Experienced Drivers! What do you do...

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Starr, Jul 11, 2013.

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  1. Jul 11, 2013 #1
    Starr

    Starr Light Load Member

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    ...when you want to drive, you love to drive, but the backing scares the ever loving bejezzuz out of you? :biggrin_25524: I straight back ok, even offset, but doing a 90 or a blindside throws me into anxiety attacks. Yes, I realize that its a big part of driving. Yes, I realize that I'll have to get past it. But I'm a recent grad, and the backing has always made me nervous. I did some intern driving (No pay..just ride along while I got some issues with the family settled out.) with a LTL P&D service here, and while I did fine going forward, backing 20 times a day scared me spitless. With help I can do a 180, even around trailers, cars and trees. But not enough to get hired on once things got settled here because I would need help beyond the week's worth of training they offered. (Pay woulda been good though) I know one doesn't HAVE to OTR and really I'd rather not, but that seems to me the easiest way to get the experience needed, plus get enough practice backing in since you're with a trainer for an extended period of time..

    What say you, experienced drivers? Thanks for the words of advice.
     
    Starr, Jul 11, 2013
    Starr, Jul 11, 2013
    #1
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  3. Jul 11, 2013 #2
    Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Watkins & Shepard will give you 10 days with a trainer before turning you loose & more time if you need it. They have 2 terminals in Washington. They also have tuition reimbursement. Stick with them 12 months, then if you're not content, move on to trans-system Western regional, or even local.
     
    Chinatown, Jul 11, 2013
    Chinatown, Jul 11, 2013
    #2
  4. Jul 11, 2013 #3
    ltwombat

    ltwombat Light Load Member

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    All you can do it more backing and more backing until the fear is gone. There's no magic, it's repetition and more repetition that will save you.
     
    ltwombat, Jul 11, 2013
    ltwombat, Jul 11, 2013
    #3
    Puppage Thanks this.
  5. Jul 11, 2013 #4
    Starr

    Starr Light Load Member

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    Thanks Wombat. Now who's got the time and patience to deal let me hang with them until then?
     
    Starr, Jul 11, 2013
    Starr, Jul 11, 2013
    #4
  7. Jul 11, 2013 #5
    brsims

    brsims Road Train Member

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    Get into tanker work? No, wait, they back up too. Flatbed? Nah, skateboarders sometimes gotta back up in areas that make van drivers cry for their momma's. Looks like its either a case of "get over it" or find a different field of endeavor....
     
    brsims, Jul 11, 2013
    brsims, Jul 11, 2013
    #5
  8. Jul 11, 2013 #6
    Starr

    Starr Light Load Member

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    Great Wet Northwest
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    I'll get over it. It's just a matter of being given time and patience. And of course listening to whatever tips and tricks from the experienced guys. *shrug* This is a big deal to me, so not looking to find a new field. It was hard enough being autistic and taking a chance at doing this
     
    Starr, Jul 11, 2013
    Starr, Jul 11, 2013
    #6
  9. Jul 11, 2013 #7
    Lone Ranger 13

    Lone Ranger 13 Road Train Member

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    You could go with a company that will put you out with a trainer for 1 or 2 months.
    You will get some backing experience. And when you are on your own you could practice some more.
    It takes awhile to get good at backing. Just make sure you get out and look when necessary to avoid hitting something. If you didn't hit something, you did a good job.
     
    Lone Ranger 13, Jul 11, 2013
    Lone Ranger 13, Jul 11, 2013
    #7
    DE36535 and Starr Thank this.
  10. Jul 11, 2013 #8
    Starr

    Starr Light Load Member

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    I wasn't aware that you could just practice when you're not hauling a load. Thank you Ranger for the encouragement.
     
    Starr, Jul 11, 2013
    Starr, Jul 11, 2013
    #8
  11. Jul 11, 2013 #9
    Rugerfan

    Rugerfan Road Train Member

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    This is so true!! I thought when I came over to flatbedding the backings wouldn't be as frequent or as hard but wow was I wrong!! I've done more blindside 90's with a spread now than I can count. or backing into a steel mill or some plant somewhere and you've got about 2-3 inches on either side to put the trailer in!
     
    Rugerfan, Jul 11, 2013
    Rugerfan, Jul 11, 2013
    #9
  12. Jul 11, 2013 #10
    brsims

    brsims Road Train Member

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    Well then, practice patience and go slow. And I do mean sllloooooowwwww. Hop out and look at what's happening as often as you want, need, or desire too. I'd rather take the time to back in slow and careful than try to rush in looking all "professional" and crap. It's super hard to look "Professional" when you've just hit something other than the dock, ya know......
     
    brsims, Jul 11, 2013
    brsims, Jul 11, 2013
    #10
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