How to straight back a tractor trailer and how to straighten out ?

yes, I've been absorbing like a sponge and asking as needs arise. Great group of Drivers for the most part. Some not so much.

 

Do you have plans on what you're going to get into, specifically, such as dry vans, reefers, flats, etc?

I've had my CDL about 2-1/2 yrs.

I started with a mega, went through their "academy", and was able to tolerate their bs for about 8 months.

I've now pulled dry vans, reefers, belly dumps, possum bottom chip trailers, and flats. I've pulled doubles, and one OD load.

Never a dull moment.

And no such thing as a small mistake.

 

My plans are to try to go thru FFE's school and do reefer with them. I want to do their school and terminal in TX. I'll actually be living in the OKC, OK area. Right now in the Tampa, FL area. I want to also try to get my Hazmat Endorsement. As if there is not reefer, I might need to dry van back, and who knows it could be a load of paint. I want to get my CDL in a manual and mentor in a manual, but go solo in a auto. Gonna stick it out there for a year, at least, and then see where the pay is better. Told @Dave_in_AZ to keep me a truck open for when I have my year and winter under me. Then he can run me ragged. lol

 

The tests for the endorsements are all pretty easy. It's easier to get them all up front, than add them later, just because of the extra paper work. I've got all of mine except X, plus my TWIC, and passport. I run into Canada every few weeks, it's an easy extra $100.

Best of luck to you, it sounds like you're on the right track.

 

yeah. I'll have to pay for the hazmat endorsement test, but the rest is paid for by the company

 

Start truck in neutral. Move stick to gear you want (2 for loaded, 4 for empty, for my rig). Gently push stick against that gear, you just need to find that sweet spot in clutch (slightly up from pushed all the way down) then rev the engine a little to find the right RPM (about 7-8) and it will slide right in. Each truck is a little different, don't stress about this. Good luck!