Parallel Parking

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by Ducks, Nov 22, 2008.

  1. Ducks

    Ducks "Token Four-Wheeler"

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    From what I'm reading, part of the CDL exam includes parallel parking. (I can't imagine trying to blindside back a rig curbside along Main Street so the driver can run into the corner cafe for bacon and eggs.)

    How often do drivers need to parallel park?
     
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  3. lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

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    Parallel parking really isn't that difficult. It isn't anywhere near as hard as 90-degree blind side backing into a dock or space at a truck stop as you can see the entire trailer the whole time you are parallel parking.
     
  4. heyns57

    heyns57 Road Train Member

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    City delivery drivers parallel park in loading zones at the curb, usually at an intersection. The marked spaces are big enough for a UPS package car, but I used them when delivering with a 27' pup. Before WalMart and malls, we actually had stores downtown. I remember specifically delivering large cartons to a shoe store in Ottawa, IL. I used the loading zone, and hand trucked the cartons through the store's front door. I was wearing long johns and a parka because of blizzard conditions. The store was hot. The only clerk was busy showing shoes to a woman. I waited to collect the COD. That was the day I decided to go back over-the-road.
     
  5. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Nah, it is usually to the mom and pop grocery store for cigarettes and a six pack!:biggrin_25525:
    For LTL drivers, it is a common thing. I've had to do it with everything from a 29' pup to 53' road trailers.

    It is not that difficult to do. The difficulty is the rocket scientist behind you who is laying on his horn while you are doing it.:biggrin_25516:
     
  6. Ducks

    Ducks "Token Four-Wheeler"

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    May I take this question one step further?

    I believe the average length of a space for parallel parking a passenger car is 20 feet. How many feet is necessary for a big truck driver to feel comfortable parallel parking?
     
  7. longbedGTs

    longbedGTs Heavy Load Member

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    I remember in school when we were practicing parallel parking I thought "pfft, why would anyone want to risk trying this when you cant see alot of what youre backing into? Ill just find another place to park so I wont have to do this".
    Funny, Ive done it so many times and Im glad I learned.
     
  8. Working Class Patriot

    Working Class Patriot Road Train Member

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    If you want to stop at the rest stops around Glenwood Springs off the 70 (Glenwood Canyon) you better learn to parallel park.
     
  9. kwforage

    kwforage Road Train Member

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    I never had to parallel, just straight back, and alley dock.
     
  10. MrsSandman

    MrsSandman Light Load Member

    Me either. I never had to parallel. Hubby had me practice it just in case but I didn't have to do it for the test. What a relief that was. It was the only part of backing up I had problems with.
     
  11. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    That is a tough question to answer, as there are so many variables. The size of the truck, road tractor or city tractor, the size of your trailer, your level of experience and expertise, just how "snug" do you need to be. This last will vary with location and how long you are gonna be there.

    Can you leave some of your truck sticking out for a very few minutes while you make a quick drop or pick, or are you parking for a long time. Are you on a wide street with little traffic, or lots of room for traffic to maneuver around you, or are you on a heavily traveled narrow street. What is the speed limit or normal speed of traffic flow on the street.
    How often do you expect to see a traffic cop come along.

    These are just SOME of the considerations you need to look at.
     
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