I need a new Mentor from Swift ... anyone out there?

Backing into a Walmart dock twice a day does not really give the needed backing experience.
They are all nearly the same template or two.

 

Isn't this why Swift has a backing class?

 

When I Mentored for Swift, we found ample opportunities everyday to do various different "backing scenarios"...unused docks at shippers/receivers, Swift terminals, truck stops, empty warehouse spaces....if the Mentor is a real teacher he/she will be paying attention to the needs of the student and finding "opportunities" to teach and satisfy the needs for both the student and the company. All of my "students" put in at least 6 hours every week on backing. Also, applied chains at least 3 times every week. This was over and above the "training curriculum" that Swift required.

 

They used to offer a backing class, more than what you need to pass the CDL. It used to be at the Phoenix yard and at one or two other places.

Scrappy if you aren't getting the practice backing that you need, you have no one to blame but yourself. You can be more proactive with your mentor and ask, with out being an A Hole, that you get more time backing.

 

I work with Swift now, a Walmart dedicated account. I didn't train with Swift though. When I joined Swift I was a horrible backer. I didn't hit anything but it took me a long time sometime and I lived by GET OUT AND LOOK!!!!!
After some of the Neighborhood Market parking lots and backing into sometimes 9 holes a day, I got better. I am still getting better.
What I am saying is nobody can teach you how to back up, you can not learn it in a controlled environment. It comes to you. The trick is to not hit anything until the point.
When you back up, make it YOUR time don't worry about the other truckers, yard dogs, shippers and receivers giving you dirty looks because your have to do 7 pull ups and GOAL 3 times. Think of it as the only thing in the world is you, your rig and the hole your going into.

Good Luck, I was where you were and feel you.

 

I guess you hadn't ran the Walmart accounts when they get the containers laying everywhere. The little neigborhood markets can be tight And if you back to anything I believe it helps. You are learning to drive the trailer so to speak. It is your own responsibly to challenge yourself If you want to get good at different backing situations. Mentor or not.

 

The best point made was to take your time.
Better to spend an extra 10 minutes getting it right than several hours with an accident report.

And I've seen very experienced drivers take the extra time when needed as well. No matter how good you are, you'll always have off days when things never seem to line up just right.