Swift Regret

It's like that when you're a stand up guy like the OP.

 

Well spoken, so true.

 

@Phoenix1979 .. no matter WHAT worked out or didn't.. in the almost 9 years I've been here, (on TTR) haven't seen the honesty from an O/P and the heroics of members that GAF in quite some time.

Let us know, one way or the other. Neither makes you less of a man...trust me. I'm sure @Bud A. would 'lightup' to tell you my 'Chewy' story someday.

We all wish you the best, no matter HOW the cookie cuts. Much respect for your owning YOU.

 

Like everyone is saying, just keep at it. Here is a bit of encouragement though that some have touched on, but I want to specifically say it.
It doesn't matter how long you've been on the job, or how good you think you are. Everyone struggles at times backing. The 30 year veteran as well as the 3 day newbie. The difference is the veteran can recover easier thanks to experience.

Here's a little embarrassing story I did. When I went and took the road test for my current company, it consisted of docking in a very hard to get to door at the plant. Hit it in one, but that was because I had spent 6 months backing into that door at another company so I knew the sight lines. I'm all happy with myself, get back to the yard and cannot for the life of me get the trailer between two line with 40 acers around me.
My point is even easy looking backs can give veterans trouble at times.

You'll get used to it. In a few weeks 50% of your backs will be easy. Then a few weeks later 75% will be, then a few weeks later....
There are two things I keep in mind when backing. One is it takes as long as it takes. Don't let others rush you. Two is don't hit anything doing it. If GOAL is needed do it. GOAL, back 5 feet, GOAL again if needed.
And again, it will get easier with time if you are willing to give it the time needed.

 

Give your self a break...... it takes time.

It’s not brain surgery...

 

I've had days and docks I wasn't quite sure... but .. we get thru it. No med'mal here.

True, B. True.

 

Op, you have a great attitude! ... not making excuses, not thinking you know it all, being humble!
If more drivers had your attitude trucking would be in a much better place. I commend you brother. Don’t sweat this, we’ve all been there, in time you will get more and more comfortable. You’re being way to hard on yourself!
We all had doubts when we started, take a deep breath and try to relax a little. You have the perfect attitude to succeed!

I will say, I too am proud of everyone that’s responded, reminds me of the good old days when we all had each other’s backs. Well done guys.

Op you’ve gotten lots of great advice from a lot of experienced hands. Only thing I’ll add is when you back up, turn off your c.b.! ... and ignore the bs! Also don’t be embarrassed to GOAL as much as needed, when in doubt, “get out and look” screw everyone else, it’s your license and your career, they can wait!

Hang in there brother, you got this!

 

I logged in to thank YOU for your sincerity and honesty. YOU brought a lot of us 'ole hands' together.. in many ways. I for one, am humbled as well. Had to brag to my 88 mod. Y'all in this thread MOVED MOUNTAINS.

You, also.. O/P. Kept it real; we don't see that often....... thanks for that!

Packing lunch and pre'trip.. yep .. a company guy, still do it. Keep being you.

Til' tmrw,
Tomcat

Get some rest... I love my vampire shift(s) tbh... peace... and more peace, LoL.

 

One time it was raining cats and dogs up in Milldale Eagle 76 Truckstop (*The one in CT with the 30 foot buffet or whatever it was) The lot was full you see. So we had to reluctantly up on the hill cut into the side on mud. Not ideal.

Anyway 8 of us gathered and here comes Orange with a youngster and he tried a couple of times but defeated by rain and mud. We surrounded his truck. He puffed like a partridge thinking OMG these hardened vets will get me parked in jiffy.

The initial move set him up then when he got straight but not in, we started following his eyes and the one he looks at gave him a slightly different move. For a few minutes we had him working that wheel moving in 4 foot spaces back and forth and so on. (Cabover...)

Finally 2+2 came on. and that was the end of fun and games. We put him in parked fast. Maybe some dinner for him too for the trouble.

It was a very long time ago. Most likely longer than some new truckers were even born.