2nd week out as a rookie solo driver
Posted by Moraj7300@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 10 comments
How long ago did it take for you guys to get the hang of everything like backing, and time management. Because me personally I still lose time with backing and because of that I feel like I don’t get the miles in for the day. And also I start around 3am and usually end my day before 4pm because after 5pm because finding parking at stops is little crazy. Any advice on how to save time and my job easier?
EventComprehensive74@reddit
My first month, just keep backing when ever u get a chance like at the yard or when u get to a truck stop with no trucks beside u an u will get it I know how u feel I was stressing when I first started but u will get it practicing and remember to get out an look.. U GOT IT!!đź‘Ť
lqmist@reddit
Get out and look is what helps u become better at backing, helps u understand how the trailer moves, and if youll ever be to close on your blind spot.
quackl11@reddit
So I dont knwo how much this will help, I used to work in a warehouse driving power Jack's (no hitch just 1 unit) and found that when backing up learning my angles were the biggest things. I'd often have to turn 90° into a parking spot and found through experimenting that it's easier to cut it in if I get the back wheels in line and then swing the front using the back wheels as a pivot point. And wide angles made all the difference
Again I'm working on a smaller scale and if I bumped things it was fine since the Jack's had a bumper that was meant to avoid your foot getting crushed
scottiethegoonie@reddit
Time management will be a bitch for your first month.
Your backing will be slow and you will have to learn the "flow" of how shippers and receivers work + dealing with parking for your 10.
Once you know your shippers as well as your preferred rest areas and time of days, it gets easier.
You will get better at backing but a difficult back is always a difficult back. The only difference is you have strategies and more confidence in your skills.
Independent_Scale570@reddit
I Run at night, estimate 50mph if your run mainly is state highways n backroads n 60mph if it’s interstate, and go ahead n add in an extra hour or 2 if you’re going to the northeast or thru Atlanta/normally fucked cities (math is dependent on your governor, if you’re at 62 it’ll be lower than if you’re at 75) assume a half hour-hour for drop n hook bullshit most of the time it’s relatively quick, and estimate 2hrs for live loads n unloads (I’m not including how long it takes to get backed in n checked in, grocery loads don’t have time frames so be prepared to get fucked) shit happens which is why I try n stick to nights, because if I end up gettin held up real bad I’ll still normally be able to find somewhere to shut down at the end of it. Backing just takes practice n the day you think there’s nothing more you can learn n that you’ve mastered it all is the day you need to hang up your keys. Laziness kills, don’t get complacent or it WILL come back to bite you. I’m assuming you’re at a mega so please pretrip every trailer you hook up to, shit gets fucked up n goes unreported very often you don’t wanna end up with a DOT ticket. If it needs repairs n they won’t send out a mobile tech, you HAVE to get them to write a letter saying that you’re taking it to a shop to get fixed so you won’t be fucked when you get pulled over.
Meatbuns66@reddit
1-2 months to learn my company's dispatch tendancies and app software quirks. In that time, I got better at backing too and pulling up to fit evenly on both sides in a parking spot.
3rd month on, doing everything normally now. No accidents, still GOAL if unsure sometimes.
Had a close call backing into a dock between 2 trucks in month 2 because I didn't account for extra width of my trailer with the doors open and hooked on each side. Was a tight spot, but no harm, driver honked at me to warn me I was about to hit....
Deep_Resource3081@reddit
Local grocery delivery, I use a drone at one specific store that is a blind side back next to a high school and kids walking around. Never have I been asked at a truck stop for help, ask most the otr guys will help you, especially if you next to them. Also winter is coming, watch them roads early in the morning, no disrespect but you ain’t a trucker till you get through some snowstorms
AnotherMidwestDude@reddit
You’ll get better with experience. Where you are dictates when you need to stop for the day. Parking in the northeast fills up FAST. There’s mega truck stops in the south and Midwest that never fill up
Defiant-Giraffe-4071@reddit
Experience is the only way. You can read, watch videos, and listen to others but to truly learn and become efficient, you need to practice. Learn what is the easiest way for you. As for time management, that can be read to learn ways others use, but it still isn't a one size fits all.
Park in the back where there are plenty of open spots. Practice backing every chance you get. One thing to remember about backing....first try or 10th try, zero pull up or 15 pull-ups. 1 minute or 10 minutes....all the same. Any backing where you put the truck and trailer where it needs to be without hitting or damaging anything else, is a successful backing job. There is ABSOLUTELY NO ONE who does it right the first time every time. 28 years and there are days I couldn't hit a barn with the trailer if I tried. The very next time...one shot and done.
Practice practice practice and lots of patients.
thetoefunfus@reddit
It’ll take you a couple of months to get the hang of backing. The tougher situations you get into the faster you’ll learn. Don’t be afraid to get out and look if you’re not confident. The only real advice I can give you is take your time, don’t get overconfident. The more backings you do the more you’ll improve.
Honestly even after a couple of years you still have days where you’re wondering where all your backing experience went because it took you so long to back in a trailer to a super easy spot. Take your time and don’t rush it.
Take 30 minutes to back a trailer in instead of a couple of hours to do an accident report.