I was out with a trainer at Schneider as a roockie for over a week, they call them "training engineers" (TE). You're basically delivering their loads for them while they coach you. We are not going to go out 100s of miles out of the way to an operations center to practice backing. We practice backing where we need to back. Which is the customer, bol, distribution center, or truck stop. We practice backing in the yard a week before going out with a trainer.
If you drive 2, 3, 6 states regularly and have a pattern of customers, it's easy to stay away from truck stops. have a thermos of hot water and instant coffee, get set up with food, keep a log of good (safe) places for a truck to park, then stay away from truck stops if you can do it. some times you're forced into staying at a truck stop but try to stay away from them. The less you back up the better. when you have to back up don't be afraid to get out and look. you'll never see any of those drivers again and you'll be the one with a clean record. keeping a clean record is like having a personality that wants a clean record.
Another good point on Parking in truck stops is if you have a limited choice of parking next to another truck, park next to a truck that takes pride in their equipment (polished, clean, well maintained). Less chance of them hitting yours than a Swift, Western Express, etc. Keep up the good work!
Never turn down spotting help, especially from the owner ops, from day one of my career I've always taken the back row. Besides a little walk never hurt ya, and after sitting all day it's good to stretch the legs
Ive been driving for 2 years coast to coast (except CALI and NY personal choice), yes I’m new but boy the things I learned : 1. Never park in spots right behind the pumps… busiest area to be, trucks tend to back to change what pump to get into when waiting in line and not look back, got hit once like that. 2. If snowing or icy grounds never park in a position where you have to pull out uphill, I got stuck once in iowa. 3. Don’t park by the curb, watch where you park because another truck will park behind you, another in front of you and another next to you… now you’re blocked in and they won’t be reluctant to move if you have to get out. This happens especially late at night when spots are full. 4. Don’t park where you face perpendicular parking spots because once those are filled trucks will tend to line up and park outside the boxes one by one so the space you have to get out is very little and they don’t care if you can’t get out. 5. Rest area… same as number 4. Trucks will often park behind you in a diagonal parking but also in front if there’s no curb. Leaving you stuck. 6. Always try to park in truck stops AWAY FROM BIG CITIES… this is big. I was robbed one time at the Petro in Atlanta. In big cities by 2pm truck stops are full anyway so go out to the middle of nowhere.
Great tips! I'm still a new driver and one thing I have done since I started to avoid hitting other trucks is I leave around 4 in the morning so that when I pull into a truck stop late in the afternoon the parking lot is wide open and I can get a nice pull strough spot were it will be easy to pull out in the morning.
***** Yep! Good Thinking! I can`t sleep while it`s still daylight,so...I drive longer than I should and then I am screwed! IT`s a bad habit I have! Actually,I would RATHER drive at night,and sleep in the day! But I MUST be REALLY tired! LOVE night driving! Less traffic,scales are closed,cops are more lenient,etc!
In 20 years, I've been hit by 4 people in a truckstop. All 4 of them were drivers who had at least 10 years of experience. It's not "just the rookies" at all. A lot of people just love to blame rookies for everything... But if you actually take the time to notice, it's usually not the rookies. It's the old guys who are so complacent at their jobs they are a danger to everyone.
Michael Tovar same thing i said about people dropping their trailers on the ground because they jumped the kingpin. In my 5 years ive only seen experienced drivers do this 3 times
I have never driven a big rig. I love the professionalism of most truckers. I have taken one trip each year since 1970 (47 yrears) of 10,000 miles on Interstate Highways. I love driving them. Over those years the number of trucks has gone up at least 30 times. In the 70's, I would pass a truck two or three times an hour in Wyoming, now, in 2017, I am never out of sight of a truck. I pass one a minute. That is the difference in the number of rookies he is talking about. The number of truck stops has not grown as much because each was built back then on the assumption they would pull all of the trucks, and no truck would go to the competition. So in the 70's each year there were 1,000 rookies, and now there are 30,000 rookies, but the same number of truck stops. Thus there are 30 times as many rookies at each truck stop.
I had a great trainer when I first started out. He would have ne practice backing anytime we hit a city where we had a drop yard. The last two weeks of training, my trainer was comfortable enough with my driving to allow me to drive at night and he'd sleep pretty much my entire drive time
How about we work on solving the real problem: a shortage of parking. Skilled or unskilled, rookie or veteran, super trucker or steering wheel holder, what ever name and bias you have on other drivers, the problem is finding a safe place to park. I know paying for parking sounds terrible, but it costs less than a parking lot accident, and a ruined perfect driving record, preventable or not. DOT needs to be responsible to provide a safe place to park if laws are going to restrict drive time. What's a rookie going to do at 2am? back into the hole no one wants, and crunch. oops. Trucks must stop, and it doesn't have to be a truck stop, but rather a parking facility with safe, pull through, lighted parking spots. Big super mega company fleets or whatever can set up an account at a fixed monthly rate and put their drivers in a safe, accident preventable, commercial vehicle parking facility, secured access and monitoring. Make too much sense? not enough?
VISlONARY1 I'm at the Pilot in Hisperia, CA. I'd never want to be here, but where else can I take a mandatory 30 min break? I've found the dirt lot in the back by the highway. It's better than the paved mess closer to the over priced store.
Matt's Van Life preach it!!! You're absolutely 100% correct. Our federal government has got to give us some kind of relief out here. I'm tired of fighting for parking and showers.
Man you are enlightening me well beyond years. I like your show...Your like the Trucker Uncle that we all beginner trucker drivers wished that they had! Thanks Brother.
Very sound advice. Along with the tips you already mentioned, I avoid parking in the middle of the lot at the end of a row where drivers are making turns in front of me. I've seen a few bumpers ripped off of rigs that choose the "suicide spot" by careless drivers cutting the corner too tightly with their trailer.
Your tip about nosing in makes sense to me now. Prior to this I always used to chuckle to myself thinking what a dummy, driver can't back up his own trailer!! But now it makes perfect sense that if you nose in, your trailer will take the brunt of the impact. But on the other hand, backing out of a nosed in spot also presents the danger of possibly hitting a driver/pedestrian on their smartphone or Bluetooth headset. I've seen a few near misses by drivers in the morning before sunrise when it's hard to see objects and shadows moving about.
I am a trainer for Stevens. If I have my student work on there backing I always make sure to have 3 open spots next to each other to make sure they don't hit anything.
This is helping me quite alot. I'm wanting to get a cdl for otr trucking soon. I know it'll all be tough, but I'm still at home being 20 with a part time job. Theres not full time around, and if anything doesn't happen by Jan. of next year I'll be entering a school. Hopefully ill find a job not ending with a trainer as I function better on my own. Beyond stressful with them around. I've been pulling and reversing 24'-40' trailers since I was 12. On a farm tractor since I was 8. Been taught by my stepfather who was a trucker. Also my actual father a trucker. Road with him many of times when I was 5 and younger...
This is an excellent video of advice presented by someone that is quite evidently a dedicated professional driver. Thanks for the upload. I enjoyed watching it and reminding myself of these great tips. Thanks.
I'm only 15, turning 16 in June, plan on getting my Class A when a I turn 18. Lots of advice. My brother, he's a truck driver and his dad was an independent trucker for 35 years, throughout those years, he owned 8 trucks. My dad, last I knew he was a trucker, my mom's previous husband, and my mom's ex-boyfriend are local truckers. So I plan on driving. Great video
+Brian Pfeiffer 140-180hrs of training at a verified school. some companies will train you and you'll be put with a driver trainer once through the classes....
I know this is an old video, but I'll comment anyway. I only drove OTR for about 1 year back in 2010. Just wasn't my thing after getting screwed over by 2 companies, and getting stuck with an aggressive drunkard co-driver, but I still like watching trucker videos and have a lot of my regular flatbed owner operators I unload at my job I consider friends. You made some good points in your video, but some are easier said than done, and a couple I disagree with . But what do I know, I was a rookie driver for only a year & don't even drive anymore? I remember many, if not most of the time driving that finding a place to park was usually difficult, especially when I was on the East Coast. Sometimes you don't have any choice where to park, and can only take a spot that's available. I remember many times having a truck stop that had maybe 2 spots open, and of course they were always the worst ones. Getting to a truck stop early to get a good spot was very seldom an option, or at least for me. Sometimes (most) your running time wouldn't allow you to have that choice. Also, I was always told to never park "nose-in", because you would need to back out basically blind. And by doing that, wouldn't you become that person you are trying to avoid?? And by parking "nose-in", how is a dash cam helpful in capturing an incident? Your trailer might be the thing getting damaged, but not necessarily, and wouldn't having to back out every time you park at a busy truck stop raise the risk for an accident by multiple times? Just my 2 cents...
Thanks, Dave. I really appreciate all your solid, common-sense advice. It is a bit intimidating as a new CDL holder... My goal is to be a really good, safe driver. (I didn't beat breast cancer last year to go kill myself, or someone else, in a truck! lol) I certainly don't blame experienced drivers for being wary of us new kids, and I certainly don't want to damage anyone's truck. The truck stops are so jam-packed, though... it is scary for us newbies! I'd love to see more fellas trying to help the new drivers, rather than just stand there, cursing them out. It really doesn't serve any good use, in my mind.
Lynn Jacob Hi Lynn, yes, backing into tight spots in a busy truckstop is a challenge. All I can tell you is to take your time, get out to look as many times as you need to, and don't rely totally on a spotter if one comes along. I think there'll still be a few courteous drivers out there to help. Drive safe. dave
As a trainer for a large carrier i gotta argue with you about the backing practice bit. You want us practicing at our terminals, but i only go to a terminal MAYBE once a month. So my only option is to do training at shippers, recievers and truck stops. I dont have a choice. I do try to find spots with plenty of spaces around them. But terminals are an option because im never at them. And that's the same for a bunch of us
we were all rookies at one time but some of us rookies are just better then or understand it or had a better trainer and some people are just better at somethings that take others years to learn I'm extremely fast learner sometimes I make a pro look like a rookie I strive for perfection
Oh, now Dave ya sure put this down in black & white..totally agree with everything ya said...now the years on the road for me was not a worry about this cause we never spent the night in the truck stops..I was drivin all night...only damage that ever happened to the truck when I wason the road ,was when I blue a steering tire in the constructon zone over on 1-40 in Arkansas..but your so right about the way things have changed..but a great video..
I just got my CDL and currently awaiting a trainer, and before ever watching this video I was dreading the thought of the trainer having me practice in one of those truck stops.
You'll be fine, now that you're aware of potential problems. Take your time and don't be rushed. If necessary, get out and look, there's no shame in that.
being a driver myself and going through schneider's training program it is a requirement that the instructor have you park in a truckstop atleast 6 times in the week of road training. I don't agree with it but that's their procedure. But they do train heavily in the yard for a week before you go to the road, atleast in Indianapolis where i was trained. Also always remember G.O.A.L. Get Out And Look, i bumped a parked trailer in my first week out of truck driving school on the road with my PAM Transport trainer and vowed after that if I have to get in and out 50 times if thats what it takes to perform a safe backing maneuver. Sure you'll hear old timers laughing on the CB about the rookie who backs up and jumps out every 3ft but better safe than sorry, switch that CB off and do what you gotta do to stay safe and keep your MVR clean... just my $0.02 Safe Trails!
My truck driving school never tells me this and i learned alot from this video. you should be the next j j keller safety man making videos for these big trucking carriers
The safest parking is between two trucks Swift lol,,,,,,, another way to avoid agglomeration of trucks, and reducing accidents, driving at night and sleep during the day, at night the truck stops are full of trucks in the day, at dawn, are virtually empty, and has the advantage that at least in the day there are more visibility, and less likely an accident
I park as far away from the building and find end spots next to a grassy or dirt area too. but I do that to have a place to water my dogs. It still looks to me that most of the guys pulling in nose first are the ones who can't back in or are not wanting to sleep next to a noisy reefer which is fine because I am gone long before the "solar powered" trucks leave in the morning
Noisy reefer, heater, supertrucker that idles her up to 1500 with straight pipes winter, spring, summer, or fall, or those crappy little chinese apu motors that make more racket than a truck engine.......
My dad is a truck driver and he drives for for Cassens Autotransport and he haul cars for a living and he been working for 30+years and I always tell that I want to work at Cassens Autotransport when I get older but I'm 13 so I still have a few years to go and This March I'm turning 14 so awesome video
+Kaden Moreland Hey Kaden. It sounds like your Dad has an excellent job. Also sounds like you may want to follow in his footsteps? Be sure to get your education first.:)
we has many people that didnt like yellow. Every single time we left that truck, we repeated our pre trip, to make sure no one pulled the pins or messed with air lines ect. People are nuts especially in pickle parks
Man I've been backed into during the weekends and holidays. Nose mirror's both sides ,steps and someone stole one of my fuel caps while parking at pilot.
Truck stops have gotten to be less of a safe haven than they used to be. Pretty bad when you can spend a night at the truck stop and consider yourself lucky when no one has hit you or stolen stuff off the truck.
One other tip NEVER park on the end of a open row of trucks. To many idiots forget the have a trailer on behind them and cut the corner. But than again after 40 years of driving I rarely park in try in stops
I always call the place I'll be delivering or picking up and ask if I can park overnight I used truckstops only if Im fueling or last resort and like this guy from the video I go way 🔙 to find a spot!
Hi, I'm looking at getting a Volvo VNL 780 to pull a 48' Semi Based RV trailer. We would be fueling up sometimes and occasionally staying at a truck stop. How do most truckers feel about an RV like this at a truck stop and would we have problems?
As a rookie driver I have to totally agree and truck stops are more dangerous than on the streets however some of the trucker's there drive so fast I was taught to turn on my hazard and get out and look and take my time parking because I am responsible for my truck however there are some drivers that get very irate when they have to wait for me but I'm not going to hurry my backing because you are impatient I totally agree with you sir if you want to get a good spot pull in early but I know a lot out there trying to make money which is good just be safe someday I hope to be as good as the rest of you. The lack of spaces in some truck stops is something that I was not aware of until I seen it firsthand myself because I avoid rest areas if I can
I do a lot of what you do to keep the truck safe. But you forgot to mention if you know your route you get to know where to park. On my route there are some places I can hit at 10 or 11 PM and still find room. Others you best parked by 7. If you run west the truck stops are bigger and offer lots of parking for the most part. In the east park early. Friday and Saturday are the best times to find a spot.
And FWIW, when he talks about getting to truck stops early, this especially goes for California, where I do most of my driving, only truck stops in CA where you are guaranteed to find a spot after 1 or 2 pm are the 4 in Barstow, or the TA or Petro in Ontario because those two charge $12 to park for the night, I've heard the same about the Pilot in Sacramento but have never been to that one so can't speak first hand
Thanks for the info. Your right that a lot of people have forgot what the word common sense means right. Love your informative videos. I have learned a lot from you and your wife about expenses, pay per mile and etc...Thanks
You said you don't like trainers practicing in the parking lot. I was wondering what your thoughts would be on how my trainer did it. We went to an empty part or a non-busy (at that time of day) and he would have me practice there using water bottles to simulate other trucks that would be on the sides of me. Note: I did have to pay to replace any and all water bottles I busted.
Lots of people who work for companies where you can park in or near a yard on a side street or someplace where there is people around working so that you can park someplace so someone is watching all the time
I agree I do the same in many ways. Nosing in is inconsiderate. You are not entirely in.a spot. The trso let sticks way out. More than likely you block off more than one spot. Especially corner spots.
I always assumed guys parked nose in because they didn’t know how to back up all that well🤔 Makes sense that they just want to protect the tractor. Great info!
Listen to this man and his lovely wife....he knows what the deal is...with parking shortages....ridiculous pay....and modern life....society is just not the same.
If push comes to shove and I have to park between 2 trucks.. I'd rather be between two clean mega Corporate trucks (with tracking and Full insurance) then some ratty, dirty POS with the DOT number written in magic marker and will probably try to steal your fuel... P.S. Dashcam's, Dashcam's, DASHCAM'S!!!!
One of my first goals in OTR was to limit my truck stop trips to fueling and a shower every 4th day. DUDE shower body wipes work lol. I do not eat truck stop food unless it's an occasional Iron Skillet or local diner. And this was before I saw you say these truck stops are for the most part still configured for 50 years ago! Most are zoos and at some point because guys park ANYWHERE you can barely tell how to exit when it's dark. There ARE alternatives. Keep your eyes open and take notes so you remember them and keep it to yourself haha!
5:03 I would have the rookies drive through an executive parking lot of their company. "I want you to imagine that you are always driving through and or are surrounded by your bosses cars.... GO!"
It's also good to avoid parking next to company trucks whenever you can because those drivers most times don't care.When you park next to nice customized trucks it's easier because they don't want to hit you either and damage their truck.
If there is a Dumb move to be had....it will happen... especially at a truck stop. Look at me!!.... I got my truck license. My best advice...Start as early in the morning as you can. Finish early and get the best spots. Besides, you drive in less traffic and feel less stressed at the end of the day. Just turn your freaking High Beams off and be quick about passing....
I learned many of these lessons riding with my dad back in the day. I ALWAYS park as far away as I can even if it's just so that I can get a bit of excersize after sitting on my butt all day. The one thing that I disagree with is nosing into a space. Yeah, it's great after a long day, but, what do you do when you back out and hit another truck rolling around the lot with only the markers on looking for a spot? That driver was just trying to be polite and not shine headlights into other trucks. I ALWAYS back in as far from the store as I can. Hopefully I can back in between a light pole and another owner operator that has as much pride in their truck as I have in mine.
I practiced at the truck stop, at the back, middle of the day, with no other drivers around. I can't imagine having been asked to practice around other trucks
Why aren't back up cameras not a thing? I would think any downsides of implementing and maintaining would be well below the upsides of the vision you gain?
+SchrodingersQuark Really good question. Of all the stuff that is mandatory, you'd think back up cameras should be.I wish I had the money to invest in a camera company and then start lobbying congress for that. Dave
+Smart-Trucking.com also, they could invest in some VR gear to give drivers a good deal more training before they are let lose commanding 80,000 pounds of death... Don't know if you've read up on the tech but it looks very promising for a wide range of teaching applications. I'm going to see what I can get done when I join swift. I would love to at least connect a camera on my truck that extends up to watch the back. Not on the trailer like I would like but less wire running and I don't have to depend on the tractor having the gear. You see lots of those custom expensive trucks right? Have none you've seen added cameras?
Is there some way to install a camera system so one can check out the rear when backing up and maybe an all around view of the whole truck and trailer? Maybe a remote system that one can take with them when switching trailers?
There probably is, but it is most likely cost-prohibitive at least for now. If you don't know exactly what is behind your trailer, then either don't back up, get out constantly, ( I know it is a pain in the butt ) or use a trusted spotter.
I'd be surprised if someone didn't make some sort of magnetic wireless camera that could be stuck onto the bumper of a trailer, when I was working for an agency I once drove a rigid truck that had cameras all around giving a 360 'birdseye' view on the monitor it was glorious.
Wet Lettuce Yeah I'm sure you could find that now, but powering it and keeping the lens clean from debris may prove difficult. You would also need something stronger than Bluetooth to wirelessly transmit the video signal the 65 feet or so outdoors. And like you mentioned, you ideally need to be able to see on all sides, since 100% straight backing is fairly uncommon with a 53' trailer, and easiest to see that way anyway without assistance. I'm assuming it will eventually be standard equipment on trailers, with power and video signal going through the pigtail, just as a backup camera comes standard on many cars these days. The 2017 tractor I'm driving now has some sort of radar system that beeps and warns you if you get too close to something, but obviously it doesn't help you with the trailer and in my opinion it doesn't provide adequate warning.
i would like to see that also. sort of preventative measure. Probably the insurance companies would be impressed also. I currently have a dash cam in my car. Getting one installed on the rear deck also. Hey ya never know.... and if some hits you? Camera's dont lie.
Well, I don't really care if you're a rookie, seasond veteran, or been driving 1 day or 100 years. ANYONE can (and more than likely will) make a mistake.
If the truck stop has a middle row try not to park at either edge. I've seen other trucks take the turns to sharp and the trailer takeout the front of the truck at the end spot.
I’m a trainer and I have my student back at truck stops to learn not to hit things I get out and spot and stop them before they get close and I don’t let them back between two trucks until they start to get the hang of it I am seldom at a company yard
i really liked your video on parking!! & you are right. & why like you i'm a old school owner/operator to & there is just to damn many young driver's out there to day that should not be behind the wheel of a big rig......................
I noticed where you are sitting compared to where your wheel is at. Is your seat adjusted for driving or is it back away from the wheel? You seem low compared to the height of the wheel. Is this where it’s comfortable for you or when you’re ready to roll do you adjust the seat to better command the wheel? It just seems like the wheel is further away and higher in this video and looks like it would be a back breaker to be able to drive.
I avoid truck stops all together. I only use them for fuel. I've found success parking at Walmart or my company terminal if one is in the area. I don't own my own truck, but I can't afford to be shacked up in a hotel if my truck is damaged.
I actually had to park in a Walmart in Azusa recently because I had a delivery in La Puente and then had to go to a pickup at the Budweiser brewery in Van Nuys, but the tandem axels wouldn't slide on that trailer unless I used wheel chocks and I had to scale the load 3 times, so by that point, I didn't have enough hours to make it to the company terminal in Fontana
I'm a company driver, but someone backed into my truck at a Pilot in Lost Hills, CA yesterday morning, scratched up passenger side (thankfully just cosmetic), and didn't even let me know, so a hit and run in essence :(
I've been doing all these things for years, too. Been hit one too many times, and seen much worse. There are other fringe benefits, too: if you nose in, the view out your window in the AM is often better, lol. I'd rather look at grass and trees than some slob pissing in the parking lot... Parking outside of the urban areas often means few or no lot lizards or other riff-raff, and more available parking when you need it. Those closer in places fill up fast in the eve, and STAY full much of the time. I've learned NOT to count on an awful lot of places for parking... And, way out in the north 40, you're farther away from the dimwits in daycabs running big open pipes, with the jakes on all the time, who make sure to catch every single gear driving into the T.S. late at night for whatever. They don't give a hoot HOW many drivers they annoy- because they don't sleep in their trucks. Some of em are like little kids- making as much noise as they possibly can at all times.
Maybe you all can answer a question for me about driving in high cross winds, with an empty 53' trailer. I was wondering weather to drive slow or fast to keep the trailer from tipping.
If the wind is strong enough, it will tip over an empty trailer regardless of speed. However, the slower you go, the larger the contact patch is where your tires meet the road giving you more stability. It also helps to move your trailer tandems as far forward as you can to increase the weight on your trailer tires. This will help but will not prevent the trailer from being blown over. If the cross winds are bad enough to start seriously rocking your empty, time to find a safe place to park.
Thank you very much. I had been trying to figure this out because I was driving on I-71 S in OH south of Columbus, when a wind storm came through. It pushed the trailer and truck over on its side. I was attempting to find a place to stop and wait it out but was not able to do so in time. I had slowed down to 55 mph, when the wind took me over. I was just trying to figure out if I could have done something to prevent it. I will be honest in saying that it has made me a little nervous about driving box trailers again.
Another one that I uses if I'm in a darker spot in the back of the truck stop I'll leave my Amber's and reds on dont keep my headlights on but I've noticed that haven just those lights there make it a lot easier for people to see me and when they're back in their trailer in right up against me they'll notice the reflection and it gives him a better view of my hood mirrors my side mirrors and just about everything
Training in a truck stop? Are you kidding me? Anyways, thanks for the video. I appreciate all the advice I can get from veteran drivers. Starting training on Wednesday, very anxious to get out there, but confident that I will do well. Cheers Dave, drive safe.
+Zeviander I saw one a few weeks ago that couldn't hit an open spot that was actually 8 open spots together. I was watching them out of the windshield and had a couple of trucks next to me so I couldn't tell exactly where he was trying to get into. I walked out a few minutes later to water my dogs and saw where he was trying to get into and was glad it wasn't next to me.
Nose into a parking spot instead of backing in, yeah I've seen those guys do that then when they have to get out they can't see a thing coming at them and other truckers have to swerve around them while blowing their horns and cussing at them on the CB. I've seen drivers back out after their nose first parking and hit trucks as they were going by. Great advice.
I doubled up on my mattresses man it was almost good as home and would always sleep at my pick up when ever possible. First in first out type or thing.
From working in a yard that we'd get damage in at least once or twice a month... Rookies had more "what the hell were they thinking" moments but the experienced guys who got complacent also did their fair share of damage. The #1 reason for damage I seen was during pulling out, they'd misjudge tailswing and clip the rear of their trailer on the nose of the tractor next to them.
Thank you very much, a lot of your sugestions I used to do way back when I first started driving just to protect my job as a driver lol!! But you have added a few move for me :-) so when I re-enter the driving profession again it will help a lot! Again Thank you I always enjoy your tips and suggestions!
I try not to stay at truck stops but if i do i park in the back i do what you where saying i park and record their tag numbers who ever i park next too and i do have dash cams in my truck it helps if i see a swift truck backing up next To me i get out and spot for him or her i dont want my truck hit i was all most hit by swift 3x they need to do Their backing at there own companies not a truck stop
I know you cannot be one of those drivers that have the trailer sticking out so far that it will be very difficult for the one beside you to pull out or have it blocking a perpendicular spot, right?
I was out with a trainer at Schneider as a roockie for over a week, they call them "training engineers" (TE). You're basically delivering their loads for them while they coach you. We are not going to go out 100s of miles out of the way to an operations center to practice backing. We practice backing where we need to back. Which is the customer, bol, distribution center, or truck stop. We practice backing in the yard a week before going out with a trainer.
If you drive 2, 3, 6 states regularly and have a pattern of customers, it's easy to stay away from truck stops. have a thermos of hot water and instant coffee, get set up with food, keep a log of good (safe) places for a truck to park, then stay away from truck stops if you can do it. some times you're forced into staying at a truck stop but try to stay away from them. The less you back up the better. when you have to back up don't be afraid to get out and look. you'll never see any of those drivers again and you'll be the one with a clean record. keeping a clean record is like having a personality that wants a clean record.
My favorite place to stop is the KY scales on I 24. Tons of room. We should be allowed to park at all scales. Some won't let you.
Sams club, kroger, meijer, ect.. These are my go to's for late night parking. Usually no trucks within 50 feet of me.
Another good point on Parking in truck stops is if you have a limited choice of parking next to another truck, park next to a truck that takes pride in their equipment (polished, clean, well maintained). Less chance of them hitting yours than a Swift, Western Express, etc.
Keep up the good work!
Yup, great point!
Never turn down spotting help, especially from the owner ops, from day one of my career I've always taken the back row. Besides a little walk never hurt ya, and after sitting all day it's good to stretch the legs
Ive been driving for 2 years coast to coast (except CALI and NY personal choice), yes I’m new but boy the things I learned :
1. Never park in spots right behind the pumps… busiest area to be, trucks tend to back to change what pump to get into when waiting in line and not look back, got hit once like that.
2. If snowing or icy grounds never park in a position where you have to pull out uphill, I got stuck once in iowa.
3. Don’t park by the curb, watch where you park because another truck will park behind you, another in front of you and another next to you… now you’re blocked in and they won’t be reluctant to move if you have to get out. This happens especially late at night when spots are full.
4. Don’t park where you face perpendicular parking spots because once those are filled trucks will tend to line up and park outside the boxes one by one so the space you have to get out is very little and they don’t care if you can’t get out.
5. Rest area… same as number 4. Trucks will often park behind you in a diagonal parking but also in front if there’s no curb. Leaving you stuck.
6. Always try to park in truck stops AWAY FROM BIG CITIES… this is big. I was robbed one time at the Petro in Atlanta. In big cities by 2pm truck stops are full anyway so go out to the middle of nowhere.
I have been driving almost 4 years.The man that trained me only had 9 months experience.As far as I'm concerned that is the blind leading the blind
Great tips! I'm still a new driver and one thing I have done since I started to avoid hitting other trucks is I leave around 4 in the morning so that when I pull into a truck stop late in the afternoon the parking lot is wide open and I can get a nice pull strough spot were it will be easy to pull out in the morning.
***** Good idea. Safe trucking. dave
***** Yep! Good Thinking! I can`t sleep while it`s still daylight,so...I drive longer than I should and then I am screwed! IT`s a bad habit I have! Actually,I would RATHER drive at night,and sleep in the day! But I MUST be REALLY tired! LOVE night driving! Less traffic,scales are closed,cops are more lenient,etc!
Driving at night and pulling into a empty truck stop, wish I could do that on every trip.
In 20 years, I've been hit by 4 people in a truckstop. All 4 of them were drivers who had at least 10 years of experience. It's not "just the rookies" at all. A lot of people just love to blame rookies for everything... But if you actually take the time to notice, it's usually not the rookies. It's the old guys who are so complacent at their jobs they are a danger to everyone.
Michael Tovar I been doing this crap for 30+ years! I have NEVER backed into anyone! But I have watched several others do it!
Michael Tovar same thing i said about people dropping their trailers on the ground because they jumped the kingpin. In my 5 years ive only seen experienced drivers do this 3 times
Your obviously a rookie!
Facts
Michael Tovar that’s something I believe
You hit the nail on the head, i've been back into at least three times and the driver has taken off, twice I was luck that a O/O got the info for me.
John Long It's a scary deal out there these days. take care. dave
I have never driven a big rig. I love the professionalism of most truckers. I have taken one trip each year since 1970 (47 yrears) of 10,000 miles on Interstate Highways. I love driving them. Over those years the number of trucks has gone up at least 30 times. In the 70's, I would pass a truck two or three times an hour in Wyoming, now, in 2017, I am never out of sight of a truck. I pass one a minute. That is the difference in the number of rookies he is talking about. The number of truck stops has not grown as much because each was built back then on the assumption they would pull all of the trucks, and no truck would go to the competition. So in the 70's each year there were 1,000 rookies, and now there are 30,000 rookies, but the same number of truck stops. Thus there are 30 times as many rookies at each truck stop.
I had a great trainer when I first started out. He would have ne practice backing anytime we hit a city where we had a drop yard. The last two weeks of training, my trainer was comfortable enough with my driving to allow me to drive at night and he'd sleep pretty much my entire drive time
How about we work on solving the real problem: a shortage of parking. Skilled or unskilled, rookie or veteran, super trucker or steering wheel holder, what ever name and bias you have on other drivers, the problem is finding a safe place to park. I know paying for parking sounds terrible, but it costs less than a parking lot accident, and a ruined perfect driving record, preventable or not. DOT needs to be responsible to provide a safe place to park if laws are going to restrict drive time. What's a rookie going to do at 2am? back into the hole no one wants, and crunch. oops. Trucks must stop, and it doesn't have to be a truck stop, but rather a parking facility with safe, pull through, lighted parking spots. Big super mega company fleets or whatever can set up an account at a fixed monthly rate and put their drivers in a safe, accident preventable, commercial vehicle parking facility, secured access and monitoring. Make too much sense? not enough?
I agree with you totally. Especially on the East Coast, and West Coast too, lol. In the middle is usually better.
VISlONARY1
I'm at the Pilot in Hisperia, CA. I'd never want to be here, but where else can I take a mandatory 30 min break? I've found the dirt lot in the back by the highway. It's better than the paved mess closer to the over priced store.
Good for you, you found it.
Matt's Van Life preach it!!! You're absolutely 100% correct. Our federal government has got to give us some kind of relief out here. I'm tired of fighting for parking and showers.
Matt's Van Life stop crying guy
Man you are enlightening me well beyond years. I like your show...Your like the Trucker Uncle that we all beginner trucker drivers wished that they had! Thanks Brother.
I still consider myself a rookie and I've been driving for 3 years
Very sound advice. Along with the tips you already mentioned, I avoid parking in the middle of the lot at the end of a row where drivers are making turns in front of me. I've seen a few bumpers ripped off of rigs that choose the "suicide spot" by careless drivers cutting the corner too tightly with their trailer.
Your tip about nosing in makes sense to me now. Prior to this I always used to chuckle to myself thinking what a dummy, driver can't back up his own trailer!! But now it makes perfect sense that if you nose in, your trailer will take the brunt of the impact. But on the other hand, backing out of a nosed in spot also presents the danger of possibly hitting a driver/pedestrian on their smartphone or Bluetooth headset. I've seen a few near misses by drivers in the morning before sunrise when it's hard to see objects and shadows moving about.
Arbknight right you are, got to be careful getting out of there in the morning. dave
I am a trainer for Stevens. If I have my student work on there backing I always make sure to have 3 open spots next to each other to make sure they don't hit anything.
This is helping me quite alot. I'm wanting to get a cdl for otr trucking soon. I know it'll all be tough, but I'm still at home being 20 with a part time job. Theres not full time around, and if anything doesn't happen by Jan. of next year I'll be entering a school. Hopefully ill find a job not ending with a trainer as I function better on my own. Beyond stressful with them around.
I've been pulling and reversing 24'-40' trailers since I was 12. On a farm tractor since I was 8. Been taught by my stepfather who was a trucker. Also my actual father a trucker. Road with him many of times when I was 5 and younger...
Damn shame drivers today, will never experience the bond we HAD, like a friggin family reunion when you stepped in a truckstop, good times.
Yeah, they sure were! Dave
This is an excellent video of advice presented by someone that is quite evidently a dedicated professional driver. Thanks for the upload. I enjoyed watching it and reminding myself of these great tips. Thanks.
I'm only 15, turning 16 in June, plan on getting my Class A when a I turn 18. Lots of advice. My brother, he's a truck driver and his dad was an independent trucker for 35 years, throughout those years, he owned 8 trucks. My dad, last I knew he was a trucker, my mom's previous husband, and my mom's ex-boyfriend are local truckers. So I plan on driving. Great video
+Dylan Meinhardt Thanks, sounds like destiny certainly has trucking in mind for you. Good luck! Dave
Yeah it does. It's been my chosen career choice since I was about 3 or 4 years old, maybe younger.
Keep on truckin! Do I need a college degree to truck? Thinking about doing it !
+Brian Pfeiffer 140-180hrs of training at a verified school. some companies will train you and you'll be put with a driver trainer once through the classes....
im 17 and i wanna be a trucker too
Wow these are actually pretty good tips. I like the one where you get the information off of the two trucks by you.
I know this is an old video, but I'll comment anyway. I only drove OTR for about 1 year back in 2010. Just wasn't my thing after getting screwed over by 2 companies, and getting stuck with an aggressive drunkard co-driver, but I still like watching trucker videos and have a lot of my regular flatbed owner operators I unload at my job I consider friends. You made some good points in your video, but some are easier said than done, and a couple I disagree with . But what do I know, I was a rookie driver for only a year & don't even drive anymore? I remember many, if not most of the time driving that finding a place to park was usually difficult, especially when I was on the East Coast. Sometimes you don't have any choice where to park, and can only take a spot that's available. I remember many times having a truck stop that had maybe 2 spots open, and of course they were always the worst ones. Getting to a truck stop early to get a good spot was very seldom an option, or at least for me. Sometimes (most) your running time wouldn't allow you to have that choice. Also, I was always told to never park "nose-in", because you would need to back out basically blind. And by doing that, wouldn't you become that person you are trying to avoid?? And by parking "nose-in", how is a dash cam helpful in capturing an incident? Your trailer might be the thing getting damaged, but not necessarily, and wouldn't having to back out every time you park at a busy truck stop raise the risk for an accident by multiple times? Just my 2 cents...
Would love to be trained by you. Im new to this and trying to get into the industry. love your voids. keep up the helpful information. And help.
Thanks, Dave. I really appreciate all your solid, common-sense advice. It is a bit intimidating as a new CDL holder... My goal is to be a really good, safe driver. (I didn't beat breast cancer last year to go kill myself, or someone else, in a truck! lol) I certainly don't blame experienced drivers for being wary of us new kids, and I certainly don't want to damage anyone's truck. The truck stops are so jam-packed, though... it is scary for us newbies! I'd love to see more fellas trying to help the new drivers, rather than just stand there, cursing them out. It really doesn't serve any good use, in my mind.
Lynn Jacob Hi Lynn, yes, backing into tight spots in a busy truckstop is a challenge. All I can tell you is to take your time, get out to look as many times as you need to, and don't rely totally on a spotter if one comes along. I think there'll still be a few courteous drivers out there to help. Drive safe. dave
As a trainer for a large carrier i gotta argue with you about the backing practice bit. You want us practicing at our terminals, but i only go to a terminal MAYBE once a month. So my only option is to do training at shippers, recievers and truck stops. I dont have a choice. I do try to find spots with plenty of spaces around them. But terminals are an option because im never at them. And that's the same for a bunch of us
I'm a rookie, but I park at the back of the lot. Need the exercise,walking to the building!
we were all rookies at one time but some of us rookies are just better then or understand it or had a better trainer and some people are just better at somethings that take others years to learn I'm extremely fast learner sometimes I make a pro look like a rookie I strive for perfection
And you park next to him.
For a cheap dashcam look up the Yi it is around $60 US
Oh, now Dave ya sure put this down in black & white..totally agree with everything ya said...now the years on the road for me was not a worry about this cause we never spent the night in the truck stops..I was drivin all night...only damage that ever happened to the truck when I wason the road ,was when I blue a steering tire in the constructon zone over on 1-40 in Arkansas..but your so right about the way things have changed..but a great video..
I had my first screw up in a truck stop after 22 years, I was just not thinking.
SideShowJohn great honesty!! Most wouldn’t admit that.
I just got my CDL and currently awaiting a trainer, and before ever watching this video I was dreading the thought of the trainer having me practice in one of those truck stops.
You'll be fine, now that you're aware of potential problems. Take your time and don't be rushed. If necessary, get out and look, there's no shame in that.
Oh, and if you see an '04' 379 Dark blue Pete.... don't hit it. It's mine.
being a driver myself and going through schneider's training program it is a requirement that the instructor have you park in a truckstop atleast 6 times in the week of road training. I don't agree with it but that's their procedure. But they do train heavily in the yard for a week before you go to the road, atleast in Indianapolis where i was trained. Also always remember G.O.A.L. Get Out And Look, i bumped a parked trailer in my first week out of truck driving school on the road with my PAM Transport trainer and vowed after that if I have to get in and out 50 times if thats what it takes to perform a safe backing maneuver. Sure you'll hear old timers laughing on the CB about the rookie who backs up and jumps out every 3ft but better safe than sorry, switch that CB off and do what you gotta do to stay safe and keep your MVR clean... just my $0.02 Safe Trails!
+Smart-Trucking.com I've seen it a few times parked next to it once
My truck driving school never tells me this and i learned alot from this video. you should be the next j j keller safety man making videos for these big trucking carriers
The safest parking is between two trucks Swift lol,,,,,,, another way to avoid agglomeration of trucks, and reducing accidents, driving at night and sleep during the day, at night the truck stops are full of trucks in the day, at dawn, are virtually empty, and has the advantage that at least in the day there are more visibility, and less likely an accident
I agree, but that is hard!!! It has its advantages though, less B.S. from the D.O.T. bears.
I park as far away from the building and find end spots next to a grassy or dirt area too. but I do that to have a place to water my dogs. It still looks to me that most of the guys pulling in nose first are the ones who can't back in or are not wanting to sleep next to a noisy reefer which is fine because I am gone long before the "solar powered" trucks leave in the morning
Noisy reefer, heater, supertrucker that idles her up to 1500 with straight pipes winter, spring, summer, or fall, or those crappy little chinese apu motors that make more racket than a truck engine.......
Lots of good advice. Especially the recording of who's beside you.
Bigchromey Hopefully you'll never need to use that info. drive safe. dave
My dad is a truck driver and he drives for for Cassens Autotransport and he haul cars for a living and he been working for 30+years and I always tell that I want to work at Cassens Autotransport when I get older but I'm 13 so I still have a few years to go and This March I'm turning 14 so awesome video
+Kaden Moreland Hey Kaden. It sounds like your Dad has an excellent job. Also sounds like you may want to follow in his footsteps? Be sure to get your education first.:)
Thx and I will get my education
some very valid points I've never thought of for parking
we has many people that didnt like yellow. Every single time we left that truck, we repeated our pre trip, to make sure no one pulled the pins or messed with air lines ect. People are nuts especially in pickle parks
Man I've been backed into during the weekends and holidays.
Nose mirror's both sides ,steps and someone stole one of my fuel caps while parking at pilot.
Truck stops have gotten to be less of a safe haven than they used to be. Pretty bad when you can spend a night at the truck stop and consider yourself lucky when no one has hit you or stolen stuff off the truck.
Getting a dashcam: very smart. A lot of vehicles on the roads of Russia have them, given how common crashes are over there.
One other tip NEVER park on the end of a open row of trucks. To many idiots forget the have a trailer on behind them and cut the corner. But than again after 40 years of driving I rarely park in try in stops
I find everyone of your videos to be interesting and informative. You can always tell who the guy is that has experience.
Thanks Michael!
I always call the place I'll be delivering or picking up and ask if I can park overnight I used truckstops only if Im fueling or last resort and like this guy from the video I go way 🔙 to find a spot!
Hi,
I'm looking at getting a Volvo VNL 780 to pull a 48' Semi Based RV trailer. We would be fueling up sometimes and occasionally staying at a truck stop. How do most truckers feel about an RV like this at a truck stop and would we have problems?
You won't have any problems, most drivers will be fascinated by your concept of combining a big truck with a form of vacation! Dave
Thanx! The RV will be around 49' 35-40,000#
That was good information. I'm going to take your advice on nosing in to spaces in the back of the lots. Thank you
As a rookie driver I have to totally agree and truck stops are more dangerous than on the streets however some of the trucker's there drive so fast I was taught to turn on my hazard and get out and look and take my time parking because I am responsible for my truck however there are some drivers that get very irate when they have to wait for me but I'm not going to hurry my backing because you are impatient I totally agree with you sir if you want to get a good spot pull in early but I know a lot out there trying to make money which is good just be safe someday I hope to be as good as the rest of you. The lack of spaces in some truck stops is something that I was not aware of until I seen it firsthand myself because I avoid rest areas if I can
I do the same thing and I am a 8month rookie and I truck smart as possible but I'm always learning thanks for the video I will share it
Thanks Ryan! Dave
I do a lot of what you do to keep the truck safe. But you forgot to mention if you know your route you get to know where to park. On my route there are some places I can hit at 10 or 11 PM and still find room. Others you best parked by 7. If you run west the truck stops are bigger and offer lots of parking for the most part. In the east park early. Friday and Saturday are the best times to find a spot.
And FWIW, when he talks about getting to truck stops early, this especially goes for California, where I do most of my driving, only truck stops in CA where you are guaranteed to find a spot after 1 or 2 pm are the 4 in Barstow, or the TA or Petro in Ontario because those two charge $12 to park for the night, I've heard the same about the Pilot in Sacramento but have never been to that one so can't speak first hand
Thanks for the info. Your right that a lot of people have forgot what the word common sense means right. Love your informative videos. I have learned a lot from you and your wife about expenses, pay per mile and etc...Thanks
george washington Thank you. dave
You said you don't like trainers practicing in the parking lot. I was wondering what your thoughts would be on how my trainer did it. We went to an empty part or a non-busy (at that time of day) and he would have me practice there using water bottles to simulate other trucks that would be on the sides of me. Note: I did have to pay to replace any and all water bottles I busted.
+Kenny L I like that method! Smart! Dave
Except I wouldn't be paying for water being how they're being paid to train me...
Lots of people who work for companies where you can park in or near a yard on a side street or someplace where there is people around working so that you can park someplace so someone is watching all the time
I agree I do the same in many ways. Nosing in is inconsiderate. You are not entirely in.a spot. The trso let sticks way out. More than likely you block off more than one spot. Especially corner spots.
I always assumed guys parked nose in because they didn’t know how to back up all that well🤔 Makes sense that they just want to protect the tractor. Great info!
My pleasure!
Listen to this man and his lovely wife....he knows what the deal is...with parking shortages....ridiculous pay....and modern life....society is just not the same.
If push comes to shove and I have to park between 2 trucks.. I'd rather be between two clean mega Corporate trucks (with tracking and Full insurance) then some ratty, dirty POS with the DOT number written in magic marker and will probably try to steal your fuel... P.S. Dashcam's, Dashcam's, DASHCAM'S!!!!
WHEN YOU NOSE IN, AND HAVE TRUCKS ON BOTH SIDES OF YOU, IT LIMITS YOUR ABILITY WHEN BACKING OUT OF YOUR SPOT. IVE BEEN ON THE ROAD FOR 50 YEARS.
Thank you! Great ideas for preventing damage to our trucks!
One of my first goals in OTR was to limit my truck stop trips to fueling and a shower every 4th day. DUDE shower body wipes work lol. I do not eat truck stop food unless it's an occasional Iron Skillet or local diner. And this was before I saw you say these truck stops are for the most part still configured for 50 years ago! Most are zoos and at some point because guys park ANYWHERE you can barely tell how to exit when it's dark.
There ARE alternatives. Keep your eyes open and take notes so you remember them and keep it to yourself haha!
5:03 I would have the rookies drive through an executive parking lot of their company. "I want you to imagine that you are always driving through and or are surrounded by your bosses cars.... GO!"
That would be fun! Dave
It's also good to avoid parking next to company trucks whenever you can because those drivers most times don't care.When you park next to nice customized trucks it's easier because they don't want to hit you either and damage their truck.
keeturbo good point, very true thanks dave
You are 100% right about Pilot Travel Centers!! I have had three trucks in two years hit at a Pilot!! Love's is not much better either!!
Looks like your drivers seat is leaning hard to the right! You might need a new seat?
Richard Wyatt my wife noticed that too. I better check that out. dave
If there is a Dumb move to be had....it will happen... especially at a truck stop. Look at me!!.... I got my truck license.
My best advice...Start as early in the morning as you can. Finish early and get the best spots. Besides, you drive in less traffic and feel less stressed at the end of the day. Just turn your freaking High Beams off and be quick about passing....
I learned many of these lessons riding with my dad back in the day. I ALWAYS park as far away as I can even if it's just so that I can get a bit of excersize after sitting on my butt all day. The one thing that I disagree with is nosing into a space. Yeah, it's great after a long day, but, what do you do when you back out and hit another truck rolling around the lot with only the markers on looking for a spot? That driver was just trying to be polite and not shine headlights into other trucks. I ALWAYS back in as far from the store as I can. Hopefully I can back in between a light pole and another owner operator that has as much pride in their truck as I have in mine.
Good points. I might need to invest in a really good dash cam or two.
I practiced at the truck stop, at the back, middle of the day, with no other drivers around. I can't imagine having been asked to practice around other trucks
Never park on the end. Higher probability of getting hit.
Why aren't back up cameras not a thing? I would think any downsides of implementing and maintaining would be well below the upsides of the vision you gain?
+SchrodingersQuark Really good question. Of all the stuff that is mandatory, you'd think back up cameras should be.I wish I had the money to invest in a camera company and then start lobbying congress for that. Dave
+Smart-Trucking.com also, they could invest in some VR gear to give drivers a good deal more training before they are let lose commanding 80,000 pounds of death... Don't know if you've read up on the tech but it looks very promising for a wide range of teaching applications.
I'm going to see what I can get done when I join swift. I would love to at least connect a camera on my truck that extends up to watch the back. Not on the trailer like I would like but less wire running and I don't have to depend on the tractor having the gear. You see lots of those custom expensive trucks right? Have none you've seen added cameras?
Is there some way to install a camera system so one can check out the rear when backing up and maybe an all around view of the whole truck and trailer? Maybe a remote system that one can take with them when switching trailers?
There probably is, but it is most likely cost-prohibitive at least for now. If you don't know exactly what is behind your trailer, then either don't back up, get out constantly, ( I know it is a pain in the butt ) or use a trusted spotter.
I'd be surprised if someone didn't make some sort of magnetic wireless camera that could be stuck onto the bumper of a trailer, when I was working for an agency I once drove a rigid truck that had cameras all around giving a 360 'birdseye' view on the monitor it was glorious.
Wet Lettuce Yeah I'm sure you could find that now, but powering it and keeping the lens clean from debris may prove difficult. You would also need something stronger than Bluetooth to wirelessly transmit the video signal the 65 feet or so outdoors. And like you mentioned, you ideally need to be able to see on all sides, since 100% straight backing is fairly uncommon with a 53' trailer, and easiest to see that way anyway without assistance.
I'm assuming it will eventually be standard equipment on trailers, with power and video signal going through the pigtail, just as a backup camera comes standard on many cars these days. The 2017 tractor I'm driving now has some sort of radar system that beeps and warns you if you get too close to something, but obviously it doesn't help you with the trailer and in my opinion it doesn't provide adequate warning.
i would like to see that also. sort of preventative measure. Probably the insurance companies would be impressed also.
I currently have a dash cam in my car. Getting one installed on the rear deck also. Hey ya never know.... and if some hits you? Camera's dont lie.
Some of the weigh stations have awesome parking and oddly they are usually empty.
Well, I don't really care if you're a rookie, seasond veteran, or been driving 1 day or 100 years. ANYONE can (and more than likely will) make a mistake.
That's right! Dave
What about some courtesy get out of the truck when you see someone having problems parking even if yo feel like the best driver on the world?
If the truck stop has a middle row try not to park at either edge. I've seen other trucks take the turns to sharp and the trailer takeout the front of the truck at the end spot.
I’m a trainer and I have my student back at truck stops to learn not to hit things I get out and spot and stop them before they get close and I don’t let them back between two trucks until they start to get the hang of it I am seldom at a company yard
i really liked your video on parking!! & you are right. & why like you i'm a old school owner/operator to & there is just to damn many young driver's out there to day that should not be behind the wheel of a big rig......................
I'm a company driver. in the last 2wks I've been hit twice in lots. your advice is greatly appreciated.
I noticed where you are sitting compared to where your wheel is at. Is your seat adjusted for driving or is it back away from the wheel? You seem low compared to the height of the wheel. Is this where it’s comfortable for you or when you’re ready to roll do you adjust the seat to better command the wheel?
It just seems like the wheel is further away and higher in this video and looks like it would be a back breaker to be able to drive.
I avoid truck stops all together. I only use them for fuel. I've found success parking at Walmart or my company terminal if one is in the area. I don't own my own truck, but I can't afford to be shacked up in a hotel if my truck is damaged.
I actually had to park in a Walmart in Azusa recently because I had a delivery in La Puente and then had to go to a pickup at the Budweiser brewery in Van Nuys, but the tandem axels wouldn't slide on that trailer unless I used wheel chocks and I had to scale the load 3 times, so by that point, I didn't have enough hours to make it to the company terminal in Fontana
Truely appreciate the sharing of your wisdom of your well earned experience.
Is it illegal to park along side of entrance ramps to the hiway? I see this all the time.
In some states. Dave
I'm a company driver, but someone backed into my truck at a Pilot in Lost Hills, CA yesterday morning, scratched up passenger side (thankfully just cosmetic), and didn't even let me know, so a hit and run in essence :(
Some people really have no respect for other peoples property...
Good info, thanks for sharing. How early is landing early? What time do you pull off?
I usually try to land around 5 or 6 pm Dave
I've been doing all these things for years, too. Been hit one too many times, and seen much worse. There are other fringe benefits, too: if you nose in, the view out your window in the AM is often better, lol. I'd rather look at grass and trees than some slob pissing in the parking lot... Parking outside of the urban areas often means few or no lot lizards or other riff-raff, and more available parking when you need it. Those closer in places fill up fast in the eve, and STAY full much of the time. I've learned NOT to count on an awful lot of places for parking... And, way out in the north 40, you're farther away from the dimwits in daycabs running big open pipes, with the jakes on all the time, who make sure to catch every single gear driving into the T.S. late at night for whatever. They don't give a hoot HOW many drivers they annoy- because they don't sleep in their trucks. Some of em are like little kids- making as much noise as they possibly can at all times.
Maybe you all can answer a question for me about driving in high cross winds, with an empty 53' trailer. I was wondering weather to drive slow or fast to keep the trailer from tipping.
If the wind is strong enough, it will tip over an empty trailer regardless of speed. However, the slower you go, the larger the contact patch is where your tires meet the road giving you more stability. It also helps to move your trailer tandems as far forward as you can to increase the weight on your trailer tires. This will help but will not prevent the trailer from being blown over. If the cross winds are bad enough to start seriously rocking your empty, time to find a safe place to park.
Thank you very much. I had been trying to figure this out because I was driving on I-71 S in OH south of Columbus, when a wind storm came through. It pushed the trailer and truck over on its side. I was attempting to find a place to stop and wait it out but was not able to do so in time. I had slowed down to 55 mph, when the wind took me over. I was just trying to figure out if I could have done something to prevent it. I will be honest in saying that it has made me a little nervous about driving box trailers again.
Another one that I uses if I'm in a darker spot in the back of the truck stop I'll leave my Amber's and reds on dont keep my headlights on but I've noticed that haven just those lights there make it a lot easier for people to see me and when they're back in their trailer in right up against me they'll notice the reflection and it gives him a better view of my hood mirrors my side mirrors and just about everything
Good idea!
Training in a truck stop? Are you kidding me?
Anyways, thanks for the video. I appreciate all the advice I can get from veteran drivers. Starting training on Wednesday, very anxious to get out there, but confident that I will do well.
Cheers Dave, drive safe.
Zeviander I'm sure you will. good luck. dave
+Zeviander I saw one a few weeks ago that couldn't hit an open spot that was actually 8 open spots together. I was watching them out of the windshield and had a couple of trucks next to me so I couldn't tell exactly where he was trying to get into. I walked out a few minutes later to water my dogs and saw where he was trying to get into and was glad it wasn't next to me.
I understand parking facing in but I’ve also seen many accidents when they try to back out
Really good advise! Makes tons of sense!
Nose into a parking spot instead of backing in, yeah I've seen those guys do that then when they have to get out they can't see a thing coming at them and other truckers have to swerve around them while blowing their horns and cussing at them on the CB. I've seen drivers back out after their nose first parking and hit trucks as they were going by. Great advice.
It helps if you know what you're doing. Dave
Good tips, I’ll keep on mind.
I doubled up on my mattresses man it was almost good as home and would always sleep at my pick up when ever possible. First in first out type or thing.
$5000-$10.000 insurance deductible? never heard of that before ya'll getting ripped off
Great tips and advice !!
From working in a yard that we'd get damage in at least once or twice a month... Rookies had more "what the hell were they thinking" moments but the experienced guys who got complacent also did their fair share of damage. The #1 reason for damage I seen was during pulling out, they'd misjudge tailswing and clip the rear of their trailer on the nose of the tractor next to them.
Schneider doesn't go into Truck Stops to train new drivers. There are specific areas in their Operating Centers where new hires practice.
Thank you very much, a lot of your sugestions I used to do way back when I first started driving just to protect my job as a driver lol!! But you have added a few move for me :-) so when I re-enter the driving profession again it will help a lot! Again Thank you I always enjoy your tips and suggestions!
David Smith thanks and good luck. dave
Thank you!! Have a good week you guys!
You too, David.
Man I love your channel…
I try not to stay at truck stops but if i do i park in the back i do what you where saying i park and record their tag numbers who ever i park next too and i do have dash cams in my truck it helps if i see a swift truck backing up next To me i get out and spot for him or her i dont want my truck hit i was all most hit by swift 3x they need to do Their backing at there own companies not a truck stop
I know you cannot be one of those drivers that have the trailer sticking out so far that it will be very difficult for the one beside you to pull out or have it blocking a perpendicular spot, right?