45 degree or 90 back for short parking lot

some of the more veteran drivers will be able to help more than I can, but what I’m starting to learn is, it’s never a true 45 or 90, it’s usually something in between, and it’s up for you as the driver to figure out what will work for a given situation. It comes with practice

case in point, today I was delivering to US Foods. Docks looked great for a 45, but no matter how I set it up, there wasn’t enough room to get back under the trailer. I felt like an idiot.

so what did I do? I pulled forward more than usual, and worked the trailer back slowly a little less at a time. Fortunately, the spots on either side were open!

we are all still learning out here, but make sure you have a solid set up and you learn to start modifying what you already know based on the given situations.

I’m also starting to learn that, in my set up, worry more about the position of your trailer than your truck! Just don’t get stuck!

when I’m doubt GOAL!

 

Every situation is different... I dont kniw how to explain how I back up in any way that will make sense... I just kind do it by instinct, or feel, I suppose. This will all come to you with time, I watch other deivers when they are backing in sometimes to try and learn new techniques. I used to watch alot more when I was a fresh shave tail.

Practice, patience, and time are the only thing that will improve your backing skills... And you must have all three or you just get frustrated.

 

The shallower you can make turns, the less wear and tear you put on tires/suspension

 

If you can manage a 45° it's not really a tight dock LOL. The one place in Bayonne NJ I go to pretty often you have maybe 20-25ft between the bumper and the fence. Not even enough room for a 20ft container to swing it in the dock to the side of you. Pretty much have to get your set up perfect.

However you have to get it in the dock w/o touching anything else is the correct way. Lots of times in this dock my tractor will be on a 45 deg angle to get the trailer in the dock if i don't 1 shot it on the 1st attempt

 

I don't have the wheel cut that these newer trucks have either tho.

 

I run into this problem a lot. My WB is 285. Usually start at closer to a 45, get the trailer close, then pull forward doing a 90, then straight, and back towards a 45, to give myself more room in front. Often 2 or 3 times, to get the trailer right, Basically pulling forward, and setting up again, only with the trailer already into the spot a little bit. I sometimes end up at a bit of blindside after the final pull up, depending on where the trailer is and needs to go. Whatever it takes. The only time I really start at a 90, is when I absolutely have to. When they put me into a dock near the end. No choice but jack it around. Or blindside. Just watch the trailer, and the nose. Not sure if you can make any sense out of all that.

 

That's usually how i am a lot of the time after my final pull up, tractor ####ed towards the blind. Wiggle wiggle wiggle. It does make it easier getting out when you don't have a lot of room. If you pull out to the right that is

 

Generally I look at if I have more vertical or horizontal space. If I have more vertical space I do a 45 as it’s much easier in my opinion. More horizontal space I set up a 90 but all situations are different. I make sure to use all space available to make life easier. I’ve only driven tankers so I’ve been lucky.

this spot for example very horizontal. No way to set it up other than a 90 gotta pull up sit in the middle then a slight turn to the left as you stop.. back up a few then straighten the truck and let trailer do the work... it’s pretty narrow on both the alley and lane you pull in with bollards all around it. Have to stay close to the curb with the trailer wheels without hugging it then jack it just a little to miss the bollards on the other side. If you do it right you can do it in one motion.(that’s a good day) most days when playing it safe you come back a second too late to make sure you clear everything the trailer turns a little further than needed and you have to pull up and slowly blindside it away from the curb. It all depends... every situation is different

 

Rule of thumb: position tractor in middle of vertical space available, adjust with horizontal distance. It's all in the set up. Take all the time you need, and all the room they will give you.