I Love Backing

I don't know what it is with me and backing, but I just can't seem to get enough of it. You know you like backing when you describe a difficult back you did earlier as one that you "got" to do, not "had" to do.

I know I can't be the only one. Who else is like this?

No you're not, when I first got into a rig I was timid tons of time about backing, thinking I was gonna hit something and damage property or my truck. Now backing just feels refreshing to do now, sure I might struggle a little but once I adapt to the scenario I can get it into a dock or trailer drop lot like it's nothing.

I was at a shippers in Atlanta and this place was tight, all it took was a couple of tries and GOAL and I got it in the dock, despite how many times it took me it felt real satisfying that I wouldn't mind doing it again.

At this rate if there is any yard dog positions that offers good pay I would probably take it lol.

I'd have to raise my hand. 1500 times per year, I'd better like it!

At this rate if there is any yard dog positions that offers good pay I would probably take it lol.

Yep, same. The main reason I'm not looking into that right now, besides pay, is that it wouldn't count as driving experience. I'm hoping to put in my time otr/dedicated with Swift and either land a local position with them or find one with a different company. Those guys back all the time!

After 2 months Solo, I would consider myself proficient at backing in most situations. I have had several difficult situations lately and came through quite well. Yes, I like backing. It is a challenge and I always welcome those. I didn't really get any backing skills from my Mentor. After 3 years he sure wasn't very good. I took it upon myself to hone my skills when I went Solo. I spent 20 + years in the Construction Business and backed a variety of trailers with a Pick Up Truck. So having the aptitude to back a trailer using side mirrors wasn't foreign to me. It was the size and scope of a Tractor Trailer combination I needed to grasp. I have taken advantage of HUGE DC's to practice my skills. I will still find an out of the way area when time permits and do several maneuvers. I can usually hit a 90 between 2 trailers with 1 or 2 minor pull ups about 90% of the time now. But man it feels good to hit it on the first shot! Then there is that 10% that makes me feel like a complete dumbass! Oh well......progress not perfection!

After 2 months Solo, I would consider myself proficient at backing in most situations. I have had several difficult situations lately and came through quite well. Yes, I like backing. It is a challenge and I always welcome those. I didn't really get any backing skills from my Mentor. After 3 years he sure wasn't very good. I took it upon myself to hone my skills when I went Solo. I spent 20 + years in the Construction Business and backed a variety of trailers with a Pick Up Truck. So having the aptitude to back a trailer using side mirrors wasn't foreign to me. It was the size and scope of a Tractor Trailer combination I needed to grasp. I have taken advantage of HUGE DC's to practice my skills. I will still find an out of the way area when time permits and do several maneuvers. I can usually hit a 90 between 2 trailers with 1 or 2 minor pull ups about 90% of the time now. But man it feels good to hit it on the first shot! Then there is that 10% that makes me feel like a complete dumbass! Oh well......progress not perfection!

I applaud you then, when I was with KLLM my trainer wasn't very good, 2 weeks in and I backed maybe once or twice. Once I got over to Maverick I took every chance I had to hone my backing skill with my trainer, 2nd day in and he already let me start doing it.

Over the weeks out over the road I notice a huge improvement in my backing.

I can usually hit a 90 between 2 trailers with 1 or 2 minor pull ups about 90% of the time now. But man it feels good to hit it on the first shot!

Tractor Man, interesting you should bring this up. My favorite thing about backing is that everyone does it differently. I rarely go for a 90 and I almost always do at least one pullup. 45s are more my style. But both work great as long as you get it in there!!

I'd have to raise my hand. 1500 times per year, I'd better like it!

Damn that's a lot. I'm jealous haha

Repetition is your friend. I find I can nail the hard ones, sometimes easier than the ones I see as a cake walk. More focused on the tough ones. Too confident on the ones I "percieve" as easy. Practice, practice, practice...that is what I tell myself!

I can usually hit a 90 between 2 trailers with 1 or 2 minor pull ups about 90% of the time now. But man it feels good to hit it on the first shot!

Tractor Man, interesting you should bring this up. My favorite thing about backing is that everyone does it differently. I rarely go for a 90 and I almost always do at least one pullup. 45s are more my style. But both work great as long as you get it in there!!

Most ppl will suggest or try using their mirrors but me personally I can back a lot easier by looking at the trailer as I guide it in the hole.

Blindside backing on the other hand is something I try to avoid at all times.