Proper dock setup when driving a hostler unit?

1. Take all the space available for your original setup. I drive the yard dog past the two spots on the driver side of the targeted spot and then turn 45 degrees.
2. Where available, look for the same concrete splits to have your trailer line up with the warehouse yellow lines.
3. Use your tandem wheels as a reference on the driver side warehouse line instead of the corner of the trailer.
4. Not all spots are created equal and some trailers have swinging doors and some roll ups, do pull ups and g.o.a.l. especially when it’s raining or dark.
5. When hooking, Always do a tug test and proceed slowly on your first left turn

 

I just started working as a yard dog. I'm still in training (Today was my 3rd day) but my trainer called in so my supervisor told me to do the best that I can. On my first day on my own I didn't raise the fifth wheel high enough so somehow kingpin jumped the fifth wheel. Then I took out a door trailer hinge.

My manager wasnt mad (because I handled everything else just fine) but I'm not happy what I have done.

 

Bit late but I'll throw some more info in. I've done the yard for 7 years. 6 years at a major DC and 1 year at an ltl.

Pups, just do what you can go set a straight back. Make small corrections cause anything significant and it'll cut super quick.

With vans. Always sight side, blindside is a waste of time, not to mention more dangerous. I typically pull two doors past where I'm going to back then I turn right and come out. I go till the rear of my trailer is just a tad past the door. Then I back in.

Always look at it as you're walking the trailer into the door. Where your tandems are are your pivot point. That's where the trailer will turn off of. If they're slid forward, watch the overhang so you don't smack something.

Take your time and use the hell out of your mirrors. They're your best friends. Yard gets easy pretty quick, just a bit of a learning curve.

For the guy above. To make sure you don't jump the fifth wheel. If the trailer is already high, back only half your fifth wheel under the front of the trailer, then raise till your fifth wheel is flush with the trailer, then back all the way in. Won't have any issues then.