Backing Competition

I see so many new guys (more guys then gals) today struggling with their backing skills, especially in the tougher spots and where it may be busy. I feel for them but don't know how to help them most of the time. I can't imagine the level of frustration and anxiety they must be dealing with. They get so jammed up they need to circle back around and start over but they figure they got into that predicament, they can get out or fix it, they're just not sure which they are striving for.

None of us are perfect backers in all situations, but the experienced guys at least can see and realize the problem developing early on, and understand the solution/correction needed and can fix it before they literally get into an almost irrecoverable situation some times as I've seen some do. (Some quicker then others)

 

The only help I offer is if I think the guy is going to hit something, I hit the horn. Call it tough-love, but the driver has got to learn it himself.

 

To be honest that is not impressive I have done those maneuvers myself in Newark traffic. I may compete in those backing competitions one day.

 

haha that's awesome that guy in the cab over was nuts

 

It doesn't matter what I'm doing, if I see a Driver having trouble in a parking lot or on the side of the road, I feel it's my duty to help.

 

i wanna c these guys back up blind sided in one way street in new york city with cars parked everywhere.

 

Everyone is different. I dont want anyone even thinking about helping me. He wouldn't be of any use to me. That cab over was really flying and the Pete with the long wheelbase, it was made easy for him because of the split wide axles on the trailer. It's always more of a challenge when you've got conventional tandems on a 53 footer.
If they're way forward you have a heck of a time trying to control the back end.
Thats why I love tankers. No such problems.
Thanks for the videos. Good stuff.

 

I have no problem asking for help when I need it. I also have no problem help or asking someone if they would like my help. The Volvo cab over guy was in a competition. We are in the real world. I remember on time when I was so very tired that I fought the truck and the dock for about 15 minutes. I got out of the truck and gave the driver next to me $20 if he would finish it for me. He said sure. Pull it up and put it straight back in. I had the hardest part beat but was just to worn out to think straight. Best $20 I ever spent.....well there was that one night in downtown Saigon.