I could use a lil backing advice.

Now I know why you need to park in front of CAT scales.

The only real way I can suggest to improve your blindside backing skills is to interpret your position and heading by looking at your convex mirror.

That, and practice. Every situation is different and may require a different approach. There is no shame in getting out to look.

What I have the luxury of doing being in an OTR tractor is being able to stop, set the brakes, and get up to gawk out my right side window.

Take it slow. Stop often. You'll get there.

 

If you've found yourself wedged in, then you backed in too closely next to another trailer.

Maybe I have a poor mental image of your backing situation.

 

I am assuming you are a yard dog? I am as well.

A few thoughts, why are you worried about the number of pull ups? Your only concern should be getting it in the door in a safe manner. Where I am at they dont focus on the pull ups or anything as long as you are safe and dont hit anything.

If the senior yard dog is so concerned about you blindsiding ask him how he does it. He should be willing to teach you. I blind side some doors here just cause its a lot easier.

The other thing you could do is see if they could open that gate. If they dont, pull up to 1st Cascadia. Slide tandems forward do your site side back. Once you get it straight between the trucks then slide tandems again.

 

And please be gentle with the equipment. A careless yard dog who slams equipment down pinches the landing gear making it difficult or impossible to raise.

I hate when that happens. Fortunately, it's a rare event.

 

If you have a day cab, what's all the hub bub? I used to deliver to grocery stores with a daycab Louisville Ford, and you better blindside some of those places, or you'll never get to the dock. I found, do whatever works in that situation. I'm sure the boss has had problems before, or wouldn't say anything, but from what I hear, it sounds like you are a pretty good driver and blindside shouldn't be an issue. Maybe if the boss is around, don't do it, but if he goes away, I'd sure do it. If it's tight, stop and look. "Senior yard guy"? Oh boy,,,some day you'll make it, huh?

 

Sometimes the blind-side back is the safest option. Just make sure you NEVER scratch a trailer when blind-side backing or everyone in the company will be lecturing you about something they have only seen in a corporate video.

With tankers about 25% of my backing at customers is blind-side. They were built before Columbus when delivery was by oxcart.