Doable docking?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by albatros1952, Dec 13, 2025 at 8:41 PM.

  1. albatros1952

    albatros1952 Bobtail Member

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    Hi,
    Case,
    Tractor with a 40 foot dry cargo semitrailer.
    Internal road has an uphill slope of 8 degrees.
    Tractor and trailer would have to pass the docking site to then backup and turn into the docking place. Turn required 100 degrees as to get inn. Entry backing uphill which would make the maneuver easier is not possible, no place to reverse direction.
    Only 65 feet in front of the docking entrance to maneuver for the turn. (Distant edge of road to docking entrance.
    Is a downhill backing turn to align the semitrailer and enter the docking site possible in such a limited space?
    Are 8 degrees side slope still safe as to not roll over?

    Case not in the USA, I am not a driver.

    Brgds.
     
    Last edited: Dec 13, 2025 at 10:09 PM
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  3. Lane=addict

    Lane=addict Light Load Member

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    It seems you only have one option to me.
     
  4. albatros1952

    albatros1952 Bobtail Member

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    Panoramic view, distorted a bit, but so you all get an idea.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Dec 13, 2025 at 9:38 PM
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  5. albatros1952

    albatros1952 Bobtail Member

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    Which is?
     
  6. Opendeckin

    Opendeckin Medium Load Member

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    Seems fine to me especially if they're only bringing in a 40 foot trailer. I do worse docks regularly with a w9 and a 53' trailer.
     
    homeskillet Thanks this.
  7. Crude Truckin'

    Crude Truckin' Alien Spacecraft

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    North Dakota, Eh?
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  8. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Satellite view with measurements, or provide Google adress for the same purposes.

    or do that yourself, screenshot and post.
     
    albatros1952 Thanks this.
  9. albatros1952

    albatros1952 Bobtail Member

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    Appreciate your help Blarian.
    This is a warehouse complex that is just in its initial operation. One trailer has come in but said that was too tight to go in backwards and went in straight.
    I am attaching a picture when he was getting out to get a general idea. 40 ' container. You can see on the far right that they cut the walkway to give more space, maybe 4 feet but the road continues as it comes and starts then making a right turn upwards on the hill and to the third level.
    Unloading was a mess. We have requested the developers to show us it can be done and give us exact measurements but are still waiting for that or the next trailer to arrive in one week.
    Google earth only shows the project under construction and what you will see is the third floor of warehouses project level. Search Pilatesproworks Guatemala, its right next to it. Docking site is on second level under the fourth warehouse from left to right.
    Angle is more than the 100 degrees I said, sorry.

    upload_2025-12-14_8-19-48.png
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Dec 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM
  10. albatros1952

    albatros1952 Bobtail Member

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    Is there any ballpark reference in minimum lateral distance to backup and be able to put the trailer 90 deg from were it was eith a 40 feet container?
    I.e. xx feet more tan the total lenght of the tractor and trailer.
     
  11. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Road Train Member

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    That back in door dock is a mess. The slopes, and I see multiple slopes, change pivot point of tandem/duel tire axle trailer pivot points on the fly. As suspension articulates, and trailer rocks to side, which tire that is gripping and pivoting will change making judging trailer movement hard.

    Then you got to consider both vertical trailer tilt as well as over swing as trailer enters door.

    I won't say it is impossible because you can only judge that from the cab of the truck. Get a short single axle day cab cabover and it might be just a small challenge, but it would be a chore. Anything else would have to work at it a lot more and may be impossible.

    I have been to customers with one truck and made it look easing getting in, but show up with another truck with just a couple more feet of frame, longer hood, or less tight turning and the whole thing becomes impossible with truck and trailer wedged between multiple obstacles.
     
    gentleroger Thanks this.
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