backing question

took the words outta my mouth! lol the minute you get rushed youll mess up worse case bumpin something or another truck. I take my time but at the same time i try to do it quickly. but lol i can be a ###hole lol if too many ppl talk trash ill take my sweet time. back up a few feet and get out look back a cpl feet get out look lol yes its wrong but i do it to prove a point. A lot of older truckers have seen me doin this and had a good laugh. Im also 1 of few guys youll see asking a driver if he/she wants another set of eyes.

 

Worst truckstop for a new driver IMO is the pilot in carlisle pa. or the 1 in columbia sc. both are tight and to a new guy seem almost impossible. but take your time and do what your comfortable with and youll be ok.

 

As a local driver driving a long wheelbase truck backing into tight spots everyday, 6 days a week, I've kinda taught myself some little things that might help.

-Use all the space thats available. Get right up into that nose/wall of the truck/barrier in your way at the truck stop/drop lot when you make your pull ups. Just dont hit anything, obviously.

-When in tight spots, lets say you're doing a 90 degree drivers side back. You start backing up but you get to a point where you have to pull up. When you pull up, pull up as much as you can to the right but do not let the truck roll back with the wheels turned to the right. Crank that wheel all the way to the left before you start backing up, and vice versa if doing a blindside back. EVERY INCH COUNTS.

-Lets say you're in a spot where you need to get your truck moved over the right a few feet but you dont have much room to pull up. What you have to do is turn hard right for a couple feet then hard left the same amount and then straighten up your truck. If you're still not lined up, back up and repeat the process. (If this is too hard to understand I can post a video.)

Like others have said don't be afraid to get out and look and don't be afraid to ask more experienced drivers for advice. I've had quite a few help me and have had the privilege of helping other drivers negotiate tight backs. Just give it time and patience and before you know it you'll hardly worry about backing up anymore.