Released on my own after 3 days with a trainer... I'm having one problem

You are psyching yourself out over it. Chances are you are thinking it should be easier than it is to get into those big open painted spaces. Just keep working on it, it will get easier for you as time goes on.

Chances are that most of the folks you imagine are watching you, are actually concerned with their own business. OTOH, if they really are watching you, just figure you are providing a bit of comic relief for their boredom.

Never get too complacent about backing. The darnedest things can happen. Sometimes the worst can happen, like some fool walking between your trailer and the dock, just as you are about to bump the dock.

I had one stop that I hit on a regular basis, that just drove me nuts. Warehouse/factory that was not square with the lot it had. No lines to guide you, and very, I mean VERY touchy dock locks. If you were not exactly straight with the dock, the dock locks would not work. The dock plates were interlocked with the dock locks, so that they would not open out if the dock locks were not properly locked. I know I wasn't the only driver that cussed that place! Wide open, and looking so simple, and yet what a pain. . .

 

When I drove, there was one place I dreaded going to; a medical center. I had a bad experience; however, I was kind of guy that loved redeeming himself and I would make it a point to do better. If it took three times, then so be it. Just be patient and the rest will work itself out.

KH

 

... you would think that companies could benefit from making docking a more efficient operation. I'm surprised at some locations that don't have lines or lines painted out of perpendicular or offset from the correct point. I was at such a location a couple weeks ago and it seemed most truckers were having issues getting into the docks... meanwhile the warehouse manager was pulling his hair out trying to keep a tight schedule. You'd think they had feedback from the truckers at some point.

 

I know they're watching me- I can see the little black helicopter hovering in the distance.

 

I've used the coke can trick, someone showed me that back in the 1970's - Unfortunately it won't work with a spread axle.

In a really tight hole I will back in with the doors closed, then pull straight out & open them. It gives you a few precious inches on each side.

I recently saw a guy I know go back inside & tell them he couldn't fit in the door they had given him & he was going to wait for a slot he could fit. I thought it was a really novel idea, especially since I had just spent 15 minutes wiggling my 48' spread into a similar slot.

 

Coke cans a good idea... I use a small maglight at night in dark areas.

 

At one of the DC's I stop at on a regular basis, you'd swear that whoever painted those lines was drunk at the time. Some of them are 3+/- feet from the dock.

 

If we start spray painting correct lines, maybe they'll take a hint... florescent lights up with a flashlight as well... just sayin'

 

I had to read that twice to make sure I read it right about only 3 days with a trainer.