The Fuel Hauler Thread

Depends brah

 

Interviewer said he has a couple more to interview just wanted to know the typical time frame

 

It took me 3 months to get my job. So it depends...

 

Usually when these people say they have more interviews, they're weighing all their options. But that's not bad news. If they weren't interested, they wouldn't even say "we'll call you." You gotta hound them a bit man.

 

So how long did take all Y'all to figure out how to back up a truck and trailer? I can get the dolly square with the trailer but by the time I get back to square with the dolly the trailer is heading the wrong way again. Very frustrating.

 

You just can't let it gat away from you. As soon as you see it start to get crossed just pull up a few feet to correct it.

 

Oh man o man. I remember when I first started out on tnt. I thought I would NEVER get it. Now I'm jack knifing these things into alleys in San Francisco. I started on transfer dumps then moved to gas. It takes time. Steer it like you were backing a bobtail. Steer left and the trailer moves to your side. Do not over steer! You cannot chase it back like a semi. If doing a 90 degree maneuver, be patient and follow it gently without letting the dolly get too kinked. If backing straight back, be sliw and gentle because once the dolly gets kinked, you've gotta pull up again and straighten it back out. On transfers you can do more drastic maneuvers bc of the long tongue. Don't let the unit get too kinked up on a gas truck- I've seen guys rip off the air lines. Lemme know if you have more questions. I had to figure this out on my own and wish I had guidance lol. Be prepared to have some sweaty and frustrating days learning-we all have.

 

Learning how to back this truck and trailer has been one of the most frustrating aspects of my career. Like Beau stated, if you jack knife this thing too much, you can (WILL) rip off the air lines. At first, I was never able to do it, but now I'm able to back this up pretty good. Contrary to the original idea that using pull-ups is a "cop out" of some kind, using pull ups is entirely necessary when backing a truck and trailer. Because you can't just chase the trailer to get back in front of it, like you can with a semi. I practice a little bit each day. It is absolutely an acquired skill.

 

But once you get it. You get it and I love seeing the faces of guys at a truck stop when I do an angled back into a spot to run inside to get a soda. A lot of long haul east coast guys think I'm pulling doubles.

 

That aint no lie. I used to drive a 4 axle trailer and they are easier to back than the two axle. I believe they are the easiest truck and trailer to back. Also to hook. If you watch the set of tires and not the tank you can hook on the first try. It was funny to watch the other drivers shake their head and think it's hard.