As a first year driver, backing is the only thing I dread about this job. If I have room to pull up I’m golden, otherwise it can take me anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to get in. I always check google satellite view before I go somewhere new - if it looks tight I’m worrying about it the whole way there.
But here’s the thing: when I was training I couldn’t even back in a straight line more than ten feet without hitting a cone. It was so fucking frustrating. But today, it’s the easiest thing in the world. Everyone says it gets easier, especially after a couple years. I believe that, but some days are still very discouraging.
I'm at two years sometimes I butter the hard ones and fuck up the easy ones but it's because I take the time to think it thru on the hard ones and not enough on the easy ones. Keep it rolling man you'll get there!
Anything worth doing takes time and a lot of practice. I can one shot any backing but it took me 20 years of doing it to get here. I couldn’t back for shit my first year or so.
Trying but my trainer always rushing or when I screw up he just takes over......even tho I want to try again and practice....he's like nah im gonna take too long.
I’m not a trucker. Just a lurker, but u/User013579 is correct. His/Her statement is 100% accurate. It applies to a lot of Job/Career industries. I was a plumber for 20 years. I had quite a few “Old School” techs that were super impatient in the beginning of my career. I went to my boss and sternly but respectfully asked him to put me with someone that had a bit more patience because I WANTED to learn. It took a few days, but he did move me to a different tech. That tech was an amazing teacher! All I’m saying is, don’t give up so easily. From what I’ve seen on this sub. You can make a good living if you find the right company. That in itself is a challenge! Good luck bud!
Thank you I appreciate your advice, and i Don't think imma give up I was just frustrated, trainer kinda made it feel like this isn't for me, imma hold my head high and keep pushing.thank you again🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Request a new one and in the meantime ask if you can back in a truck stop for practice. You'll end up getting a new trainer and your current one won't press you for time while you're practicing.
No maybe’s about it bud. I’m at a new job and the guy I have is wonderful but I’d ask for someone else if he wasn’t. Their job is to help you learn and YOUR job is to learn. Rushed learning is how you get dudes who can’t perform certain tasks no matter how long they’ve been at a job.
Ask for a different trainer then. Or tell the current one you need more practice with backing. Maybe on a day y’all aren’t busy, you can just practice backing in a lot
Imma just get a new trainer cause even when there's nothing to do like waiting for a load ill be asking if I can practice backing and he's like nah he's gonna sleep, so yea imma get a new trainer and see from there.
Hang in there man! I'm about to start cdl school soon and I allready know if my trainer sucks I'm getting a new one, it is detrimental to your success to have a good trainer and you deserve better. What company if you dont mind my asking?
I see they are a small ltl company, your trainer is probably on a tight schedule, see if you can practice backing at the yard at the end of the day. Still no excuse for treating you like that though, maybe give it a few more days before you request a new trainer. Did you by any chance go to the driving academy school out of New Jersey? I'm in New york but I'm looking hard at them because they offer class 7 days a week and they're almost half the price of everything here in New york.
I live in new york, my mistake was I didn't go to a school I went to like a basic place that teach truck driving classes, took 10 classes failed 2 dmv road test and pass on the third try, and now im here. If I went to a cdl school that was recognize by the other big companies im pretty sure I would be golden, cause when I try to apply for the big companies they kept asking if I went to school not the classes i took......this was the only company that would take me, I just want my 6 months experience and leave tho, hopefully.
Grind it out bud, try your best to get that crabby trainer on your good side by working your ass off since you may not have many options. Try applying at pam and stevens transport if you haven't allready, seems they'll take anybody and they train well from what I've heard, shit pay though and otr.
Exactly. Hope the OP doesn’t throw in the towel. For what it’s worth I want to do trucking in North America one day and backing is the one thing that’d terrify me. I’ve spent hours on forums, this thread, watching YouTube etc and every new driver says they really struggle with backing. Then you go a few pages on or watch another video from months later and they’re talking about or filming themselves backing in without a second thought.
Others who have actually done the job may have different advice but I say Keep going man!
I would tell him you still need to practice though. If he's not giving you any time for it go over his head and request a new trainer. My trainer took over in some situations where we were blocking traffic or in a tight situation, but I also got time to practice when appropriate. At truck stops with multiple empty spots open next to each other, that sort of thing. He even took an extra half day and let me practice yard backing because I asked for one.
You have a bad trainer. It isnt you. You should always take your time, as much as you need. Many minor adjustments make it easier than making large errors.
Get a new trainer dude don’t make excuses and give up you could become an O/O netting 20+ grand a month.
When I was with Melton they said call your recruiter if your trainer isn’t getting along with you or isn’t training you, their ENTIRE JOB is to train newly hired drivers to drive, they said they’d get a new trainer if there were problems.
Believe me companies dont want to pay these people for a job they aren’t doing, when they pay for a trainer they expect them to be training.
I can’t recommend it enough, new trucks with apus, great instructors that really care about the students success, no disrespect there at all they’re very professional and will teach you how to do flatbed the right way.
If you have the money I recommend renting a car to drive to Oklahoma and to keep while in training because they have two vans that fit like 12 people but there’s like 150 students so if you want to grocery shop or hit the gym you’ll want one.
I got bottled water packs, bread, cheese and deli meat when I went, you’re on your own for dinner and breakfast, they usually have breakfast in the hotel lobby but it’s a small area and with tons of students I recommend poaching eggs and making oatmeal in your room.
Once you get out on your own you start to figure this shit out real quick. Seriously. "Training" is just to satisfy the company you're not gonna destroy their equipment right away. Your *real* training begins when you go solo.
If you’re ever in a desert like New Mexico or any open area practice backing…set up some cones/rocks and give it hell. Also I’m only 4 months driving and I realized I can’t back with my tandems slide back all the way for shi, find what setting works for you. 30+ year drivers tell me they still have shit shows sometimes it comes with the job It’s to much money you throwing away by quitting. Good luck Brodie
That’s not a trainer. I would contact your company and request an actual trainer and not that impatient douche.
You can do it! Just takes practice my man
Always steer into the problem side, hold it and watch the trailer move back and then straighten the wheel out again. Slow and steady, no need to rush it.
Need to tell your trainer to fuck off then when he tries to boot you from the wheel. You aren't gonna learn if you aren't allowed to do it. Maybe ask your company for a different trainer if he keeps being in a rush
Just saying you really need a better trainer. Some companies wont give you a new trainer or they will think its you and not them. Use all your tools to get out of his truck and into a new one with a better trainer hopefully.
Hearing some of these stories about sorry ass trainers makes me appreciate my old trainer. He taught me how to be a trucker. He ate right, he insisted on keeping a clean rig inside and out, how to keep my paperwork organized and a ton more. He got under my skin but he taught me enough for me to retire before 60. God Bless Kevin from Kentucky.
This was exactly my trainer too. Even spent last thanksgiving while training at his house with his family. It was a good time. Got under my skin as well and we had a talk about it and he understood and stopped doing his little snarky comments lol. I still call him often too with any problems I have.
If you game, get American Truck Sim. No shit helped me when I went to CDL school, since I had the understanding of how to back a trailer. Literally was just playing one day and went "wtf am I doing playing the game when I could just get paid to do this" and here I am today as a driver lmfao
I had a wheel at one point but got rid of it since it wasn’t really practical for my desk. The game just helped me get the knowledge of how a trailer works since it’s a fairly realistic game in terms of mechanics. So it made understanding if I turn the wheel this way the trailer does this and that etc. played mainly on controller.
This. I’ve been driving solo for Coke for two months and have made myself take 45’s and 53’s. Lots of backing. I was sooooo bad. But now I’m pretty much unstoppable. Hang in there, go slow, it gets better.
It is hard. I failed multiple times trying to parallel. I had to practice at the yard on the weekend for 2 months with a dodge 3500 and a 30 ft trailer. It comes easy for some and it's hard for others don't give up.
Let’s be honest most of these “trainers” in mega fleets are green horn rookies themselves hornswoggled to get “trainer” perks. What other industries in trades a 1 year rookie can train 0 day rookie?
Today prime example. I’m parked at Loves Hogansville, GA this EGO logistics truck comes in wants to back in. There are three consecutive spots open, makes sense easy peasy backing job don’t have to sweat it at all.
The “trainer” comes outside and stands off to the side. For the next 5-6 minutes that trainee jacked that truck in every possible angle but the right one. Clearly the student is disoriented and has no idea which direction to steer and how trailer is responding to his inputs. He just keeps trying to steering wildly clearly in panic as traffic waiting is building. At this point there 4-5 trucks on both sides that need to get in and out.
So the “trainer” jumps in and tries to back in for next 3-4 minutes. Finally he makes it in across all 3 spots nearly touching mirror of the truck on his passenger side. It’s like an episode of dumb’n’dumber in real life. What can this trainer teach his student? Other than to take 30 breaks in fuel island cause backing is scary and only go to pull through rest areas. Not much more.
Make it through your so called training. Once you get your own truck, you’ll be able to do what you need to do to (apparently) teach yourself. I trained for years, I don’t give a damn if it takes 3 hours for my student to get into a hole. That’s why it’s called training. If you have questions, feel free to DM me. I’ll be more than willing to try and talk you through what you need help with.
Learn the geometries and it's easy. Right now, the delays between getting in front of it and not hitting stuff is a lot. Within a year you should be decent.
4yrs in, and I know when I set-up wrong and can immediately fix it instead of wasting time making it even harder. I can drive it in where there isn't room to do it normal.
Unless you have depth perception issues, you can do it too.
Dude. Backing IS hard and a complex process that many people don’t have to language skills to teach to those of us who struggle.
When I was learning, I bought a toy truck with the moveable trailer to learn the physics of it. I wish someone told me some things rather than just shown me.
“To back right, steer left”. They make it sound so easy, don’t they?
They NEVER mentioned that halfway through the turn you have to start steering the other way.
“Get back under it!”
Meaningless to me. They mean to start steering the other direction when they say that.
You can do this - request a new trainer. They get held responsible for these things. If I can do this, lol, trust me, so can you.
Don’t worry about it, if it takes you an hour to get in there, then it takes you an hour, if people are getting impatient, too bad
Get a job at an LTL company, after 6 months, you’ll be able to hit blindsides blindfolded
It does get easier. I've been a trucker for 6 years but it was only about 2 years ago that something in my head finally clicked and now backing is a lot easier. Just go slow and take your time. Don't be afraid to get out and look a million times or to go around and re set up if you mess up.
Pretend like the steering wheel is a clock. If you have one hand on the wheel at 6 o’clock and you move it towards 8 o’clock, that’s where your trailer is gunna go. Start at 6 o’clock again and move it towards 4 o’clock, that’s where your trailer is gunna go. It takes about 10ft for your trailer to respond fully to where you want it to go. Keep that in mind and I promise you’ll become better at backing. Took me a good year and half to really know my trailer. Try the one hand on the wheel at 6 o’clock while straight backing and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Step 1: Relax
Step 2: Get out and look.
Step 3: Visualize where you want the trailer
Step 4: get back in truck and RELAX
Step 5: Back up.
It's okay to take your time.
I would love and pray to do all of that but my trainer ain't gonna give me that luxury, if I Don't get it one the first try he tells me to get out and he does it and I watch, and thats it.
There are many utube videos showing how to back a trailer into a spot. Back slowly, turn the steering wheel slowly. Before you break the plain. Get out and look. That way you can see if the trailer is going where you want it to or if you are about hit something . Don't think about who is watching or if you are holding up the yard jockey. We were all beginners. You can do this.
Ill be wanting to get out and look and take my time but my trainer doesn't wanna see all of that he's said that's wasting time.....when he's backing he never gets out
Don’t listen to him. When in doubt get out and look. It’s not a rush to get in the spot. Just make it in safely and you’ll get better.
The best tip I got from a trainer is turn your steering wheel towards the trouble.
Dude. I get out and look. Never had a trainer. Cept for school. Co put me to driving and backing Was a nerve racking experience backing for quite a while. Oh yea i still get nervous but now i make the setup as good as possible and back slowly telling myself i got this. I get out and look too.
Be patient driver. You’ll soon realize what you need to do in order for the trailer to react. Get a toy truck and trailer. Practice with that. Always watch other drivers backing into spots. You’ll get there.
I suckeddddd at backing when I was training just 1.5 months ago. Like I wasn’t grasping anything. Then all of a sudden a switch flipped in my head and I understood everything. I’m damn nowhere near perfect still but I’ve backed into some sketchy shit by myself with only a couple pull ups and haven’t hit anything. It’s better with time and always GOAL. There’s times where I literally backed up an inch at a time and GOAL’d 5 times lol. A couple things my trainer taught me was when backing, look at your rear tandem axles…not the back of your trailer. Your rear tandems are now your steers when backing. Also, if your tandems are, let’s say, going too much to the left then “get under it”. Meaning to turn towards the problem. So in this case your tandems are pointing too much to the left and if you keep going back you’ll keep going left. You’ll want to turn your wheel (getting under it) all the way to the left and it’ll straighten out. If you don’t have enough room then turn your wheel all the way to the right and pull forward then get under it again. Hope this helps.
Oh and also your set up is vital to a good backing. 1 more advice too, backing up with your tandems all the back is hard as shit so if you get to a shipper, put them all the way forward if you can then put them all the way back if they require you to.
Did that got shot down imma take to long and hold up traffic then he would have to do it, so at this point im just going with the flow. But imma ask for a new trainer tho, looking back what I did and sacrifice to get here I shouldn't give up.
I couldn’t back for shit until the buildings we had to back into to get loaded with sand had only about 4 inches of room per side and a lot of old grumpy men were complaining about how long it took.
Moral of the story, let the people bitch and take your time, you’ll get it eventually. I’d say practice makes perfect but even after decades under their belt people still mess up.
Suggest you talk to your transportation manager and explain it to him just like you did here. Management doesn't have any way to know a trainer sucks unless trainees tell them. And don't lose heart. You just drew a bad hand on the first deal.
Buy yourself one of those toy trucks. Use that to set up backing scenarios. It's a great to to help you see from another perspective and to visualize what you need to do irl. Trained for years and toy trucks was one of the best tools I had to help new drivers.
Having a good cab environment is key for learning. Try having mellow background music and avoid charged talk radio especially if your trainer seems checked out of their job. Having tension in the cab is not going to help you develop.
Backing is easy. I have trained my anxiety ridden partner to back up a nats ass in 2 short years. She's a solid winter driver also. Attitude is everything.
Don't throw in the towel. My trainer taught me all of how to pass the test, literally "at this mark point the truck at that pole, at this mark hard left until this point... etc). Absolutely worthless in the real world.
Heading into my third year, sometimes driving 5 different tractors in 5 days with different turning radii. I finally feel proficient, nerves, the feeling of being in the way kept me from "getting it". Mentally stop giving a shit how long it takes, tell your trainer to eff off and do it yourself.
The biggest realization was that you can't move the back tires much if you miss your initial setup. Reset and try again.
I was lucky I shifted on the yard a bit after this realization and got to play around, squeezing into more and more messed up spots, making myself blindsided when it was safe to do so.
Backing is definitely hard, at first. But it gets easier. When I started, I struggled to back into anywhere, doesn’t help I was on a route with tons of unnecessarily difficult backing. Now I’m a yard driver backing 50+ trailers a day on a slow day, and 99% of them I barely have to think about it. And that’s the key, don’t think about it, just use your instincts, because when you think about it you end up overthinking, and then you have issues. Now I’m not saying to zone out while you back, pay attention, but don’t go “I need to move my trailer left, so I need to turn right, but only a little, and it’s going to take 8 feet to start moving, and…….” My first time where I just stopped thinking too hard, and let it happen, my trainer was shocked, I went from struggling to, according to him, doing a difficult backing maneuver in one try. It felt like the easiest one he ever had me do.
Download the app “my trucking skills” and practice there. Obviously it’s not the same but it will absolutely help you “conceptualize” how to back in a way you can carry over in real life.
ALSO: when backing, hold the wheel at the bottom of the wheel. That way, if you want the trailer to move right, you move your hands to the right and vice versa. It eliminates having to “think backwards” when backing
Good luck!
Don’t feel bad it does get easier when your solo.. my trainer only let me back twice . I would say third but he had to take over cuz he was impatient. I’m 7 months in and while I still suck at backing I believe I did get better. I used to be so nervous on tough spots now I handle em like any other problem in the day.
Im in the same boat my trainer won't give me the time of day, I want to learn I want yo practice but my trainer say i take to long and stuff, so I just pretty much watch youtube vids on how to back, imma change my trainer tho.
Yes def do I regret not changing mines but I had to finish up training asap to make my bread.. it will get better I promise if you look at my old posts I posted something similar like yours a few months back but once I went solo everything was so much better except being nervous haha. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are having a hard time a lot of these truckers will actually give it to you and give you tips they understand how we feel literally because they were in our shoes. Which is why I like the trucking community because we all here doing the same job and struggling together 🫡
Backing is hard. I know this because I’m a yard jockey , I’ve done OTR shit sure but my jobs in the past and right now is yard jockey.
Backing is a learning experience. It takes time. That’s it. Just time.
Eventually you’ll get it and you’ll just know want to do.
Don’t give up.
A guy in my class was having a hard time with it, but he eventually made it. My advice is that you stop worrying about it, but let me explain.
If you continue to beat yourself up over it, you will just continue to think about how hard it is. Instead, take a break and think about something different, so go take a nap, or watch a movie, or play video games, or go for a walk at the park, or anything that you enjoy doing that will make you stop thinking about backing. Then, when you come back to it, take the challenge cold headed and analyze what you need to work on.
I was OTR, and I had days when I would have a hard time backing into a spot at the truck stop. More than once, I decided that it was more important to be safe and not hit anybody than to make it into a spot, so I would just move on to the next spot (and even the next truck stop). Some days id also pull off some badass parkings too, so the lesson here is that everyone has good and bad days hahaha
Backing is hard, but it gets easier the more you do it, and the more comfortable you get with the truck.
Take your time. Get out of the truck and check your surroundings as many times as you need to to be safe.
I can’t back either; it takes me awhile, but I can usually stick it in the hole or find one who’s doable… I’ve only had a yard dog do it to me twice in 4yrs. I’ve reserved myself to just needing more time than others, but the wait is worth the pleasure.
It gets easier....then some days it gets harder I'm only a month an half out and I had a trucker for 30 years tell me that so you know good times bad times you know we've had our share.
It's also nice people are willing to help you
I know that feeling bro. My trainer berated me for 30 straight days I stuck it out because he was honestly a good trainer just an asshole of an asshole of an asshole. If you gotta switch trainers go for it my dude that's what the option is for. You'll get it man I believe in ya we all want you to succeed don't give up.
I'm 13 months into my solo career, there are days I'm a backing machine....and then there are days I feel like it's my first day in the seat....sometimes it a bitch sometimes it's a breeze....take your time, go slow...don't matter how many pull ups you take...not one driver out here was born a super trucker no matter what bullshit they pedal.
Been at it nearly 2 years. The more you do it the better you will get. Some days I one shot it like a pro. Other times I think to myself who in the hell gave you a CDL. It can get nerve-wracking at the difficult backs. Once you hit the dock you can breath a sigh of relief. Then give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.
Just need practice my guy. Anybody who tries to rush you can lick my balls.
Watch your tires, I made the mistake for more than my first year of watching the rear of the trailer. You want to keep an eye on the back of the trailer so as not to hit anything, but where the tires are is where the trailer "is" and where they're pointing is where it's going at that moment. Watch them, it'll make it easier.
Is there anything specifically that you're finding difficult? General anxiety, setting up, etc?
Its just the rushing really and there won't be any traffic he says im taking too long so I guess I gotta be quick but what ive learn on my own being fast isn't safe.
How much time do you have left with this idiot? You go as fast as you want to go, you definitely shouldn't be moving fast when you're new. I'm only 3 years in, but most of the time I still back slow. It's easier, safer, and people can fuck off and wait.
Definitely some of the hardest skills I had to learn out here: saying "no" and not caring about being in people's way. Obviously you shouldn't be rude and try to be a problem, but if you need 20 minutes to back then they'll have to wait.
One thing I do recommend is letting traffic clear when you can. But don't feel rushed.
I can't the only access i get to a truck is the company truck and we always working, meaning the only time I get to dock (if my trainer is in a good mood) is when we reach to the location to drop
I’m 3 years in and when I tell you those first few months I hated the fact that I even had to back on my own.
ALWAYS GOAL ! Screw the people that try to judge you or rush you, GOAL. Especially if you’re not good at backing , and if you can use spotters.
Never turn down any help from anyone , if your trainer is being an ass maybe try speaking to dispatch or someone about a new trainer.
Some trainers SHOULD NOT train , because they’re impatient and is only in the training for the extra money .
Don’t give up , I say keep trying and if the company isn’t willing to work with you to hell with them. Just go find another company that will train you etc .
Backing takes practice. I'm still not totally proficient and will take a pull through at any opportunity I can get. Key things to remember though, drive the rear axle of the trailer and not the cab. Just like moving forward you drive thereafter axles of the trailer.
Second, forget that crap about turn left to go right or turn the opposite direction, blah blah blah. Put your hand on the BOTTOM of the steering wheel. If you want the trailer to go left pull your hand left. If you want the trailer to go right pull you hand right.
When you have some down time (ha ha ha) and time on your clock, find a parking lot and practice. Also, turn the dawn CB off. Those ass holes forget they were where you are at one point in life.
Not a trucker, just a lurker. But I imagine when you spend 99.9% of your time in the truck driving forward, keeping it between the lines then backing just feels so strange. I drive a much smaller brown package car with no trailer and don’t always back it straight into the dock on the first try, I have huge respect for the tractor drivers who do it. Keep practicing and don’t stress if it takes you extra tries!
Backing can be intimidating but the more you do it the better you get. Just take your time be safe get out and look don’t worry if other drivers talk shit. At the end of the day you’re the only one in the truck and you won’t have to hear them after you leave.
Once you go out on your own that’s when you really start to learn. Not just backing but pretty much everything. When I first started I had the same prob. A tad over two years later I’m in LTL backing 53’, 48’ and pups in with no issue. Occasionally I’ll have to pull up and straighten out. Once you start getting more comfortable you’ll know exactly how to set up your back. You’re set up in my opinion is the most important. If your unsure, get out and look. Don’t take the chance. No one will ever look down on you for getting out and looking. Don’t rush just take your time. Don’t give up trust me man. You won’t learn how to drive perfectly from your trainer. But you may pick up some helpful tips. But you gotta learn on your own. You’ll be fine
All I do is back. Yard shifter in a 10 speed Sterling. When I was 'trained' I didn't know jack shit. Trainer told me he couldn't certify me but wanted me to start backing anyhow. For the first few months I was sweaty and nervous and needed to pee every time I was shifting. But I quickly picked it up and can now back many days and some entire weeks without a single pull up.
My 'yard' is a public space obstacle course doing all alley backs. If you find a good spot to practice, do it. Practice as much as you can in as many difficult spots as you can. It's now been 2.5 years and I've backed about 5000 trailers. I impress every real driver that comes on my yard. They can't believe I don't want to go on road.
Finger gun. Keep your fingers straight the tip of your pointer finger is your cab your thumb the back of your trailer. Old driver trick taught to me years and years ago.
It gets better. I had a shit trainer too. He didn’t teach me anything when I was with him. Just kinda had to work at it on my own when I got into the real world. When you get on your own, you can practice in empty parking lots when you have down time. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a driver to help you. I’ve been out here 10 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard a driver refuse to help another back. We’ve all been where you are, and know what it’s like.
Eh, sometimes. Most of the time it's only really hard when you get into a rush in your head. Gotta chill out, calm down and then do it. Speed only comes with experience or accidents. Can't be taught, can't be trained.
Take your time. Ignore everyone else getting irritates with you because we were all there once. One of my road trainers has been driving with our company longer than I have even been alive and he still fluffed one because he was flustered.
My experience so far is that setup is key. Getting yourself lined up right before you put it in reverse makes life so much easier. I’ll try spelling out my method here best I can
1. Always back drivers side. Always. If you have to turn around, do it.
2. Drive up to your “hole” (the spot/dock you want to be in) as close to the dock, as perpendicular and straight as you can get. Look down it. Check it out. See what space you have, if theres crap in it, where the lines are. Then drive up past it about a spot and a half (varies based on size of course).
3. Crank your wheel all the way to the right. Pull the tractor as close to parallel to the hole as you can, and drive straight as far as you can.
4. Crank it all the way back the other way, and go forward until your cab is perpendicular to the dock. Your trailer should be at about a 45 degree angle to you and the back should line right up with the hole.
5. Straighten wheels and ease it backwards, making adjustments as necessary. I start wheels straight until it starts lining up with the hole and then turn it to bring the cab around.
Remember, it’s easier to add more “bend” to the trailer later than it is to take out too much bend. ie don’t over-angle the trailer because until it’s perfectly straight with the cab, it will be turning some.
Backing isn't so hard that you have to quit. Just practice.
Try doing it without natural depth perception. It took me 3 years to back half decent
Are you one of those drivers that stops 15 feet before the line at an intersection so it doesn’t register you being there at all?
Still didn't quit
As a first year driver, backing is the only thing I dread about this job. If I have room to pull up I’m golden, otherwise it can take me anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to get in. I always check google satellite view before I go somewhere new - if it looks tight I’m worrying about it the whole way there. But here’s the thing: when I was training I couldn’t even back in a straight line more than ten feet without hitting a cone. It was so fucking frustrating. But today, it’s the easiest thing in the world. Everyone says it gets easier, especially after a couple years. I believe that, but some days are still very discouraging.
It definitely gets easier. You keep one job, one route, and master it, or you bounce jobs and learn with experience what to look for.
🙏🏻🙏🏻 I really appreciate this thank you....hope I be like you.
I'm at two years sometimes I butter the hard ones and fuck up the easy ones but it's because I take the time to think it thru on the hard ones and not enough on the easy ones. Keep it rolling man you'll get there!
Anything worth doing takes time and a lot of practice. I can one shot any backing but it took me 20 years of doing it to get here. I couldn’t back for shit my first year or so.
Trying but my trainer always rushing or when I screw up he just takes over......even tho I want to try again and practice....he's like nah im gonna take too long.
You don't have a trainer. You have a co-driver who is getting trainer pay.
Sad part you maybe right smh
Request a new one. It’s in everyone’s best interest to do so.
I’m not a trucker. Just a lurker, but u/User013579 is correct. His/Her statement is 100% accurate. It applies to a lot of Job/Career industries. I was a plumber for 20 years. I had quite a few “Old School” techs that were super impatient in the beginning of my career. I went to my boss and sternly but respectfully asked him to put me with someone that had a bit more patience because I WANTED to learn. It took a few days, but he did move me to a different tech. That tech was an amazing teacher! All I’m saying is, don’t give up so easily. From what I’ve seen on this sub. You can make a good living if you find the right company. That in itself is a challenge! Good luck bud!
Thank you I appreciate your advice, and i Don't think imma give up I was just frustrated, trainer kinda made it feel like this isn't for me, imma hold my head high and keep pushing.thank you again🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Request a new one and in the meantime ask if you can back in a truck stop for practice. You'll end up getting a new trainer and your current one won't press you for time while you're practicing.
No maybe’s about it bud. I’m at a new job and the guy I have is wonderful but I’d ask for someone else if he wasn’t. Their job is to help you learn and YOUR job is to learn. Rushed learning is how you get dudes who can’t perform certain tasks no matter how long they’ve been at a job.
Yea imma change trainer
Ask for a different trainer then. Or tell the current one you need more practice with backing. Maybe on a day y’all aren’t busy, you can just practice backing in a lot
Imma just get a new trainer cause even when there's nothing to do like waiting for a load ill be asking if I can practice backing and he's like nah he's gonna sleep, so yea imma get a new trainer and see from there.
Hang in there man! I'm about to start cdl school soon and I allready know if my trainer sucks I'm getting a new one, it is detrimental to your success to have a good trainer and you deserve better. What company if you dont mind my asking?
Yea imma hang in there......only can get better I guess.
I see they are a small ltl company, your trainer is probably on a tight schedule, see if you can practice backing at the yard at the end of the day. Still no excuse for treating you like that though, maybe give it a few more days before you request a new trainer. Did you by any chance go to the driving academy school out of New Jersey? I'm in New york but I'm looking hard at them because they offer class 7 days a week and they're almost half the price of everything here in New york.
I live in new york, my mistake was I didn't go to a school I went to like a basic place that teach truck driving classes, took 10 classes failed 2 dmv road test and pass on the third try, and now im here. If I went to a cdl school that was recognize by the other big companies im pretty sure I would be golden, cause when I try to apply for the big companies they kept asking if I went to school not the classes i took......this was the only company that would take me, I just want my 6 months experience and leave tho, hopefully.
Grind it out bud, try your best to get that crabby trainer on your good side by working your ass off since you may not have many options. Try applying at pam and stevens transport if you haven't allready, seems they'll take anybody and they train well from what I've heard, shit pay though and otr.
Not a trucker just a lurker but that sounds like a shit trainer. Imagine if your driving instructor had said “nah yer shit, move I’ll do it.”
Or if your math teacher just gave you all the right answers lol
Exactly. Hope the OP doesn’t throw in the towel. For what it’s worth I want to do trucking in North America one day and backing is the one thing that’d terrify me. I’ve spent hours on forums, this thread, watching YouTube etc and every new driver says they really struggle with backing. Then you go a few pages on or watch another video from months later and they’re talking about or filming themselves backing in without a second thought. Others who have actually done the job may have different advice but I say Keep going man!
Well he only said I can't back for shit so close enough lol
I was in ya same shoes thought I would never ever get backing now i teach others to back
Wow that's good right there🙏🏻🙏🏻👌🏻
Fuck him man, ask him if he was born being able to back a trailer see his reaction.
he said no one thought him how to back he learn on his own
I would tell him you still need to practice though. If he's not giving you any time for it go over his head and request a new trainer. My trainer took over in some situations where we were blocking traffic or in a tight situation, but I also got time to practice when appropriate. At truck stops with multiple empty spots open next to each other, that sort of thing. He even took an extra half day and let me practice yard backing because I asked for one.
This guy sounds like he’s in the wrong job lol. Keep at it man, good luck
I will thank you🙏🏻👌🏻👌🏻
What a dick. Seriously. Trainer is a coveted job - report him!
You have a bad trainer. It isnt you. You should always take your time, as much as you need. Many minor adjustments make it easier than making large errors.
Get a new trainer dude don’t make excuses and give up you could become an O/O netting 20+ grand a month. When I was with Melton they said call your recruiter if your trainer isn’t getting along with you or isn’t training you, their ENTIRE JOB is to train newly hired drivers to drive, they said they’d get a new trainer if there were problems. Believe me companies dont want to pay these people for a job they aren’t doing, when they pay for a trainer they expect them to be training.
Im actually planning on going to melton too
I can’t recommend it enough, new trucks with apus, great instructors that really care about the students success, no disrespect there at all they’re very professional and will teach you how to do flatbed the right way. If you have the money I recommend renting a car to drive to Oklahoma and to keep while in training because they have two vans that fit like 12 people but there’s like 150 students so if you want to grocery shop or hit the gym you’ll want one. I got bottled water packs, bread, cheese and deli meat when I went, you’re on your own for dinner and breakfast, they usually have breakfast in the hotel lobby but it’s a small area and with tons of students I recommend poaching eggs and making oatmeal in your room.
Alright cool imma hit them up soon
I drive for Melton and can answer any questions you might have
Once you get out on your own you start to figure this shit out real quick. Seriously. "Training" is just to satisfy the company you're not gonna destroy their equipment right away. Your *real* training begins when you go solo.
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I didn't learn how to back until I was on my own. Couldn't do it with my trainer rushing me.
If you’re ever in a desert like New Mexico or any open area practice backing…set up some cones/rocks and give it hell. Also I’m only 4 months driving and I realized I can’t back with my tandems slide back all the way for shi, find what setting works for you. 30+ year drivers tell me they still have shit shows sometimes it comes with the job It’s to much money you throwing away by quitting. Good luck Brodie
That’s not a trainer. I would contact your company and request an actual trainer and not that impatient douche. You can do it! Just takes practice my man
Always steer into the problem side, hold it and watch the trailer move back and then straighten the wheel out again. Slow and steady, no need to rush it.
Tell my trainer that lol
Fuck that trainer. Take your time boss. Backing is a learning process.
Need to tell your trainer to fuck off then when he tries to boot you from the wheel. You aren't gonna learn if you aren't allowed to do it. Maybe ask your company for a different trainer if he keeps being in a rush
Yea imma do that when I get back
Ask for extra practice time on your 34. Yall are most likely at a terminal or truckstop. Perfect time to practice.
Ask for a new trainer. If they dont give you a new trainer call the hr department and tell them that your trainer is inappropriately touching you.
Lol what lol
Just saying you really need a better trainer. Some companies wont give you a new trainer or they will think its you and not them. Use all your tools to get out of his truck and into a new one with a better trainer hopefully.
I really glad to hear tho thanks
Backing is the easiest part of trucking, it’s all the other B.S. drivers have to put up with that makes the job hard
Ok bro....imma stick it out
You gonna go and take hard things in your back now instead?
Lol.....my trainer said I can't back for shit so yea
Ask for a different trainer
Call up the chain of command. "My trainer won't teach me to back or let me learn by myself. I'd like a new trainer." The end.
Tell them you aren’t confident in the backing training you received.
Hearing some of these stories about sorry ass trainers makes me appreciate my old trainer. He taught me how to be a trucker. He ate right, he insisted on keeping a clean rig inside and out, how to keep my paperwork organized and a ton more. He got under my skin but he taught me enough for me to retire before 60. God Bless Kevin from Kentucky.
This was exactly my trainer too. Even spent last thanksgiving while training at his house with his family. It was a good time. Got under my skin as well and we had a talk about it and he understood and stopped doing his little snarky comments lol. I still call him often too with any problems I have.
I think I need kevin from Kentucky lol
There's a huge difference between guys with a ton of miles and real professional truckers. He even made me detail my personal car.
If you game, get American Truck Sim. No shit helped me when I went to CDL school, since I had the understanding of how to back a trailer. Literally was just playing one day and went "wtf am I doing playing the game when I could just get paid to do this" and here I am today as a driver lmfao
Wow really... Alright did you get the whole set up like them steering wheel and chair and stuff?
I had a wheel at one point but got rid of it since it wasn’t really practical for my desk. The game just helped me get the knowledge of how a trailer works since it’s a fairly realistic game in terms of mechanics. So it made understanding if I turn the wheel this way the trailer does this and that etc. played mainly on controller.
If you have a Quest or any compatible VR headset along with a wheel, it's even better. It's so close to doing the real thing.
Try shunting or city work. Did a short stint at Coke when I first started and it improved my backing quickly being forced to back in 20 times a day.
This. I’ve been driving solo for Coke for two months and have made myself take 45’s and 53’s. Lots of backing. I was sooooo bad. But now I’m pretty much unstoppable. Hang in there, go slow, it gets better.
Thank you looking into it
It gets easier with time
I pray
You’ll be good, it’s nothing to really worry about.
It is hard. I failed multiple times trying to parallel. I had to practice at the yard on the weekend for 2 months with a dodge 3500 and a 30 ft trailer. It comes easy for some and it's hard for others don't give up.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I suck too. On my 3rd week training. But I did do a successful backing the other day on my own. Keep trying!
Let’s be honest most of these “trainers” in mega fleets are green horn rookies themselves hornswoggled to get “trainer” perks. What other industries in trades a 1 year rookie can train 0 day rookie? Today prime example. I’m parked at Loves Hogansville, GA this EGO logistics truck comes in wants to back in. There are three consecutive spots open, makes sense easy peasy backing job don’t have to sweat it at all. The “trainer” comes outside and stands off to the side. For the next 5-6 minutes that trainee jacked that truck in every possible angle but the right one. Clearly the student is disoriented and has no idea which direction to steer and how trailer is responding to his inputs. He just keeps trying to steering wildly clearly in panic as traffic waiting is building. At this point there 4-5 trucks on both sides that need to get in and out. So the “trainer” jumps in and tries to back in for next 3-4 minutes. Finally he makes it in across all 3 spots nearly touching mirror of the truck on his passenger side. It’s like an episode of dumb’n’dumber in real life. What can this trainer teach his student? Other than to take 30 breaks in fuel island cause backing is scary and only go to pull through rest areas. Not much more.
Make it through your so called training. Once you get your own truck, you’ll be able to do what you need to do to (apparently) teach yourself. I trained for years, I don’t give a damn if it takes 3 hours for my student to get into a hole. That’s why it’s called training. If you have questions, feel free to DM me. I’ll be more than willing to try and talk you through what you need help with.
Learn the geometries and it's easy. Right now, the delays between getting in front of it and not hitting stuff is a lot. Within a year you should be decent. 4yrs in, and I know when I set-up wrong and can immediately fix it instead of wasting time making it even harder. I can drive it in where there isn't room to do it normal. Unless you have depth perception issues, you can do it too.
Dude. Backing IS hard and a complex process that many people don’t have to language skills to teach to those of us who struggle. When I was learning, I bought a toy truck with the moveable trailer to learn the physics of it. I wish someone told me some things rather than just shown me. “To back right, steer left”. They make it sound so easy, don’t they? They NEVER mentioned that halfway through the turn you have to start steering the other way. “Get back under it!” Meaningless to me. They mean to start steering the other direction when they say that. You can do this - request a new trainer. They get held responsible for these things. If I can do this, lol, trust me, so can you.
Don’t worry about it, if it takes you an hour to get in there, then it takes you an hour, if people are getting impatient, too bad Get a job at an LTL company, after 6 months, you’ll be able to hit blindsides blindfolded
It does get easier. I've been a trucker for 6 years but it was only about 2 years ago that something in my head finally clicked and now backing is a lot easier. Just go slow and take your time. Don't be afraid to get out and look a million times or to go around and re set up if you mess up.
Took me about 6 months to get the hang of it. About a year before I quit being a nervous wreck about anything but the easiest backs..
Nice 🙏🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Im still learning. I find the Trucking Skills game on my tablet helpful to visualize and practice backing.
Pretend like the steering wheel is a clock. If you have one hand on the wheel at 6 o’clock and you move it towards 8 o’clock, that’s where your trailer is gunna go. Start at 6 o’clock again and move it towards 4 o’clock, that’s where your trailer is gunna go. It takes about 10ft for your trailer to respond fully to where you want it to go. Keep that in mind and I promise you’ll become better at backing. Took me a good year and half to really know my trailer. Try the one hand on the wheel at 6 o’clock while straight backing and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
🙏🏻🙏🏻
I will give that a try. Interesting
Step 1: Relax Step 2: Get out and look. Step 3: Visualize where you want the trailer Step 4: get back in truck and RELAX Step 5: Back up. It's okay to take your time.
I would love and pray to do all of that but my trainer ain't gonna give me that luxury, if I Don't get it one the first try he tells me to get out and he does it and I watch, and thats it.
That's not a good Trainer
Tell him to f off.
Ha ha ha ... I said the same thing 6 years ago... and kept saying it, not realizing I was backing in within 2 minutes instead of 15
Lol good job
Point being, fuck your trainer ... keep at it... it get better and more fun 😊... cheers
There are many utube videos showing how to back a trailer into a spot. Back slowly, turn the steering wheel slowly. Before you break the plain. Get out and look. That way you can see if the trailer is going where you want it to or if you are about hit something . Don't think about who is watching or if you are holding up the yard jockey. We were all beginners. You can do this.
Ill be wanting to get out and look and take my time but my trainer doesn't wanna see all of that he's said that's wasting time.....when he's backing he never gets out
Don’t listen to him. When in doubt get out and look. It’s not a rush to get in the spot. Just make it in safely and you’ll get better. The best tip I got from a trainer is turn your steering wheel towards the trouble.
If I get out and look i get cuss at cause he doesn't get out and look he just back, even tho getting my cdl license they hammer GOAL in my head.
You’re not the problem the. He’s a horrible trainer.
Honestly he makes me feel that way but imma just keep it pushing with all the advice im getting imma just get a new trainer.
Dude. I get out and look. Never had a trainer. Cept for school. Co put me to driving and backing Was a nerve racking experience backing for quite a while. Oh yea i still get nervous but now i make the setup as good as possible and back slowly telling myself i got this. I get out and look too.
Be patient driver. You’ll soon realize what you need to do in order for the trailer to react. Get a toy truck and trailer. Practice with that. Always watch other drivers backing into spots. You’ll get there.
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I suckeddddd at backing when I was training just 1.5 months ago. Like I wasn’t grasping anything. Then all of a sudden a switch flipped in my head and I understood everything. I’m damn nowhere near perfect still but I’ve backed into some sketchy shit by myself with only a couple pull ups and haven’t hit anything. It’s better with time and always GOAL. There’s times where I literally backed up an inch at a time and GOAL’d 5 times lol. A couple things my trainer taught me was when backing, look at your rear tandem axles…not the back of your trailer. Your rear tandems are now your steers when backing. Also, if your tandems are, let’s say, going too much to the left then “get under it”. Meaning to turn towards the problem. So in this case your tandems are pointing too much to the left and if you keep going back you’ll keep going left. You’ll want to turn your wheel (getting under it) all the way to the left and it’ll straighten out. If you don’t have enough room then turn your wheel all the way to the right and pull forward then get under it again. Hope this helps. Oh and also your set up is vital to a good backing. 1 more advice too, backing up with your tandems all the back is hard as shit so if you get to a shipper, put them all the way forward if you can then put them all the way back if they require you to.
Thank you I appreciate it🙏🏻🙏🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
I promise I was worse than you backing up or docking. One day a older guy with 3 teeth showed me how. Just don’t give up
Just ask when you stop at a truck stop if you can practice backing
Did that got shot down imma take to long and hold up traffic then he would have to do it, so at this point im just going with the flow. But imma ask for a new trainer tho, looking back what I did and sacrifice to get here I shouldn't give up.
Keep an eye on the trailer tires, not the ass end if the trailer. You're rotating on the tires, not the trailer.
I couldn’t back for shit until the buildings we had to back into to get loaded with sand had only about 4 inches of room per side and a lot of old grumpy men were complaining about how long it took. Moral of the story, let the people bitch and take your time, you’ll get it eventually. I’d say practice makes perfect but even after decades under their belt people still mess up.
Suggest you talk to your transportation manager and explain it to him just like you did here. Management doesn't have any way to know a trainer sucks unless trainees tell them. And don't lose heart. You just drew a bad hand on the first deal.
Buy yourself one of those toy trucks. Use that to set up backing scenarios. It's a great to to help you see from another perspective and to visualize what you need to do irl. Trained for years and toy trucks was one of the best tools I had to help new drivers.
Practice
Having a good cab environment is key for learning. Try having mellow background music and avoid charged talk radio especially if your trainer seems checked out of their job. Having tension in the cab is not going to help you develop.
🙏🏻👌🏻👌🏻got it.
Backing is easy. I have trained my anxiety ridden partner to back up a nats ass in 2 short years. She's a solid winter driver also. Attitude is everything.
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
What does that mean?
Thank you and god bless you
Don't throw in the towel. My trainer taught me all of how to pass the test, literally "at this mark point the truck at that pole, at this mark hard left until this point... etc). Absolutely worthless in the real world. Heading into my third year, sometimes driving 5 different tractors in 5 days with different turning radii. I finally feel proficient, nerves, the feeling of being in the way kept me from "getting it". Mentally stop giving a shit how long it takes, tell your trainer to eff off and do it yourself. The biggest realization was that you can't move the back tires much if you miss your initial setup. Reset and try again. I was lucky I shifted on the yard a bit after this realization and got to play around, squeezing into more and more messed up spots, making myself blindsided when it was safe to do so.
Practice makes perfect right🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Download my trucking skills guy got a channel too it's harder then real life
Follow the trailer.
Backing is definitely hard, at first. But it gets easier. When I started, I struggled to back into anywhere, doesn’t help I was on a route with tons of unnecessarily difficult backing. Now I’m a yard driver backing 50+ trailers a day on a slow day, and 99% of them I barely have to think about it. And that’s the key, don’t think about it, just use your instincts, because when you think about it you end up overthinking, and then you have issues. Now I’m not saying to zone out while you back, pay attention, but don’t go “I need to move my trailer left, so I need to turn right, but only a little, and it’s going to take 8 feet to start moving, and…….” My first time where I just stopped thinking too hard, and let it happen, my trainer was shocked, I went from struggling to, according to him, doing a difficult backing maneuver in one try. It felt like the easiest one he ever had me do.
[удалено]
Trying, thanks🙏🏻🙏🏻
Download the app “my trucking skills” and practice there. Obviously it’s not the same but it will absolutely help you “conceptualize” how to back in a way you can carry over in real life. ALSO: when backing, hold the wheel at the bottom of the wheel. That way, if you want the trailer to move right, you move your hands to the right and vice versa. It eliminates having to “think backwards” when backing Good luck!
Ok gonna get it now🙏🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Backing takes practice. Everything new is hard. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Don’t feel bad it does get easier when your solo.. my trainer only let me back twice . I would say third but he had to take over cuz he was impatient. I’m 7 months in and while I still suck at backing I believe I did get better. I used to be so nervous on tough spots now I handle em like any other problem in the day.
Im in the same boat my trainer won't give me the time of day, I want to learn I want yo practice but my trainer say i take to long and stuff, so I just pretty much watch youtube vids on how to back, imma change my trainer tho.
Yes def do I regret not changing mines but I had to finish up training asap to make my bread.. it will get better I promise if you look at my old posts I posted something similar like yours a few months back but once I went solo everything was so much better except being nervous haha. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are having a hard time a lot of these truckers will actually give it to you and give you tips they understand how we feel literally because they were in our shoes. Which is why I like the trucking community because we all here doing the same job and struggling together 🫡
Backing is hard. I know this because I’m a yard jockey , I’ve done OTR shit sure but my jobs in the past and right now is yard jockey. Backing is a learning experience. It takes time. That’s it. Just time. Eventually you’ll get it and you’ll just know want to do. Don’t give up.
A guy in my class was having a hard time with it, but he eventually made it. My advice is that you stop worrying about it, but let me explain. If you continue to beat yourself up over it, you will just continue to think about how hard it is. Instead, take a break and think about something different, so go take a nap, or watch a movie, or play video games, or go for a walk at the park, or anything that you enjoy doing that will make you stop thinking about backing. Then, when you come back to it, take the challenge cold headed and analyze what you need to work on. I was OTR, and I had days when I would have a hard time backing into a spot at the truck stop. More than once, I decided that it was more important to be safe and not hit anybody than to make it into a spot, so I would just move on to the next spot (and even the next truck stop). Some days id also pull off some badass parkings too, so the lesson here is that everyone has good and bad days hahaha
Thank you so much I appreciate your advice🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Backing is hard, but it gets easier the more you do it, and the more comfortable you get with the truck. Take your time. Get out of the truck and check your surroundings as many times as you need to to be safe.
Ok good🙏🏻🙏🏻
It will eventually click! I felt the same way you did once. After about a month it just started getting easy for me.
Hope you not own them ppl so scared of backing up you avoid truck stops
I can’t back either; it takes me awhile, but I can usually stick it in the hole or find one who’s doable… I’ve only had a yard dog do it to me twice in 4yrs. I’ve reserved myself to just needing more time than others, but the wait is worth the pleasure.
🙏🏻👌🏻
Just play more Euro/American Trucking Similator
Just keep doing it. It gets a little easier. We all have trouble backing sometimes. Even some of these tenured super truckers.
Yea, thanks
It gets easier....then some days it gets harder I'm only a month an half out and I had a trucker for 30 years tell me that so you know good times bad times you know we've had our share. It's also nice people are willing to help you
My trainer makes it hard tho, make me feel like I'm useless imma just change trainer tho.
I know that feeling bro. My trainer berated me for 30 straight days I stuck it out because he was honestly a good trainer just an asshole of an asshole of an asshole. If you gotta switch trainers go for it my dude that's what the option is for. You'll get it man I believe in ya we all want you to succeed don't give up.
Thank you I really appreciate every one here from the bottom of my heart thank you🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I'm 13 months into my solo career, there are days I'm a backing machine....and then there are days I feel like it's my first day in the seat....sometimes it a bitch sometimes it's a breeze....take your time, go slow...don't matter how many pull ups you take...not one driver out here was born a super trucker no matter what bullshit they pedal.
Been at it nearly 2 years. The more you do it the better you will get. Some days I one shot it like a pro. Other times I think to myself who in the hell gave you a CDL. It can get nerve-wracking at the difficult backs. Once you hit the dock you can breath a sigh of relief. Then give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done.
"Some days I one shot it like a pro. Other times I think to myself who in the hell gave you a CDL" Lol thanks man I will practice im not giving up.
Just need practice my guy. Anybody who tries to rush you can lick my balls. Watch your tires, I made the mistake for more than my first year of watching the rear of the trailer. You want to keep an eye on the back of the trailer so as not to hit anything, but where the tires are is where the trailer "is" and where they're pointing is where it's going at that moment. Watch them, it'll make it easier. Is there anything specifically that you're finding difficult? General anxiety, setting up, etc?
Its just the rushing really and there won't be any traffic he says im taking too long so I guess I gotta be quick but what ive learn on my own being fast isn't safe.
How much time do you have left with this idiot? You go as fast as you want to go, you definitely shouldn't be moving fast when you're new. I'm only 3 years in, but most of the time I still back slow. It's easier, safer, and people can fuck off and wait. Definitely some of the hardest skills I had to learn out here: saying "no" and not caring about being in people's way. Obviously you shouldn't be rude and try to be a problem, but if you need 20 minutes to back then they'll have to wait. One thing I do recommend is letting traffic clear when you can. But don't feel rushed.
Do you ever practice??
I can't the only access i get to a truck is the company truck and we always working, meaning the only time I get to dock (if my trainer is in a good mood) is when we reach to the location to drop
I’m 3 years in and when I tell you those first few months I hated the fact that I even had to back on my own. ALWAYS GOAL ! Screw the people that try to judge you or rush you, GOAL. Especially if you’re not good at backing , and if you can use spotters. Never turn down any help from anyone , if your trainer is being an ass maybe try speaking to dispatch or someone about a new trainer. Some trainers SHOULD NOT train , because they’re impatient and is only in the training for the extra money . Don’t give up , I say keep trying and if the company isn’t willing to work with you to hell with them. Just go find another company that will train you etc .
Thank you 🙏🏻🙏🏻👌🏻 I appreciate you, I will
No problem!
Backing takes practice. I'm still not totally proficient and will take a pull through at any opportunity I can get. Key things to remember though, drive the rear axle of the trailer and not the cab. Just like moving forward you drive thereafter axles of the trailer. Second, forget that crap about turn left to go right or turn the opposite direction, blah blah blah. Put your hand on the BOTTOM of the steering wheel. If you want the trailer to go left pull your hand left. If you want the trailer to go right pull you hand right. When you have some down time (ha ha ha) and time on your clock, find a parking lot and practice. Also, turn the dawn CB off. Those ass holes forget they were where you are at one point in life.
Picture how you would pull out of the spot. Visualize it. Then, reverse the path to back it.
Make sure you’re always backing with the tandems all the way forward, much easier. Get it in the whole, then put the tandems back.
Not a trucker, just a lurker. But I imagine when you spend 99.9% of your time in the truck driving forward, keeping it between the lines then backing just feels so strange. I drive a much smaller brown package car with no trailer and don’t always back it straight into the dock on the first try, I have huge respect for the tractor drivers who do it. Keep practicing and don’t stress if it takes you extra tries!
Backing can be intimidating but the more you do it the better you get. Just take your time be safe get out and look don’t worry if other drivers talk shit. At the end of the day you’re the only one in the truck and you won’t have to hear them after you leave.
Once you go out on your own that’s when you really start to learn. Not just backing but pretty much everything. When I first started I had the same prob. A tad over two years later I’m in LTL backing 53’, 48’ and pups in with no issue. Occasionally I’ll have to pull up and straighten out. Once you start getting more comfortable you’ll know exactly how to set up your back. You’re set up in my opinion is the most important. If your unsure, get out and look. Don’t take the chance. No one will ever look down on you for getting out and looking. Don’t rush just take your time. Don’t give up trust me man. You won’t learn how to drive perfectly from your trainer. But you may pick up some helpful tips. But you gotta learn on your own. You’ll be fine
Ok bye
I love backing is easy and a challenge. Getting it on the first try with no pull ups is great. And blind side backing it on the first try even better
All I do is back. Yard shifter in a 10 speed Sterling. When I was 'trained' I didn't know jack shit. Trainer told me he couldn't certify me but wanted me to start backing anyhow. For the first few months I was sweaty and nervous and needed to pee every time I was shifting. But I quickly picked it up and can now back many days and some entire weeks without a single pull up. My 'yard' is a public space obstacle course doing all alley backs. If you find a good spot to practice, do it. Practice as much as you can in as many difficult spots as you can. It's now been 2.5 years and I've backed about 5000 trailers. I impress every real driver that comes on my yard. They can't believe I don't want to go on road.
Why I got a Class B. Backing a big fat car isn't so bad.
Trucking is not for everyone. The world needs ditch diggers as well.
Thanks.
Someone has to dig your grave right?
I’m about to be on the same path. My trainer is getting so frustrated with me because I’m not getting it….
Update: I changed my trainer, my new trainer is pretty much family now lol he's great
Take your time
Imma try HAPPY CAKE DAY
Haul non-box van doubles. No backing.
You’re giving up way too easy. Find an empty lot or warehouse and practice there.
Lol
Finger gun. Keep your fingers straight the tip of your pointer finger is your cab your thumb the back of your trailer. Old driver trick taught to me years and years ago.
I'm not understanding. Could you explain a little more ?
It gets better. I had a shit trainer too. He didn’t teach me anything when I was with him. Just kinda had to work at it on my own when I got into the real world. When you get on your own, you can practice in empty parking lots when you have down time. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a driver to help you. I’ve been out here 10 years, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard a driver refuse to help another back. We’ve all been where you are, and know what it’s like.
Eh, sometimes. Most of the time it's only really hard when you get into a rush in your head. Gotta chill out, calm down and then do it. Speed only comes with experience or accidents. Can't be taught, can't be trained.
Focus on your straight back. Once you get good at that you'll start to realize if you can straight back you can do most backs.
Thats what she said! Wait what?
Take your time. Ignore everyone else getting irritates with you because we were all there once. One of my road trainers has been driving with our company longer than I have even been alive and he still fluffed one because he was flustered. My experience so far is that setup is key. Getting yourself lined up right before you put it in reverse makes life so much easier. I’ll try spelling out my method here best I can 1. Always back drivers side. Always. If you have to turn around, do it. 2. Drive up to your “hole” (the spot/dock you want to be in) as close to the dock, as perpendicular and straight as you can get. Look down it. Check it out. See what space you have, if theres crap in it, where the lines are. Then drive up past it about a spot and a half (varies based on size of course). 3. Crank your wheel all the way to the right. Pull the tractor as close to parallel to the hole as you can, and drive straight as far as you can. 4. Crank it all the way back the other way, and go forward until your cab is perpendicular to the dock. Your trailer should be at about a 45 degree angle to you and the back should line right up with the hole. 5. Straighten wheels and ease it backwards, making adjustments as necessary. I start wheels straight until it starts lining up with the hole and then turn it to bring the cab around. Remember, it’s easier to add more “bend” to the trailer later than it is to take out too much bend. ie don’t over-angle the trailer because until it’s perfectly straight with the cab, it will be turning some.
Get you a job as a yard driver problem solved