How exactly do you merge with a big truck?

Don't stop unless you have no other choice.... Go down the breakdown lane if you have to.
With your left turn signal on the whole time .

 

You look at the road before, during, AND after the curve, selecting a spot to merge with. Turn your blinker on, and use the acceleration lane for what it was designed for....accelerating. then you just simply make a smooth merge where you planned on. If traffic is heavy, you will figure that part out, depends on where you are. For the most part, someone will give you room, but in NY, just ease over, that's the only way they are getting out of the way.

 

I let it roll down the ramp and if I don't have a spot Ill ride the emergency lane until I can get over.

 

You merge the same exact way like you would in a Car.
The only difference is, it will take a bit longer to get up to speed.

 

Yep the therory is the same.
Use the acceleration lane( on ramp) to get into traffic without disturbing the flow.
Either put your foot in an get in front or drop back an float in behind.

 

Have confidence in yourself too and don't hesitate

 

Sometimes I merge looking straight ahead with my mouth open, only looking out the corner of my eyes without moving my head..That way pushy unfriendlies might back off or switch lanes because they dont think Im lookin!!....
People will crap on you when they feel thier bumper is the slightest inch ahead of yours...The old men, and the annoying overconfident females are the worst...they will battle it out till the very end!!
Like the others said tho, if you end up in the shoulder, usually folks will generate a hole for you to occupy

 

You stick your arm out and move it up and down real fast as you move over. No, just kidding. The on coming traffic is required to adjust their speed to the already moving traffic. If you have a nice driver they will move over or slow down but if not you have to adjust you speed and merge. Merge after that one vehicle and slightly move to the left. If there is a car or other in the way you've got to hope they give in. If not you're going to run out of room which is not good, in fact, it's down right dangerous.

To help on your part you should start looking at the traffic as soon as you can. Do not fool around and then look up and expect to have no problems. Judge you traffic as far back as you can. Don't try to use you size to get in unless you are forced to. Lets face it, at the end of the ramp is the end of the ramp. And ALWAYS keep an eye on the guy in front of you trying to get on. Be prepared if he is going to stop like some do.