Backing Through Door

If it's real dark and they don't have "landing lights", set a flashlight on the dock pointing at your driver's side mirror. Position the flashlight where the left edge of the trailer should be. Those cheap LED flashlights work good for that.

 

Just take your time, line it up straight before you go through the door. Get out walk through the door and make sure no one or nothing is in your path, you can do this while you're opening up your doors. Most of the door docks I had to hit were really tight, no more than a couple inches on each side going through the door so take it slow. Once your tractor gets into the building you will be able to see how close to the dock you are. But I have had a few where only half the trailer goes in the building, these ones suck unless they have a dock light you can shine on the floor by the dock. All in all just take your time and don't hit anything.

 

My understanding is if you do not have a clear sight or straight access to the dock then assistance is required. You can, as a matter of saftey, request someone to help you navigate down this "Black Hole". But...be warned the person guiding you is not the one who will be held accountable if you hit or break something. Take it slow and easy.

 

1. Make sure you are nice and streight when you start backing up.
2. Turn you flasers on. It may help with the darkness in the building. You should have them on while backing anyway.
3. Get out and look. Get out and look. Get out and look.
4. If you have trouble pull forward and get streight and try it again.
5. Stay calm.

I wish you well.

 

What ampm wayne said. BUT . . before you do #3 -- each time you do #3 -- SET THE BRAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Wow! Surprised no one has mentioned it yet, but make sure you open your doors first! When I was a newbie one of my first trips I had to back down a one-way into an underground garage just like you are talking about. I was so stressed about it. It was rush hour(of course) in downtown St. Louis, I had to wait for the light to turn green and hurry up and back it down in there while holding up traffic. I couldn't believe I did it first shot! I was so happy. Only problem being, you couldn't open the doors once you were in there! So I had to do it all over again. It was somewhat embarrassing! Don't worry we all have these moments. After you do it a few times you will know exactly where and what you have to do to make it happen. Maybe it there are other drivers there you can get them to help you out. If not have one of the dock guys give you a spot. Don't be afraid to ask for help, it is much easier then asking for insurance cards!