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Trucking School Class half day Wednesday

by Collin Barnette
(Visalia, CA)

I don't think the Instructors wanted to be at the school this morning but for me and the one other guy that showed up it was great. I had several instructors to myself and thought it was a very productive time.

I see that several have written in and asked about the frustrations of backing. Well I can tell you, I am 49 and have backed a few trailers in my day including semis. It can be a very humbling experience. One time I will slip that trailer right into the spot and the next time, (*^%$$@!!) not even close. But, with practice, I get better every day. The School seems to have the worst possible combination, a long three axle tractor and a short, short trailer. If I can get this down for the DMV and then remember to be patient with myself in the future, I think it will start to come easier.

Merry Christmas everybody! Stay tuned for more updates from Truck Driving School.

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Dec 30, 2008
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Backing the tractor trailer combination
by: thecrazytrucker

Practice practice practice.

But nothing to be scared of. You would be surprised how many guys that's been driving for years have the hardest time backing still.

Mostly because of two reasons

1. They avoid backing if at all possible. Which i think at school they may say to do because backing is the most dangerous movement of a truck to avoid backing if you can. I don't remember if they say that or not.

I feel like why run from it, when backing is essential to the job. So, I backed when ever I could when i got out on the road. Empty spaces at the end of the parking lot, I backed in to them just like trucks were parked there to get the judging part down. Soon it becomes second nature.

2. Another reason some drivers may back so poorly could be cause they don't try to improve. They just want to get it in the hole. Backing should be done just like shooting basketball, each time your trying to get nothing but net and you are continuously trying to shoot dead center in the rim (then again that may just be me also)not just get it in.

So I just wanted to say to your reader try to perfect your backing not just get it in because there will be times that skills will be needed. Tight spots with little room to maneuver so the more accurate your are the easier it will be.

Plus it will feel good when the people at the dock say, "Wow, that was a hell of a job, most guys take 15 or 20 minutes to get in that hole!"

Boy that feels good. Oh, and it saves you time!

Collin your are so right on those short trailers, its funny how the length of the trailer or the position of the tandem can throw things off so much.

Well have fun in school, I got to go trucking.

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