Swift Regret

I'm guessing that the customer has had too
Many swift students,tear up too much of
Everybody else's equipment on thier property.

And swift promised not to have any more
Students do any backing just to keep from
Losing the dedicated contract.

There's no other way the customer would
Even know who's behind the wheel.

 

Awww man dont try to hit a dock when it snows like hell

 

I am so glad to hear you're going to stick with it. It gets better....I promise you it does. O central you graduate from steering wheel holder, then you'll be the one poking fun at people failing lol

 

A while back my trailer tires jumped over the sidewalk curb while I was backing into a tight customer site and ripped the mud flaps completely off. I did this in the middle if Los Angeles traffic with stopped cars on both directions watching me. I have over two decades under my belt.
I’m sorry but I have no words of encouragement for you. If the job turns you into a nervous wreck then it’s better that you leave it. Good luck with your future.

 

First of all, major respect for admitting this. Way too many drivers graduate school and think they are the ****
A good driver knows his limits, and is not embarrassed to admit them

As everyone has already said, no one was good at backing their first day or even their second day.
It takes practice and caution.

Hang in there and you’ll get it.

 

It sounds like you have a decent amount of common sense. In most cases, that's all you need to be a responsible driver. I remember how stressed out I was my first year OTR. I blindly followed my GPS my first few trips out. I got into some hairy situations, but the more stressed I got, the less common sense I used.... After few months on the road, I became a little more comfortable, but it took me a good year before I stopped stressing completely. I even leaned on members of this forum for advice and reassurance. It felt good to know that most drivers here have felt the same way at times when they were green.
1. Take your time, especially when backing. If it takes you 30 minutes to get backed into a tight spot, but you don't hit anything, mission accomplished. And remember to get out as many times as it takes.... Sometimes, if other drivers see you are new and having a hard time backing, they will help spot for you. Be grateful to them, but don't be embarrassed. They were new once too.
2. Don't get stressed out about things you can't control. Weather and road conditions, traffic jams, bad shippers and receivers, construction, and refused loads are just something that all drivers deal with at times. Take it in stride, and keep plugging away.
3. Lean on more experienced drivers for advice. Some are full of hot air, but most are decent people, who will be glad to give advice. Use social media like this site, or go sit in the driver lounge and listen, maybe strike up a conversation with fellow drivers.
4. Stick it out and be safe. You sound like you have the potential to be a good trucker. Keep at it, and keep your cool. Someday you'll look back at this and remember when you were new and inexperienced. Maybe you will give similar advice to someone else who is going through the same thing.
Best wishes driver!

 

That I think is the best part. Those who run long enough get to help others and maybe teach a little bit even. However I sometimes get idealistic. A sniff of the pilot lot takes care of that right quick. Ugh.

 

I always hate going to a shipper/receiver in the middle of a large city. Never know who is going to be illegally parked blocking your turn radius.

The stress just shows you want to do a good job. Take it slow and easy until you are comfortable. Never rush and always get out and check, always.

Dave is 100% correct, learning how to set up for a backing maneuver is the key.

As long as you continue to take this job seriously you will do fine. As soon as you have a casual attitude thats when bad things happen.

 

I'll put that trailer 45 degrees with tandems right at the line. Then pivot the #### thing and straighten out, She should pop in one move. Should is the gamble.

 

Sorry for your situation OP. I hope it gets better.

I was one of the worst backers in my 18 person CDL class.

My trainer was great and went above and beyond the training that you got. I'm eternally grateful to him.

When I went solo, my 2nd loaf was to Chicago. I went down a street I wasn't supposed to. Pulled into a warehouse at the end of the road and they gave me correct directions, even though I wasn't delivering there. They saved my ###.

I got to the receiver and I had to have 3 guys help me back into the dock because it was so tight. I was holding everybody up. It was about 2 degrees F I think, close to negative temps.

I've screwed up a lot. Had to get help a lot.

I started in January, and about June I felt all right backing into spaces at the truck stop that had trucks parked to the left and to the right of the spot I was backing into.

As others have said, sometimes I hit the back almost perfect. Other days, it's like WTF am I doing? However, unlike when I was brand new, I can set up again or eventually get it in. Just might take a bit.

OP, don't give up if you want to still do this. Find a different company if you have to, with training that will suit your needs. Remember, no matter how good your training is, you'll still probably have to ask for help at least a few times when you go solo.

Good luck OP. We are rooting for you.