Harder to hit open docks?

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We all have them days..no worries driver

 

No your the only one the description about the receiver pretty much sums it up. All open docks at a distribution center will have lines clearly marked you just back onto the dock by lining up with the lines easy as dude.

 

I always found it easier to back into a dock when I had to worry about crashing into somebody's equipment on either side. Forces you to pay attention better I guess

 

In my limited experience so far its definitely harder to hit open docks. Try using markers. I learned to drop my work gloves along the edge of the dock so I can line my trailer.

 

Not only marks, but in some cases you can see where the pavement has depressions in it from wear. This has helped me many times over the years in those places where there are no markings!

 

Without reference lines it's not that simple. Especially on gravel. You can cover the dock opening but it doesn't mean you are square. You actually drive a dry van?

 

No, not all docks, open or otherwise, will have lines, seams or markings of any kind. I've been to many a dock that was fresh or recently paved asphalt, or had concrete pads that have seams at an angle to the dock, or the lines were painted by amateurs that never thought of using a right angle and a chalk line to set the lines before painting.

@Canadianhauler21, can you give us an idea how far off your talking? Too far to one side or another, or your angle is off?

 

You must not travel much. Many of these lines were painted years ago and are almost impossible to see. Most drivers guide on the trailer beside them and hope they're straight.

 

Your problem is spatial perception. In other words, if there were four open docks, you must have picked the wrong "middle" one.

 

There is another trick to this IF the situation allows. Sometimes it can help to get out of your truck stand right in the middle of the door and look out and see if you can get a couple of reference points. Believe it or not this can help at night if the yards are lit up. I know it sounds stupid, and maybe it is, but I have did this. It does work. I think one of the hardest times I ever had with getting into a dock was picking up aluminum scrap headed for Kentucky at a place in Newburgh NY. Outside uncovered single dock. No lines and nothing really to go by while backing. I used a distant reference point and almost hit the dock square. Close enough the forklift driver was happy.