Docking your truck is a basic but it’s always good to refresh yourself on the essentials.
One of the most basic skills that every new truck driver needs to acquire is setting a truck up for a dock. Backing up a truck for the first time can be very intimidating, but once you master the process, it will be simple. Here are some of our best tips for setting up for a dock.
Before You Start
- Make sure that you have your eyes on the dock and know of any obstacles around it before you attempt to start the process. If you can’t see where the dock is from the street, park your vehicle and take a walk to survey the area. Once you get back into a narrow space, it can be much more difficult to back out and try again.
- If you need to use an area that has a lot of clutter on the ground and around, ask the shipper to clear away the debris to make your job easier. Many shippers don’t realize how little space there is until they’re alerted by a trucker.
- Don’t be self-conscious about the finished result of your dock! It takes a lot of time and practice to do the job right, so don’t beat yourself up.
Tips for Setting Your Truck Up for a Dock
- When you are positioning your vehicle before backing up, set yourself up so that you can back straight into the dock.
- When you are reversing your truck, follow the track of the rear of your trailer, while straightening the cab and trailer as quickly as you can.
- Watch both sides of your truck while you back up. Don’t be ashamed to look out the window or get out for a moment while you are backing in so that you know where you’re going.
- Never trust a spotter over yourself, since many times they don’t have a better view of your truck than you do. Always trust your instincts and take your time. Doing damage and paying to reverse it takes a great deal more time than getting it right the first time.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star For All Your Trucking Needs
Whether you need new parts for you truck or are simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.