Profile For Kristi B.

I just recently graduated school and started driving. I've been with my company about two months and just finished training. Like you Nicole I struggle with backing and try to use downtime to practice when I can. I went through three trainers before my company cut me loose to run team with my co driver. My first trainer yelled at me so much when I would try to back that absolutely refused to back while I was with him. My last two trainers were awesome and helped me get passed my fear of backing. My first run out of training I had to run solo. It was a tight yard and I got a little nervous but I stopped a veteran driver for another company explained to him that I'm a rookie and he took the time to calm me down and help me back my trailer in. My point is don't worry about everyone watching you and don't be afraid to ask for help. There are veteran drivers out there that will help if you just ask. Not all old timers want to see us newbies fail. They were once newbies too, and they remember what it's like. Also use any opportunity you get to back. I've seen some of the old timers struggle with at times. Always get out and look at your surroundings. A trick one of my instructors in school taught me was to walk backwards into the spot and imagine that I was in the truck backing it in. My co driver and I spot for each other. One of us is in the truck while the other is on the ground guiding. We use our phones to talk to each other when we are backing. It's always best to have a spotter on the ground. My co driver and I made a commitment to each other before we got on the truck together that we were going to always work together for the good of the truck and each other. I've got her back and she has mine. Especially when it comes to backing. There are times we have to get third person involved to help us out. You'll get it just don't give up.