Parking

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Abraxas, Sep 23, 2022.

  1. Abraxas

    Abraxas Bobtail Member

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    Sep 23, 2022
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    I’m a new driver, probably my third week on the road. The training was 1 week. I’m driving well, but still, have a small issue when I park. Sometimes its a fear, sometimes just a rush. Sometimes it takes 3-4 minutes for me to park in the tight spot at Flying J. How long do you think it takes not to think about parking? Because it takes so much emotional energy when you do it.
     
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    SW Arkansas
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    I've been doing this since 1996 and there are some days when I look like a rookie when I'm backing up. Usually when I'm real tired. So don't worry about how long it takes and don't let anyone rush you. GetOutAndLook as many times as needed. Just don't hit anything.
     
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  4. Flat Earth Trucker

    Flat Earth Trucker Road Train Member

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    Nov 19, 2018
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    As long as you aren't hitting anything you are golden. Just remember to get out and look. Especially on the right side as your trailer eases into the hole.

    Once the rear of your trailer safely passes the tractor on the right, victory is yours. Just straighten up after that point and ease it back.

    If you do hit something at a truck stop, own up to your mistake. I hate when someone hits an owner operator and then leaves.
     
  5. WesternPlains

    WesternPlains Road Train Member

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    Pulling the tandems back makes it easier. I've threaded a trailer into some awfully tight spots that way. Big thing is....you have no trailer swing.
     
  6. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Medium Load Member

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    Apr 16, 2016
    South Texas
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    Don't sweat it. Sometimes I can back into the tightest spot on the first try. Other times it takes 10 or more pull ups even though I have an acre of room.
     
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  7. W923

    W923 Heavy Load Member

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    Feb 28, 2022
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    I spend most of my time driving in places with not much traffic and tiny little roads. I get lots of practice backing up into field entrances from a small 2 lane road into a smaller 2 lane road sometimes the ditches are deep. Occasionally a mile or more backing because there’s not room to turn around after you get to the end of the farm lane ( farmer says no problem but that’s with a short wheelbase tractor and a 39 foot trailer). I don’t often have to make a pull up unless it’s the only possible way to squeeze in. I do this regularly moving equipment locally but when I hit the big road and go to a truck stop it looks like it’s my first day. Not sure why other than to many distractions and maybe being nervous because of the rushed pace of things. Don’t hit anything (unless you work for swift) and it’s all good. Sorry about that swift joke.
     
  8. MysticHZ

    MysticHZ Road Train Member

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    You take as long as you need to do it safely ...

    Don't let anyone get to you or rush you. Back when I was starting I had tough time getting in a dock with 2 drivers standing there eyeing me. When I was done, I got out walked up to them and asked "so what was the over under on how long I would take".

    Like others have said, been driving for 13 years now and still have those days.
     
  9. Plantfoam

    Plantfoam Medium Load Member

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    Aug 18, 2015
    DFW
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    Just be happy that you found a spot ☺️
     
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  10. Opus

    Opus Road Train Member

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    Dec 18, 2011
    South GA
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    Best advice ever................
    Get up early, and land early.
    Be up and rolling by 5, land by 5 and you'll have your choice of spots
     
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  11. Bobblehead

    Bobblehead Light Load Member

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    Aug 17, 2020
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    If you aren’t hitting thing, you‘re doing well. Sometimes when I pull into an empty truck stop, I can’t hit a spot without doing like five pull-ups, other times I can out back any super trucker. Everyone has their days.

    Like others have said don’t let anyone rush you. If they’re in such a darn hurry and you’re in their way, they can get out and help you or they can deal with it. Everyone has their days
     
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