This should be part of every test because this is part of every work-day life for a trucker. We spend 14 hours on duty.....11 hours driving.....and barely 5 minutes alley docking. Not much practice at all. I had to learn how to dock like this after CDL school because my exam was only straight back, offset and parallel. I go slow just like you did just to make sure it's straight. There are so many reckless truck drivers and yard jockeys out there disregarding all safety rules that make it difficult to dock smoothly. Thank you for this video. The driver's perspective helps the most. FYI for new drivers watching this......One of the most important things I've learned about docking is it will be different every single time. Know how to adjust with very tiny turns (do not over compensate), wait for the trailer to work (always a small delay in response to a turn).....and outside of school pull-ups are your best friend. I've seen truckers with decades of experience pull up 9-10 times just to dock. straight.
I wish I had you in the cab teaching me this stuff. I get tired of hearing, "turn left", "turn right". If they'd let me figure it out on my own and just give a few tips here and there, I'd learn better.
I will show you how to do it - then let you do one on your own. If you need help, my way is asking you questions - to see if you understand what you are doing wrong. If I am telling you where to turn the Steering wheel, It's Trucker Steve who is Backing up the trailer.
I've watched this video about 100 times and it has helped me immensely to get into some very tight docks. It has also helped me to gain better control of the trailer. I've shared this video with other truckers it's a HUGE help ! Thank you very much Trucker Steve. Safe journeys
Thank you very much. You are 100% better than the truck teachers and trainers. You did it brilliantly and calmly. Very informative. Please try to train others. 🎉
3:04 ~ brilliant moment I've been having problems, sometimes alley docking for me is a like a Chinese puzzle I even think of giving up. Apart from the offset law, your video has shown me several stages of control especially at 3:04 and on, that was the clincher.👍 I have spent over ten minutes on bad days. And on other days straight in first go. But the bad days are more than the good 🤯 with Super Heavyweight boxes which seem to exacerbate the problem. I think it's knowing when to to identify the need for the pull up and do it. Yours is a simply great video. When I learned the Offset Law and used it mindfully I was a lot better. Now with this, your video, I have another point that can be dealt with, in time - with that timely pull up. Thank you so much for making this.
Thank you for your kind words. As one viewer said, don’t forget the right mirror. I use the left line to make sure my trailer is straight. I never pull up a lot- most of the time I only have to pull up about 10 feet if needed. Once you have learned to react to your trailer, you’ll have the knowledge of backing up a trailer.
@@truckerstevecdlinstructor Yes, thank you😎👍☮️. The thing was (but not anymore) that when my wheels were lined up with the line - like just here, now, I always tried to straighten the tractor unit up while continuing back, this is impossible, as you have demonstrated. Let's see how I get on now. Thanks once again.....back in to the fray once again....
That was pretty nice. I've been practicing my backup to doc's for the last 2 weeks. I've gotten a lot better I'm not as scared now as I used to be. And backing into a spot at a truck stop I've been doing that a lot. I just know I'll get better with time. I soloed out completely straight out of truck driving school The company I went with stuck me right into a tractor trailer but I'm a farm kid so that's just how it went down. I've never driven a trailer this big before but I've driven a trailer that's about 40 ft long 43 ft
Hate it when the lines dont match up with the dock pads, always look for alignment on your dock before you trust those lines, sometimes they are so worn they are gone.
It's a nice video, but since we can't see the front wheels i think it was much better to let us know also when the wheels are moving from left to the right.
Its always better to set up a 45 degree back up than a 90 degree, better visibility on the blind side , less tire scrub,wear ,less stress on suspension.
@@sodbuster518able That is correct 👍. The CDL test is the 90 degree back. The driver must set up in a safe position for the back. If you have the room, get to the 45 or less if possible.
If the yard is large, no big deal. Today, the yard was small. Before I went to dispatch, I listened 3 open docks. The one with like you said, a large Sleeper tractor sticking out. I requested one of the other open docks and yes, they granted my request. Be safe!
Gotta love it when the driver you backed around throws a hissy fit that you were able to back around the guy without hitting him. He retaliated by calling the company I pull trailers for saying that I hit him when I was pulling away from the dock which I was backing in plus it's on camera that another guy did it before I got there plus him picking mirror pieces out of the trashcan before I even got the dock from the receiver. All he did was take a photo and then leave within 10 mins then I get a call from Safety department saying that guy was trying to blame me for hitting him. Didn't even walk up to my door and ask me for any kind of insurance information. So if I see another driver parked like that again I'll park and wait for the guy to leave first then back in or have them give me another dock.
@@adrian_009 pulling out, check your mirrors. Making adjustments to back into the dock - 10 feet - most of the time all that is needed - is a small pull-up
You should be able to see the rear of your trailer in your right and left mirrors. Before touching the dock, make sure your trailer doors are still open. ( some trailer doors use hooks to hold the door open and the doors may come unhooked) No reference points- knowing how to judge the rear of your trailer to the dock. Never hit the dock hard.
Cdl test donot make you a driver, 👎 just make you a rookie driver You learn when you start your first job. First 2 weeks are very very tough when you start your first cdl job.
No longer an instructor. The CDL school is North America Trade School in Woodlawn, Md and Carroll County Community College in Westminster, Md. I’am the MVA tester. The college is no more the 12 students per class.
Peace be upon you and may Allah have mercy on you I am a heavy duty driver I have worked in Saudi Arabia for two years in Khalid International Airport and now I want Saudi Arabia again Anna I am 55 years old I don't want to drive a trailer because I am in Pakistan during this period. I have driven a ten wheeler, I have driven a trailer, I have driven Hino Pak and Nishan Diesel, I have driven these big vehicles. Now my desire is to come to Saudi Arabia and drive with you guys in your company and if you can't do anything for me. On the Day of Resurrection, my hand will be yours and your neck will be because Allah Almighty has given you people a lot. give
great video but u would have failed the test your trailer broke the imaginary wall several times and the tire as well. 90 degree ain't no joke practice it the most!
THIS IS NOT A GOOD VIDEO. I AM A TRUCK DRIVER AND HE DID NOT EXPLAIN THIS BACKING PROPERLY. WHEN YOUR BACKING INTO A DOCK, YOU SHOULD USE BOTH MIRRORS SO YOU CAN BACK UP THE TRAILER STRAIGHT ON BOTH SIDES. WHEN YOU USE THIS METHOD, WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER IS THAT THE BACK MAY BE TO THE DOCK BUT THE TRAILER MAY NOT BE STRAIGHT
Yes that is true about the mirrors. As a truck driver, you know the size of the alley. The trailer was parallel to the line on the left. The trailer was straight. Yes always use your mirrors - left and right Thank you for your comment
One of the best back up videos I have seen on UA-cam.
This should be part of every test because this is part of every work-day life for a trucker. We spend 14 hours on duty.....11 hours driving.....and barely 5 minutes alley docking. Not much practice at all. I had to learn how to dock like this after CDL school because my exam was only straight back, offset and parallel. I go slow just like you did just to make sure it's straight. There are so many reckless truck drivers and yard jockeys out there disregarding all safety rules that make it difficult to dock smoothly. Thank you for this video. The driver's perspective helps the most.
FYI for new drivers watching this......One of the most important things I've learned about docking is it will be different every single time. Know how to adjust with very tiny turns (do not over compensate), wait for the trailer to work (always a small delay in response to a turn).....and outside of school pull-ups are your best friend. I've seen truckers with decades of experience pull up 9-10 times just to dock. straight.
You are the best! Thank you for your comment. Most likely, I would like to read your comments on an upcoming video.
Amazing 😊😊❤
I wish I had you in the cab teaching me this stuff. I get tired of hearing, "turn left", "turn right". If they'd let me figure it out on my own and just give a few tips here and there, I'd learn better.
I will show you how to do it - then let you do one on your own. If you need help, my way is asking you questions - to see if you understand what you are doing wrong. If I am telling you where to turn the Steering wheel, It's Trucker Steve who is Backing up the trailer.
I've watched this video about 100 times and it has helped me immensely to get into some very tight docks. It has also helped me to gain better control of the trailer. I've shared this video with other truckers it's a HUGE help ! Thank you very much Trucker Steve. Safe journeys
@@muninnseyes thank you so much 😊. Doing my best to help students and new CDL Drivers understand the concept.
Thanks for the real life situation instead of cones.Great Job.
Thank you very much. You are 100% better than the truck teachers and trainers. You did it brilliantly and calmly. Very informative.
Please try to train others. 🎉
3:04 ~ brilliant moment
I've been having problems, sometimes alley docking for me is a like a Chinese puzzle I even think of giving up. Apart from the offset law, your video has shown me several stages of control especially at 3:04 and on, that was the clincher.👍
I have spent over ten minutes on bad days. And on other days straight in first go. But the bad days are more than the good 🤯 with
Super Heavyweight boxes which seem to exacerbate the problem. I think it's knowing when to to identify the need for the pull up and do it.
Yours is a simply great video. When I learned the Offset Law and used it mindfully I was a lot better. Now with this, your video, I have another point that can be dealt with, in time - with that timely pull up.
Thank you so much for making this.
Thank you for your kind words. As one viewer said, don’t forget the right mirror. I use the left line to make sure my trailer is straight. I never pull up a lot- most of the time I only have to pull up about 10 feet if needed. Once you have learned to react to your trailer, you’ll have the knowledge of backing up a trailer.
@@truckerstevecdlinstructor Yes, thank you😎👍☮️. The thing was (but not anymore) that when my wheels were lined up with the line - like just here, now, I always tried to straighten the tractor unit up while continuing back, this is impossible, as you have demonstrated. Let's see how I get on now. Thanks once again.....back in to the fray once again....
Same here it's tuff
That was pretty nice. I've been practicing my backup to doc's for the last 2 weeks. I've gotten a lot better I'm not as scared now as I used to be. And backing into a spot at a truck stop I've been doing that a lot. I just know I'll get better with time. I soloed out completely straight out of truck driving school The company I went with stuck me right into a tractor trailer but I'm a farm kid so that's just how it went down. I've never driven a trailer this big before but I've driven a trailer that's about 40 ft long 43 ft
Thank you for your response
This is an excellent video very helpful. Thank you for posting and sharing your knowledge
Thank you for your kind words 👍. Please share my channel with your classmates or friends. Be Safe out there.
Awesome video helps tremendously trucker steve you are a pro’s pro thank you .
@@micahthompson4090 Thank you 🙏 for the kind words.
I’m testing on 7/6 and I’ll have to do my 90 degree to the dock.🤞🏾🤞🏾 Great content!!🎯
May you pass and become a CDL Driver on July 6, 2023. Best to you
Hate it when the lines dont match up with the dock pads, always look for alignment on your dock before you trust those lines, sometimes they are so worn they are gone.
Great job Sir Steve 👍
I don’t know how I make it from day to day without these videos
Thanks 🙏. Are you on my facebook site? CDL Students Training Tips. Join up
I suppose like many drivers, my uncle who did years on the road, did this sort of thing for a living. Backing up every truckers truck into bays.
Thanks Steve, to be helpful!
your videos help alot bro... keep doin you fam... #respect
This is a really good video you describe it really good
Have you joined my Facebook site. CDL Students training tips ?
It's a nice video, but since we can't see the front wheels i think it was much better to let us know also when the wheels are moving from left to the right.
Awesome tutorial
Its always better to set up a 45 degree back up than a 90 degree, better visibility on the blind side , less tire scrub,wear ,less stress on suspension.
@@sodbuster518able That is correct 👍. The CDL test is the 90 degree back. The driver must set up in a safe position for the back. If you have the room, get to the 45 or less if possible.
Great video you help me a lot 👍
Thank you 🙏 please refer my channel to your CDL Class
Nice…thank you…
Will do. Safe journeys
Can’t go over the line on the test. Would have to do a pull up at that point.
“I hope this video helped…”
Heck yes it helped!!!
Not sure why but I felt good being the 999 before u reached 1k lol! Thank you for this video good job instructing clean and simple, nice!!
Thank you 🙏
It's rough doing the same schenario as this except the guy in the dock on the left of yours is sticking out 5 feet past the other trucks
If the yard is large, no big deal. Today, the yard was small. Before I went to dispatch, I listened 3 open docks. The one with like you said, a large Sleeper tractor sticking out. I requested one of the other open docks and yes, they granted my request. Be safe!
Gotta love it when the driver you backed around throws a hissy fit that you were able to back around the guy without hitting him. He retaliated by calling the company I pull trailers for saying that I hit him when I was pulling away from the dock which I was backing in plus it's on camera that another guy did it before I got there plus him picking mirror pieces out of the trashcan before I even got the dock from the receiver. All he did was take a photo and then leave within 10 mins then I get a call from Safety department saying that guy was trying to blame me for hitting him. Didn't even walk up to my door and ask me for any kind of insurance information. So if I see another driver parked like that again I'll park and wait for the guy to leave first then back in or have them give me another dock.
How much should I clear the spot when pulling forward ?
@@adrian_009 pulling out, check your mirrors. Making adjustments to back into the dock - 10 feet - most of the time all that is needed - is a small pull-up
How many spaces do we pass, including the dock?
@@DaveThundercloud Get the rear of the trailer ten feet or more past the dock. I will be a little more
Backing to the dock, how do I find the reference point to stop in front of the dock door, and not hit the dock threshhold?
You should be able to see the rear of your trailer in your right and left mirrors. Before touching the dock, make sure your trailer doors are still open. ( some trailer doors use hooks to hold the door open and the doors may come unhooked)
No reference points- knowing how to judge the rear of your trailer to the dock. Never hit the dock hard.
Cdl test donot make you a driver, 👎
just make you a rookie driver
You learn when you start your first job. First 2 weeks are very very tough when you start your first cdl job.
👍 yes that is true.
Where is your CDL training located in Maryland? And do you have a website?
No longer an instructor. The CDL school is North America Trade School in Woodlawn, Md and Carroll County Community College in Westminster, Md. I’am the MVA tester. The college is no more the 12 students per class.
Peace be upon you and may Allah have mercy on you I am a heavy duty driver I have worked in Saudi Arabia for two years in Khalid International Airport and now I want Saudi Arabia again Anna I am 55 years old I don't want to drive a trailer because I am in Pakistan during this period. I have driven a ten wheeler, I have driven a trailer, I have driven Hino Pak and Nishan Diesel, I have driven these big vehicles. Now my desire is to come to Saudi Arabia and drive with you guys in your company and if you can't do anything for me. On the Day of Resurrection, my hand will be yours and your neck will be because Allah Almighty has given you people a lot. give
Super
great video but u would have failed the test your trailer broke the imaginary wall several times and the tire as well. 90 degree ain't no joke practice it the most!
Noice👍
THIS IS NOT A GOOD VIDEO. I AM A TRUCK DRIVER AND HE DID NOT EXPLAIN THIS BACKING PROPERLY. WHEN YOUR BACKING INTO A DOCK, YOU SHOULD USE BOTH MIRRORS SO YOU CAN BACK UP THE TRAILER STRAIGHT ON BOTH SIDES. WHEN YOU USE THIS METHOD, WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER IS THAT THE BACK MAY BE TO THE DOCK BUT THE TRAILER MAY NOT BE STRAIGHT
Yes that is true about the mirrors. As a truck driver, you know the size of the alley. The trailer was parallel to the line on the left. The trailer was straight. Yes always use your mirrors - left and right
Thank you for your comment
this is not your video,it was good enuff for others who can learn something from everyone ,take your super trucker ass on and make your own video a