Trucking anxiety

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Mr. EastCoast, Mar 25, 2021.

  1. sirhwy

    sirhwy Medium Load Member

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    Sep 1, 2011
    Central Iowa
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    It doesn’t seem to matter how fast you can back up. Some impatient truck driver will think you’re in the way. Just do your thing. Please put your flashers on while backing up. That way other drivers know your backing up or doing something besides proceeding normally.
     
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  3. tallguy66

    tallguy66 Medium Load Member

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    Oct 18, 2018
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    If someone in a hurry blows their air horn at you, they probably just want you to do a GOAL.
     
  4. Eddiec

    Eddiec Road Train Member

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    Feb 2, 2015
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    Yes. Take your time and do it safely and correctly. Never let anyone else ( unless they are trained or authorized to do so)influence the way you handle your truck.
     
  5. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    Perfectly normal. The 1st dump truck job I had, a guy rode along with me, and I was waiting and waiting for an opening, and the guy said, "I think you need to be more aggressive", and he was right. People will do ANYTHING so they won't have to wait. They'll stop when they realize what you are doing. 4 ways on, slowly ( to keep damage down) back 'er in. If people were in my way, I'd pull right up to their door, and bully my way in. Hey, sometimes a little force is necessary. They'll get over it,,,I hope. With today's fruitcakes killing people in the produce aisle for no reason, maybe not.
     
  6. spindrift

    spindrift Road Train Member

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    Texas
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    Absolutely normal. You need to practice building a "safe space" around you. Don't allow the negative external influences to invade that space. Put all of your energy into focusing on the proper set-up and back. GOAL, GOAL, GOAL. Also, it might help you to visit a truck stop mid to late morning and practice backing without the stress of traffic trying to get by.
     
  7. Hatt91

    Hatt91 Light Load Member

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    May 18, 2018
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    Totally normal. Just relax, turn off the radio. And focus on what you’re doing. You will get better with time.

    Having patience, in my opinion, is the most important part of this job. Waiting is part of this job. Some drivers don’t understand that. They don’t understand that some people are inexperienced and can take longer to do things they do very naturally.
     
  8. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    I’ll never forget Trucker Brown’s advice on that. He’s probably thinking he’s having a sucky day. Well... he’s having a sucky day. Let him wait.
     
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  9. MBAngel

    MBAngel Medium Load Member

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    Apr 1, 2018
    Tucson, Arizona
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    You can do it too slow a million times, and too fast just once. Try to be patient with yourself. You can wait until its pretty clear to start your back, but some yards are just too busy. Some of us aren't thinking "jeez, hurry up!" Some of us are watching your blind side and will tap the horn if you're going to hit something. Yes, it's way lazier than getting out to help, but I also believe you learn by doing. Some days you tap the dock, and some days the dock taps you. Even long time drivers have days they can't back straight.
     
  10. scott180

    scott180 Road Train Member

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    Dec 10, 2012
    Tooele, UT
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    Yup.
    Man did I suck at backing up.
    Did what I needed to do and I never hit anything.
    Most of the "one shot, no pull-ups, never get out and look super truckers have hit something, if you can get them to admit it.
    Just be safe.
    The thing I try to remember is saving a few minutes out here is not worth the hours of explaining in Bosses/Safety office.
     
  11. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Nov 16, 2013
    Baltimore, Maryland
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    Don't worry about it. Take your time ,don't let people rush you take all the time you need. You will get better over time
     
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