human, even the " best " can be having a bad day. I also believe society will be a better place when we look out for each other, even simple things like letting people merge into traffic.
Get out and get run over, I'll help with a radio. If someone wants help get out and ask, not everyone wants help. I prefer to be left alone, most people are useless at helping anyway.
Alot of those guys are new drivers themselves....just making fun of others because it makes them feel better. I hear punks talk too, when I ask how long have they been driving...I get "4 months, 2 years, 4 years". That's nothing in driving years
Let them laugh, saftey come first!
@@JamesSmith-jq2jc It used to be a lot more friendly back in the day. Drivers would always help you out with a puncture or whatever years ago. Now it's gotten real lonely and hostile, like everyone's at war with one another. We're all just people trying to get somewhere, it's a shame we can't lend a hand now and again.
Thank you very much! For me that was a idea realized. When I was about 14, I was building model trucks of every variety available on the market, back in the days when Moving-On was on t.v. I had a nightmare experience backing up my neighbors truck that has left me gun shy of pursuing a career in trucking.I was thinking " If I had some of my old models around I could get a overhead view and put things in a perspective I can easily translate into useful information. Then tonight I catch you doin the very thing I needed. I.could be told to line up at a 45 degree all day long. But seeing it from above along eith your tips was excellent. I am beginning to think one of the greatest challenges is finding a good school. After all a student can only be as good as his teacher. Based on what I have observed finding a good school is like finding life on Pluto.
I gotta agree!
Never had any trouble backing up my over the road truck but I always had a hell of a time backing up my boat LOL.
I'm currently practicing straight backing as my very first maneuver at school!
Cool! Dave
Keep up the good work! See you on the road😀
Hand @ 12 o'clock. Do not turn wheel past 9 or 3 o'clock. It's really that simple. Need the trailer to the right a little, go to 9 for a few feet, then back to 12 and see where it goes. Need to un-do it, go to 3 for a few feet, then back to 12. During a straight-back, turning the wheel past 9 or 3 will screw you every time. 1/4 turns on the wheel are king! Good luck in the rest of your school!
My greatest fear when I first started out on my own was having to back up a city block or two if there was a low clearance I couldn’t get under or a dead end. Even worse was probably my delivery on Manhattan island with a sleeper truck and 53 ft trailer the first year on the road. Funny, never been back there since ;) I made it successfully though!
Get it shorty!
I went through a school that didn’t teach me much, so when I hit the real world, it was an act of God to even hit the simplest spots. But, failures breed success and after two years in the business...I’ve hit docks and holes that even get a second look from the veterans.
Don’t drive any more (health issues) but when i did I always took pride when backing. I always look forward to getting the “man I don’t know how you do it” complements. Of course it takes a while to acquire a good skill as mine did Come with screwup’s too.
It's a thing of beauty though, to watch someone back in who's really good at it! I saw a couple old hands, including the one guy, Simon, that taught me put trailers in ugly places smooth as silk without even looking like they were working at it. Awesome to watch! Dave
JB Hunt back in maybe 95...on my road test failed and was fired on the backing... I got it centered in the slot in my two pull ups or less...But I had my window down more than two inches...and Ed Long failed me ...Not allowed to look out the window...only use the mirrors...Not only was the window open less than four inches ....No way in hell to get your head out of it...And no one ever even told me of that no open window rule...
Hunt was averaging almost a truck wreck a day then...I went and got hired at CCC and earned safety awards...Local driving home almost every night maybe 1 night a month in a motel on the company...and off almost every weekend...Worked one Saturday my first year...and they put me in a brand new truck before the end of my first year....Can't guess what Hunt would have given me?
My dad taught me how to back with a remote control toy semi and my moms salt shaker don't knock them down
Cool, I gotta try that! Dave
I think I’ve touched on this before, but when I got my license I went to a school. I am in my mid 30’s and none of my family where truckers and I wanted to get the understanding of how to drive before I got a job. When I started I went to a megacarrier due to wanting to get experience and more knowledge. I went to the big orange company and I learned a lot. As for backing in my experience there are a million different situations for backing. With the advent of the smartphone I google earth the place I deliver before going in so I can start to plan. When I get to a place I get to a safe place where I can walk around the lot and as I’m walking to shipping/receiving I try to get truck as straight as I can do I can straight backwards. Sometimes it’s just a shitty lot and it takes forever to get into a door but I would rather take a hour to get into a door and not do damage.
I like your attitude! No ones' timing you. Best take your time and do it right. By the way, I've always heard good things about Schneiders' school. Dave
Schneider is a great company for new drivers wanting to get experience
Yes, you're right, truck driving schools only prepare students to pass test at DMD. You gave me a great lesson. Thanks
yes i agree on both things you said.
1. i backup while my trailer doors are closed. it helps me and alot of people asked me why i do it that way. i told them i dont want my trailer door to scratch the next guy.
2. ignore the helpers but thank them when you done for considering it. but not all of truckers have good intention, gotta be carefull. and never trust them if they are the guys next to you.
thnks dave as always good info
Thank you sir! Dave
I thank you for this video. I have been driving for 7 years and not once have I been in a classroom or have had a trainer. I get my clarification through TH-cam with videos like this. Backing has always been my biggest challenge. Definitely repetition helps.
Finaly real practical guy with simple methods. The best person for teaching! Much better than virtual animation from young non-drivers. When I was teenager I sometimes observed "old wolfs" in depot, also good experience.
Thanks from Ukraine, for a great lesson, mate
Roman
4 wheelers can be absolutely stupid. And you're absolutely right about spotters. At least half the time they'll say "cut hard to the left," for example and you don't know if they mean turn the steering wheel that way or move the truck that way, and if they are facing you is it your left or their left? Since I'm a rookie, I appreciate the help, and although I am certain I can improve, I have my way of doing things Somehow I have developed a good sense of where my truck and trailer are in space. I G.O.A.L. often. My spidey sense will make me stop, and when I look I find I'm less than 6" from hitting something . So far it's kept me from countless near misses. I may take a while to get my angles right, but I won't hit anything. I have grown accustomed to being cussed out (although most drivers are nice, polite, and patient), and it doesn't phase me like it did my first few months driving. My attitude is basically, "if you don't like how long I'm taking, get here before me!”😂 😂 😂