Hitting a wide open dock...

It always easier to hit the tight spot because you're actually focused on what you're doing. When you have to get it right to get it in there, you concentrate more, focus on the task, and pay close attention to every detail. When you have a football field to work with, you don't have to do any of that, you can make adjustments as you go. People typically try to do those maneuvers faster as well, instead of taking their time and doing it right the first time.

 

I know the feeling. Im same way with my yard truck.

 

Everyone has their days like that. I just think it's because there's no solid reference point such as a trailer, and being a little sleepy. I look at it like this; if you don't smash into something, and did it in a timely manner, then you did it alright.

 

I've driven almost 3 million miles on and off since 1967 including over 650,000 most recently and I still have that problem. If the pavement lines don't extend a full truck and trailer length out from the dock it helps to drop a glove or other marker where neighboring trucks' grilles would be. If the trailer is lined up further out it is easier to make the final adjustments.
Frank

 

Happens to me too.As for embarrassment, who cares?
I stopped caring long time ago.

 

Nothing to aim at. Happens to us all. We have one stop that's wide open like that, and to make it more embarrassing the building is crooked from the building across the way. I watch the box truck drivers sit and look at us like we're nuts as we zig zag our way back and use 10 pull-ups. Lol

 

i can't do geometry on paper,let alone thru a mirror. i get a good laugh at myself sometimes on docks like that with no reference point.

niagra water in pleasant prairie wis. has automated loading,you have to be straight and centered within about an inch. they had no lines or reference point for the first year,it was a bit frustrating for a lotta guys.