I will be attending orientation next Wednesday , I hope to be on the road solo soon. What worries me the most is backing into a loading dock that has a small area in which to maneuver. My instructor at school told me if I
absolutely feel uncomfortable doing this to ask another truck driver if he or she can back my truck in for me. Is this a good idea ?
I am confident that over time I will be able to handle these situations , but
in the beginning I feel a little intimidated. Am I the only one that worries about this - or am I worrying about nothing.

 

Practice in any spare time you have. I'd personally recommend asking someone to guide you in backing in rather than just have them do it for you, then it becomes a learning experience and you'll be better off next time.

 

Everyone worried about exactly the same thing you are. But, if you allow me to give you some advice, then do not do as your instructor has said and allow someone to back the trailer in for you. By doing that, you will only heighten your fears for the day when no one can help you and it seems nigh on impossible to get in. You,ll also learn just about nothing by watching other folk all the time, as you,ll probably stand in the wrong place to view at the wrong time. Thats no offence to you, I ,m just being honest.
The best thing to do, which will help you, is ask an experienced driver to stand on the steps of your drivers door(if they can that is; If not just stand very close by) That experienced driver will most likely be only too willing to talk you in....Left hand down a little, start taking your lock off now, nice and easy, three feet to go, that sort of thing... Point is, it will be you driving and you learning.
Go for it and very happy driving to you :wink:

 

Your fears are normal. When that time comes your instincts will usually kick in. You have nothing to worry about. It will get into the dock one way or another :lol: Some docks may seem tight but there are ways to make it almost into a straight-line back. Usually 2 or 3 other people will start helping you if they see you are having a hard time. After 3-6 months you''ll even start laughing at yourself. :lol: Good Luck and happy holidays.

 

I think for me the biggest concern is if the driver who accepts your request to back the truck in causes damage to your rig! The company may have a policy against others driving their rigs........

One person's perception!

 

Never shy away from backing in your own truck! Tight spots will show up time and time again, thats just the way trucking is but everyone has to learn sometime and learning while you're a complete rookie is as good a time as any.

[edit]Not too long ago a woman driver asked me to back her truck into a loading dock for her and i flat out refused. However i told her that i would be more than willing to spot her. I think you'll find that most drivers are willing to help if you ask politely.

 

letting someone else besides a company driver from yer company drive the truck will void the warranty on the insurance and if they damage it you will get sued personally, if thats scares ya better apply at mcdonalds....

 

ugly mutt is right, never ever ley anyone into your truck, much less drive it. keep in mind that it is possible, and maybe drivers with less experience than you did it. ask for help, we all get into situations where at first it seems like there is no way in or out. i was told if i take 100 pullups and backing moves, it is a perfect back if i get it in the dock without hitting anything. if you feel embarrassed or frustrated, which we ALL did and at times still DO, just stop, drink somethuing, smoke a smoke, explain on cb you are a rookie and don't want to hit anything. you will be surprised at the help you will get. i have gotten into places that i knew i could not get out of. after cooling off i find i got in, i can get out. never be afraid to ask for help.

 

:lol: Kinda skeerd to pay my taxes :lol: can someone help me with that?

 

Just back into the tax man using someone elses truck hehehehehe

choperbob is right take yer time annd pull up all you need too.... just remember to always make new tracks, never pull up into the same spot in other words, it stuck with me the saying ' always make new tracks ' then try again and pull up if you need to, I see it everyday at the truckstops, in time you will master your fears..and be teaching others how to do the same...