Tight alley docks..how do you back in?

Thats a good way to do it. I dont alley dock pulling flat but I do have some tight spots Ive had to beck into in job sites or to get loaded out in bfe Or to get into my spot at the truckstop. I get out assess the situation front back and both sides and then start my back. Might have to get out a few times during the back to reassess the situation but id rather do that than get stuck in a spot or hit something. Pulling up and getting an angle always helps I avoid 90s at all costs not to say i havnt had to do a 90 but getting any type of angle is better than a 90. It all comes with time. Just wait till you get the 90 degree blind back. Those are always fun

 

yeah if its tight...walk it and scope out all the possible hazards...dumpsters, poles, cars, overhead lines...etc....get out and see what ya need to do...and set up right...and as for getting better...HECK YA...i have never ever ever seen a dock that my husband or myself couldnt get into ...altho he is better than i am...i run a close second...and no i dont mean that smart alleck...i just had a darn good teacher (hubby).....he used to yard dog.....

local jobs are GREAT experience IMO....they teach you to be a better in city driver and BETTER at backing....take your time..and if you gotta get out and look 50 times..DO IT...

 

I come in at an angle as well and focus on my tandems and corner of trailer. After getting out to assess the situation, I get back in and start backing up and cranking that wheel then get out and look again. Hop back in, pull forward to get my tractor/trailer aligned and finish. I did city driving for 6yrs and I got to he point where I found myself backing from my blind spot was just as easy as the driver side.

Whenever I did a delivery that had a wide open yard, I would practice backing on my blind side. It's a good thing to practice because it's guaranteed you will come across that situation.

 

I've found that the setup is very important when backing into tight places. For that reason, take some time to look at the whole area and try to determine how you will maneuver your truck into the correct setup position. If you can do that, it makes the job a lot easier.

Also, if you start backing in and find that you are improperly set up for that particular dock, just pull forward or around and try to reposition yourself. In other words, make the back up itself as easy as possible. This can take some of the stress off of you.

 

Some of us just get it and it ain't no big thing others takes a while and may never get it. But looking helps but after that it takes skill. That's why I don't understand why this job is considered unskilled labor.

 

Hey giggles either one of you two used a flashlight for help guiding tandems in dark areas? Done that a time or two helps out sometimes if theres no lines or references you can see.

 

A couple things I will add, don't get flustered or frustrated, be patient and take as long as you need. You'll get there. Never mind the onlookers, those with nothing better to do than watch the show.
They are oft times waiting for you to hit something or have trouble, just so they can be entertained. It always looks way easier from outside, than it does in the cab. The other thing, as giggles said, is get out and look if you're not sure. It is cheap insurance, and way better than hitting something. It is easy to become complacent and think you are doing ok, when if fact might be about to smoke a parked car, of the corner of a building.

 

Carefully!

A little recce up front is always a good plan.

See above...

Practice make perfect!

More practice!

It get's more fun in the rain. Throw in dark for extra credit! That flashlight trick works really well!

Don't run into anything. Get out and look as many times as it takes.

Well I put on my "big boy boots" and go do it. But, heck, I'll give ya a discount... send me $50 and I'll do it for ya!