I’m a new driver, probably my third week on the road. The training was 1 week. I’m driving well, but still, have a small issue when I park. Sometimes its a fear, sometimes just a rush. Sometimes it takes 3-4 minutes for me to park in the tight spot at Flying J. How long do you think it takes not to think about parking? Because it takes so much emotional energy when you do it.
Parking
Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Abraxas, Sep 23, 2022.
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Blue jeans, tscottme, Boondock and 3 others Thank this.
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I've been doing this since 1996 and there are some days when I look like a rookie when I'm backing up. Usually when I'm real tired. So don't worry about how long it takes and don't let anyone rush you. GetOutAndLook as many times as needed. Just don't hit anything.
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As long as you aren't hitting anything you are golden. Just remember to get out and look. Especially on the right side as your trailer eases into the hole.
Once the rear of your trailer safely passes the tractor on the right, victory is yours. Just straighten up after that point and ease it back.
If you do hit something at a truck stop, own up to your mistake. I hate when someone hits an owner operator and then leaves.Oxbow, 4wayflashers, snowlauncher and 9 others Thank this. -
Pulling the tandems back makes it easier. I've threaded a trailer into some awfully tight spots that way. Big thing is....you have no trailer swing.
Concorde, Blue jeans, Abraxas and 1 other person Thank this. -
Don't sweat it. Sometimes I can back into the tightest spot on the first try. Other times it takes 10 or more pull ups even though I have an acre of room.
Blue jeans, tscottme, Abraxas and 5 others Thank this. -
I spend most of my time driving in places with not much traffic and tiny little roads. I get lots of practice backing up into field entrances from a small 2 lane road into a smaller 2 lane road sometimes the ditches are deep. Occasionally a mile or more backing because there’s not room to turn around after you get to the end of the farm lane ( farmer says no problem but that’s with a short wheelbase tractor and a 39 foot trailer). I don’t often have to make a pull up unless it’s the only possible way to squeeze in. I do this regularly moving equipment locally but when I hit the big road and go to a truck stop it looks like it’s my first day. Not sure why other than to many distractions and maybe being nervous because of the rushed pace of things. Don’t hit anything (unless you work for swift) and it’s all good. Sorry about that swift joke.
Czar_Zero, Blue jeans, tscottme and 1 other person Thank this. -
You take as long as you need to do it safely ...
Don't let anyone get to you or rush you. Back when I was starting I had tough time getting in a dock with 2 drivers standing there eyeing me. When I was done, I got out walked up to them and asked "so what was the over under on how long I would take".
Like others have said, been driving for 13 years now and still have those days.4wayflashers, Czar_Zero, tscottme and 2 others Thank this. -
Just be happy that you found a spot ☺️
4wayflashers, W923, MysticHZ and 4 others Thank this. -
If you aren’t hitting thing, you‘re doing well. Sometimes when I pull into an empty truck stop, I can’t hit a spot without doing like five pull-ups, other times I can out back any super trucker. Everyone has their days.
Like others have said don’t let anyone rush you. If they’re in such a darn hurry and you’re in their way, they can get out and help you or they can deal with it. Everyone has their daysMysticHZ, tscottme, Abraxas and 1 other person Thank this.
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