Tandems position for backing

That’s not happening with air pins.

 

Most of the places I went with TraLo and FCC wanted them all the way back, with some not letting you past the guard shack without them back, so I got used to backing in with them to the rear.

A lot of times if I grabbed an empty with them back and knew they had to be back when I got to the sipper I’d just run with them to the rear anyway.

 

Except for some unusual situation, I left the tandems set where they were to go down the road. I would not do something that increases tailswing risk since you come within a couple of inches from hitting a neighboring truck on a normal back.

 

You have to get over the "I'm in everyone's way" when backing. If you don't you will hurry up and break something. Nobody you are blocking wants you to have a crash sooner. It doesn't help anyone. Take as long as it takes. Everyone is nervous when backing. I was taught to stay close to the neighboring truck you can see so you know you are farther from the one you cannot see.

 

If drivers complain it’s taking to long they can get outta the seat and spot for you. That would sure help. But they probably won’t. Much easier to **tch moan and complain.

 

This^^^
Especially when you're new... It’s not a competition to see who can put it in a hole the fastest. Be extra cautious of your surroundings and pull up as many times as you need. The a-holes who are getting impatient waiting for you don't have any skin in the game. It's YOUR CDL!!!
Even when you get more experience and confidence in your backing abilities, don't take your surroundings for granted.
Be safe!!!

 

Backing is all about a proper setup. When you learn that you'll be backing into spots without ever pulling up to reset. I do like tandems all the way back for tighter spots but typically run with them all the way forward due to some of the tight places we go.

 

Besides, if you ever have to back up a short trailer, those are particularly tough.

 

Back if you have the room over the top absolutely that trailer swing can sneak up on you. Especially as you get older and your depth perception isn’t what it once was. You look back there and you think you’re only a foot off that right bumper of the truck on your side and then you get out and walk back there and you might be 3 feet over. So if you have tandems all the way forward your trailer swing gonna be on top of that blind side and you don’t want that.

Remember this, though, if you have any doubt whatsoever, pop the brake and get out and look. It’s not a big deal and real drivers respect you if you do it.

 

I agree. Unless I had to slide them back, I never did. I always just took note of where the tandems were and acted accordingly. There was only 1 exception. I don't know about now, but during my active years, I encountered many docks that were not designed for 53" trailers. These are the docks where a driver needs to be extremely careful. It is these types of docks that account for a large portion of preventable accidents.

This is one of those subjects where I think many drivers overthink the task.

However, your mileage may vary!