I think maybe, finally after 16 months solo......

[Bearbell]

That I have become a truck driver. All though time wise I am probabaly still a steering wheel holder.

This has absolutely been the HARDEST job I have ever had. And in my years of working since 16 I have had my share of jobs.

Have found in this job not only do I have the disadvantage of being a blonde, older woman and a JB Hunt driver. That at times its not always a disadvantage. I have learned to use my disadvantages to my advantages most times.

I still find backing my hardest challange along with getting in/out of diagonal parking spaces in rest areas. I try my best to find the very 1st or last spot and park there. As crazy as it seems I have actually not slept at night due to worry about getting back out in the morning. I have found that if I want to get into a spot bad enough. Yes I can get into it.

I still try my best NOT to get to a t/s so late at night that I have to do anything but a straight line back between 2 trucks. I can do any other backs between a trailer and truck but just cant get the confidence needed to go between 2 trucks when tired. Have also found that I am not looking as hard anymore for parking spots as I was when I 1st started. Also I do not recall the last time I had to make my own on a on/off ramp. Not recommended btw in any state.

Magicman and Big Dave have been god sends to me. Big Dave when I 1st started and calmed the tears, when I was with Givens Transportation and had my 1st alone blindside. Magicman what I can I say... your online and phone school has really worked with me.

For those that dont know. I had 2 trainers one for 3 weeks 1 week we were broken down. He could not teach me to back he had never trained before and didint have the knowledge. The other was Pavement Pilot who refined my shifting and was getting me on the road to floating and backing before canadian immigration stepped in and took my job. That allowed me only 3 weeks of drive time with PP. Will never forget the day he was guiding me into a hard spot and another driver was complaining about how long it was taking, PP said hey dont you remember when you were leaning. The other driver left us alone after that to finish. Not bad PP for another who had never trained before.

A few days ago I was loading in New Jersey and the spot was tight. Was looking and wondering if I could make it. Another driver asked if i needed help being guided in. I said sure, then he said he didint have time and would put it in for me. To which I replied no thanks I need to do it myself or I will never learn. I got it in there but , MM called and heard me cussing the customer for storing trailers right in front of the area I needed to make it an easier back. Wasnt happy that MM heard me sounding like a truck driver :) Asked the yard guy if I needed to move cause I felt I wasnt in straight and he said I was fine.

For all the backing lack of confidence I have, its been some time since I have needed serious help getting into a regular place. I do and did need help at the exit 4 T/a in madison I think wisconsin. off 94. Its diagonal parking there and I just cant seem to get lined up right. But in this year I have learned to listen well and most can guide me into a spot with little trouble. Some day I hope to be able to picture my set up as I do it.

Now dont think I cant back. Only *I* can think that :). I have done ok this past year. Learned little things along the way that make it easier. Have learned to NOT be afraid to ask for help. Or tell a customer that if it looks like a hard back it may take me awhile. That way customer knows up front it may take awhile and they usually dont get upset with me taking the time that I need. Was real real proud the other day when I was looking at a spot and said oh it may take me awhile. Was told another companies driver took 34 minutes. I said well lets hope it doesnt take me that long. It took me 4 minutes. Dang I was proud of me that day!!

So anyways this will be a start of my time with this board, and my adventures. To which my dispatcher and I have decided that I sure get into a lot of odd ball places and situtations. Which I really do. I really hope that I can help someone as I have been helped

Stay safe all.

[Foxfire]

BB, you are not the only one to have gotten into all of those "strange" situations. Every last one of us has had the same doubts, fears and shed a few tears of frustration. No person has ever been able to climb behind the wheel and know everything they will need to know. I know from my own experience that backing is the scariest part of driving a truck. But, believe it or not, one day it will just come to you what you need to do and all of the past few months will bring a chuckle to you when you remember it. I applaud you for being persistent and not letting the pressures get to you to the point you gave up. Keep your chin up and stand proud and tall when you tell people that you are a Truckdriver! I'm very proud of you!

[driver62]

Don't worry about the backing. It will come. I know what you mean about some of those places in Jersey. I drove for JB back in 1994 and spent so much time on the East coast, I thought I lived there.
When I started driving, I had the same problem as you. I couldn't back worth a hoot. So, when I had to wait for a door at a shipper or receiver, I would watch other drivers back in. If they did it right, I made a note of it. If they screwed it up, I paid no attention. It's amazing what you can learn from watching.
When I retired in 2003, I was very good at backing. I could out back our trainers. Of course, some of our trainers weren't that good.
Just remember. The set-up is the key and don't over or under steer. I know it's not that simple but it works.
And lastly, when in doubt, GET OUT AND LOOK.

[beanie baby]

Very nice post Bearbell! :clap:

You need to have more confidence in yourself, your doing a good job!! ;)

[Bearbell]

Well I am slowly but surely getting the hang of this. Thanks all who responded. Am off tomorrow to west point va then whitby on. Not real happy about going to canada again.

I guess part of what I was saying is for the newer folks not to give up You really do get the hang of things after awhile and it does get easier.

[Capt._Chaos]

Good post, Bearbell!

You do have some experience behind you, but just like me or any other driver who has been at this for awhile, you will likely keep learning every day! Regardless of how many years I've been doing this, I always remind myself that "Every day is a new day!" :) .

Backing skills come with time. Even after nine and a half years of driving, I still have those days when I just can't do it! The best advice I can give you is to relax, and be patient with yourself. It takes years to learn it and get a feel for it, but you'll gain more confidence as time goes on. Trust me!

Wanna hear something funny? For the first time in many years, I've been referred to as a "trainee" at my new job! :rofl: It's obviously not for teaching me how to drive, but for the Route Delivery part of the job, and I'm eager to learn about it!

After a few years, who knows? I may become a trainer at this company too! :yikes:

[nitestar]

Bearbell

Good for you girl , good for you.


As long as you are self conscious about your backing you will NEVER hit another truck or building. You are aware of the hazards around you and you are making sure you don't do a boo boo.

Keep up the good work, Keep learning, You are doing just fine.

I used to be very very good at backing. Once thought of entering a truck rodeo for it.
I could do most anything with a truck. blind side, angle, you name it. I now have this Century and I am worse than a newbie.
I can't explain it, I can't seem to correct it. I just make a bunch of pull ups till I git er done.
Yeah, it bothers me, but I can't seem to find the secret.
As long as no bumps or bruises I will muddle along.
I just leave it at the fuel island. NOT



BB, do you ever park or drop a trailer at Big Charlies TS?
I pay to drop my trl there when visiting my youngest son in VA Beach..

great place to practice backing.
Last time I was there a truck hit the big hole near the back of the lot and nearly tore his tanks off.

[Bearbell]

Quite honestly, I think I will always be insecure in my backing. Even though I have gone into some places that others have refused to go into per the shippers or receivers statements. They have also told me that I have done well when others havent.

I think Nitestar is right as long as I dont have the total confidence I will always be one who is over cautious if there is such a thing in trucking. I am now feeling more of a driver and that I know what I am doing that I ever have with this job. I will continue to learn every day with this job, as I am afraid of what happens when I dont want to learn or cant learn anymore.

Nitestar I like maybe 3 miles from Charlies and I try my best to not go near it other than in passing on my way home. Never seen a back lot so bad as theirs is. I picked up the truck I am driving now there and refused to let my daughter take the car into the back. The place gives me the creeps also. Not sure why. But it does.

Well I am off to West Point VA then Canada. Hope all have good days and safe trips.

[Mr. McFeely]

This has absolutely been the HARDEST job I have ever had.Bump.

It's funny how perception varies. I've found this to be the EASIEST job I've ever had. :fishing:

Spend some time driving around an empty lot just going backwards and manuvering around. Get used to the way your truck behaves and responds to input while going in reverse. This will lead you toward the path where you make it do what you want, and not vice-versa.

You just need to build familiarity with it.

[Big_Dave]

This has absolutely been the HARDEST job I have ever had.Bump.

It's funny how perception varies. I've found this to be the EASIEST job I've ever had. :fishing:

Spend some time driving around an empty lot just going backwards and manuvering around. Get used to the way your truck behaves and responds to input while going in reverse. This will lead you toward the path where you make it do what you want, and not vice-versa.

You just need to build familiarity with it.
Bearbell had a lot of problems in the beginning. The 2 friends that tried to train her, didn't have the 'knowledge' to be a trainer. Don't get me wrong in what I'm saying, they both know real well, how to drive a truck, they just have a hard time teaching others how to.

Bearbells' come a long way from the days when she was starting out.

Like you said, familiarity builds your confidence and your knowledge of how the vehicle reacts to what you do to it.

Spending spare time off in a deserted corner of a large parking lot does wonders. ;)

[maxmiddle]

Bearbell:

Long time no hear from. Good to hear that you are doing ok.

The only way you learn to back up is to back up. It just takes time and the belief that you can do it.

Keep the faith. We may move ya to Nebraska and make a junior meat hauler outta ya !! :p

[Bearbell]

Thanks all for all the great responses. Am sorry it has taken me so long to get back. I rarely go to t/s anymore that have internet access. I have gotten to the point I dispise all the big name places. They are harder to park in and folks usually just park helter skelter.

Right now I am in the T/A at Fultonville NY. Not sure how long I will be in the NE this time. Lately they have been pretty good at getting me all over. I am really really unhappy with JB though. I will have 3 out of 4 weeks, under 2000 miles, and then I feel "blessed", when I get more than 2000. Actually got a week with 4000+ but the week previous to it was only 749. Due to the big week taking 3 days from the previous week. I am finding that probably the most frustrating thing with JB.

I think my backing confidence has improved. A friend whos opinion I trust saw me back one day, and I got out of the truck to him shaking his head. Asked him why and he said what the hell do you mean you cant back? You back as well as anyone else out here. As weird as it sounds it helped me alot. Then tonight I had a hell of a time trying to get into a spot that was an almost straightline. I couldnt really see how close I was to the trailer on the right, probably didint help much that mirror was dirty. So I ended up backing into another spot had 1 pullup :) Parking spots sure are narrow around here.

Safety thing..always make sure that you pull your tractor brakes. No folks not me this time. But did happen to a friend. Also folks make sure you always check your 5th wheel I had a friend pulling doubles who had pulled up after fueling and they were 2 53' trailers and someone had pulled his 5th wheel. But he noticed it before he was all the way out from under the trailer. Guess someone didint like how much room he was taking up.

Speaking of fueling. I am GUILTY of pulling up grabbing my coffee cup and thermos. Going inside and going to bathroom,doing my thing washing hands and getting my refills and if they have more than 1 cashier at fuel desk making it back out in 5 minutes. I do not go to the fast food places and order while I am in the fuel line. I also will not scan my bills when I am in the fuel line. So before you all start yelling at me on the CB which most times I dont have on in a truck stop anyways. Maybe think its not my fault that its taken me so long in there. I havent been to 1 pilot the last 4 times I have been to one that had more than 1 person manning the fuel desk. Or any cash register for that matter.

Well i need to think about trying to sleep. The truck next to me sounds like its about ready to take off at anytime now. So much for sleeping with the windows open. OH well price we pay huh.

Stay safe all and again thanks for the responses.

[shewolf]

Good to hear you are doing well and still hanging in there Bearbell. :)

We are still out here and I am now team driving with Hubby in a straight truck. With the expedited business we are usually driving all night to somewhere and rarely have opportunity to spend time at truckstops with WIFI either. Im thinking of going with an air card and plan from Verizion or one of the others out there so can get internet anywhere.

Look for us out on the road driving a purple Panther. :D

[LSMR]

Hi Bearbell-I know how you feel about backing.I've been in the truck repair business for 25 years but only recently got into the driving end of this.I move trailers for several rental companies & dealers.Sometimes I have to move 7 or 8 a day which means I have to back each one in a space.I never considered myself good at backing but everyday it seems to get easier.Yesterday I really felt good about myself.I pulled into TIP with a trailer and was told what spot to put it in,they apologized in advance because it was a pretty tight spot & then the manager said we where saving that spot because we know you can back really good!!

Have patience with yourself.You'll do fine :) :)

[Bryan]

yea dad had a prob wit backing but he found a terminal and lined up trailers and stuff and worked it till he learned all this occured at a terminal maybe u can try that BB hope the road is good to you have good trips and keep your eyes on the road :cheers: :p