Help me understand the 90 degree alley dock

I drove a lot in the 80's, got trained on a 53 foot box late last year, and I've been OTR since January. No two backs are the same, not yet, maybe not ever. Eventually, like the guys who posted said, you get a feel for what's going to work in that hole, in that situation. So far for me, the most important and most effective element is the setup. If I can, I roll my drives about a 4 second count past the hole, turn right 'til I run out of room, make the little S turn til I can see the hole. Also, I adjust my mirrors all the time, even while backing if it's safe, if I'm not right up against the alley. Just wait - blind side is lots more fun.

 

I'll just give 1 advice, the setup is really the key, if you start turning at the right time and your trailer get into a good position then everything else should be easy.

 

Out in this feild you are gonna see ALL kinds of docks. Some you have to wiggle in others your like," what are they thinking?" However, every dock is different and every dock is a new challenge. A few keys to help you are 1) watch where your butt end of trailer is going 2) watch every other angle of the truck incl nose of tractor 3) visualize arial veiw of what your doing ex your pushing a straight trailer into a spot. It does change shape or for the most part size. For 90 degree dock get your but lined up with hole then get back infront of trailer. Its like a game. To make trailer go straight have to be infront, on angle to left or right? Your tractor has to be on the corner of trailer ( not too much) . As you drive more and more you will understand more and more and get more exp. Use your fender mirror to aide you in and when in dout get out and look. I still do. Every dock is different and is a new challenge for the rest of your career. Doesnt matter how many pull ups back in you do. I work with a guy that says if you pull up more than 5 x you dont know what your doing. Hes an old timer, good advice but i disagree with that part. You if dont have enough room to clear when your truck swings, then pull up and back in turning slightly so every few feet your butt end moves closer to the dock the hug the trailer on a driver side. Also get a cone and use it to blind side for now when you have to blind side around a trailer. And just hug the cone with your tires. For tail swing have your trailer tail no more than 6 ft of over hang. Anything more will clip something. My boss bolted are tandems in at 6 ft over hang. Never have a problem driving in down town philly. Good luck and take your time. There is NO RUSH. When you rush #### happens. Even when driving take your time. This is your time to get the feel of driving and backing. In a big drop yard...practice. at a shipper or rec. When no trucks are coming then take the hard spot.

 

Another tip is when you past the hole and start turning count the trailers you see as your turning when you come to the trailer nearest the hole your going for then straighten out

 

congrats DRIVER

 

Yep you will learn what manuever to do for where.. fyi when you go otr tske many pics. when you go local you will want to remember.

 

Congrats, Driver! Take your time, enjoy the ride.