Trucking Newbie

Hello guys, I just started driving 1 month ago. The most challenge for me is backing up because they definitely don't teach that at 160 Driving Academy. I now drive 1800 miles a week and have had to figure it out all on my own. I love this job and have some good rookie experiences to share. I love the forum here as it gives good insight into the industry.

Hey Roger, welcome to the industry and the forum. Backing takes time to get comfortable with. Just remember to GOAL and do pull-ups as needed and not let anyone make you feel rushed. No matter how long it takes, a back that doesn't lead to you needing to report any damages to your company is a successful one.

Training is only to get you enough knowledge to pass the CDL test, the real training comes on the road as you go. Like everything, it'll get easier with time and experience.

Welcome, Roger!

Sandman really nailed it. Perfect advice.

Take all the time you need to get backed in. That's the key - patience. New drivers get nervous and sometimes try to rush it so they don't hold anyone up or look like they don't know what they're doing.

Unfortunately, you can't hide it. When a driver with years of experience watches a rookie backing, he knows within five seconds he's watching a rookie.

All that matters is that you don't hit anything. Make that your only requirement when backing. Get it into the dock with no damage. Act like your life depends on it. Soon enough you'll be as good as anyone out there, and then you get to tease the rookies!

We really need to shift the perception of what a "perfect back" looks like. Yeah, some of us get really lucky and nail it the first time.

A successful back is when the trailer is where you intended it to be, in the correct position for loading/unloading/parking and all equipment and property are undamaged. THAT is what a successful back looks like.

Give yourself grace, give yourself space, slow it down, and GOAL. Eventually, your skills and confidence will make it way easier and less intimidating.

Hi, Roger. Do you mind telling us who drive for?

After being hired did your company have you paired with a trainer? For how long?

Some drivers have a natural ability when it comes to backing, and are pretty good at it fresh out of CDL school. Others, like me, begin to get the hang of it during our company training period. I wasn't comfortable backing until after I'd been solo for a month.

“I now drive 1800 miles a week and have had to figure it out all on my own.”

I like this quote because to “figure it out all on my own” is what makes a good all around driver. No one gets enough training to eliminate the need to figure it out on their own. Those who can’t figure it out on their own are doomed to failure. It’s not easy as a new driver to do that, but it brings a tremendous sense of satisfaction when we actually get better and better at figuring stuff out.

So, Roger, don’t feel alone, we have all gone through what you are describing. I’ve been driving a full 3 years now, and am still learning how to back up and fine tuning the process. But I still GOAL religiously and that habit has saved me from numerous potential accidents. Brett mentioned seasoned drivers in his comment. I think seasoned drivers respect newer drivers who they see GOAL, especially if you are backing in next to their equipment, lol.

Be patient, it takes time for things to start falling into place. And you will get it figured out, little by little.

As others have said, GOAL, take it slow and the only perfect back is one where it needs go with no damage.

I really didn't feel comfortable in my backing until the two year mark. I fought for every inch of ground I've backed over. A lot of times it seems you're making mistakes and look like a kid in drivers Ed, but that's your head barking at you. In reality, there's no special formula other than to goal, mind your tandems and be situationally aware. You will develop instincts that will scream at you, but nothing beats a goal.

You'll pick up capacity to get more miles as you develop as a driver. It's all in your trip planning. That is what makes an efficient driver, a safe driver and a productive driver.

Here are a few pointers. I teach CDL and this is what I pass on.

These are the main points on backing up:

• Where are your tandems? First get your tandems to the target spot (the "entry point" to the place you are driving to). Set your eyes and target a point about 6-10 feet in front of the goal point. The trailer needs to be at a realistic angle to adjust the aim of the trailer.
• Aim the trailer to go in. With the tandems almost in the lane, don't worry about them. Now use the tractor to push the front of the trailer left or right to change the aim of the trailer backing in.

You've probably heard something like this:
Turn to the trouble or Turn the way you don't want to go

Back in until done. Good luck!

Here are many "real life" backing situations you might run into. I posted these on this form several years ago. They may be something in these to help you out. (This link goes to a spreadsheet with links to each one.)

Backing Practice® Table of Contents