FOR THE LOVE OF ALL ....HAVE MERCY!!!!

I did that not once but twice! At the Loves just west of Albuquerque NM and the Pilot in Petersburg VA. Luckily at the Pilot it was around midnight so not much going on. You live and learn.

 

That's exactly right. Good attitude and thanks for the update.

 

Been driving since 1989 and some days I can’t back a trailer to save my life. So relax and don’t get in a big hurry

 

If u cant back up then just become a flatbedder , we never back up into tight places

 

As a rookie myself, here’s what I do, you have to observe other drivers how they do things. Even the smallest thing drivers do, you have to take note of those. Even arriving at the receiver by the guard shack, or out on the street close to the receiver, you have to know which driver doing the right thing such as if the truck was park on a spot that is easy to do turn heading to the guard shack drive way. Otherwise, you might get in trouble. Another example is that while you’re fueling, observe other trucks what direction they go to exit the truck stop to get back on the road so by the time you’re done, you have an idea how to get back on the road yourself. I do know that you can just check it on satellite view via your phone but it’s a good habit observing good drivers.

 

I go 3/4 days in a row.
Never miss a dock or hole at a truck stop.
Then I go a week and can't hit one to save my life.

The truth is,the only person who's watching you is
Somebody waiting behind you.
Nobody else gives a rat.
As long as you don't hit nothing nobody cares.

 

@bigbirdie
I had a drill instructor pound "smooth is fast , fast is smooth" into my head many years ago.
It holds true in many things, even today.
Many of us are perfectionists.
Is gotta be dead nutz accurate, spot on, exactly right, every time.
Apply the smooth is fast, fast is smooth theory, and relax a little bit.
Breathe.
You got this.
Each hour, each day, you're able to say you damaged nothing, and accomplished the mission best you're able to is a success.
You, your truck, trailer, and load, all got where they needed to be without issue.
Except what's in your head, noise wise.
We all have those days.
They happen.
But, still, you came away without issue.
Good job driver.
Good job.
Keep at it, you got this.

 

Sometimes,you gotta abort,drive around the lot and start over.
Set up is everything.