Have you ever been to a dock that you absolutely couldn't back into

For me that day finally came today


I delivered in far north Dallas in a parking lot so small that only box trucks deliver there. I couldn't even the trailer and tractor straight I basically just had to jack knife it until the rear got even enough with the dock. Even when the guy was finished unloading it still took like 10 minutes to get out the lot

 

For me it happened 2 times. Once in Cleveland Tenn and in Kansas City, Kansas. I told my Fleet manager after that CF in KC that if he ever put me on another load going to that place he knew where he could put my truck.

 

The most fun I have had was backing at oatka. It's an older milk plant designed for straight trucks. First time I went there took 20+ minutes, now if I have to go there it's much easier for me. Although I normally just to farm pickups and dont have to go the plants often.

I have one farm that's a real pup. You have to blindside in and there is a tree on one side and a mailbox on the other side.

Like anything it does get a little easier with practice

 

Nothing wrong with that. I used ta have several regular stops that requires you to be jackknife to get the dock.
Sounds like like ' your day' still hasn't arrived.

 

Franklin Park Il. I was first load to deliver to new plant. Retainer wall would not allow my 48' trailer to articulate to the dock door. Manager came out to see, how on earth did engineering not figure this out during construction. Had to unload on street.

 

I've had couple that were very difficult, Melissas on soto in LA, Very tight and no room in front, There were drivers there already and everyone watches and helps each other to get in, The other was also in LA, another produce house on the south east near the rail switch yard, triangle shaped yard dock area, the farther you back in the closer it gets...
Got in and out of both several times a month with IWX but never quickly.

 

This is an issue that seperates the professional from a steering wheel holder. Almost every story I hear about a driver getting hung with a preventable starts with I was trying to back --------. I have told people on docks I refuse to attempt this. After they get finished flopping around like a chicken and/or insulting you they most times will alter something and help you. Never allow a shipper/receiver to brow beat you. I always kept my carriers safety dept number on me. One call and most of the time you are covered. I remember once in 2011 in PA I was told I had to back up a slopping hill on an outside dock covered with ice. There was no way to do this and not cause damage. I sent my FM a message I was leaving. Crap happens. Always stay within your experience level.

 

Agreed, I have had several over the years I deemed unsafe, and I agree thats it I'm gone.

 

Yes I have, and I asked a switcher to install my trailer into the hole after I dropped it off the 270" wb long nosed Pete. Some of the places I go today with my 244" wheelbase ProStar, I honestly amaze myself. That set back axle is a life saver.

 

i have friends that still load out of the old bldgs in LA that will call and see if Im in the area, I have been known to drop my wagons around the corner and use my 2 axle to put a few into the hole.