Rookies, please stop!

The very same driver takes every corner thinking he is Elliot Saddler, even better they can't stay in the turn lane made specifically for large tractor-trailers turn width, oh no, billy big rigger has to go into the two oncoming lanes forcing traffic to back up.

 

Ohh, they do!

The driver puts it in reverse and nothing happens, so they give it more throttle.... and nothing happens. So more throttle and then BAM! It finally engages and the drive tires chirp on the pavement, the cab lurches and twists, you know that guy just got his head flung into the door frame. Somehow they manage to hit the binders and get it stopped just before smashing a fender. And then they try again, and again....

 

Watched the same happen at shippers and receivers, one backed up to the dock with that tractor jumping like a prize bull all the way till trailer slammed into the dock.

 

I don't think everyone does.

 

I can never advocate for not using those 4 way flashers while backing. Most sane truckers know that when those flashers are on the truck is about to start backing. I will admit though there is some situations where it is not needed.

 

When you can drive both of our trucks at the same time I'll let you turn them off, until then... enjoy the view.

 

Rubbing is racing

 

Particularly at night, and in a dark lot, those hazards give you the light you need to make sure you do a clean backing job.

 

When I was a student, trainer is on the ground, keeping an eye on things...its 130 degrees in El Paso, I do my set up, get out and look, we exchange a word or two, he is sweating like a pig.

I climb back into the air conditioned cab, notice that a truck in front of me pulled out, so I slide forward into the pull-through space.

He comes back yelling and sweating.... but you told me to always take the easiest space in the parking lot...so I did!!!

Believe it or not, we are still friends.