Alley docking question

It is easy but a lot of places you are going to be at you won't have the room to do that

 

yes its easier that way if you have the room. if its a big dc,you can normally do this. in a small dc, most likely not.

 

I don't believe so at least not in CA because it's called a 45 degree alley dock on paper not straight line dock

 

always use the textbook model. when your forced to not use the textbook model, you should be asking questions what needs to be changed with my steering to back into the dock...in the end, your backing technique will become stronger by using the textbook.

 

The model this video shows is for a tractor trailer thats not setup using a 41' kingpin setting and/or the tractor has a shortened wheelbase length...there will be some counter steering involved...the position based from this videos setup will not end up as Straight Line back that is using a common tractor sized- 2015 Freightliner Conventional Condo at the major carriers.

 

You'll never be able to do it this way in 99% of most docking situations, as it's very rare you'll have that amount of room.
What he's actually doing is just a right turn,, then a straight back. Not an alley dock.
Most any DMV that I know of will never let you do it this way for the test.
It just takes practice for good "true" alley docks.

To make it easier (just some basics):
1. Position your approach closely & correctly.
2. Know at what position you need to begin to turn out (right) to roughly a 45* angle.
3. Depending on the position of your trailer tandems (forward or backward), that will greatly effect the backing "track" of your trailer (and swing of trailer's rear).
4. Sometimes it helps to glance/watch the tire path (arc) of your rear tandems as you begin backing in.
(It helps "predict" if you'll be too far left or right before entering the slot/dock).

 

No.

You have a maximum of 85 feet (marked by a cone straight out from the "dock") you can pull forward away from the dock. If you go beyond that you fail. Look at page 72 of the Employer Testing Program (fastest document I could find online to refresh my memory).

In the real world I RARELY have enough room to pull as far forward as shown in the video. You will be surprised how little room is available at shippers and receivers or truck stops to maneuver. You had BETTER have your backing skills down or you'll end up not getting a parking spot for the night or kicked off a customer's yard for taking too long.

Word to the wise, the method you will be taught at your school will prepare you to pass the alley dock test to get your CDL. Once you get with a trainer and start doing it in the real world be prepared to forget what they taught you in school and learn to do it the way truckers do in real life. When you are parked at a truck stop watch other drivers, how they set up, how they begin their back, and HOW THEY MAKE CORRECTIONS AS THEY BACK.

 

Well said, Lepton!