McElroy HQ, Cuba, AL

I drive by the McElroy headquarters about once a week. What's all the gravel roadways with concrete blocks for? Using Google Satellite, it looks like a "don't make a mistake" backing range.

I drive by the McElroy headquarters about once a week. What's all the gravel roadways with concrete blocks for? Using Google Satellite, it looks like a "don't make a mistake" backing range.

You are correct. The lower range is for "second weekers" or those who have finished orientation. The top range or "final week" range, is for after you have spent 4 wks with your trainer and they have issued you your truck.

Yep, they take backing serious. Serpentine (back around 3 barriers and Dock), S curve backing (back down a series of curves), Off set dock, 45 degree back, 90 degree back. Instead of cones it's barriers. They want you to get out and look. Drivers have been known to hit them and even tear bumpers off. The big thing is if you make a mistake to report it and tell the truth. They will work with you to an extent if your honest and trying. They are watching.

Some of the customers places, like small building supplies can be tight to get out of. Backing a split axle flatbed is a big difference, takes getting use to coming from a van. 18 ft reaction, tires slide, can't jack it much loaded. Once you finish backing with McElroy, you should know how to back. Entire days of backing and getting a feel of the trailer. They put you out there on your own, as they figure you got to learn by your own trial and error. Got to pass the road test and backing tests.

Yep, they take backing serious. Serpentine (back around 3 barriers and Dock), S curve backing (back down a series of curves), Off set dock, 45 degree back, 90 degree back. Instead of cones it's barriers. They want you to get out and look. Drivers have been known to hit them and even tear bumpers off. The big thing is if you make a mistake to report it and tell the truth. They will work with you to an extent if your honest and trying. They are watching.

Some of the customers places, like small building supplies can be tight to get out of. Backing a split axle flatbed is a big difference, takes getting use to coming from a van. 18 ft reaction, tires slide, can't jack it much loaded. Once you finish backing with McElroy, you should know how to back. Entire days of backing and getting a feel of the trailer. They put you out there on your own, as they figure you got to learn by your own trial and error. Got to pass the road test and backing tests.

Hey S.B. I am headed out this Sunday for Cuba! Looking forward to getting started, finally!!

I go through there each week too. Ususlly at night and I never new that range was there till about a month ago. I went through in the day and there were students out there. The next morning I was having breakfast over in La and they older gentleman next to me was wearing a McElroy work shirt. Very nice guy and we talked a bit about flatbed. He has been with them 34 years. I thought that said alot about the company.