Is it a good idea to be shunter driver before becoming a truck driver?

I was a shunter among other things for 2 years. Now as a driver I think backing a trailer, while important to know, is low on the skills needed for the job. You park maybe 0-3 times per day, and who cares if it takes 1 or 5 minutes? I'd rather have learned how to handle highway conditions than be able to blindside a trailer

 

Unless they plan on doing LTL or Local Grocery then they'll be backing up 20 or 30 times a day into some of the tightest craziest spots imaginable, then that backing experience will come in real handy.

 

Great experience.Good Backing skills in no time.

 

The only problem with the shunting backing experience is that your typical yard dog has a MUCH shorter wheelbase and tighter turning radius than a highway tractor - which makes a big difference in how you back into the parking spot/dock.....
Good experience yes, be all end all of backing experience hell NO!

 

Definitely. My first company had freight shakers with the standard wheelbase but had the option on the steering where the tires would lean over when doing a tight turn. After a year I felt like a pro I could get that bugger anywhere. Then my next company had slightly longer wheelbase KWs that turned like boats. Looked like an absolute rookie.

 

You will honestly make more as a shunt driver, than OTR or General Freight.