docking lines - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

kalbert · **^ Top** #1 07.18.2008

Today I had a truck driver have some problems backing into my dock. It took him 9 tries to get it right. Now mind you he has a ton of room at least 2 semi lengths to work with and nothing to the sides. When he came in he started screaming that anyone that expects deliveries to a dock should paint guidelines so its easier to get your deliveries.

Now not that I'm so opposed to doing this....but....Most of the trucks that come here can do it in one or two tries and my gut reaction to this driver...well....I will be suprised if I dont get a call from his dispatch lol

Anyway...my question. Are painting these lines on the cement really worth the effort?? Does this really help or would say running lights along the back of dock door be better? or both? Or maybe neither????

honor roll · **^ Top** #2 07.18.2008

For him I would say both Is he a Rookie?

grandpa dave · **^ Top** #3 07.18.2008

I've found that even having just one line painted on the left side where the trailer is supposed to end up is very helpfull. But for him it probably wouldn't have made any difference.

kalbert · **^ Top** #4 07.18.2008

He wasnt very young so who knows. Funny though usually the rookies come in say they are rookies and that why they had problems. In the 2 years I have worked here, this was the first time a truck driver came in and yelled that way. Ive seen weird, crabby,filthy, tired even really scarrey, but this one was a first.

danc694u · **^ Top** #5 07.18.2008

A lot of times, it depends on how tired a driver is. But, a line can and does help tremendously. Especially if it's on the left side of the truck.

I won't sugar coat it, and tell you that I can back a truck anywhere, anytime. If I'm tired and have to hit a dock with no lines...I'm in deep ####, cuz I may get it the first shot...I may get it the 20th. But, I'm not going to raise hell with anyone on the dock. I may mention to them it would help to have a line. But, I'm not going to blow a gasket or anything.

As a rule, I keep a set of soccer cones in my side box...and make my own lines if there's any question in my mind about a dock.

Meat Wagon · **^ Top** #6 07.18.2008

I've been at this a long time and since I pull a tank I don't unload at docks, but when I was pulling a dry van I always found it easier to have a reference. I have had my share of *off* days, too!

Pavement lines would be a real help but even 2 vertical stripes on the outside edge of the dock corresponding to the trailer sides would do it for me.

This driver may have been new, tired or otherwise mentally preoccupied (ie: problems at home) but IMHO I'd say even a tired driver shouldn't have that much trouble.

Some drivers get real nervous if they're being watched. In any case, this guy's pride took a beating so he took it out on you (always easier to blame somebody else, you know). Unfourtunate, but part of human nature.

rubbergearsnextyear · **^ Top** #7 07.18.2008

If you do decide to paint lines please make sure they are in the right place. I went to a dock in indiana and was perfect on the lines but the guy kept telling me i was way off and had to move the trlr to the right more. I had to go inside and look for myself lol. The lines didn't "line" up.

A line is only as good as it's accuracy.

Big Don · **^ Top** #8 07.18.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by rubbergearsnextyear

(snipped)
A line is only as good as it's accuracy.

AMEN to that one. I used to have one customer that had lines painted just a little bit off the 90 degree angle needed. Just off enough that if you were where you should be on the line, the dock lock would not lock in. And with the setup they had, if the dock lock didn't lock in, the dock plate would not extend.

There was no bypass on the dock lock so you were pretty much dead in the water.

Considering the personality of the dock manager, I always figured that he had the line painted that way just to screw with the drivers.

notarps4me · **^ Top** #9 07.18.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by danc694u

As a rule, I keep a set of soccer cones in my side box...and make my own lines if there's any question in my mind about a dock.

Bad idea. Most of these guys would run over the cones...

danc694u · **^ Top** #10 07.18.2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by notarps4me

Bad idea. Most of these guys would run over the cones...

LMAO...and you would be correct. I started using them when I was training. It seemed to settle the new guys down a bit.

But more than one cone got run over during that time

But NONE of my students topped the guy coming out of the Flying J in Olive Branch MS. He wiped out 3 full size cones, with the highway department trying to guide him the whole way. And this was an "old timer".

I was laughin so hard I almost cried...you just had to been there. It was a Kodak moment for sure.

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