ELDT CH 6 Backing and Docking Slides

Entry-Level Driver Training

Chapter 6 - 10

There are two basic steering principles you must understand in order to back correctly:

1. Always steer in the opposite direction you want the trailer to move. If you want the trailer to go to the right, turn the steering wheel to the left, and vice versa.

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2. Changing the tractor's direction of travel changes the trailer's direction of travel.

​Recognize the steering principles required for successfully backing your tractor-trailer

​General guidelines to stay safe while backing your tractor-trailer

You should never back if you don't have to for two reasons:

1. Backing gives you limited visibility. You will always have a blind spot and that blind spot will constantly shift as you back.

2. When backing, your tractor and trailer will each follow a different path

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Backing safely requires that you take certain precautions every time you prepare to back your tractor-trailer.

- Eliminate Noise

- Get Out and Look (GOAL)

- Back Slowly

- Use a Spotter

- Open Your Doors

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Backing can be a lot easier with the help of a qualified and experienced spotter. You and your spotter should agree on the hand signals he or she will use--the most important signal being stop. Since docking areas can be noisy you never want to depend on voice signals alone.

​Describe the appropriate backing maneuver to use based on the situation

​Straight line backing is the simplest of the backing techniques and is fundamental in learning all other

backing maneuvers.

Alley dock backing combines sight side backing and straight-line backing. The maneuver involves

backing while turning into a space that is 90 degrees to the truck and most often occurs at loading docks when you must back in from off the street or between two vehicles.

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Sometimes you won't have the luxury of ending your maneuver with a straight-line back. You may

need to use jackknife backing to position your tractor as close as possible to the side of the dock, so it

doesn't stick out into traffic.

When you need to back and turn toward the driver's side--the sight-side backing maneuver-you have the advantage of being able to see your trailer's path out of your left mirror.

However, there's a large area you cannot see- that's the area to the right of your rig.

​Backing to the right side of your vehicle, or blind-side backing is difficult because your blind spot is larger here than with any other backing maneuver.

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You have hen limited visiblity and have more of a chance of hitting something.

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Never blind side back unless it is ah alsohute necessity and always use a qualified spotter when a blind side back is unavoidable.

Keep the spotter in sight every second and stop every few feet to check clearances and ensure a clear path.

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Offset Backing is the most difficult backing maneuver to accomplish. Look for other options and use

offset backing only when you must. This technique may also help if the trailer did not wind up directly

in front of the target.

Additional precautions to take when backing in parking lots and loading dock areas

​Evaluate the receiving area before backing into position. When making your usual check around your

vehicle (GOAL) before starting to back, pay extra attention to:

• Parked vehicles and stationary objects

• Alleyways or driveways where vehicles could enter or exit your path of travel

• Unusual clearances around the dock and any nearby barriers

Carefully open your trailer doors before backing in to the loading dock. Secure the doors in the open position and make sure the cargo is secure and didn't shift in transit. Some shippers and receivers also require you to chock your tires.

When driving through a parking lot, evaluate the:​

• Direction of traffic flow through the lot

• Location of parking stalls

• Positions of entrances and exits

Carefully position your vehicle so you do not strike a parked vehicle. Get out of the vehicle and determine clearances before you back.

End of Chapter 1 and don't forget to do your quiz with an 80% or higher if not retake the quiz again.